Have you ever noticed who God chooses to use to further His kingdom?  Just a few mentioned in the Bible are a murderer, an adulterer, a scheming tax collector, a man of “stammering lips”, a donkey, …then there’s you – made from dirt.  Yea, I’m talking about you; you come from dirt. It’s in the Bible.  Doesn’t seem to make sense, does it?  We’re made in the image of God, but we come from dirt. If He is the God Christians proclaim Him to be then He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He uses gold as gravel to pave the streets of heaven, and He fashions gates from pearl – just to name a few things.  He’s such a big God with riches unknown at His disposal….yet he chooses to make his creations from the second most-abundant matter on earth: dirt. Dirt, the unlikely candidate, resonates with how unlikely some of us can be, too.   The obvious choice for King would have been anyone other than a little shepherd boy with an affinity for a harp and a sling.  It seems like the mother of Jesus would have been someone other than Mary – maybe someone of a royal lineage.  Moreover, why would the Heavenly Father allow Sarah to become pregnant and have a child when she was in her 90’s?  Sometimes I don’t understand God.  My human mind has trouble comprehending why He does what He does.  I can’t fathom why He would choose someone like you or me.  But, then I think about God and his perspective.  He saw dirt as a canvas with which he could create man. He sees things differently than we do. And, I think I’m beginning to understand why.

God has better eyes than we do.  Yes, we’re made in His image, but we are not exact replicas. This fact is exhibited by our imperfectness and inabilities.  In that same way our human eyes are flawed.  In most settings or situations we see what is right in front of our eyes; nothing more, nothing less.  That fact alone leaves us at an instant handicap.  But God has an ability to look at something seemingly worthless and find its value.  He can look beyond our faults and see who we have the ability to become.  Before the moment of conception, His will for our lives existed.  We were created for a purpose.  We were created with a purpose.  Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  One version says we are God’s masterpiece.  Look around you.  Do you see that person who, to you, seems worthless because of their blatant laziness?  They have a God-given purpose – but apparently they haven’t discovered it.  Now look in the mirror.  I know, I know.  Looking in the mirror can be uncomfortable for us all sometimes.  You are God’s masterpiece!  You are an amazing and original work of art…..even if you don’t like what you see.  YOU HAVE PURPOSE!  YOU – just like dirt – are one of God’s unlikely candidates.  YOU have value.  Now, another question: have you discovered that purpose?  No?  What are you waiting for?  Have you reached out to that person you thought was worthless to remind them they have a God-given purpose as well?  What are you waiting for?  Start living your life like the masterpiece you were created to be.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  We are living in the last days, and living life in cruise-control isn’t an option any longer.  It’s my prayer we (I include myself) will begin seeing ourselves through God’s eyes and set about fulfilling His purpose for our lives.  I encourage you today (again, I include myself), rather than sit in judgment of and look down on those around us we view as worthless, lets point them in His direction.  If God can use a donkey, surely He can use you or me!

It was the fall of 1946. World War II was over and things were getting back to normal — if ‘normal’ exists after such a tragedy.  A middle-aged bride eagerly awaits the arrival of her husband from the battle field.  Hours turn into days, days into months, and…nothing.  Then, she receives a letter.  Expecting the worst she slowly opens the envelope prolonging the inevitable.  But it’s not from her husband.  Instead the letter was from a group of 21 men imprisoned in Nuremburg.  These men were awaiting trial for some of the most horrific crimes ever committed.  Men like Joachim von Ribbentrop, Walther Funk, Albert Speer, Fritz Sauckel; all high-ranking official in Hitler’s regime.  The letter acknowledged her desire to have her husband home but requested he stay a while longer.  Her husband, a chaplain, had become a spiritual advisor and support system to this group of, as the world referred to them, “monsters.”  Half of these men would hang by mid-October of that year following admissions of guilt for the crimes they were being charged.  In their own way, each man had a hand in the deaths of nearly 60 million Jewish lives taken.

