Honor

 

Many of us have experienced it. A bible verse you have read a hundred times suddenly comes alive with new clarity and understanding. Or a well-known biblical concept jumps off the page of your daily devotional. It happened to me just the other day.

The writer was sharing about Old Testament burnt offerings. Done every morning and every night. Every day and every night. By the priest. And I remembered that it was for the atonement of sins. But the writer went a step further and said it was also to serve as holy worship. Worship... God-honoring. Revering. And it made me pause. Because, yes, I do pray to God. I do ask and give thanks. I sing praise songs. And I try to do things that please Him. But the idea of stopping and dropping everything - and taking a moment to just honor the Lord for Who He is - without the asking. Without even the thanking. 

So this morning I took the pause. When the house got quiet, I lit a candle. I looked into the flame. And I said,  "God, You are important to me." No asking. No pleading. No concerns. Not this time. Not in this moment. Just, "God, You are important to me. I stop and drop everything in this moment. To honor You."

HONOR - to regard with great respect

EXALT - to hold someone in very high regard; to think very highly of

REVERE - to feel deep respect or admiration for

I didn't stay long with my candle. I just tried to breathe and stick with my chosen train of thought. 

I wonder what would happen if I chose to add this one simple little God-honoring moment to my mornings. And to my late afternoons. "God, You are important to me."

I believe I want to find out...

God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

Does it matter?

 Are handwritten notes even "a thing" anymore? Isn't texting so much quicker and time-efficient? 

Research shows that a special closeness happens in receiving a letter and knowing it was handwritten by someone you love. And just like fingerprints, your personal handwriting is unique to you. Texting all looks the same, it all "sounds" the same. But with a handwritten note, you can almost hear the sender's voice as you read each word. You are holding the same card they had in their hands. And whatever was written - poor spelling, poor penmanship and all - make what you are now holding in your hand all that more memorable and worth savoring. I know this first hand. This card is from my son when he was stationed in Iraq. 2003. His sweet little lettering brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I still have it after all these years!

Handwritten notes all send a very important message besides what is actually written. Sending a personal note in this way communicates that you value this relationship, that you want to continue in this relationship. The receiver is important to you - enough so that you will take the time and effort to stop everything else and focus on creating a special message just for them. Writing and mailing a note plays a significant role in letting someone feel accepted, worthy, appreciated... and loved. You can actually make someone's day by sending a simple note. Notes can uplift, encourage and in general make someone feel seen, heard, and gain a sense of belonging. Yes, handwritten notes are powerful!

Below are photos of my birth announcement! In my mom's own handwriting. (Yes, my mom's nickname was Bill. Long story...) The note was to her mom. What a wonderful keepsake! And again, her handwriting I had seen a million times while I was away from home during my Navy days. There is just no replacement for having received her handwritten notes during that time in my life. I was able to enjoy funny cards and funny stories over and over again. 

Handwritten notes are warm and wonderful for both the sender and the recipient. They can really pack a punch! I'll bet you have some favored notes stashed away somewhere. Maybe it's time for a revisit of those saved cards and consider what you can do today to make an impact. 

Isaiah 55: 11 -

...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

How's your gardening skills?

 

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Why do seeds come with so many in the packet? I don't want or need dozens of the same plant. But planting is not a one-and-done kind of deal. You can't just bury one seed. You plant one, and another, and even more - hoping that SOME will sprout into the goodness and beauty you seek. But if nothing comes up, do you throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well, I tried." No. You automatically know it's going to need sunlight and water. Probably some kind of fertilizer too. You need to return again and again to...  caring. You might invest some time in reading up on it to know the best tips on how to nurture and grow this kind of plant. You learn that some types of plants need to be held up with a string to guide the way. Some need an even stronger framework to help carry the load. And don't forget to pray over them!

If you're not familiar with the Parable of the Sower in the bible, you can read it below at the end of the post. It teaches us much about seeds and soils, planting, and caring.

The same principles apply to living in a Christlike way. Are you nice to someone once? Do you help someone once? And if you see no immediate fruit from your effort, do you throw up your hands and say, "Oh well, I tried."?

