How to Handle Being Unsatisfied

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

Ecclesiastes 1:8

We are fortunate.  We live in a time and in a place where, for the most part, we have the most basic of our needs met.  In fact, I'd dare to say that we not only have our basic needs met, but that even most who are in the lowest of economic situations have abundantly more than the majority of peoples around the world.  Sure, I know that there are those in our country who are homeless, starving, and truly suffering.  However, compared to the rest of the world, Americans overall are extremely fortunate. 

So then why is it we, who live in the land of plenty, are unsatisfied?  Do you know what the basic operating principal companies use when they market their products?  They operate on the assumption that the average American is UNSATISFIED.  Their job is easy.  All they have to do to sell their product is to show you how it will SATISFY you, the consumer, AND...how nothing else in THIS WORLD could ever come close to satifying you like their product could.  (So, the next time a telemarketer calls, tell them you are SATISFIED and have no use for their product.  They won't know how to answer that one.  Got this little tidbit from a Crown Finincial Moment on KLOVE.)

Our culture breeds us to be unsatisfied.  Dissatisfaction is in our DNA.  That's why we must have the latest, greatest gadgets.  That's why we have to update our wardrobe every single season.  That's why our kids want the newest, coolest toys that are advertised on T.V.  That's why we add on the pounds. That's why nothing can hold our attention for very long. That's why the candy and soft drinks are so conveniently located in the check out line at the store.  (My personal weakness.)  That's why relationships and marriages sometimes fall apart.  That's why we get ourselves up to our eyeballs in debt.  That's why some have addiction problems.  That's why we search all kinds of strange and exotic places for God.  That's why satisfaction eludes us.

We must be careful on how we deal with our dissatisfaction!  When we are unsatisfied with our lives and all that we've been given, we are essentially saying to God what He has provided isn't good enough.  Our dissatisfaction is, in essence, a complaint against God!    A child who is spoiled doesn't appreciate all that he's been given.  He becomes unsatisfied and bored. Though granted every whim and desire, he complains.  We are no different from a spoiled child when we are dissatisfied with God's provision and blessings. 

On the other hand, sometimes dissatisfaction with certain areas of our lives can lead to good, if we approach it the right way.  For example, dissatisfaction in our spiritual lives could lead us to seek God more - to journey deeper with Him.  Dissatisfaction in a relationship, when handled correctly, could lead us into talking with the person and trying to work together to resolve problems and reconcile the relationship.  Handling dissatisfaction in a godly, Biblical way not only helps us, but it can help others as well.

One way to counteract dissatisfaction is to be thankful.  Make it a point everyday to thank God for EVERYTHING you have and EVERYONE you love.  Write it down if you have to.  Then ask Him to help you be satisfied with His provision and in your circumstances.  Ask for His wisdom in dealing with those areas in which you are unsatisfied.  And remember, true satisfaction and contentment is ONLY found in Him!

"After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content."  1 Timothy 6:7-8



Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

Who is Your God?

The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist."  Psalm 14:1

Some people know God.  Some people don't want to know God.  Some believe He exists.  Some do not.  And yet of those who seek after Him, some are seeking after the God they have fashioned in their own mind.  They go through life oblivious, not knowing that this God who fits so nicely in their lives is not the one true God.  You can imagine their shock when their path brings them face-to-face with God Himself - who knows them so very intimately and personally.  Imagine their surprise when the real God of creation reveals Himself and He is nothing like the nice little, controllable God they envisioned Him to be.

