A Call to Joy

 It's another hot day and I'm trying to design Christmas cards! 

Art can be hard to do if you let it. One of the first mistakes is to try to do like everybody else. Another is to try to force yourself to do something (like draw a dog) when your heart just isn't in it right now. It seems good and right (to balance out all the cat designs!). But the harder I try, the more I struggle and the more dissatisfied I become with my artwork. I come to the conclusion that I'm not an artist at all. And that's simply not true. What I let happen was allowing predetermined demands and expectations to suck all the joy out of it.

A third is reading, studying, watching, and following all others - compiling all kinds of rules on how to do art.

Art flows from the heart. Art oozes. Art starts with a playful spirit. It splashes. Then layers. Then adds some more. It smiles. It is a joy. Forget what others are doing. Forget what you think you should be doing just because it would be good and right. And forget all those rules, rules, rules. Follow your heart.

The same could be said of our Christian walk. Yes, there are others doing really wonderful, good and right, things. But if it's not a joy for you... realize you just have a different joy-calling. Don't see their calling as better. You have a calling in your heart from God. One that is a joy to do. There are all kinds of callings. Something for everyone. You don't have to labor away, struggling and grudgingly, just because you see it as good and right. As with the artist, you might just start thinking you're not a very good Christian after all. And that's simply not true! Don't let demands and expectations suck all the joy out of your walk with the Lord.

But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? (1 Corinthians 12: 18-19)

What do you love to do?

What if money were no object?

What would you do even if you didn't get paid?

What do you do that you get lost in; lose track of time doing?

What causes you to smile to yourself?

There's the hint to your joy-calling.

Serve the Lord with gladness! Get rid of all those rules and preconceived notions. Just sit for a minute. Close your eyes and lay your palms up and open. Ask God for your joy-calling. What's the first thing that pops into your mind? Don't be too quick to dismiss it. Ponder. Seek. Ask. Let it flow. Ooze. Splash. Smile.

Living out your God-given joy-calling IS the good and right thing to do!

... so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. (John 17:13)

Don't forget to check out the offerings in my CARD SHOP! The link is below: (and then the download button)

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Entertaining

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts...", declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

This bible verse can bring some comfort when a trusting believer lacks understanding of what's going on in their life. God is huge and does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So, yes, His thoughts and ways are far greater. And we know God to be all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful too. God is certainly perfect in thought, word, and deed.

Yet, even though I've committed my life to Christ, some of my thoughts are not so Christlike. Some pretty ugly, mean thoughts seem to suddenly appear inside my head. Could it be - those kinds of thoughts are from the father of all lies, deceptions, and distraction? 

These mean, ugly thoughts are NOT mine. I agree with God in saying:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

Do not invite these kinds of thoughts to dinner. Do not let them spend the night. 

The temptation he is offering in our thoughts is not a sin. Choosing to act upon them is. I can choose not to yield. I can call out to Jesus and He has promised to supply proper words and actions. These are "Get behind me, Satan!" moments. I will say it again and again:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

So, what kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Spending time with? Know that Jesus will supply whatever you need.

Who's got the peace?

© 2021 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Needing something else or needing something more?  Keep your mind stayed on God. He alone has the peace in the midst of not enough. You chased after all the "right" this and thats - and just made yourself crazy in all the grasping and still felt insufficient. God wants to give you rest and peace. Now. Without everything being worked out perfectly first. Don't wait for some perfection before you go to God. Receive peace and rest in Him and stay there no matter what the world or your mind/self-talk says. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always (Psalm 105:4). There is peace, rest, acceptance and enough - right there. And you can get there.

Believe that God is handling your circumstances.

Believe that God is taking care of your woes. 

Distrust in God equals anxiety.

Disbelief that He really cares or that He will really act on your behalf equals fear and hopelessness.

