Tips to Feel B.E.T.T.E.R.

How to Feel Better

 

 

Ever had one of those days (or years) when you just can't seem to pick yourself up out of the "discouraging dumps". . .you start to lose interest in the normal things that you once enjoyed.  ??    Well not long ago my daughter was telling me how she felt so discouraged and just wanted me to help her "Feel Better."  "Please tell me what to do, Mom!  I don't like feeling this way."   When your child is in need of help and you don't have a clue how to help them, take the request to the Lord.  After all, He is their Heavenly Father and loves them more than you ever could.   So that's what I did.  I quickly whispered, "Father help me to help HER know how to feel better."

Almost immediately an acrostic began to come to my mind, so I started jotting it down.

B- Busy.   Get busy.  Most of us find when we have nothing to do that's when the enemy comes in to steal our joy, tempt us to do wrong. Simply put:  "Idleness is the Devil's workshop."

E- Exercise.   I know this may seem silly.  But really it's not.  When we exercise our bodies, the special little chemicals in our brains called Endorphines are released, and they are our bodies' natural way to help us feel GOOD emotionally.

T-Think Positive.  Guard your thoughts.  Being idle can tempt us to think negatively, if we're not careful.  Whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT, think on These Things. 

T-Treat others as you want to be treated.    Sometimes when I'm burdened or discouraged, I find my thoughts to lean towards the negative spectrum...causing ME to feel negatively about everything AND EVERYONE around me.  If I think negatively about others (or even myself) then I am apt to TREAT others (or even myself) unkindly.

E-Eat right.   I know...this seems obvious. . but think about it.  When we're discouraged, we're apt to either STOP eating all together, or eat TOO much---and it's likely that we're eating too much of junk. . . causing a vitamin and mineral deficiency...which has a direct affect on our brains (our thoughts, and subsequently our bodies ~ which affects our relationships.)  It's like a snowball affect. 

R-Rest & Relax.   Discouragement tends to keep us awake at night, which in turn steals our bodies' time to regroup, refresh, fight germs, and replenish the neurotransmitters called serotonin....those have a direct affect on our thoughts and impact whether we will feel "good" or "bad."     Relax....Rest in the LORD..He has control of every aspect of our lives.  This should cause us to breathe a sigh of Relief!   

It amazed me to see just how QUICKLY the LORD gave me a response to share with  my daughter.  I got tickled as I began writing the letters and acrostic down as He was guiding my thoughts.  I told her that if you notice, these tips are even in PERFECT ORDER.  If we are NOT BUSY then it snowballs downhill from there.  God is so good.  He says, "Before you call, I will answer, and while you are still speaking, I will hear."  That means even before I came to Him with this problem, needing an answer, He already had the answer...and while I was still speaking, He took the time to listen to me....then gave me the solution to share with her. . and NOW I'm sharing this with you.

Simple tips...but I hope that you will always remember when you're feeling discouraged, these are some practical tips to putting you on track to Feeling B.E.T.T.E.R.  

Feel free to pass this little "Rx" ( prescription) along to anyone you know that may need some encouragement.  :)

Hope you all have a great week!

Thank You, LORD, for answering me so quickly when I presented this problem to You.  I am still tickled at how quickly You responded by giving me these thoughts to share.  I pray that You will receive glory for all that is done this week in our lives. . .may we always look to YOU to help us.   

In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

A Personal Invite

"...But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him,

just as he told you.'"  Mark: 16:7 

Just wanted to touch base with everyone to let them know that the LORD blessed the concert efforts more than I could imagine, and how humbling it was for me to see Him working in the hearts of His children.  What an honor to be used as a vessel in His hands to minister to the hearts of His children.  :) 

In preparation for last weekend's concert, I was searching God's Word to see whatever it was He would have me to share, and how would He tie it into the music He had given?  I want to share those little lessons or "golden nuggets" with you here.  ;o)

Remember how Peter pledged his allegiance to the Lord, and yet he quickly denied Jesus not once, but three times before the rooster crowed. . just as Jesus had told Peter?   Can you imagine the anguish Peter must have felt knowing how he denied Jesus?  And here Jesus had been crucified? Then how must Peter have felt when he heard the news that Jesus' body was not at the tomb, and in fact Jesus had risen?  If I were Peter, I would have probably had mixed feelings:  perhaps excitement, tinged with guilt and even fear of seeing Jesus again.   Yet, in our verse today, (Mark 16:7) we see what the angel said at the tomb. "But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."  Does this statement "exclude" Peter as a disciple?  No!  Once we are saved, we are always saved.  We find this to be a personal invitation.   "Go and tell his disciples, especially Peter....."  Why would Peter even need a personal invite?  I'm sure he was wondering if the Lord would even welcome him into His presence! 

