I can’t seem to get away from the truth that was are nothing apart from God.  We are incapable of goodness without Him.  The fall in the garden has led us into this depraved world.  Isn’t it interesting that the moment Adam and Eve wanted to know more, they lost everything.

I notice that is still a common theme.  People fancy themselves as wiser than they are every day.  That’s truly the crux of the one world government idea.  They want to control everything and everyone.  It’s also the crux of the liberal heart.  Only through controlling others can they have this eutopia they believe can exist.  It’s all nonsense, of course, because the thing God gave us that set us apart from the angels was free will.

Think about it.  It makes so much sense that the main thing the enemy fights against is the one thing he craved so much that he lost his place in heaven.

Free will.

We have something that he wanted.  He hates us for it, so he used it against us from the start.  He’s still using it against us today. 

It’s under the guise of free will that many freedoms have been forfeited.  Don’t forget the enemy can’t give anything.  He only manipulates so he can rob. 

Steal, kill, and destroy.  We know his mantra. 

The current motivation of those attempting to control the earth is to create a eutopia for themselves to enjoy and they have made it clear to anyone who is listening that their control is somehow the only way this can happen.  When the truth is, they want us to die so they can have more.  More of everything.  Nothing is ever enough to satisfy a heart bent on evil. 

I propose to you that we stand in firm resistance to anything that attempts to eliminate free will.  It’s obviously an anti-Christ tactic.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  So, all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.  And the Lord- Who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.  2 Corinthians 3:17-18

God offers us freedom as we move closer to Him.  This stands in stark contrast to anything the world and ultimately the enemy offers us.  Free will was important enough to God that He sent Jesus to make a way for us to be with Him as we are forgiven for the mistakes made from that state of free will.  He preserved freedom and made a way for us in spite of our own mistakes.  What a glorious God we serve.

Isn’t it crazy that God gives us the desire to seek Him? 

It’s true that we really can’t do anything apart from Him…not even seek Him.

I’ve discovered that the more I keep my life in perspective of who I really am and Who He really is, the more I realize that He’s everything.  I am much more apt to walk in humility when I keep things in proper perspective. 

I often wonder what it is exactly that makes some begin to think they are special.  Above others.  Exempt from certain things.  It’s just simply not true.

When I began my deeper journey in God, I went to a lot of conferences.  Every time I went, I never considered those who were the “celebrities” were better than us.  On the contrary, I had an annoying way of thinking none of us was special status.  I feel that the moment we begin to elevate ourselves above the crowd is the moment we begin to act like we are the point, not God.

God is the point.  Jesus is the way.  Holy Spirit is the guide.

Those things will never change.  You may change.  I hope you do, at least, for the better.  But you will never become someone who deserves to be elevated above everyone else.  God alone deserves that place.

I have become deeply disenchanted with Christian culture.  Sure, some people have great gifts, but that doesn’t mean suddenly they are above the voice of God.  But that’s often how they begin to be treated.  Then we wonder why so many leaders fall.  It’s obvious to me.  We elevate them to a position they were never meant to sit in, and they can’t sustain it and we wonder why.  It’s foolishness.

I am now so very grateful for every time I was rejected or overlooked in ministry because it led me to the truth.  The truth is that all of that stuff is a lie.

There is a scripture that God has been highlighting for me for over 12 years…

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true.  For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true- it is not a lie.  1 John 2:27

The first time I read this verse, it looked like it was being lit up from behind.  I heard it firmly in my head and it is the crux of how I learn to this day.  I refuse to exalt another’s opinion above what God says to be true.  in fact, the times I’ve made mistakes are the few times I took advice from others and ignored a Holy Spirit nudge of protection.  I never want to do that again.

Yes, God gives us the desire to seek Him.  So, I can also trust Him to teach me everything I need to know.

It’s so funny how God works sometimes.  He constantly amazes me and keeps me in a state of wonder.

These last couple of weeks have been so interesting for our family.  So many growing opportunities have occurred for each of my children.  I have been able to walk with each of them through all of it.  Since I’m home and not working, I have been able to be tuned in to everything that’s occurring in their lives, and I’ve had the brain space to meet with God about every issue and learn how to parent through it.  In our family things have been consistently changing, kids have been growing, Chris has been traveling for work, and I have been mama.

Suddenly it hit me…I’m living my dream.  In fact, God is the One Who woke me up to see it. 

I was at home and doing daily tasks while contemplating all the mothering I had been doing recently.  Guiding and directing my kids.  Listening to them and teaching them.  Watching them mature and seeing the fruit of my labor begin to bloom.  It’s truly an amazing time in our lives.  Then it hit me…no matter what “needs” we still have as a family, I am living my dream.

