Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

You Just Don’t Understand Me!

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Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

“You just don’t understand me!!”

I have often expressed this frustration throughout my life. All human beings are made with different temperaments, different likes and dislikes, different ways of handling situations, and different feelings about matters. This is compounded by differing life experiences and influences. All these mold us and determine our responses, making it rare to find someone who can look within our heart and fully understand our needs and struggles.

When Dad and I were first married we quickly saw differences in our personalities. While we were more than willing to accept these differences, it has taken years to understand each other. Over time, Dad, who is energized by crowds and activities, recognized that I often craved quiet moments at home to recharge for the next big social encounter. Likewise I have learned that Dad is motivated and recharged by meeting and greeting in social situations. We have come to appreciate these character traits in each other, but we will not ever fully understand them in an experiential way because we are so different.

But I am glad to say that there is Someone who understands each of us perfectly. Not only because He is our Creator, but because He came down to our level and became one of us. Jesus, the Son of God, took on a human body and chose to live on earth experiencing all that we do as humans. He was tempted just as we are, though without sin. He suffered hardship, endured pain, experienced rejection and more. He lived life as we do, and yet He also sees into our hearts and understands our inner workings.

“You don’t understand me!” does not apply when it comes to Jesus. He formed our bodies in the womb, designated our personality traits, walks with us through every circumstance of life, and on top of that He has personally experienced the joys and trials that we encounter every day.

All of this and more is why He alone can offer the understanding and help that we need. He became the perfect source of salvation for everyone who obeys Him, and because of His life we are able to approach God confidently and receive the grace and mercy we need so desperately.

Good friends and family are gifts of God. Yet no matter how loving they are there will always be times when we are forced to say, “You just don’t understand me!” But this is not so with our Savior.

He knows and understands the deepest places of our hearts and bids us to draw near His throne of grace confidently. Speak freely because you will not be misunderstood. And there you will find all the forgiveness, mercy, and help you need.

Love,

Mama

 

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Lord, Do You Hear Me Now?

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Daniel 10:12 “Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.’”

Photo by Catherine Meekins

“Do you hear me now?”

These familiar words from a cell phone commercial became a reality to our family this past week. While visiting the state of New York for John-Keith and Naomi’s wedding, we found that in most spots we did not have good cell reception. It is a good discipline to wean oneself of smart phone and computer use once in a while, but there are times when reaching someone immediately is very important.

Sometimes when trying to find where you are going you need directions. GPS systems and quick calls to a knowledgeable friend or family member have almost completely replaced maps. This is well and good until you lose your connection. While driving, Emily, tried to call us for help. Numerous times, the static and garbled voices caused us to move and shout the infamous words, “Do you hear me now?” And numerous times we were distressed by the message “Call failed.”

Other times there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. When one of the groomsmen (whom I will not mention – you can thank me later, Luke) realizes hours before the wedding that he forgot to bring the right pants, it is crucial that one quickly connect with a store to try to remedy the situation. The last thing you want to hear while the clock is ticking down the minutes is the clerk at JC Penney shouting, “Do you hear me now?”

All of these reasons are why I am glad we can call on our heavenly Father any minute of the day and night. Yet often as we pour out our hearts to Him it seems as if we are not connecting. How many times I have desperately called from my knees, “Lord, do You hear me now?” 

The prophet Daniel had a similar experience. He had a terrifying vision about a great conflict, which caused him to mourn for three entire weeks. During that time he did not eat any tasty food or perform his usual personal cleansing rituals. He exhausted himself calling on God for help, but it seemed as if God did not hear.

Then an angel came to him and comforted him saying, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.”

The angel went on to explain that God had heard Daniel’s petition the moment he prayed and sent him to help, but he had been delayed by a great enemy. God did not have a bad connection or lose control of the situation, but there were things that needed attended to first. Even while He seemed silent, He was working on Daniel’s behalf.

I am glad to say that Emily made it to the wedding safely, and JC Penneys had one pair of pants left in Luke’s size, which we purchased with only minutes to spare. Despite our problems with cell reception, things worked out for the best.

