🌀Gathering After The Storm… This may look like a simple tray of regular mini muffins, but it is more than that. Beyond the fact of debuting a freshly-baked offering of Pumpkin Maple Walnut Cream Cheese mini fall muffins, this represents a lovely gathering of hopeful (but hurting) hearts after Helene wreaked havoc on WNC. Even in all the lingering sadness surrounding each of us, we know we are better together — and so we gathered.
What a blessing to join other wonderful women who openly shared their hearts, struggles and hopes. We laughed… we cried… we hugged. We all shared the deep grief we carry with us in the aftermath of the devastation of our beloved WNC. It was a time that offered us a safe and quiet space, helping our wounded hearts and lives to begin healing — at last.
Life is inherently richer, for the people we have in it with us, those we hold dear. Surrounded by a community of deeply caring people, we are bound together by love.
We are better together!
—
What the Bible Says about Friends:
CLOSER THAN A BROTHER
“There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 [TLB]
“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 [MSG]
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 [NASB]
“The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces andcome to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 [AMP]
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” ~ Proverbs 18:24 [ESV]
🎈Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul (my newest book) is available on AMAZON and LULUcom:
🌀WHEREVER you — and we — are today, this is NOT The End of the Story!
Some days it seems like the world blowing up everywhere and fires are ablaze all around us. To some it appears “the end is near” as doomsday sign-toting promoters predicted for ages. Let’s dial that all back and pause here for a moment to reflect…
Worry costs us dearly. Life becomes less about who we are as see happiness and freedom slip just out of reach. The painful result is too much time spent overthinking and long days filled with anxiety.
Do you find yourself wanting to stop thinking “when this is over, I’ll be able to…” Allowing worry to live with us negatively impacts every moment of our lives. This also affects the lives of those around us. It’s a real Joy stealer!
Everyone experiences moments of concern and yes — worry. Gaining a new perspective can end the ‘doom and gloom’ spiral. I have a powerful solution to share that will help you stop worrying about what’s next and start living again.
I know it’s hard to believe we don’t need to be overly concerned or work harder to “fix” problems and resolve challenges. This type of thinking is counter to how most of us live life. As a huge DIY’er myself I know — I’ve been there, too! In fact, it sounds downright lazy, when you think about it.
BUT the truth is we don’t have to worry about “what’s next” or struggle to make things better. Does this sound too good to be possible? It does! Let me share some inspiring insight I discovered that helped me understand how this can happen…
😃Here are encouraging words for anyone in the midst of life challenges and crazy-chaotic times so many are experiencing…
Let’s read this and I’ll meet you on the other side of the passage below:
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 [New Living Translation]
🤷♀️HOW do we do this??? By reframing everything.
HOW we do this is by reframing everything not in the way we see/feel/think but rather with God’s perspective (through prayer and according to His Word). This allows us FREEDOM from being stuck in a place holding us captive. By letting go of where we are (or were), we are freed from a limiting mindset we placed on ourselves.
It’s easy to see things only with our own personal viewpoint. We’re sure we know everything surrounding an issue. In reality we’re armed only with part of the story. We’re not seeing the whole picture. It’s not possible.
Even so, we often feel fully confident to forge ahead making (what we believe to be) ‘informed’ decisions, taking ‘effective’ actions, basing it all on partial information. No surprise when this leads to mistakes and creating bigger messes!
The truth is we can’t know all there is to know. How humbling is the day when we discover we are much more limited than most of us want to admit!
When we are willing to let go of what holds us back from seeing things more clearly, we are able to consider issues more objectively. We can do this when fully embrace what our (yes — yours and my) heavenly Father has for us♥️He sees things differently. He sees the Big Picture. He knows what’s ahead!
When we seek Him first, He will bless us with insight and understandings we cannot gain entirely on our own.
We can rest assured He is faithful in keeping His promises. He never leaves us alone to fend for ourselves in a mess. He will hold us close, bringing us through.
You can rely on Him every time. We do this when we seek Him first, tossing our concerns to the side by embracing His guidance and wisdom. (SEE: 1 Chronicles 16:11) He’s waiting to hear from you. His solutions are always appropriate!
🤨And how do I know, you may wonder… I have emerged (maybe as you have) from heart-wrenching situations requiring effective answers …I have been presented with difficult life circumstances I could do nothing about to “fix” or personally ‘make better.’ These circumstances changed my life forever💔
As a follower of Christ, I got through them by relying on Him. In so doing, I experienced His Peace, comfort and protection shielding me throughout the ordeal and afterward.
Perhaps you have experienced this as well, and just needed to hear this encouraging reminder to help you on your way. If you have never sought His amazing wisdom and guidance through life’s hard spaces, I highly recommend!
My hope and prayer is anyone who needs to hear this message finds encouragement here for the journey ahead…
So if you’re having some hard times now, I hope you’ll consider handing it all over to The One Who is able. If you haven’t experienced this or find yourself caught up in a mess, I hope you’ll give this a try because God has an appropriate solution for any problem or situation you have♥️
🔭 Putting it all into perspective: Not diminishing even a bit of what’s going on in life right now — but: a moment in our life today is not even a blip on the timeline of human existence for all time. He has this! He loves all of us! I’m so glad He is in charge💜
When someone shows patience and extends grace, don’t automatically think they’re a pushover or weak.
Granted, that’s a rare sight these days😃Some people may not even know how to deal with someone being so kind! Just look around, and you’ll see what I mean…
Instead of thinking what a dope or weakling they are, see the strength in what they are doing — and how they’re doing it!
It takes a LOT more strength to resist arguing, being rude or talking back to others and extending UNwarranted grace to someone who, by all accounts, isn’t worthy (it seems) to receive forgiveness.
This peaceful practice and actively living life with love and grace, placing Jesus at the center, helps make the world a better place♥️ You know it does!
Look around and note how much of this you see daily and what other types of (undesirable) behaviors tend to stand out.
AMEN to this — but there is the matter of forgiveness, of course! We can’t change the fact that something painful happened. We can’t change the fact that hurtful, evil people exist.
They may claim they “don’t have time” for you (but they apparently do for everyone else including your children)… they’d rather talk behind your back about you, instead of to your face… they go out of their way to do hurtful things.
WHY? Maybe their actions are driven by their own pain, feeling jealous, unworthy, wanting to seem powerful (when they’re not) — any number of things.
We can’t change the fact that these people feel as they do and act as they do. BUT we can control how we handle troubling issues and difficult people in our lives.
In the truest sense, all relationships matter. How we handle these painful situations impacts our lives in far greater ways than playing the victim card or giving in, allowing them to control life.
Forgiving these hurtful people — even if they won’t hear you (because they won’t listen or are no longer alive) — allows us to release that pain and be done with it all!
Forgiving begins with care, and ends with “I forgive you,” all covered in prayer.
Set yourself free of the unwanted (likely unwarranted) pain by forgiving. Sounds good, doesn’t it? You can do this! How do I know? Because I already did😊 Writing to encourage you!
When we measure our sense of worthiness based on the world around us, we are led to a deep, dark place of inadequacy. Some people never escape this trap. Learn the secret of your worthiness… Find out why you are worthy — a worthiness that can never be undone – OR – outdone!
Who doesn’t want more peace and meaningful, life-enriching relationships in their life? Most often we feel loved, valued and healthy when we have strong relationships. Building healthy relationships takes time.
At some point, everyone struggles with relationships. Sometimes relationships are not supportive or caring, no matter how we try our best to nurture them. Relationships naturally involve more than just ‘me’ – OR – ‘you! Relationships involve two or more… BUT being dynamic, things happen! Like…
Suddenly — your best friend disappears😯 Likely our friends didn’t abandon us because they didn’t really care… but maybe things are different now😭Whatever their reasons may be, they aren’t able to go further with us on this journey.
If we’re honest with ourselves, this is probably (in part) because they don’t have the deeply wired default connection inherently born into a family. As close as we thought we are (or at one time were), that strong bond no longer exists.
😳Did You Know: FAMILY teaches us how to extend grace! It may surprise you to realize — as it did me — that family actually gives us ample opportunity to learn to live at peace with and extend grace ongoing to others! There are benefits WHEN we allow these lessons!
Life can be challenging! But difficult, uncaring, unloving people often leave us wondering how to handle troubling situations and how to treat them when they make things so hard 🤷♀️
As a guide for all of us, in Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul tells us where to find encouragement and strength to help us through hard times with difficult people in our life..
Paul clearly explains how we should treat and address others:
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.
Be gentle with one another, sensitive.
Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
So applying this as you go about your day…
Think about those who always seem so easy to forgive… and remember those who are more difficult for you to pour grace over.
Pray God’s guidance in your next steps to heal your most troubling relationships. He is always with us, even in our darkest days, and when we feel abandoned by those we thought loved us most.
Above all else, we mustn’t forget “Whose” we are. As believers, we are children of the Most High. The Creator of the Universe. He has never left our side. He loves each of us — every.one more than we can imagine!
By this very fact we are indeed WORTHY. We need not seek approval from others, live to please others, or put on a good show for love and attention. No. We are above that. We are beyond that.
We are worthy by virtue of God’s great love and generous grace available for us every moment of our lives. NO one can top that!
👋🏻Say GOODBYE to UNhealthy Relationships. Get TIPS to Transform Life One Relationship at a Time!
Embracing lies as misguided life truths costs us dearly. Allowing lies to live with us enables them to impact every moment of our lives negatively. Entrusted with unlimited access, they wield significant influence, including our innermost thoughts. The sad result is not being free to live as our heavenly Father intended.
Kicking life-wrecking lies to the curb isn’t easy. But — living with lies is more challenging because it gives them direct control over life. In their presence, life becomes less about who we are, and more about the lies taking up residence with us, as uninvited guests.
In Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb, author Becky Cortino explains:
How lies easily captivate hearts and minds everywhere
10 ways lies live with us for as long as we permit
7 principles for lie-free living
Sure-fire steps to break free of lies – banishing them forever
After 5 years of research, study, writing, and hearing beautiful forgiveness stories, Becky’s book “Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World” was published in 2020. She then realized the great need to help hurting hearts address issues that create a fertile environment for pain-filled relationships and unwanted brokenness requiring grace. “Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb” begins this journey.
Isn’t it time to stand up to the lies and start living the life you were meant to live?
Don’t settle for less. Kick the lies to the curb and accept God’s best for your life!
Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! is available wherever books are sold, including:
When someone betrays you or interferes with your life, remember some of the loudest voices are coming from the weakest, who feel they must shout to be heard. Often it’s not really about you, no matter what they say or do! In reality, its their cry for help… They are hurting and weak. In Christ, believers are strong. What we need to do…
Through his deceptive ploys, satan would love to wreck your relationships, destroy your life, make thriving feel difficult, steal your hope, causing you to believe anything -or- everything good is impossible!
Why does he do this? Because he wants to fragment relationships, the foundation of our lives and culture, dash our believing in Hope and ruin lives any way he can. he revels in creating chaos and devastation by undermining order, efforts and institutions that positively impact lives, turning people against each other, isolating as many as he can, fueling hate and hopelessness.
🛑 WAIT: Isn’t satan powerful?
Here’s the deal: satan is not ever as powerful as our Creator (God), or God’s son Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Never.
As God’s children, we are in His care. We are never left alone to our own devices to do battle!
In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus promised He would never leave us, nor forsake us. He told His disciples He would be with them “to the very end of the age.” This is a promise that includes all believers. That’s you and me!
He said He would always be with us, so rest assured you are not all on your lonesome in a tough spot. Ever.
🛑 Here’s the thing we humans often forget: satan can only negatively impact us if we allow him! The lesson here is: be careful who you give the power to in your life. Don’t willingly see things his way because it sounds so good, or give up control over your own heart, mind and life to one who wishes only to bring pain and grief for as long as you allow.
🛑 Here’s what God’s Word says about that:
“My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.” ~ 1 John 4:4-6 [The Message]
“Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].” ~ 1 John 4:4 [Amplified]
“My children, you are a part of God’s family. You have stood against these false preachers and had power over them. You had power over them because the One Who lives in you is stronger than the one who is in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:4-6 [New Life Version]
Our humanness often allows us to easily fall into a pit of despair, trip into an enticing opportunity, or to fall into a hidden trap. We may immediately feel the need to defend ourselves. In the heat of the moment, we react vehemently to harsh treatment with nasty words, be offended by a cunning (untrue) insinuation or come out slugging!
🧰 How to handle this?
If (and when we do): recognize it and call it out for what it is — you (we) have been played by satan. That may be hard to admit! 1 Peter 5:8 describes him as “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He is resolute and always seeking his next conquest. He aims to win. His every win is our loss in that moment.
❤️🩹Here’s a sure-fire two-fold remedy:
Keep Jesus close in your life, relying on Him every moment for His guidance.
Apply discernment and great care in your words, conversation and response.
Initially you may feel neither of these two strategies are naturally easy to apply. As you realize their effectiveness in practice is greater (versus stirring the boiling pot or adding more to the conflagration that has been ignited), you will discover you can fairly seamlessly transition over to a more appropriate response through Jesus, with His guidance.
🤨BUT — you may wonder how to know if someone is actually speaking the truth?
How to know if you’re hearing from reliable, authentic source?
According to Scripture in The Living Bible, in Matthew 24:4 Jesus warns us, “Don’t let anyone fool you.” Good advice, but in this crazy upside-down world-on-fire that is spinning out of control, HOW do we do this?
Reading a bit further describes how this can happen today, and has happened through the ages. As you read the following, please know I’m not supporting Eschatology by sharing this, because I believe what the Bible says about the end times in Matthew 24:36
Matthew 24:5-14 (New American Standard Bible) says:
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.
Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
😳Do you see what I see?
We can see many things He said would happen already seem to be… as well as the condition of the world He described… but let’s begin at the beginning:
Jesus said “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4, New King James Version). We must pray ongoing for God to give us the spirit of discernment, and understanding by reading His Word. We must seek Him first, above all else. Listen carefully for His still, small message to us above the fray, amidst all the world’s noise. In reality, some of the loudest voices are coming from the weakest, who feel they must shout to be heard.
Sometimes people attempt to influence others by promoting popular ways that are considered “modern” or based on contemporary thought. These new philosophies and current strategies may directly conflict biblical principles. Sometimes they may possibly veer just slightly off that path — but the person touting it is so trustworthy you may automatically embrace it without much further thought or question, accepting it as “ok,” too.
Please know I’m not saying anyone speaking deceitfully is “possessed.” I am saying people are often influenced in untoward ways for a variety of reasons. Some seek relevance when they feel powerless or invisible. Some greatly desire to be considered worthy of being a powerful influencer. Sometimes a hurtful person unwittingly presents themselves as being under the influence of satan simply by lying or betraying another.
Satan does this manifesting even in the spirits of people. It is possible they became unduly influenced by falling for satan’s cleverly-disguised lies as truth and running with them. Some may not be aware they are promoting falsehoods. Others readily engage in fraud and treacherous activities for their own purposes. A lot of perceived power is wielded when untruths are poured out and not fact-checked — for now.
Some misguided people misrepresent themselves because they pay attention to what’s most important in the world. Theirs is a false god of all things worldly. In truth, it’s not about you or a real relationship with you. In other words, don’t take it personally — it’s not really about you, no matter what they say or do!
An example would be someone striving for proper aesthetic vibes through all the right optics in their social media posts and everyday personal life. Every picture and all content shows them in the most favorable light. They will do whatever it takes for that glamorous money shot.
To further build themselves up, they may (selectively) zing others getting in their way (or as a show of power), every chance they get. They strive to climb still higher in prestige, power and rankings on the backs of others at their expense. Social media is a prime example of this. You’ve seen it…
🧑🔬The One True Litmus Test: to determine if someone is actually truthful?
Let’s look to Scripture for reliable insighton how to test if what you’re hearing is in fact from the true spirit of God:
“Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought!” ~ 1 John 4:2-3 [The Message]
“and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:3 [Amplified]
“And every spirit that does not say Jesus has come in a human body is not from God. It is the teaching of the false-christ. You have heard that this teaching is coming. It is already here in the world.” 1 John 4:3 [New Life Version]
“Those false teachers are a part of the world. They speak about the things of the world. The world listens to them.” 1 John 4:5 [New Life Version]
✔️ACTION “On-the-spot” Checklist:
🛑 STOP! Recognize this for what it is.
Call on Jesus in that moment: Pray.
Follow His guidance.
Then, be done with it.
🥰 BENEFITS of this — you can:
save yourself (and others) heartache.
avoid potential future discomfort.
build healthier relationships.
pour cold water on smoking discord.
unleash what is right and true.
quelch the fire on the spot.
When we live God’s Way, we have a better life — and we please Him!
😭 SIDE NOTE: Here’s the really sad thing about all this:
You’re probably wondering why I’d include this here, but it’s because this all gets down to relationship. Honestly, everything does. True ‘relationship’ always involves more than “me.” Too often “me-first” is pushed by whomever sparks the fire. All relationships begin with our relationship with God. We are all individually wired for connection and relationship. It is part of who we are, as God purposefully created each of us to be.
FIRST: Dealing with life challenges involves our relationship with God.
These are golden personal development, character-building opportunities in the making! God is giving us an occasion to grow into the person we are meant to be by relying on Him (not self), as we learn discernment, self-control, extending grace and truly loving others through it all. In this way we grow closer to Him, build our spiritual muscles, and honor Him.
I can attest that this can be done through Him because I have frequently turned to Him in times like these. In the process, I learned the blessings of wisdom and knowledge by leaning into Him.
💔How to FORGIVE and WHY: What You NEED To KNOW in UNDER 90-Seconds!
I assure you when you work through hard places His way you will be amazed how much more effective it is rather than attempting all the heavy lifting by yourself — eventually making matters worse, or with little positive outcome.
SECONDLY: There is incredible power in His Ways!
His ways speak to eyes that will see and ears that will hear in ways that we could never on our own. The effects of His ways are lasting!
For instance, if a truth has been covered over, or attempted to be buried, know it will not remain hidden for long! Luke 8:17 (New International Version) assures us:
“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”
Incredibly, His speaking or unearthing a truth may well be quietly spoken but it will be undeniably, irrevocably apparent. It will be beyond question even to those who would have thought otherwise. I have seen this happen!
His revelation of it, by whatever means God chooses, will speak more powerfully than if you were to launch an all-out no-holds barred very expensive advertising campaign worldwide, hoping to win hearts and minds.
A double-blessing pours over us when we see how we handle a troubling matter in step with Him. This makes our heavenly Father pleased. It’s amazing!
THIRDLY: May we humbly remember WHY these things happen — it’s because we are ALL human.
Like it or not, we are all in this human experience called “life” together. Our Creator and heavenly Father has given it to all of us, as His children — each and every one!
He loves every one of us. No exceptions. None. Ever. Everybody always!*
*(I’m incredibly saddened to say some people are disappointed by this Truth😭I know this because they told me! Please don’t let this be you!)
When bad things happen, a spiritual battle is initiated when someone:
has fallen away from/or not embraced a true relationship with God.
holds personal priorities, principles, dreams above all (material gain, etc).
has low self-esteem, inwardly feels unworthy of receiving blessings.
needs to present themselves as perfect or powerful.
is having personal problems and needs intervention (mental, drugs, alcohol).
FREE Yourself From the PAIN Caused By HURTFUL People
🤦♀️ What if things don’t turn out as we want or might expect?
Sometimes, even when we’ve carefully (and prayerfully) worked through everything we knew we should do by following God’s guidance — this can happen. When it does, it is truly disappointing. I know that pain. Have you been there, too?
