Everyday Matters
Friday Matters
Everyday My Way
When I don’t get my way, I can get irritable and especially when I’ve carefully planned and thought how my way is best.
Everyday My Way
When I don’t get my way, I can get irritable and especially when I’ve carefully planned and thought how my way is best. As silly as it sounds, I sometimes don’t want to ask God what way He thinks because if His plan is different than mine, I don’t want to hear it. So, what I do now is express my fear, doubts and strong will for what I want but then say, “I want Your will” and I put my trust in His grace to lead and guide me. He cares about what we think. He knows our desires.
In Ephesians 4:15 Paul encourages us, “Grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head.” It should be our goal as believers to be one with God. When we are “born again,” we grow and mature spiritually in our minds, emotions and will. But God never condemns us for our feelings. He knows them. He wants to change us so that our desires become His desires. And being in sync with God gives a peaceful spirit not an irritable one even if our plans fall through…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Wedding
I remember being engaged to Dan and wanting to be married ASAP so I could fully be with him as husband and wife. It was hard to wait. You yearn, and you know what you want. You want more… but not yet.
Everyday Wedding
I remember being engaged to Dan and wanting to be married ASAP so I could fully be with him as husband and wife. It was hard to wait. You yearn, and you know what you want. You want more… but not yet. This relates to our yearning for God. God calls us to relationship, and that means yearning. A person doesn’t yearn for religion.
Jesus tells us that we are His bride, and He promises a final wedding. He fully knows and loves us and when the day arrives, and He comes for us it will be like the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:5; “Then I shall know just as I also am known.” You’re yearning, and we all are, but it’s building up to something called heaven where it’s not just a spiritual wholeness but a physical one too. The earth experience is hard but as believers we have the eternal wedding celebration in heaven where there is perfection with no more tears or pain but yet there’s purpose. That’s something to look forward to …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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Marriage Hope
Unfortunately, I hear from a lot of people sharing how their marriage is breaking up due to a spouse finding someone new.
Everyday Marriage Hope
Unfortunately, I hear from a lot of people sharing how their marriage is breaking up due to a spouse finding someone new. “I wish my spouse would give up this other person and want to reconcile, but they have no desire for me anymore. I’m trying to focus on God, but I want deliverance from this pit,” someone wrote me. I ache for this person, but I told them; “With Jesus there is always hope.” The enemy wants us to believe lies and fall into despair.
Proverbs 1:31 is also pretty clear about the person who continues in sin; “Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.” But if we choose to trust what we know of God Proverbs 1:33 is pretty clear; “But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear or harm.” Go to the Bible for comfort, read aloud, lament, cry out to God. He knows and cares about hurting heart and He knows how to give you hope…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Marriage Well
Marriage Advice 101 from Proverbs 5:15; “Drink water from your own well--share your love only with your spouse, never share it with strangers.”
Everyday Marriage Well
Marriage Advice 101 from Proverbs 5:15; “Drink water from your own well--share your love only with your spouse, never share it with strangers.”
Problems with remaining faithful in marriage usually begin when a person doesn’t feel loved and think they deserve to be happy. The enemy creeps in with his lies telling us that marriage shouldn't be any work and if we really want to have a good time and feel good, we should maybe start drinking with someone we find more fun and attractive. When a person acts on those thoughts and feelings that’s usually the time when a marriage begins to dissolve. That’s why it's so important that couples work at making time for one another on a good ol’ fashioned date without their children. Find out your love language and begin communicating in the way each of you knows and feels loved. Validate and be refreshed from the well of love you both have. Marriage is work but it's absolutely wonderful when it is working…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Living Water
Life is not easy and frankly sometimes I think it should be because I’m following Jesus but just because we have freedom in Jesus doesn’t mean we have freedom from problems.
Everyday Living Water
Life is not easy and frankly sometimes I think it should be because I’m following Jesus but just because we have freedom in Jesus doesn’t mean we have freedom from problems. Only some days don’t you feel like it’s all upstream?