Have you ever considered who you will be spending eternity with? Want to share heaven with a Nazi?  You will.  The work of one World War II chaplain has made that possible.  Your mansion may very well be right beside one of these men.  We like to think of heaven as a glorious and wonderful place full of beauty and perfection.  No doubt we all would rather our mansion be beside Paul’s (the writer of most of the New Testament), or David (the ‘man after God’s heart), or………WAIT!  At Paul’s hands (formally Saul) many lives were also taken.  David was a murderer too– and an adulterer.  Then there’s…..no…..Noah was an alcoholic.  Abraham was a liar.  Moses was a murder.   By today’s standards Samson was a sex-addict.  Rahab was a harlot.  Failures.  By the worlds perspective all were failures.  But they all had ONE thing in common–the redemptive power of Christ at work in their lives.  Mark 2:17 reminds us those who are well don’t have need of a physician, rather those who are sick (sinners).  One man’s actions led a group of unworthy murderers to Christ.  If that chaplain had chosen who to minister to based on whether someone deserved redemption, well, we know what the outcome would be.  Had someone chosen to minister to you or me based on whether we deserved it, I’m sure we would be on the fast track to hell.  We pass hundreds of people daily who are in need of a Savior.  None of us deserve Him, but we all need Him whether they realize it or not.  Ministering to the lost isn’t like going to a grocery store.  We should never pick or choose who is clean or worthy enough to be minister to.  “…the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…”  Let’s get to work, my friends!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  People can change.  Don’t ever give up on yourself.  And never give up on the lost.  God never will.  There is ALWAYS hope in Christ.  Point the sick towards the Doctor today!!!

Sometimes you simply need to hurry up and slow down. Sounds confusing, huh? Read it again……..”hurry up and slow down.” Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron.  We live in such a fast-paced society. We have become programmed quality isn’t as important as quantity or a quick response. I actually overheard the manager of a restaurant recently tell his workers, “Let’s get em’ in, and get em’ out.” Never once did I hear him reference the quality of the food or service being given…..simply “Let’s get em’ in, and get em’ out..”  What happened to hospitality? What happened to quality? What happened to building relationships with customers to ensure their continued patronage?  I have found many products from thirty or so years ago are still running strong today.  Why?  I firmly believe products from earlier time periods were made with better materials and quality workmanship.  Today we find products being placed on store shelves that are poorly made by someone pressured to meet a quota.  The goal is making fast money.  These companies don’t care.  The sooner a product breaks the more quickly the consumer purchases a replacement under the “New & Improved” guise or the product is given a new name.  Weeks later we find the product falling apart again as the creator laughs all the way the bank.

This mindset is pervasive in our society and has began permeating the fabric of our churches.  Church is becoming less about building relationships, spending intimate moments with God, or showing genuine love and kindness to someone.  When was the last time you thought, “I sure wish I could talk to (you fill in the blank).  Maybe a loved one passed prematurely and things were left unsaid. We fail to tell that person how much they mean to us or how much we love them because some activity was more important.  Sometimes it is necessary to hurry up and slow down.  Let me guess–you don’t have enough hours in a day to get everything done.  Guess what?  None of us do!  Oddly enough, we always seem to find time to do the things we WANT to do.  I encourage you to purposefully slow down today and concentrate on the things that really matter.  Things like building meaningful relationships, showing love to the hurting, extending grace and forgiveness when those around you don’t deserve it.  I highly doubt I will be found on my death bed wishing I had worked more.  Some things cannot/should not be rushed.  My relationship with my wife doesn’t grow until we spend intimate moments together.  The same can be said of your relationship with God or those around you. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” [1 Cor 13:13]

Closing remarks and encouragement: Make it a point to spend purposeful moments with your Heavenly Father and those around you today.  Love is the greatest gift you can give and receive.  Give it freely and without reservation.  You’ll be glad you did.  Have a blessed week, my friends!

“I said STOP IT!” screamed my daughter.  The object of her frustration was, of course, her little brother.  I raised my voice from the other end of the house and said, “Both of you stop it and show the other kindness!  Don’t make me come in there!”  It was meant to be a warning but I knew what was coming.  I expected a scream and crying and, within seconds, I was not disappointed.  It had happened and ended the same way about a hundred times.  I wasn’t watching but I knew my daughter, in frustration, had done something (hit, shove, slap) to get him away.  As was custom it was time for me to step in before things escalated.  I walked into the room and directed my ‘Daddy stare’ at my daughter first, as she was the oldest.  “What did you do?!?” I asked her.  She responded, “I was trying to play with my horses and he wouldn’t leave me alone!”  She continued her story as my son began raising his voice in protest with tears still flowing.  After 30 seconds of not being able to understand either I pulled them both to the floor with me onto my lap.  I said, “Let’s talk.  Everybody take a deep breath.”  They did so and I continued by explaining to them both how they were to act.  I said, “Sissy (a nickname for my daughter), you’ve got to show kindness to Bubby (another nickname).  It’s not your job to hit or slap him because he does something to bother you.  Let me be Daddy.  Bubby, you’ve got to leave Sissy alone and stop doing things to bother her.  We have to show kindness to each other.  This is what Jesus would want us to do.”  After a few minutes of talking both had calmed and set about playing together. All was calm again…..for a little while.