God DOES desire to help you. God DOES have the wisdom and ability to help you. With your mind stayed on God, with determination to believe and to trust, you can have peace in the waiting and confidence in the stepping out as He leads you by the hand. Coming or going, God is with you and assurance of His power and love over you will get you through anything with a peace that passes understanding.

Believe God is handling your circumstances.

Rest in Him as He peels back the layers of the worries on your mind. Your breath becoming steady and more relaxed as you realize His work unfolding before your very eyes.

Watch. Look. Listen.

You must convince yourselves of these truths:

(Philippians 4:5-7) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(1 Peter 5:7) Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord... He will make your paths straight.

(Isaiah 26:3) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

You will never have peace if you're waiting for earthly things to become perfect. The world is in constant change... changing it's mind on what good enough is. God is stable, steadfast, and unchanging. Those promises of 2,000 years ago are true and absolute for your present circumstance and all your tomorrows.

No matter what. Turn and return to the arms of Jesus. He alone has the peace you are seeking. 

 

The Power of Ten

Too many of us have gotten good at beating ourselves up because we aren't walking the perfect Christian walk. We all too often focus on where we have fallen short or missed an opportunity - disappointed in ourselves - for not mastering the Christian lifestyle after so... many... years.

How do we ever move pass this need to get it ALL right ALL the time? 

I invite you to the Power of Ten. When you struggle with remembering how God's grace covers it all, maybe it's time to embrace the good you often overlook. Ten things. And anything more would be called outstanding.

1. Ate a healthy breakfast
2. Brushed all the loose hair off of the cats
3. Took a few moments for thoughts and prayers
4. Mailed a get well card
5. Took a short walk just to breathe and enjoy the spring weather
6. Knitted on a baby blanket that will be donated to a pregnancy center
7. Bought an extra box of cereal for the food pantry
8. Belly laughed over a funny movie with a friend
9. Prayed as I heard an ambulance go by
10. Treated someone to an ice cream cone

There's 10. And I can already feel the peace of Christ settling over me. I can picture His smiling face. I didn't need an all-perfect day to feel this. I just needed to acknowledge His loving, giving nature and presence.

Each and every day is a mixture of highs and lows. It's time to believe in Christ living in and through you. 

• Got laundry started.
• Prepped meat and vegetables for the crockpot.
• Gassed up your spouse's car.
• Brought daffodils in from the garden.
• Hid a "love you" note for someone to find.

Look. Name them. Take notice, even if no one else does. I am reminded in Matthew 6 which says - when you give to the needy, when you pray, whatever you do - the Lord sees what is done in secret. The Lord will reward you. Doing the mundane is still good works. Little things can be big blessings. Why? Because Christ lives. His power and love is alive! Open your eyes. Stop and consider - is that from Jesus? 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

See Jesus our Lord at work in your life today! Receive the peace and endearing smile of Christ.

Strength for today

 

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Lord, I surrender to You all people. Everyone is full of anxiety and concerns. I lift up every fear to You, Most High God, Almighty God, all powerful One, all loving and wise One - may our faith and trust be in You. Thank You for carrying us through every kind of ugly. You are where our peace and rest and security lie.. from Your names, Your Name above all names. Thank You for loving us, caring for us, guiding us, and calling, calling, calling out to us. Thank You for every provision. Thank You for seeing us through every yesterday.

Thank You for every morning I have ended up here in prayer - with every kind of prayer. You have a time and a way for all things, for the great as well as the seemingly insignificant. Thank You I am here in this prayer. Thank You for being here in this prayer too. Thank You I am called a beloved child of the Almighty. Thank You for loving so overwhelmingly and so completely. Thank You for having plans and purpose for me. Open my eyes to this day. Empower me heart, soul, mind and strength to carry out what You see as a good, "glad-to-have you on board" day.

My peace, rest and assurance for this day come in knowing Who You are. All that You are.

I will remember You.

I will.

