Is that You, God?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. (1 John 4:19 MSG)

All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.  (2 Chronicles 15:15 NIV)

My husband and I met through a spiritual retreat weekend. One spring day I was invited over by him and his young son to dinner and a board game. A week or two later, another similar invite. (two dates)

It was at this point that I sat down and literally prayed for hours. After only two dates, I prayed about any future with them. "Lord, we’ve all been hurt before by failed marriages. None of us want to go down that road again. So please stop this now before it grows into something. Or, if it is Your will to have us all begin a forever journey together – please, Lord, let me know now. Before we become emotionally attached and find out we’ve stepped out of Your will for us."

All Saturday afternoon I thought about this. Prayed about this. Wanting … and not wanting. Seeking the Lord. Please, let me know how to proceed.

And the date December 30 popped into my head. I questioned it at first. December 30? Whaa …? Marriage, Lord? Are You trying to tell me? Are You responding to my plea? I looked on the calendar and December 30 that year was on a Wednesday. Who gets married on a Wednesday? So, like Mary, I treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

It wasn’t long before the big questions was asked. I don’t know if my husband was surprised that I already had a date picked out or not. But based on what I sensed was a direct word from God, we married … on a Wednesday … on December 30. I guess because He loved us first, and filled us with a love that will have no end.

Something old, something new ...

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people.” (Luke 14:12-14 MSG)

I used to knit mittens. And that’s all. Just mittens. Figured out that pattern and didn’t dare try anything different. It got boring sometimes – just knitting mittens. But one day I ventured out. I tried a sock pattern. Change was difficult – at first. But then it was so cool! I knitted socks! Then I reached out a little farther – and tried afghans. Despite the challenges and bumps in the road and mistakes made and learned from – the end result was awesome!

We all have “patterns” of living. Habits, routines … and we think we can’t move passed them. Maybe it’s an unhealthy diet. Or lack of exercise. Spending money impulsively. Thinking we don’t have time to read our bible.

But if we want things to get bigger, better, more interesting, more exciting … we need to choose to make a change. You can envision what the end results will be. You know the desires of your heart. Now you just need to take a step of faith and do something to head in that direction. Yes, you - can make something happen.

I recently had a conversation with a man who said we need more members in our church. And I asked him if he was willing to change how he spent his free time in order to build a relationship with someone, invite them into your circle of life, and then welcome them into your church family. Because all people want to feel known and seen and heard before they will feel they belong. Accepted.

If we keep things “boring”, the same, we don’t need God. If we repeatedly do the old, familiar things, we are the ones staying “in control”. And we literally do not experience God in all His profound awesomeness. It’s only in the steps of faith that we see God, feel God, sense His power and love.

What will you do today to venture out … and experience God? To be blessed and be a blessing?

It's time for a sock hop!

... in heavenly peace

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)

Keep your mind on heavenly things.

Love and praise and beauty are what is found in heaven.

No worries in heaven. That comes from earthly pressures.

Heaven came down …

Not out of reach.

You don’t have to wait until death to taste it.

Heaven came down and lived among us (John 1:14)

Complete love, perfect praise for the Father, and a beautiful soul.

A taste of heaven.

Think on these things.

Take some time today and every day to taste the sweetness of heaven by thinking of the pleasures in heaven.

Because the One Who came down from heaven bringing love and peace and hope to the world …

is … still … here.

Alive and present.

Still bringing love and peace and hope to our present situation.

It’s all yours if you but seek Him.

Turn your attention to Him.

Every day take some time to rest in Him.

Just sit and say His name over and over …

Jesus …

Wonderful Counselor

Almighty God

The everlasting Father

The Prince of  my Peace

 Has come.

Is here.

Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)

Help! I need someone

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. (Psalm 18:29)

I have been thinking about peace a lot lately. Just saw a woman have a panic attack in a restaurant yesterday. We all cry out to God to step in and do something. Give me Your peace, Lord, just give it to me. But I’m thinking God is about hand-in-hand relationships. He doesn’t always want to wave a magic wand and make things miraculously all better. He wants us to join Him and together make things better. Isn’t that how we get to know someone better, have strong ties with them and build a lasting relationship with them? God wants to be known.

