Stronghold

Stronghold - (spiritual) a habitual pattern of thought, built into one's thought life.

If you were asked what your stronghold is how would you answer?

You might be thinking, "Only ONE?" I get it! If I made a list I would have more than one 😳..... But I operate out of one more than any other and have my entire life.

FEAR - an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.

Fear is no joke! In doing a bit of research I found this Top Ten list compliments of Facty.com of the powerful health affects of fear:

1. Inability to Relax
2. Anxiety and Panic
3. Weakens Immune System
4. Sharpens Survival Instincts (carries out the fight or flight
    instinct which is described as a primal (fundamental) instinct.
5. Depression
6. Phobias
7. Heart Damage
8. Lack of Confidence
9. Missing Out
10.Worsens Memory

As side effects go I have experienced every single one of these. I've spent my entire life gripped by fear. So often disappointed in myself that I cannot figure out a way to conquer it. I literally function out of fear a LOT. What CAN I do?

I cannot cure fear but I can defeat it each and every time it seeks to attack me. God says it, I believe it....but I have to take hold of his power and put it into action....

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Did you catch the definitives in this passage? I AM with you, I AM your God, I WILL strengthen you, I WILL help you, I WILL uphold you.....

Yet....still....I.....fear......

Interesting fact: "Fear NOT" is in the Bible 365 times. One verse for EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year! Some sources say it is the most repeated phrase in the Bible.

This tells me three really important things:

1. I AM going to have fear.
2. I am NOT going to cure it but l can learn how to turn from it,focus less on it, have self. 

    control over how it affects me.
3. The fact the Bible addresses it and proves it, is no surprise to God.

So the question should really be:

" What do I DO when fear threatens to overtake my thoughts and actions?"

I am so very thankful for the blessing of the godly women God has so graciously placed in my life. Women who speak truth. This morning, as I was struggling with fear over a medical issue of a family member, I told a friend that my mind and thoughts went to some really crazy places. Places I simply would not repeat to her because they were so bizarre. Her response was this, "Yes! You need to take every thought captive...." (2 Cor 10:5) No need for her to finish that verse.... but I will later....I know it well but do I REALLY know it as well as I thought I did?

I always think if I actually SAY, out loud, my thoughts, fears or bizarre places I go in the midst of the trial....they will somehow become true. Like I have that kind of power. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So I don't speak them.....until....the source of the fear, has been resolved. Then I will tell someone where my ridiculous thoughts had gone. Why do I do that? Exposing totally ludicrous imaginings....showing people how I, so often, live on the "edge" of insanity. And yes, I have heard, "Dianna!!!!" And I've seen faces that resemble this 😳.

Today was different....

After thankfully an all-clear was given on the medical concern, I resolved to NOT tell another sole all the thoughts and senarios I had conguered up in my mind. When my friend quoted that verse from Corinthians (in God's perfect timing) I realized that that was a perfect example of taking every thought captive. By the way....the rest of that verse was not wasted in this lesson: "MAKE IT OBEDIENT to Christ."

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"Fear not" IS a COMMAND that requires an obedience response!!

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
2 Timothy 1:7

Power! Love! Self-control? 😖

What else does he say?

•Be strong and courageous
•Do not be anxious
•Do not be frightened
•Do not be dismayed
•Cast ALL your anxiety on me
•Do not let your hearts be troubled

These are commands in his Word! AN OBEDIENCE RESPONSE IS REQUIRED!!

I am literally sick of being fearful. I've always allowed fear to define WHO I am. Bad childhood, trauma, horrible circumstances. NO! Those circumstances are not WHO I am....they are merely what God used to SHAPE who I am today. Two very different views. When I label myself as a fearful person and just accept that as the way I was made, fear becomes my prison....and that is exactly how it feels. There is no freedom. I love this verse in 2 Corinthians. I am not using the proper weapons to fight my fear....

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
2 Corinthians 10:3‭-‬4

I try to rid myself of discomfort and fear by my own means instead of fighting with the weapons God gave me. My way simply put ...does not work. 😫

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
2 Corinthians 3:17

Freedom? I want that! I actually already have it. I've already been provided with the weapons to fight! Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there IS freedom!! The Spirit of the Lord lives IN me! I have ALL that I need to live in freedom!

