"F"riendships with "G"irlfriends

As you can see, I've missed two days in my blogging challenge.  Life gets in the way sometimes but today I'm catching up in one post.  Hope that is ok.

The last two days have been difficult.  Thursday, I said goodbye to one of my sweet friends.  Elizabeth was young, only 54  years old.  I'm still in unbelief that she is gone from this world and walking with Jesus.  And I know that she is whole and healthy and no longer suffering from the effects of muscular dystrophy, but I still miss her smile.

God puts people in our lives everyday.  Some are there for a short time, a season we are walking through.  And some He gives us for longer.  Our friendships are important to us and to God.  And as women, our friendships with our girlfriends are even dearer.  Our relationships with our girlfriends are some of the most intimate we have.  They know our secrets, our worries, our praises, our fears.  They walk with us through the good and the bad.  They comfort us, guide us, console us.

God tells us in the story of Job how friendship looks.  Many of you know the story of Job in the Bible.  Job had trouble after trouble after trouble hit him and yet he never gave up trusting God.  He never lost faith.  In Job 2:11-13, When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.  When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.  Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

They sat with him for seven days and seven nights.  That's what friends do.  We give up our time, our "agenda" and met a friend where they are.   We are commanded by Jesus to love each other just as Christ has loved us. (John 15:12).  True friendships are built on love and trust in each other.

It amazes me how God knows who we need in our lives and when.  Elizabeth entered my circle in a time in my life where I was just beginning to grow in my faith.  Oh how sweet she was.  Her blue eyes always shined full of Christ's light.  And if you ever needed a hug, she was your girl!  We would volunteer together at our church's outreach ministry every Wednesday and Friday.  Side by side we would pray with people, love on the homeless, feed the hungry and just be the hands and feet of Jesus together.  Those are my most favorite memories with Elizabeth. 

Every Saturday night our families would go to church together and then out for Mexican food.  It was special time where we could laugh, share, cut up a little, and of course, get in a little trouble!  I miss those dinners.  But because of those moments together, our families are forever linked.

Friends are always there for each other.  My friendships with my girlfriends are important.  Each of the women in my life are godly, Christian women who love me through it all.  That's what God wants for us.  Strong women who have walked through the same seasons we are going through and can show us to continue to trust because God is faithful and it will be ok.

For several years I watched Elizabeth be kind and love others while she was suffering inside.  I watched her continue to do life while her body began to fail.  This is the first friend I have had to say a final good bye to.  But God gives us these friends for a purpose.  Elizabeth was the real deal.  She was a true ambassador for Christ.  She had true faith and she wore it proudly.  She was one of those people that was just full of love.  This world is going to miss her incredible spirit.  There is a void that will never be filled.  But God has healed her and I am so thankful for that.  I am even more thankful that I had her as a sister in Christ to walk through life with me. 
If there is one thing I can take away from my friendship with Elizabeth it is this....faith.  Faith through it all.  Faith through the yuckiness of diseases.  Faith through the stresses of family.  Faith through the unknowns that life throws at you.  Faith.  Strong, resilient, never-ceasing or wavering faith.  Elizabeth didn't have the perfect life but she carried perfect faith throughout her life. 

Cherish your friendships with your girlfriends.  Nourish them.  Pray over them.  Know that those women are part of your life for a reason.  They were gifted to you by God.  Praise God for those relationships.  I may not be able to hug Elizabeth but I know that she is walking streets of gold today.  I can just picture her sitting at the feet of Jesus savoring every word he says.  And she has the biggest smile on her face.  She looks healthy, happy and at her very best.  Praise God for His gift of eternal life.  And I praise God for my friendship with Elizabeth.  Thank you Elizabeth for what you brought into my life.  Thank you for loving me even when I was ugly.  Thank you for loving my family and making all of us part of yours.  I will forever miss you ladybug.  But we will hug again one day won't we....

http://www.coxrichmondhillfh.com/obituary/elizabeth-ambrose


Dear Lord, thank you for creating relationships for us through girlfriends.  Thank you for purposefully putting women in our lives to build us up in You.  I especially thank you for Elizabeth and for welcoming her home.  I pray that you will be with her husband, Mark.  Comfort him Lord for he has lost the love of his life.  Bring peace to her family as they learn to continue on without her there with them.  Amen.

"E"mbracing Change

These days my heart is a flutter with the tides of change.  I'm about to become the Mom of a high school graduate.  Oye vay.  How does time seem to move so fast?  I can still remember how Matthew's hand fit so perfectly into mine.  His sweet kisses when I would walk into the room.  The excitement when he learned to sit up, crawl, walk, talk.  Those memories are forever seared into my heart and mind.  Memories.  That's what they are because our children grow up. 