God is real.  Jesus Christ is real.  The Holy Spirit is real.  God is there, whether we believe in Him or not.  Just because I don't believe in income taxes doesn't mean they don't exist and I don't have to pay them.  God is who He is, no matter how we try to define Him or think He should be.  And when we earnestly seek Him, we will find Him.  So why are we so shocked when we actually do find the real God?  Why are we so shocked when He reveals Himself to us?  And then why do we pull away from Him when He is revealed? Is it because we thought we desired a relationship with the God we fashioned for ourselves, but when the real God showed up, it was far more than we bargained for? Is it because the God of our minds didn't hold us accountable, but HE does? Is it because we've not wholly followed Him in obedience and to do so now would just be asking too much?  We are like a child whose curiousity of fire causes him to reach out to touch the flame.  He desires to know more about this wonder but the minute his little hand reaches out and feels the heat, he quickly draws it back. 

I came across this quote by C.S. Lewis in my daily devotions this morning.  He so eloquently explains the hesitation many people experience when they meet God face-to-face.

" The Panthiest's God does nothing, demands nothing.  He is there if you wish for Him, like a book on a shelf.  he will not pursue you.  There is no danger that at anytime heaven and earth should feel awe at His glance.  but Christ the Creator King is there.  And His intervening presence is terribly startling to discover."  C.S. Lewis 

Are you serving a bookshelf God...one who is there for you when he fits into your life and put away when he doesn't?  Does this God you've designed in your head demand anything of you?  Does he demand all of you?  Does he command all creation, heaven, and earth? If the answer is 'no,' to any of these questions perhaps you need to examine who your God is.  For the ONE, TRUE God is not subject to my ideas and opinions on what I think He should be.  He's there ALWAYS, whether I acknowlege Him or not - whether it's convenient for me or not.  He demands all of me.  He permeates every area of my life - and when I hold out on Him - He confronts, convicts, and disciplines me.  He intervenes on my behalf - giving the VERY LIFE of HIS ONE AND ONLY SON in payment for my sin!  He's not a God of convenience.  He's not a God who changes with the wind.  He is not a God who is here today and gone tomorrow.  He is constant, never changing, and ALWAYS THERE!

C.S. Lewis goes on to say that, "There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him! We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He has found us? So it is a sort of Rubicon. One goes across, or not. But if one does, there is no manner of security against miracles. One may be in for anything."

So, do you want a God who is personal and sometimes shocks the socks off of you?  Or do you want a god of convenience - one who fits into your life nicely without causing any bumps in the road.  The One True God leads to salvation and life.  Our man-made god does not.  It's our choice.  Choose this day who you serve?  Me?  I chose the God of miracles.  I want to be in for anything!

My God is real, personal, and doesn't play by my rules!  Thank goodness!  What about yours?

Grace and peace, friends!    
In His Love, Cathy

A Day of Rest

Taking a day of rest today.  This family needs it very much right now. 

The Brittster is sick...missed her game today.  A first in her high school career- to miss a game that is.  She was so worried about letting her team down.  They played really well, from what we heard.  The game was close - but they ended up losing.  She was sad about it.  She so wanted to be there with her team mates.  It's their third loss this season - but they've won 14.  PTL!!!  Hoping her day turns around and she is able to get to feeling better!   

Scott and I are taking the day to recouperate from a very busy week.  My 1st semester with NO PLANNING is OVER!!!  Honestly, I feel exhausted to the core...like I just finished running a marathon!  But, praise God, He helped me get through it.  One more week of basketball left and then, hopefully, we as a family can have a little down time - at least until spring soccer starts for the Mikester!

Yep, I'm thankful for this day of rest.  I had wanted to tackle cleaning my house and getting the week's mess back under control again.  But, you know what, a day of complete rest doesn't come around that often.  So, I think I'll just wallow in my PJ's the rest of the day.  Dishes are clean, clothes are folded, so what's the hurry? 

Well, enough of my ramblings.  Hope you all enjoy a wonderful day of rest and time with your family's as well.  God loves you - and  - He loves even YOU, neighbor's kid who keeps blasting your car stereo while I'm trying to get my rest on! Give it a rest already!
Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

When Our World Comes Crashing Down

The Lord was determined

to destroy the walls of beautiful Jerusalem.

He made careful plans for their destruction,

then did what he had planned.