Lord, you already knew fear would be a sizeable foe for your people. I need not be as concerned with the fact that I'm fearful as much as how I allow it to takeover my thoughts and actions. Psalm 56:3 says, "WHEN I am afraid I will trust in you." WHEN not IF! I've looked at fear all wrong. Forgive me for that Lord. Help me to keep my eyes on you so that WHEN I am fearful I will trust you in the midst of it....not strive to find my own way out of it. Thank you for showing me the way I should go. You are a mercifully patient God.

New Creation

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

Psalms 143:8

At Bible study last night I was flipping through my Bible to get to where we were going and in doing so I "randomly" ran across this starred verse.

I say randomly but I don't really believe that. Nothing is random when you are a Christ follower. Nothing is coincidence. Nothing just happens. Nothing is just an accident. Every minute detail is a teaching moment, a healing moment, a moment from which joy comes, a moment when correction is needed. I must always remember, God IS my Father and His Word is breathed out by him..... and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that I, a servant of God, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17)

Before my husband died the Bible I was using was tattered, highlighted, underlined, written in....there were people's names and dates... prayers....sometimes I would just hold it as the priceless gift it was.

After my husband died I could barely hold that precious gift let alone read it. I soon realized that every verse that was emphasized in some way directly matched my life BEFORE tragedy struck.

It made me so sad... I'm still sad....I attached to that Bible all that was good in my life, all that I was blessed with, all the answered prayers, all the blessings..... especially those last, amazingly beautiful months I had on this earth with my beloved. Now, that Bible, God's very word sits on my shelf...like it was another lifetime. My interim Bible (after loss but before a semblance of healing) while still precious and tattered finds the book of Job well worn.

Sudden loss, sudden changes, life changing tragedies takes ones focus and directs it to the relational. I felt a kindred spirit to Job.....still do.

But here's where that head knowledge begins to transform my heart:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a new creation....not made for the ups and downs and the tragedies and sorrows of this life which are going to happen...but a new person, created in the likeness of Jesus...to become like him...to suffer like him....and to RUN to him. That is hard stuff....But he isn't just the God of joy and laughter. Why am I surprised when hardship comes? IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, but I have overcome the world!! If I am being transformed into His likeness I will suffer as he did for me. But the beauty? He is my comfort and strength and my courage and wisdom....

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN; YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20

I was bought at a price, the precious blood of Christ! He gave his life that I may LIVE!!!

Last night a switch flipped when I saw that verse in Psalms.....

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love..."


"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God IS love."
1 John 4:8

"When we say God is love, we are not saying everything about God. Love is an essential aspect of His character, and colors every aspect of His nature. But it does not eliminate His holiness, His righteousness, or His perfect justice. Instead, we know the holiness of God is loving, and the righteousness of God is loving, and the justice of God is loving. Everything God does, in one way or another, expresses His love." (EWC)

"......for I have put my trust in you."

Have I? Do I? Am I using the myriad of ways that he's proven his trustworthiness to me? Do I wake each morning with his words on my lips and a song in my heart? Am I filling myself to the brim with his promises? If not, why not?

"Show me the way I should go..."

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."
Psalms 5:3

Do I inquire, "Lord, what would you have for me today?"

Do I wait with great expectation? Am I missing the boat? The blessing? The gift?

".....for to you I lift up my soul "

"The soul is basically our mind, our emotions, and our will. It is who we are as human beings. While the soul is the source of our expression through our humanity, it has its limitations and the only way we can experience God is through our spirit. The soul is merely a channel." (Christianity.com)

The whole article can be found here:

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/salvation/difference-between-a-soul-and-a-spirit.html

Interesting that my soul is my mind, my emotions, my will. Not surprising....

But the switch flipping moment isn't about KNOWING. If you've followed Christ for a time the knowing is the easy part. It's the putting into action that's hard. It's being intentional that's difficult. It's a quick turning from that which seeks to derail faith, trust and confidence in the One who says, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I WILL give you rest.......rest for your SOULS". Out of my own head into the heart of Christ.

My Yoga instructor says, "When you wake up, before you hop out of bed, give yourself a good stretch." It's good for the body!

Jesus got up very early, before dark and met with his Father...."your will not mine." It's good for the soul!!

This morning I woke and before my feet touched the floor I inquired of the Lord, "What would you have for me today? I'm listening." Then I gave myself a good stretch, hopped out of bed, made my tea and opened my Bible. I couldn't wait to get there. So as I wait expectantly for him to show me his will for me today, I carry on....but always being mindful of Him. He, who is able to do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine.....and I'll be joyful...not because everything is going my way...not because life is great, not because everything is perfect but because the joy of the Lord IS my strength!!

