Acrophobia-An abnormal and persistent fear of heights. Sufferers experience severe anxiety even though they realize as a rule that heights pose no real threat to them. (medicine.net)

I am acrophobic. Not that I need to often, but climbing a ladder frightens me. I don't like the cheap seats at sporting events. I have anxiety the entire game. I once sat in a haymow (yes, that is a real word!) for what seemed like an eternity, paralyzed with fear. I eventually talked myself down, but vowed never again to climb up that high! I've feared heights for so long now that I almost believe that the fear has always been there. But it hasn't. I recall jumping from hay lofts as a child, riding horses that were much taller than me, and climbing to the top of many a cheerleader pyramid. Yes, I fell. And I even got hurt a few times. Yet I climbed again, time after time. I was fearless!

When I think of the anxiety that limits me now, I am tempted to claim that, “It’s just how I am. I am anxious. I don’t take chances. I am conservative.” But guess what! I wasn't always this way! There was a time when if I wanted something badly enough, I broke through any and all obstacles preventing me from attaining it. We use excuses of limitations because we are afraid. We fear leaving our comfort zone. We fear falling and failing.

God has blessed us with different gifts that enable us to become the men and women He created us to be. Find your passion, and go for it. Pray for courage to believe that you are who God says you are. Use your gifts to break out of the pattern of fear. What are you being called to do? Are you being led to serve? To finish your degree? To volunteer or mentor? Don’t let fear paralyze you. Ask God for discernment. He will guide you as you study His Word and His will for your life. It is never too late to fulfill a dream.

What chances will you take this year? Place your faith and confidence in Him and you will  live a full life. Proverbs 16:9  says “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Make your plans, but allow Him to work in you. We will be successful in the work he has called us to do. We cannot fully love and serve the Lord if we are stuck in a state of doubt and discontentment. God calls us to be brave. He delights in our success.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray that you remove from us our fears and limitations. You have plans for our lives. I pray that we believe you when your Holy Spirit prompts us to step out in faith. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have bestowed upon us.  May we use them for your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray.-Amen

Week #3-January 20, 2015
A fresh snowfall is a reminder of grace. Jesus died for me. His blood fully atoned for my sins; past, present and future. The gray traces of salt and ash are veiled with gleaming cleanliness, just as our guilt and shame are covered by His saving grace.

As we make our way through snowflakes and slush that are January, we long to see growth and life, green and bright. When the first daffodil pops its willing bloom through the snow, do we not delight in the vibrant colors? This is hope for new life coming; new beginnings. The appearance of the bud engages our senses .The blanket of stifling snow surrounding it disappears. This is Jesus. He beckons us to long for Him and the new life that He promises. Despite our sometimes dreary circumstances, Jesus is our light. Our future is secure. Focusing on him silences the world’s empty promises. We can see joy in this cold dormant weather, as we rest on the promise of life to come.

Hold on and hold close the promises found in scripture. There is hope in Jesus Christ. There is new life for all who call on Him, who repent and believe. Spring and heaven are just around the corner. Are you ready?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 
   
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life 
  
 Ephesians 4:22-24 To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that all who hear your Word will come to know you and accept your free gift of grace. We are so undeserving, yet while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Thank you for your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name –Amen

 

January 13,2015 - Blog Week # 2 - Waiting and Hoping

Winter has arrived in top form here in Western Pennsylvania. Blowing snow, sleet and ice prevail.  So what are we hoping for? Spring, of course! I find it interesting how quickly our focus shifts from sparkly lights and evergreens to tulips and green grass. It is the same every year for most of us. Winter has only just begun, yet we yearn for warmer days and more sunshine. Instead of embracing this season, we begrudgingly trek through, missing its beauty.

I find myself yearning to jump seasons in my life as well. I would be dishonest if I said I did not sometimes long for the quiet freedom that comes when the children are grown. As an “older” mom, I am seeing that many of my peers are finding this season to be rewarding and productive; “finding themselves.”  I am tempted to resent my current place of child rearing, cooking and cleaning. If my old nature prevails, I “what if?” and “why me?” myself into a complete fit of regrets. But if instead, I recognize God’s gift of motherhood and how awesome it is that he prolonged my season here, I am joyful!  I am thankful! He is blessing this time of my life, and I am growing in Him through it. So whatever your season, embrace it, don’t chase it!  And relish the experience. Take care to glorify God as you do.

Consider Abraham. . God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. (Genesis 22:17) His promise seemed unreachable, when well into his life he and Sarah had not yet had any children. But despite the obvious physical challenge of the situation, Abraham believed God. And when it seemed impossible, Sarah became pregnant and indeed Abraham became the father he was promised he would be.  Abraham did not stop believing, and neither should we, that God’s timing is perfect. He is developing us; refining us until He sees fit to change our circumstances.

While we wait for one season to flow into the next, we must embrace our surroundings knowing that each day we spend here is another chance to grow closer to God. Take this season, this winter season, to spend time studying Scripture and developing your relationship with Jesus. Begin to journal and learn through His word what he wants for you and from you. You will be blessed!

 Here’s to pots of soup, fresh bread, hot chocolate; shoveling, plowing and growing in faith while we wait in hope for our next season and ultimately, for heaven!

                                January  6, 2015 Week #1 of 52 week Devotional

Hope. There is a lot of talk about hope this time of year. Maybe it’s because of the big post-Christmas let down; the “undecorating”, the “uncelebrating”, and the” unfun” return to reality. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, a barrage of overindulgence, false hopes and complete gluttony take over otherwise sensible folk. Why do we, and when I say we, I mean I, succumb to this year after year? It’s no wonder hope is on the forefront! The post holiday plummet has put us down. We long to go back up. We hope to.

No doubt, some of us actually talked about Jesus, and even used Christmas to teach our loved ones about salvation. How 2000+ years ago, although not on December 25th, God gave the perfect gift to this fallen world, as promised in His Old Testament Word. All who believe are saved to an eternity of heaven with Him. That is Great News! Unfortunately, it becomes secondary in most homes to the pagan parts of the Christmas holiday. While this is where our focus should be, it oftentimes ends up in the glitter and the stuff instead.

I have heard the words, “If you feel far away from God, who moved?” Hmmm.  We know He is a constant in an ever changing world. He does not move. The roller coaster life that we choose in search of happiness and security with all its highs and lows does not change God. It only changes our proximity to Him. If we ride the crazy train long enough, we will eventually arrive at crazy town! There we find out that the ride has been fruitless. There is no joy in seeking worldly pleasure. If we ride instead the rails of evenness and surety and trust God as our engineer, the highs and lows may come, but not so drastically. He navigates for us. The ride is smoother, calmer and even more predictable.

This year, instead of seeking the highs, I will strive to be content. While the highs and lows will show up, I vow to not incur unnecessary pressure on myself to achieve worldly happiness. The apostle Paul says in his letter to the Philippians “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

I want joy, not happiness. I seek contentment, not elation. I will trudge a steady pace with a Master guide, trusting that this journey will be fulfilling and amazing just like Him! Through Jesus Christ, I have forgiveness and new life. I have not only hope, but a promise!

(Someone needs to remind me to read this in November! :))

Scripture verse:
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

Prayer:
 Lord God, help me this week to turn from this world and its influence. Help me to keep my eye on the prize and remain content as I wait upon You.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.