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Barnacles

Here are some facts I recently learned about barnacles. Barnacles? Yes, barnacles. I promise, I’m going somewhere.

Barnacles are marine crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. While often inconspicuous, barnacles attach themselves to nautical vessels like boats and ships using a fast curing cement-like secretion or glue. Left undisturbed, barnacles will thrive and grow, creating large, heavy colonies on these vessels. This extra weight causes an increase in drag, which in turn increases the amount of fuel being used. So as we can imagine, owners and companies must take proactive steps to manage barnacle growth. Some of the techniques are scraping, power washing, and even putting the vessel in dry dock to remove it completely from the environment that allows barnacles to live.

I considered how, similarly, my personal burdens and challenges can act as spiritual barnacles that can increase the weight I carry. Loss, disappointments, fears, problems in relationships, and all the other things life can toss my way can get really hard to carry and often demand a lot of my energy. Or what about the habits (or the lack of healthy habits) that hinder and slow my progress?

Jesus extends an invitation to you and I— “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). In Christ, we can find relief from the weight of our personal barnacles. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” (Psalms 23:1-3).

I read an interesting article about how some ship captains choose to go out of their way up rivers from the ocean to reach a fresh water port rather than an easily accessible seaside one. Why? Because barnacles can’t live in freshwater. It is in these narrow channels that the barnacles fall off and/or easily scrape off. Hebrews 12 tells us “we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.”

“He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” (Ephesians 5:26) “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9)

“Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:38) This living water serves as a metaphor for the spiritual refreshment that only Christ can provide. This water is life-sustaining and transformative to a heavy-burdened soul.

I want to seek the harbor of fresh, living water found only in Jesus. In these waters I am refreshed, restored, and cleansed. Removing the barnacles allows me to be a vessel that is prepared to receive all He has planned for me in this new year.

Full speed ahead in your own journey this new year!

He hears you

2 Timothy 4:16-18 ESV

At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

You are not hidden

There’s never been a moment

You were forgotten

You are not hopeless

Though you have been broken

Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath

I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you

In the middle of the darkest night

It’s true, I will rescue you

There is no distance

That cannot be covered

Over and over

You’re not defenseless

I’ll be your shelter

I’ll be your armor

As I was working on school stuff this song came on, and at the same time Daisy messaged to remind me about my time to share. And to be honest I didn’t type out what I had on my heart until after she reminded me because well, life is hectic right now. The feeling of struggling is very heavy. At times, abandonment comes in strong and I’m not always sure where it stems from. I’ve lost people that I love dearly whether to death or just life moving on. At times old hurts and memories that reflect this feeling come up, and it leaves me wondering why. Why does it happen? Why wasn’t I good enough to choose to stick around with? Why did they walk out?

Since moving to Arkansas and working with families who have trauma that is out of this world, some days it breaks my heart to know that they feel these things as well. I have worked hard to be the light for them in their darkest nights and while I know that I cannot rescue them, I know I’m showing God’s light to be the rescue for themselves. This is what God does – He leans down to rescue us. We cannot hide from Him. There is no low or high that we have in life where He isn’t with us. Now, if you’re anything like me some days during the highs and lows you forget He’s right next to you, and that’s okay because He is still covering us. He is our shelter and armor when life is beating us up. But my favorite thing is that He sends people to be there with us when we need more support to rescue ourselves. God is placing you where you need to be with the people you need for this season. Though people may come and go, it does not mean you are unworthy of rescuing or that you are not worth fighting for. God is always fighting for you and towards you.

Lean into God on the days you don’t see yourself where you want to be or where the love for yourself is lower. God is still covering you in love that is as mighty as an ocean where it drowns out all of the fear, shame, abandonment, rejection, and all of the other ugly feelings. Remember God will hear your softest whisper, He will strengthen you, He will bring you safely back to Him, and He will rescue you!

His Plans

Happy 2024! Another year has come and gone. Were you proud of yourself this last year? Did you do some really hard things? Did you have challenges you faced? Was God with you through it all? Absolutely! He was there with you for all of the good and the not so good. He is proud of you for doing the hard things. He is proud of you for staying faithful through the challenges.

Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.

While we look forward to the new year, we will have plans for what we think this year will look like. Perhaps our new year resolutions look a bit like eating better, exercising more, or spending more time with family. However, our plans for this year are ultimately not up to us. God already has this entire new year planned out for us. He knows the challenges you will face, and he knows the joyous moments you will experience. He wants to walk beside you through it all. Trust in Him, and the rest will fall into place… ALWAYS! The scripture reminds us to be strong and courageous no matter what we are facing and to trust that the Lord is with you wherever you go.