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
Psalms 16:11

Every moment of every day I AM in his presence no matter what my circumstances. He is mindful of all my struggles. He is present! Why would I choose not to rest in Him?

Conviction

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22‭-‬23

As I was driving last night, in the dark, pouring rain, I was anxious to get home. It was late and I was tired .....and as always happens, as if a test, I get behind someone going nearly 15 mph under the speed limit. I was irritated and might have shouted, "COME ON!!!" as if they could actually hear me. 🙄 As this car went left of center the first time, I gasped, and was thankful there was no oncoming traffic.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
James 1:19‭-‬20

Slow to anger? Really? I don't know that my anger was quick....perhaps steeping....for seven years....see, in a flash, I was transported back to the day someone decided to drive while impaired. I was reminded that the person in front of me could change the lives of another family just like mine was changed all those years ago.

I was angry! Was it okay to be angry?

As always, it's good to check myself according to God's word.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27

Righteous anger is defined as being angry at all the things that oppose God—unrighteousness, evil, idolatry, impurity, and sin—in the world without being motivated by sin.

So perhaps, attached to my circumstances, my anger was righteous. But God would actually show me something a bit different.

I decided to hang back from that car....I could not anticipate any sudden stops or unforeseen turns. I'm sure the person behind me was quite irritated as he was so close that I had to speed up so he would have enough room to break when I turned into my road. And when I turned, my first thought was that the person behind, now following the person in front of me, would soon realize their own irritation was a result of not knowing all the "facts".

And more than the initial anger I was convicted. I don't always know the circumstances yet I conjure up, in my mind, an entire senario. What if.....the person in front of me was actually not impaired but someone who didn't know it was going to rain and doesn't do well driving in the rain? What if......the one behind me was rushing to get to a loved one in need of help? Were both of these senarios unlikely? Perhaps. But it doesn't actually matter.

What if....... I took care of myself first? 😔 Honestly, I bet I arrived home less than five minutes later than I would have, had I not followed that person. The irritation and anger and the words and gestures....🤦🏻‍♀️ 👈 This was my response as I pulled in my garage.

What would have been a better response? Daily I pour God's word into my heart, soul and mind....yet, how soon I forget to recall it in circumstances beyond my control.....

"....but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Psalms 1:2

MEDITATE on it....DAY and NIGHT....

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Joshua 1:8

So that you will be careful to do everything written in it.....

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6‭-‬7

In EVERY situation, PRAY, PETITION....be THANKFUL...and PEACE will guard my heart and mind......

And immediately on the heels of those verses came this one:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17

Teaching, rebuking, correcting and training....so that I, a servant of God may be equipped....

God, may it be as your word says. As I pour your word into my heart soul and mind, help me to be slow to anger...slow to draw my own conclusions, slow to spew hostility. Help me to draw from the well of living water instead of stagnating in the pond of my own understanding. Thank you for your word. Help me to guard my heart from that which seeks to destroy it. Remind me often of this: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

In a perfect world I would turn..... quickly....every time.....but until the day I meet Jesus, I am a work in progress. This time I failed to turn but the conviction I felt was a lesson well learned.

Comfort

 

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Mark 1:35

There have been two things (not that there haven't been hundreds) I've consistently desired in the last seven years:

That my husband's death was a horrible dream from which I'd wake and oddly enough that I would be able to have a full night's sleep (without waking). Neither has been granted. 😔 The first, I know, is a common, unfulfilled desire of many and the second...well.....I'm guessing.... is not uncommon either.

I woke very early this morning, startled, I had dreamed that my puppy was returned to the foster home....my family was so sad....yes, my entire family....my kids were at home, my husband was there....he rallied for the family, like he so often did, and brought our puppy back home. Sweet story, right?

It's painful when you wake to the realization that it actually was just a dream. And this is exactly why it's good to wake very early, while it is still dark, while there are no distractions, to pray and commune with Almighty God and settle my heart before Him. Jesus did it and he, as my perfect example, shows me that it's best for me too.

Almost immediately I thought of this verse:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬5

Even the pain that a dream brings can immediately be healed by prayer and God's Word and the comfort I receive, I can give to others.