Lord, I have chosen You alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I leave my destiny and its timing in Your hands. Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following You, for You have given me the best! The way You counsel and correct me makes me praise You more, for Your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. (Psalm 16:5-7 TPT)

Really finished?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
Christmas shopping got done early this year. Made a list. Checked it twice. Gifts purchased online with a few handmade. Food for dinner tucked away in the freezer. Even cookies baked. Everything is wrapped. Delivered. And its still a week until Christmas Day! Maybe I should buy one more gift for... no! Maybe I should bake up some... no! I made the list. I checked it twice. I'm done. The time has come to relax and say all is ready. There is no more to be done. It's time to rest in the peace that knowledge brings. Fuzzy slippers. Hot cocoa. Crackling fireplace.

Jesus came to save. His blood covers every sin. God made "a list" and "checked it twice". All is complete in Christ. There is no more to be done. Stop running, thinking, trying to do more for the love, acceptance and salvation found in God's heart and hands. It's time to rest in the peace He brings.

Got Jesus in your heart? Then believe in the good news: Your salvation, freedom and peace has been won by His sacrificial love. God - always fully your Supplier, Provider and Perfecter. It is complete and perfect. It is finished. Really finished. Just as He said. (John 19:30)

Christ our Savior is born.

Be at peace. His love for you is complete, full, abundant and beyond measure. Most beloved child...

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. - Galatians 4:4-5

Your rules, not Mine

Ah, yes, coloring outside the lines! Overabundant exuberance. Overzealous. Overpassionate. Over enjoyment (Yes, I'm making up words). Free and boundless. Without limit. 

This is your reminder of just how much God loves you.

HOW He loves you.

Spilling over with love. With a broad, sweeping stroke He splashed every color across the sky in the rainbow. In the rising of the sun. In the stones along the shoreline. Can you imagine Him leaping with great abandon and lavishly throwing color (and love) all over the place? With no regard to how extreme it may seem?

Over the top. Bigger love than you can get your head around. He has no rules about who, why, or when to love. But it's true. He loves you like that.

I was going to write about how we should be over-the-top in our love for others, (and we should) but I think more so, that we should just spend some time soaking up the immense love of God - for you - for me. So take a few moments. Let wave after wave of it wash over you. Just sit there and let it happen. Call it into being. Convince yourself to believe this:

God loves you.

God loves you, ___________ (your name).

God truly, with His heart, loves you.

Without limit. Without any rules. Without reason or cause. No matter what.

He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that He lets us be called His children, as we truly are. (1 John :31 CEV)

A blanket fort

What a great hide-away! Underneath. Separated from the view of the "real" world. Away from all the troubles, I can forget the burdens of life for a time. Instead, I can dream and imagine. No outside influences. Just a place full of possibilities. I can "say" anything there.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, Who is unseen. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

A blanket fort reminds me, maybe, of how a prayer closet should be. Without the distractions of the world's "noise", busyness, and demands. It's that quiet place, that real me place. Where I can let go, release - (it's okay to do that and just "be" in front of Him!). And His response (His reward to you)?

God thoughts pop into my head. Often times snippets of scripture. Reassuring things I've read about God, His character. His promises. Wrapping me up in security. And peaceful. So peaceful... such a safe place. I can be the real me. Everything seems so gentle and loving and soft. And I can ask for anything...

• I can ask for His love to touch me
• I can talk to Him about dreams and plans, troubles and worries too
• I can joyfully count my blessings
• sense His love and protection
• sense His steady and unhurried presence

In the silence, I can envision:

• God kissing all my owies away
• things to do for others to brighten their day
• just sit and absorb the goodness of God

Where is your prayer closet? Where do you find the silence and hear God? In the shower? In the car? Getting up early? Walking in the woods?

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. (Mark 1:35)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

Jesus did it and did it often. Why does it sometimes sound like such a laborious thing - this getting off by ourselves to pray? Why do we sometimes think it is a chore that needs to be squeezed into our day? Or only once a day. When connecting with this Father should feel like rescue from the world; an energizing, refreshing, and empowering time for us so we can face what in the world is coming next.

