First Things First

I cherish arising early while darkness still covers my little area of the country. The house is serenely quiet, enabling me to spend focused time with the Lord. As my nostrils fill with the heady aroma of freshly made coffee and I gather my study items at the kitchen table, I often say a quick prayer for discernment and understanding.

Most mornings I read several daily devotionals along with a chapter in the Bible. I look up the referenced Bible verses from the devotionals, including the verses before and after, to better understand the context of the message. Sometimes this simple act takes me on amazing rabbit trails where God graciously speaks to me concerning a current trial in my life. I love being reminded that, “He’s got this,” as the Lord lifts the burden I’ve mistakenly placed on myself. I give thanks that He is still on the throne – still in control. Spending this time alone with the Lord and putting on my spiritual armor (especially necessary in these challenging times we live in) helps keep me at peace.

But I have to admit; sometimes staying focused each morning is a struggle. Sitting still and keeping my mind from wandering can be challenging—I have to continually rein it in. Otherwise, it can be impossible to discern His still small voice. Before reading my first devotional, “to-do” lists a mile long can easily be scribbled down. And it doesn’t help that I’m considered to be a “senior” by many standards. My aging brain knows if I don’t capture thoughts as they enter in, forget it. They are history.

This mental struggle used to create frustration and conflict. And then I had a lightbulb moment. I actually...prayed about it. (Yeah, heavy, I know.) Sometimes the simplest answer is literally staring you right in the face.

And God’s response to that prayer? For me to compromise just a little. By keeping a small tablet barely within reach I can quickly jot down the list of to-do items as they crowd in, but I keep my Bible and journal directly in front of me to capture “God thoughts” or “divine messages.” For me this system works. I’m able to keep the main thing the main thing, retaining my priority of staying focused on the Lord.

God created our amazing mind and He wants us to use it wisely. He also created us as spirit beings. He longs to fellowship with us throughout the day. We can do both, and have peace amidst the storm, as long as we remember to put Him first.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

God Moments

While sitting at the hairdressers this week and waiting for my turn, I picked up a  magazine to thumb through. Just then, I overheard the customer ahead of me say to my hairdresser that her husband was involved in prison ministry. She lamented on how few of the inmates receive visits or correspondence from anyone, including from their own family members.

"I was shocked!" She exclaimed. "I can't imagine being stuck in prison, but to not hear anything from the outside world would be an added layer of devastation."

When my hairdresser went to the back room to get a product, I took the opportunity to introduce myself to the customer and share that I, too, was involved in prison ministry. I commended her husband for reaching out to those behind bars and shared how strong the need was for volunteers to visit and write. I then suggested she and her husband might be interested in reading "Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison."

After sharing with her a little about my background in prison ministry and in writing, I told her I co-wrote the 365 day devotional book with a guy who worked for Prison Fellowship Int'l.

"There is a list of prison ministries in the back of the book, too," I added. "You and your husband might find those useful, along with reading true stories from the perspective of the inmates, volunteers, prison chaplains, wardens, family members, and others."

The customer was thrilled and asked if I had any copies. I keep a few of each of my books in the car, just for "God moments" like this. I love the way our amazing Lord connects us with total strangers who have like-minded hearts.

Later that day I reflected on meeting that woman. Hmmm...I usually don't arrive 10 minutes early for my hair appointment; two minutes maybe, but ten minutes, no. And, I am usually engrossed in what I'm reading and don't pay attention to the chit-chat around me...I was just about to open that magazine at the hair dressers and start reading....

Then suddenly, I recalled my quiet time from earlier in the morning.
"Help me to see You at work around me," I had prayed. "I don't want to miss an opportunity to be a blessing to others."

I don't always remember to pray for ministry moments, but after that brief encounter this week, I've been pumped up to stay alert to the mysterious ways our God works around us. How many times have I missed being a blessing to someone by being wrapped up in my own world?

Lord, give me eyes to see who I can help today.

"I will bless you . . . and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2 NLT)

Press On to the Goal

Just a few weeks ago many of us set goals for the New Year. Some of us set financial goals to get a handle on our spending and maybe even get out of debt. Others made physical goals to lose some weight and improve their health. And I’m sure there were some, like myself, who set personal achievement goals for the year, as well.

Every January I prayerfully contemplate my writing goals for the new year. For book proposals, I first prayerfully create a one sheet synopsis of the theme of the book God is laying on my heart, followed by a rough outline, and culminating with an in-depth proposal, all in hopes of landing a book contract.