This spoke volumes to me!  I hope it will do the same for you as well!  Jesus personally invites you to come to Him, no matter what you've done..no matter HOW long it's been since you've spoken to Him. . .and especially if you've been rejecting His invitation to "Come to Me.."  Now is your chance to come and find that HE is here, just as He promised HE would be.  A personal invitation, what more could we ask?
                  

Luke 24:13-35 tells us of another account on Resurrection Day.  Two of them were on the road to Emmaus.  Walking along, discussing the events of the day, probably wondering about whether they would see Jesus.  Then the Lord Himself began to walk with them.  However, they did not recognize Him.  In fact, He spoke with them and walked along for quite a while and even went with them to the house.  It wasn't until Jesus was at the table, blessed the bread and then broke it that their eyes were opened.  (verses 30 and 31)

Isn't it that way with us too?  We can be walking along with the Lord in our spiritual "walk," and have Him speak to us as we read the Word; we hear His message preached, but it seems that when we become broken THAT's when we really see Him. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."  Purification is by fire.  Removing the dross, purging the impurities away.  This implies extreme heat (suffering and brokenness.)  At the end of Job, when God had spoken to Job and caused Job to catch a glimpse of God's majesty, Job said, "My ears have heard of You, but NOW my eyes have seen You."  Job 42:5  Job had been broken, but now his eyes were opened.  His heart was purer than ever before.  God allows us to be broken in order to purify our hearts, so that He can reveal more of Himself to us...and that's when we will reflect more of who HE IS to others.  :)

Going through some extremely difficult times? 

Could this be a chance for our Lord to reveal MORE of Himself to you?  I think so.  Be still and know that HE is God, and He will be exalted--even to you, right now, right where you are.  :)

We all remember the account of when the parents brought their children to Jesus. . and the disciples "shooed" them away.  Jesus rebuked the disciples and allowed the children to come to Him.  I never noticed until last week, that the Bible says in Mark 10:13, that the parents wanted Jesus to simply touch their children.  But in verse 16 we read "And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."  Jesus wants to do SO much more for us than simply "touch our lives."  All we need is the faith to COME to Him. . .and then watch and see what He will do. . He will scoop us up into His arms, place His hands on us, and bless us!! 

Do you have a child in need of a touch of the Master's hand?  Keep asking God for more faith and continue to bring your child before the throne of grace!  God wants to do more than touch your child!  He wants to pick him or her up and bless them abundantly!  And guess what!? He WILL!  Keep on praying according to His will!   

This lesson of the parents bringing their children to Jesus could also symbolize salvation.  He wants us to come to Him for salvation (to touch us) but He also wants to "give us life more abundantly!"  (pick us up, place His hands on our lives and bless us!)   God is certainly a GIVER of LIFE, and "LIFE more abundant" too! :)

Jesus' life is to be lived in and through us.  Each day, as we surrender our will to His, "He must increase and I must decrease."   How is His life to find rest within our hearts?  How can His life in us "Grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with both God and man?"  Simply look at the stable in Bethlehem.  Mary placed Jesus in the manger.  That was not a typical "bed fit for the King of Kings!"  It is a feeding trough. 

After Jesus had risen, and "reinstated Peter" by asking Peter three times "Lovest thou Me more than these?"  He told Peter to "feed My sheep."  How are we to feed God's sheep?  By allowing the Bread of Life to live and grow from within our hearts.  Our hearts are to be like the manger in that Bethlehem stable so many years ago.  Once we have humbled our hearts, and allowed His life to find a resting place in our hearts, He will continue to grow, and others will see a difference in us...they are hungry, and don't even know what they are hungry for. . .But we do!  They are hungry for the Bread of Life.  Allowing Jesus to live in and through us, by keeping our hearts humble, will cause others to come to us. . .not for US, but to find the Bread of Life within our hearts. .  we are simply the "trough" or "manger" that holds the precious Bread of Life within!  God's great Master Plan for our salvation had a humble beginning ~ a stable in Bethlehem!  And so His purpose for your and my life must have a humble beginning too:  our hearts. :)

                              

Feed My sheep!  Jesus knows that His dear children are in need of nourishment and encouragement.  What are we doing to allow His life to grow within our hearts so that others can find that we offer the Bread of Life to them--not because of anything we have done.  No.  But because of Him choosing us, like that little manger was chosen, to hold His life and allow His life to rest within our hearts. . .