Standing back from it, being honest with ourselves, we could also realize this may be a situation where we put our heart’s desire on the line. We did this by perhaps putting the matter first, above seeking God’s Will for it. The result is our disappointment for the outcome differing from what we believed it would or should be.
But WAIT — there’s MORE!
Hold on — this is right now. Today. And this is “us.”
Remember God is in this with us for our entire lifetime — for the long haul. It’s not just for this moment in time.
No matter how smart we are, we don’t know what tomorrow brings. An everyday example is forecasting the weather. If we’re honest, no one has done a highly reliable job telling us when it will rain or snow or… you name it!
Case-in-point: many residents and ski resorts here in North Carolina were stunned when we got hit with a BIG beautiful but unexpected snowfall on January 19, 2024! Which of course begs the question of the accuracy of any forecasting programs dealing with proposed future climate conditions we really couldn’t know about if we don’t know what tomorrow brings… and if we’re honest, we know God as Creator of the Universe is in control of all of it anyway. The cherry on top is… in our area, while always hoped for, snow is a rarity. It is so rare that a snow day is often regarded as an event worth celebrating — and is!
I speak from experience here, because on more than one occasion, I’ve asked Him “why” or to please help me with something I’m struggling with. Yet, while some things seemed to improve, the situation remained at an uncomfortable impasse. Sometimes for YEARS. At times like that, we may not understand, but in my experience, waiting on Him in His timing contains unexpected blessings!
Out of the blue one day, I became aware of a personally hurtful situation I couldn’t do anything about. Very soon after that painful reveal, He spoke to my heart saying, “See how I am protecting you.” Indeed.
Thank you, Father!*
LASTLY: So remember — as believers, Jesus always has our back:
In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus told us: “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” [The Message]
We can rest in this! We can rely on His promises because in God’s great love and graciousness, He is faithful in keeping all of His promises.
As believers, we are assured His Power is in us — and we have a responsibility:
“If Christ lives in you, you will live. Though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life. The Spirit does this because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. So the God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your bodies. He will do this because of his Spirit who lives in you. Brothers and sisters, we have a duty. Our duty is not to live under the power of sin.” ~ Romans 8:10-12 [New International Reader’s Version]
*PROLOGUE: Following up to His speaking to my heart about His protection, He reminded me He was secluding me from hearing painful poison-laden words (many of which I have endured most of my life. His grace covered me).
The flip side of this revelation: I was reminded at least one of the individuals involved was someone I identified long ago and now once again, as ONE to pray for during Bible Study class last fall 🥺Oh my!
Well I had prayed. But not often enough💔I don’t believe my prayers would’ve been instrumental in completely repairing the situation. While restoration remains always as my heart hope, I realize it will take His Hand for that to happen.
Honestly, my prayers may not have averted the vicious rhetoric either. However, I knew I was to pray for this person and I didn’t pray ongoing for them. That’s on me and within my own control.
Our heavenly Father works far more effectively than we do and never lets anything go to waste. While He was pointing out to me He is aware of this situation, assuring me He is standing with me, He also reminded me of my responsibility of praying for this person. He used even this bad moment in my life, for His good.
So now I’m understanding this matter to be of great importance. I do need to pray for them, and they need me to, as well. Like NOW. Not even whenever I get around to it or just happen to remember. (Have you been there?!) Apparently this matter is that urgent. Nothing I do otherwise could possibly be more important. I got the message!
I know this because ever since, I’ve received reminders calling me to pray on their behalf. I must! Romans 8:10-12 mandates this responsibility.
🙏🏻Who is your ONE to pray for? Join me in a prayer vigil. No time like NOW!
This supports a life truth I have learned and share all the time: “You really CAN transform your life one relationship at a time!”
While it’s NOT all about ‘me’ that’s where it begins… and our relationship with our loving heavenly Father… emanating out from there to others.
“Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.” ~ Matthew 24:4-8 [The Message]
How sweet, how wonderful — to hear these beautiful words: “Life is precious!” from a loved one recently💕Indeed!
This is an important and touching reminder for all of us because it’s essential to look at what we engage ourselves in, as well as its impact on life: our time spent. It’s important to consider this ongoing, not just when the year is “new,” during the month of January!
I could work all day and call it “life” (and often have), or I could “play” all day and feel overwhelmingly “behind” in all I think I must do (as I often believed) and feeling life was diminished, not made better by my time away. Can you relate?
These encouraging words come at an interesting moment in time, during increasingly uncertain days. Upheaval, unwarranted hatred and turmoil are erupting everywhere have become a global epidemic.
I’m thankful we really can look beyond all the dark contentiousness swirling about to see what is right and true. Like a single candle glowing silently in the dark, this gives all with eyes to see and hearts to gladly receive needed HOPE.
Through disappointments, pain, struggle and chaos we always have Hope. Peace is found there. “and hope does not disappoint.” ~ Romans 5:5 [NASB]
Life IS precious!
📖In journaling the Word today, my verse was Psalm 138:2-3. I love the Scripture summary: “A Thankful Heart” [CSB], which said it so well. It is where I am right now…
“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Psalm 138:1a [MSG]
…I am thankful for all. I’m thankful for all His blessings and unlimited answered prayers ongoing — SO many answered! And so many answered in AMAZING ways♥️ So I say…
“I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.”
~ Psalm 138: 2-3 [MSG]
AMEN. Indeed He did! He does! He will! He is!
Thank you, Father! I’m sharing this today to proclaim your Holy Name, to give thanks for all, and to share this for those who need a word of encouragement♥️
MORE VERSIONS of this Scripture:
“I will bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your constant love and truth. You have exalted your name and your promise above everything else.
On the day I called, you answered me; you increased strength within me.”
~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Christian Standard Bible]
——–
“I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.”
~ Psalm 138:2-3 [New Living Translation]
——–
“I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word together with Your name.
On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.”
~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Amplified Bible]
——–
“I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your constant love and truth. You have exalted Your name and Your promise above everything else.
On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me.”
~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Holman Christian Standard Bible]
——–
“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
Happy New Year! As much as we believe things have changed even in the last year, if we’re truly honest with ourselves, many important things that trouble us most remain the same (or possibly they are worse).
Relationships rank high on the list of human needs. When things go awry, life becomes more difficult, we are less free to be ourselves, and to enjoy the company and special times with those near and dear that give life deeper meaning and greater joy.
As we come into the New Year with thoughts of a fresh start, renewal, and hopeful possibility, this is a great time to consider how we might work toward restoration, repairing brokenness and loving others more radically — perhaps as never expected.
Emotions reliably stir as we enter a New Year. Reviewing the last 365 days, happy memories come to mind. They warm us in the January chill. They give us hope for the days ahead.
Painful thoughts inevitably come on the heels of bliss-filled remembering, coloring our yesterdays in darker hues. They remind us of where we’ve been. If we allow, they’ll dictate where we’ll stay in the days stretching out before us.
At the dawning of a new year, many becoming misty-eyed reflecting on events of the recent past. Reviewing mountaintop moments, great joys, incredible accomplishments, happy times, they also carefully inspected their disappointments, tragedies, setbacks, and personal shortcomings. We’ve all experienced sweet moments and difficult times over the last 10 years!
Hope for the days ahead fuels beautiful dreams of what is yet to be. It can be a way forward for us, as a catalyst for the change we hope to live. Not just in personal improvement, but also in life and our broken relationships.
Winston Churchill said: “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” There is wisdom in these words. Applied properly, considering past events can give us perspective on important life matters.
Reviewing what got us to where we are is an integral step in making essential life changes. Dwelling on the past promises to hold us there. Steeping in the sadness of overwhelm immobilizes us. As much as we desire to escape the unrelenting pain, we will remain stuck.
‘Understanding’ or trying to figure out a troubling relational situation can be helpful, but a clear view of a matter is not always possible. Things happen in life we’ll never understand. Lingering too long in trying to make sense of what doesn’t, holds us back on what is yet to be, or who we may become.
It’s important to look back and learn from the past. In fact, “history” can never truly be erased — because it happened😉It can be and is an insightful source of understanding and learning for our lives.
Thinking it’s all “in the past,” by complacently believing we can ‘shelve’ it because it’s unimportant, or we can’t do anything about a relational break, never addresses the issue. It remains, glaring at us, impatiently awaiting attention, even when we can rightfully claim “no fault” in causing the incident.
Focusing on the past can keep us stuck in the place we want to free ourselves from. Don’t dwell on it, friend😊Instead, look to the possibilities ahead and relationships to be mended. Our future is not found in our past. Our future may in part be shaped by what has happened, but going back to linger too long is not the direction to focus on, as we look to move ahead.
ZigZiglar said: “How you see the future is much more important than anything that has happened in your past.” In other words, the past may shape us and to an extent “the now, “ but it does not dictate our everyday — unless we allow it.
Our dreams, hopes and desires for a brighter, better future and strong relationships with others are always possible. How do you see these things in your life? I’m hoping for more rekindled friendships and restored broken places this new year!
Eventually we realize ‘letting go’ of the thing (NOTE: not the person — unless it involves abuse or risks personal safety) that binds us to an impossible situation is the only way to move forward. We know we will stay stuck otherwise. Grace for the matter (and those involved) is required. A change of heart in us is what’s needed. That’s where the transformation to live more in love and freely extending grace begins.
Of all the changes and good things we hope for in this New Year, may we enter the days ahead filled with the hope of things that are possible.
We can begin to take steps toward relational restoration and reclaiming needed peace and joy in life. May we embrace the adventure we call life by living a truly radical life. May it often contradict conventional thinking (by the world’s standards), as we set our intentions to live in love and walk in grace every minute of every day.
Through a changed heart, we see things differently. When the pain is too piercing to continue, hanging on to it becomes too great. Then we can see our way clear of it. This is the path to #forgiveness and by following it, we are on our way to restoring life’s broken places♥️I’m on the Road to Forgiveness too — are you with me?