It is easy to make plans for the upcoming year, but the true new year plans we should be making for ourself is to allow our life to revolve more around Jesus and the great plans He already has for us. We have to plan for Him to be the guidance and spirit we need for taking on the new year. Can I encourage you to make your new year resolution to walk closer with Jesus this year? I promise you won’t regret it. As you walk with Jesus and trust in Him, this will be your best year yet!

“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

Have hope in the Lord this new year to renew your strength to face whatever this year holds for you. By doing so, in trusting in Him, you will run with the Lord’s plans and not grow weary. Have a very blessed 2024! What a blessing it is to see a new year! Make it a good one.

Trust & Obey

And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.“

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ 

And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ 

Recently, I’ve been looking at the life of Abraham, and I’ve come to stories I’ve read and heard many times in my life. Abraham has always been one of my favorite characters, and while I know this story is prophetic of Jesus, as I read it this time, God spoke to me about provision.

As Isaac and Abraham headed toward the sacrificial offering, Isaac asked where the lamb was. Abraham responded that God would provide for Himself the lamb. Then, as Abraham lifted the knife to slay his son, God called out to Abraham to stop. When Abraham looked, there was the ram that would be the sacrifice. Abraham was fully obedient in following God’s directions, and, at what we would see as at the last minute, God fully provided.

There are situations right now that I’m facing in which I just don’t see the how of it being worked out. Yet, God reminded me that it’s not my place to worry. It’s my place to trust and obey. In trusting and obeying, God will provide, sometimes at the last minute. 

As you go into this new year, are you wondering how you’re going to pay that bill? Trusting and obeying means “the Lord will provide”. Are you wondering how that work situation is going to be resolved? Trusting and obeying means “the Lord will provide”. Are you wondering how the needs of your family are going to be met? Trusting and obeying means “the Lord will provide”. Are you wondering how that relationship with a loved one will be restored? Trusting and obeying means “the Lord will provide”. We may struggle with the timeline, but no matter what the situation, trusting and obeying means “the Lord will provide” in His perfect time. 

Trust and obey no matter what. His timing is perfect. His provision is perfect.

“The Lord will provide.”

Filled up

There are a few times a year I feel absolutely burnt out. I realize at these times my cup is near empty and I am spiritually dehydrated. When life gets busy, it’s so easy to rush my quiet time or skip it altogether. That daily time with Jesus is so worth it, you don’t want to miss it. 

Make it a priority to read your Bible on a daily basis. The nourishment of God’s word does not compare to any worldly thing out there. If you are a believer, inspect your walk with the Lord. Choose someone in your life to share the gospel with and pray fervently for them. 

If I can be filled up with the love and strength of Jesus, then I don’t want it any other way. Let’s start the new year with cups that are overflowing thanks to the Lord’s goodness!

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

Psalm 23:5-6

New Year

It is the beginning of a new year. A time when most of us are ready for a new and fresh start. We can wipe the slate clean and focus on the new goals we set for ourselves.

When I think of a new beginning, I think of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

God created everything that exists. He created us in His image! He designed each and every one of us to fulfill a purpose and bring Him the glory through it. We should reflect His character of love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.

So as we begin this new year, I think we should look back at this time last year and ask ourselves, ”Am I closer to achieving these characteristics than I was this time last year?” Have I grown more in the faith and closer to God?” I think each of us needs to reflect on our answer, whether it is yes or no.

If you can answer yes, that you have grown closer to God and you are living a life that reflects these characteristics, that is wonderful. But, we will never be able to achieve perfection like Jesus. There is always something we can work on or an area we need to grow. I think we should pray and ask God to reveal to us what we may be lacking.

If you answered no, that’s okay. The first step is admitting that you need to seek God more. The awesome thing is His grace for you in this moment. He knows we are going to fail Him. He knows the distractions and temptations that get in our way. In this instance we should also pray and ask God to guide us and give us strength to rise above the distractions and temptations of this life so that we can fulfill His sovereign plan for our lives.

Sin separates us from God, but He made a way for us to enter the throne room of God through Jesus. We can go with confidence knowing that He has mercy and grace for us, no matter how many times we need it, which is daily for me!

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

My prayer is for each and everyone of us to experience God in a way we never have in this new year! He is faithful and He will show Himself more and more as we seek Him.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. “ 2 Chronicles 16:9

Flip it

It’s ok if you don’t join in. You don’t have to.

It’s ok if you don’t fit in. Once again, you don’t have to.

They’re probably gonna think you’re stuck-up or weird. They’ll probably make fun of you, and that’s ok. After all, you were called to be different, dear.

When you find yourself in a situation where people are sitting around just talking ugly, ask yourself the following question: If Jesus was sitting in front of you would you join in this conversation?