Therefore, the ramparts and walls

have fallen down before him.

Jerusalem's gates have sunk into the ground.

He has smashed their locks and bars.

Here kings and princes have been exiled to distant lands;

her law has ceased to exist.

Her prophets receive

no more visions from the Lord.

The leaders of beautiful Jerusalem

sit on the ground in silence.

They are clothed in burlap

and throw dust on their heads.

The young women of Jerusalem

hang their heads in shame.

Lamentations 2:6-10

Jeremiah summarizes just how utterly complete the Lord's destruction of Jerusalem was.  God's destruction was not only complete, it was carefully planned.  Every single building that the people of Judah held dear was torn down to the ground.  God spared nothing in Jerusalem from destruction.  In Lamentations 2, Jeremiah describes the destruction further, "Without mercy the Lord has destroyed every home in Israel.  In His anger he has broken down the fortress walls of beautiful Jerusalem.  He has brought them to the ground." (v. 2)..."He has destroyed her palaces and demolished her fortresses"(v. 5). "He has broken down his Temple as though it were merely a garden shelter."(v.6)

Now imagine every single building where you live utterly destroyed down to the ground - every single home, every single church, every single business - gone.  God didn't even spare His own Holy Temple from this destruction.  All of the visual symbols of safety, protection, and leadership were snatched right out from under the people of Judah.  Nothing was untouched by this destruction.  Every single leader in Jerusalem - from the king, to his sons, to the priests, government officers, and high ranking officers in the army were taken prisoner.  All were killed except King Zedekiah.  He was forced to watch as the Babylonians killed all of  his sons, the leaders, and the priests.  Then the Babylonians gouged out his eyes and he lived out the remainder of his life as a prisoner.  Many of the people of Judah were taken as prisoners back to Babylon.  Only the poorest of the land remained.  Harsh, huh?

God completely removed His hand of protection from Jerusalem.  The Babylonian army was His tool of judgement against His own chosen people.  And why?  Because they had rebelled against Him. He had warned them for generations what would happen if they ever turned from Him.  He had given them ample time and many opportunities to repent.  He knew it would come to this, yet they persisted down the path of destruction, worshipping false gods and living only for themselves.  They INSISTED on having THEIR WAY!  They falsely believe that because they were God's chosen people and because Jerusalem was God's Holy City, the city that housed His Temple, they were guaranteed God's protection. They took God for granted! 

As you read Lamentations, you get a picture of just how horrid the seige and destruction of Jerusalem was.  Did God take delight in any of this?  Of course not.  But it was the only way to save His people.  They had gone too far.  He took away everything that they had loved and valued more than Him.  The only way to save them was for them to hit rock bottom - to see the error of their ways and repent.  In the midst of all of this destruction, there was a promise of hope.

After a time, God brought about circumstances so that the Jewish people would eventually return to Jerusalem - in phases.  The walls of the city were rebuilt, then the Temple was rebuilt, though not as grand as it had been in the past.  The important thing is this, it wasn't until the Jewish people repented and began to earnestly seek God did these things come about.  God had promised this.  Jeremiah had prophesied this.  And when Jerusalem was rebuilt, it was rebuilt the right way - by a people who sought God obediently and wholeheartedly. 

Sometimes, it may seem that God is dealing with us harshly.  Sometimes, we experience bad things because we live in a fallen world and that's just the way it is.  But sometimes...God has to bring our world completely crashing down in order to save us. 

If this describes a place where you are at, simply ask for His forgiveness and turn to Christ.  He promises to, "restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry. If I were, all people would pass away—all the souls I have made."  Isaiah 57:15-16

In His Love, Cathy

The Priority of Right Worship

"The Lord has rejected his own altar;

he despises is own sanctuary.

He has given Jerusalem's palaces

to her enemies.

They shout in the Lord's Temple

as though it were a day of celebration."