He promises rest for the weary -

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

This verse doesn't say when or where or how often. Just "Come".

You don't have to wait until the end of the day. If you're running out of steam now, then now is the time - to step away. Mentally cover yourself with a blanket, and share your thoughts with this Father of love, compassion and understanding. Soak up some love and acceptance, some peace and security from Him for yourself. Then you can continue on with the love of Jesus in your heart... and in your actions.

Time to stop praying

 

I thought that might catch your eye. I know, I know - the Bible says: to pray continually, pray without ceasing, and at all times and in all places. Right? 

But I'm talking about the litany of pleas and unending agonizing cries of things we ourselves can not change; can not handle.

At some point, it's time to just trust. To believe that God is the One and Only great, big GOD. Time to stop "wringing our hands everyday over the same things" kind of prayers. And take a deep breath in, and out, close your eyes and say, "God, You are __________." Rest in His sovereignty. Be at peace in His wisdom and power. Truly acknowledge God as King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Over everything in heaven and everything on earth. Believe with all your heart - God is present and holds the present and future - of everything - in His hands. God IS at work now and  forever. Every day is written in His book. In absolute perfect wisdom and power. There is a divine and orderly plan and purpose to all things. Great is our Lord. And greatly to be praised.

I want to stop caving in to the pressure to be frantic and panicked as if I had no hope. I have hope. I have the greatest Hope.

Set it all down...

Set. It. All. Down.

Rest in the One Who has control of it all.

Believe it.

Trust Him.

Have faith.

Remember Who God is and all that He is.

Aren't you ready for a sigh of relief? 

Ask God today for a sure and unshakeable confidence in Him. The Almighty One.

Meet me for coffee

 

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

How easily, how so easily tempting it is to bypass morning prayer time. When I think of all the concerns of the day... such distractions! - to what should be a special time, a peaceful, re-energizing time. But instead I start to stew over confession. Shame. Guilt. Judgment. Reviewing wrongs, and my lengthy prayer list for others and pleading for seemingly impossible "fixings".

Shouldn't it be like having coffee with a friend? My friend and I, we meet at some little out of the way coffee shop. A quiet place away from the hub-bub and noise. We laugh and tell stories, encouraging each other in hope and in love. Getting together - just two friends - sitting in God's sunshine with no set time limit. No rushing. Just lingering ... unhurried... We talk. We sip. We enjoy companionable silence. More talking. More sipping. We don't solve all the world's problems, but we do gain reassurances in the One Who does. We grow closer and more dear to one another. We've relished the time and eagerly make plans to meet again.

Right now I hear a pretty good rain coming down. You know the kind - used in calming recordings. A purring cat curled up by my side. And yes, a fresh mug of coffee! But no one is up yet. It's early. But what a friend I have in Jesus. Who's presence is always near. He Who loves me like a dear friend, even more so! And in this time and place there is no rushing off, but can sit peacefully among the God-sounds. Sip. Think. Share. Relish. Aware of each other's presence - this wonderful Jesus Friend... and me. Listening to the rain. Conscious of the day before us but also being reassured we will navigate it together. THIS coffee time does not need to end but just shift and change and adapt as the day unfolds. (I may just leave my mug on the counter to remind me of that.) Just as I take another sip and smile at the friend across the table at that out of the way coffee shop, so also, I take another 'sip" with my companion Jesus and smile.

May I keep my mind on the Friend Jesus and the freedom from shame, guilt and judgement He has given. Like having coffee and a chat with a dear friend, may I welcome and relish Him. And eagerly make plans to be with Him again and again.

A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17:17)

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

I don't understand...

Sitting and enjoying some quiet time. Looking at all God's creation around me. Praising Him. Opening scripture to read how He calms the storm and heals the sick. The word "immediately" is used several times when describing how Jesus responds to a need. But I'm not seeing it lately. This immediate action... why not now? 