I have longed to have the freedom to be a stay-at-home mama.  A mama who can be with my kids and pour into them while they are still living in our home, then hopefully send them off to their own homes one day, while still maintaining a close and trusting relationship.

I’m doing just that.

The newborn and toddler years can feel long.  Many moms spend a majority of those years finding ways to have others watch their kids.  I never wanted that.  Many people can’t wait to send their kids to school and don’t look forward to summer break at all.  I was the opposite.  My world felt complete when the kids were home and then I felt pangs when sending them away.  I believe it was God consistently nudging me toward surrendering to homeschooling again.  I resisted for years. 

But God’s funny that way, He plants an idea in our hearts and though we may originally reject it, if we follow Him close enough…over time, His ideas become our dreams.  He transforms our hearts as we walk with Him.

Oh Lord, come and change me more.  Help me to celebrate motherhood daily.  Help me to stop thinking that I should be more.  Mama is enough.  It’s a lot.  It’s everything you’ve called me to be.  Lord, I surrender.

I encourage you to search out what God desires from you, then live it without apology.  Be all that He has called you to be…nothing more and nothing less. 

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.  Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

There is a painting hanging over our fireplace that says, “The Hursts Established 2004”.  Every time I see this painting I am reminded that we wed that year.  It also reminds me of the commitment we made on that day. 

Established is a big word.  It means a lot to me. 

Established: Set up on a firm or permanent basis.  Initiate or bring about.  Achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for.  Show to be true or certain by determining facts.

See what I mean? 

Established is a word with a lot of backing.  It is permanent.  Recognized.  True. 

When people get married, it means something.  The odd thing is that the marriage ceremony, while beautiful and good, doesn’t bring the feeling of permanence…time does that. 

When we get married, we decide to remain.  Permanent.  I now understand what it means.  It means that even if I have a “reason” according to others, to leave our establishment, it doesn’t mean God wants me to do so.  If one of us goes through a rough season and become difficult to live with, we don’t just get to leave. 

Being established in marriage should mean that we’ve come together and created a safe covenant with each other and God and now we can find healing and wholeness within this safe place.  We can bear our souls and find growth, within the safety of this establishment. 

A promise is a promise.

Yes, both Chris and I were married once before at a very young age.  Yes, we’ve both been divorced.  Yes, we’ve both been redeemed.  We see the folly of our youth and instead of shying away from it, we embrace what we now have with a bear hug of finality and gratitude.  Having chosen poorly before, we both value our marriage even more now. 

Now we’ve both discovered what true commitment looks like. 

It’s the same with our walk with Jesus. 

I was saved at 8 but floundered from lack of discipleship.  I basically divorced myself from it for many years due to ignorance and hurt.

Now I’ve been redeemed.  I have seen the folly of my youth and instead of shying away from it, I embrace what I now have with God.  I embrace it fully and with finality and gratitude.  Having chosen poorly before, I now value my covenant with God even more now.

My first Love.  

I encourage you to reach into your heart and discover what it is to be established with God.  Lean into His promises and commitment to you.  Discover your promise and commitment to Him.  It’s important to remember this covenant and all that it means.  In the same way we have vow renewals after time has passed in marriage, we can have personal renewals with God.  Remembering where we’ve come from and rejoicing in how far we’ve made it. 

I pray that today you will recommit to God.  No matter what your relationship looks like with Him, it’s always a good day to recommit.  Remind your heart why you love Him.  Reaffirm your commitment and then watch how your love grows!

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.  Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him.  Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever!  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21

I hear people talking about needing some peace and quiet, needing some space, or some peaceful time…then I see those same people receive what they asked for and throw it away because they haven’t learned how to be calm.

Our lives are often full of busyness and different kinds of turmoil.  The most challenging thing to do is to learn how to live in the calm.  Rooted in peace.

The first response of most people to restful time…is to fill it with something.  Be honest.  You know this is true.  Most of us don’t know how to have rest anymore.  We have to fill time with screens, chores, doing something…anything to fill that time. 

Whatever happened to calm?

Some of my most beneficial times have been when I would sit still and simply stare out at nature, or go walk through nature, or sit at the edge of the water somewhere.  Some of the most glorious times are when the house is completely quiet.  Suddenly everything seems to expand.  I feel God’s presence.  I see His hand. 

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors…I find God in those moments.  Every time.

If you’re in a season where you’re wondering where God is and how to hear Him…I encourage you to get still.  Calm and quiet your soul and go be in nature.  Sit in it until all the mess in your mind blows away with the wind and God can be heard.  It’s as if our busyness becomes a fog in our minds that clouds out the voice of God.   It clouds out our ability to see Him.  Sit past the point of boredom and into the Presence of God. 

Today I want to challenge you to get outside.  Stand outside or slowly walk around.  Put away your phone and all external noise and listen to the birds and the wind.  Listen to creation.  It is groaning in eagerness for the Lord.  Creation points to heaven. 

