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Caring For People: A Ministry Pattern to Follow

March 25, 2021 By Sandra Sheridan 1 Comment

Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”

Caring for People

Dear Kids,

The path to service is often a long and exhausting one. For example, men or women who desire to run for public office spend inordinate amounts of time and money pushing their name in front of the voters. They develop a plan, gather workers, and try to make their ideals known and acceptable to as many people as possible. They have a goal and run towards it at full speed. While I believe it is admirable to pursue any type of ministry, I also believe there is a time when you need to step back and rest.

Recently, I have read a number of books about former United States presidents and their runs for public office. In her book, Pivotal Tuesdays: Four Elections that Shaped the Twentieth Century, author Margaret O’Mara compares four different elections and how they changed history. Although I didn’t understand every detail of the multi-faceted nuances of each election or political ideal, I did ask myself, “What is one take away from this book?”

Caring For People is Exhausting

One consistent theme for most candidates was the incredible amount of activity they invested on their endeavors. My head spun when I read about the thousands of speeches, handshaking, party attending, relationship developing, non-sleeping, super charged, high speed, railway train living that most of the candidates endured during their run for office. Add that to perfecting people skills, word massaging, and emotion milking, and you have one exhausted man or woman who may or may not finally attain a huge personal goal.

When I compare this type of focused determination with the way Jesus approached ministry on earth I see a great disparity. Jesus also spent many hours teaching and ministering to crowds. He spoke with and healed numerous individuals. He traveled to touch the dying and confronted evil spirits torturing their hosts. Yet He also understood the importance of finding time alone to commune with His Father. There were times when He purposefully sent the crowds away to give Himself and His disciples time to rest and recuperate from a busy day.

Jesus Took Time to Rest and Pray

Sometimes He slipped away to focus on His closest followers. Other times He knelt alone to pray in a quiet and deserted place. These times prepared Him for even more effective ministry. While alone, He gained strength for the assignments of the day, and understanding of His Father’s will. At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, despite these moments of pause, He finished all that God had called Him to do. Staying in high gear every moment of every day was not necessary to fulfilling His calling on earth.

Caring for people on any sort of level can be exhausting. Running for a public office takes a lot of time and money, but so does any type of care ministry. The opportunities to touch someone never end. But running full speed ahead to meet needs does not guarantee a successful effort.

Follow Jesus’ Pattern of Caring for People

I learned some things from my most recent book. First, I will never be President of the United States; I just don’t have the energy to run for public office. But most importantly, the best way of caring for people is not to drain yourself dry. Find out what God has called you to do and work hard, but regularly slip away from the crowds to rest and pray. This is how Jesus fulfilled His calling, and it is a pattern we also should follow.

Love,

Mama

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Who and What Do You Love?

March 11, 2021 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of  the Father is not in him.”

Dear Kids,

In recent years T-shirts with sayings on them have become a real craze. The wearer selects apparel with a goal of sending a message to others. You can tell something about the person by what they choose to say. But there is a more accurate way to evaluate the inner values of the message sender than the words emblazoned across their chest or back. This is discerned by the way they live on a daily basis.

Messages in a T-Shirt Medium

I am intrigued by some of the messages people send through the T-shirt medium. Some messages are in good taste. They may even share a word of encouragement such as a comforting Bible verse. On the other hand some of the quips are downright rude, telling those who approach them where to go or who’s the boss. Other sayings share information about the wearer like “I ‘heart’ my boyfriend” or “I ‘heart’ my cat.” This points to what the person believes they value most. But just because someone has a phrase printed on a T-shirt doesn’t mean the words are necessarily true. If a supposed cat lover kicks her cat every time it rubs against her leg, the action reveals the real heart of the matter.

Many people profess to love God. They may do all the “right” spiritual things such as attending church regularly, dropping money in the offering plate, and singing in the church choir. These individuals may even sport spiritual T-shirts, possibly even one that reads “I ‘heart’ Jesus.” But when it comes right down to it, the way they live their everyday lives will soon reveal their true heart love.