Very early, while it was still dark, I took my puppy outside. I sat in a chair, looking towards the most beautiful sunrise and knew that the God of the universe, the God of all comfort, the God of great compassion had come to meet me where I was....on my little back patio in small town Ohio.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

He will meet ALL of my needs! Yes, even when I wake in sadness from a dream that cannot be made real.

Rarely can I read the following verse without crying....well... because I AM a cryer, but also because I can't begin to imagine a day when joy will abound so abundantly, that tears will no longer be needed.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

When this world hurts.....when sadness threatens.....when pain overwhelms I am never alone:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
Isaiah 43:1‭-‬3

How beautiful is the Word of God?

I'm never, EVER alone...EVER! Though I know it to be true, I am human....I falter....and that's EXACTLY why I am awakened each morning....very early, while it is still dark....free from distraction...a time when the world is still...a time....when there's TIME. He beckons me...calls me by name....and I'm SO grateful. I NEED Him. I NEED His light. I NEED His comfort, compassion and promises. I NEED His presence.

If you don't know Him you don't know that you NEED Him too. But you do! For when darkness comes, and it will, He IS the light IN the darkness. I pray you know this God, my God, who created you and loves you so, so much.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:12‭-‬14

God's chosen, dearly loved......Ask Him into your heart today! Your life will be changed forever.

Walk Worthy

Worthy (worldly) - having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in a specified way.

Worthy (biblical) - having worth or value

Not sure why God gave me this word...... actually that's not true 🤦🏻‍♀️......

Merit or recognition? I'm pretty sure walking worthy doesn't involve our receiving accolades and pats on the back but isn't that exactly how we measure our worldly worth? And isn't that how we often measure our worth to God? 😫 I struggle with that word in the worldly and in God's eyes. But shouldn't my desire to walk worthy IN the world come from the natural outpouring of my desire to walk worthy in God's eyes?

What does God's Word have to say?

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Ephesians 4:1

How do I do it?

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:2-3

"The idea is clear. We don’t walk worthy so that God will love us, but because He does love us. It is motivated out of gratitude, not out of a desire to earn merit." (EWC)

Ahhhhhhh....now that brings things into a better understanding. Only because God loves me can I, out of gratitude, extend that love to others.

Consider these verses:

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."
1 Thessalonians 2:11‭-‬12

"All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering."
2 Thessalonians 1:5

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith."
2 Thessalonians 1:11

John Piper says, "In all these passages, being worthy is expected and necessary in the Christian life."

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Philippians 1:27

So what does walking worthy look like and how do I do it?

"The word worthy has the idea of “matching up”: our actions should match our words, and our outward presentation should match our inward convictions. To “walk worthy” of our calling means to live up to that calling, to live in such a way as to honor God as we complete His course of action for us."
(Gotquestions.org)

Colossians says walking worthy is tied to four personal characteristics:

1. Being fruitful in all that you do
2. Continuously strive to gain the knowledge of God
3. Use God's power to endure and patiently persevere with joy
4. Be thankful for all He has done for us


1. Be fruitful.....

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Apart from Jesus Christ I can do nothing. I cannot produce fruit if I have not first accepted Christ as my Savior. Only through him am I able.

2. Gain knowledge.....

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

2 Peter 3:18

What may start out as an intellectual journey will begin to change your heart in amazingly big ways. This is a daily walk.

3. Endure and persevere patiently with JOY.... 😳

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3‭-‬5

Really hard stuff. Who wants to suffer? Who wants to persevere through hardship? Who wants to build character through pain and suffering? BUT, does it do what it says it does? For me personally, I can answer yes. Suffering changed me and by God's grace, his love and his mercy I am still standing. He did not leave me, he did not forsake me...he wants to bless me and provide for me and shine his light into my darkest days.....and hopefully enable me to bear fruit. But I have to be very careful. The fruit may not look at all what I think it should look like. If fact, I may never actually SEE it.

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in ALL things at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you WILL abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8

ALL - God wastes NOTHING! Not a single joy....not a single hurt...

4. Be thankful....

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18

Colossians 1:9-12 really is our instruction on how to walk worthy.

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."
Colossians 1:9‭-‬12

God knew I needed to look at this word, WORTHY, today. I've been feeling anything but....but as I pour over his Word I realize that being worthy has less to do with what I'm DOING but where I'm looking!! Fruit can and will be plentiful when I increase my knowledge of who he is through sitting at his feet, reading his word, persevering through hardships and trial, having patient endurance (running the race of this life), being thankful for who he is AND realizing that he holds and protects my heart.

