Tag: faith

  • Here to be Changed

    Here to be Changed

    An excerpt from the book Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts. ~ Sara Frankl

    We are not put on earth merely to satisfy our desires, to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. We are here to be changed, to be made more like God in order to prepare us for a lifetime with Him. – Philip Yancey

    “Any time I got hurt when I was a little girl, I would go to my dad crying about my ailment and he would always do the same thing. He would take my pinched finger or other such hurt and say, “You know what the good thing about this is, don’t you? It’s a long way from your heart.”

    Then he’d laugh while trying to get me to laugh and think about anything else buy my hurt. Being a kid, I would always take my finder, hold it to my chest, and say, “No! See? It’s right here by my heart!” But the conversation and the laughter usually distracted me enough, making whatever had been hurting suddenly not so bad.

    I eventually understood his lesson behind the distraction, that no physical ailment could change my heart. That every hurt would pass and I would still be the same on the inside regardless of the outside.

    I’ve had many opportunities to put that saying to the test in my adult life, and I’ve realized something about Dad’s theory. Some hurts aren’t actually a long way from my heart. Some hurts reside there. But they don’t change who I am inside. They don’t change my faith. Every lesson I learned before remains the same after. Nothing is different. God is the same. Love is the same. No matter how much my heart hurts.”

    My friends, choose to nurture who you are and who God intended you to be. His child, made in His image. His beloved.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • We are the Lemonade!

    We are the Lemonade!

    Did you ever have a lemonade stand when you were little? I never did at home. We lived on an acreage, and there isn’t a lot of traffic on country blacktop roads. The traffic that did go by were farmers who didn’t believe in speed limits. So, a folding table at the end of our driveway wouldn’t have been the safest place for a kid.

    I did have cousins that lived in town, though. Every once in a while, I was lucky enough to stay with them. I got to experience the entrepreneurship of a lemonade stand. We made our fancy signs and whipped up some sugar-filled concoctions for the cars that passed by. And then we waited. And waited. And waited.

    Every once in awhile people came by with their 50 cents to buy a glass. A few times they’d hand us a dollar and told us to keep the change. We were crazy excited. We were thrilled that our hard work was paying off. People seemed to be pleased with our little venture.

    And then HE stopped by. This random man pulled his car to the side. He asked for two glasses of lemonade, drank them, and handed us a $20 bill. Then he got back in his car. Talk about being INSANE with excitement. It was a good day to be in the lemonade business.

    I’m guessing you have heard the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And, have you ever felt like you just can’t get those lemons to turn to lemonade?

    I sure have! I am typically a Pollyanna type of person. So, I do try to take the lemons and find a new way to mix them up. I keep trying until something sweet comes from them.

    I have wondered though, what if it’s more than that? What if all the lemons we’re handed in life. What if we have to take the sour things, squeeze, stir, and add bits of ourselves to in-order-to make them digestible. What if that’s just the first step?

    What if WE are the lemonade?

    I think we should examine our lives. We should consider the gifts and burdens we’re handed, and be open to the ways we can add sweetness. We can intentionally help someone else. We can continually improve ourselves. Try to do our best in any given situation. Turn our lemons into lemonade.

    I also know I couldn’t do any of those things on my own. There is no way I would have the perspective. I wouldn’t have the strength. I wouldn’t have the fortitude.

    I need to ask God for help in those everyday areas of my life. My lemons turn to lemonade because He’s given me the gifts to make that happen.

    But have you ever thought about it from God’s perspective?

    He sees all of the challenges we have in our lives. He lets us walk through them for a reason. He could easily make every obstacle we face easy. He could smooth out the rough road ahead of us and make every day simple.

    But, He’s watching us as we work through the sour patches. He is watching us take the lemons in our lives and squeeze all the juice from them. We add in the sweetness of our faith, trust, and acceptance. Then, we press onward.

    I believe while we are going through the rough patches with as much grace as we can muster, He is smiling. He is seeing the big picture.

    Smiling because He knows we will sometimes break even with our 50 cents. Sometimes exceed our own expectations with a dollar tip. And, have those magical times when we are graced with a windfall of $20 just because we persevered.

    He is smiling, and pleased with the sweet concoction He’s created in each and every one of us.

    Maybe we don’t just take our lemons and make lemonade.

    Maybe to Him we are the lemonade.

    Just a thought.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • When Seasons Change

    When Seasons Change

    As Christians, we know that life is full of seasons. There are times of growth and times of rest. We also experience times of abundance and times of scarcity.

    Seasons of change also happen in all stages of life. We grow up under the wings of our parents. We graduate and begin our own independent life journey. Our journey will take each of us in different directions as we answer God’s call for our lives. No matter what directions God takes us, the one constant we will all experience is change.

    But no matter what season we’re in, God remains constant and faithful.

    I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I have been walking a season of change with my mom. This past month, we moved her to an independent living apartment. A place that provides for the whole continuum of care as individuals age.

    15 years ago, I lost my dad. Mom lost her husband. In an instant at the age of 67 she was a widow. Dad was stung by a bee, went into anaphylactic shock and died.