Lamentations 2:7

In this passage, Jeremiah laments the destruction of Jerusalem.  God had told Jeremiah of the impending destruction if the people did not repent.  Jeremiah warned the people, yet they did not turn from their ways.  Therefore God's judgement fell full force upon Jerusalem.  God's judgement was so complete that He didn't even spare His own Temple - the very Temple that Solomon had built -that's how much contempt God had towards the rampant sin of the people. 

God judged the people of Judah because they ignored God's warnings and refused to repent.  They believed that they would always be safe because God's House, His Temple, was there among them.  They foolishly thought their lives would continue to go on just as they always had.  Never in a million years did they think God would allow foreigners destroy His Temple.  However, God hated their sins.  This was His chosen people...the people who were to be a testimony and witness in the world for HIM!  They had been set apart by Him - not by their own doing.  The people worshipped idols and sin ran rampant.  Even the priesthood - the very people God chose to serve Him in the Temple and represent Him among the people - had decayed.

Therefore, God detested their burnt offerings.  Their worship was a far cry from what He desired and commanded of them.  Despite the beautiful Temple and the rituals they practiced, their hearts were far from God.  Their lives didn't reflect what they proclaimed in their Temple worship.  It was all a sham.  So God sent the Babylonian army to destroy Jerusalem - and His Temple.  Stone by stone, the Temple, the Palace, and the walls of Jerusalem were torn completely down.  There was no building left standing.  The Temple was plundered by the Babylonians, it's treasures used in the service of God were carried off. 

Like the people of Judah, we may attend church every week - singing worship songs, bowing our head when someone prays, listening to the pastor, and even giving back to God.  However, if we aren't living out in our daily lives, what we proclaim on Sundays, then we are no better than the people of Judah! 

Does your life truly reflect what you proclaim to believe on Sunday mornings?  Can people see Christ in your daily life?  Are you worshipping God with your whole heart - with your whole life?  Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you love the Lord with all of your heart, with all of your mind, and with all of your soul? 

The people of Judah became complacent and laxidaxical in their worship.  They took God for granted.  And if they, His chosen people who witnessed His miracles, took Him for granted, then we can do so just as easily. 

If you feel that you've just been going through the motions but you desire more of Him, simply ask. The beauty of our Lord and God is that when we truly seek Him, He is there.  Ask Him to renew your love and your devotion to Him.  Worship Him wholeheartedly!

Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy

Quote of the Day

"When people place highest value in Jesus, not possessions, they gain a life of hope. Hope without end. I can collect everything money can buy, but if I have no hope, I have nothing of value."  -Shari Braendel, "Richer or Poorer", Proverbs 31 Ministries


Money is nothing.  Christ is everything!  What about you?  What do you place of highest value?

One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." Proverbs 13:7 (NIV)



Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

2010: A Year for Healing

Back on New Year's Eve, as I was praying over the New Year and my own personal resolutions, God strongly impressed upon my heart that 2010 would be a year for healing - a year of restoration, reconciliation, and homecoming - within my personal life as well as in our church - with those who parted ways and have now returned.  I've not blogged about this epiphany before because I have been watching and waiting for God's affirmation. 

In my personal life, broken and strained relationships are being mended.  Some have been fully restored, and for those not fully restored, at least peace and forgiveness have been found.  In our church, some who were lead away from are being lead back.  Only God can move people's hearts in such a way.

And now, not only am seeing signs of healing taking place, I'm finding others in our church who have sensed God revealing this same message of healing to them.  As we were sharing this with one another, I got chills and goose bumps all over!  Wow!  I love it when God works this way!