We work our entire lives to mold them, shape them and guide them into strong independent young adults.  Yet, when the time comes to step over that threshold and let go, it's hard, too hard. 

I find myself looking at pictures of Matthew's younger years and wondering what his adult life will be like.  I know he has plans after high school.  I'm impressed on the thought he has put into his future.  He's college bound into the nursing program at Middle Tennessee State University.  I have to smile.  Most kids his age have no idea what direction they are heading in life.  It's amazing to be able to sit on the sidelines of life and watch your child make adult decisions. 

God tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

 

 

God gifts us our children.  He entrusts us with these little lives.  And God expects us to grow them in Christ light.  God has a plan and a purpose for our children just as he does each of us.  Matthew is named Matthew for a purpose.  When I was blessed with him, it was during a season in my life that was uncertain, unsure and tainted with divorce.  I remember praying to God to just give me someone who would love me unconditionally.  Give me someone who would always need me in their life.  And then I found out I was expecting.  Matthew is my gift of the Lord.  That's what the name Matthew means and that's why he has been given that name.  He is my gift from the Lord.  A gift I didn't know I needed but a gift I have protected, cherished, loved and been proud of since the day he came into my world.

And now, in just a few short weeks, Matthew will step out into his new world.  My husband reminds me, Matthew is going to college in town so he's living at home, not a lot will change.  But my heart tells me otherwise.  Our relationship will change.  Gone will be the days where I have to discipline, scold or reprimand.  Here are the days where we will be friends more than parent/child.  And in my heart of hearts, I think I'm ready to take on this new season.  It will be different, new and yet exciting. 

 

 Embracing change is what life is all about.  Change allows us to learn something new.  It allows us an opportunity to step out in faith and trust God with the outcome.  Will graduation be emotional?  Without a doubt!  But, I know that they will be tears of joy.  Tears of success that I raised this young man.  Tears of excitement for his future.  Tears of unconditional love.  That boy makes me smile everyday by just being him.  I can't wait to see what the future holds and I feel privileged to be able to take a seat on the sidelines and watch it all unfold.  Oh what memories we will create!

Living Beyond "D"oubt

Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.  Have you ever doubted something or someone in your life?  Have you ever felt discouraged?

If you are human then I'm sure you answered yes to both those questions.  It's easy for us to allow doubt and discouragement to creep into our minds.  Even those of us who are the most faithful deal with bouts of discouragement occasionally.  It's part of our daily life.  But can I tell you a secret?  When we feel far from God, he's never far from us.  When we feel discouraged, that's when God is his strongest. 

I love that about our God.  He is able to replace our fears, doubts and discouragement with calm, peace and comfort.  There is no one on this earth that can do that.  God is able and willing to settle our doubts and redirect us into what He intends for His children.   And it is in the moment that we let go and let God that the true strength of God shines through.  "When we reach the end of our strength, wisdom, and personal resources, we enter into the beginning of his glorious provisions", Patsy Clairmont.

God is a God of possibilities.  Endless possibilities.  With God as the focus of our day, we are able to count our blessings rather than count our hardships and disappointments.  God tells us in 2 Chronicles 15:7, But as for you, be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward.

When we are weak, God is strong.  When we are discouraged, God is our encourager.  When we are in doubt, God provides a light.  God never gives us more than we can handle, but rather, He allows us to walk through situations so that He can establish a deeper relationship with each of us. 

If you don't know what you're doing pray to the Father.  He loves to help.  You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.  Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.  People who "worry their prayers" are like wind whipped waves.  Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.  James 1:5-8

Don't allow yourself to become caught up in the discouragement of your day, your life, your choices.  Step boldly out into the light allowing your heavenly Father to meet you where you are.  Where there is faith and joy, there can not be fear and doubt.  God loves us too much to allow us to fret. 

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.  Psalm 94:19

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus.  Boldly ask Him to calm the fears, doubts and discouragements.  Trust Him to walk with you.  Live your day knowing that no matter what comes your way, God is right beside you.  He has a plan.  He has his arm around you and you dear child do not need to doubt and be discouraged about anything.  For with God, anything is possible!

Dear God, often this world can be filled with uncertainty, fear and doubt.  When I am feeling doubtful or discouraged, remind me that You are ultimately in control.  You are always close to me and with You, I can overcome disappointed.  Help me to live courageously today, tomorrow, and everyday.  Amen.