You don’t have to.

You shouldn’t.

Christians, ladies, young girls, let’s start flipping the script. Let’s be the ones to start the conversations. Let’s lead the way.

And when you do find yourself in a situation where the conversation is not sitting right with your spirit, start praying for a way out. God will help you because you are His girl.

1 John 4:4-5 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.

Resolution became reality

To anyone who made getting up early and getting in the Word your New Year’s resolution:

Yes.

Yes, you can.

My whole life I was a “sleeper-inner”. Like a professional. You can ask my dad. However, in 2017 I set a goal to get up before everyone else and spend time with my bestie – God.

And I did.

Was it easy?

No.

Did I do it?

Yes.

And all these years later I’m still setting that alarm and getting up.

With God, lots of prayer, and lots of determination – the resolution became a reality.

God split the Red Sea, y’all. He can make you a morning person. Psssshhhhh.

Let me tell you something, I’m going on year 7 of this and I’m a literal Ray of Sunshine in the mornings now. I mean, after a cup of coffee of course.

I love it. I love the quiet. I love the sweet whispers between God and myself. I love the stillness. I love that it’s “ours”.

The only day I don’t set my alarm is on Saturday – if the kiddos don’t have some type of something that is.

Summer break, Christmas break, winter break, it doesn’t matter – the alarm is being set. And I’m getting up, and I’m getting set.

Set up for excellence. Because that’s what being in God’s word does.

Y’all, just trust me. It’s the sweetest, best time of the day.

If I can, you can.

Because God can.

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

First things first

First things First

”My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.“

Psalms 5:3 NKJV

”Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.“

Mark 1:35 NKJV

Not a resolution.

For years I fought the idea that I needed to do my Bible study first thing in the morning. I felt the Lord honored it at any time…and He does. The early morning study is not for Him. It’s for me. It’s a fresh surrender to Him. Should it be a duty? No. It should be an I love You and I want to hear from You moment.

If we get up every morning and think in our heads “my husband knows I love him I’ll touch base with him later” and then we forget or get busy and say we will do it tomorrow it will adversely affect the relationship. To have intimacy in relationships it requires our attention.

I need to surrender and listen in the morning, even if it’s a short devotion and time of prayer. Keeping an open line of communication all day; talking and listening. This is not new stuff, but it is very important stuff that gets neglected.

Our relationship with God is worth pursuing. Go after Him like a 13 yr old crush. Kidding, but you get the idea. He is the only worthy pursuit.

I mean if Jesus and David set the morning aside how much more should I?

New year, old me.

When I share my testimony with people, I usually begin by stating that I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old, but I didn’t start acting like it until I was 27. To say that I was hot mess as a teenager would be the understatement of the century. I was grounded more than I was free. I snuck out, stole money from my dad while he was sleeping, started drinking and smoking before I even graced the doors of my high school campus. I bounced more checks in my late teens and early twenties than I should admit on a public platform. My poor parents didn’t know what to do with me. I know they prayed for me. I know they tried to talk sense into me. I know they reached out to counselors, youth pastors, and friends for advice and support. I know, now, that they must have lost a lot of sleep worrying about me and spent a lot of money cleaning up the trail of heartbreak and disaster that l left in my self-centered adolescent wake.

My sweet daddy spent his first Christmas with Jesus this year. He passed away this October. I’m still devastated by his absence because he was my biggest fan. I look back on my childhood and my life as an adult and can’t recall a single moment in my entire life that I doubted his love for me. After his death, hundreds of people poured out their love for my dad in letters, posts, text messages, and conversations reminiscing about the love they felt from Dad and about how he made them feel special and accepted just for who they were. I’ve come to realize since losing Daddy that God gave me this earthly father as an amazing example of what unconditional love looks like. Apparently, no matter how wretched I was as a teenager, there was nothing I could do to make my daddy not love me and forgive me or want me to be reconciled unto himself. Were there consequences of my actions and choices? Absolutely. There are many struggles that I face even today as a 46-year-old that are direct results of my sinful past–burdens that I might bare until the day I meet Jesus myself; however, knowing that I was loved and forgiven by my earthly father is not one of them. For that I am forever grateful.

In Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, he assured them of their Heavenly Father’s love for them and His desire to reconcile them unto Himself. Paul tells them in chapter 5, “15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

So, what is this “message of reconciliation” about which Paul speaks? As you begin this new year, know in the deepest depths of your heart that there is nothing old in your past that God will not leave behind in His endless ocean of forgiveness. There is nothing you could have ever done that will make Him not love you today. As the old passes away in the new year, seek and rest in the One who is the source of that kind of love and who only desires to love and be loved by you no matter what–our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.