I don't understand.

Explain! Explain Yourself! (Forgive me, God, for being so bold in these thoughts of mine. I mean no disrespect. I just wish I knew what was going on and how it will all unfold day by day. Seems like if I only knew, I could tolerate it all better.) I can't be the only one that's ever sought more knowledge; to know God's plans in more detail. And indeed, in the very beginning of time we see:

Genesis 3:4-6

You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom...

And, immediately (!) God led me to other passages in my bible. Take a look at what He said to me:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:12)

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,

or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,

or weighed the mountains on the scales

and the hills in a balance?

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,

or instruct the Lord as His counselor?

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten Him,

and who taught Him the right way?

Who was it that taught Him knowledge,

or showed Him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:28)

And no, the Lord wasn't finished with me just yet...

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (John 13:7)

So much for me questioning His immediate actions.

So much for me questioning anything.

Thanking God He doesn't grow tired or weary of me.

Thanking God His understanding of me is full or mercy and grace.

This all leaves me with a real sense of Who God is, what He's capable of, and puts my worries to rest.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-7

 

Did you get lost?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Confession. I've been wanting to write some powerful, meaningful, encouraging words. I usually wait on the Lord to fill my head with some message to share. You would guess that a blog about trusting in God would be something I would be writing daily, especially in these days and times. What can I say but I got lost in the turmoil, like so many others. That I was grasping at straws. Bits and pieces of scripture or song - to comfort me. Losing interest in praying (pleading) altogether. The current events of today are so loud and "in my face". So mind-numbing. My prayers came in fits and starts. Scraps and tatters. A phrase here. A whimper there. And I few "I still believe".  I struggled to settle (quiet) my mind long enough to hear a clear and concise message from God.

But still: I WILL NOT DOUBT. God is overseeing it all. God is still the Anchor in our lives.. God is still the Stronghold. God still  blesses us in the midst of dark days. In a world that wants us to desire (unendingly) more and more of everything we think we still need, scripture points to one thing:

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

We CAN have that - that one thing - in any and every kind of circumstance. The very presence of God. God is in our midst. We can sit at His feet anytime. We can gaze into His face anytime. We can leave every concern at the door and enter in... You can rest and breathe and be unconcerned at Jesus' feet. Jesus said to Martha and Mary, and He says to us as well:

... few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her. (Luke 10:42)

Did you get lost?

Good news!

God is here and calling you to -

Come!

It will not be taken from you.

What momma said

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I recall when I heard it first as a teenager. The too tall, gawky, frizzy (not curly) hair, never measuring up teenager. And what she said then has come back to me time and time again. Those words still ring clear and true:

"Don't wish your life away."

You see, as a teenager, an awkward teenager, I was always hoping for things to be different. Now, I realize, that many teenagers get to a stage where they want things to be different. Somehow better than what they've already got.

What was mom really saying? As I think back, I don't remember it as a Pollyanna, happy go lucky, silver lining, count your blessings kind of advice. I don't think she was saying everything is beautiful and forgot / dismiss all the bad stuff. Her nature didn't reflect an overzealous enthusiasm but more of a quiet and patient acceptance of what is. And what is doesn't have to tear you down. Tend to your spirit / attitude inside no matter what is going on outside. There is a peace beyond mere survival.

I pause now to think about this. What did I want? A body, hair, and lifestyle acceptable to others. The  same as others. On the same page as all others.

But God says:

My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Grace - divine assistance

Sufficient - meeting the need

And maybe the word "godly" should precede "need". For God is concerned more about our insides than what the world thinks of our outsides.

 

You are supplied with everything you need to lead a godly life. If you focus on that, you will realize you DO have all that is needed. If you focus on the world around you, the circumstances around you - well, yes, as a Christian, you may find yourself lacking in the demands and commands of the world. You may certainly lack the peace Jesus offers.