"C"heerfulness

Ever had one of those days where nothing is going the way you thought it would?  On those days most of us would rather stay in bed with the covers over our head and be grumpy.  Far too often our daily demands or the demands of the world cause us to get frustrated and sad rather than cheerful. But there is nothing worse than a Christian who is a grumpy.  Even on our worst days, we can still find joy.

This Easter was a tough one in our house.  One of my sweet friends went to be with Jesus.  It's hard to be cheerful about losing someone that you cared about.  It's hard to be full of joy knowing that that person will never walk the earth again and you weren't ready to say goodbye.  But Christ calls us to be joyful even in our worst moments. 

As children of God, we are blessed beyond what we deserve and yet we still find opportunities in our day to complain.  That is not what God wants from us.  Barbara Johnson once said, " Joy is a by-produce not of happy circumstances, education or talent, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to love Him no matter what". 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Why do we allow the circumstances of the moment or the outcome of our day to determine our joy, our cheerfulness?  "It's your choice: you can either count your blessings or recount your disappointments." (Jim Gallery)  I for one would rather spend time savoring the blessings that God has given me rather than spend anymore time on the disappointments of my day.

Have you lost your cheer for life?  Ask yourself why?  Why are you not able to see the blessings in your day?  What is holding you back from living a life full of cheerfulness and joy?  Make me hear joy and gladness.~ Psalm 51:8. 

A life full of cheerfulness starts with a joyful attitude.  Be thankful you have a new day to try again.  God desires us to have happy, joyful and cheerful lives.  He doesn't expect us to be happy all the time but he does expect us to keep our eyes focused on Him so that the joy He provides can consume us.  Once that joy takes hold of your heart, you can't possibly NOT be cheerful.  How amazing would it be if we all walked around with smiles on our faces ready to spread joy and cheer to all we see!?

A merry heart does good, like medicine. ~ Proverbs 17:22

Life throws us curveballs at every turn it seems.  I lost a dear friend but I have to trust God and His plan for Elizabeth's life.  I have to be filled with joy knowing that she is whole, healthy, and dancing with Jesus even as I type this.  Don't let the circumstances of your day control you and steal your joy.  Commit yourself to the Savior and trust Him.  He is able to transform our attitudes and fill us with joy, happiness and cheer. 

Heavenly Father, you give us some many reasons to celebrate.  Help me to be an ambassador of joy and cheerfulness.  Help me to be quick to smile and slow to anger so that You may be glorified through me.  Amen.

Are You Living with Your "B"eliefs?

For the Kingdom of God is not in talk but in power.- 1 Corinthians 4:20

How would you describe your beliefs?  Would you say you are a strong believer?  Are you someone who is just starting to dip their toes in the water of faith?  Or are you the type to jump right in not worrying about the temperature of the water but rather boldly going in feet first?

Whatever stage you are in, we have to remind ourselves that our beliefs are shown through our actions.  What is in our heart is what comes out of our daily lives.  It's not enough to talk about what we believe but if we are going to declare ourselves Christians, we must live by our beliefs.

Our beliefs shape us and make us who we are today.  They shape our life, our values, our morals and our choices.  They shape how we treat others.  Our beliefs are sewn deeply into the very fabric of our lives whether good or bad.  And if you are a true believer of Christ, you are called to adhere to the instructions God has called us to live by.  It's not enough to talk the talk but you must walk the walk.  We are to live a life that is God honoring and when we do, God will reward us.

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker and Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in her closet.  She later was arrested and spent many years in prison during the Nazi regime.  Even while in prison, Corrie spent time in worship with a Bible that she snuck into the camp.  She is an example of living out your beliefs regardless of what is happening in your life.  One of her quotes that I cherish is, "If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in him".

Living out our beliefs at all times is what true faith is.  And God tells us in Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

How are you living out your true beliefs, your true faith?  Are you living a life that represents your complete trust in God?  Are you showing your children what true faith in your belief system is?  If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.~ Isaiah 7:9

Through every moment and season of your life, God is there.  God is standing at the door with arms wide open ready to embrace you. 

You have to step out into faith.  You have to act out your beliefs.  And when you do take that step, and place your life in the very capable hands of Jesus Christ, you will be amazed at what He can do for you and through you.  Let's be a society that lives out our belief in Jesus for the world to see.  Let's be parents who live out our belief in front of our children.  Let's be faithful, active believers in Christ in all times and in all ways.

Lord, today I want to be a person who lives out my belief in You.  Help me to be mindful of my actions and how they represent my faith in You.  Let my actions speak louder than words and be an opportunity to glorify You. Amen.