This whole interaction reminded me of the church. Have you noticed the bickering in the church world lately?   Attacks on leaders, pastors, parishioners, and more.  Sad thing is, the attacks are coming from within the walls of the church.  This denomination is complaining about what the other denomination is doing.  This pastor is openly attacking this pastor.  This Christian is complaining and giving opinions about the actions of this Christian.  It’s both sad and ridiculous.  Somewhere along the way, many men and women of God have felt they have the right to do what the Holy Spirit should be doing.  When we see injustice or get frustrated with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ we step in and attempt making things right, as if God or the Holy Spirit needed our assistance.  In Phillipians 4:2-5 we find Paul addressing two believers that have been having issues with one another.  He states in this passage, “I beseeched ye….be of the same mind in the Lord.”  In other words, you’re both fellow believers; act like it.  Christian unity isn’t always the easiest thing.  Belief systems may differ from denomination to denomination.  Rather than love we take on a judgmental attitude, reject fellow Christians, serve as judge and jury, and cut off fellowship.  In my mind’s eye I see God standing in heaven as He raises His voice a little and says, “Don’t make me come down there!”  I’ve said it before and it stands true in this circumstance; we can’t control the actions of others but we can control how we will respond.  We are called to submit to our convictions and let Daddy-God take care of disciplining others, should they need it.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The devil is hard at work attempting to bring division in the family of God.  If he can divide us, he can set about overtaking us.  When we fight as one there’s no telling the dent the people of God could make in the Kingdom of darkness.  Let Daddy be Daddy.  You worry about you.  God’s got the rest.  “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  [Eccl 4:12]  Between you, me, and God (not necessarily in that order) we can work TOGETHER and make an impact for the kingdom!

My wife and I set aside time at the end of our evenings to alternate between spending personal one-on-one time with our kids prior to their going to sleep. We lay in bed with them discussing what has happened over the day and pray with them.  A few nights my daughter rolled over and began sniffing my shirt.  At first I didn’t say anything.  But she did it over and over again.  After five minutes of this seemingly odd interaction I finally asked, “What are you doing?”  She giggled and said, “I like the way you smell, Daddy!” as she nuzzled into my chest for some cuddle time.  To be honest, I never really thought about it but I assume I do give off my own scent of cologne, deodorant, and soap.  My assumption is that would be my own personal smell.  Apparently, as she expressed that night, it brings her comfort.  No doubt she’s smelled that same aroma hundreds of times over the seven years of her life.  The wheels in my brain began turning and left me with a question.  What do I smell like to God?  Odd question, right?  Not really.

Throughout scripture we find references to God smelling things. Scriptures like Phillipians 4:18, Leviticus 26:27-31, 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:18, and Ephesians 5:2. (You should take time to read them)  In each reference God has experienced a “sweet savor”, an “odor like incense”, or “an odor of a sweet smell.”  In other words, God has experienced something He likes and is pleasing to Him.  What do all these scriptures have in common?  They all reference the scent or smell being given off due to some sort of sacrifice by His saints.  I’ve always held to the belief if my worship didn’t involve some sort of sacrifice it couldn’t be considered genuine worship (we can argue theology later—hit me up if you disagree).  The very act of being a true Christian is sacrifice (death to self and this world).  Christianity will never be about out-doing your fellow Christian in the ‘sacrifice’ department.  This isn’t some sort of game to play or win rather your personal relationship with God.  What does God smell when He sniffs you?  Does He smell his bride? Or do you smell like someone’s mistress?  I know—that seems harsh and a little crude—but not really.  If God were to close His eyes would He be able to find you by your scent?  How are you living your life today?  Sacrifice comes in many forms and is reliant on the condition of the heart.  Honestly, it’s none of my business.  But you can’t hide it from God.  I can assure you, the better you smell to God the more you become a stench in the nostrils of the enemy …….and that’s the point.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The goal of this blog isn’t to stress the mistakes of the past rather focusing on the future.  It’s about keeping ourselves pure for our Groom.  He’s looking for a bride without spot or blemish.  Is that you?  May seem a little weird, especially for us men, but we’re Jesus’ girl.  Let’s keep ourselves clean, friends!