May His life in us continue to grow so that others who are hungry will be drawn to the Bread of Life.  "IF I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me."  He was lifted up once, on that cross.  Now, is He being lifted up in our hearts?  In order to do that, we must "decrease."  We must humble our hearts. . .

Oh dear Heavenly Father, thank You for these wonderful lessons You opened my eyes to.  The "concert" last weekend was not about music, but rather about Your message of encouragement.  Thank You for the privilege and honor to have shared Your message through not just the music but most importantly, Your Word, to the hearts of Your children.  Please help us all to keep our hearts humble, so that Your Son's life, Who is the Bread of Life, can continue to grow and be lifted up.  Please draw all men unto You, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, before our time on this earth is over.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Overcoming in this World

This is a note for anyone who may find that the storms of life are overtaking them. . .that the waves crash, one right on top of another, without any reprieve.  There seems to be "no rest for the weary."  This is for anyone who has ever felt like they could just use ONE DAY with good news. . .one moment in time where there was peace from the ongoing storms of life. 

When everything seems to be so discouraging, remember Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

He says "IN HIM" we may have peace.  "Abiding in HIM" (and "He in me") is the way for me to experience peace in my storms.  God's Word tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  To be a prince, a male must be born to the royal family of that particular country.  He inherits the title Prince, by birth, and the country is what He is the "prince of."  Peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He IS peace.  And He is the ONLY ONE Who can speak Peace to our storms.  Wait a minute!  He is the Only One Who can come IN the MIDST of our storms, and set up His kingdom and "reign" down His Peace to our hearts.   

The Prince of Peace, Jesus, tells us that He has overcome The World.  The World of worry, the World of fear, the World of meanness, the World of selfishness, the World of pride, the World of self-righteousness, the World of greed...the World of SIN. 

He also tells us, in Revelation 3:21 "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."  Go back and substitute YOUR name where the words "TO HIM" are.  "To Tammi, who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with ME on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne." 

Take heart, dear friends.  In this world, this world filled with sinful, fallen mankind, we will have trouble.  It's just inevitable.  But because HE OVERCAME every single sin that mankind is capable of committing, (and will commit) we too can overcome our storms ~ the storms that are either caused by others' sinful natures, our own sinful mistakes OR they are sent by our Father, Who, motivated by His love for us, sends them in order to purify us.

God allows these storms to strengthen us, and "agitate" us--- like the washing machine.  If it weren't for that agitator, the clothes would just sit in that soapy water, and soak.  They have to be agitated in order for the grime and dirt to be "knocked loose." 

God knows what He is doing.  He knows what He is after when He allows these storms and trials to come, sometimes one right after another. . . but He has promised that they will not overtake us.  

Father, Thank You so much for encouraging my heart in the midst of the Storms of Life.  And when I look at the initials of those three words, I see S.O.L.  That reminds me of the "Standards of Learning" that our children have to take at the end of each school year.  What am I learning in the midst of my storms of life?  Am I making the grade?  Am I becoming more like Your dear Son?  Or is there a lesson that You have to keep bringing me to, because I just do not learn the lesson?  What could it be that I am missing?  Please open my eyes, through the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You for Your patience, Your long suffering, and tender loving care.  And for Your Faithfulness. 

In Jesus' Name...Amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2

When You Have NO-THING to Live For

Saw this little video today, and felt led to share it with you.  It's just a  little over 2 minutes long, but very powerful.  

Going through life, trying to live for "this" or "that," or trying to "accomplish this or that," but not living FOR God, will cause us to come up empty everytime.

We may even feel like there's 'nothing' left to live for.  That's just it, my friend; we are not to live for any THING, but FOR a Person, and that Person is God. 

When you feel you have nothing else to live for, it's time to turn to GOD.  He will give you a purpose for living.   He will give you Himself.

"You may have no power to do it...

but if you surrender to Christ,

He'll give you the power."

"Time will decide if you will not,

and time always decides against you."

A Word for the Oppressed

The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Psalm 103:6  (KJV)

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, said the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him. 