What if God is telling us what we need to do to achieve greater peace and we’re choosing not to do it? If finances are causing you stress, is God telling you to prayerfully create a manageable budget and with His help stick to it? The same with relationships. Is God leading you to forgive and repair and just reconnect on a more regular basis? Is He calling You to set the example of how co-workers can get along? Can you somehow have peace about your health and your body without following God’s plan of good choices in diet and exercise? If there is stress in your life, is there prayer and forethought and planning or are you just reacting and impulsive? Thinking the consequences will be minor and can be dealt with later, only to realize too late that you made a bunch of little impulsive choices and they have snowballed into a catastrophic, overwhelming, unmanageable level. If you truly budget your calories, your money, your time … and stick with it … will that lead to less stress? Will that lead to … peace?

Slow down for a minute. Consider what is upsetting you so much. With the HELP of God, what can the two of you do together to gain the peace you seek?

The word “help” means - make it easier for (someone) to do something by offering one's services or resources. Not do it for you, or in place of you. But together.

Begin that walk in peace with God today. Think through your choices today. Make them choices, and not emotional impulses. With the help of God … you can - move towards peace; peace with God.

Where's MY mercy?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16)

I was recently doing a bible study on the Psalms and the opening verse read, “How long, O Lord, how long …?” Boy, haven’t we all been there! But upon pondering this verse, I felt like I heard God saying, “How long, dear Julie, how long … before you act in faith?” Ouch.

A friend recently told me the story of a family member in deep need and this friend had just saved up enough money to buy something more frivolous than what they needed. In the midst of his prayer for God to help them out, he immediately knew he had the funds to help – in Jesus name.

And it reminds me of the many times I hear people “cry out” to God to feed the hungry. Or provide something for the poor. And He is probably thinking, “You have plenty. You give them something.”

I was originally going to call this post “Hocus Pocus” because sometimes we want to just pray and ask for some miracle from God. “God, YOU do something.” It would be so much easier for Him - with just a word - it would be taken care of and I wouldn’t have to be bothered. I did my part. I prayed. How often, I wonder, are we really supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus? And instead think I don’t want to be bothered or my little bit won’t make a difference. How often are the skeptics and the unbelievers of this world looking for some tangible sign of God and come up empty? Because HE didn’t perform some miracle? Or it was right there and we didn’t deliver it?

God is all about relationship. He wants us to pray to Him. Creates a thousand reasons for us to pray to Him. So there will be some growing connection between God and us. That's where He teaches us about love, mercy and service. It's what He wants for all  brothers and sisters of this world. Connection. Love. So help. Give a little. Let’s pool our resources and make a difference. We can be the instrument of love and mercy in the Father’s hands. We can shed light on the Spirit of God. We can.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Hey you … bring some of His mercy to those in need.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

I FEEL GOOD! Do Do … Do Do … Do Do …Do!

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:2 MSG)

Reading God’s Word. Whether it’s a whole chapter or just a few phrases that caught my attention and I want to think about … I feel good when I choose to read God’s Word. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Praying. Whether it’s several minutes of thanking or wondering what is up with my current situation, or a quick sentence of two on behalf of a friend … I feel good when I choose to pray. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Healthy foods and activity. Whether it’s selecting a juicy orange instead of another Christmas cookie for once, or preparing a whole nutritious meal … I feel good when I choose to feed my body with things that fuel and nourish. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Reaching out to others. Whether it’s dropping a card in the mail or taking the time to listen … I feel good when I am like Jesus in helping others to feel better. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Obviously the listing could go on and on. But I want you to see that God’s will leads to inner happiness. Doing these kinds of things make you happy – makes God happy. God’s “rules” weren’t meant to hinder or limit your happiness but increase it.

Live in accordance with God’s will and desire and see if your life doesn’t take an upswing!

In your face!

