Day 5: There are No Words

I was delayed in posting Days 5-6 because I was run over by a mac truck of lemons (figuratively speaking).

Day 5 was more like a "Strike 3."

And I can't find anything uplifting or 'spiritual' to say, and that's ok.

Day 4: We Are Not Alone

The day started off when I took the kids for dental checkups. My son will need to have 4 baby teeth pulled because his permanent teeth are coming in over the baby teeth--AND--in another year or two, he will need braces. Well, at least I have another year before braces. Ok, not too, too bad, but not great.

When I returned home, I had bad news waiting for me in the mail.

I felt like surely God had forgotten me. Why are things going from bad to worse? And then I came across this entry from Oswald Chambers' devotional, My Utmost for His Highest: The Never-forsaking God.

It doesn't matter if I lose material things, because He says, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," so I can boldly quote "God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me" (Hebrews 13:5-6, Message)

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 27. Ever since I was a kid, I'd hang on to the promise that says: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close" (v. 10, New Living Translation). Notice it lists the father first and then the mother? That's because a mother is the last one to abandon her child. But God promises that even if your mother abandons you, "I'll always be here for you." We are not alone. 

Exactly one year ago, I almost lost my mother to a severe stroke and colon cancer. Thank God, she's still here. But I know many people who are dealing with losing their parents to debilitating mental health, leaving these adult children feeling like "orphans." 

You may be reading this and dealing with a parent's illness, death, or abandonment, but you are not alone. Regardless of your situation, He's not going to abandon you. I don't have answers as to why we're going through these times, but as Psalm 27:3 says, "When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool" (Message).

By the way...

The bright spot in my day? My daughter finally learned to ride a two-wheel bike, and I was there to see it. I think I was more excited than she was.

Read and meditate: Psalm 27; John 14:17-19

Day 3: Sprinkling a Little Salt

Salt. What's the first thing that pops in your mind? Table salt? Flavor? Salt is a great flavor enhancer and helps to reduce bitterness and acidity, bringing out the flavors in the food. Sprinkle a little salt on citrus and it actually enhances the flavor.


But what about "salt on a wound"? Pain? Last week I lost my job as a result of "corporate downsizing/merger." Talk about painful, especially because I have children to care for. Getting laid off like that--it's hard not to ask why me? Or what could I have done differently? But the truth is that it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with keeping my faith in tact and "preserving the peace" with others. 


Today I came across this scripture:

Everyone's going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you'll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace (Mark 9:49-50, Message).

You see that? Everyone. Nobody's exempt from difficult situations. But it's what you do in difficult situations that determines your life. In the book Life's Challenges, Your Opportunities, John Hagee says:

Your vision determines your provision....People of faith search for the unique purposes within their problems, for it is by coming face-to-face with the problem that they can realize their opportunities and potential.

It's all about keeping our faith in Him to provide, guide, and protect that preserves us when we do go through adversity. 


As strange as this sounds, I actually feel more at peace now than when I had job security, and I'm confident that He will provide. For me, I saw this "problem" as a chance to pursue my true passion--writing--which is part of the reason I started this blog. And even when God does provide another job, I plan to continue pursuing writing, hopefully encouraging and uplifting someone else along the way.


So get out your salt shaker and sprinkle a little salt on that situation.


Read and meditate: Mark 9:49-50; Romans 14:19; Colossians 4:6; 1Peter 4:12-13
Think: How are you viewing your current situation or problems? Have you lost your peace? Your faith? Your joy? If so, when do you think it happened? 
Act: Look for a way to regain your joy and repurpose your vision.