More about forgiveness and building healthy relationships:
If you only read 1 book this year — I recommend reading RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD, to help you build healthy relationships and mend life’s broken places!
Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World is available for sale in any bookstore — your favorite local shop, indie, brick-and-mortar! Ask for it, if you don’t see it, please!
Hard to believe — BUT — the holidays are just around the corner, aren’t they? ?
Are you ready for them? ? So many details… so many preparations and so much more… Unfortunately gatherings sometimes bring challenges and unforeseen difficulties. Tensions can run high ?Anxiety can grow so big that joy gets crowded out.
Unfortunately gatherings sometimes bring challenges and unforeseen difficulties. Holidays don’t always bring the best out in people.
It’s not easy to be prepared for relational issues that develop or become inflamed during these times ? It’s hard to stand ready for ANYthing that can happen — most of which you probably couldn’t predict or imagine.
When the dreaded mishap or a major eruption does happen, it often makes you feel like you had better walk on eggshells if you want to keep the peace — possibly in your own home??
Are you feeling a bit anxious? Who wouldn’t?! What to do?
I suggest my newest book which deals squarely and candidly with challenges just like this:
We all struggle to remain in control of our lives. Isn’t it time to stand up to the lies and live the life you were meant to live? Don’t settle for less. Kick the lies to the curb and accept God’s best for your life!
Embracing lies costs us dearly. Life becomes less about who we are, and more about the lies living with us. They stick around for as long as we allow.
After 7 years of research, deep-dive study, and writing about building healthy relationships, I realized the need for encouragement and insight into issues that create a fertile environment for pain-filled relationships.
Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul is written from a biblical perspective, offering tried-and-true solutions to some of life’s most nagging relational issues.
Learn effective strategies and discover:
How lies easily captivate hearts and minds everywhere
10 ways lies take up residence
7 principles for lie-free living
Sure-fire steps to break free of lies – banishing them
Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul is available in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon; also on Barnes & Nobel, Walmart and Lulu:
This was the week September 11th was remembered by many. It really stirs the heart and memories looking back, doesn’t it? I’m sure you have a lot of memories packed-away about this infamous day. We’ll never forget, will we?
Some precious memories of the days that followed came to mind this week, as I remembered garden friends gathering in our Herbal Treasures Garden for a previously-scheduled event turned prayer gathering right in the middle of the garden.
A beautiful glow was cast on our Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow Garden by the golden September sunshine. Peace and calm filled our lovely garden. It was a lively place as butterflies flitted about, the bees were buzzily busy doing their thing as birds joyously sang their little sweet hearts out.
Like a last-minute hug before leaving for a long time, life felt secure and assured that all was well as we launched into the day. This morning was so especially gorgeous, it belied the potential evil lurking in the corners of the day. Looking back, it seemed impossible this serene day could take the turn it did in mere hours on 9-11.
22 years ago, on the Saturday afternoon following 9-11, a group of women gathered in our Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow Garden. It was September 15th. As the last big event of the 2001 gardening season, it was the grand finale.
This garden gathering had been planned months before. The program offered sweet fellowship time and sharing about our family’s visit to the Chelsea Flower Show — the ultimate garden party! Special refreshments included serving Sticky Toffee Pudding, a delight we discovered on our trip (long before becoming an internet sensation).
The Infamous Day Life Changed Forever
On 9-11 (Tuesday) life changed forever for the United States, and dare I say also the world. The life-altering events of that day impacted every aspect of life, immediately including regular schedules, special plans and everyday life as we knew it.
By Wednesday, I knew I had to decide whether to go forward with our planned event or not. After prayerful consideration, we determined we must continue with our plans. Press on we did!
The women gathered in quiet anticipation of needed time with others in a loving safe space — our garden. These are women of faith. Standing together in the center of the garden, we prayed deeply that day. We prayed over the horrific events unleashing unexpected destruction that week.
There were so many needs to cover with prayer, that it was almost difficult to know where to begin. We prayed for our country, leaders, and all who were touched by the unfolding horrors: affected families… destroyed businesses… lost lives… bystanders harmed, and the cities and areas affected. The list grew on!
He Holds The Whole World In His Hands
That day, each sweet lady left her 9-11 related concerns at Jesus’ feet right there in the garden. While we had difficulty finding all the words, He was there with us, as well (as with everyone calling out to Him everywhere). He is among us and He hears us, sees us, and knows us.
Jesus was with all of us wherever we were on the fateful day of 9-11. Before the dark events caused such a tragic outcome and in the aftermath, He was present. He continues to stay close to all of us today.
Jesus heard all the cries, saw our tears, witnessed the pain and unimaginable desecration. He brought us together with one another to get through the excruciating pain and dark uncertain days that followed. We found we were better together.
People were seeking answers. They needed assurances. They wanted something they could hold onto that was secure in this world gone mad. The truth is, we always are looking for these things. In the topsy-turvy days following 9-11, this quest spread like wildfire!
We Always Have Hope, Even Amidst the Ashes
There are many things we can count on:
Life is always uncertain.
Evil exists in the world.
Our pain and struggles are real.
Even on dark days, we are never alone.
Every day of our lives, Jesus is with us.
God loves all deeply (even bad guys).
He keeps His promises.
God — NEVER man — is “in charge.”
Evil will be punished.
Hope is found in Him, for all our needs.
God hears our prayers and knows us.
God answers our prayers in His time.
His Will, His Plan supersedes man’s.
God uses even bad things for His good.
Man will NOT have “the last word.”
The truth is: even in our darkest days, we are never alone.God is with us. Jesus stands by us and will go forward with us as we press on through it all.
In Deuteronomy 31:6, Scripture tells us:
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (MSG)
“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” (CSB)
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the LORD your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.” (ASB)
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)
Newly-revised edition of Restoring the Broken Places is available now!
Do you want to regain peace in your life, repair broken relationships and really live your best?
My book Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World provides a deep-dive look into relationships, forgiveness and the perplexing issues that cause relational problems.
I wrote this book with the heart mission of presenting a fresh look at why popular everyday methods (most often used by everyone) don’t work to ‘fix’ painful situations. Relationships matter!
It is a real life application book showing how to effectively move toward restoring broken relationships, and offering assurance that regaining peace in life is possible.
I’m pretty sure most of us never sat around trying to imagine what life would be like in the middle of a pandemic — or in the aftermath of it…
Probably because we were busy living life, right? (I hope so!)
Three things we know for sure:
In the wake of it all, life still happens. Truly! No.matter.what.
At the end of it, we are more than ready to gather♥️
God is always with us, through every moment… AMEN!
And when the time comes, gather we do… don’t we?!
YES!
Now at last many more community gatherings are happening here!
Like — My First Restoring the Broken Places Book Signing, at Barnes & Noble!
I’m SO excited to share the happy news of my FIRST book signing!
You’re invited!
If you’re in the area, join me and other inspiring authors at Barnes & Noble-Hickory, NC for an author meet-and-greet on Saturday, June 25th 10AM – 6PM!
In all I write, speak and do — all forms of media, all the time — I endeavor to offer encouragement to everyone for finding forgiveness, clarity for getting to grace, and assuring all that forgiveness is possible. That’s why I am thrilled to have my article “Forgiveness is Possible” published in Sweet To The Soul FAITH Magazine’s Grace issue!
This issue of Sweet To The Soul FAITH is about God’s glorious grace… containing 140 full-color pages of faith-based inspiration, including articles, devotionals, Scripture reading lists, recipes, life management, Bible Art Journaling, creative resources and more!
Forgiveness is Possible article by author Becky Cortino is featured in the GRACE issue of Sweet to the Soul Ministry FAITH Magazine, Spring 2022 edition.
Throughout this issue, tender hearts share about real-life experiences and struggles. Struggles to forgive others and even harder sometimes, to forgive ourselves… also stories of supernatural hope found in the most difficult of times, hope which only God can supply.
Articles include:
• Spiritual Complacency and How to Renew Your Focus
• Finding Freedom from Your Past
• Hanging on to Threadbare Hope
• When Life Seems Hopeless
• How to Share Your Faith Story
• Praying for an Open Door
• Gospel Foundations for Your Finances
• Letting Go of Clutter for Good
• How to Bullet Journal
• So much more!
This is one of the most beautiful magazines of its type I’veseen. The content is truly inspirational. Much food for thought, study and encouragement is reliably found between the covers of this quarterly magazine!
The Most Powerful Tool I Use Daily (In Addition to Prayer and Reading the Bible)
Setting goals and making plans is exciting! For many, the mere thought of simply beginning in the moment to transform life is a beautiful dream sure to be realized. Our dream destination may take us to where we’d rather be, feel led to be, or know is the next right place to be. However it calls to us, the dream is compelling enough to get us fired up for the work ahead.
When we’re all in, our dedication to purpose and hard work in achieving established goals is rewarding. Initially, we may not grow weary with the required heavy lifting. The dream promises a bright future and new adventure. It energizes us, because we are 110% sold out on achieving it!
Embarking on a new endeavor or heading in a new life direction can be daunting. We need clarity to determine what we hope to accomplish. What is the result we seek? What is the expected outcome?
We need to be sure of what is be required to assure our success. Developing astrategic, workable plan, with a realistic timeline and system of checkpoints helps to put us on the right course.
But wait…there’s more!
I used to create business plans for clients as a professional consultant. I know the mechanics of building a plan, as well as the pitfalls of carrying it out. There really is much more to planning than all this logical, step-by-step, work-the-system approach. I went through the additional steps with my clients, and they always thanked me for it, because they were ready to walk out of my office and get to work on their new project.
The something more is digging in deeply and really soul-searching about your plans, dreams, hopes and fears before you take the first step toward your goal. I do mean before you begin to work that brand new shiny plan.