Walking worthy is an attitude of gratitude. Walking worthy is walking the walk not just talking the talk. Walking worthy is being mindful from whom the worthiness comes. Walking worthy is a gift from Almighty God who counts me worthy to receive his love.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23‭-‬24

He asks for my best done with all my heart...not just good enough to please humans.. And my reward? My inheritance! Eternity with my Savior!!

Routine

Routine - a sequence of actions regularly followed; habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure.

•Do I need one?
•If so, why?
•Is it important to have one?
•How do I establish one and what should it look like?

I'm not quite sure why I woke at 4 am this morning with this word on my mind.....but, as always, I'm curious to see what God is going to show me.

As I look at the questions perhaps I should attempt to answer each in two ways:

•What I think.
•What does God say?

So here goes.....

Do I need one?
What I think.

Definitely yes! I function best with a To-Do list , physical or mental. I check each thing off and as I do I feel a great sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day I can sit down with the peace of knowing I got something done.

What does God say?

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."
Ephesians 5:1

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Mark 1:35

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Matthew 8:20

In re-reading the definition of routine I acknowledge I am often trapped in the second part.... habitual and mechanical. Give me a list, check it off, DONE! Habitual...mechanical... focusing strictly on the outcome.

But look what God says. Follow MY example, get up early and pray. Since he had no place to call home, he had no need to get caught up in the busyness of maintaining one and this part... so powerful to me.....HE will give me rest...not ME, finding peace in my completed list.

Why do I need one?
What I think.

How do I establish a normal rhythm of life without one? How do I things get done? Won't life be chaotic without routine. Yes?

What does God say?

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
Proverbs 16:9

I can have my agenda and my check list but in the end God determines the steps I will take and often, very often, it looks nothing like my plans.

Is it important to have one?
What I think.

Right now, in my life there is no order. I have no routine. Life has no rhythm, no flow, no pattern, no tempo. I sink easily into discouragement, boredom and a feeling of worthlessness. What am I supposed to be doing? So yes, I say it's important.

What does God say?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28‭-‬30

I AM weary and I AM burdened. HE IS gentle and humble in heart. HE WILL give me rest. Rest, not in the sense of sleep but rest in my necessity to be productive or at least my definition of it. One commentary says it this way:

"Jesus directed His call to those who were burdened. He called those who sensed they must come to Him to relieve their need instead of living in self-sufficiency."

When I plot my own steps He senses my desire to relieve myself of my constant need of living in self-sufficiency. And if I heed His calling 👇

"And you will find rest for your souls: Jesus described His gift to His followers as rest for your soul. This unmatchable gift – both powerful and profound – should be considered the birthright of those who come to Jesus and are His followers. They should believe that something is wrong if they don’t experience rest for your souls."
(EWC)

•Unmatchable gift
•Powerful & profound
•Birthright
•Rest for my soul

Wow! That's a far cry from where I am on my own.

How do I establish one and what should it look like?
What I think.

Well....in my list making nature my list would look like this:

✓ Get up by 7 am (no later)
✓ Make tea
✓ Time with the Lord
✓ Do some writing if the Lord prompts
✓ Eat breakfast
✓ Serve in a ministry
✓ Eat dinner
✓ Collapse into bed happy, fulfilled, content and exhausted
✓ Repeat

What does God say?

Again....

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
Proverbs 16:9

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11‭-‬13

He says, "Dianna, I already have the plans laid out. Seek ME with ALL of your heart and when you do you WILL find me." Sometimes the seeking IS the plan.

"Lord, you ALONE are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure."
Psalms 16:5

He IS all I need.

"And my God will meet ALL your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

Solomon was right when said:

"So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me."
Ecclesiastes 2:17‭-‬18

He did a great deal in laying out his own path.....establishing his own patterns, rhythms and habits. But oh, what a valuable lesson he teaches.

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
Ecclesiastes 12:13

What if....Jesus is saying sit at my feet? No routine. No certainties. No busy schedule. What if....he's calling me moment by moment to listen for my next move? What if I'm in a time of equipping for the next season? What if....for the rest of my life on this earth he wants me to "just" know Him better?