Psalm 12:5  (AKJV)

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.  Proverbs 29:25 (AKJV)

Hold you me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect to your statutes continually.  Psalm 119:117 (AKJV)

For with God nothing shall be impossible.  Luke 1:37 (KJV)

"This is the way God sees your problem. Turn what faith you have loose in the middle of this great promise and go on to victory. Father, I look to Your Word, and I pray that You will meet the need of each of us, no matter how hopeless it may appear, in the name of Jesus, Amen. 

And Thank You."  

(Prayer by Herschel B. Dean,

from "The Golden Treasury of Bible Wisdom")

Lookin' up

Photo by Benjamin Earwicker

I lift up my eyes to the hills---where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.    Psalm 121: 1, 2

Just a note really quick. . .I glanced at my calendar to see what tomorrow's verse is and just wanted to share it with you all since I'll be in clinical all day and unable to post anything.

Looking at the verse above, and just taking it apart, chewing on each little word or phrase gets my mind to thinking:   If I have to lift up my eyes to the hills, let's think about it. . . .that means that my eyes are originally looking downward, right?  And when I do lift my eyes upward, if I see the hills, that must mean one thing:  I'm currently down in a valley; and if that wasn't bad enough~~ I'm totally  surrounded by overwhelming hills.   Just their size alone would make me feel trapped, with no way "up" to higher ground.

Are you in a valley?   Do you wonder where your help will come from?   Well, our scripture tells us that OUR help comes from the Lord.  When you lift your eyes up to the hills, let me encourage you to look beyond the hills.  Look past the hills and toward the sky.  Look to the heavens and see the many stars--- too numerous to count, yet the Lord has named each of them!   The Lord Who has not only created every single star, but also named them, is the One Who is our help. 

Is anything too difficult for Him?   No!     So whatever the circumstances of your "valley"~it is not too difficult for Him to handle and HELP you.    Just lift your eyes---don't look around at "ground zero."  Look UP----past those hills, and towards the heavens---and allow the marvel of God's creation to reassure you of His almighty creative power.   This same creative power, the power to make something out of nothing, can surely take your circumstances and create something beautiful from it!  Just look up to Him.  Not only can He help us get through this valley, but He can also take us to higher ground!  The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.   Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

One more thought:  You may be thinking, "Yes, but what if I've gone too far in this valley?  Maybe I've brought this valley on myself?" ~or~  "What if I'm not even a child of God?"  Well, my answer to you would be God's answer:  "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)    And then "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."  (Isaiah 45:22)  God IS your answer.  Just stop looking down, in your valley, at your overwhelming circumstances and simply look up to Him, and to no one else~~for no one else can or will save you. 

Hugs to you all!

Dear Father. . . it's in the valley that You restore our souls.  Some of us have been in our valleys for quite some time, and we are trusting You to continue to work through these circumstances to make us more like You, to make us one with You.  It's just that sometimes we need strength to keep going.  So that is why You have encouraged us to look up---to lift our eyes from the rubble of the "ground zero" and be inspired by Your creation.  Please allow Your Holy Spirit to lift our spirits up in praise to worship You, as we lift our eyes in faith to You, believing that You are going to create something beautiful out of our lives.  We thank You for Your promises that are too numerous to even count~and as You have named each star, each of Your promises have OUR names on them.  It's just up to us to claim them.  Please help us to do that.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Finger Painting with God

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3, 4

Ever found yourself in the midst of loneliness and despair? The troubling times of our economy are enough to bring a person's spirit low! Maybe you're "there" now, wondering if anyone could even help pull you out of your situation. If you're not feeling the pangs of despair just now, more than likely you will be at one point or another.

Thinking back on the storms in my life, particularly when my husband was out of work for several months from a ruptured disc, one thing remains prominent---the sweet sounds of our two little children (who were ages 3 and 1 at that time) playing, completely unaware of the dire situation we were in. Even though we were burdened, and frankly quite scared of our uncertain future, they remained untouched by the stress. Being carefree, they continued in their childhood routines such as choo-choo trains and finger painting.

Even though troubling times are cause for concern and sometimes despair, it may help to think about finger painting. Now I'm not recommending you finger paint---but think about the ease of finger painting. It's totally hands-on, and easy! The pictures are usually simple. Who can forget the mess? But that makes it fun.

The Hand of God

Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. Isaiah 48:13

As I was reading last night in Isaiah, this particular verse seemed to jump off the page at me. . it was as if the Holy Spirit wanted me to pause there and really get something extra special. But I had just read verse 12 which says: Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. The Lord used that verse to prepare me for verse 13.