I don't know what will happen over the course of this year. I can only pray for these relationships that are being rebuilt and restored.  All I can say is how sweet it was to hug the necks of some of these friends yesterday!  I'm thankful for the healing that is taking place. Only a miracle could have brought about some of these healed relationships in my life - thank goodness we serve a God of miracles!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

I am praying for continued healing, restoration, and reconciliation this year!  May we show mercy and forgiveness to each other as God has so generously shown us - through the Blood of His Own Son!  Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy

Why I Blog What I Blog

I blog for several different reasons.  When I first started blogging, I really had no purpose other than as an outlet of the passions in my life  - my faith, my family, my love of writing...it was a simply a medium to express myself and hopefully encourage others in their faith.  However, since I began this blog it has evolved into more than just my expressing my personal passions.  And although I still blog about personal passions and experiences, God has grown this site into something more and I'm thankful for that.

Each and every devotion that I've written come from impressions God had made upon my heart.  They are derived from what God has revealed through my own personal Bible Study, prayer, life experiences, reflections, and sometimes painful lessons from my own life.  I write to encourage others in their faith.  I write to be a help and blessing to others.  I write because I cannot keep silent about what HE has done for me.  I take no credit for what I write..I simply write to testify to His Glory! 

And while I'm at it, let me be totally transparent here - many of the topics I write about are things God has revealed about my own personal flaws and setbacks.  I'm not perfect...I am selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed, self-focused, self-reliant, and all of that other 'self' stuff.  BUT I AM FORGIVEN and through the Blood of Jesus Christ, have OVERCOME...myself.  Yes, I still struggle with sin and fall back into my carnal 'self.'  But, Christ is there ready to catch me when I fall and help me back up again. 

So, I guess what I'm saying here is...my name is Cathy.  I'm a sinner, just like you.  I'm not perfect and certainly not a saint.  But I want to tell you what my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for me.  I want to encourage you in your faith.  I blog what I blog to tell others of a perfect Savior who died and rose again, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  I blog what I blog to share my Christian experience with others, to help others in their walk in Christ, and to glorify a most wonderful God.  I blog what I blog in hopes that fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are encouraged, blessed, and strenghtened.  I blog what I blog in hopes of reaching the unsaved with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I blog what I blog because I can't keep silent about what God has done for me! 

My life is an example to many,

because you have been my strength and protection.

8 That is why I can never stop praising you;

I declare your glory all day long.

Psalm 71:7-8

Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy

We Reap What We Sow

"Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."  Galatians 6:6-8
 
We reap what we sow -good or bad -sooner or later. This applies to all areas of our lives - spiritual, financial, friendships, relationships, work, etc...  So why is it that we sometimes find ourselves on the wrong side of this promise?  Perhaps it's because of our own pride.  Perhaps the reason is because we have not wholly submitted ourselves to the Lord.  We still clutch tightly to control, asserting our will over His.  Perhaps it is because we are too weak to overcome some issue that causes us to continually stumble, yet we've not sincerely repented and sought God's help.  Perhaps it is because we simply don't want to change.  Or, perhaps we are blind to our own sins - either we choose to ignore them or we justify them to ourselves, making it okay in our minds.  Whatever the case, we do reap what we sow.
 
And when we sow good seeds, we reap good in return.  Those who sow that which is good will : 

• receive everlasting life (Galatians 6:8)
• receive a sure reward (Proverbs 11:18)
• receive rain of righteousness from the Lord (Hosea 10:12)
• bear good fruit when sown on good ground (Mark 4:20)
• gathers fruit for eternal life  (John 4:36)
• will reap bountifully  (2 Corinthians 9:6)
• reap peace because they sow in peace (James 3:18)

However, this is what Scripture has to say to those who sow what is bad.

• They sow discord.  Perversity is in their heart.  They devise evil continually.  (Psalm 6:14)
• They speak lies and sow discord among the brethren.  (Proverbs 6:19)
• They are deceptive.  (Proverbs 11:18)
• Sows strife and destroys friendships.  (Proverbs 16:28)
• Will reap sorrow.  (Proverbs 22:8)
• Will be judged as wicked and face eternal consequences.  (Luke 19:22)
• Will reap sparingly.  (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Unfortunately we often don't learn from the bad and repeat the same mistakes over and over again. We may not even recognize our own 'bad seed.'  However, we can ask God to reveal these things to us.  We can turn away from these things, ask for His forgiveness, and for His help.  We can overcome when we give our lives completely over to Jesus Christ!  We don't have to allow our bad sowing to ruin our eternal lives!  We can sow good seeds, spiritual seeds, righteous seeds - ETERNAL seeds!  We can have the VICTORY over ALL SIN through JESUS!  His help is just a prayer away.  It's our choice.  What will you choose?
 