But there are still even bigger things I am praying for that have not been answered yet. Unlike when in parts of New York State, I know I do not have to shout, “Lord, do you hear me now?” or worry about receiving the message, “Call failed.” God heard Daniel’s prayers the moment he uttered them, and we can be sure He hears ours, too. Be patient as you wait for answers. They are on the way and God is working on your behalf.

Love,
Mama

When The High One Comes Down – A Kindergarten Memory

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Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

There is nothing worse than being ignored. And there is nothing better than being acknowledged . . . except for being acknowledged by someone with a much higher standing than you have.

One very clear childhood memory occurred when I was five years old. I had just entered Kindergarten at Roosevelt School in Kearny, NJ. This brick city school had three stories accessible by a huge main staircase that spiraled around the center of the building. The kindergarteners were housed on the first floor near the principal’s office, and the older children progressed up the levels to the top floor.

I was a shy little girl and felt very small in what seemed like a very imposing building. The other older, taller, and smarter kids ruled and I was the lowly minion. But one day there was a knock on our classroom door. One of the “elite” sixth graders had come down from the third floor to bring our teacher a message. As he entered the room my heart nearly stopped. I knew him – he was my second cousin, David Russell.

I sat motionless in the back of the room, my gaze following his every move. And then he looked up. His eyes caught mine and he smiled and waved. I shyly smiled back and raised my hand in acknowledgment before he turned and left the room. Such a small encounter, but my heart and my confidence grew three sizes that day. Someone from upstairs had acknowledged me!

There are many on this earth who will never know your name. There are others who will completely ignore your existence and look the other way when you walk by. But do not be saddened. The One Who lives in the highest place of all knows you and loves you. He is the exalted One Who lives forever. His name is Holy!

Though this One lives in a high and holy place He has chosen to come and dwell with us. His presence lifts the heads and hearts of those who seek Him. He forgives our sins and revives our spirits. He brings peace to those who are far and those who are near. The comfort of His smile brings great joy. How amazing is that?

So don’t be sad if you feel rejected by some in this world. Open your eyes and look. The exalted One Who lives above has come down from His high and holy place to find you. And His presence will fill your heart with even more joy than the smile and wave of a sixth grader to a tiny kindergartener.

Love,

Mama

 

 

Being Who God Made You To Be

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Jeremiah 1:4-5 “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.’”

Did you know that before you were born the Lord knew you? It only makes sense when you understand that He is the one who created your body, gave you your DNA, and equipped you for a special purpose. From day one He fashioned you to be exactly who He wanted you to be. So why do we often try so hard to be someone else?

This past week was so joyful. We spent it with all the little cousins. Aunt Catherine, Uncle Jesse, and the kids came to stay, and, despite the crowded house, we had a blast! I could hardly get enough sweet smiles, sticky kisses, and tight squeezes. Who needs TV when you have a passel of adorable young’uns to entertain and keep you hopping?

As the week progressed the thought occurred to me. Children naturally are who they were made to be. Some are more outgoing. Others are a little shyer. Some have creative tendencies and others methodical impulses. Without a second thought they do and say what comes naturally. They are not concerned about the impressions they are making on others. They don’t worry about contributing to society, accomplishing great feats, or keeping up with the Joneses. They just live day-to-day doing what they do best. And being who they were meant to be brings such great joy to the world around them.

What happens to change a child’s simple world and create inhibitions? What turning point causes one to focus more on becoming than on being? At some point in our lives pressures from the outside begin to tell us how to live, how to be successful, and even who we should be? What a tragedy!!

God spoke comforting words to the prophet Jeremiah that ring true for all of us as well. Before we were even conceived God had a blueprint for our lives. In wisdom He created our bodies and personalities to bring Him praise and glory. He has appointed each of us to serve Him in a special way and He gives us all we need to accomplish the tasks with success. He promises to shape us and mold us according to His good pleasure. But we need to shut our ears to what the world says we should be and focus on what God made us to be.