So, here we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic. And many of us are wishing, wishing, wishing for a different (better) life. I'm going to fall back on these thoughts about mom's character - quiet and patient acceptance. Not because I am a head-in-the-sand kind of gal, but because I know and trust in the Creator, Ruler, Handler of it all. I can rest in Him. I can. You can. We can sit in His holy presence. We don't have to wish our life away for eternal life (safekeeping, assurance, peace) with Him to begin. We have His full attention and extravagant love right now. Is that not the real desire of our hearts? All that is needed, His hand has provided, IS providing. Right? Great, great, GREAT is His faithfulness...

Wishing your life away?

Or immersing yourself in the loving presence of Jesus day and night?

Jesus gives it all - all that is needed.

Have a good day!

 

A new creation

I grew up in a small town. Stuck close to home. Didn't travel much at all - certainly not out of state. So it was quite a leap for me when I joined the Navy. Not only being far from home, leaving everything that was safe, secure and familiar, but being on my own.

I soon realized that all these new people around me didn't know me; my background, my experiences - who I was. The friends I grew up with always knew me as "too tall", kinda clumsy, awkward and shy. I basically had a clean slate with these new people. I could be anything and that's what they would know me as.

I soon met a girl also from Michigan. Oh boy! Someone from "home"! She came from an even smaller town. And she was spreading her wings. Heavy makeup, tight pants, dancing and clinging to very kind of sailor. Her "new creation" was becoming quite scandalous.

Joining the Navy, a new beginning had indeed begun. The challenges of boot camp clearly defined my old life as gone. A new way of life had begun. What I now knew changed me - there was no going back to small town Julie. I couldn't un-know the things I learned. I became stronger, more confident, and more self-controlled. The old Julie was gone, and the new Julie is here!

Can the same be said of our Christian walk? Of our joining with Jesus?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Though we may struggle from time to time, our hearts are now set on following Jesus and God's ways.

Yes. If anyone is in Christ.

From that day forward.

Your old way of thinking and doing and living is no longer as comfortable.

The new is here, now and forever. The Holy Spirit has entered in, constantly leading and guiding how we should think and do and live.

Insert your name into the verse below like I did and feel empowered:

Therefore, if _____________ is in Christ, __________ is a new creation. The old __________ is gone, and the new ___________ is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The following line is:

All this is from God. (verse 18)

Learning to do old things in a new way while I was in the Navy, and doing them afraid at first because it was so unfamiliar, made me a stronger person. Establishing new thought patterns made me a better person. Absolutely the same can be said for following Christ.

And it's all from God.

This is too much...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Yikes! Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11: 24-28)

Who among us is not feeling a litany of pains ourselves right now? Bullied in school, barren as a not so newly married, unexpected death of a loved one, divorce, car wrecks, joblessness, cancer... and now a pandemic and cruelty between those who should be brothers and sisters.

 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Yes. The burden many are facing of how to reopen the church building. How to live daily as Christians without "normal" Sunday morning worship as a guidepost, a launching pad for the week ahead.

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh... (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  (2 Corinthians 12:8)

(Jesus in Gethsemane) When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing (Matthew 26:43-44) "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39)

Have you prayed and prayed over your situation (maybe more than three times)? Jesus, please release me? 

Jesus knew and accepted. And then Paul:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sufficient defined - enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end.

Both Jesus and Paul prayed three times, and then surrendered to God's will. They moved on. They chose to walk the walk despite the difficulties.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

While it all feels like too much... you are promised by an Almighty God that you will be provided strength to power through whatever it is. He is the God of sufficiency. A God that provides. A God that meets every need. The God that will sufficiently carry you through. The same bible account God that Paul trusted in - is the God of your today and tomorrows as well.

