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Fear

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justin and belle

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Isabelle wasn’t coming down without a fight. Our 6-year-old had just climbed thirty-five-foot rock face like a seasoned pro. She had no problem navigating the various rock formations, easily finding a handhold here, a foothold there. Avid rock climbers, my husband and I were beaming with pride when she did it all by herself.

Isabelle climbingOnce she got to the top, her dad talked her through what she needed to do to come back down to the ground. She had done it at least a dozen times in the past, so we were confident she would descend easily without a problem. Suddenly, though, her foot slipped. She spun around, slammed her elbow against the rock wall, and ended up dangling in the air. All I heard was her blood-curdling scream. Actually, it was a series of screams. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so panicked.

We tried to calm her down, but it was no use. Nothing we said got through to her. Between sobs, she cried out, “I’m scared! I can’t do it! My elbow hurts! I don’t know what to do!” She was paralyzed with fear and determined to stay right where she was until her father came to her rescue.

As a parent, it was frustrating for me to see my daughter struggle, especially when she didn’t have to. I tried to remain patient and loving, but after several unsuccessful attempts to coax her down, I began to get angry. Why wouldn’t she let us help her? Didn’t she trust us? Couldn’t she see we weren’t going to let her fall?

Eventually, my husband climbed up to her. At first, Isabelle didn’t even want his help and refused to move toward him. Stubborn girl. Eventually, though, she took her father’s hand and slowly made her way to the ground. She cried the whole way down.

As we drove home, I thought about how often I am just like Isabelle. Many times I’m hanging out on the side of a mountain in my life, white-knuckled with worry and fear. All I can think about are the what-ifs: What if I can’t do it? What if I make a mistake? What if I get hurt? I cry out to God for His help, but when He reaches out to me, I resist. Yet, the Lord is always the perfect parent. He doesn’t chastise or condemn. He simply waits patiently until I get my act together. If I refuse to submit and remain in rebellion, he comes to my rescue. He brings me back to Himself, even if I kick and scream all the way.

God loves us and wants the best for us. All we have to do is trust Him. Our Father has a tight grip and won’t ever let us go.

Lord, because You are with me, I have nothing to fear. Thank you for giving me strength when I am weak. You are my Rock, and I put my trust in You alone.  

Coconut Bliss Smoothie

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Coconut Bliss Smoothie

Coconut Bliss Smoothie

This coconut treat will make you think you're in a tropical paradise. One sip, and you'll be in a hammock on the beach, feeling the ocean breeze caress your face as you bask in the warm sunshine. No deadlines. No laundry. No meetings. No responsibilities at all. Just pure relaxation and rest. Sounds nice, right? Wait until you taste it for yourself!
4.72 from 7 votes
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Course Breakfast, Drinks, Snack

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 cup sliced fresh or frozen banana (about 1 medium banana)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh mango chunks
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sliced strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender, and process until smooth.
  • Yield: 2 servings (serving size: about 8 ounces or 1 cup)

Video

Notes

  • To freeze bananas, remove peels before placing in freezer. Put in a plastic zip-top bag until completely frozen. 
  • Add Daniel Fast friendly protein powder.
  • Make it green! Add 1 cup chopped kale or spinach leaves.

You are God’s Masterpiece

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palette

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” – Psalm 139:14

Imagine you’re an art fanatic, and you receive an invitation to the private unveiling of a new work by a world-renowned painter. You have no idea how you made the guest list for such an exclusive affair. However, the envelope clearly shows your name embossed in silver ink. You can’t believe you’ve been given such an opportunity.

Finally, after weeks of anticipation, the big night arrives. As you enter the museum, you’re so excited you can hardly breathe.

In the center of the atrium floor, you spot a massive canvas draped with a thin red sheet. Eager fans surround it. The artist walks up to the podium, and a hush falls across the room. He steps up to the microphone. “Every detail you see in this painting has purpose,” he says. “I carefully selected each color and made sure every brush stroke was perfect.” Slowly, the artist lifts the sheet to reveal his work.

The crowd gasps. Then everyone bursts into thunderous applause. “Amazing!” someone says. “Extraordinary!” another person shouts. “One of a kind!” a man proclaims.

You stand there in shock and disbelief. Do they see what I see? you wonder. The painting is nothing like you expected. In fact, you think it’s horrendous.