Baby Verity, as she bounced in my arms, sucked her thumb, and laid her head on my shoulder this week, did nothing other than be who God made her to be. She had nothing important to prove, nothing grandiose to give, and nothing valuable to share, yet she melted my heart and brought such joy. Why? Because she had no other agenda than to be whom God made her to be.

Has the world’s ideals caused you to focus more on becoming than being? If so, consider God’s words to Jeremiah. Before you were formed in the womb He knew you and created you to be exactly what He wanted to be. Stop striving! Stop trying to be someone else! Just be you!

Love,

Mama

 

Remembering A Great Vacation

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Summer is the time for vacations and today I am going to share a post I wrote three years ago after one of our best. Thank you to our dear friends, the Kinsinger family, for sharing their time and camping expertise with the Sheridans. We had a blast! 

The gentle breeze nudged the waves towards the smooth rocks surrounding the land. The water licked the polished surfaces as we pointed the bow of our canoe towards the landing spot in the woods. Others had already arrived and were preparing to move their crafts along the path to the open lake on the other side. Continue Reading Here

Ice Cold Beer Here … For Free

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Isaiah 55:1 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

Two enthusiastic baseball fans enjoying a cold Coca Cola for a temporary refreshment. (Nice retro vendor’s hat, Bob!)

“Peanuts! Popcorn! Ice cold beeeer heeere!” The distinctive cries of the refreshment vendors reverberate through every ball stadium. The excitement of the game, blistering heat from the hot sun, and cramped quarters in the packed stadium usually produces the desired response. Fans dig deep into their pockets and produce a wad of cash to purchase the expensive treats. But what if you could get your cravings met for free?

While you would be hard pressed to get any kind of discount on your next stadium hotdog, there is a deeper need that you can have met for free! This desire originates deep inside the heart. At the beginning of time, humanity was created with a longing for a relationship with their Creator. But we lost this right when our original parents chose to disobey God’s rules. From that moment every man, woman, boy, and girl has experienced a gaping void within their soul. Many do not even know what they are missing, but the need for fulfillment gnaws at the deepest places of their being.

Thousands have tried to quench this inner thirst with human lovers, success, fame, material abundance, bigger houses, high paying jobs, rich foods, and the list goes on. They live their lives running from one excitement to the next hoping to ease the ache. But the pressures of life crowd in upon them; the heat of sin melts their guilty hearts with shame and over time hopelessness drains their life of fulfillment.

But in the midst of this despair there is a holy Voice from heaven crying out, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

This gracious offer of abundant life goes beyond the need for physical food and drink. Those who choose to partake will have their whole being satisfied. Guilt will be removed through forgiveness of sins. Burdens lifted from the shoulders of the weary. Broken hearts mended by the Great Physician. Purpose and hope restored to those who have given up – all of this and more at no cost to anyone who will receive.

But the time is short. This offer will not last forever. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts.”

Hear the voice of the compassionate God crying out and COME! What He offers will satisfy much more than peanuts, popcorn, or cold beer at a ball game! And the abundant life He offers does not require money. It is completely FREE!!

Love,

Mama

Click here to learn more about God’s free gift!

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God’s Goodness in the Rain

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Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 

Photo taken by Ashtyn Bush
http://www.ashtynbrookephoto.com

God is good all the time! We hear this phrase glibly spoken from many a Christian’s lips. How we like to dwell on the thought, and it is especially easy when life is in order and our plans are falling into place. “God is so good,” we exclaim when all is going well. But how do we explain God’s goodness when our world begins to crumble?

It is important to understand what goodness is, and to realize it cannot be defined apart from God Himself. For God is the author of all that is good. He is its source and everything He does meets the standard.

When difficulties intrude on our life God does not change. He loves us and promises to meet our needs in every circumstance. His goodness is manifested through His abundant mercy and grace. When we sin and experience the repercussions, He offers forgiveness. In grace He showers us with blessings we don’t deserve. He provides strength when we are weak, discipline to make us strong, and guidance to light our way. No matter the path we are walking, we can be assured that God is always good! He is able to take all things and work them together for the benefit of those who love Him and are His children.