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty - and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. (Psalm 145:4-5)

I friend of mine recently recommended a brisk walk for 15 minutes for healthy living. Yes, I am in Michigan and it is 24 degrees and snow is falling. But I’ve been feeling emotional and “tossed by the waves” unsettled. So despite my misgivings, I decided to do just that. Double pair of mittens, thick flannel scarf with matching helmet hat and out the door I went.

Yep. It was cold. But it was also pretty. And this early in the morning – tranquil. Snow crunching under each step I took. The fresh air cleared my head. Maybe it was the sharpness of the cold on my face, or the white wonder all around me but I felt transported. The present situation grabbed me – the cold air, the freshness of breath, the sense of beauty and wonder ... Left behind were the worrisome thoughts, the niggling should-haves, and the heavy to-do list. Gone. Forgotten. Lifted indeed.

And I am reminded of another friend who recommends reading God’s Word for 15 minutes for healthy living. Could there be a connection? Could emotional worries and entanglements be again – gone, forgotten, lifted?

I’m betting so. I think God is like that. Reaching out for us, looking out for us. Grabbing hold – if we but let Him.

Got 15 minutes?

He came to help

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. (John 3:16-18 MSG)

For some of us, our ears have become desensitized to this most powerful message of John 3:16. For God so loved the world, blah, blah, blah … yeah. We know. But …

He gave His Son. I remember when my one and only son went on his first tour of Iraq. I reflected on “giving up” a son. I thought about Abraham preparing to sacrifice his only son. Striving against all that was in him - to obey God no matter what. To trust God and His love no matter what. Because God wanted a testimony to His character.

Anyone can have a whole and lasting life. For those of you who knew me years ago, you may have wondered how wild I would go before surrendering and believe in Him. But God is relentless. I had siblings who I didn’t think, didn’t know, if they would come to believe. It was not until later in life that the knowledge came to me – they all know and believe in the risen Lord. Never lose hope on anyone. The Lord is in active pursuit.

He came to help. How many of us, how many times have we seen God as an angry, punishing God? Standing at the ready with a ruler in His hand, ready to smack our knuckles. When it is with tears He watches us make poor choices and suffer consequences. With great tenderness He reaches down to guide us down the right path. How He longs for us to understand His full - encompassing mercy. All your sins have been paid for – 2,000 years ago. This one-of-a-kind Son came. He came. Believe in this good news!

Door Number Two

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered Himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people He can be proud of, energetic in goodness. (Titus 2:11-14 MSG)

I must admit. It feels good when I am able to make healthy food choices. Not only does it nourish my physical body and gives me health, strength, energy and interest in life (whereas eating junk food slows me down, makes me sluggish and lazy), but it does my very soul good. I am proud of myself for the good choice I made. I t makes me smile all over to think I faced temptation and with God’s help – resisted. Conquered. I win!

I get the same delicious feeling when I extend a random act of kindness. Or any kindness really. When I am able to lift someone’s spirits, or lend a helping hand … they feel better … I feel better. It’s a win / win!

And especially now that it is Christmas time, when we’re out shopping for that perfect “surprise” gift, and cooking up family favorite recipes … all more, good giving! The happy feeling spreads. With all these good juices flowing, why would you choose to be dark and dreary? Why would you choose to be selfish and hurtful?

We’ve all heard it said time and time again. Life is all about choices. We are not bonded, bound slaves to unhappy, disgruntled, “ugly” living. No! Jesus has come and has freed us so that now, there is a better option for us to pursue. AND He will help us along the way. His gift to us. Let’s all do likewise … live a life of "giveness".

So much more

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries. (1 Corinthians15:20 MSG)

As I make all the preparations for celebrating Christ’s first coming, I am also drawn to these messages, these promises, of His second coming. What a glorious thought! And more than just a thought – truth!