Grace and Peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

The Matyr Syndrome

"The prophet Jeremiah gave a message to Baruch son of Neriah in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoaikim son of Josiah, after Baruch had written down everything Jeremiah had dictated to him, He said, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch.  You have said, 'I am overshelmed with trouble!  Haven't I had enough pain already?  And now the Lord has added more!  I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.'

  Baruch, this is what the Lord says, " I will destroy this nation that I build.  I will uproot what I planted.  Are you seeking great things for yourself?  Don't do it!  I will bring great disaster uon all these people, but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go.  I, the Lord have Spoken!""

Jeremiah 45:1-5

Baruch was the assistant to the prophet, Jeremiah.  Baruch has served Jeremiah for years.  Jeremiah wasn't popular.  He preached doom and gloom to the people of Jerusalem and Judah due to their disobedience to God.  God told Jeremiah what to say and do, and Jeremiah obeyed.  He didn't prophecy good things, like the other (false) prophets did.  He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people of Judah because of their disobedience and refusal to repent. And because these prophecies went against the popular prophecies of the day, he was arrested and threatened with death.  As Jeremiah's assistant, Baruch's life was on the line as well.

At the point in time of this passage, it's apparent that Baruch seems to have had his fill.  He felt that he had sacrificed so much in his life that he deserved something for all of the troubles he'd endured.  Baruch is suffering from the Matyr Syndrome.  He was more concerned about his sacrifices and what he felt he deserved more than serving God.  He felt he was entitled to something more.  But here is where God steps in and reminds Baruch of the bigger picture.  You see, Baruch took his eyes off the real prize - God - and as a result, lost his joy in serving God.

Like Baruch, we too sometimes lose our focus - focusing on our sacrifices or what we've missed out on.  When our focus shifts from God and His purposes to our own sacrifices,  we become frustrated.  We've all worked with people like this before...they work super late and long hours - not be cause they have to but because they want to - sacrificing their family for the job...feeling a sense of entitlement because of their sacrifice.  And when their reward doesn't come or they aren't recognized by others, they become resentful.  And can I be frank?  There were times, as children's pastor, when I did resent the fact I was not home with my family late on a Friday or Saturday night because I was at the church vacuuming the children's wing or wiping down dirty tables.  I felt I deserved to be home with them! But this is where the problem is...our focus shouldn't be on what we feel we lost out on or what we think we deserve, it should be on God - first and foremost!  It ain't about us, anyway!

The bottom line is this, we don't need to be a Baruch.  As we serve God, let us not focus on our own sacrifices or what we think we deserve.  Instead, we should redirect our focus on the incredible privilege of serving a most wonderful and awesome God!

Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy

God is Faithful

As I was reading through the book of Jeremiah tonight, I was struck by how unfaithful the people of Israel had been to God.  God had chosen them to be His People, a People through whom He would bless the world.  A People who were to be a living witness and testimony to His Glory.  The People through whom He would send His Beloved Son.  Yet these very ones that He had chosen - had shown favor to, had been patient with, had rescued time and again, and who had witnessed His miracles - chose to worship other gods over Him.  Yet, God remained faithful to Israel.