You cannot truly be 110% in, if you don’t. If you don’t deeply consider it all, you’re simply sold on the dream itself, not all that comes with it, including the inevitable life changes. It’s the visual aspect of it that is drawing you in, not the reality it brings.
For my clients, I had a formatting that walked them through the steps, bringing them to the other side, so they could contemplate all of this deep stuff on their own. I remember helping one client who wanted to establish a new service business who, after presenting their plan, determined not to proceed (due to perceived risks). Please know I was (still am) in the business of encouragement and supporting viable efforts.
In my personal and business projects, I have found a solution that turns out to be the most powerful tool I use daily, in addition to prayer and reading the Bible. This is not a wild claim — I can prove it! I want to share it with you, but first a story to illustrate how powerful this tool can be…
In November, 2019, I registered for a conference I wanted to attend for years. The founder had personally invited me in 2014. Unfortunately for me, her invitation came after I had already attended 3 conferences that year. I had to turn her down, knowing I wasn’t in a situation to effectively apply what I would learn there. Five years later, I knew it was my time to attend.
I’m very particular about conference-going. Attending conferences for me is entirely purpose-driven. Prior to any conference, I establish goals to achieve while there, and specific outcomes in attending. Before committing to a schedule or track, I plan how to accomplish them within the confines of the event.
At all conferences, I take copious notes and work through what I learn at each afterward, before planning to attend another. In 2014, each conference I attended was on an entirely different subject, so I justified spending the resources. Packing in so much over a few months, made me feel like conference attending was again becoming an unwanted career, after too many years on the road and countless air miles with a heavy convention/meeting schedule coast-to-coast and internationally during my marketing days.
In 2019, the conference website featured a list of 18 keywords on the homepage. This intrigued me, because they represented what the conference was about and what was offered. I wondered how I could use them?
I decided these words would be an excellent source of preparation for the conference. I believed the most effective use of them (for me) was to select one (or two related words) each week, fully considering them and what they meant to me in my endeavors.
My goal was two-fold:
To be fully prepared as an active participant at the conference.
To get the most out of the conference, making best use of the time and my resources.
To accomplish these goals, I scheduled the list of keywords over the course of the 17 weeks prior to the conference. I journaled weekly on the selected word(s) of the week:
I wrote about what the word meant to me.
I prayed about it for me (and others), as I worked toward getting ready for the gathering.
I prayed for God’s guidance and direction in it all, and for His blessing.
After journalling and prayer over the chosen word, in preparation for the conference:
I laid out specific steps needed to take that week.
I knew planning my work and working that plan, I would be ready.
When the time arrived for our conference I was indeed 110% ready, with all materials I needed in a nice, neat package. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more ready to attend a conference!
Unfortunately for all of us, COVID-19 also arrived and was looming, threatening to shut everything down. Which (as you well know) happened. It was crushing, but I held on to the promise of the conference being rescheduled. Knowing it was my time to attend, I waited.
The conference was rescheduled later in the year. A month prior to the event, I had to cancel, due to the health concerns my family had, with potential risks posed by COVID. I honored their request, but was profoundly heartbroken to not attend.
God’s faithfulness is so great! While I felt very much led to attend that conference, and in the end couldn’t due to circumstances beyond my control, He brought me through to the other side of my broken heartedness of missing-out on what I wanted, and He blessed me with what I most needed.
We don’t see what He sees, nor could ever know all God knows. In fact, we only see such a small part, our walking with Him in faith is the only way to get through. (2 Corinthians 5:7) How humbling to hear Him say to my heart one fine spring day in 2021, “See how I am answering your prayers!” Indeed I did, and I am blessed!
Journalling has been a big part of my life. As you can see keeping a journal — even a short-term special topic or subject journal — serves well in providing clarity and guidance.
Journalling The Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can move forward with greater clarity. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace and finding forgiveness, as they journal The Word.
The Grace Daily Challenge Journal is designed to create a personally-enriching, meaningful journalling experience with:
1,020 Bible verses organized according to topic as journalling The Word prompts.
Chapter introductions set focus through topical discussion related to forgiveness.
Content is presented to encourage journalling based on personal interest and study preference.
Journalling tips are included, to make the most of the journalling experience.
The New Year stretches out before us as a clear slate of fresh beginnings, great opportunities, hopes, dreams and wonders to be discovered…
What do you hope for in your life? The New Year is recognized as the time in our calendar year as a season for everything becoming new again. Fortunately for all of us, fresh starts and new beginnings aren’t scheduled only for January 1st!
New Beginnings are launched when we take steps in the right direction toward our heartfelt desire.
Relationships rank high on most people’s priority list, and yet this area remains as one of life’s most daunting challenges. Our days become complicated as we attempt to navigate through issues, desire to deftly address touchy issues and try to smooth over painful moments.
Have you added relationships to your list to focus onin the New Year? Many people place relationships at the top of their list. They begin their initiative armed with all good intentions and great resolve to deal with troubling relational messes.
Often, the thought of approaching a pain-filled area in life causes even the most resolute to freeze in place. Immobilized, the whole situation becomes increasingly more confusing as hurt, deep sorrow and bad memories blend into a chaotic mix. Progress in moving toward resolution comes to a screeching halt. Fear sets in. Where to begin? How to handle this? I just can’t do this!
Seeking to address relational breaks requires us to revisit times and places we’d prefer to keep on a shelf somewhere safely out of sight. In reviewing those breaks, the deep root of a problem inevitably stirs powerful emotions.
It’s difficult to cast aside the happy life we’ve comfortably surrounded ourselves with, to make time and create space for mending a break or to admit a wrong. But take heart! In our walk with Him, God often takes us through life’s dark, rough terrain before we arrive on the other side with Him, where we find true peace and the joy we seek.
How can you embrace New Beginnings in your life and effectively apply them to restoring broken relationships?
Recognize the situation for what it is in reality — not what you think, or how you feel about it. Admit it exists. See it for what it is.
Pray about the matter, all involved and touched by it. Ask God for a clear vision of the problem, and for His guidance in addressing it. He will change your heart in every aspect surrounding this issue! When we change our heart about a painful situation, our eyes see it more clearly.
Seek His guidance throughout. He is always with us. He stands beside us and will bring us through. We have to be willing participants wherever He leads us. We have to do our part — to do the hard things. He makes the way clear for us.
Let your reset heart redirect your mind, acting as a spiritual GPS, directing you where to go. Begin taking steps toward resolution, as the Lord leads you in that direction. His restoration will be far more complete and well beyond what you could ever imagine!
Forgiveness and restoring life’s broken places takes time.
When we want to restore a relationship or fix a problem in life, it helps to remember it is a process. It’s never a one-and-done or easy peasy cure for what ails us relationally. Sometimes it takes a lifetime. But forgiveness is possible.
Let the Holy Spirit lead you in this. Don’t take personal initiative to map out your relational restoration plan or detail this project on your calendar. This is a matter of the heart — carry it with you. Let the matter (and those involved) come to your mind frequently. Allow it to be laid on your heart and cover all with prayer.
Every small step you make toward restoration is a step forward.
Progress is made, moving toward that hope. Realize relationships involve more than “self,” so moving forward (or not) rests also in the hands of other(s). They may not wish to relinquish their control or admit wrong. Our heartfelt endeavors to restore broken places shaped by the Lord’s leading, will us free of our pain.
The world’s chaos continues in a dizzying swirl around us, confusing life and creating a maze of issues. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we were designed and equipped for such a time as this. We can thrive in chaos. In this article I share 3 ironclad strategies and a toolbox to help.
As we return to our “everyday” in these (supposedly) post-pandemic times, the world’s chaos continues in a dizzying swirl around us, confusing life matters and creating a maze of issues. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we were designed and equipped for such a time as this. We can thrive in chaos.
Fortunately, we have workable strategies and tools to help us — and, dare I say it — actually thrive in the middle of all of it because of all the chaos! In this piece, I’m going to share 3 ironclad strategies and give you a toolbox to help you thrive in chaos:
Thrive daily — armed with a Big Picture view, we can thrive in chaos
Find purpose and meaning for your life in these chaotic times.
Live forward with confidence in the face of the unknown.
Uncertainty permeates daily life as we discover how things have changed during (and now after) our mandated mass hibernation. Emerging from our pandemic pandemonium, reminders popup throughout the day making it clear that life (as we once knew it) is not the same today in this crazy new world ‘order.’
Some changes will be positive, as:
Surviving businesses implement more efficient operating procedures and better ways to serve customers. They may be more profitable in the long run!
More attention focused on environmental aspects by assuring healthful conditions, upholding higher hygiene standards, rejecting potentially hazardous or unsafe practices.
Programs and activities will be changed-up, streamlined with necessary modifications, including only the essentials, eliminating unneeded fluff.
New ways of doing things may be discovered and implemented, turning out to be “better” and more appropriate than the old ways were anyway!
Previously-overlooked needs may be uncovered and appropriately addressed with new programs, policies or practices.
Of course there have been (and will be) losses for businesses, people and entities that are not in a position (nor can see ways) to pivot, moving forward in times of economic upheaval. Entrepreneurs characteristically exhibit the ability to turn on a dime (make that a $1,000-dollar bill today), as they implement necessary changes to right their listing ship and stay afloat in the storm.
Chaos impacts life, but life continues
In addition to the changes we personally experience, chaos surrounds us. It fills major city streets with violence, looting and fires. It is witnessed in neighborhoods and shopping malls across America. It’s apparent there is a continual underlying struggle for power and control that is not beneficial to humankind as a whole. Meaningful and necessary efforts to help people transition to a healthy, every day life in these uncertain times are not happening on the scale that are needed.
The chaos surrounding us is compounded by festering personal issues. We know challenging times are part of living. Coming back to “Real Life” after a pandemic shut-down is like throwing everyday life into a blender and then dumping it out, as everyone attempts to figure what work and life are going to be now.
