"Simple Miracles"

I have a good friend who works as a cashier in a store. One day she was calmly ringing up a large order for a particular family when a lady behind them in line became impatient. She began complaining, and decided to tell my friend to hurry up. My friend calmly replied that she was going as quickly as she could, but the lady would not let up. She kept saying how she could do what my friend was doing much faster, and although my friend was herself becoming irritated by this rude woman, she kept her cool and dealt with the lady with every courtesy.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

I saw a little girl in the store the other day. She was sitting quietly in the seat of the shopping cart while her family shopped around her. But she had this sad look on her face, and as I pushed my own cart by the family, I naturally smiled at her. At first she wasn't sure what to make of me, a stranger and all, but then she decided to smile back. It was just a quick one, but there it was. I saw her two more times after that, and each time the smile came quicker and quicker.

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. Job 29:24

The lady in the store was in a hurry; she, like so many of us can be, was only centered on her time. As a result, she became angry, placing unnecessary blame on the most likely target. But does anger get us anywhere? Not really. Most of the time it seems to just make matters worse. My friend could have also lost her cool and retaliated, which would have in turn caused everyone else in line to become angry, with two women fighting and the line not moving at all.

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:13

We always associate Christmas as a time to be happy, or jolly. But contrary to what we might think, many people have little reason to feel such emotions during this time of year. Many do not have families to visit, or money to buy gifts. Many do not have a home to live in, or must simply focus on trying to survive alone on the cold wintry nights. So it is very important that we remember those who are homeless, those recently affected by the terrible flooding across the nation, those who lost someone dear to them, etc. These scenarios and others like them, paint a depressing picture—and it certainly makes those of us blessed enough to have such things look pretty good. We should be thankful for that, but also humble enough to know we might not have those things at any time. We should feel humble enough to not forget everyone else in only focusing on ourselves; we should instead be humbly helping our neighbors and friends, and sharing the love that God has given us.

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'". Matthew 22:37-39

But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 9:18

So I would encourage all of us this holiday season to keep our attitudes in check. Try not to get caught up in the fancy-follies of the festival. Remember those who are less fortunate than you, and do your best to brighten their day rather than your own. 'Things' do not make you better off than someone else or make you happy. A person can have everything and still be miserable, just as someone with nothing could be the happiest in the world.

In any case, you never realize what an impact a simple smile or a little hello to someone can have. A kind word or even a hug might have calmed down the lady in the store. A smile obviously brightened the day of the little girl in the shopping cart. These may be simple miracles, but in the face of adversity, these simple miracles are what keep us going, or what gets us back on our feet. Feeling the love from someone helps us to remember there is light amidst all the darkness.

We can't wave our hands over the devastation of the flood victims and make everything the way it was again. We can't bring back someone's lost loved one. But we can show them how much we care; even if it is as simple as a hug. As Jesus was born as a child for the lowest of men to the highest of kings, so is everything we do important as everything else. No matter a person's situation, attitude can often make or break it. Jesus was born to remind us of those simple miracles we take for granted everyday; those same miracles that could change someone's life forever. And who knows? What love you share with someone else just might change your own life.

John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." Luke 3:11

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15: 16-17

I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20: 23-24

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12

Jesus was born to give us hope; we were created to share that hope with others.*

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Realizing the amazing-ness of the simple miracles,

Whitney

"Reaching For the Unreachable"

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

One thing I have reflected upon lately, is the art of striving. Now, we all know that perfection will never be acquired by that of a human being. Only God is perfect. So why then would we work hard to become a better person? Why would we work to reach perfection, even when we know we will never reach it?

Let's look at a relatable example in an attempt to answer such a provacative question.

My mother loves to decorate (and she's extremely good at it!). She is constantly restoring furniture, painting walls, or finding little knicknacks in order to spruce up her home. Her home mind you was fine before such additions; did her house really need that restored footstool or that new bed coverlet she put together herself? Not really (although she would argue otherwise naturally =D). But that of course, isn't the point.