The Scriptures are a testimony to God's faithfulness to Israel and to mankind.  He made certain promises to Israel and God remained faithful to each and every one of those promises.  He promised Israel would be a great nation as long as they remained faithful to Him.  He promised that a descendent of David would always rule over Israel, as long as they remained faithful to Him.  But He also promised to send destruction and scatter the people of Israel the if they turned from Him.  So, when they did stray from God, God sent other nations conquer first Israel, and later Judah.  All but a remnant were carried off into captivity.  Yet, He also promised that if they turned from their wicked ways and called out to Him in true repentance, He would hear them and rescue them.  He is faithful.

God is faithful. 
His faithfulness and unfailing love
...endures forever (Psalm 117:2). 
...continues to each generation (Psalm 100:5). 
...reaches beyond the clouds (Psalm 108:4). 
...protects (Psalm 40:11). 
...rescues (Psalm 57:3).      
...watches over us (Psalm 61:7)
...makes atonement for sin (Proverbs 16:6)

God is faithful - to you and to me.  He is faithful to keep His promises.  It is up to us to determine which side of those promises we are going to fall on.  Those who rebel and reject Him will face destruction in the end.  Those who chose Christ and follow Him will receive eternal life.  He is faithful.  It's His Righteous Nature. He is faithful - always has been and always will be. 

God is faithful.  The question is, are we faithful to Him?

In His Love, Cathy

When Your Spirit is Crushed

My spirit is crushed,

and my life is nearly snuffed out.

The grave is ready to receive me.

2 I am surrounded by mockers.

I watch how bitterly they taunt me.

3 “You must defend my innocence, O God,

since no one else will stand up for me.

Job 17:1-3

These are the words Job cried out to God when he lost everything.  Job had it all - a beautiful family, wealth, fabulous home, land, flocks, servants - and he lost it all in an instant.  Job didn't understand why.  He knew he'd been faithful to God throughout his life and though others accused him of having unconfessed sin, Job proclaimed his innocence.  Needless to say, his spirit was crushed.   

Have you ever felt crushed by life?  I have.  I can vividly remember feeling so desperate and so crushed that I honestly didn't believe I would survive.  I felt like a tiny insect whose life was squashed right out of it.  The mire and the quicksand of this life had sucked me so far below the murky depths, I felt as though I had no hope.  So,  I did the only thing I could - I cried out to Jesus, hoping against all hope that He would hear me.  But I didn't just 'cry', I screamed out to Him from the depths of my soul.  Though my words inaudible due to my heartwrenching sobs, I reached out to Jesus with all that was within me - praying that He would find me and rescue me from this horrid pit of despair I found myself in. 

And you know what happened?  Amazingly, He heard me!  In an instant, I felt Him reaching for me.  I felt His overpowering presence enveloping me, grabbing my arms, raising me out of the depths of that nightmare.  His presence was so strong, it was as though I could almost see Him there with me, reaching for me, pulling me out of that pit.  My sobs of despair turning into sobs of joy with the realization of what was happening in my soul.  Then, just like that, a peace like I had never known overflowed from the very core of my being.  For as much turmoil that had been in my heart just moments before, there was even greater peace and joy.  He shored up my crushed spirit with His Holy Spirit- invicincible and victorious!

When Your spirit is crushed, there is only One who can restore.  Like Job, we can reach for Him today.  Cry out to Him!  He will hear you and He will answer.  He so wants to give you life!

In His Love, Cathy

Happy Birthday, Mama!

The year 1946 marks the first year of the Baby Boomer generation.  My Mother is one of them.  She was born on Jan 2, 1946 - the SECOND DAY of the FIRST YEAR of the Baby Boomer generation.