Everyone else seems to be elated. Once the clapping dies down and people begin mingling, you approach the artist. He smiles, waiting for your words of appreciation. Looking straight into his eyes, you say, “This is the ugliest painting I’ve ever seen! The colors are awful. I definitely wouldn’t have done it the way you did. I mean, what’s with the texture? It looks like the work of an amateur! I can’t believe I waited two months to see this piece of junk.”

Never, ever would you even think of doing such a thing. Not in a million years would you criticize the creativity of an accomplished artist. Yet, we act this way all the time when it comes to God.

When you and I consider God’s handiwork, we should be in awe, much like the writer of Psalm 139: “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (verses 13-14).” But, many times we’re critical, unhappy, and downright angry about the way God made us.

How do you feel about your body? Do you focus on what you consider to be “flaws,” or do you find reasons to rejoice in God’s miraculous creation?  Every time you think negatively about your appearance or make a degrading remark about one of your features, you’re basically saying, “God, you messed up. You didn’t know what you were doing.” How offensive that must be to the Lord!

You are a priceless work of art. There’s no one else in the world like you. Zephaniah 3:17 says God takes great delight in you. He fashioned your nose, your eyes, your hair, and your body just as he wanted them to be. Don’t ever wish you had been created differently. You’re perfect just the way you are.

Parsnip Chips

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Parsnip Chips

Parsnip Chips

These veggie chips are so good that I have to hold myself back from eating half the recipe in one sitting (not exaggerating). The unique flavor of the parsnips goes well with the chili powder and makes a great snack.
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Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 8
Calories 105 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds parsnips, peeled, cut into ¼-inch medallions (about 6 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Position oven rack on the lowest rung. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Place parsnips in a large bowl. Add olive oil and stir to coat. Sprinkle chili powder and salt over parsnips, and stir well.
  • Cover an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a silicone mat). Spread parsnip chips out in one layer. Bake 15 minutes, and flip. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes (20-25 minutes for extra-crispy chips).
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 4gFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

 

Mashed Rutabaga

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Mashed Rutabaga

Mashed Rutabaga

The rutabaga, sometimes called a yellow turnip, is not the most attractive vegetable on the stand. You might even call it ugly. However, you should give it a chance, especially considering how nutritious it is.Rutabagas are high in vitamin C and fiber. They're also a good source of potassium and calcium. Their unique flavor is sure to win you over, especially in when you combine rutabagas with the sweetness of coconut milk, as in this featured recipe.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 126 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large rutabagas, about 2 pounds, peeled, cubed (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Place rutabaga in a large saucepan with about 8 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cover. Simmer 30-40 minutes, or until softened. Drain in a colander.
  • Add coconut milk, and mash with a potato masher until desired consistency. Stir in salt, and serve.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about ½ cup)

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gCalcium: 8mg

Take Your Position

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faith

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17a

No matter how hard I tried this past week, I couldn’t get in the groove with my writing. My thoughts were fragmented. I had trouble expressing ideas. By Saturday I was beyond frustrated. Doubts and discouragement filled my mind. Maybe a second book wasn’t such a great idea after all.

Then I read the story of Jehoshaphat. It was just what I needed to get back on track.

When King Jehoshaphat received word that his enemies were going to attack, his first response was to turn to God. He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah, urging them to seek the Lord for help. As the people gathered together at the temple, Jehoshaphat prayed, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you (2 Chronicles 20:6).” Jehoshaphat continued by recounting God’s faithfulness to them. Finally, he confessed, “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you (20:12).”

At this point the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, one of the men standing in the crowd. He proclaimed: “This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them….You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (20:15-17).’”

The next morning the people marched in the direction of their enemies. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise him along the way. When the men of Judah came to the place where their enemies were, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground. The battle had already been won. They didn’t have to fight at all.

Where does this story meet you? What battle are you facing? What worries plague your mind? Whatever you’re up against, you don’t have to “do” anything except trust the Lord.

Today, take your position of faith. Remember, God is fighting for you, and he will deliver you. Praise the Lord for the victory that is to come!

Do the Work

By

frustrated lady at computer

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” – 1 Chronicles 28:20a, NLT

I sat in front of my computer monitor. Three months, I thought. I have only three months to finish this book. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. My neck was tight, and my shoulders were sagging under the heavy load. I opened up the Word for encouragement and turned to my Bible reading passage for the day – 1 Chronicles 28.