My mother does these things because she loves to. She strives to make her house more presentable because she likes how it looks that way, she has loads of fun doing it, and others also enjoy the benefits of her hard labor. Will she ever get it so perfect that she could honestly stop trying to make it better? No, because her perspective and attitude, the way of the world, and the things she finds to add to her home are constantly changing. And she has chosen to grow along with them. This reflects who she is as a person.

She has a self-rewarding experience at the completion of her projects--she herself is stronger, more confident, happy, (and no doubt many other emotions). When she strives to work hard at these projects of hers, she completes them to the best of her ability. Could she do more to them? No doubt, but for now at least, she can feel content, and satisfied at such striding lengths.

We all have our types of projects. We all strive to be better at something. But why do we do them? Is there a physical reward at the end if we finish? Sometimes. Though usually it is a self-reward, (an emotion), such as feeling proud you did your best to accomplish whatever it was.

So then, what about striving to be perfect in our spiritual lives? Just like with my mother's home, things are constantly changing in our lives. We can either accept that change, and grow with it, or attempt not to. (Bear in mind there is bad change as well as good change, and change that's well, neutral. Whatever change it is though, also realize it could be changed!) =)

Consider a constantly growing tree, or a stagnant swamp...Now look at the Church of the Laodiceans who were "lukewarm"; neither cold nor hot. We all have a choice in this life, and I pray that we choose wisely.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:15-20

God encourages us to grow, for He wants us to know truth and to be holy men and women of God. In fact,

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:1-9

God also encourages us to strive because He loves us, and hopes that we love Him in return. When you are in love with someone, you pursue them with everything you have in order to win them over right? God is wooing you in a way. He loves you even when you mess up, and as we saw in the previous daily bread, He is always there for you even when the going gets tough. He is offering us so much: love, truth, hope, comfort, encouragement... How could we not strive to know more of a God full of those things we long for everyday?

Wouldn't it be better then to stand before God and admit from your heart saying, "Yes God, I messed up a lot, but I strove to do the best that I could with every aspect of my life to glorify you".

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16

Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will glorify the Son in Himself, and will glorify Him at once". John 13:31-32

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5-7

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16

So wherever you are in your life, know this. You already have a beautiful purpose, and that is to put forth your best effort at whatever you do in order to glorify our Father in Heaven. God loves you. And the more you strive with Him, the more beautiful you feel on the inside.*

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Matthew 23:38

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Striving to grow in all aspects of my life,

Whitney

"Finding Beauty in the Darkness"

Most of us have gone through at least one funeral in our lives, whether due to the passing of a family member or that of a friend. No matter how close you may have been with the deceased or the family of the deceased, funerals never seem to be an easy thing to go through. I myself have been to more than I can remember, and it seems apparent now that even experience can't seem to prepare you for loss.

Last week I attended the funeral of a good friend of mine's son. My friend, Suzanne, already has a family, but the passing of this new addition of theirs was still very difficult; especially when you hear the story.

Suzanne was hospitalized a few months after she learned of her pregnancy. A complication had unfortunately arisen with the baby. At 30 weeks, the doctors at the hospital she was taken to delivered her son, Dylan, on November 5, 2010.

He died two days later.

The beautiful thing about Suzanne was that she was my first official friend in my college career. Subsequently I met her family too, and what a beautiful family they are! I thank God for such a blessing as they.

So I was honored to be with Suzanne when she learned of her pregnancy, and to be there when she told her husband. What a special moment for her and here I was, only a recent friend, and the one she chose to be there to hear the exciting news of Dylan-to-be. Suzanne and I discussed how wonderful it would be to one day recount to her child that moment of discovery. But alas, plans we make often do not go the way we want them to…

Losses such as these don't often make sense. Why should one as innocent as he have to die, we ask. Dylan was born without a lung, and while the doctors did everything they could to save him, alas, he could not be. His life was not meant to be lived, but his legacy will never die...

Dylan was just under 2lbs. when he was born, and he was loved from the moment he was conceived. How precious life is.

