Everyday Matters
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Mom Memories
Five years ago, Susan’s mom was in a car accident that resulted in her losing all of her long-term memory.
Everyday Mom Memories
Five years ago, Susan’s mom was in a car accident that resulted in her losing all of her long-term memory. When Susan was little, her mom and she used to quote from ‘Winnie the Pooh’ where one of them would ask, “Have you ever seen a dragon fly?” And the other would reply, “I have, I have seen a dragon fly!” The other evening the daughter was sitting with her mom while they were watching TV and the daughter randomly asked, “Have you ever seen a dragon fly?” And her mom responded, “I have, I have seen a dragon fly!” They stared at each other, and then Mom jumped up and shouted, “Oh my goodness, I remember!”
We go back to our own mom memories and sometimes we want to be the little child sitting on our mom’s lap, but that season is gone so we grieve and then try and be the child our mom needs now. You wanna scream; “I’m not ready,” and I get it. But let’s ask God to help us see and remember what’s good right now in this season…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Popular
What makes you feel important loved or even liked?
Everyday Popular
What makes you feel important loved or even liked? How often do you check the “likes” on your Instagram or Facebook post? I know. Been there. Done that. But REALLY the place I feel the most love is when I know who I am and whose I am. I’m God’s girl. To think, He loves all of you and He LONGS to have you rid yourself of the garbage and dirt that makes you feel ashamed or unloved. We’re so important and significant to God. He gets us, gives us gifts to have purpose and He never stops loving us.
Jesus instructs that we’re to be willing to accept ourselves as least in importance. The least is a symbol of those who have the lowest places in society; the poor and the oppressed, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. But Jesus concern was that these should not be treated as inferior (Matthew 18:10). He was well aware of their feelings of shame, and because of their humility and His compassion they were of REALLY great value. Remember with God, you’re always popular…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Change Me
Oh that place when you know the only change that will happen is if you God ask to change you.
Everyday Change Me
Oh that place when you know the only change that will happen is if you God ask to change you. So crying in the middle of a dark living room I asked God to forgive me, to change and mold and make me to be more like Him. I didn’t ask that He change the other person but instead I knew the only real solution was that my heart be changed. And still you can cry, “It’s not fair,” and God gets it.
I often don’t often understand why a particular heartache is happening but it isn’t always for me to understand. Know the answer to the question, “Can God be trusted?” And He can because of His grace and comfort to meet us right where we’re at. Humble yourself by swallowing your own pain and pride and look at Peter 5; “Humble yourselves under God and He will lift you up in due time and then cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”...everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Healthy Marriage
Marriage is not always happy, but it can be healthy.
Everyday Healthy Marriage
Marriage is not always happy, but it can be healthy. The reason it's not always happy is because what happens isn't always good. There are circumstances, people or problems that can be very challenging. But despite hard issues you can have hope, peace and have a healthy marriage. My husband, Dan and I, have had our share of arguments, fights, and disappointments but through it all we share a love of God.
We share a commitment and an understanding to listen to one another with honor and respect. Yet, even with that shared commitment we still fail and fall but thankfully we get back up. It’s by God's grace we can extend kindness that may not feel deserving. It’s following Colossians 3:13-14, "Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever you have a complaint. Forgive just as the Lord has forgiven you. AND to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity."
So, while you may not be able to have always a happy marriage you can certainly have a healthy and hopeful marriage... everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Bumper Stickers
A guy and his car are standing at the pearly gates. The car is covered with Christian bumper stickers. The guy is trying to talk his way into heaven, but Peter won't budge.
Everyday Bumper Stickers
A guy and his car are standing at the pearly gates. The car is covered with Christian bumper stickers. The guy is trying to talk his way into heaven, but Peter won't budge. The guy says, "But look at my car!" Peter finally compromises and says, "OK, your car can come in..."
Much of the time people don't realize what forgiveness truly means in their lives. They really believe the sin that separates them from God in the first place, is worth it. And sometimes they look at forgiveness as a license to keep on living in the flesh while expecting God to jump through hoops they’ve set up. When we have a relationship with God, we get the Holy Spirit living in us and THAT is what keeps us from staying comfortable in our sins. You look at Paul talking to the Romans, and he says, “I sometimes fall and do what I don’t want but with Jesus I don’t have to stay down.” We can walk and drive in freedom when we let God’s forgiveness change us…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday God Covering
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort Psalm 91:4
Everyday God Covering
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort Psalm 91:4 really hit me the other day; “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Imagine God like the Psalm reads-- a strong and majestic eagle Who’s there to shield you with His wings and protect you with His feathers.