But in between our dawning of accepting the true meaning of Christmas and the promise of a second coming - both amazing, marvelous gifts from the very heart of Father God – is a lifetime of walking with our LIVING Lord. Christ is the first to be raised up from the dead, which means there will be more. Christ is alive once again! Sure, kind of hard to get your head around, until you: watch the morning sun break light through the tops of the fir trees or have a baby reach up to touch your face or sigh in relief as you sense His presence in the silence at day’s end. In words of encouragement delivered at just the right time. Or funds that find their way to you to cover an unexpected cost. Humor and cards and hugs. Your bible and your coffee and … oh, so much more! He is alive. And if you seek Him, you will find Him. He is alive and present in your life today and every day from here on out. And as believers, you too will be raised up, forever He will be at your side. Forever! You have Him now. You will have Him then. He is risen indeed! All the more reason to celebrate! Our Savior, our Brother, our Friend for all eternity has come into the world!

Love you Jesus …

What's in a name?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

The mere sound of His Name will signal hope …

I sure like the sound of that – this Message version of Matthew 12:21. For soooo long, the people of a thousand generations ago, watched and waited and hoped – that the son they birth would be the long awaited Messiah. Prophets kept bringing news and more news of that promise. God’s promise. We see it in Isaiah when the world for these people seemed to be falling apart; he told them of the coming “Immanuel” – God is with us.

… the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us). (Isaiah 7:14 MESSAGE)

And that name, Immanuel, spread like wild fire. They all gossiped about the virgin bearing a son. And the message, “God with us” also spread. The mere sound of His name signaled hope.

We, too, are in a season of waiting. But not only for Christmas – Christ’s birth. But we also watch and wait for His second coming. Christ has come. We who believe know this for sure. Christ will come again. May we hold on with certain hope. Celebrate this Jesus – Who was, and is, and is to come!

God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 MESSAGE)

This first shipment of The Beauty in my Journey is on its way in! Whether its for personal journaling of thoughts or a place to keep all those really cool sayings when you're ready to write someone a thoughtful note, this little book will come in handy! And a few simple drawings to color in while you're thinking and dreaming and  ... relaxing. Surely there is someone on your Christmas list that could make good use of this sweet gift. Who? Maybe one for you too!Find ordering information under the BOOKS tab to the right.

FIRE !

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us … (Daniel 3:16-17)

Camping season is over for many of us. We have traded the comradery around the bonfire for the simple peace of one in the fireplace. Fire … flickers of flames … what a beautiful and mesmerizing sight!

But there are other kinds of “fires”. Traumas in life. An extreme, painful event invades our steady, comfortable days. Alters everything. And it seems to be unending. Every day you are having to get up and deal and process … You can’t remember the “before”; can’t see the “after”. You are in the midst of: death of a loved one, divorce, devastating health news … and it feels like you are in a FIRE!

But the God Who stood the pain and strain of fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego has not changed. However fierce your “fire”. God stands with you.

“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25)

 God will save you. As horrible as it is, believe as these three did: “the God we serve is able … and He will …”

Their Deliverer is your Deliverer.

He has not changed.

He has not stopped.

Seek to know His presence.

Seek to believe there is rescue for you too.

(if you know someone currently suffering "fire", please feel free to share this post)

www.intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

The Beauty in my Journey

Coming soon!

Reserve your copy(ies) NOW!

Part journal. Part coloring book. (yes, my own doodle drawings!) Keeper of everything that uplifts and encourages you.

YOUR own collection of personal, uplifting messages:
. write in your favorite words from songs you love
. inspirational passages from books
. powerful scriptural verses
. encouraging sayings from wherever they may be found
. plus your own positive thoughts along life's way
. AND space for a little coloring, a little doodling, a little creative down time 

A compilation of all YOUR favorites, in YOUR BOOK. To lift up and inspire in your own personal way. Or a quick and easy reference for when you want to uplift the spirit of another.

Just in time for Christmas too! The perfect gift for young and old. Email me today to reserve copies from the first shipment. Special holiday pricing of only $7.00 to the first 75 books sold. (shipping costs will be added if we can't find a way to meet up for coffee!)  For anyone on a journey, this is a must!

juliecrane.57@att.net

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Yes

Making peace

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. (Hebrew 12:13-15 MSG)

I’ve never had a panic attack. But I have on a regular basis experienced upsetness. Frown wrinkles on my brow, grinding teeth, churning stomach, heaviness in my chest – whether from fear of the unknown or anger over something I feel strongly about. And I have grown tired of it all.