The "goodness" you plant in someone's life needs love and attention too, just like those seeds. You may need to be a little more invested, and need to return again and again to extend this "goodness" - if you want it to prosper into something beautiful and good. You might want to read up on it to find the best tips for helping in a situation. Find out what kind of support they need. And don't forget to pray over them!

So, how are your gardening skills?

Matthew 13:1-8

New International Version

The Parable of the Sower

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

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.

Step by step - to beautiful

 

I received a gift card to my favorite yarn shop. Soon I'll be going shopping with a girlfriend. I'll be able to pick out some really beautiful, good quality yarn. I decided to make a cardigan sweater for myself. I spent days searching site after site, looking for just the right pattern. Read every detail. Considered this one, then back to that one. Re-reading and picturing the steps in my mind. Then I grabbed some yarn I already had. And started practicing the pattern. You see, some of it was a well known and familiar stitch. But I was going to go beyond the known and familiar - to trying the cable stitch. I read and re-read. Then pictured it in my mind. Then taking one step at a time, followed the directions, phrase by phrase. I practiced it. I tried again and again. I had to keep referring back to the original pattern a few times. But eventually I caught the rhythm of it. Eventually it became familiar and my knitting went along more smoothly.

Perhaps this lesson can be applied to reading the bible. First off, it is a gift. Then you get to decide. Then it's time to pursue with the same passion as looking for the perfect pattern. It's reading and re-reading and picturing things in your mind. It's the comfort found in familiar passages and then going beyond for something more. (Do you know that at one time I only knitted mittens, because I was afraid of patterns asking for more thought and concentration?) Breaking the unknown into manageable bites - referring back to the original words time and time again until this new enlightenment finds its rhythm in your soul. And now you have something greater and more beautiful than you had just staying at the level where you were most comfortable.

Will life go more smoothly with a greater knowledge / sense of God?

Will the unknown continue to hold you back, or will you dare to pursue God and practice pursuing God more - until eventually God becomes more familiar, more beautiful, more amazing ...

more.

Come to Me... (Matthew 11:28)

Return to Me... (isaiah 44:22)

Abide with Me... (John 15:4)

Gaze upon the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4)

Who's on first?

 

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I had some good intentions. I really meant to write a blog post at least once a week. Why? Because my heart screams for people to trust in God. To be reminded to believe in how big, and powerful, and loving He truly is. HOPE in Him. How His presence carries us through every kind of thing. But I didn't make that goal. Fell short. The excuse I used was that I didn't feel the Spirit move me to write about any particular thing. So I told myself the time wasn't right and that when the time was right, the words would come upon me as they have so many times before.

In truth, I haven't been reading my bible as diligently as I should. I haven't spent any consistent, habitual time learning and relearning about God and His character. Oh, I do my morning devotional reading and it is based on a scripture passage or two. And indeed, others words have been helpful in keeping me centered. But my own direct reading of His Word, my own time mulling over phrases... wondering about entire accounts of people in biblical times - focusing, looking for God's hand in every one...

I shouldn't be sitting back and waiting for the Spirit to move me into action. I should be seeking and finding with some real intention and effort. Seek first, right? And all things will be added. (Matthew 6:33) I need to get my nose in the truth. His very Word. The one real, true source of connecting with God. And as I fill myself with more of Him, as found in His Word, then I will have some foundation for sharing with others. As I deepen my relationship, my understanding of God, then I believe I will know what to do. What to write. How to love. How to live. Yes, seeking Him must come first. From that one true Source. 

Pray with me. For me and yourselves as well. That we seek first, trusting that all else will be added.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Jesus answered, "It is written' Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4)

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 68:15)

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.

For best results

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Whether it's baking or dry skin, we all know things turn out best if we read the directions, and follow them step by step.

It's winter and my skin is so dry! My usual routine of lotion is just not working. I need to do something more. So I chose a different lotion. And the directions read: apply twice daily to clean skin. See improvement in three days. Awesome! I'm in!