And now: may the grace (that all sufficient grace) of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love (the abundant, unending, all sufficient to meet every need love) of God, and the fellowship (you are not left weak and all alone but have sufficient power provided to you by the indwelling fellowship) of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Wha'cha been up to lately?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

My first response is usually "nothing much". And what I probably mean is nothing profoundly exciting or interesting. Just regular day-after-day stuff that tend to fill my time. Cooking, cleaning, etc. Although when I feel the need to impress, to look like I've got some purpose and value in taking up space here on earth, I will lead with, "I'm still working on illustrating a children's book that I wrote". And that gets the desired, pleasing response.

I have to say I struggle with this concept of having to look, to be, interesting.

 I knit during the day. While I knit, people come to mind. Some I know have definite prayer concerns. Some I'm not sure why they came to mind, or what they need. But it is definitely a purposeful time laid on me by the One Who knows.

I read during the day. Yes, sometimes it is the Bible. And I do try to connect with God over some verse or phrase. Other times I am reading for enjoyment. And it helps me connect with who I am, what I like, what makes me laugh or cry. Fictional books also cause me to think of others. And reminds me of good times past.

I walk around during the day. Sometimes with music playing. Lifts my spirit. Makes me sing and dance. Sometimes I just walk in silence. And the most profound thoughts come to me in that silence. In the stillness, God-thoughts come. Thoughts about growing in faith. Thoughts about helping others. Or just how much He loves me. The Lord definitely feels present and connecting with me when all external distractions are eliminated.

Wha'cha been up to lately?
I knit. I read. I walk.

What have I been doing lately?
I pray. I connect with God. I gain insight into how to help others.

Appearances can be deceiving. While it may sound like a mundane, lazy life - in truth I have made myself available and open to the whisper of a Holy God. Kudos to all of you out there doing the Lord's work with your hands and feet. But know that I've got your back. In these silent, behind the scenes behaviors of mine, I lend support and encouragement to those who actively work tirelessly in their calling. 


Ever feel that way? Like you're not doing enough for God? Maybe you're just unaware of all that's going on inside you. Like me. God doesn't waste anything, or any of our time spent here on earth. All our up time and down time - being used by God. Listen to Him and not the voice in your own head.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

Here am I, Lord.

What I learned about God from home improvement shows

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The opening scene is always about a house that just doesn't work anymore. Some areas need a little paint. Some areas are a gut job. They all agree there are some good and bad points about this house. But something needs to change. (Kinda sounds like me. How I used to live didn't work anymore. I needed a Change.)

They start looking around and see no house is perfect. Every house has something they like and don't really like. Are they able to accept / compromise their ideal or keep looking, demanding it? (... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... Romans 3:23)

Whether they stay where they are or move, they commit to the one who can help and renovations are soon underway. A tweak here, a demolish there. Weeks pass. There are ups and downs all along the way. Major setbacks. Sometimes more than one. Will they ever make it to completion? (Sounds like my life after accepting Christ, my Helper. With all life's ups and downs and mistakes made, will I ever make it?)

As they near the end of the reno project, the home owners are kept from seeing the final stages until it is completed. The excitement (or anxiety) must be at an all-time high. In the final minutes of the show, the front door is swung open and behold! They don't even recognize the place! It is so amazingly, magazine cover beautiful! What a wonderful place! And it's ours! All ours! (Do you see where I'm going with this?)

I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to  be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)

God bless you in all your ups and downs along the way to His perfect gift of eternal life with Him in heaven. Until then, trust your Helper!

Heaven on earth

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We all have imaginings of what heaven will possibly be like. We know there are promises of no more tears, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). We can all imagine such great beauty and joy and LOVE and acceptance and ...!

Heaven will be a wonderful place!

But I could sure use some of that "heaven stuff" here and now. You too?

I think about the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:10). It says: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Another translation puts it like this: Manifest Your kingdom realm, and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven (TPT)

Isn't that what we seek? The beauty of heaven to be tasted here?