It was hard to watch my friends go through such a difficult time. Even though I didn't know Dylan personally, his loss was still painfully felt by all who were there at his memorial.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, you may be wondering how a person could truly be thankful. Losing someone is never an easy thing on its own to bear, and least of all to be able to say thank you to God for. Impossible you might say, but Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

So,

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Whoa.

Dylan's short life teaches us something, indeed, of how precious and fragile life really is. I am sure we think about death from time to time, but without actually experiencing it head on, we aren't as impacted as we should be. I am not here to depress you, but rather in the hopes of opening your eyes to something beautiful amidst all this darkness. Dylan's life personally hit me as a powerful eye-opener. Here I was, a young college student, with quite a few years already under my belt, living life as I see it, with nary a care in the world. I have no idea what it means to be Dylan. I take my life for granted everyday…Dylan will never truly know what I have lived or learned. His parents will never see him grow into the man they cherished him to be.

If you are thinking of blaming God for such a tragic loss, please think again. God grieves when lives are lost. This is what makes humans so beautiful: our ability to feel. And since we are fashioned in His image, it makes sense that we should also have torrid of emotions. God loves us, and as any father would, longs to see us joyful rather than hurt or sad. Fathers wish to protect their children from all the harm of this world, but no matter how they do try, it still comes. But fathers are there every step of the way, just as God was there with Dylan, with you, and with me. God helps us up when we fall, and rejoices as we grow in all that we experience.

"Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" John 11:34-36

Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. John 13:1a

I know many things in this life of ours don't make sense. Why would Dylan have such a short life? Doesn't seem very fair does it. I can't give you an answer, although I wish that I could. All we seem to be able to do is try to work out as much as we can, and keep going even when it feels like we never could. For, after all, we have a beautiful hope, a hope that God offers us.

Come near to God and He will come near to you. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:8-10

When you are sad, God offers us comfort. So it is alright to grieve for those lost. But do not let it consume you, for look, and see beauty where it is rarely ever seen. As I mentioned earlier, Dylan's life was not meant to be lived. But his legacy can be…

So as you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner with all those lovely trimmings, give thanks for the life you have. Give thanks for every second that you are here. Give thanks that God has given you such blessed opportunities to love Him and to love others. We never know when our time will come, but we should be ready.

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

This is my prayer for my friend and her family during this time, that they can give thanks for having been with Dylan for those two beautiful days. That they also continue to give thanks that Dylan is with God right now where no pain or harm can come to him. Give thanks for the moments we get to spend with one another, for they are truly beautiful.

I hope this story of Dylan's doesn't sadden you during this upcoming holiday. I hope instead that he makes you think about things, especially about your own lives, and that you value life that much more. Dylan has already taught us to live, to love God more, to go to Him in our times of comforting needs, and to see how beauty can be found from the loss of life. This beauty is the ability to learn, and the ability to keep ever onward in our spiritual walks. So, say thank you for his story touching yours. Take his legacy and learn to give thanks in every aspect of your life. Thank God for both the ups, AND the downs. Thank God that He draws near.*

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:2-6

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you Dylan,

Whitney

"True Inspiration"

“A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back -- but they are gone. We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you.” ~Marian Wright Edelman

There is an utterly inspirational movie called "Freedom Writers", which is a true story about a young, white, female teacher who is assigned to a diverse group of freshman students. Her students, and most of those at the school, were members of various racial gangs—gangs where they often killed each other in order to protect "their own". Many of the other teachers at the school more or less gave up on these kids, knowing that most would probably not even reach their graduation before either just dropping out or being killed themselves. But not new teacher Erin Gruwell; she felt she could help them somehow. 

             This movie is a powerfully gripping story of how a group of individuals, though different looking on the outside, found they were not so different on the inside. Most had known the same situations—lost a friend (or more than one), been shot at or beaten, abandoned by their parents, or dealt with drugs, alcohol, and a whole lot more. Most of us may never be able to relate to their particular situations, but know this—we have all been broken, abused, hurt, or felt shame for things we have done, no matter how small.