After my morning shower, I rubbed the lotion in (in to my clean skin, as directed). But by the time evening comes, I am tired. And apparently too tired, to wash and dry and smooth on lotion again. So guess what? I haven't experienced the promised improvement in three days like it said.

Is your spiritual self feeling dry?
Are you stuck in your usual routine?
Do you need to try something different?
Do you need to read and follow the directions?
Do you really desire improvement?

There are many ways to improve your spiritual health:
try a new daily devotional
join a bible study group
share a cup of coffee and a chat with a Christian friend
follow a read-the-bible-in-a-year guide (yes. It's okay to start on February 9, 2020 and read until  February 2021)
weekly church services
Christian radio stations

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates... (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

Are you looking for ways for things to be better? God has spelled it out for us. God has provided many opportunities for us. It's as true now as it was 2,000 years. 

For best results, read and follow the directions.

Please don't feed the...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I just got back from my six-month checkup with the oncologist. It seems like such a long time ago that I had cancer (four years). I had the surgery, the chemo, and the radiation. And for me - that was the end of it. I was done with having cancer. But still, I had to start taking this pill every day for five years. And meet with an oncologist every six months - for five years. Seriously. I'm done with cancer. I'm feeling just fine. I've moved on.

So I had a talk with her today. Because I've forgotten the WHY. Why all this extended treatment - when I'm fine. I had to be reminded that research studies show that cancer returns, quite often, within those first five years. I needed to be reminded that the cancer feeds on estrogen, and that the pill I have to take does not supply estrogen to any cancer that may be lingering or develop. Don't stick around here, cancer cells. Nothing to feed on here! Five years. Research studies show.

It made me wonder - what else am I feeding that I shouldn't be? 

Could it be negative thoughts about myself? Beating myself up when I am truly a beloved child of the living God. And I am doing some good in the world around me. I am.

Am I feeding worries and frets? Do I set out a whole plate full of "what-ifs" for my worries to feast upon? When the good Lord constantly has His eye and His hand on me...

What books am I feeding my brain, my spirit? What kind of music? TV programs. People. 

Who am I living for?
What am I feeding?

"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? (Matthew 25:37)

I don't want the risk of cancer. So I'm taking the pill. Restaurant closed, cancer!
And I don't want the risk of living without the blessings of Jesus.

Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. (John 6:57)

I want to be more mindful of what I am building up. And what needs to starve to death - for my spiritual well-being.

Food for thought!

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.

Who do you say that I am?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Now many of you are familiar with the passage where Jesus asks His disciples:

"Who do the crowds say that I am?" So they answered and said, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." - Luke 9:18-20

And it got me to wondering, "Who do people say that I am?" How do people describe me?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

They may say, "She's love her VW Bug!"
And, "She loves her cats!" and "Walking in the woods!"
True. True. True. Every one.

But am I living a richer, deeper, more meaningful, impactful - witness?
What kind of testimony, or taste in someone's mouth, am I leaving when they spend time with me? And is it a same, consistent testimony based on my heart of Spirit-filled faith or a heart of human emotional reaction...

What about me - on a daily basis?
What about you?

A woman of God? A man after God's own heart?
Warm. Helpful. Giving.

Or are the first thoughts from people describe me as -
Busy. Critical. In pursuit of accolades. Or lazy. Or...

If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:11

Who do people say that I am?
And how about you?
Live out today, every word, every deed - with the glory of God in mind.
And impact your world in the Spirit.

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?

J.A.W.S. living? or P.R.A.Y. living

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Yes! It's shark week!

Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks for this is God's perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

Lots of acronyms for praying. I would have to say my life is a continual cycle of them. Some Praising, Repenting, Asking and Yielding. (P.R.A.Y.)

I am in and out of those all day long. Sounded like a tall order at first. I picture "official" prayer as head bowed, hands folded, "prayer closet"... but we all know prayer comes in many forms and its really just turning our thoughts to God at any given moment.

A life of prayer? Or a life of...
J. A.W.S.
Judging others. Being critical.
Acting in arrogance. Thinking I know better, thinking I could do it better.
Whining. Complaining. Never satisfied. Always wanting something else.
Stepping in to fix things. A compilation of the first three put into action. Taking over. Taking control. Leaving no room for God and His Spirit to act.