Right out of the gate, I was surprised at ongoing difficulties encountered in pretty much everything (it seemed). Ready as I was (maybe you, too), these obstacles impeded moving forward. Simple things, really. Maybe I was overly optimistic.
Once mandates were dropped and we were green-lighted as ‘ready to go,’ gradually things seemed to get a little easier and a bit freer. Still a the threat of a controlling grip persists. It lurks in the shadows. Its presence reminds all that we could easily return to banishment from our everyday life, at a moment’s notice.
During the pandemic, our family (like many others), continued to live life in this strange, new closed-off world. We found ways to maintain contact with our family and friends. We attended conferences and meetings and school online. We had a wedding. Our niece had a baby. We had a death in our family. We had 2 college graduations, and another begin college. After a lengthy job hunt, one of our family members found a great one and relocated, to begin a new life. I published (and launched!) 2 books. Life went on. It wasn’t easy, but it happened.
When the pandemic craziness began to tone down and we were able to live more freely, I was surprised to discover it may take more time personally, to “get back” into life again. If you feel this way, too — give yourself grace and time.
3 Ironclad strategies to help you thrive in chaos and everyday
Often, the answer to our thriving in chaotic times (or even on blissful days) lies not within ourselves, but rather outside ourselves. As our perspective opens up, we see the world with a wide angle lens. In this way we gain clarity and understanding over our lives and the conditions in the world. We can better discern what we need to do, what we are called to do, and how to serve others, living a more fulfilling, purpose-filled life.
Thrive daily — no matter what (armed with a Big Picture view) here’s how:
Spend time in God’s Word (The Bible).
Pick a Bible study (independent and/or group study).
Journal: the Word; share personal insights, ideas, dreams, goals.
Pray often – and about everything! Our heavenly Father wants to hear from you.
Keep a prayer journal – ongoing, including answers and updates.
Know God keeps His promises. He will never leave us. He is in this with us.
Planning events? Organizing events? Serving in events?
Establishing a ministry? Coordinating a ministry? Running a ministry?
Being available — ‘free-agenting’ yourself to serve in a variety of ways.
Volunteering?
Catering? Cooking? Serving food?
What else?
Live forward with confidence. Know these callings are for as long as they are to be and they will serve needs. By our heavenly Father’s design, each of us has purpose in serving in this way. Serving in this way takes us outside of ourselves, beyond our own situations, as we focus on others.
One of the best strategies to thrive is to turn our moments of uncertainty inside out, allowing God to use them for His good! It’s astonishing to see that amidst the tremendous upheaval the pandemic caused, it provided the perfect opportunity for many to find their way back to their loving heavenly Father. New ways to serve in ministry and outreach are being created even now. This is how things work in God’s world — always inverse to man’s ways and view of the world.
Every day offers “ministry” opportunities. No one is required to be associated with an internationally-recognized organization or popular entity to serve God in ministry. (Motherhood is often referred to as a ‘ministry of interruption,’ although I think other ways of serving share this characteristic as well!).
Ministry is serving the needs of others by following His lead. He will provide all that is needed to do the job. God never hands us a “To Do” List and leaves us on our own, to to figure it all out. He stays right there with us and shows us “how.”
3. Dare to ask God the hard questions on your mind, the heavy things burdening your heart. Ask for His guidance, care, presence and tender mercy.
Walk with Jesus every day. No matter your age, skills, or life situation, Accept the urging you feel for the thing He is leading you to do. Even when it seems impossible, He will equip you for it. He always calls the least likely, and reliably shows up in a big way to help!
Here’s a Toolbox to encourage you to thrive in chaos: A 22-Day Scripture Reading List, to read, study, journal – !
A Final Thought: Chaos is not of God. It’s not what He wants for any of us, but it happens in this world. It can be (and is) used for His good, to further His kingdom. In spite of it all, we can live forward in confidence, wrapped in His love and THRIVE.
I leave you with this:
Scripture shows us what we’re to do:
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” ~ Romans 12:1-2 [The Message]
God’s Word assure us — He’s got this:
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:16 [NASB]
Press on!
RESOURCES: Journalling the Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can free ourselves from our pain and gain clarity. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace, finding forgiveness, and view challenging things in a Biblical perspective as they Journal The Word. We can thrive in chaos! (Paperback and Kindle eBook)
For many of us the thought of being able to get away for a retreat sounds enticing, but seems impossible. Amidst the crush of every day crowded with unplanned challenges and schedule pressures, we find ourselves running on empty (or on a dangerously low reserve) of energy for much-needed soul care.
Unfortunately when we need it most, resources and a margin of time often don’t permit us to attend a retreat. Conferences and fellowshipping (online and in real life) are wonderful, but when schedule allows, personal budgets don’t always stretch to cover registration, travel and hotel stays.
Sometimes we realize the need for refreshment and a space for time away will help us regain focus, restore energy. Rather than not addressing our own personal soul care because it seems impossible in this season…
Here are 6 tips for creating an enriching personal retreat at home:
PREPARE: Pray for refreshment to come, God’s direction in planning the right setting and topic to explore in your time with Him.
PURPOSE: Determine the needs you want to address. Find a book, sermon series, Bible verse, devotional that speaks to your heart.
PLAN: Select a day, blocking-out a time period of 2-3 hours (if possible). As needed, include childcare or necessary adult care.
SETTING: Choose an appealing environment conducive for your hoped-for enrichment.
IMMERSE: Once in retreat mode, turn off all notifications, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door — and settle in!
EMERGE: After your retreat, may you be blessed with greater clarity, refreshment, renewed hope, defined purpose and clear direction.
Here are 6 ideas to encourage refreshment and clarity in your personal retreat:
Deep-dive mini-study of a topic, sermon series or a Bible Study.
Select a key Bible verse (or verses), and during your time:
Journal about it (or them), as extensively as your heart wants to roam.
Bible Journal, as a visually creative activity to delve into the topic.
Bullet Journal your study, for note taking, recoding discoveries.
Create Bible verse, prayer or personal reflection cards.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: As a ready resource of Bible verses organized by topic, including journalling tips and ideas we recommend The Grace Daily Journal:
#RelationshipsMatter #ChristianLifestyle #Encouragement #SoulCare #SelfCare #PersonalCare #Forgiveness #RestoringTheBrokenPlaces #GraceDaily #PlanningARetreat #PersonalRetreat #PersonalGetaway #LivingALifeOfJoy Even in the face of adversity #BattlingBurnout
The heart of imperfect hospitality is offered in love, to encourage and give comfort. Hospitality doesn’t come easy, but it isn’t difficult…
What a blessing to spend time, share life and discuss adventures when we gather with others! Afterward, we wonder why don’t I spend more time enjoying company? It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routine and miss life-enriching moments. A nagging “To Do” List captivates our attention. Making preparations for having company isn’t always on the list.
Hospitality doesn’t come easy, but it isn’t difficult. Perceived urgency of things we need to do weighs heavily on us. We feel overwhelmed with everything on our plate. Adding a new thing displaces something else already planned. Because we make hospitality grander then it needs to be in our heads, we keep ourselves from enjoying more beautiful moments in our lives.
Opportunities to show gracious hospitalityarise when we cross paths with others. It may be as simple as warmly welcoming someone to an event or engaging in conversation. A kind introduction helps newcomers join an ongoing conversation.
Sometimes hospitality opportunities are dropped in our laps. Our latest experience was having family live with us for almost 1-1/2 years. This indeed was a time for imperfect hospitality in action because it was impromptu hosting from beginning to end!
If you had family (or others) living with you during the pandemic and worked full-time, you remember the drill. Each day brought changing protocols, new mandates, dwindling food supplies and staples impacting households everywhere. (Who knew toilet paper was so valuable?) Maybe like us, you felt the increased weight of responsibility for providing for those under your roof as shortages continued. We all pressed on through those uncertain days.
We had “company” when our youngest son and his new wife lived with us during the pandemic. For 16 months running, all efforts were made to help them settle in comfortably. With our family’s work and school schedule, my main focus was gathering nightly for a family meal. This gave us the opportunity to spend some personal time away from pressing matters.
We had 3 reasons for planning our daily family evening meal:
It is our family’s tradition.
Gathering gave us a space of time together.
This would likely be one of the last times we could spend time together in such an intimate, meaningful way.
Meshing schedules proved challenging. For the first 9 months of sheltering in, I was the last one awake (in the wee hours) finishing things needing to be done; and the first one up in the early morning, setting up for the day.
For 4 months I worked full-time, as I prepared for a speaking conference. After putting in 8-9 hours straight through the day, I spent about 2 hours making dinner, followed by another 2 hours of cleanup (most nights). It was a full, exhausting day, but I was dedicated to having this important time together. It was worth it.
My conference was postponed when gathering mandates were enacted. I worked intensively during the next 6 months preparing for it. In the end, respecting my family’s concerns for bringing COVID home, I didn’t attend the rescheduled conference. I did accomplish a lot during those 10 months!
My husband and I remained committed to providing a roof over our children’s heads, keeping them safe, providing food for them. This is the kind of loving hospitality a parent willingly provides. Our school and work schedules changed somewhat during the summer, but we continued to gather.
Getting adequate rest was challenging for everyone! Focusing on our evening meal mission helped, especially in the face of adversity as satan attempted to disrupt our family’s lives. I realize now I was also battling burn-out, after launching my book RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD.
We continued serving food, providing hospitality, love, wisdom, support and encouragement in the face of the unknown. I believe this is the heart of imperfect hospitality — offered in love, to encourage and give comfort.It isoffered from the heart with the hope of comforting. In this situation it was my husband and I assuring our children of the beautiful future God has planned for them.
I’m grateful for every moment our family had during this challenging time. It was a blessing to serve them in this way. Living a faith-based life assures us our heavenly Father is greater than our circumstances. He is the solution to all pressing problems. In His undeniable love, He never leaves us to deal with challenges on our own. He brought our family through those dark days.