As a young girl, I used to think that only certain people had testimonies—people who had been once hooked on drugs, alcohol, porn, or other "sinful" things, and which eventually come to know God as their Savior. I didn't think I had anything to share regarding things I had overcome like so many I listened to, because mine wasn't "extreme" enough. But our "sinful" things don't have to be headliners; there isn't a person who could look me in the eyes and swear they have never done anything that they are ashamed of. No one is perfect, which unfortunately means we are ALL guilty of something, however small we think it. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12

In watching "Freedom Writers", I realized something about myself. Here I was, writing Daily Breads and feeling untouched by all the "bad" things of this world, when deep down inside, I had plenty of problems of my own. What right do we have to evaluate others, when we are just as much at fault if not more so? "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7: 3-5

But what is more hypocritical is actually living the lie—you see, admitting our problems isn't enough. Though it takes a lot of effort (trust me, I know) to even admit we have them in the first place, what is even harder, is actually doing something about them. So I was living a lie, and I hated myself for it. I was lost, and I didn't even know it.

Watching what the kids in Mrs. Gruwell's class were overcoming just to be well, free, made me realize I too was fighting a war for my own freedom. And I would have to die to myself in order to be free from it. I was going to have to give my problems up to God in order to be free. I cried over that movie, not only because it was beautiful to see those kids lay down all their secrets and fears and differences, but because I identified with them on a deep and emotional level. I had a wakeup call.

I heard a speaker once who told a story about a time when he thought he might die, and the things he began to think about. For example, he thought about his wife, his kids, his family, God, faith, etc. He didn't, he said, think about the man who cut him off on his way to the hospital earlier, or the woman who shouted at him for no reason the week before. No, he was thinking about the more important things in his life; the things that really mattered to him.

Lastly he said this: "Why don't we live EVERY moment as though we could die the next second? Why do we not think constantly about the things that REALLY matter?" ~ Corey Ciocchetti

The kids in Mrs. Gruwell's class were shown love by someone they hated just because she was a different color than they. They had preconceived notions about her because they figured all who looked like her must be the same (information based on cultural stereotypes and paradigms). Instead however, they were shown they meant something and that they could BE someone. Sound familiar? Cause I know a God who does that. And keeps doing it, even though many of us hate Him just because we think He's not us. When actually, just like we are all connected, so is He in all of us. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25 But we have to let Him in first. We have to act. Not just speak, but do.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2: 14-17

We don't have to go out and make grand testimonies like Mrs. G to show we are "good Christians". By simply changing your own heart you make a difference in this world. By letting go of all you fear and giving it to God—you change a life. Because when God truly changes you, you feel it deep inside. You feel a burden lifted from your shoulders. You feel free. And the new you affects the world in ways you probably never even imagined. To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6:6-8

Most of us wouldn't know about the world the kids of the "Freedom Writers" knew. Watching that movie made me realize how much I took for granted. I have a great life. And yet I live the poorest of them all, by not letting Him in; by not living a life of Love. We never seem to know what we've lost till it's gone. And that's when God and everything we love suddenly matters to us—when it's too late. "It is at the end of a man’s life when he realizes how important his decisions were at the beginning.” ~Unknown

Maybe we should live as Kris Allen sings, "Gotta live like we're dying".

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:16-17

For me, true inspiration is what you do with that inspiration.*

Tears are falling,

Whitney

To learn more about the real Freedom Writers visit:

http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/site/c.kqIXL2PFJtH/b.5183373/k.DD8B/FWF_Home.htm

To learn more about Corey Ciocchetti, visit: http://www.coreyspeaks.com/

"From Fathers to Daddys"

As we honored our Mothers during the month of May, so we honor our Fathers during the month of June.

The bond most of us hold with our mothers is usually different than that with our fathers; but they are still equally strong. Mothers usually hold the more affectionate and emotional role in our lives, while fathers usually hold the stronger more foundational role. Nothing can replace the roles of a mother and a father, and a good strong family cannot be without them. For even though mothers and fathers hold different roles in our lives, we need what they both have to give. They balance out the family atmosphere to build healthy relationships.