Which brings me to the scripture I read this morning which set this all in motion.
Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 AMPC)

Many other translations of this verse aren't as clear as this one is for me. They use words like "loosed" and "bound". But I think what they're all saying is bring heaven down here. Bring the beauty and the love we will see in heaven into the present. Where you are. Don't wait until you're gone from this earth to love everybody and everything that is heavenly. 

Cherish now.
Relish now.
Love as we will in heaven.

Let there be peace on earth...
Let there be love and hugs and all that stuff... on earth
And let it begin with me.

Dressed for work

My mom ironed every week. I can still clearly picture her behind the ironing board, wearing her ever-present apron, gliding the iron back and forth - back and forth - as she hummed and waltzed to Ray Price on the record player. Occasionally sprinkling with water from a modified Coke bottle.

I didn't appreciate the chores she so diligently performed at the time. But she often comes to mind when I throw on a less than perfect shirt and shorts. How much different it must have looked and felt to wear things smooth and pressed. Obviously fresh and clean. Stains gone. Wrinkles vanish. Looking brand new. Same ol' clothes, but somehow - wonderfully, good as new.

Most of us don't iron.

But I think God does. I can see God busy on a regular basis smoothing out wrinkles - at our jobs, in relationships, in our hearts. And I have to wonder if He hums and waltzes too. Taking pleasure in every little improvement He makes. Working steadily. Enjoying the process. Knowing the outcome. Sprinkling. Smoothing. Even pressing. For the desired outcome. Passing over a section more than once where needed.

Trust God in the process.
Trust He isn't angry at your "wrinkles".
Trust He is passionate about the work before Him (you).
Trust that He smiles as He sees wrinkles in your life smooth away.

And you become...
Fresh and clean.
Stains gone.
Wrinkles vanished.
Looking brand new.
Same ol' "you" but somehow - wonderfully, made brand new. In Christ.

Sprinkle me with the cleansing blood, and I shall be clean again. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7 TLB)

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (Galatians 3:27 NLT)

Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 TPT)

It is God Himself Who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. (Ephesians 2:10 TLB)

You have been clothed in Christ.
And dressed for work.

I am free!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Sounds great, doesn't it? Free! Until you have to: "Gluten-free" and "Dairy-free". And then be on the road for two weeks. Then, free for me, became such an annoying obstacle. Gone are the days of simply running in and grabbing a burger and fries somewhere. Every restaurant in the area had to have its menu googled so I can figure out in advance what's available that I can get. More often than not, breakfast was a fruit cup, lunch was a salad - hold the cheese and croutons and creamy dressings. Dinner was anything I could get plain and unseasoned. These are the things I HAVE TO DO in order to avoid feeling physically, painfully miserable for 3-4 days.

I'll bet you were thinking I was going to write about stress-free or anxiety-free. Well, I am.

Overthinking. Obsessing. Negative imaginings - all make you sick as well. Physically. Emotionally, Mentally. Draining. 

I wish there was some Way, some One...

I am choosing not to make myself sick by eating ice cream -  over the temporary comfort of having a bowl. Can we apply that to our emotional, mental health as well? Can we actually fight the urge to worry and be anxious? And choose that which is better for us.

It has taken some determined intent and practice. I am getting better and better at choosing what my body can handle when it comes to eating. Being painfully sick for days will do that. I just have to keep reminding myself that what I think I want - will make me miserable.

But I don't have to stay sad about what I'm "missing". While it's more noticeable when on the road, most days I am very capable of finding something to eat. And I am thankful. How often do we look at what seems to be missing from our lives and forget all the wonderfulness still around?

It makes me wonder. Can thoughts about the peace of Christ and all His amazing attributes be better for my body than the slice of worry and a bowl of anxiety?

Let the peace of Christ (the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him) be the controlling factor in your hearts (deciding and settling questions that arise). To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body (of believers). And be thankful (to God always). - Colossians 3:15 AMP

Who's ready to practice? Who's ready to be free?