The beautiful future God planned for all of our children is dawning. We know our prayers are being answered in amazing ways for them!
OPEN YOUR HEART WITH THIS TOOLBOX FOR GRACIOUS GATHERINGS WITH IMPERFECT HOSPITALITY:
Preparing favorite meals and special foods for restricted diets and preferences is thoughtful and welcoming.
Give guests a taste of your family’s life by serving family favorites to new family members or visitors from other countries, along with a generous helping of backstory of why the dish is so popular or special memories associated with it.
Pray ahead for the gathering, asking each to be blessed.
Try to get rest beforehand.
Keep arrangements simple, so they are not all-consuming.
Focus on creating a warm, welcoming environment.
No matter how simple, offer it all in love.
Cover all (including your efforts) with grace — things don’t always turn out as planned!
Memories will be made through your efforts of graciously offered (yet) imperfect hospitality.
Some people believe we cannot “invest” ourselves in every relationship that comes our way. The main reason given for this is the perceived problem of available time to spend in relationship with others.
I disagree! In fact, it is unbiblical to live this way, and in this article I’m going to show you why all relationships matter, there’s no getting out of having one with others, even if you think you can (or are) and the secret to making a real difference in this world.
How we view “investing” in relationships impacts how we connect and interact with others. If you consider sitting down for the proverbial cup of coffee everyone always talks about, or sharing a meal with someone as your measurement for relational investment, you are right! Time, resources and ability to actually meet-up in real life (or virtually) add conditions that may never be met.
Case-in-Point: How many times have you parted after serendipitously crossing paths with someone, both agreeing to catch-up on an unspecified future date and never did? Each was sincere at that moment. You would love to spend time, to “invest” more in this relationship — but… it never happened. Does this mean you don’t have a real relationship with this person?
Next time — and likely there will be a next time — when your paths cross you sheepishly look at each other and sigh, knowing you failed in just making some time for them in your day (and they for you, in theirs). You smile, thinking how wonderful it will be and wholeheartedly long to get together, but life’s crazy schedules continue to crush the day, so setting aside a few minutes seems impossible.
There is a vast difference between developing relationships with a select few and having an impact with all you meet. It’s important to realize even with a chance meeting, a relationship has begun. Obviously with a deeper long-term relationship, more time is spent. However, even in a fleeting moment a lasting impact can be made on others through our interaction with them. This happens by how we live, walk out our faith, our words left with others, how they see us.
It may seem surprising, but those we meet in brief encounters often do remember. In over 20+ years of service, I have been blessed many times when those I’ve had the privilege of serving in ministry (or encountered in every day life) remind me of something I did or said — often in the moment — that made a real positive difference in their lives. Sometimes this grateful remembrance comes back to me by another messenger — my husband, family, friend or someone I met by chance who heard the story! I call this a double blessing!
Our example is Jesus. He had an inner circle of friends, yet left a living legacy globally through His impact, touching countless lives throughout His time here on earth continues today. Even those who were not His disciples developed a real, life-changing relationship with Jesus when they simply crossed paths with Him. They never had coffee or a meal together, but desired a real relationship — and had one with Him.
Case-in-Point: When Jesus risked asking a Samaritan woman at the well for a drink of water in John 4:1-30. Yes, He said He was thirsty, but probably could have drawn water himself. Instead, in that momentary encounter He sought to speak with the woman at the well. It was life-changing for her. She could draw water at the well, but was still thirsty. He told her of the living water, assured her He was the Messiah and told her how we (as believers) should worship and live.
If Christians endeavor to live as Jesus does, we mustn’t limit our relationships to only those we believe are tangible and important to us. If we allow it, often God brings us together with others who will change our lives, and those whom we may inspire, or encourage to live a more fulfilling life.
It is in those places where our lives are lived for God’s best with a heart dedicated to His purpose, we will have a positive impact in the world, or bless others. It is wonderful (but not required) to have a close-knit group of friends. When we live to serve God, accepting all of His blessings, our lives are to follow His ways, not go our own way. We do fulfill God’s purpose by ministering to others in the moment, serving however we can. Romans 12: 1-2 tells us how we can do this.
Having coffee with someone in need isn’t usually an option. Although they thirst, they need far more than that. Although they may be hungry their need is not often met at the local cafe. In this moment, the latest greatest burger, or extra cream and sugar are not priorities for them. A large latte doesn’t matter. I love what Romans 12: 9-13 says about serving others — it’s a big key for planner peeps — about the importance of being “inventive in hospitality.”
It is also a mistake to think that by being a believer our “relationship” with someone is going to solve all of their problems or needs, like a one-stop fix-it solution. We (nor any friendship outside of one with Jesus) is ever the answer for any of our needs. The answer always lies in Jesus.
Life and everything we encounter isn’t really all about us. Often we hear, speak, sing or think we want to be more like Jesus and much less of ourselves. If we really want to do this, in all of relationships, including any momentary chance meeting we must take themore of Jesus approach.
If we’re honest we don’t have all the answers. We do not know what tomorrow brings. We can’t imagine what’s in store for us today. A collaborative brainstorming session with our best earthly friend doesn’t always result in a satisfactory solution. But God’s Word has the answer to every problem or troubling situation. Time spent in deepening a relationship with Jesus goes a long way to resolving issues and challenges we encounter.
We cannot quench the world’s thirst for knowledge and understanding. We cannot keep the world fed. It’s astonishing to look around and see all the global efforts striving to do this. And still the needs remain — and continue to grow. In John 12:8a, Jesus told us there will always be poor people. He knows it. He could fix it, but it still exists. We are to do our part. We can help.
In our relationships we can begin to make the world better by reaching out and helping others, not waiting to make that coffee chat date. We may provide for needs with our time and resources, but Jesus’ point is the “needs” of all people are well beyond their hunger and thirst, and located well outside the sphere of our desire for meaningful relationships with only a select few.
It is all about Him and His provision (which never runs out ). He always has time for us. It’s all far less about “us” than we often allow ourselves to think and bemoan our pressing 24-7 time limitations as we make our stingy investment of a 2-hour one-time lunch date with a friend so we can check that off our list. We cannot single-handedly solve the world’s problems. Relying on Him, providing the encouragement and knowledge of Him to those in need, we can begin to make a lasting impact, as we wholeheartedly love from who we are, discover the beauty in everyone, and surprise them with goodness.
Hopefully you’re well, enjoying some things missed during 2020.
We’ve missed a lot during the pandemic, haven’t we?
My family and I are definitely ready to enjoy more, although we’re finding the ‘adjustment’ process going a little slower than expected. I don’t know why I thought throwing off that mask and running free would be so easy? It sure sounded easier! I remember when living mask-free was easy.
It certainly is easier! I’m so NOT missing disinfecting every.thing brought into our home, quarantining the mail in the garage for a few days before opening it, and suiting up with mask and gloves to go to the grocery store? Whew! As ‘experts’ predicted, I can see all this may take time to process, gain some distance from it, and establish new best practices (as needed). I’m grateful for even slow progress through these topsy-turvy times.
Philippians 4:6-7 offers a reminder: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let your petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” [The Message]
Feeling “settled down,” after being on high alert for over a year?
If you’re not, take heart. In a recent conversation with friends, they shared after all that has gone into pressing through this pandemic has left them feeling like they’re running nearly on empty right now.
They (probably like you, and also like me) have been caring for others, taking additional precautionary measures to protect themselves (and others), paired with ever-present stresses impacting home, work and life. There have been schooling concerns, virtual classes, graduations, seemingly endless ZOOM meetings, postponed weddings, no church to online church, and more.
That’s a lot of plates to keep spinning while trying to create a safe, comforting, stable home environment amidst the swirling chaos, isn’t it? …and we haven’t even considered all that was entailed with keeping food on the table and figuring out “what’s for dinner” to gather everyone, keeping them fed.
For some, the aftereffect has taken the shape of near burnout. Some are depressed, others are exhausted. So if you’re not feeling well or suddenly realizing you’re not snapping back quite as fast as you thought you would, know you’re in good company. Wherever you are, we’re all in this season together? This too will pass.
This is a time requiring our lavishing grace, with reckless abandon.
Just as scripture tells us, I have seen things coming together for good, and I hope you have, too. We always have Hope. We know our heavenly Father uses bad, evil, hurtful things for good. We never know what to expect, nor could we have anticipated the pandemic. No one knew exactly how to get through it, based on experience or great knowledge. But we can rest in knowing that God has all of this. We can walk out our faith every day, trusting in Him.*
*That said, if you or someone you know is depressed or having issues that might require a doctor’s check-up, medical care or attention, please do seek proper professional care to address it. Take good care of you and the others in your life❤️
One thing is for sure: relationships remain important.
These uncertain days have tested relationships — stretching some nearly to a breaking point. Some of these experiences have raised more concerns about forgiveness and created confusion about how to resolve personal issues. I think studies will span the next 30+ years, seeking to understand all the implications this pandemic has imposed upon humanity. I believe the discoveries will be eye-opening!
How about you? What is your top Forgiveness Challenge?
Recently lots of introspective people have been sharing their touching reflections in observation of our dubious COVID-19 “Anniversary.” These personal experiences, lessons and insight gained during our COVID-steeped days have been encouraging amidst tragedy and grief.
Living our faith out boldly, while making wise choices and good decisions for family and ourselves during uncertain days has been wearing. Many have been emotionally exhausted, teetering on depression.
I’m hopeful with the wide-scale availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, more businesses, schools and churches will open their doors. It is happening!
We are feeling a change here in NC, although many places (including churches) remain closed. These days, a welcome blend of hope and practical optimism rides in on the the sweet spring breeze surrounding us.
This is where I am right now: I’m still walking through fires (like you). I’m growing weary and my resources to deal with all this are growing thin. I realize we’re nearing the last inning of this game (as far as we think we know), but it’s still difficult.