Listen and then truly hear God. 

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.  For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are.  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse.  But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  And we believers also, groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.  We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us.  We were given this hope when we were saved.  (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.  But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)  Romans 8:18-25

If you died today, what would you leave behind?

A fortune?  Debt?  Unfulfilled promises and potential?  Loved ones?  Legacy?  A testimony?

It’s important to live your life in the perspective of eternity.  To always consider why we do what we do.  To do what truly matters and leave the rest behind.  To understand why we are here, not waste all our time trying to keep up with others. 

The more I experience God the more I see that I am only truly joyful and peaceful because I live my life in intimate relationship with Him. 

I wake up thinking about God.  I speak to Him all throughout the day.  I consider Him when a decision needs to be made.  I surrender my emotions to Him instead of allowing them to drive me.  I seek Him first.

It matters.

What we focus on matters.  How we spend our days, matters.  What we do matters. 

“But God said to him, ‘You fool!  You will die this very night.  Then who will get everything you worked for?’  “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”  Luke 12:20-21

Think about it…if you died tonight, would it be said of you that you have a rich relationship with God? 

I believe that is the richest legacy I could leave my family.  The knowledge that I walked with Jesus.  The comfort of knowing that I’m with Him in heaven.  I want there to be no doubt.

It’s ok to be wealthy, but we shouldn’t desire it more than relationship with God.  If you’re in close relationship with Him and He brings you wealth, then you’ll be wiser about using it. 

He’s the point.

He has always been the point.

All our lives point to Him.

The only One worthy. 

And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea.  They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”  And the four living beings said, “Amen!”  And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped the Lamb.  Revelation 5:13-15

Have you ever noticed how the loudest voices are most often the foolish voices.  The ones who lie.  The ones who deceive.  The ones who are not of God. 

I think of it often, then I remember this scripture…

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.  Proverbs 12:23

I have noticed in my short 46 years, that the smartest people in the room, are usually not the loudest.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve known my share of brainiacs that feel the need to share all their wisdom with everyone.  But they are honestly the most foolish of the foolish if you ask me.  They are normally the ones who have zero social graces and little common sense.  Sure, they are book smart, but what benefit is that if you have no common sense?

I remember in college, meeting many students from the science department.  They were very interesting.  They thought nobody was smarter than they were.  So much arrogance.  They called people who believe in God, weak.  They said we used God and religion as a crutch.  That was their favorite phrase, at the time.  A crutch. 

I guess they kind of made me grateful that I’m not any smarter than I am, because I can keep things simple.  Simple and true.  God is real.  I need Him.  He completes me.  I can’t and don’t want to live without Him. 

If that makes me simple…then I’m glad.

I know now that I lean on something so simple and so true, that if others don’t believe it, I don’t need to convince them.  I can’t convince them…only God can.  I know my role.

The more I put my limitedness and simplicity in perspective, the more useful I become to God…because we (God and I) stop tripping over my ego.

He uses the foolish things to confound the wise.  I’m definitely foolish sometimes…haha.

So, I’ll be here, living in simplicity.  Growing in joy.  Holding onto hope.  Believing in what I have not yet seen.

Will you join me?

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.  Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.  By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.  Hebrews 11:1-3

I have found myself frequently overwhelmed with all the things that are currently happening in the world.  Every single day it seems something else is happening.  People seem to be losing their minds.  Wrong is called right.  Good is called bad.  It’s like walking out the book of Revelation out there right now. 

This week God spoke to me very clearly about the amount of “news” I consume, as I asked Him how do I know what to research and what not to research?  How do I stayed informed enough without being overly informed to the point of panic?

He said, “You are on a need-to-know basis.”

He was telling me that when I need to know something, He’ll make sure I know it.  Otherwise, the rest is just noise and distraction. 

Wow.

Thank You God. 

In the age of technology, we can all be deceived into thinking that we must know everything, or we will be in trouble.  Out of the loop.  Insignificant.  Irrelevant.

I believe that it’s the opposite.  I stay in constant communication with God and then I can live a life of peace.  I will live from a place of truth and real understanding.

The media has far too strong a hold on most people.  Mainstream media is literally the voice of lies and deceit…so what do we really gain from lending an ear to them? 

If we are to live lives of faith and peace, then we must submit our ears…our listening…to the Lord.  We must allow Him to give us wisdom and direction about what to hear and when to hear it. 

In the same way that we allow God to lead us into our marriage partnership and our friendships, we must also allow Him to lead us in the things we listen to.  Does this make sense?

Surrender is to be the lifestyle of all believers.  Surrender in all things.  All things.  All. 