So what is the answer? To routine or lack of one? Boredom? A feeling of uselessness? What am I to do? What can I do? What is right to do? And this verse immediately came to mind:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

When I don't know what to do....seek Him. When life seems senseless....seek Him. When I feel worthless....seek Him. When things seems unfair....seek Him. When I feel discouraged....seek Him. When I don't understand what's happening or why....seek Him. When it seems as though nothing is happening....seek Him.

In times of great joy...praise Him. When he answers prayer....praise Him. When I feel his presence....praise Him. When I seek Him and find Him.....praise Him.

The fact that I serve an infinite God in a temporary world.... should have me continually THANKING Him.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21

I am not stranded in my lack of routine. Psalm 23 says I lack nothing. There's nothing happening outside of God's will for my life. I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.

God, help me to grasp the truth of seeking you above all else. It is your will for me in Christ Jesus. Your Word says it, I believe it. Convert my head knowledge to heart knowing and my heart knowing to the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

Emotions

Poker face - an inscrutable face that reveals no hint of a person's thoughts or feelings.

(Having a poker face implies a level of sophistication. "Losing" with grace or "winning" with humility.) (Quoted)

Wearing your heart on your sleeve - openly showing your feelings or emotions rather than keeping them hidden.

(In general, wearing your heart on your sleeve is not encouraged behavior. To wear your heart on your sleeve implies an overly emotional person who cannot control his or her feelings in public.)(Quoted)

I've been told more times than I can count that I'm easy to read! I have zero poker face ability. 😳 And yes, I wear my heart on my sleeve. 😫 The combination of both is often like a bubbling volcano. THAT.IS.ME 😔

Neither have ever been described in a positive way, at least in my life. I've fought the inability to hide my feelings and emotions my entire life. At times, I've begged God to fix me or at least give me some balance..... Yet, here I am....this overly emotional woman who simply cannot hide anything. Not hide in the sense of wanting to purposely conceal something but one who could at least save myself from much embarrassment. 🙄 If you're a highly sensitive and emotional person you can cry over a beautiful sunrise or a butterfly with a broken wing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Trying to figure out proper responses in my circumstances (because I want proper responses)..... well......if I'm honest, I'm weary (which is a very popular word in my repertoire these days) .....if I could simply proclaim, "God made me this way" and live life, that would be......great, right??

Did God, in fact, create me as I am?

So as I ponder over the puddles I create, I think about Jesus. I know some people don't like the question "What would Jesus do?" But I think it's appropriate to ask , "What DID Jesus do?' He should always be my example.

So, as I always should, when I seek answers, what does God's Word say about it.

*Jesus was tenderhearted and he IS still.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Matthew 9:36

*His heart was sensitive and IS still.

“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept."
John 11:34‭-‬35

But.....and it's a big one.....one commentary said this:

"But Jesus did not allow Himself to be overwhelmed. He saw the enormity of the problem, but he did not give in to anxious thoughts or sink into depression."

"As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus RESOLUTELY set out for Jerusalem."
Luke 9:51

Resolutely - in an admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering manner.

Jesus knew who he was and why he was here. As a Christ follower, I too, know who I am and why I'm here. Am I resolute? Or am I like the waves of the sea, tossed to and fro? James says if I lack wisdom I should ask and not doubt and I will be provided for generously. If not, look what happens to me:

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
James 1:5-6

Do I lack faith, trust, understanding, strength, courage? Am I discouraged? Am I stubborn or prideful? Do I desire control?

Good questions to ask oneself. Good to take inventory every now and then. Good to examine the whys and the motives. The Word of God will show me how to express my emotions properly.

"TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

"Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Do NOT be AFRAID; do NOT be DISCOURAGED, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and NOT to HARM you, plans to GIVE you HOPE and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

And the conclusion of the matter is this: I AM always going to be emotional. 😩 God didn't make a mistake. He didn't give me a bit more of this and a little less of that. When emotions flair and may be inappropriate in a particular circumstance.... because they will, He asks me to RESOLUTELY turn towards him. He asks me to trust Him. Trust Him in the midst and trust him with the outcome.

It's okay to cry, it's okay to be tenderhearted and sensitive. It's okay if others think I'm silly or a crybaby.

I had the honor and privilege of celebrating the retirement of a K-9 officer last night. Sheriff cars and local police lined the streets as Felon received his last call. Flags were waving, signs were held, neighbors cheered...pictures were taken and the camaraderie and bond of the officers was powerful. It was emotional and yes, I cried. This time I wasn't the only one.