King David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem for an important announcement:

“Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood. Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father (28:2-3, 6, NLT).” Then, in the presence of all the people, David presented Solomon with detailed instructions on the project. “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord (28:19).”

At this point, David turned to Solomon and said: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly (28:20, NLT).”

The Lord spoke to my heart loudly and clearly through that last verse. I sensed him saying, “Kristen, be strong and courageous. I am with you. I have chosen you to write this book, just as I chose David to be king and Solomon to build the Temple. You can trust me to provide everything you need. I will see to it that the book is written just as I want it to be.”

Are you feeling overwhelmed by what God has called you to do? Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. Remember, God is with you. Put your trust in him, and remind yourself daily, if necessary: “What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).”

Be strong in the Lord, and do the work. God will take care of the rest.

Bring Your Family to Jesus

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family standing on beach

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” – John 1:40-42

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been called to share the good news of salvation with the people around us. Yet, often our greatest challenge is not in witnessing to strangers, but to those we know the best – members of our own family. Andrew’s story can encourage us. In John 1, we see that the first thing Andrew did when he heard about Jesus was to tell his brother, Simon. Verse 42 reveals what Andrew did next: “And he brought him to Jesus.”

When Andrew introduced his brother to the Savior of the world, Simon’s life was never the same. That day, Simon became Cephas (or Peter), which is translated as “rock.” Peter ended up being one of the most passionate and influential of Jesus’ followers, whose faith played a big part in laying the foundation for Christianity. Much of the book of Acts records the display of God’s power through Peter’s ministry.

I want to be like Andrew and bring my family to Jesus. Although many are believers, there are some who haven’t yet accepted God’s gift of salvation. I continue to pray their eyes will be opened to the truth. I long to see their lives radically, permanently changed – just like Peter’s was!

Do you have family members still living in darkness? If so, don’t stop interceding for them! The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:4, “Anyone who is among the living has hope.” Your loved ones are not without hope for salvation if they are still breathing. Therefore, trust God to do the work He needs to do in their hearts and to do it in His timing. Do your part, and pray for opportunities to bring your family to Jesus this year!

Held By His Grace

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grace statue with cross

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” – 2 Cor. 12:9, NLT

It was Sunday, January 6, 2013, day one of my Daniel Fast. As I stood in church and worshiped the Lord, I could sense God’s nearness. I was filled with anticipation about the fast and what God had in store. However, three hours later, that jubilant feeling had disappeared as I lay in bed with a high fever. It was the beginning of a month-long battle with the flu.

Many times during that illness, I was tempted to feel sorry for myself and burst into tears. However, instead of “losing it,” I frequently had to remind myself of these three truths:

1) God is in control.
2) He has a purpose in allowing this affliction.
3) He will provide the strength I need.

Moments of weakness, although unpleasant, are actually beneficial. Suffering is a great teacher, for it reminds us how dependent we are upon the Lord. The events of your life are not random. Just as God knew I would be sick during my entire Daniel Fast, He is not surprised at all by your circumstances. Everything in your life has been filtered through the loving hand of your Father because there is something He wants to develop in you. Therefore, do not resist Him! Trust God to bring good out of your situation.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Maybe you can relate to my experience because you’re struggling physically. Or, perhaps you’re facing financial disaster or a broken marriage. Whatever your need, don’t allow fear to enter your heart and steal your joy. Instead, focus on God’s blessings, remembering that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

My prayer for you today is that you find peace in the Father’s arms. May you be strengthened in your inner being as you put your hope in Him!

When God Seems Far Away

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moon, night sky

Have you ever gone through a hard time and felt abandoned by God? Most of us probably have at one time or another. Maybe you’re there right now. Even though it may seem as if God has left you, He hasn’t. God is with you, whether you feel His presence or not.

Sometimes God can seem very distant when our questions or prayers go unanswered. However, the Bible says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” God’s purposes are beyond our understanding. We can’t begin to wrap our brains around all that He’s doing in our lives. Therefore, in moments of confusion, we need to put our trust in what we do know to be true, verses such as:

1)         God’s plans for me are for my good (Jeremiah 29:11).
2)         God is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33:4).
3)         God will fulfill His purpose for me (Psalm 138:8).