Not that our parents are perfect. No family is perfect for that matter. Don't look to "Leave It To Beaver" for a good role model family, for indeed today there are probably more "broken" families (parents who have split up, abusive parents, or abusive kids, etc.) than families with both parents still together.

The bond I have with my mother is a close one. I can talk to her about just anything, and she shows more love to me than I most likely deserve. My mother and I do many things together like shopping, cooking, and many other "feminine" activities.

Even though I am a young lady, the things I do with my father are much different than those of my mother, like bonding over fishing, hunting, and even watching TV. Being a girl who has grown up out in the sticks, running around acting the tomboy is not at all out of the ordinary.

People say when they see me with my dad how I look like him. When I hear that, it makes me feel so proud inside. I feel that because I look like "daddy's little girl" this is just one more thing to make bond between father and his only daughter that much stronger.

I love my father, and even though to outsiders it may seem I have a closer relationship with my mother, I still have a close one with my father. We just show it in different ways, which makes sense, when after all, mothers are females, and fathers are males.

For someone like me, being born into the family that I have has been such a blessing. My parents were both believers who brought up my brother and I in the faith, giving us a good foundation to live upon both spiritually and morally. While my family is not at all perfect, (indeed we act just as weird as the next family), I love them better this way, for their faults make them real and relate-able, unlike Beaver Cleaver's family.

There is the saying, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy". Today, like Mother's Day, we set aside time nationally to celebrate our dads, pops, and fathers. We take them out to dinner, to the show, get them a "manly" gift, call them up, etc., showing them some sort of way of how much we love them. For most of us, our dads were not just the father who provides us food to eat. No, our fathers are the all-around dads who took the time to play catch with us as kids, work on cars with, go camping with, (in my case a few tea parties), and so on and on. Our dads took the time to get to know us, to nurture the love bond between father and child. They were no longer just a father. They became our dads.

But dads aren't perfect, just like mothers aren't either (no matter what they tell us). But there is one who is. God our Father. In the moments when it feels we have no father, or for many of us who have never known what it was like to have that father figure in our lives, we can know that we will ALWAYS have God. It might seem different because, well, God isn't here physically, to play ball with and eat s'mores with. But that is exactly why God gave us mothers AND fathers, so that we could grow and be nurtured physically. God shows His love for us through our parents. Through everything that surrounds us. Through every way we can think of, and in every other way we can't. God our Heavenly Father is that amazing and complex. And yet He simply loves us for us.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

God is for sure always there mentally and spiritually. He is there in the moments when we are kissed by our mother. He is there when we are hugged by our father. He is everywhere. He is both our mother and father.

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

We can look at our dads as reflections of God our Father. We are disciplined by our dads, and loved by them. God does the same thing, just in a different way. Dads will do anything to protect their children. They don't want to see us get hurt, but they know that no matter what they do, many times we will be. So is the same with God. If there is anything at all that I could for sure definitely say without a doubt, it would be how much God LOVES US.

But the man who loves God is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:3

Have you talked to your father today? And told him you loved him? Because even though we know they love us, and vice versa, it is nice to hear it aloud. There is such power in the words, I LOVE YOU. Father's Day may only be recognized for today, but really, it should be every day. We don't often realize how HUGE a role our parents play in our lives. So the least we can do is show them our love. For in everything they do, it too is done in love.

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:9-10

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Ephesians 6:1-2

If you are in the position where your father isn't really in your life, my only advice to you is this. If God our Heavenly Father loves us even if we hate Him, shouldn't we also love those who can't seem to love us? Even if it seems unfair to do so. For let me tell you my friends, love really can change people.

In closing, I would just like to say, thank you to all the dads out there—thank you for being everything to your children; we love you so much.

I would like to dedicate this daily bread to all the fathers, especially my own dad. Most of us could never have made it without you there for us.