 Much of this stress has come about because I have way too many things on my “do or die” list. Upon reflection, many of these are just not that earth shattering, but simply personal preferences in my pursuit of an ideal world.

 I've asked myself, what two or three things are truly: immoveable, absolute priorities that I simply can not let slide? And then I look back at all the things that have happened during the day that don’t fall under my absolutes but again, in pursuit of some ideal. How often and how much time wasted on being upset and angry over truly minor things?

My litmus test, my absolute priorities for life are:

1.      Daily time with / awareness of our good triune God

2.      That others would also pursue number one

3.      That others would feel loved, cared about

So, for a simple example – when there’s no milk in the morning for my green smoothie and I’m trying soooo hard to stick to my diet, is it really worthy of a meltdown and some harsh, snide comments? Or can I just remember that God is still good. That starting my day (and anyone in hearing range) upset and angry – does that fall under my litmus test for life? – that God is good, you are loved, taste and see that God is good too. Another example could be when your adult kids make a choice you don't agree with. Will my temper tantrum change their minds? Ponder your own recent upset responses. How many things do you have on your trigger list? Is it time to discard some?

What you say and do most definitely has an effect on the world around you. You want peace? Let it begin … with you and with me.

 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NIV)

 Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives. (TLB)

Do you see what I see?

Once again I’ll go over what God has done,
    lay out on the table the ancient wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,
    and give a long, loving look at your acts. (Psalm 77:11-12 MSG)

I used to be an administrative assistant for a commercial real estate company. Back then, we didn’t have computers just yet so I had to type these long 16-page leases on a regular typewriter. What a lot of work! Inevitably, the agent would find a typo. And my response would be, “But look at all the letters I got right!” We had a good laugh over that. Just a different way of seeing things, right?

Sometimes I forget to look at things more lightheartedly, with a sense of humor about daily life. I’m so hard on myself, looking at what’s left on my to-do list instead of all I got crossed off.

Or look at what one little thing I did imperfectly instead of all the other loving acts of kindness I did throughout the day.

And I admit I use that same pair of glasses when I’m looking at (sorry) family and friends sometimes.

Regretfully, most of all, upon reading this scripture verse this morning, I realize I forget all the Lord has done for me because I am so focused on one certain prayer that I don’t see as answered yet. When so much other goodness is happening all around me by the hand and heart of God.

For my sake and yours, I need to remember everything that happens “right”. Life is beautiful despite some slip-ups, errors, mistakes. Overall, I am a good person and so … are … YOU. And God always knows what He’s doing and its always the best for us.

Growing impatient with yourself? List five good things about your character.

With others? List five things about that person that you like.

And … God? List five recent blessings.

Now what do you see?

The Love of Gifting

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Part of the fun when going on vacation is thinking of loved ones back home and picking out trinket souvenirs for - the kids, the cat sitter, that special friend. What joy to bring a small token of love to them. It says, “I think of you often.”

And recently I spent the day with someone recovering from surgery, and brought all the fixin’s to make a pot full of yummy soup. What a blessing to give in this way. It says, “I love you.”

A care package to a college student or a soldier – all the goodies you can dream up all boxed up. “I care about you.”

A housewarming gift to those first-time home buyers too.

And let’s not forget the season of giving that is right around the corner – oh, how I love looking for that perfect gift for the people on my list (and can’t wait to deliver each gift and see the joy in the receiving!)

I think about all these special times of giving – the delight and joy I experience. And I wonder … Do I experience the same when I bring my tithe and offering to the Lord’s sanctuary on Sunday morning? Is there any awe in receiving so much from God and the ability to give a portion for His purpose? Or does it feel like I’m paying a bill?

I remember years ago when I first started sponsoring a child in Uganda. Every month I had to make a conscience effort to write the check (its automatic withdrawal now days) and I consciously paused to think about this child, this human being with thoughts and hopes and dreams, and realize I was truly helping improve his quality of life. And if I didn’t give, the quality would somehow diminish. It was a joy to give and know I was making a difference.