The next time your feelings say God isn’t paying attention to your concerns, tell yourself the truth: God sees, and He cares! In fact, it’s often during the silence that He’s working to bring about the help you need.

Our God is gracious, compassionate, and kind. He is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who put their faith in Him and His Word. Though our emotions may be up and down, the Lord God remains the same. He is constant and steady. Those who put their trust in Him will not be disappointed!

The ABCs of Praise

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Alphabet Blocks, ABCs, ABC blocks

“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!” – Psalm 118:28, NLT

On Thursday mornings, I lead a group at my daughters’ school called Moms in Prayer. A group of dedicated mothers and grandmothers meet to intercede for our teachers, administration, staff, and, of course, our children. Each week, we begin our 45-minute prayer time with praise. Then, we spend a few moments in silent confession, followed by thanksgiving and intercession.

Praise is one of the most important components of prayer, but, unfortunately, it’s probably the most neglected. Many people think they are praising God when they’re actually giving thanks to Him. Although both are necessary in the life of a believer, they are not the same. Praise is acknowledging God for who He is, while thanksgiving is offering words of gratitude for what He has done.

Think of how good it feels when someone gives you a compliment. That’s exactly what you’re doing when you praise the Lord! You tell God how great He is!

One way I like to praise God is by going through the ABCs. I speak out God’s attributes, character, or name for each letter of the alphabet. It goes something like this:

God, you’re…
A- awesome, amazing, the Alpha and Omega
B – beautiful, the Bread of Life
C – compassionate, the God of all comfort, caring
D – my Deliverer
E – eternal, excellent in all your ways
F – faithful, Father, friend, forgiving
(all the way to “Z”)

When you pray, be sure to begin with praise. Resist the temptation to rush right to your requests. Instead, worship the Lord, and exalt His holy name!

Make the commitment of Psalm 145:2 (NLT): “I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.” Give my ABC idea a try, and see what you think.

His Words Are Your Life

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airplane and sunset

“These instructions are not empty words – they are your life!” – Deuteronomy 32:47, NLT

I gazed longingly out the airplane window. My mission trip to El Salvador had been a wonderful, life-changing experience, but I was ready to be home. I missed my husband and daughters. I wanted the comfort of my own bed and was eager to get back into my daily routine.

As we approached the outskirts of Springfield, a field below caught my attention, not that there was anything special about it, but because I’d seen it before…about 15 minutes earlier. My heart sank. We weren’t preparing for landing. We were going in circles.

The plane continued to hover as the pilot waited for conditions to improve. After nearly an hour, he announced that we might divert to a nearby airport to refuel before attempting another landing. Tears filled my eyes. After traveling for two days, I was physically exhausted and emotionally drained. I couldn’t believe that we had come this far only to be rerouted. My destination was within reach, but I couldn’t get there. Circumstances beyond my control were keeping me from the joy of being with my family again.

I bowed my head and prayed: “God, You’re in charge of the weather. Please clear the skies so we can land.” Shortly after I finished, I heard the pilot’s voice on the intercom. I took a deep breath and waited for the verdict. As soon as he announced his plan, passengers cheered and applauded. A huge wave of relief swept over me, and I said, “Praise the Lord!” The sound of the landing gear being engaged was like sweet music to my ears. Within minutes, I was on the ground. I’d finally made it home.

Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should be living an extraordinary life – one that’s full of joy, packed with adventure, and characterized by victory. However, many Christians often get stuck in a holding pattern, much like I was that day on that plane. No matter how hard they try, God still seems far away. A deeper connection with their Creator eludes them. Frustrated, they wonder what they’re missing, and their motivation for spiritual growth wanes. Instead of moving forward in their relationship with the Lord, they end up going in circles, chasing contentment in things that don’t satisfy.

The missing ingredient, in most cases, is the Word of God, or, should I say, the commitment to read it on a regular basis. The pages of Scripture are not just nice stories for our occasional entertainment. As Deuteronomy 32:47 says, “They are your life!”

If you want to grow closer to God this year, decide right now to make his Word a priority. Be in the Word every day. By continually reading and meditating on truth, you will develop a greater understanding of who God is and experience the abundant life He has for you.