Do Not Love the World

John instructs his readers to consider long and hard about who and what they really love. He tells them, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” Of course, he is not saying that it is wrong to care for your boyfriend or your cat. He is talking about priorities within this world’s system. The world, run by Satan, doesn’t recognize God as supreme ruler and organizes all its passions – the desires of the flesh and the eyes and the pride of life – apart from God. Anything in our life that takes precedence over God and His purposes fits into these categories.

John goes on to say, “If anyone loves the world, then the love of the Father is not in him.” Those who make materialism, pleasure, beauty, or relationships apart from Christ their main goal in life show with whom they identify and what they truly love. When the world’s priorities rise to the forefront, then a person’s heart values become clear. And love of the Father and love of the world can’t coexist.

Live Your True Heart’s Passion

So have you thought about your own life? Maybe it’s time to evaluate where your priorities truly lie. Do not love the world or the things in the world because they quickly pass away. Instead, seek to do the will of God and give Him precedence in every area of your life. Then everyone you meet will be able to read your heart’s true passion . . . even on the days you aren’t wearing your “I ‘heart’ the Father” T-shirt.

Love,

Mama

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Taking a Walk in the Light: Encouragement When Spiritual Leaders Sin

February 25, 2021 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

1 John 1:6-7 “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Walking in the Light

Dear Kids,

Have you ever been devastated by the news that someone you respected has fallen into grievous sin? Over the years there have been many high profile people, even seemingly godly people, whose secret lives were hidden behind a cloud of darkness. On the outside they appeared to be following God’s ways, but in private they were completely different people.

God is Light

The Apostle John defines God as “light in Whom is no darkness at all.” He is radiant and holy, and His perfection is totally incompatible with man’s sinfulness. John tells us that in order to have fellowship with God we must walk in the light. When we do so, God shines a spotlight on our sins.

The spotlight may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it is crucial to staying in good standing with God. When we realize that something is not right in our lives we can immediately receive forgiveness and cleansing by confessing and determining to repent.

Those Who Walk in Darkness Deceive Themselves

A problem occurs when we hide from the light. Many try to duck into the shadows when something is wrong. They no longer walk in the light of God’s presence, but stumble around in the dark. Soon their sinful thoughts or actions begin to fester and grow. They continue to live a lie until one day everything gets out of control and the truth is revealed.

Unfortunately prominent spiritual leaders are not exempt from this danger. Those who act like they are close to God, but walk in darkness deceive themselves and others. In time, God brings the truth out into the open and, sadly, many followers are often left struggling to understand what happened.

Walk in the Light

But don’t lose hope! There is a way to overcome. Don’t follow anyone, no matter who they are, down a darkened path. Instead keep walking where God’s light brightens your way. If you walk in the light, as He is in the light, you can have sweet fellowship with God and with one another.

So, step out of the shadows. Allow the One Who loves you to probe and purify you. He is Light in which there is no darkness at all!

Love,

Mama

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An Eyewitness Account from the Book of 1 John

February 19, 2021 By Sandra Sheridan 1 Comment

1 John 1:1 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life . . .”

An Eyewitness Account

Dear Kids,

If there is one thing you can learn from television crime shows, it’s that an eyewitness account is crucial when it comes to useable evidence. “He said or she said,” will not be acceptable in a court of law. The eyewitness gives a personal statement, often picks the perpetrator out of a lineup, and then testifies to the events in court. This ensures that the information the judge receives is correct, not just hearsay, and helps him make a decision.

Many years ago, I was waiting at a red light for the traffic signal to change. When it turned green I started through the intersection only to have a driver coming the other way run into my passenger side door. He had not been paying attention and hit me broadside. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but my car sustained a lot of damage. Fortunately, the man in the car behind me saw the whole thing. He stayed, and reported to the police that the other driver had run the red light. His eyewitness account gave credibility to my story. I was then able to keep a clean record and get the needed insurance money to pay for my car.

An Eyewitness Account About Jesus

In the book of 1 John, the apostle John gives his personal testimony about Jesus. He begins his letter by giving his credentials for the message he was about to share. John and the other apostles had been eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. They heard Him speak with their ears, saw Him perform miracles with their eyes, and touched Him with their hands before and after His resurrection. So they were qualified to testify to His life and mission.