"A" New Challenge

For the first time ever I am participating in a blogging challenge.  I was prompted by a friend to stretch myself and so today I begin 30 days of blogging from A to Z.  Each day I will write about something and only God knows what it will be.  I want this experience to be driven by God's Word.  I want to use these 30 days to be in tune with what God wants to show me.  I want to walk away from this challenge with a fresh perspective of God's Will for my life.  I want my words to be words that build people up. I want my words to be words of Good News about Jesus.  So today, I feel led to write about being careful with the words we use.

Our words are important.  They can build people up.  They can tear people down.  They can make someone smile or make someone cry.  Our words live beyond the moment but can echo on into the future creating love or chaos. 

Jesus tells us how we are to live according to his commands regarding our words.  In Matthew 7:12 Jesus says, "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets". 

I know you've heard this before.  It's called the Golden Rule.  I think every parent has said this to their children at some point in their lives.  Teachers have it plastered on the walls of their classrooms.  It's words we are to live by.  But in order to live by this rule we have to ask ourselves, are our words those of encouragement, hope, truth, love, mercy and compassion?  If you desire to be a worthy ambassador for Christ, your words need to reflect these truths.  Impulsive angry outbursts and tantrums only bring hostility, hate and frustration.  We don't need more hostility in this broken world.  What if this world changed the tide and love and compassion was the language that was spoken?  What if there was no longer anger, revenge and hate but instead the light of Christ was shown through our words and actions to our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors?  What would that world look like?

One of my favorite quotes is by Marie T. Freeman.  "When you talk, choose the very same words that you would use if Jesus were looking over your shoulder.  Because He is."  Take a moment and picture that for a second.  Jesus is standing right behind you each and every moment of every day.  He can hear every word we say.  And yet, He forgives us for our choice of words.  He never holds our words against us but instead He provides new mercies every morning.  His grace sees us through every moment of our lives and He provides us a new opportunity to try again each day.   Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.~ Proverbs 16:24

It is important to use our words wisely.  Our words should be used as an opportunity to share our

faith and love for Christ.  We live in a world that is in desperate need of hearing words of love and truth.   This morning in our new church we are helping to build, Good News was our teaching.  The Good News of Jesus.  There is enough news on the television that shares the awful parts of this world.  I challenge you to be a spreader of Good News.  Spread joy.  Spread love.  Spread happiness.  I challenge you to take a moment before you speak and allow the Holy Spirit to discern what words you should come out of your mouth.  Let's be a society that spreads the good news and shares the love of Christ.  Each new day is an opportunity from God.  Each new day is non-renewable.  Once it's gone, it's gone. I challenge you to use each day as an opportunity to use your words to spread hope and encouragement.  Our words can last a lifetime, let them be words filled with love.

No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. ~ Ephesians 4:29

Lord, You tell us that we will be held accountable for the words we speak and you have commanded us to choose our words carefully.  I pray that my words would be a source of encouragement and hope.  Keep me mindful of how my words can influence those around me.  May my words be an influence of good.  May my words spread the good news that Jesus is my Lord and Savior today, tomorrow and forever.  Amen.

The unknown is fearful...But God is Bigger!

Ever had a moment in time where your life seemed great and then the brakes we put on?  We all have I'm sure.  Two weeks ago, I had yet another of those moments in my life.  It's been hard to digest what happened and why.  I've been trying to process the emotions.  It's been harder than I had originally imagined to understand.  Two weeks ago my world almost stopped, that's how hard the brakes were applied.  Two weeks ago God showed up BIG.  God took a moment of utter fear and turned it into pure joy.  How awesome is our God that he can do that? 

The week started out normal.  Chris was working, I had BSF and Matthew was in his normal school/work routine.  Chris started complaining that he just didn't feel well.  Me, being the always supportive wife, told him, it's a cold and stress.  He had a lot going on at work and you know how men carry stress.  But alas, I was wrong!  By Wednesday night, we were on our way to the ER.  I have never been so terrified.  I remember speeding just hoping a cop car would appear in my back window...but not this trip.  As I sped down the road, I just kept praying..."Please God, please, get us to the hospital.  Please God- this can not be your plan.  Please Please Please heal my husband!". 

Meanwhile, Chris, who was barely breathing and slouched over in the seat was saying his own prayers.  I would later find out his prayers were for God to watch over his family if he was being called home.  Two different prayers.  Two different viewpoints.  Chris was ready to go home whereas I was not prepared to let go.  But God answers our prayers in His way. 