When you’re fearful and anxious don’t think about the “what ifs” and other scenarios that will make you more anxious. Instead think about God’s promises of protection and redemption. Visually picture God comforting you as the child you are. In Romans 8:28 He promises to work all things for the good. Not all things are good, but God always is. It takes courage to walk forward in faith despite your feelings, but you can do it because God, the Protector will cover you and be right by your side...everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Feeling Indicators
Lately life’s been hard, so I have been saying to myself once again; “Debbie your feelings are indicators, don’t let them be dictators.
Everyday Feeling Indicators
Lately life’s been hard, so I have been saying to myself once again; “Debbie your feelings are indicators, don’t let them be dictators. I get it. My feelings are valid, and they indicate good and bad things happening in my life, but I shouldn’t let them lead me, especially when I feel afraid. Rather, I cry out to God and say, “I’m afraid. Help.”
I read this post on Instagram which said, “And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid, so I did it, I lost my fear and gained my whole life. We may feel fear but the way to lose “it” is to go forward in courage from the grace and strength God gives. The only way I can do that and leave my fear behind is by looking to God for hope rather than white knuckling it. I think a lot on what God says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t fear or tremble before them, because the Lord your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you. He won’t leave you or abandon you” …everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Sins of Others
It’s painful enough when someone we love sins, but it’s made extra difficult when their choices result in us experiencing pain and grief too. It’s hard.
Everyday Sins of Others
It’s painful enough when someone we love sins, but it’s made extra difficult when their choices result in us experiencing pain and grief too. It’s hard. I’m sorry if you’re there in that place right now. You’ve made a mistake; you have consequences but so do others around you. But it’s often in times of conflict that we’re drawn closer to God. His promises are ones of absolute hope, and He promises that “all things will work for the good” if we trust in Him. It’s also in the Bible that the words “fear not” are written 365 times. There is grace for each day of the year.
Another promise in Hebrews 13 is God’s emphatic love for us; “He says, I will not in any way fail you or leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not ever leave you or let you down.” God is real. He is the comfort you need from all your fears in a very real way…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Shame at Home
Jenny said, “The knowledge of my husband's addiction caused me great shame. I remember being in a mom’s group and conversations going on about all the normal mom-stuff like potty-training, sleepless nights, a shared recipe and the entire time I’m smiling and pretending. I thought; ‘If only they knew.’
Everyday Shame at Home
Jenny said, “The knowledge of my husband's addiction caused me great shame. I remember being in a mom’s group and conversations going on about all the normal mom-stuff like potty-training, sleepless nights, a shared recipe and the entire time I’m smiling and pretending. I thought; ‘If only they knew.’ I was afraid to let go of this image.” I’m so sorry if you’ve been through that hard place of betrayal like Jenny. But please share your story because you’re not alone. Shame keeps us hidden, hurting and silent. It builds walls and fights against being real.
You need to know that “guilt” says you did something wrong. “Shame,” on the other hand, says that you are something wrong. You are NOT something wrong, you’re your hurt feelings aren’t wrong. Jesus loves you, me and all the “Jennies” our there. He loves us where we are and in Matthew 11, He says to come as you are. Alright then, let’s give it to Him. It’s gonna be okay and it will get better…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Jesus Covers
I mean honestly, when I began to really grasp what Jesus was offering me with complete forgiveness and no condemnation I could stop pretending and performing. I need Him desperately.
Everyday Jesus Covers
I mean honestly, when I began to really grasp what Jesus was offering me with complete forgiveness and no condemnation I could stop pretending and performing. I need Him desperately. It is not the “they” who are poor, sinful and lost. It’s awareness that we ourselves are the primary target.
Unless we acknowledge that we are the sinners, the sick ones and the lost sheep for whom Jesus came, we do not belong to the “blessed” who know that they are poor and inherit the Kingdom. Let’s stop trying to appear righteous before God and others. It’s a dangerous zone when get our assurance from wealth or our status. “I’m good. I have all I want.” We must realize that we’re wretchedly and pitiably poor and we’re blind and naked too. Isaiah 64 often comes to me when I think, “I’m doing really well here.” “We’re all unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. It’s His blood shed for us which cleans and covers us…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Holy Loving Savior
God is love. God is holy. Sometimes we can get out of balance with both…. too liberal in our definition of love or we become too legalistic in keeping God’s commands.
Everyday Holy Loving Savior
God is love. God is holy. Sometimes we can get out of balance with both…. too liberal in our definition of love or we become too legalistic in keeping God’s commands. Don’t miss the point; ABOVE ALL is God’s love.