John wanted his readers to understand Who Jesus was so they could be sure they had inherited eternal life and could continue in fellowship with God, no matter what. So after establishing his credibility as a reliable witness, John continues by proclaiming God’s message of hope. He explains that God is light and that in Him is no darkness. The believer who walks in darkness cannot have a close friendship with God. But the one who confesses her sin can be assured that God has faithfully forgiven her and cleansed her from all unrighteousness. God removes the guilt of sin and restores the fellowship between them that sin damaged!

Brought Out of Darkness into Light

Not only did John hear this message, but he also experienced the life changing power that occurs when a person’s sins are forgiven. He lived the rest of his life as one who had been brought out of darkness into the light, sharing the good news for all who will believe.

John’s firsthand testimony still stands today. It has been recorded in the Bible. It is not evidence based on something he heard from someone else. But confirmation of Someone and something he experienced personally with his own eyes and ears. The message is clear: in Jesus you can be sure you have eternal life!

So what’s the verdict on John’s eyewitness report? Only you can be the judge!

Love,

Mama

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Remember Your Creator: Lessons From a Wise King and an Abandoned Building

February 12, 2021 By Sandra Sheridan 1 Comment

Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them.”

Dear Kids,

The older you get the more you understand the brevity of life. Each person is here only for a short time and no one truly knows what tomorrow will bring. The blessings we have today could evaporate into thin air tomorrow. So it behooves the wise man or woman to learn from the past and to plan for the future, but to live wisely in the moment. So while you are young, remember your Creator and serve Him well.

A Strange and Unsettling Experience

I had a strange and unsettling experience this past week. My colleagues and I spent many hours at an empty school building in our county. A beautiful new complex now houses the many teachers, administration, and students who used to occupy the halls and rooms of this now abandoned building. So we were cataloging and taking pictures of excess equipment and supplies to sell at auction.

Remember Your CreatorAs we traipsed from room to room I couldn’t rid myself of a certain sadness stemming from the deafening silence and the leftover remnants of bustling days gone by. Teachers’ nameplates still identified each classroom. Forlorn plants sat on dusty desks, and dog-eared posters with encouraging slogans hung dejectedly on the walls. The whole atmosphere reminded me of a ghost town from an old TV western.

But the thing that hit the hardest was outside the school cafeteria. After eating lunch I stepped into the hall and noticed the area where morning announcements used to be posted. Out of curiosity I took a closer look at the page curling on the board. It was dated Thursday, March 12, 2020 – the day before everyone set their normal lives and routines aside to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. At the end of the announcements was this postscript, “Have a good three day weekend!”

No One Knows What Tomorrow Holds

No one knew that day they would not be coming back to this school in the same way they had done in the months and years before. Teachers taught and students learned online for the rest of the year. When everyone finally returned to a somewhat normal setting, it wasn’t to this old building. All the needed items were hurriedly moved to the new complex, but the morning announcement from March 12 remained on the board outside the cafeteria as a reminder of how quickly life can change.

A very wise man, King Solomon, understood the brevity of life. He spent his days seeking pleasure and fulfillment in all the wrong things. But as an older man, when life had worn heavy on him, he advised others to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. He learned from his past that all he had sought after was vanity that evaporated like a mist. He had wasted a good portion of his life and now time was short. He entreated his listeners to seek the only Person worth living for. The Creator and God of the universe is the One Who never changes. When life takes a hairpin turn He alone remains constant.

Remember Your Creator

So take a lesson from a wise, old king and an abandoned school building; learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the moment. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, because tomorrow comes quickly, and only He knows what it will bring.

Love,

Mama

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Sacrificial Love – It’s Not So Easy

December 11, 2020 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” 

Sacrificial Love

Dear Kids,

“It’s so easy to fall in love, it’s so easy to fall in love.”

Famous singer/songwriter, Buddy Holly, along with Norman Petty penned these catchy lyrics, and in 1958 the rock and roll band, The Crickets, recorded the single.