To Timothy, my wonderful father and crazy dad, who took me on so many adventures to so many places, who took me hunting where we could spend quiet moments together, for your encouragement, protection, and love whenever I needed it, and even when I didn't. Your jokes always bring a quick smile and a laugh from me, and indeed life is never a dull moment with you around. I've certainly been blessed having someone as special as you as not just a father, but as my Daddy.*

And last but definitely not least, have you shown your love and appreciation to your Heavenly Father? How is your personal relationship with Him?

…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1:1-2

Honoring ALL our Fathers,

Whitney

"Who Will You Be?"

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Romans 7:15-24

Have you ever looked in the mirror and saw somebody you didn't know?

Coming across the above passage made me think about days I've had like that. Where yesterday I was somebody I didn't know. Where yesterday I did things that were not like me…

We do many things we are ashamed of. But why do we do them? It might feel thrilling when considering doing something wrong, and it often feels good while you do it. But afterwards you might feel tainted and dirty. You might feel terrible and ask yourself, why did I just do that? Even though you probably knew that it was wrong, you still did it. And over and over we keep doing them….

I know that none of us are perfect, and that no matter how "good" we try to be, we will still fall. (But don't use that as an excuse for when you do sin!) There shouldn't be any excuse for us to do the same thing over and over when we know it's wrong.

Let's branch off for a second, and look at things that are considered "wrong". Most of us know about the Ten Commandments, so we know those are important to keep. We know that there are certain things in the Bible that God detests. For example,

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Of course there are other things that are considered wrong. Humans have moral compasses, and while we don't always heed by them, we usually can tell when something we are about to do or say is wrong. If we don't feel right about it either before, during, or after at any time, then it was probably the wrong thing for us to do or say.

But don't despair, for there is always hope.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:4

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25

God loves us. No matter how many times we fall.

"How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over who constantly rejects me?" ~Caleb Holt, Fireproof

It's amazing that God doesn't ask this question of us. For when we fall, we are in a way rejecting God, even if we don't mean to be. When we fall, it could mean we aren't as tuned into God as we should be. It could mean our passion to follow him is not as strong as we'd like it to be. Now, don't get me wrong; I know that reality says otherwise. Temptations are everywhere after all... But, in the end, just remember, it is YOU who makes the final decision.

"God wants true brokenness, not just a formulized ritual of confession when we're caught in sin." Jerry White, The Joseph Road. If we truly want to live a Godly life, we have to want it; we have to mean it. It must be real, otherwise you will always see someone else staring back at you from the mirror…

Just like Caleb Holt from the movie Fireproof. In the attempt to get his marriage back on track, he used a 40 day dare called The Love Dare. But for the first half of the dare, it seemed he and his wife's future wasn't going to get any better. But the reason for that was simple. Caleb first had to have his heart in the right place. He was simply going through the motions at first, relying solely on the dare to fix his marriage. There was no substance behind his actions. No passion. But once he realized that, he became changed. And in the end we see his changed nature rubs off on his wife, and the relationship is saved.

We're not going to change overnight. Caleb and his wife sure took a lot longer than one night. So don't pray to God and then expect things to be fine and dandy from then on out. It's a tough journey when we choose to follow God. How can we live holy for him when we are constantly tempted by so many worldly things around us? It's a difficult question to be sure. All we can do is simply try our best. God loves us no matter what don't forget. We just have to remember that it won't always be wonderful. But in those moments when we fall, look to find what is beautiful. God will guide you back to your feet if you let him.

Alright, let's recap now. We know about things that are wrong. We know that we do things we don't want to do, and we don't do enough of the things we want to do. We know that God has given us hope no matter what we do—he can set us free. We know that he loves us no matter what as well. And if we want to truly love him in return for all that he has done for us, then we have to make it real. I can't tell you why we do the things we do (or don't do). But in the end, when we stand before God, what will matter is if you can say to him, "Yes Lord, I've screwed up plenty over my lifetime, but ultimately I gave it my absolute best to try to stay on track. I learned from my mistakes and grew much because of them. I love you and thank you for choosing to love and stick by me no matter how many times I didn't love you in return. While I am ashamed of many things I have done, I am proud of the realness inside of me."

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:5-18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25

Who will you be when you look in the mirror?*

Striving,

Whitney