Any part of our lives that we refuse to surrender to God will inevitably become a hindrance to our walk with Him. 

Surrender is the way forward.  Surrendering all.

Are you willing?

I encourage you to examine your life and ask God to show you if there are any areas where you are not surrendered to Him.  Once you have, if there are any un-surrendered places, then offer them to Him now.  Ask Him to forgive you for holding back, and then hand them over to Him.  I promise you won’t regret it.

Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  James 4:7

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true.  For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches you is true- it is not a lie.  So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.  1 John 2:27

Earlier this week, I was staring out the window and thinking about things.  I was feeling the need to get beyond the distractions of life and the world around me.   As I sat in God’s presence, I felt the Lord say, “Let your eyes breathe.”

It’s funny how God can say something like that, and it totally makes sense.  I knew exactly what He meant.

Suddenly I felt lighter.  Then I felt space come around me and the pressures lifted.  I continued to stare at the trees, flowers, and grass outside and I could feel myself able to breathe.  My eyes felt like they were at rest when I was looking at God’s creation. 

The rest of the day I noticed the outdoors more.  I am constantly drawn outside anyway, but this was different.  I love the nature sounds and the peace of our land…with no roads, cars, and lots of trees surrounding us. I feel like I can breathe when I’m in nature.

Sometimes we must actively pursue a place of rest.  This can require us to completely unplug from all things and simply be in nature.  Lay aside our phones and all screens and distractions and just be.  What once used to be normal, is now something we must pursue. 

Solitude and silence.

We’re overstimulated.  Over informed…by truth and deceit.  Overly exposed…often to things we don’t need to know…but that’s a topic for another day.

What I’m trying to point out is that we must find space to let our eyes breathe.  Pull ourselves out of the constant external stimulation and embrace the simple. 

God is in the simple. 

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.  Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live and will not need to depend on others.  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.  And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.  God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.  As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.  1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Sometimes things happen, at seemingly, the most inconvenient time. 

This week, we found ourselves celebrating a milestone birthday with one child, while one of our beloved family pets had difficulty and needed to be put down. 

While I admit, hearing this sounds terrible, it ended up being a wonderful growth and bonding opportunity for the entire family.  Because of these events we had a rare opportunity to see the bitter and the sweet collide. 

For weeks, we have been excitedly planning and anticipating our daughter’s 18^th birthday!  We planned the dinner menu, gifts, and decorations.  Everyone was so excited.  Then to top it off our cat went into labor with her kittens.  We thought the timing was fun and were so excited!

After a day we realized that something wasn’t right.  I’ll save the details, but just say that we knew things weren’t going to end well our beloved family pet. 

We kept thinking about the upcoming birthday and I kept asking God, “Please let this resolve quickly for our daughter’s sake.”  Then I heard Him…in that still, small voice that you could miss if you’re not careful.

He began to speak to me about how we shouldn’t try to insulate our children from all of life’s troubles, rather it was very important for us to walk through troubles with them.  He showed me how important it was for me to behave well and to be aware of the impact of my actions on them in this pivotal moment.  As the mother I held the key.  Especially, since my husband was out of town. 

So, I began a dance of sorts.  The dance of motherhood, being God’s daughter, and staying in coordination with my husband through all of this. 

It was a group event that was happening…this walk through the bitter and sweet.  It couldn’t be about me.  It couldn’t be about any one person.  It was about our family.  It was sacred.

I kept asking God to be near.  I kept looking for Him in every moment.  That was the only way to navigate this successfully.

As it turns out, the death of the pet and our daughter’s big day coincided.  Not what I’d wanted, but absolutely what God allowed to happen.  On this side of things, I’m really grateful. 

We sat down and discussed everything with the family.  “Here’s what we’re going to do…we’re going to say goodbye to Olive and bury her, then we’re coming back inside and celebrating this birthday joyfully!”

And that’s just what we did! 

We gave a space for grief then we embraced our love for our daughter and her life.  Which definitely deserves celebration. 

After dinner, I sat down and realized how content I felt inside.  I was shocked.  How could I feel so joyfully full and content inside after this crazy turn of events?  Well, that’s what God does.  He brings beauty from ashes.  Turns our mourning into dancing.  He is far too wonderful for words.

We ended the day feeling so settled and content as a family…and also, our bond seemed strengthened. 

Now I am so extraordinarily grateful.  I wouldn’t have wanted things to be any other way.

Here’s my encouragement for today…embrace exactly what God gives you.  Seek His face in everything and learn.  Learn to be strong.  Learn to be near to Him.  Learn to grow.  Learn to trust.  Never stop learning.  Teach yourself to correctly focus in all circumstances.  That’s where we find joy.  Unstoppable joy.    

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.  You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!  Psalm 30:11-12

To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.  In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.  Isaiah 61:3