“Yeah, where you’re concerned,

My heart can learn,

Oh it’s so easy to fall in love,

It’s so easy to fall in love.”

Real Love is Not Always Easy

The sentiment of these lines is one to be appreciated. But while it may be easy initially to fall in love with the person of your dreams, walking in love on a long-term basis is a lot harder. This is because real love is not always easy. Most of the time it requires great sacrifice.

Anyone who has ever fallen in love experiences a great wash of emotion. This song talks about the initial hormonal rush that produces giddy feelings of pleasure. As time passes these hormones stabilize and real life sets in. Many of your significant other’s habits that were “cute” before can become annoying. This is where the real test of true love begins.

Real Love for Others is Sacrificial

The Apostle Paul calls God’s children to be imitators of God and to walk in love as Christ has loved us. This genuine love prompted Jesus to lay down His life for us even when we were not very loveable. So, too, our love for others should be one of self-sacrifice.

We are called to love not only those who generate pleasant feelings, but everyone around us – even those we would consider enemies. Selfish purposes need to be set aside, and we must think of others more highly than we do ourselves. This may mean sacrificing time, money, preferences, and even our right to “be right.” It means always being kind, continually offering forgiveness, and patiently bearing with one another even on bad days. None of this is very easy!!

Sacrificial Love Brings Joy

Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ lyrics speak of an all-consuming emotion experienced by star-crossed lovers all over the world. For them “it’s so easy to fall in love” because their hearts are light and the relationship is new. But when God’s children imitate Jesus by displaying sacrificial love even when it’s difficult, we bring joy to our heavenly Father. Our attitudes and actions make Him smile. And that alone is worth the sacrifice.

Love,

Mama

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True Love is Always About the Heart

November 6, 2020 By Sandra Sheridan 3 Comments

Mark 12:42-43 “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury . . .”

Love is Always About the Heart

Dear Kids,

The weather turns colder, and the wind whips the trees mercilessly. It’s a good night to hunker down on the couch under a cozy blanket with family. What more perfect setting to watch a favorite movie? Most of my preferences involve the typical love triangle. Girl has rich inattentive boyfriend. She goes away and meets a fellow with average means who ends up falling in love and portraying it in romantic and very real ways. Of course, in the end the girl dumps the guy with the money for the man who truly loves her with everything he’s got. This is because love isn’t about money; true love is always about the heart!

What would you rather have: a very expensive gift from someone who doesn’t care about you, or a small thoughtful present from someone who adores you and would sacrifice everything for your benefit?

Jesus Recognized a Poor Widow Woman

Jesus recognized a poor widow woman who did just that. She only had two small coins to give, but He pointed her out to His disciples as someone to be emulated. He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry and had met many different people. The religious leaders should have understood who He was and reverenced Him, but instead they despised Him. Yet they continued to go through the rituals of honoring God with great piety although they only cared about gaining personal recognition and admiration.

One day Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and began observing the contributors. There were many rich people putting in large sums. I am sure they made a great display of their fine offerings, so others would see how generous and spiritual they were.

But suddenly there appeared a poor widow woman. She approached the offering box and dropped in two copper coins. Those whose eyes were only on themselves hardly noticed the clink of this measly offering. But Jesus noticed and called His disciples to Him. “Look at her,” He said. “Her gift is worth more than all of the other contributors to the treasury. They put in out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty. She offered all she possessed and had to live on.” This unassuming, humble act came from a deep faith and a heart of love, and it caught Jesus’ attention.

Love is Always About the Heart

In just a few short days Jesus would be led away to the cross to play His part in the greatest love story ever. He gave up everything including His life for us, so shouldn’t we, like the poor widow, sacrifice all for Him?

The wind continues to howl outside the living room window, but our hearts are warmed as the girl falls in love with the underdog in yet another chick flick. It’s because most of us value the real deal over the self-centered love interest. We know that in all love stories it’s never about the money; it’s always about the heart.

Love,

Mama

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God’s Way to the Top is at the Bottom

October 30, 2020 By Sandra Sheridan 1 Comment

Mark 10:44-45 “ . . . and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.”