Look at verse 12 again. He wants us to HEARKEN unto Him. Has He asked you (or "called you") to do something that seems to be a bit out of your comfort zone? He is The One that has been before the beginning of time. He knows the first from the last! He's already in each of our tomorrows.

You Hangin' in there?

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. 

Isaiah 49:16

Earlier today my friend and I had a quick conversation, albeit via email.  The Lord has inspired several of the past blog entries based on conversations with this dear person.  It is humorous how sometimes little catchy phrases can light a spark in my heart.  For example:  As soon as I wrote, "Hang in there... better yet, hang on to the ROCK!  I'm there too,"  I thought, "Wait a minute!  What am I saying?  We may think we're plastered on the side of a high cliff, hanging on for dear life, but really, we're engraved on the Palm of His Hand!  We are engraved on to the Rock!"    

Psalm 18:2 says, "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."  Looking at it like that, we are on solid ground!   High up from all dangerous floods that would overtake us if we were "down there."

So if you feel like you're hangin' on for dear life today, dangling from some rocky cliff, take heart! You're not dangling! You're engraved!  Not enslaved by these circumstances, but engraved on the Palm of the Creator of the Universe's hand!! Whoah! "He is our Rock and our Fortress! A refuge in times of trouble."

I'll close this as if it were an open letter to all who read this:
Be encouraged!  I'm right there with you! 
Big hugs!  :o)
Tammi
PS...even if we were cliff hanging....and we did happen to "let go"---we's goin' no where! Cuz He's got us!

You are what You Think

"Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."  Hebrews 10: 38

We're all familiar with the phrase, "You are what you eat."  Recently, I began to wonder if it would be better to say "you are what you think."  Don't you think there is some truth to that statement?

You can do an experiment to test this "theory."  Next time you begin to feel "down and out," frustrated, discouraged, confused, down-right grouchy, STOP and think. . . and while you're thinking, ask yourself, 'What Am I thinking anyway?"  I can almost gair-own-tee (guarantee) that your thoughts have become negative.   "This is never going to work out."  "We'll never see the light of day."   "This house is a disaster."  "Why can't they pick up their own clothes?!"  "That pile of laundry just keeps GROWING."  "I can't do anything right!"   "These kids will never learn."  Oh my--those are to name just a few.  

We are surrounded by negativity.  The atmosphere has become bogged down with negativity.  No wonder we're discouraged and walking without faith!   Faith can barely breathe when stifled by negative thoughts.

What Does a Clean Tub Have to do with Your Kingdom Anyway?

Be ye strong therefore and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded. 

II Chronicles 15:7

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to be consistent and energetic in your work on cold, blah days, where the sun doesn't seem to be shining?   No one's around....nothing out of the ordinary...no big pressing deadlines, just ordinary life, at its "best." 

Daily duties seem to be drudgingly boring, and unimportant.   Ever felt like asking, "Seriously, dear Lord, I ask You, how will a swept floor and vacuumed carpet make a difference for Your kingdom?"    Could that be our problem?  Are we trying to equate our ordinary lives with the wonderful, mysterious kingdom of God?  If we are, we'll always be dreaming of bigger, loftier things to do for the Lord.  "Forget the house work that needs to be done...what about starting a Bible Study or Sunday School Class, Father??  Doesn't those sound much better?  After all, it seems that is what You've placed me on this earth for..not cleaning house."  If we are faithful in our ordinary duties, however mundane they may be, He is pleased, and we will receive a reward!  So, get busy, put away that stack of files; make the extra copies for your boss; grab a cup of coffee for a co-worker; straighten up your desk, clean that commode!  (ugh)  :o)  You get the picture.  Just keep chuggin' along, even in the boring, every-day-hum-drum-of-life. 

The Empty Well

"Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with."  John 4:11

It's Monday.   Need I say more?   *sigh* 

"Okay, here we go, Lord...just You and me...or is that You and I?"  Too tired to check out the proper grammar.   Anyway, here we go...I can't face this day..nor can I do anything productive without YOUR help.   Thank You for showing me something last night...the something about the woman at the well.   You asked her for something to drink...knowing she had absolutely NOTHING to offer You...nothing.   But You asked her in order to make a point. . .to show her a need...a very important need..her need for YOU. . You offered her Living Water.   She replied, "But Sir, Thou has nothing to draw with, and this well is D E E P."    Whew!  That reminds me of ME today.   You have asked me for something today, Lord.   You have given me a set of duties to accomplish, for Your glory.  But I reply, 'Sir, You have nothing to draw  with....and this well is too deep! It's impossible!'