I was miserable…….and I shouldn’t have been. I was on vacation, after all.  Isn’t vacation supposed to be the happiest time of the year for our families?  Don’t get me wrong the whole trip wasn’t a bust.  But there were certain moments I would have been glad to pack up and head home.  Have you ever been there?  Over the New Year’s holiday our family took some time away for a trip to the beach.  We showed up at the resort and were given our room number.  I didn’t pay much attention to it until we stepped off the elevator.  We were 10 floors up and you could see straight down to the ground.  Sure, there were rails but, heaven forbid, what if one was loose!  I immediately instructed my kids to walk along the wall and stay away from the railing.  After we were safely tucked in our rooms (or so I thought) I begin unloading the luggage cart.  Two minutes later I hear my daughter exclaiming excitedly, “Look, Daddy!  It’s so pretty.”  The little booger and her shadow (a.k.a. my son) had made their way onto the balcony.  Trying to control my emotions and not pass on my panicky feelings I left the sliding glass door open for viewing but instructed them to stay inside.  Again, crisis averted.  The next day offered more stresses.  It was unseasonably warm while we were there (thanks, El Niño) and my kids were able to go down to the shore and play in the sand and on the edge of the water.  Any time they got close to the water I was scared out of my mind.  Having dealt with minor scares around water in my lifetime my fears were magnified with my kids around.  On top of that the sun was shining so brightly and wind blowing so heavily it caused my eyes to water.  I couldn’t hardly see a thing.  My wife sensed my tenseness and tried to calm my fears but her pleas fell on deaf ears.  I couldn’t be consoled.  At times my own fear paralyzed me.  Later we would go to the mall and, again, I felt myself hovering.  I want to instill independence in my children but I always worry someone will take them or they’ll walk off and get lost (too many Lifetime movies, no doubt).  I’m honestly not sure what came over me but I worried almost the entire trip.

Have you been there? No matter how hard you try your mind is bombarded by fears and worries.  For me, some days are good and other days (like our vacation), I’d rather lock my family in a protective bubble and go take a nap.  I look around me and I am see so many dealing with anxiety-type issues.  Why?  I sense it’s because we’ve forgotten who we serve and the power He has to protect us.  Please don’t misinterpret the preceding statement.  My intent is not to diminish the fears and anxiety issues many deal with.  I’ve been there.  But sometimes we all need a reminder.  Matthew asks us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” [6:27]  We all know the answer to that.  We can probably shorten our lives with blood pressure issues and such due to allow worry to take center stage.  I love the NIV’s version of 1 Peter 5:7.  It states, “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”  It’s not God’s desire that His children walk around worrying about things He’s already working out.  From our point of view we see mountains.  God’s perspective reveals a speck of dust that could be blown away– if He chooses to.  That’s the BIG God you serve.  But have you considered sometimes He allows certain things in our lives as a stepping stone for something greater?  Job life stands as an example of just that.  Just a thought.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  I don’t know what you’re dealing with today but I want you to know you’re not alone.  You’re never alone!  Share this with someone who needs to hear it.  The things we worry about may seem minimal to the casual onlooker–but when our minds latch onto something it’s hard to control our thinking at times.  Be someone’s shoulder to cry on or ear to listen today (or find your ‘someone’ if you’re worrier).  But, make no mistake, every word you say should point back to the One powerful enough to turn the most terrible day around.