God's Way to the Top is at the Bottom

Dear Kids,

How does a person make it to a place of prominence? Our world would say you do whatever it takes to fight your way to the top. But in God’s economy the way to the top is at the bottom.

Fall Sunday afternoons bring to mind so many peaceful feelings: enjoyment of a warm scrumptious meal with family, encouraging conversation around our large, Amish-made dining room table where everyone feels satisfied and loved, walks with good friends down a country road lined with glorious trees of changing colors, and the soothing sound of the football game droning on while I drift off to sleep in my comfy chair until the punctuated cheers of the sofa fans startle me out of my slumber.

Avid football fans have always intrigued me. These devoted followers wear the gear, decorate the house, scream encouragement, and rarely miss a game, always hoping their team will win.

Desire to be at the Top is a Natural Human Craving

This particular desire to be on top seems to be a natural human craving in more than just the realm of football. We often strive to be the best in our class, top achiever in our work, highly recognized in our circles, record breakers in our sports, and even sometimes the most respected in our churches. How else does one become successful if he or she doesn’t shoot for the top position?

More than once Jesus’ disciples expressed their desire for a place of prominence in God’s kingdom. One day James and John approached Him and solicited Jesus to do what they asked: give them the seats of honor at His right and left side in glory. Jesus told them they did not understand what they were asking. Could they drink the cup He had to drink? Could they be baptized with the baptism with which He was baptized? Even though these audacious men thought they could, Jesus informed them these positions were not His to give. Of course, their request annoyed the rest of the disciples who also wanted these positions of honor.

God’s Way to the Top is By Lowering Yourself to Servanthood

So Jesus called the grappling men to Himself and taught them a different method of becoming great than the world proposed. His route to the top was not by pushing yourself ahead. Instead, it involved lowering yourself to the status of a servant. He, Himself, would be the greatest standard of this manner of living. For the Son of God, the Creator of all the earth, came to this world not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Anyone who was to be His disciple must follow His example.

In God’s economy, those who push themselves forward end up last. And those who take a back seat end up first. What a contrast to how we normally structure our lives! Instead of using all our resources to become the top dog and call all the shots, we are to humble ourselves and use our resources to serve others.

I know Autumn Sunday afternoons will always hold a special appeal for football fans. And I will probably always love the drowsy sound of the TV announcers calling the game. But when you nestle down on the couch to cheer your favorite team to the top of their division, make sure you don’t carry the mindset into the rest of life. If you want to be a follower of Jesus the way to the top is at the bottom.

Love,
Mama

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How to Deal With Conflict and Gain Peace

October 16, 2020 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

Mark 9:50 “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Dear Kids,

Deal With ConflictDoes anyone really love conflict? I know there are some who thrive on the drama of difficult circumstances and relationships. But I expect there are many more who would love to float through life without ever facing any kind of uncomfortable disagreement. This would be nice, but the Bible makes it clear that such ease will not be the norm. Life in a sinful world that is full of sinful people portends hurt and strife. We will need to deal with conflict. And in order to attain peace we must embrace the painful path.

Different Ways to Deal With Conflict

All of us deal  with conflict differently. Some, with feet planted and fists clenched, like to face it head on. These ones are ready to protect and fight to the end. And that is often what happens. Harsh words fly, hearts shrivel, and souls die a painful death.

Others defend themselves by running away and avoiding the fray at all costs. In their minds they think this will guard against hurt and preserve the peace. But these responses are wrong also. The painful emotions caused by misunderstanding take root in the heart spreading cancerous bitterness that over time erodes even the best of relationships.

If you want to experience peace in a confusing, hurtful, disappointing world there is only one way to do it. It is to walk the path of conflict courageously with wisdom, grace, and love. This thorny trail is risky. But the benefits are reconciliation and life.

Interpersonal Struggles Have Been Around Since the Fall

Interpersonal relationship struggles have been around since Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Even Jesus had to deal with them while here on earth. His closest band of followers struggled just as we do. One day they were travelling to Capernaum and on the way the twelve argued over which of them was the greatest.