He added a "P.S."

If you read the previous blog, you're aware that the Lord gave me an opportunity to speak today to my church family regarding the darkness of depression and discouragement in a Christian's life.   In yesterday's blog are the notes from what He gave me to share. 

Even though I knew this message was definitely from Him for someone else, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing.  I talked with the Lord about this... "Lord, yes, this may lift up the spirit of someone in church, but what about lifting YOU UP?  I want to lift YOU UP, Lord."    Well, as I was drying my hair last night, just before one in the morning, and going over the thoughts for today, the Lord gently "tapped me on the shoulder" and said, "I've got a little 'P.S.' I'd like to add."  And that's when He told me, "I too have had a veil of darkness pulled over Me...while on the cross at Calvary.  Our Father pulled the veil of darkness over Me too.  But this was even darker, and deeper than any one else will ever have to experience."  And that's when He began to really show me that whenever He deals with us, His motivation is ALWAYS IN LOVE. . .even His rebuke or discipline is always motivated by His love for us.   But, when Christ was on the cross, and our Heavenly Father pulled that veil of darkness over Him, Christ did not experience the Love of God... NO!  He experienced the WRATH of God....something that we will never have to experience.  THANK YOU, FATHER!!  THANK YOU, JESUS!  THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT, FOR REVEALING THIS TO ME!

From Darkness to Light

Last week our Pastor requested prayer for several members of our church family who are going through extremely difficult waters right now.  Some have lost all  hope, some have given up on God...and some are becoming bitter.   As I sat there, the Lord reminded me that I was "just there" last summer.  And yet, here I am, pulled out from that darkness and back into His light.   Did He want me to encourage these people to hang in there?   I'm willing to be a vessel in His hands, to do His will.  So, after church I asked Pastor if he felt that me writing a letter to share my experience and have him deliver it to the hurting ones would be a help?   Remembering what I went through, Pastor took me by the hand, and said, "Tammi, I think it would mean more to them if they heard it straight from you.  Would you pray about taking about ten minutes to share your experience within the next week or two?"   I told him I would.   That was last Sunday.  This past week has been spent in much thought, prayer and seeking the Lord's guidance.  What did He want me to say?   All I had to do was ask Him and seek Him.

Lord willing, I will be sharing the following notes with my church family tomorrow.  Please pray for the Lord to encourage the hearts of His children, and be lifted up.

From Darkness to Light:

Recently I found a prayer I had written last July. It ended with “Losing Hope Fast. HELP, Father. I’m sinking.”

Circumstances were overwhelming me.  From where I was “standing,” the surrounding conditions were distorting my perspective of life.  I had lost ALL HOPE and given up on God.  Looking back, I’m certain that I did NOTHING to bring myself out of that darkness!

But I wonder….why is it that God would allow some of us to be touched (or SLAM RUN OVER) by darkness of depression??  What purpose does this serve anyway!?   After all---God is light..and in Him is NO DARKNESS right??   I know I am His child and have Him within me..SO PLEASE TELL ME why does He sometimes pull the veil of darkness over me and remove the SENSE of His presence?

Last Sunday, I came home and asked the Lord to show me what He wanted me to say today. And He immediately answered prayer, when I opened a devotional called, “My Utmost for His Highest.”

Matthew 10:27 says, “Jesus says, ‘What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.’” Wow.   He pulled the veil of darkness over me to TELL ME something.    And that “something” is meant to be SHARED….when I’m in the light.  

He taught me a lesson for two different groups of Christians:
(1) Either you’re discouraged by the DARKNESS of your circumstances –OR—(2) You’re basking in the Son-shine of His presence.

"No Good"

With the Super Bowl being just a week ago, and a son who finished playing his first season of football, it comes as no suprise to me that terms like "Touchdown," "Fourth and Ten," and "No Good!" are still fresh in my mind.  But what in the world do these terms have to do with being a Christian? 

Of course, we all know we're running a race....Hebrews 12:1 reminds us of that---Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.   The object of football is to make as many touchdowns as your team can...Get the most points on the scoreboard.  Play to WIN, not just FINISH.  Everyone finishes...but only one team WINS.