This horizontal world will never be the litmus test for my walk with Christ!

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalms 139:23‭-‬24

"May these words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalms 19:14

He cares about my heart. From the heart, will flow all that I fill it with. THAT should be my #1 priority and concern.

Isn't the Word of God beautiful? As tears roll down my cheeks my answer is a resolute YES! In His Word is freedom! Freedom to be who I was created to be.

Lord, when tears flow as an inappropriate response please help me to turn quickly to you. When my emotions seek to set me on a path I'm not intended to go down help me to realize it and turn to you....the Author and Perfector of my faith. You are an amazing God and my deepest desire is to walk worthy of the calling I've been given and to bear fruit for your kingdom amidst the laughter and tears. Amen.

Labels

Label - a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive.

I'm sure I've written about the word "label" before....specifically the label "widow" 🤦🏻‍♀️......but God, in his infinite wisdom, showed me something yesterday.....why labels can be wrong, hurtful, painful, unnecessary AND embarrassing reminders of perhaps unfortunate circumstances or poor choices. Just for the "fun" of it here are some of the labels I've been given over the years:

•Wife
•Mother
•Nanny
•Widow
•Single
•Christian
•Naive
•Democrat
•TOO Happy

•Social Butterfly
•Short
•Optimist
•Girly
•Cry Baby
•Talker....sigh....
•Storyteller

Some ARE true, perhaps all are true....some ARE hurtful and some are meant to sting when they're leveled (direct, a criticism or accusation)....and make no mistake.....they DO sting.

Yesterday, when my ultrasound tech introduced herself I had to ask her to repeat her name. Wasn't sure I heard it right.....I did ..and my response was, "Oh, how unique".....she said, "I like it"....I can't stop thinking about how she might have received my response.....I'm still thinking about it this morning.

Reminds me of the children's song:

"Oh be careful little tongue what you say
Oh be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above
Is looking down with love
Oh be careful little tongue what you say."

After my procedure and results her and I had conversation...she knew I was nervous...I told her I kept repeating:

"Do not be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

She smiled and nodded.... the conversation ended....but my thoughts about our interactions did not.

I'm sure she has heard comments about her name before and I'm also pretty sure she took no offense to my "that's unique" comment.....but I can't get it out of my mind. That's conviction!

Be careful what you say little tongue....

You might say, "Wow, Dianna....that's going a bit too far." But for me....not so....

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬2

Live a life worthy....I take that very seriously....

When someone says, "You're such a storyteller" or "You're so naive" or "How can you be a Christian AND a Democrat"....that stings! And responses like, "Oh I was just kidding" or "I didn't mean it that way" are not magic erasers.

Be careful little tongue what you say....

Here's a label.....one that REALLY bothers me, one I'm actually ashamed of, one I hate to admit but have to and sadly, one that appears will never be expunged from my records.

Former smoker.....😣

Every time I go to a doctor they say, "So, you're a former smoker?" My response, "Yes, 30 years ago." I feel like that label is my scarlet letter. 😔

Truth - choices that we make can be forever. They don't go away just because we get older and wiser.

"Oh be careful little hands what you do
Oh be careful little hands what do you do
For the Father of above is looking down with love
Oh be careful little hands what you do"

So how does one navigate in a world that has a label for just about everything?

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18

I can't say it better than the Word of God!

What is seen is temporary.....Google labels...there are hundreds...
if not more.....here are a few...

•Successful
•Bright
•Wealthy
•Stylish
•Talented
•Popular
•Famous
•Well connected
•Good looking

Temporary.....ALL are temporary...

So where is my hope?

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—"
John 1:12

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith..."
Galatians 3:26

CHILD OF GOD

YES! YES! YES!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you...."
1 Peter 1:3‭-‬4

New birth....into a living hope....that will NEVER perish, spoil or fade.....

CHILD OF GOD

I can hold on to that "label"!! It's permanent! It's FOREVER!! It's honorable! It's comforting! It is EVERYTHING I need to overcome every temporary label I either seek or attempt to rid myself of in a temporary world.

I may only get 70, 80 or 90 years on this earth. But,  as a child of God, I get eternity....100% guaranteed.

Eternity - infinite or unending; a state to which time has no application.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

CHILD OF GOD

Forever....