I’m thankful God is with all of us. He helps us through our every day — easy or challenging. While my (or your) resources — time, energy, means may diminish, His are never depleted. They are always freely offered and available to everyone. All we have to do is to accept them and lean on Him.
In those faltering moments I’m reminded to rely less on me and much more on “Him.” I’ve had a lot of those reminders. I’ve also had a lot of help from Him as I always seem to have yet another unexpected hoop to jump through. I continue to look for the Joy in the moment of now.
As we reach the end of all this, I picture a conversation with our loving Heavenly Father asking, “Child, do you remember all of those times when you wanted more time to get things done, to create (or write) more, develop new projects? What did you do during the year of the COVID pandemic?” He will already know the answer. But He will love to hear from us.
Recently I heard Jordan St Cyr’s song “Fires.” It really spoke to my heart. The stories highlighted in the official music YouTube video include some incredible stories I think will touch your heart, too♥️I’m sharing it with you because it is encouraging and assuring. Jordan’s Official “Fires” song video on YouTube:
Jordan St Cyr – Fires
Take good care! We are running this race to finish, friend??And we will! Through Him all things are possible?AMEN.
RESOURCES: Journalling The Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can free ourselves from our pain. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace and finding forgiveness, as they Journal The Word.
A multi-platform professional writer throughout her career creating marketing/sales and promotional content for clients commercially, in addition to promoting causes and information campaigns. Her tradition of multiple-platform communication continues today.
Becky has written for, her words have been published and broadcast over every form of media. Her first 7 books are based on ministries she and her family participated in for over 20 years.
Resulting from her writing and book publishing efforts, public speaking and presentation opportunities domestically and internationally developed. Audiences range from small events, to business community member audiences (up to 500 in attendance).
A longtime presenter featuring a series of edutraining programs, Becky also presented special track training workshops at an international conference. She recently offered a special program to a delighted audience in southeastern Europe.
Becky is a featured collaborator in 2 published books on the subjects of Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare, and Herbs, to benefit causes and nonprofits (on the national/global platform).
She wrote a piece on work that looks like play and hearts touched by the hospital humor ministry she and her family served in for nearly 14 years. It was featured in What’s Right in Healthcare, a special edition created to inspire those in the front lines of healthcare. This book was published in 2007.
Herb Society of America’s Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs, benefitting The National Herb Garden (now in 3rd reprint and available in Kindle eBook Edition), was published in 2007. Becky’s contribution was an offshoot of her Herbal Treasures Of Hickory Hollow women’s ministry, and her homeschooling family’s garden adventure.
Becky collaborated on a third book for women in business: Behind Her Brand, Entrepreneur Edition, Volume 5 in 2016. Her contribution was based on her marketing and public relations consultancy business and digital marketing experience.
Since 1999, Becky has published several books, countless eBooks and many websites, creating content ongoing – ‘blogging’ before there were blogs!(Blogging officially beginning in 2004, when suitable platforms were available.)
She has presented numerous training programs, coached and helped area churches, by personally encouraging the Christian community to establish Christian Creative Arts Ministry as a regular activity and special event, enhancing outreach and mission trip efforts, to impact lives.
To support this important outreach work, Becky authored 2 in-depth books on the topic of establishing Christian Creative Arts Ministry. In addition to her books to further prepare and equip these ministries, she created digital media resources. Becky created and developed 15 online multi-media training courses. She began offering online training and resources in 2002.
A media maker with professional experience in all forms of media including New, Social and Traditional. Becky began podcasting in 2008, hosting several internet BlogTalk Radio Shows collaboratively and on her own. Since 2008, she created a branded series of videos for her books on her YouTube channels featuring related original niche content.
In February 2020, speaker and author Becky Cortino established LivRad, a speaking and writing ministrychargedwith the mission of “Encouraging Words for Hurting People.”
PLEASE NOTE: In light of the rapidly-changing COVID-19 situation and varying mandates, Becky Cortino Speaking Engagement Information, including Presentation Topics, and Booking Details are not available.
In these uncertain days, as tumultuous turns of unfathomable events stir us to feel restless in staying where we are and yet, unsure where we should go… It’s difficult to watch catastrophes unfold, feeling helpless as we stand by. Deciding the next right thing is difficult amidst the din of chaos…
The good news is we are never hopeless, for the one true God is always with us and He will lead the way! In fact, He doesn’t want His children (that’s you and me) to worry! Can you imagine?! He loves us all so much, He wants us to continue living our lives, resting in Him when things get crazy and the going is tough, and know He’ll handle it. .
In fact, He’ll make it better beyond our belief, using the world’s bad for His good. He is able to bring about remarkable transformations, unimaginable blessings, showering His children with His gracious goodness.
“So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (Matthew 6:34 TLB)
“So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” (Matthew 6:34 GNT)
“Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have its own worries. The troubles we have in a day are enough for one day.” (Matthew 6:34 NLV)
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MSG)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
RESOURCES: Journalling The Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can free ourselves from our pain. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace and finding forgiveness, as they Journal The Word.
In the cool darkness of the still morning arises a familiar shrill chorus calling all to welcome the sunshine. The birds remind me how we should greet each new day gladly, for the opportunities that lie ahead in the hours yet to come.
Breaking through the trees, this sunrise was so spectacular at 6:10AM, it beckoned me outside to enjoy it with our feathered friends, along with all the other wildlife in the wood. joy in the morning!
Why do I say this? Why do I feel this? Because I’m reminded of something so important and want to share it with you: if for even a minute you’re doubting your worth or feeling uncertain about what’s next in these turbulent days, please remember with me…
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NIV)
“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” (Matthew 25-26 MSG)
“Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.” (Matthew 26 TLB)
“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 26(NASB)
…and about a red sky in the morning — I’m reminded of an adage found in this reference, assuring me upon further reflection that no matter what the experts’ say no one here (on earth) really knows what’s next — here’s proof?Read on…
“Some Bad Yeast
Some Pharisees and Sadducees were on him again, pressing him to prove himself to them. He told them, “You have a saying that goes, ‘Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.’ You find it easy enough to forecast the weather—why can’t you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you’ll get is the Jonah sign.” Then he turned on his heel and walked away.” (Matthew 16 1-4 MSG)
“He replied, “You are good at reading the weather signs of the skies—red sky tonight means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day—but you can’t read the obvious signs of the times!” (Matthew 16:2-3 TLB)
“He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the skyis red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:2-3 NIV)
So in all of this I’m reminded not to “fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes,” even while preparing meals for our #shelteringin family. Facing taunting food shortages and crazy rising prices, we have food to eat. We are blessed!
At the outset of this #pandemic, anticipating unimaginable sweeping changes in life as we knew it, I vowed to use what we had on hand, making limited trips out — for all the reasons. The result has been some interesting combinations, fresh new discoveries, and reminders of how spoiled we’ve *all* been when we could enjoy whatever ‘sounded good for dinner’ or what we were *in the mood to eat* at the moment. It’s been good??
In these days of being #HomeTogether facing an unknown future gives time for pausing to realize being concerned about “whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion” isn’t high priority… after all?
In order to keep routine I have continued to dress as I always would to go out, for work, etc. (I am a makeup girl — so daily!) With each passing day I recognize ‘current fashion’ is diminishing in importance. What’s trending in my world these days are a face mask and gloves?They’ve become my essential accessories! I predict the previous intense focus on the ‘latest’ will not resume in quite the same way once we all make it through this.
?Pre-Pandemic Days: we were living fast and loose. Things were easier then, right?! Life was happening at warp speed — though never always quite ‘fast enough’ for the times of immediate gratification and short attention spans. The world was rocking at such a crescendo pace, an eventual reset had to happen! It did.
Reflecting on all of this and writing for 3.5 hours this morning inspired by these passages from the Bible, I’m reminded: continuing my work as a speaker and author — no matter how much I’ve always loved my work and all the busyness of a full life (as I perceive it) — the best life is not “tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” He has a Plan for all of us friends. He is in those plans, included as an integral part of them!
Take heart, friend. These are challenging times, troubling days. We are all truly in this together♥️God has this. You and I are important to Him. His love for all of us is far greater than we can ever fathom. I pray you feel His peace, find Joy in your day, showered with His abundant blessings, find freedom in His Word. The Son shines even on our darkest days?
God is good! I’m grateful — as I hope you are — for each new day and God’s reminders delivered to us in extraordinary ways. They speak affirmation, love and blessing through His artistry to our listening hearts.
RESOURCES: Journalling The Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can free ourselves from our pain. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace and finding forgiveness, as they Journal The Word.
If you feel a calling, don’t let a ‘friend’ convince you otherwise. God can use anyone. Maybe you confided a ‘nudge’ you feel to serve in a new ministry to someone trusted. They begin to explain to you how UNqualified and completely ill-equipped you are to handle such a task.
Worse yet: After immobilizing you, they grab your blessing and run with it, attempting to make your calling their newest mission while turning their back on you?Well. Good luck to them with that!
Throughout history we have seen God call the least likely to do amazing things. How did they do it? He prepared and equipped them for their mission. He always remained close by. And it was all for His glory, not the for the fame and accomplishment of doer of the deed.
He empowers those who faithfully heed His calling. Those who follow His leading are enabled to accomplish His Plan. It’s all about Him, not us.
Often the preparation takes us through rough terrain, including an arduous journey, but there is a purpose to all of it. It is His Plan and for His purpose, and it is happening if we’re willing to step up in obedience and step out in faith to do it. Remaining diligent in our calling is a willingness to take that first step and keep going.
Never Walk Away
“Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely,
you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
RESOURCES: Journalling The Word can help us through challenging times. Keeping a journal can help us explore complex issues and make valuable personal discoveries so we can free ourselves from our pain. My 9th book, The Grace Daily Challenge Journal, is designed to help readers and writers explore what the Bible says about grace and finding forgiveness, as they Journal The Word.