Disturbing the droning sound of our car tires on the asphalt my wife stated matter-of-factly, “I understand it now.” “Huh?” I replied, confused as I had been lost in my own thoughts.  “I think I understand it now……“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death….”” she said.  Then I knew.  Not many are aware aside from our close family, but during the last few months of the year my wife began experiencing some discomfort in her body.  For a few months, as many of us would, she brushed it off assuming it would go away.  It never did so she went in for a visit with her doctor.  After an uncomfortable procedure we were informed she would need to go in for more in-depth testing as some things were still showing up abnormal.  From that moment forward I watched as my wife experienced an onslaught of attacks from the enemy on her mind.  Day after day I could see the worry she tried so hard to hide, the questions swirling in her head, the frustration of having to wait even longer to find out for sure.  And I knew the root of it all.  The real question she would ask me in private, “Is it…..could it be cancer?”  I watched, feeling helpless, as she walked through each day while wave after wave of emotions and thoughts slammed against the walls of her mind.  One such thought she didn’t share until much later-“Our kids are the same age you and your brother were when you lost your mother.”  It was true as my own mom had been tragically killed in a car accident.  Days were long and filled with emotion.  Almost our entire Christmas break was spent waiting for ‘the call.’

I have to admit, the 23^rd Psalm is definitely one of my favorites.  This Psalm has always seemed (to me) like a true representation of life.  Life is filled with ups and downs.  Being a Christian leaves you feeling like you have a split personality as we are living in two places at once.  Our spirits long for our true home (heaven) while our flesh longs for the things of this world.  It’s a daily struggle.  One minute we find ourselves in those green pastures or walking beside still waters; the next going through the valley surrounded by the shadow(s) of death.  Here’s the part I love so much-even in those scary moments the Shepherd is ALWAYS there.  He never left.  When you’re waiting to hear if you have cancer, whether a loved one will make it, or a myriad of other emotions the Shepherd is only as far away as you’ve allowed yourself to wander.  And He will allow you to wander a little; but He’s always waiting with arms wide open for you to come back.  Not because He has to but because that’s what a true Shepherd does.  Being in the presence of our enemy can seem scary, especially if we’re walking alone.  But, according to scripture, it’s necessary.  We can’t experience the table He has set before us until we endure being “in the presence of mine enemies”.  I firmly believe David’s admission early in the Psalm, “I shall not want,” was a proclamation on his part; a choice, if you will.  He was aware of his Shepherds ability to provide and protect.  He was speaking from experience.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Thankfully, ‘the call’ revealed my wife did not have cancer.  Here’s the interesting thing I realized while walking through that valley with her–  Even if she had been diagnosed, it wouldn’t have changed anything I know to be true about the God I serve.  I don’t know what you’re experiencing today.  But I do know, if you’ll look around you, the Shepherd isn’t very far away.  Call out to Him.  Though you may feel lost, He is never lost.  He will meet you right where you are bringing comfort, healing, or whatever you need!

It’s definitely one of my fondest childhood memories. It’s a moment that always feels and smells like home to me.  If Mamaw (my grandmother) is making biscuits, for that stretch of minutes, nothing else matters.  The sifting, mixing, kneading, and patting all culminate into a light brown mound of perfection.  The smell and taste are like a little piece of heaven on earth.  Cooking biscuits is Mamaw’s job at every event-and I’ve sat and watched her do it hundreds of times.  When I went to pick her up for a recent family gathering I asked if she minded coaching and allowing me to do it in her place this year.  She seemed surprised by the request but gladly agreed to do so.  This was going to be easy (or so I thought).  There were quite a few people at our gathering so a lot of biscuits were needed.  The first batch turned out, well, a little tough while slightly resembling the side of a mountain.  The second and third batch were a little more edible.  While honing this delicate skill for myself she shared the story how her own father paid her fifty cent to make him biscuits when she was a child.  She admitted her first batch (and a few that followed) was under-whelming, though her father (my great-grandfather) never said a negative word.  With each experience she got better until she had mastered her own personal recipe and technique.

Have you ever had someone like that in your life? You know the type.  They make things look so easy.  They always have the right answers to every question, can quote just the right scripture at the right time, feed the hungry, bandage the wounded, and preach a sermon in a single bound.  They are a Super-Christian!  We think to ourselves, “That looks easy!   I can do that!”  We attempt the same and always come up lacking.  We see the positive results of their actions.  What we don’t see are the wars fought on their knees and the scars left from wounds of yesteryear.  We weren’t there when they fell flat on their face.  We missed the major mistake that could have destroyed their name and ministry.  But here’s the real problem.  We have a bad habit of comparing ourselves to others and assume we too should have the ability to function at the same level.  WRONG!!!  Each experience, success or failure, is shaping us all.  We all have been uniquely made with a specific purpose in mind.  Mimicking or attempting to be something God has not created us to be is a huge injustice to the kingdom.  Recently I read 1 Peter 4.  The following scriptures, specifically verses 10 and 11 stuck out to me.  They state, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” All that to say—be yourself!  You are valuable to God just the way you are.  Set about mastering what God has gifted YOU to do.  Our value doesn’t come from who we are– but whose we are.  Go be a biscuit!  🙂  It’s amazing the lessons that can be learned during biscuit making.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  It’s a new year.  In 2016 be purposeful in everything you do.  Find your niche and get to work for the kingdom!  God hasn’t called you to be a replica of your neighbor.  Find your spot and let the kneading begin.