I am humbled by these thoughts. And with greater awareness, certainly desire and choose that which is better and most pleasing to my God. May I continually fight for a P.R.A.Y.ing life and continually repent from slipping into a J.A.W.S. life.

Thank You, Jesus.

New day - same heart

As I reflect on a passage from today's morning devotion ...

Hear His words, Hear them carefully
for they are not His alone
they are the very words of God

...I can't help but be reminded of how I feel when I hear that Christmas song about Mary knowing that when she kisses her little baby, she's kissing the face of God.

When you read your little bible,
you're reading the word of God.

Lord, I have been remiss in my duties as Your servant. I have been remiss in loving You as beloved Father. But I desire change in my ways. O Lord, I desire to be a living testimony of You. One step at a time. Only in looking back may I realize I've humbly left a legacy of Your love. I am lovable and capable. I have Your blessed assurance. Thank You, Jesus. May I say yes to You more often, live in Your blessed assurance more often, live out my calling more often. And say, "I love You" - more often. I fully believe You know my worries and concerns. Thank You for prayer. Help me to accept change. It may be slow in coming but Lord, as best I can, the desire for living for You is there. Love and appreciation for You is there. By Your grace I'll see the sunny side. I am lovable and capable and I have Your blessed assurance. I will breathe. I will seek Your face in all circumstances. I will smile in assurance of Your loving involvement.

And I will not let the rocks "out-praise" me.

What's for dinner?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of Him Who sent Me and to finish His work." (John 4:34)

I made chili the other day. After getting it all started, I realized I didn't have any tomato sauce in the house. But I forged ahead, not wanting to stop the process. I just wanted to get it done. Throw some dinner together. A chore to be done.

So I substituted.

And let's just say that catsup is not the same as tomato sauce. It sure looks the same. I mean, how far off could it be?

I've made some great chili in the past. Usually by following a recipe though. You know, the ones found in some famous, well-known chefs book.

But I tried to make chili quick and what as easiest for me. I expected the same results. I expected the same end result as when I followed the one "in-the-know".

Needless to say, the efforts I made hastily and on my own did not produce the desired outcome.

And it got me to wondering - if I ever serve the Lord in this same hurry and "get 'er done" manner. Serving because it has to be done. Making substitutions instead of consulting the guide book. Seeing it as a chore that has to be done. Not following Anyone's instructions (recipe) but my own.

And expecting the same results.

Are we not called to be obediently active and fruitful? Listening and then obeying. His calling, His plan for our lives.

So... what's for dinner?
Maybe we should check the "recipe book".
What is It calling for, exactly?

I want you to want Me

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. - Luke 9:23

A familiar verse. Often followed by a groan. In a world where comfort and ease rank pretty high, being called to deny yourself can seem unrealistic. Why would a loving God want us do uncomfortable things … daily?

First of all, it begins with a choice. Your choice. As I have been trying to eat healthy, I have noticed that good choices make me feel good. I am so happy when I make a good choice. I feel lighter, brighter, and energized. When I make a poor choice - not only do I feel bad and disappointed in myself, but my body becomes sluggish under the weight of heavy carbs and too much sugar. I DO need to deny myself too much sugar. And yes, it feels like daily.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. - Matthew 6:24

IF you want to be ...Yes! Lord. I want to be known as a close, connected follower of You.

Then you MUST … foremost in my mind, my greatest desire, above all else is You, Lord.

DENY YOURSELVES ... give up my own notions, stop relying on my own limited knowledge and emotions.

Take up your cross DAILY … Now. Present. Not wait and start tomorrow. Not I did good enough yesterday, so …

And FOLLOW ME … I will. I will seek Your face always, Lord. You do the leading. You do the choosing. The direction. All the hows, whys, and whens. Because it's a privilege to go with You, Lord. An honor.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. -Psalm 37:5 (TLB)

Helping you, helping me

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

... let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another ... (Hebrews 10:24-25)


I had coffee with a friend yesterday. She was mentioning how she was sticking to her diet. Tell me more! Tell me more! I'm ready to try anything! Her telling of her commitment inspired me to give it another try.