We think since God has the power to do something, unless He does it, He does not love. Yet, because God is pure love, He cannot accept evil in any form. God's holiness demands consequences for sin. Today, many people want to run from consequences. The lack of teaching on true morality has lowered the bar. Sometimes we tell God; "Our sins are not so wrong. What others do is much worse." I’ve been there…done that. Ecclesiastes 12 tells us; “Everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” will come before Him. We are all in the sinner’s club and we all need to be in the Savior’s club …everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Hurting People
When someone hurts me, I need to remind myself of this truthful jingle; “Hurting people hurt people. Broken people help people."
Everyday Hurting People
When someone hurts me, I need to remind myself of this truthful jingle; “Hurting people hurt people. Broken people help people." When I extend grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it or even ask for it, I find that I’m the one who’s set free. God only wants our pride broken and when that happens, we are able to give the grace which He extends to us. One of the hardest things EVER to do is to let the offense from someone drop and then choose not to rehearse the hurt over and over in our minds.
I KNOW the part about setting boundaries and not letting abuse go on but I’m talking about good ol’ fashioned forgiveness of letting something go and then being kind regardless of if I see justice in the way I want or in the time I want. God’s completely aware and cares. He tells us HE will take care of everything and the other person. Trust and let it go to HIM…. everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Who are THEY
I mean honestly, when I began to really grasp what Jesus was offering me with complete forgiveness and no condemnation I could stop pretending and performing as we so often do as Christians.
Everyday Who are THEY
I mean honestly, when I began to really grasp what Jesus was offering me with complete forgiveness and no condemnation I could stop pretending and performing as we so often do as Christians. I need Him desperately. It is not the “they” who are poor, sinful and lost. It’s awareness that we ourselves are the primary target.
Unless we acknowledge that we are the sinners, the sick ones and the lost sheep for whom Jesus came, we do not belong to the “blessed” who know that they are poor and inherit the Kingdom. Let’s stop trying to appear righteous before God and others. It’s a dangerous zone when we get our assurance from wealth or our status. “I’m good. I have all I want.” We must realize that we’re wretchedly and pitiably poor and we’re blind and naked too. Isaiah 64 often comes to me when I think, “I’m doing really well here.” “We’re all unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. It’s His blood shed for us which cleans and covers us…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Kind Forgiveness
We may say to someone; “I forgive you” but if we treat them unkindly or even ignore them have, we really forgiven them? If that’s the case, then moving forward in sincere forgiveness is to have a counselor hear both hearts by directing the conversation with necessary questions so the meeting doesn’t become one of personal attacks.
Everyday Kind Forgiveness
We may say to someone; “I forgive you” but if we treat them unkindly or even ignore them have, we really forgiven them? If that’s the case, then moving forward in sincere forgiveness is to have a counselor hear both hearts by directing the conversation with necessary questions so the meeting doesn’t become one of personal attacks. Seek to forgive as God forgives you and as 1 Corinthians 16:14 directs; “Let all that you do be done in love.” Love is kind and sometimes that’s the hardest part of love especially when someone has stolen from us; taken from our childhood, taken our spouse or robbed our personal property. There are always consequences to sin, and He will bring us justice as He promises. And of course, in some cases, there may be no reconciliation because bad behavior continues.
Forgiveness doesn’t release the one who hurt you. It releases you. Lamenting and grieving what was lost is healing too and most helpful when we know Jesus hears our cries and cares about every detail. His strength of love by His grace will see you through…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Gossip
We judge others by how they make us feel and we judge ourselves by our intentions. Although my heart’s intent was right my action was sin by crossing the line into gossip.
Everyday Gossip
We judge others by how they make us feel and we judge ourselves by our intentions. Although my heart’s intent was right my action was sin by crossing the line into gossip. I shared information with some trusted friends because I was concerned and wanted prayer. My mistake was sharing unnecessary details. So, I confessed my sin to God and to every person who had been directly affected by my wrongdoing,
Was my heart intent good? Yes. But did I hurt people in the process? Yes. My responsibility then was to apologize for the hurt I caused without adding “but” or “if” after my confession. It’s simply this; “I’m sorry for hurting you by sharing with things with others that I shouldn’t have.” Period. Oh, I wanted to add; “BUT you gossiped about me and I never intended to hurt you. BUT is that what Jesus does? Let’s follow Matthew 7:12; “In everything, do to others what you’d have them do to you” …everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday On the Other Side
Our faith and trust in believing God is good when circumstances are not, does not come from the sunny side of the street but in the places where it’s dark and we feel alone and overwhelmed. God will always guide us even though we can’t see Him.