    14 years ago, I lost my sister. She lost her daughter. At the age of 38 years old she passed away after a long struggle with a disease that confined her to the four walls of her home.

    Each of these moments thrust her into change. None of them were changes she anticipated.

    We have choices when it comes to facing change. We can embrace the change or we can fight the change. We can ask why me or we can trust God to direct our path through the journey.

    As human beings, we prefer to control our circumstances. Often wanting to stay with what we know. We hold on to what we know like the security of a blanket. We are warm and comfortable. We know what to anticipate.

    Embracing change is the opposite. We are stepping out in faith. We are trusting God with our circumstances as he walks us through the unknown of the journey we face.

    I am so proud of my mom! Her life changes were hard and filled with tears. There was a lot of unknown about what her future was going to hold. Despite this, she chose to trust God. She faced her life uncertainty with grace and bravery.

    She chose to move forward instead of digging in her heels. She remained open and didn’t let the circumstances in her life change the core of who she is. A woman of faith, strength, love, confidence, and optimism.

    My mom has been a witness of God’s goodness to all those she meets. She has met new lifelong friends. She has experienced the love and support of community. This happened as she opened her heart to others.

    My mom has been a true role model for me. A role model of how to embrace change in life. She embraces life’s adventure and goodness. She does this with trust and faith in the one who never lets us fall.

    So, how do we know when a new season is approaching? Here are some signs to look out for:

    • Doors Opening and Closing: When new opportunities arise, and old ones come to a close, it may be a sign that God is directing you down a new path.
    • Desires and Dreams Changing: When your heart’s desires start to shift, and you begin dreaming about new goals and directions, pay attention! This could be God realigning your hopes and dreams to match the new season He has for you.
    • Divine Encounters and Revelations: Strategic people, conversations, resources, and ideas that come across your path can be a sign of a new season.
    • Life Happens: Sometimes things just happen. Accidents happen. Health changes.

    Embracing the Change

    When we recognize that a new season is approaching, it’s essential to embrace the change. Here are some ways to do that:

    • Let Go of Control: Recognize that you can’t control everything, and trust that God is in control.
    • Focus on Growth: View the new season as an opportunity for growth, and ask yourself how you can become a wiser, more mature, and more faithful person.
    • Pursue Community: Surround yourself with people who can support and encourage you as you navigate the new season.

    In the midst of change, it’s comforting to remember that God remains constant. As the Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

    No matter what season you’re in, remember that God is always with you, guiding and directing you. Trust in His goodness, and have faith that He will lead you through the ups and downs of life.

    Embrace the change. EnJOY the journey. You will be amazed at the new beginnings you experience with each of life’s new seasons.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Does the “End Justify the Means?”

    Does the “End Justify the Means?”

    I was thinking about those times when I would hear people say, “the end justifies the means.” Meaning that if a goal is morally important enough, any method of getting it is acceptable. I believe it was used by individuals to justify why they did what they did. Especially if they used unconventional ways to achieve their desired results.

    In Genesis 27, we read the story of Jacob and Esau. Jacob deceives his father Isaac to receive his brother Esau’s birthright blessing. Jacob uses lies and pretends to be Esau. He did this to receive the blessing. He and his mother Rebekah believed it was crucial for Jacob’s future. They also believed it was important for the lineage of their descendants. 

    An outcome that the perceived to be a good outcome lead to actions that were morally questionable. This illustrates the idea that a perceived good outcome justifies their actions.

    Have you ever been in a situation where you were sure your actions were acceptable? Was it in order to achieve a desired outcome? An outcome that was either positive for you, or for someone you care about?

    I remember when I was going through my divorce thinking several times that the end justified the means. He hurt me and our children. He left, never coming home. Telling me to do what I needed to do in spite of that.

    My family encouraged me to watch out for myself and my two children. It is, of course, the right thing to do. But, at what cost? To what extent?

    He didn’t come back to get his things. Do I throw them away? He didn’t get an attorney. Do I take advantage of that?

    Scripture reminds us that God is not just a God of ends, but also of means.

    Proverbs 11:20 says,

    “The Lord detests those with crooked hearts, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.”

    Our actions, not just our intentions, matter to God.

    The world can sometimes prioritize outcomes over ethics, integrity, or compassion. As Christians, we are called to a different standard. This standard prioritizes integrity, honesty, and compassion in all aspects of life.

    Examples of this is seen in politics, business, media, social media, and sometimes in relationships.

    Politicians often prioritize winning elections or passing legislation over ethical considerations. They sometimes use manipulative tactics or compromise values to achieve their goals.

    Companies may prioritize profits over people, engaging in exploitative practices to maximize gains.

    Sensationalism and clickbait headlines can prioritize attracting viewers or readers over factual accuracy or fairness.

    Online echo chambers and algorithms can over emphasize divisive rhetoric or misinformation, prioritizing engagement over truth or civility.

    Some individuals may manipulate or coerce others to achieve their desires. They prioritize their own interests over others’ well-being.