But it’s often the upstream swimming that makes us strong and more determined than ever to reach out to God and let Him direct us. Jesus came to gift us with His grace and freedom from bondage. Jesus knows the lane you should be in and the temperature for the water even though it might not feel that way. I always have to remind myself that Jesus knows the best WAY and not pray for Him to bless MY way. I remember speaking at a retreat with the theme; “Come to the Living Well.” My desire was to share the hope in Christ, so the gals were thirsty to drink from the fountain of Living Water which Jeremiah 2:13 talks about and not broken-down cisterns that we make for ourselves which leave us dry and weary in a dusty world…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
God uses difficult challenges in our lives to strengthen us and develop our character. Through trials we are taught the unique lessons of suffering and the benefits of discipline and sacrifice, making us better individuals. Our son, Joey, was really in a challenging season years ago and I said to him, “Are you really that surprised that God has allowed this trial in your life (but I am sorry it’s so hard)? As a follower of Christ, He promise us that we will go through trials. But He also tells us in Isaiah 43:2 that He’ll be with us as we pass through the waters and go through the fires, and we’ll not be overwhelmed or will we be burned. Godly character is developed most often when we are tested by the waters and the fire. Acknowledge the trial and the pain and then acknowledge that God is walking with you through it all…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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Vegas
Susan had turned her life around by turning to Jesus and now she was on talk radio with three other women still in the “business” discussing lifestyle choices in Las Vegas.
Everyday Vegas
Susan had turned her life around by turning to Jesus and now she was on talk radio with three other women still in the “business” discussing lifestyle choices in Las Vegas. The host and others on the panel were repeatedly asking Susan, “Where was God when you were in this business? Why didn’t He save you?” And Susan replied, “God was always with me. It was I who left Him. The others clearly did not have a relationship with Christ, they didn’t know of His great love for them, and so they had no respect for God or His ways but Susan understood completely and she said; Christ gives us all a free will but it’s our choice whether we want to have Him in our lives or not.”
Without knowing the relationship that brings love and freedom a person is only going to see God’s laws as bringing judgment and bondage. We may turn our backs on God, but He will never turn on us or stop loving us. The wisdom of Proverbs 28:5 says, those who seek the Lord understand fully…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Pure Air
A friend told me the story of a woman in Austria whose father locked her in the basement for over 20 years and in that time, she had children who had never seen the sun or even breathed fresh air.
Everyday Pure Air
A friend told me the story of a woman in Austria whose father locked her in the basement for over 20 years and in that time, she had children who had never seen the sun or even breathed fresh air. To them the basement was a normal world. When the police found them, the air was so vile they had to tear down walls and bring in fans just to breathe.
But it’s like we too are living in a basement, a world not perfect, one infected with sin. We don’t even realize we’re breathing putrid air because this is our “normal.” But through the acceptance of God’s love and forgiveness we can believe He’s a Redeemer, working all things for the good with a purpose for us to serve eternally… breathing pure air forever. Look to 1 Corinthians 2:9 with anticipation because “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him”…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop?
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop? Sometimes laughter comes when you’re not supposed to be laughing like in a meeting or at church but it’s such good medicine. Laughter draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and even protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Nothing works faster or is more dependable on bringing your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there’s: “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” Let’s find ways to put more laughter into our diets instead of obsessing with everything that bugs us. You really can find humor in a hard place and it’s so freeing and truly one of the best medicines for overall health…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things.
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things. Jesus calls us to be kind and tenderhearted toward everyone, even to those we don’t like. That’s hard when someone hurts us. But Romans 12:9 is clear; “Let your love be genuine and outdo one another in showing honor.” Personal, political, religious, and any other type “opponents” should be treated with kindness. This means assuming the best, and not the worst, of difficult people. Forgiveness doesn’t release the one who’s hurt you, it releases you. And often forgiveness is a process. There are times I forgive but then I pick up the offense again because I’m triggered by an event.
Having a tender heart is the willingness to see the pain from the point of view from the other person’s perspective and see them as God does. This only can happen through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Healing comes when we allow God’s grace into our struggles…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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Stuck
Okay there’s this kind of Christians who is “stuck” outside the tension between law and grace – and specifically I’m talking about those who don’t know they need grace. I have been that girl at various times myself.
Everyday Stuck
Okay there’s this kind of Christians who is “stuck” outside the tension between law and grace – and specifically I’m talking about those who don’t know they need grace. I have been that girl at various times myself.