Some people set extraordinary goals and accomplish them. This week, like many in the United States, I witnessed two amazing achievements:  The first was the Ohio State Buckeyes winning the national college football championship. They were never expected to be number one. The OSU football team was considered the underdogs all through the season, right up until the very end; yet, they miraculously ended up being the champs.

The other extraordinary achievement was done at Yosemite’s El Capitan. It played host to two very dedicated men for 17 days, as they bloodied their fingertips and inched their way up the massive rock, scaling all 3,000 feet of it to the very top. Several years of painstaking preparation culminated in this amazing triumph.

But during the arduous months (and years) of those dedicated football players and rock climbers practicing and planning their strategies, there were no cheerleaders along the way picking them up. Time after time they were exhausted and longed to quit. No one took over their daily hours of practices for them – they, alone, had to stick with it and force themselves to persevere when they desperately wanted time off. Those “behind the scenes” moments full of physical pain and setbacks, where they pushed themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of, was what eventually enabled them to be successful and reach their goal.

After witnessing both those amazing sets of achievements in one week, I was even more motivated to stick to my own personal goals. Their dedication reminded me that working toward a goal and finally achieving it not only blesses us, but blesses and encourages those around us to strive to reach their goals, too. And sometimes we forget there is a bigger picture involved. We forget that our actions can prompt others to step up to the plate. (The opposite is true, as well. Our lack of commitment can lead others astray.) It is important to remember that our perseverance, and taking the necessary steps toward our dream, is what it takes to win the trophy.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Cheering for the Underdog

Most people have a heart for the underdog. Underdogs are the predicted loser in a contest, or the victim of an injustice. It doesn't matter if it's the runt of the litter, or a contestant on Wheel of Fortune who hasn’t won any money, we still can’t help cheering on an underdog because we feel for them.

 

On the morning of December 24th, 2009, the last thing I cared about was the underdog - human or animal. I awoke engulfed in a pity party stemming from loss. Between finding out our kids (including our new granddaughter) wouldn't be home for Christmas, and having to put our faithful canine companion down, I didn't care about getting out of bed, much less celebrating Christmas. But God had other plans; plans to use me to offer hope to the down and out. That Christmas was like non other, and was a powerful reminder of the true meaning of the season.

After sharing the unusual events of the day with my agent, she kept nudging me to write the manuscript. The problem was, I saw it only as a short story about a Christmas dog. I couldn't catch the vision of an entire book based on just that one day. Only after much prayer, along with reading through my many journals from that time period, did I realize the "Christmas Dog" book was actually an underdog story, about both humans and animals. And last spring, as if to confirm God wanted the book written, the contract seemed to fall from the sky. Then, all through the hot summer months of writing, the winter words flowed almost effortlessly. Yes, God wanted me to write this book. He wanted me to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones and have a heart for the underdogs He puts in their path, too.

So, I hope you enjoy, Christmas Underdogs: A True Story about Canines, Convicts and God’s Love for All. It is a testimony of the faithfulness of God and how He nudges us to get out of bed and care about others - especially the forgotten among us.

Early Christmas Blessings to You,

Connie

 

The Only Hope

That ugly “C” word has hit my family again. It’s been a rough few months. The same day one family member was being operated on due to cancer; we learned my husband had cancer. We chose to stay quiet about my husband’s situation until we knew our family member would be okay. Not only that, but hubby wanted to wait until all the tests were in and we knew exactly what we were dealing with.

His first round of chemo was a few weeks ago and it did not go well—we almost lost him. Now he’s facing a second round and we’re understandably concerned. We were told up front he would not beat this type of cancer. Several doctors pronounced, “Chemo was his only hope of prolonging his life.” 

I can honestly say I’ve never endured such an intense physical and emotional struggle as I have following the first round of chemo. With each new day of complications we awoke to face a hope that he would get better, but for what; so that he could get sick again by chemo, with the chemo not doing any long-term good?

When I kept my focus on the odds, I was miserable.

But now that I’ve been away from the hospital and able to catch up on my rest, I’m also spending more time in the Word. As I sit quietly in prayer I’ve realized—I had misplaced my hope. I forgot that, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) I forgot to hope in the Lord, not to put my hope in man or medicine.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Our “only hope” is never anything made by man, such as medicine, money, or materialism. Our only hope is Christ, period. We walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

My husband WILL be healed by God, one way or another. Either on this earth in his physical body, or in heaven in his new body, he will be healed. And that is the great hope that I, like you, must hold onto. These are trying times we live in. But there is always hope in Christ. Always.

Find rest, Oh my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6)