So, I decided that it was time to learn more about Baby Boomers.  Some interesting facts I learned about this historic generation:

• Seventy-six million American babies were born between the years  1946 to 1960.  This generation is called the Baby Boomer generation. 
• This generation grew up in a time of dramatic social change.
• The social changes created a great political divide in this generation between conservative and liberal ideas.  This great divide still has influenced modern day politics.
• As for religion:  42% of Baby Boomers dropped out of formal religion;  1/3 never strayed from the church; and 1/4 are returning to religion with a caveat - they are more liberal than those who never strayed from church, they are less loyal to church, and less regular in church attendance.  (According to Time Magazine article citing Wade Clark Roof, Sociologist at University of California at Santa Barbara, 1993).
• This generation was the first to grow up to the sounds of Rock and Roll.  Many pioneered this new musical genre.  My Mom's personal favorites were Elvis, and of course, The Beatles.  (She still has ALL of the original albums - every last one of them!)
• There are two divisions among Baby Boomers - Cohort #1 (1946 to 1955) and Cohort #2 Generation Joneses (1956 to 1964).
• My Mom is a member of Cohort #1:  She witnessed JFK's assassination on live TV, she said it was the most upsetting thing she ever saw.  She remembers the Cuban Missile Crisis, the first walk on the moon which was aired on TV, Vietnam, Civil Rights & Martin Luther King's assasination, Woodstock, Women's Rights Movement, and antiwar protests. 
• Baby Boomers have left a huge impact on history.  "An indication of the importance put on the impact of the boomer was the selection by Time magazine of the Baby Boom Generation as its 1967 "Man of the Year." As Claire Raines points out in ‘Beyond Generation X’, “never before in history had youth been so idealized as they were at this moment.” When Generation X came along it had much to live up to and to some degree has always lived in the shadow of the Boomers..."

So,


Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mother!  Mom, I love you and I am so thankful for you.  I wish everyone could know your generousity, love for others, and the sacrifices you have made through the years for your family, your students, and for others.  You have always looked out for the best interests of others before your own.  You have given so much to your family and your community.  You have spent your life investing in the lives of others, helping them to achieve what they never thought they could achieve.  You dedicated your life to teaching your children and the children of others so that they, too, could succeed in life.  You are such a strong, courageous person and I hope to be just like you when I grow up:-) 

I pray that today, on your special day, you are blessed beyond measure!  May God continue to use your giving spirit in serving Him.  Know that your family loves you so much and we are so thankful that you are our Mama! 

In His Love, Cathy

2010: A New Year, A New Set of Resolutions (Or Are They?)

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19



This morning I received my daily devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries.  In it, the author explained why she quit setting resolutions at the beginning of each New Year and instead wrote a prayer.  As I read her post, I too considered whether setting resolutions, only to fail at most of them, was simply a vain attempt to gain control over my life.  After all, God knows the real plans He has for us.  Our plans  often go awry because we don't consider His will nor can we see the future as He does.  Although writing a prayer for the New Year is a wonderful idea and well worth doing, I still think it is good to set up some prayerfully considered resolutions for 2010.  Why?  Goals give us something to work toward, and, if they are set up under the will of God, then we can make progress on areas that need improvement and even conquer them.  But again, the key is to ensure our resolutions are in line with His perfect will.  A New Year gives us opportunity for a fresh starting point, a point of reference to reflect over the past year and renew our minds and spirits.  A New Year gives us new perspectives and can help us reassess where we stand both spiritually and in our lives.

God has been dealing with me, especially the last month or so, on some areas that I believe He is calling me to focus on.  So without further delay, here are my personal resolutions for 2010.

10.  Eat right and excercise. Take better care of my health.
9.  Become less of a perfectionist (yep, repeat of last year!)
8.  Worry less. Stress less.  Rejoice in the Lord - ALWAYS!
7.  Simplify.  Simplify.  Simplify.
6.  Spend more time with friends.
5.  Be more giving and generous.  Be a better steward of all God has given.
4.  Spend more time with my husband and my children.
3.  Spend time with God daily in worship, prayer, Bible study, and meditation.
2.  May my lifesong sing to You, Lord!  (Yep, the same as last year!)  

And my #1 Resolution for 2010:
1.  More of Him and less of me! (John 3:30)

Praying for God's abundant blessings and provision for you and your loved ones in 2010!
   
In His Love, Cathy