Everyday On the Other Side
Our faith and trust in believing God is good when circumstances are not, does not come from the sunny side of the street but in the places where it’s dark and we feel alone and overwhelmed. God will always guide us even though we can’t see Him. Feeling overwhelmed because of finances, or a failed marriage is extremely painful. Perhaps you have a burning pain in your heart because your child is addicted to drugs or maybe it’s an aging parent who can’t remember who you are. You may FEEL consumed by these fiery trials. Your feelings are valid. BUT, the truth is you'll come through. He sees. He knows. He cares.
He speaks a promise from Isaiah 43:2, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." And perhaps what you’re going through is not about breaking you but about building up your faith in Him for His love and His purposes will never fail you…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Baby Loss
Debbie, what do you say to parents that are losing their little 16th month old boy to cancer?
Everyday Baby Loss
Debbie, what do you say to parents that are losing their little 16th month old boy to cancer? The parents are Christian but can’t understand why God won’t heal their baby? Can you help me with an answer?
Nothing you say will make them feel like it’s fair. The best thing to say is, "I don't know why this is happening. I hate that it's happening and that you’re hurting. But I am not God, and I don't know why He has allowed this. You’re right that it isn't fair. Why doesn’t God fix the pain? He's a big God...tell Him how you feel. It won't stop for a moment His great love toward you. We want to fix the hurt for our friend or want God to fix it. Don’t try to speak for God. Take your friend out, listen to them cry or just sit beside them and say nothing. Even Jesus wept when He went to the grave of Lazarus. Just let friend know you you’re there and you care…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Real Life
In one simple month all of life seemed to fall apart. Brandon had lost his job; the family’s golden retriever had died, and Brandon’s wife was back at the clinic again to try new antibiotics to combat her bronchitis.
Everyday Real Life
In one simple month all of life seemed to fall apart. Brandon had lost his job; the family’s golden retriever had died, and Brandon’s wife was back at the clinic again to try new antibiotics to combat her bronchitis. God, where are you? If He loves us, won’t He take the pain away or at least some of it? Remember God is always with us, and He isn’t surprised by what’s happening. Everything must pass through His hands first.
Sometimes a tragedy is where we meet God for the first time. We must lose religion, where it’s all about rules and proving ourselves, and instead rest in a personal relationship with God who knows exactly what we’re going through and how to take care us. Jesus working through us and not focusing on our own works or man’s laws is what’s important. God always loves us. He will not fail us. Grasp hold of His grace and mercy with both hands to find hope…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Carry On
Are you listening? Jesus is speaking. Hear His voice; “You are forgiven. Today is a new day. God’s Word from Lamentations 3:23: “Great is My mercy.
Everyday Carry On
Are you listening? Jesus is speaking. Hear His voice; “You are forgiven. Today is a new day. God’s Word from Lamentations 3:23: “Great is My mercy. It’s new every morning and great is My faithfulness. Everyday I try to “be better” by choosing what I should think on and how I should behave which often means I remain silent, shut my mouth and pray. Just think of the amazing gift God offers us! We have an opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness which means our soiled sin rags are washed and made t white by the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14)
Don’t be discouraged. There’s a whole lot of us who so wanted to be faithful, but who at times got defeated, beat-up by life and tested by trials. We have the bloodied garments of life’s tribulations, but through it all we clung to the faith. This is the Gospel of Grace. So with me, let’s celebrate. Let’s raise “a glass of hope,” receive and share this love and grace with others. Carry on Christian Soldiers, onward and upward…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Follow Jesus
Let me tell you I don’t follow Jesus because He was a good person prophet-man. I follow Him because He IS alive in my life.
Everyday Follow Jesus
Let me tell you I don’t follow Jesus because He was a good person prophet-man. I follow Him because He IS alive in my life. He’s God. God who became a man, who died for all my garbage sins and then rose again so I could have an excellent LIFE here on earth and then a perfect forever one in heaven!
All we have to do is accept God’s great gift, accept HIM and we’re free. Now of course just because there’s freedom in Jesus doesn’t mean there’s freedom from problems. But after Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit, who is there to help us with everything. The reason I know this truth is because I have a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I follow Him because I trust Him and not because I always feel or understand Him or the Bible. But I trust He wants what’s best for us. Jesus did not come for us to follow religion. John 8:32; Knowing Jesus will set you free…everyday.