Jesus could have blasted these prideful men for thinking so highly of themselves, or He could have avoided the conflict by trying to change the subject. Instead Jesus appropriately addressed the heated discussion and used it as a teachable moment.

How Did Jesus Deal With Conflict

First, Jesus waited for the right timing. He did not enter the fray in the public arena, but delayed until they were inside a house and could speak privately. Next, Jesus gently questioned His disciples about what they had been discussing on the road. The disciples knew they were wrong and were embarrassed, so they kept quiet and didn’t answer.

Instead of accusing and belittling these men because of their misconduct, Jesus sat down with them and explained that the way to become great is to be a servant of all. To help them understand He demonstrated His point by taking a child in His arms and showing the kind of humility they must maintain to reflect Christlikeness.

The Benefits of Dealing With Conflict Appropriately

Many more missteps took place during those days as Jesus trained His disciples, but each time the Lord gently guided them to the right way of thinking and acting. They were to salt the earth with prudence in their dealings with each other and all people. This salt would be the very ingredient necessary to preserve relationships and share the gospel of peace successfully with the world.

We will always be confronted with conflict on this sinful earth. How we deal with it will make all the difference. Do not run away. Do not go toe-to-toe only to defend your self-interest. Instead, when appropriate, gently and humbly enter in with love and grace. This painful path is what leads to interpersonal healing and gives us opportunity to promote the gospel of peace. This is the salt that seasons the earth.

Love,
Mama

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Finding Joy in Change

October 10, 2020 By Sandra Sheridan Leave a Comment

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/larisa-k-1107275/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=19830">Larisa Koshkina</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=19830">Pixabay</a>

Finding Joy in Change

Dear Kids,

Facing change is a necessary part of life. Every day things change all around us. From the weather to the seasons to our personal circumstances and environments, the inevitable takes place. And we must all adapt to this natural ebb and flow. While these transitions may sometimes bring feelings of sadness, there are other times when we can find joy in change.

Change Can be a Time of Sadness and Loss

Recently I have entered a major season of change. Not only have my children left home, leaving me to feather an empty nest, but other unexpected changes have occurred too. In the past year two of our long time neighbors have sold their homes. Driving by these familiar houses daily brings a touch of sadness stemming from the changes in our neighborhood.

Also, our beloved dentist who has cared for our teeth for close to thirty years – and Dad’s for over forty – has retired. We are now left to find another to take his place. Two large family businesses in the area that we have patronized closed their doors. A family member has died, a pastor moved on, and a number of parents we’ve developed relationships with at school functions have chosen to move away now that their kids have graduated. These changes and more have produced deep emotions as I ponder the losses.

Finding Joy in Change

But change doesn’t always create melancholy. Sometimes change is a reason to rejoice. Those who believe in Jesus and become part of His family begin a journey of transformation that lasts for a lifetime. God, who slowly transforms us into the image of His Son, brings about these changes. As we peer into the mirror of His Word and behold the glory of the Lord, the Holy Spirit renews our heart and minds. We begin to love the things the Lord loves, and our actions and attitudes respond accordingly. The old us fades away and the new us rises to the surface. This process of intently gazing on Jesus through the Word reproduces His image within us.

Over time those closest to us will observe the changes. A nasty temper gives way to patience and understanding. A covetous nature becomes more content. A bitter heart melts into joyfulness. An angry spirit is revived by forgiveness. These character shifts and more reveal the positive changes the Holy Spirit is making in our lives.

Focus on Personal Changes that Last for Eternity

So while you and I will regularly face the ebb and flow of sentimental changes in our life’s journey, we do not need to sink into despair. Instead of focusing on the temporal fluctuations in our everyday experience, pray for the Holy Spirit to bring about the personal changes that will last for eternity. Preoccupy yourself with the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and little by little you will be transformed into His very image. Those changes are ones in which we can all rejoice.

Love,

Mama

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Welcome to Verses From  Mama. I am a mother of five with a heart for encouragement. These inspirational letters share words of truth, healing and hope with  all who long for a mama’s touch. I hope you will be encouraged as you listen to God speak – one Bible verse at a time.     ~Sandy

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