Hello everyone!  First, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!  Next, I would like to thank you for your support and readership over this past year.  Blogging, while enjoyable and therapeutic, has been a learning experience for me.  I so appreciate your kind words and encouragement and allowing me the space to make and fix my mistakes.  This message is to inform you all I will be taking the next few weeks off to concentrate on Christmas and my family.  I will be returning in January with some exciting news I look forward to sharing with you all.  I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas season!!

From my family to yours–Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It happened.  And I’m not proud of it.  I flew my ‘crazy’ flag high last night.  Thankfully, the only ones awake to see it were Leroy (our guinea pig) and Bella the Elf (on a shelf)—and I’ve convinced them to keep it quiet.  Around 10pm I just had a meltdown.  I just kind of lost it-though I tried to do so quietly as my wife was asleep on the couch.  When you’re in ministry work Christmas is the craziest time of the year.  This year has more hectic than any other I’ve experienced in a while.  Let’s review–In a span of less than 20 hours yesterday we had three deaths in our church.  I will most likely be taking part in all three of those funeral services.  My heart is aching for those families but there’s not much I can do but pray and be there when they need me.  I will be directing our church Christmas play in less than six days and I’m not convinced the cast is completely ready.  I have a stage and set that need to be decorated and arranged for the aforementioned play.  I am the PTO President and School Improvement Chairperson at my daughter’s school where I will be involved in three different projects in the next two weeks.  I have a doctor and dentist appointment this week I need to attend to.  We have bought and wrapped (thank the Lord) our Christmas presents but, being the consummate over-achiever, I feel like everyone is going to turn their noses at what they’re receiving.  I want to buy everyone huge elaborate gifts as my wife is pumping the brakes and telling me to chill.  Let me break it down into 6 words for you.  Tis the season…..for a meltdown.  And, boy, I sure did.  I could keep listing my grievances but I have limited space and I’m pretty sure you’d stop reading after a while.

So– I quit!  That’s right.  I quit!  Last night when no one else was aware of it I quit everything and went to bed.  In my mind I resigned from every last responsibility and climbed into my sleep number bed–where I intended to stay until December 26.  Fast forward to 6:20 am this morning.  The alarm clock went off and I hit the ground running to begin my day.  An hour later I forgot I had quit everything but it was too late.  My bed was cold again and I had things to do.  You see, I have a problem.  I think I’m a superhero.  I think I can carry the weight of the world on my shoulders and solve everyone’s problems.  I can’t.  It’s not my job and I’m simply not equipped to fix everything.  Then I remembered something.  Thousands of years ago Jesus said something He intended me (and you) to remember in moments like these.  He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” [John 14:27]  Well, shoot!  I guess that means I am the problem in this whole equation leading to my Christmas meltdown.  Time to put the superhero cape back in the closet where it should have stayed.  I simply can’t take away the pain these three families are experiencing.  It’s not my job to make sure this Christmas play and all these school projects turn out perfectly.  I don’t have enough money to buy everyone the things I want to buy them.  I can’t carry these burdens by myself.  And I was never intended to.  That’s why I have God on my side.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Chances are, like me, you’re carrying a lot of burdens and frustrations this season you were never meant to carry.  We can’t control everything around us but we can accept the peace He every single minute of every day.  Things will happen.  Nothing is ever perfect.  But peace is a wonderful gift to receive and enjoy when we allow ourselves to.  Take a step back from the craziness and focus on what matters.  Do what you can do and let the rest take care of itself.  Enjoy His peace today!

**Sorry if you see typos-lots to do.  But remember–I just admitted I’m not a superhero any longer 🙂