We do not always understand God’s ways. They are much higher than our own. But when we are assured that God is always good we can trust Him no matter our plight.

Last week we enjoyed Luke and Brianna’s wedding. The temperature was in the 70s. A cooling breeze wafted through the yard creating a natural air conditioning. Fluffy clouds filled the blue sky, and everything was as good as we had hoped it would be. But the days before were nail-biters. Strong winds whipped across the fields, and heavily laden clouds spilled their contents over the earth. We wondered how the special day would pan out.

As we sat enjoying the wedding celebration a good friend mentioned that the gorgeous weather we were experiencing could not have happened without the rain the day before. The perfect conditions were created by the weather patterns of the previous week. I had never thought about that. In the midst of the wind and rain that caused us such angst, God was showering us with His goodness. He used the storms to create the environment for a perfect day!

When life is easy and all is going well let your heart rejoice. Praise and give thanks to the Lord because He is good!” And when things are not going as planned, grasp the truth of God’s goodness even more firmly. Remember, even when the storms of life blow, His lovingkindness is everlasting. God is good all the time . . . even in the rain! 

Love,

Mama

Big Brother Is Watching

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1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

For the past 60 years or so, many students have been required to read 1984, a book written by George Orwell in 1948. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I was required to read this book twice in different literature classes. While I don’t remember much about the plot or fate of the main character, Winston Smith, I very clearly remember his scary plight. No matter what he did or said, he was always reminded that “Big Brother,” the apparently omniscient ruler of the prevailing government was watching his every move, word, and thought. There was no escaping it – Big Brother was always watching.

Just last week our company installed security cameras at our workplace. Because we host many events including our well-attended auctions, we decided for safety sake to have the technology installed to help ensure the protection of our customers. This step has awakened me to the fact that “Big Brother” really is watching.

Through the use of our smart phones and tablets we are now able to watch what is going on at our office no matter where we are. The all-seeing eye of our lens can pan the interior, the parking lot, and even the nearby park. As many companies employ this type of surveillance, I have now become very careful about even my smallest actions. After all, who wants to be captured on tape while picking your nose?

Security cameras are a relatively recent invention, but there has always been Someone watching over all of humanity. The eyes of the Lord look down upon His creation seeing every movement, hearing every word, and discerning every thought. His ears are attentive to the prayers of the righteous and even the faintest cry for help He detects and answers. But for those who do evil He responds with judgment.

There are two ways to think about this constant accountability. For those who are doing wrong it is a scary thing. Their actions recorded on tape are condemning, but for those who are following the law the security camera holds no fear. They have nothing to hide and their actions are pure.

George Orwell was not far off – “Big Brother” is watching our every move through the prevalent use of security cameras, but all of our movements and motives have always been under surveillance. There is no escaping it – Someone sees all things. Whether this brings fear or security to your heart is up to you!

Love,
Mama

Skunks and Temptation – Time to Run!

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All the skunks in our town recently reminded me of a post I wrote in 2014. A skunk interrupted me while sitting on our porch and I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between handling that situation and handling temptation. In neither case is it a good idea to stick around. Running is the best choice! Read on…

It was 10:18 PM. Everyone was asleep when Uncle Chuck called to talk. I went out onto our side porch and settled into my new Cracker Barrel rocker to catch up on life. After we hung up I remained on the porch to think and pray. The cool breeze caressed my skin as I breathed in the fresh air. Bright pinpoints of light shone in the clear sky giving a sense of peace. Continue Reading

Blast from the Past: Murder in the Hen House

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This week is wedding week as we prepare for Luke & Brianna’s wedding next Saturday, so I will be sharing some favorite posts from the past. I hope you are encouraged! 
1 Peter 5:8. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV)
There was murder in the hen house this week. Monday evening started out like any other evening. The hens had made their way into the coop and found their roosts as usual. After putting our German Shepherd in the big barn and checking on the goats, Dad perused the chicken run. All seemed peaceful and quiet . . . Continue Reading