Another friend was talking to me about going to the gym. I have a membership but have failed numerous times in getting over there. But her talking about going - somehow made me want to go.

Someone I know recently started a new hobby. The excitement and passion over it keeps her hands and mind busy so she isn't doing any unhealthy snacking. Maybe I should find a new hobby too?

When I had cancer last year, the thing that spurred me on the most was the fact the others survived. So I could too.

People meet regularly to talk about addictions or weight loss - their sharing of hits and misses spurs one another along.

You ask my son and he will tell you he joined the army because "Mom, if you can do it, I can do it."

Bible reading and prayer can fall under this category of topics too. That's why there are so many small groups - made up of real, regular, ordinary people - sharing in their doubts and fears and struggles to understand.

Let's not be afraid to talk about our struggles. We might just help someone else along the way. And gain some fresh insight for ourselves.

Let's get together ...

Wash Day

Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean,
    scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
    set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes,
    give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
    shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. (Psalm 51:7-8 MSG)

Yep. First thing on Monday mornings, I do the laundry. Well, first thing after my bible reading and prayer time. I try not to read just my favorite, most uplifting verses all the time. But sometimes, sometimes ... well,

this is how this morning's prayer time went:

Lord, seems like every time I read Your word I feel shame and guilt. I'm a sinner everyday and every morning I am reminded of that. Hard to regroup from the pile of sin I see in my nature and remembering Your gift of Jesus. Your cleansing power. I sense what a "wretched man" I am and forget the "but thanks be to God" part of that verse (Romans 7:23-25). Maybe its to keep me humble and not think too highly of myself. Although I often think I struggle with just thinking decently of myself. I'm good enough - only because of Jesus. Only because You put Your Spirit within me. And Your Spirit is indeed in me. Sin should grieve me. But the good news is that Jesus has washed it all away. Thank You, Jesus! It's not a permanent mark in God's eyes and because of Your Spirit, Lord, there is also some good being produced through me as well. And the day will come for me when sin will be no more. I'll join all in heaven singing praises before Your throne and love will abound. Your most gracious gift is Jesus and making this all happen. And granting us Your Spirit to accompany us on the way. So let Your love wash over me again this day. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, a renew a right spirit within me. Grant me a willing spirit to sustain me (Psalm 51:10, 12).

It sure is wonderful stepping out the shower in the morning.
It sure is wonderful to have fresh, clean clothes to wear.
And it sure is wonderful to grasp the truth that Jesus has washed my sins away!

It's wash day! What a wonderful feeling!

What do I have to do to get some peace around here?

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Who wants more peace in their life?

 I have found that eating a healthy breakfast brings me peace. A good choice like that makes me smile inside and out. In a world where we can be so eager to beat ourselves up over seemingly every little thing, making a wise decision over an impulsive not so wise one can give us a sense of wellness in heart, mind and soul. That peace we are seeking. Sure, a couple donuts (or more!) can be downright tasty. But right on its heels is shame over lack of control, disappointment in self, etc. and so the downward spiral begins.  Or we try to stop it by denying that foolish choice made any real difference in our lives. Denying the impact it had.

 But the consequences of a bad choice will always show up. Niggling at you in some way. Admit it. It does. It haunts. It distracts. It shames. It continually upsets. Denial does not make something simply go away without its ill effects.

 The same turnout can be expected if you mismanage your finances, buying things beyond your real means. Or if you neglect a relationship and more and more time passes, instead of finding a way and taking the time to nurture it.

 Want peace? Pursue it.  Some translations say, “embrace peace – don’t let it get away!”, “strive for peace” and “work to maintain it”. Make it happen. Make one good choice after another. Make it a goal to do exceedingly well in this pursuit.

 Good choices. Why, even in prayer, when there is no immediate response, you can still know that you did the right thing by taking it to the Lord in prayer. In that, there is peace.

 Truly there is peace waiting for you. Peace of heart and mind with every God-honoring, God-pleasing choice.

Want more peace?

 What are you going to do to bring more peace into your day, today?