Bring your gift of tithes and offerings to the Lord with pure joy. Yes, some of it is keeping the doors of your beloved church open. That IS a blessing to many. But some of it is helping strangers near and far. Some of it IS spreading the knowledge of Christ and His love. But make no mistake, lives are being changed. 

Oh, what joy that thought brings! For both you and God alike.

How did I get way over there?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

I am directionally challenged. I can get lost at the drop of a hat. And I don’t have GPS yet either. I do print up a set of directions to get me where I need to go. Or so I think. Or so I plan. But there’s an accident or some detour or some distraction and before you know it, I’m way over there – nowhere near where I wanted to be.

I am determined to find my way back though. Convinced I can get back on track on my own. I back track my thoughts, choices and decisions. But being directionally challenged, I am blind to the obvious … and I need to stop and ask for directions or who knows how long I will waste time wandering. I stop and ask because I am determined to get back on the right road. The original plan. I won’t give up simply because I think I’ve already made too many wrong turns, or how lost I may feel – I can get help and return to the right road and be on my merry way.

This all reminds me of getting up every morning and planning to make good choices for the day ahead. Through morning prayer time, I am convinced I can stick to diet and exercise. Get work around the house done. Make progress on a difficult knitting pattern. But before noon I am thinking about the leftover cake. And I don’t feel like knitting only to have to pull it all out again. And I think “something” hurts and so I better put off exercise for another day. All these thoughts detouring and derailing the hope I had earlier for a great day. Time to stop. It’s not noon yet. I can regroup, recalculate, re-commit to the good plans I had. I can stop and ask Jesus. He has promised in His word that I will recognize His voice (John 10:4). And if I find myself veering off to the left or right again later in the day, guess what? I’m going to stop and ask Jesus for directions again.

Lost can happen … time and again. But with Jesus, we can always return and be on our merry way. Never too many wrong turns. Never too lost. Jesus is the way any time of day.

Unshakable peace

I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” - John 16:33

In this world you will have trouble …

That’s a fact, Jack!

From the minor problems you may be facing today, to the more challenging of days gone by, there doesn’t seem to be an end to difficulties and troubles. I see so many people posting on social media asking God to completely remove every uncomfortable thing. But the Bible says, “in this world you will have trouble …” He has warned us ahead of time. It will surely be this way …

Great. So I guess we can’t escape it. Troubles are here to stay. Now what?

Now is when you trust in Jesus. You throw your whole self into Him. I like those words – unshakable and assured. Take heart – now. Remind yourself of all the amazing attributes of Jesus’ character and you can’t help but feel safer whether your problems disappear or not. You have great Jesus all the time. And Jesus sees us through. Troubles will come. And because of Jesus, troubles will be endured. And you are promised in the verse above, trusting in Him will result in a deep peace. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and be rest assured that He will carry you through. He is declared victorious over all things. The Bible tells us so.

Don't let one bad apple ...

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
 Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity. (Psalm 51:7-9)


When my son was very young, he would sometimes ask me, "Mom, am I more gooder than bad?" Out of the mouths of babes ... He was probably in trouble or feeling some guilt over a poor choice. But the message is clear and rings true for all us even today.

I can be having a perfectly wonderful, blessed day - until someone cuts me off on the road, or someone makes a despairing remark. Or it could be days of healthy eating and today a poor snack choice and I think I ruined my diet. Let one thing, great or small, happen - and I somehow allow it to define my whole day.

I have, in fact, started tracking / logging / writing down not only what is going right to me (being blessed) but what I am doing right to others (being a blessing). I am trying to change my focus. At days end, the list is long and I smile. I DID make a lot of good choices. Overall, I have to say I am a good person and my life is good.

It's important, so important, to not let one or two glitches define something as ruined. Whether its a diet, a craft project, the slip of an unkind word, or trying to collaborate on a group event - take a real look at all that is going right. Focus and support and turn your energies toward that.

I pray you will see it as "more gooder than bad".

And may God bless.