When you don’t know you need grace you come to the counseling room in righteous indignation. You come with your “rights” and “it’s not fair because there’s a sinner worse than you. This may include the spouse who drags their partner along to get fixed, the partner who doesn’t think they need fixing, the person angry with God for failing to fulfill their dreams and the one who simply cannot forgive. They know they’re right and they want you to know it too. Accepting Christ means acknowledging deep sin and a need we have for grace, in all areas of our lives for a lifetime. Jesus desires to confront the blackness of our hearts and change us to be set free. PRAY for yourself and others who need to KNOW and SEE how much we need His grace, because without it we can’t really be free …everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Lies
The letter began, “Debbie I’m struggling. I’ve been unemployed since September; I have an aunt who is in the hospital and my husband is constantly reminding me that he’s the one who’s paying the bills. I feel frustrated and far away from God.
Everyday Lies
The letter began, “Debbie I’m struggling. I’ve been unemployed since September; I have an aunt who is in the hospital and my husband is constantly reminding me that he’s the one who’s paying the bills. I feel frustrated and far away from God.
Feeling far away from God and like He doesn’t care is what the devil wants you to feel and think. Satan is keen on feeding us lies and his two favorites are the “forever” lie and the “never” lie. He tells us about the negative things in our lives will never change and will forever be the way they are. He says the way you are right now will stay that way “forever.” Lies. The truth is God is good and He has plans to bring you wholeness from your brokenness of pain and regret. Trust in God because bad things ultimately give way to better things. Ecclesiastes 3:1; TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven…everyday!
Friday Matters
Everyday Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is.
Everyday Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is. But often a person acting in sin can’t see the truth of how what they’re doing is not only hurting themselves but also others around them. C.S. Lewis in, The Great Divorce says sin is like an itch that needs to be scratched. At first, it’s small but the more it’s scratched the better it feels. After a while the itch becomes less, but you actually long to have it back. Sin is that way, when you aren't satisfied by it anymore, you still long to have it. Only God can take that desire away.
Sin costs us and the real loss isn’t just on earth but the loss of eternal life if unrepentant. Good news is that if we change our ways and accept God’s grace, we have life, which is what 1 John 5:12 talks about with repentance which is simply turning from our ways as Director of our lives to His direction and this always brings true freedom, forgiveness and life now and into eternity…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests.
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests. He’s smart, outgoing and he really cares about me. I’m so happy!” “But you said, ‘just about perfect,’ what’s missing?” “Well, he believes in God, but I don’t know if he has a relationship with Him.” “Well,” said dad, “Remember when we were looking at buying a house for you and there was one that seemed just about perfect? The size was great, super landscaping and not only was the outside beautiful but the hard wood floors, tiled kitchen, and every painted room was amazing. But the foundation was cracked and so it wasn’t an investment you were willing to make.”
When looking for a spouse the best blueprint to follow is found in Ephesians 2:20 finding someone whose foundation is built with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone so you can build a strong marriage. Take the time to pray to God and with your potential spouse about marriage. It’s most important part in planning a wedding…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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Easter Celebration
Easter doesn’t get the attention Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby and angels and giving and receiving presents from one another. But Easter is the bigger gift.
Everyday Easter Celebration
Easter doesn’t get the attention Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby and angels and giving and receiving presents from one another. But Easter is the bigger gift. Isaiah 53:10 reveals that it was God’s will for Christ to die: “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and . . . the Lord makes His life an offering for sin.” It’s not that God actually put Jesus on the cross or pounded the nails, but the cross was God’s plan to redeem humanity. What a wonderful celebration.
If you haven’t experienced a relationship with God then it’s all about religion and while that may bring some sort of good feelings it’s the Good News of what God did for us. Romans 3:25 says that “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood." Repentance isn't about asking God for anything but it's about turning to Him and receiving what He has done for us. What a wonder to think about…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Good Shepherd
Sometimes my heart is so heavy I think it might explode. There are people I love who are hurting, people who have lost a loved one, or they’re estranged from their children
Everyday Good Shepherd
Sometimes my heart is so heavy I think it might explode. There are people I love who are hurting, people who have lost a loved one, or they’re estranged from their children, people that feel misunderstood or rejected, and people who have relapsed into addiction and who now are feeling shame and despair.
You know others are suffering deep wounds and so you think you can't lament about the heavy burden you're carrying yet the anxiety and loss is so great that it's hard to lift your head up and hope. Not that long ago I sobbed into the arms of my husband. And yet, as wonderful as my husband is, he is not the Good Shepherd who understands me completely.
When your feelings become overwhelming, and fear creeps in, it can be debilitating but Jesus, the Good Shepherd promise to carry you through. Don’t let the feelings decide your future but instead let God’s truth from Isiah 40:11 lead you, “He tends His flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart…everyday.