    When we prioritize the end over the means, we risk:

    • Compromising our values and witness
    • Failing to represent God’s character accurately
    • Damaging relationships and trust

    Let’s strive to honor God in both our goals and our methods. We should trust that his ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

    The end doesn’t justify the means of how we get to the Revelation, in our life story.

    Our lives are part of a larger story – one that unfolds according to God’s plan. Our individual stories are woven into the grand narrative of God’s redemption. Our choices and actions contribute to the plot.

    Each of our life stories are unique, with its own struggles, triumphs, and relationships. To live it well, we must seek God’s guidance to understand our role in His story. His purpose for our lives.

    Reflect on your passions, talents, and experiences to discover how God is calling you to serve. Sit with Him in the quiet and let Him lead you.

    We should be intentional in making choices that align with God’s values, such as love, forgiveness, and compassion. God told us we will face troubles and challenges. Don’t shy away from them. Instead, use them as opportunities for growth, learning and dependence on Him.

    The ultimate revelation of your life story is eternal life with God. This promise gives your story purpose and hope.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Even When I Don’t Know Why

    Even When I Don’t Know Why

    We’ve all been there. Facing a situation that leaves us scratching our heads, wondering why God allowed it to happen.

    Why did my loved one get sick? Why did I lose my job? Why did this relationship end? Why did this trial come my way?

    In those moments, it’s easy to feel lost, uncertain, and even questioning God’s goodness.

    Friend, I want to encourage you today that it’s okay to not know why. It’s okay to admit that we don’t have all the answers.

    What matters most is not understanding the why, but trusting in the Who.

    Trusting in a God who is sovereign, loving, and good. Trusting that He has a plan, even when we can’t see it. Trusting that He is working everything out for our good, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

    When We Don’t Know Why, We Can Still Know Who.

    In Psalm 23, David writes, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”

    David didn’t know what lay ahead, but he knew God was with him. And that’s exactly what we need to grasp in those moments of uncertainty.

    We don’t need to know why; we need to know Who is with us. We need to focus on the character of God, not the circumstances of our lives. We need to remember that He is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Savior.

    “Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. There will be times in life when we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are. We may face challenges, struggles, or uncertainties that leave us questioning God’s plan. Or, even God Himself.

    Even when we don’t know why, we can know Who is with us. We can trust in His goodness, His love, and His sovereignty. We can rest assured. He is working all things together for our good. This is true even when we can’t see the bigger picture.

    In those moments of uncertainty, let’s lean into faith. Let’s choose to trust, even when we don’t understand. Let’s remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His thoughts are beyond our own. Let’s fix our eyes on Him, rather than our circumstances.

    We may not understand the reasons, but we can still know that God is good. We can be certain that He is faithful. He is always with us. We can still choose to praise, to pray, and to trust.

    In the midst of uncertainty, we will find that our faith grows stronger. Our hope is renewed. Our heart is more deeply rooted in the love of Christ.

    We all want life to be fair. We want goodness to prevail and hard work to mean that life will be easier and … that green grass on the other side of the fence that belongs to the people who don’t appreciate it? We’d like that to be transplanted on our lawn because we are spending all day feeding and watering the sparse looking grass on our side of the fence.

    But all of that is “me” thinking… and it’s not about me.

    The plain and simple truth is that we are tiny blips on a very big screen. This is clear if we take big lessons in life and strip them down to the bare essentials. Only God has the capacity to see all of it.

    He saw all that came before us. He sees all that will come after us. Only He can know the role that each of us can play that will best serve Him and each other.

    Life may not be ideal by our standards. But, it’s not about me. It’s about what He can do with my life.

    Through trials in my life, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned a lot about my faith. I have also gained perspective from the difficulties I have faced. But that doesn’t mean I was given each of those difficulties to teach me something.

    God knew what I would go through in life. He helped nurture me. I want to use my experiences to positively impact others.

    I would like to be exempt from hardship. However, if it serves a purpose for another person, I accept it. It may help them see their life or relationship with God in a new light. Because of that, I wouldn’t ask for it to be taken from me.

    Because it’s not about me. Nothing about my life is about me… it’s about who He needs me to be.

    And how can I complain about that?

    Oh, complaining can come so easily for all of us. Your small house. Your flat tire. The promotion that should have been yours. The grass grows so fast you don’t have the time to mow it…

    But, what if God blessed you with that small house so you are next to a neighbor who needs your help when her husband dies? Or, your tire went flat so it didn’t happen when your teenage son was driving? Maybe the promotion would have been a dead end for you and next year a better opportunity will be waiting. And that lawn? Maybe it’s the only exercise you do each week and is saving you from a heart attack.

    The point is, you don’t know. I don’t know. But it’s not about me.

    So, as far as I’m concerned, even those things that make me want to pull my hair out and scream “Why me?!?” are blessings in disguise.

    Blessings for me, or for someone else, or for a reason I can’t even imagine.

    But it doesn’t really matter. Because it’s not about me.

    So, I’m sticking with trusting the Who, instead of seeking the why.

    With love and joy,

    Laura