 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14

We arrived in the ER presenting with chest pains, shortness of breath, and intense pain shooting through Chris' shoulder.  Praise God Chris was taken to the back immediately.  Within minutes my support team showed up and never left my side.  I've always said that God places the people we need in our lives when we need them.  Seasons as Chris calls it.  Some seasons last our entire lives, some a short moment in time.  There is no greater feeling of love than what I feel from my sisters in Christ.  To have people show up at the hospital at our greatest time of need still brings me to tears.  Knowing that my family was not close by, my BSF family came to my side.  I can't thank them enough. 

It took what seemed like a lifetime for a diagnosis to come for Chris.  I praise God it wasn't his heart.  But the what if's started flowing when we found out it was a blood clot in his right lung.  What if it had gone to his head?  His heart?  What if another shows up?  Ya know, you can wear yourself out with the what if's in life.  I can still vividly remember the coloring of my husband's face.  The short gasping breaths he was taking.  The wincing in pain that came with every movement he made.  I can remember placing my hand on his head and pleading with God to ease the pain. Comfort him Lord.  Make him whole again. 

Chris and I have a secret signal, as I'm sure many married couples do.  When there is a crisis, an uncertain time, a worry or fear, Chris gives me a wink.  That wink represents so much.  It tells me he's with me, he's got me.  It reminds me God is with us.  It confirms we'll be ok no matter what.  That Wednesday night in the ER, there was no wink.  Every chance I got I searched his face looking for that wink but to no avail.  And then more panic began setting in.  There's no wink.  We're not ok, this is not ok!

The reality of the seriousness of the situation started setting in.  A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that occurs in the lungs. It can damage part of the lung due to restricted blood flow, decrease oxygen levels in the blood, and affect other organs as well. Large or multiple blood clots can be fatal. The blockage can be life-threatening.

How had this happened??  Where do we go from here?  The questions started flowing through my mind and then there was just quiet.  And then there was just peace.  Yes, I was still concerned, worried, anxious...But God reached down, wrapped his love around me and said, "hush child, I've got

him".  God reminded me in that instant that Chris belonged to him.  Chris was in God's capable hands.  We had made it to the hospital.  We had been put in a room in the ER.  We had a Christian doctor running tests, blood works, x-rays, scans.  We had a support team around us praying.  We had God at the center of this entire situation. 

In my study of Romans this year, we are learning through Paul what a Christian looks and acts like.  That question came to the forefront last week in my lesson and I couldn't help but travel back to the events around Chris.  I could have gotten mad.  I could have screamed.  I could have let the fear and anxiety of the unknown take control of my emotions.  But is that what we are supposed to look like?  As Christians and believers in Christ, are we supposed to let our emotions win or are we to use our trust and faith in God as our anchor when times are tougher than we are prepared for?  How blessed to be able to pray to God, give Him my fears and know that because I am a child of the King, I will be ok, it will be ok.

Chris was kept in the hospital for two additional days.  I had some long conversations with God on the drives to and from.  But God is healing my husband.  But God is showing me He is actively involved in my life and all that my life entails. 

It's funny, since this medical emergency Chris and I view things a bit differently.  I want to protect him, nurture him, just love every moment with this man.  But I can't be everywhere with him.  So I have to trust not only God to watch over Chris, but I also have to trust Chris.  I have to trust that my husband too understands the seriousness of what happened and won't overdo it at work.  I have to trust that Chris has people in place in case something happens.  We both have to trust.

A near fatal situation can change your perspective quickly.  Chris has a different air about him these last few days.  Gone are the stress lines etched into his face.  Those are replaced with gratitude that he is alive.  Praises that he can continue to do life with Matthew and I.  Chris' perspective has shifted.  Priorities are different in the Evoy house.  More praise, less grumbling.

And so I can't seem to stress enough just how great our God truly is.  I can't share enough how loving our Father is.  He knows each of us by name.  He knows the hairs on our heads.  He knows our needs, hears our prayers and gifts us grace and mercy when we don't deserve it.

Chris is healing.  He will be ok.  Me?  I'm learning to let go and let God.  We have a journey ahead of us with treatments, medical testing, medications, but God already knows the outcome.  God is walking with us each step of the way.  God's hand is over our home.

Heavenly Father, I can't praise you enough for the healing you gave my husband.  I praise You for all that You are and all that You do for Your children.  You are our comforter, healer and mighty physician.  Thank you for loving me enough to hear my prayers and to answer them in mighty ways.  Amen.