We sing songs in worship, but do we slow to think of who wrote them, how they came about, what they say and define? I heard it once said that Christians don’t tell lies, they sing them. While I know that is not true for all of us, I dare say that it can be said of all of us from time to time. I do love that the Christmas season brings about its own songs for us to sing and celebrate the Savior with. My absolute favorite Christmas song to be sang is “O Holy Night!” or “Mary did you know?” and then we cannot forget “Silent Night”. Each with their own passion, story and intimacy. I know I should choose one of those for this section, but the Lord has led me to another song. I was introduced to this song last year and I am forever thankful to the Lord for it. The most powerful foundation of this song is the Living Word of God.
Singing the Word of God is the most powerful praise we can give. These are the moments when we know that Christ is exalted and not ourselves. These are the Words written and given for mankind to know The Lord better and as we sing Him,we come in contact with a greater purpose and a greater experience than ourselves. These are the Romans 12 moments of the renewing of our minds and the proving of God’s perfect Will.
Risen Savior (Sing My Soul)
Who bore our sin Who took our shame? The Lamb of God Holy and righteous is His name. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior
(Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Who heals our wounds Who knows our pain? The Lamb of God Holy and Righteous is His name Nothing can ever take His place. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior (Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Let the earth be filled with Glory Let our hearts be filled with praise You are worthy, God Almighty Holy, Holy, Holy
(Psalm 72:19; Revelation 4:8-11)
Is it a coincidence that when the church or the Christian sings the Words “You are worthy, God Almighty, Holy! Holy! Holy!” the atmosphere changes. The environment changes. These Words are being said by angels even now as we sit reading these Words. The Heavens are declaring Him! The advent is really all about sitting and recognizing that He is Worthy, He is God Almighty, and that He is HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!
As a child, I can remember always being so confused about what “advent” was and how one celebrates it. Let’s be honest, as an adult I have also struggled with what the true way of observing the Savior of the World’s arrival should look like to a follower. A genuine, true, loyal follower of Christ should look different to the world every day, but what about during advent?
Advent is the season observed by most Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second coming. It is most often observed December 1 – December 24, some even begin as early as November 30. It does have a Latin foundation, adventus, meaning “coming”. Historically, during this season, many would fast from meat, dairy or eggs as a sign of holiness and a time separated in devotion to Christ. These days are to be a clear reflection of hope, joy, peace and love.
Would we ever consider that God is asking us to fast from our normal “celebratory” focuses in December in order to better claim these days in the intimacy of the Father? What if our children walked away from the month of December having a better understanding of who Christ is and less knowledge about the cookies and cakes? Can we even allow ourselves to think that He may desire a fast in the busiest seasons of eating all year?
These days should be days that we prepare our hearts to enterthis season. What is the pre-advent? These are the days where we make our focus on the Savior and begin to empty our hearts and minds of all the things that distracted us from the Christ. In Titus 1:15, “to the pure, everything is pure.” May we enter a new kind of purity with Jesus in these days of separation for holiness.
Pondering about how advent is best to fit into the daily walk of a Christian, I am paused on sharing any details. These days of the Christian journey are shaped more by what men lead us to do in our followings than the Spirit of the Living God in His leadings. In this day, instead of seeking what others are called to do in their “adventing”, today, seek the Lord and what He desires of us in our pilgrimage.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life…… AND let your eyes look directly ahead ANDlet your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…. AND all your ways will be established.” Provers 4:23, 25, 26b
This month I have been exposed to four different people whose journeys ended before they should have. These people were drowning in their own darkness. These people either had addictions or suffered from a mental anguish of health that took them down a road they never intended. These four precious souls were all struggling. Their struggles were known in many cases, but in others they were not.
This month, I am 8 months into my 39th year of life. (Meaning, I turn 40 in four months! PARTY!) However, I would be remiss to not pause and take account for the miracle it is that I have even arrived here. Mental health is real. What we don’t understand or want to speak to is that all mental, spiritual, physical and emotional health are interwoven into the human body. We are either healthy in all or unhealthy in all – they do not work separately. As I have attended two funerals this month for lives gone way too short, I am faced with my own reality. Life is short. Life is hard. Life can be torment. But God is good.
In my own journey there have been seasons when it was all too overwhelming and I didn’t see how I could possibly make it through. There have been many nights of weeping in my own prayer closet begging God to make it all go away or to take me home. There have been moments when in my own darkness I have begged for God to make it all end. And God met me there.
My own curse is the struggle to live in the right now and not in the yesterday or tomorrow. I am sure that I am not alone. My own curse is to make sure everyone is taken care of and that all is as it should be. My own curse is to pour out mental anguish to cover all the bases and forget nothing. My own curse is to create the best fun, most efficient and productive space, while also leaving a lasting impression legacy. My own curse is to pretend to be God to the point of exhaustion and then remember that God is actually God and I am called to much less. My own curse is overanalyzing every human interaction to the point of paralysis instead of releasing it all and walking in true freedom. My own curse is to wonder if I will ever be enough for those in my life. My own curse is to constantly allow the enemy to whisper lies to my own soul and then have them on a highlight reel in my own personal television behind the eyes. My own curse is creating an image of myself that no one in the real world has ever thought or saw. My own curse is heavy. My own curse is lonely. My own curse is bondage.
Jesus has already set me free.
But in the midst of darkness that truth can feel so far away. Seek Jesus.
Our world needs Christians to be Christ-like. Jesus was present with the people and vulnerable with others. Jesus comforted and loved powerfully. Jesus was full of the Spirit and led of the Spirit. Jesus reached out and walked with.
For those struggling in mental battles, you are not alone. Most people are. Seek Jesus. Jesus is always with you and your journey is not over – do NOT let the lies of the enemy tell you that your burden is too heavy for you to keep carrying. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you. If you are choosing to self medicate, through drugs/alcohol/busyness/food – stop. Seek Jesus. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
Your pains are never without purpose.
On more than one occasion, the enemy’s voice has held a microphone in my mind. Don’t let him hold one in yours.
Seek Jesus. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
If you are not in one of these dark spots, be thankful, and listen to the Spirit as He leads you to people. He is calling you to call people because they are in a darkness that no one knows or understands.
Each of us must seek Jesus. Obey His Spirit.
If you do not know Jesus personally, relationally, today you can – seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with your whole heart.
Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
In today’s time, we have a logo for everything. Every program, every service line, every business and church. It represents everything. It is to encompass the very essence of that organization or product. But what would the Creator’s logo be? What about the Savior’s logo? Or the Comforter’s logo? Do they have an image?
Here are some options:
The cross.
The world.
The clouds.
Humanity.
The wind.
LIGHT.
Blood.
The sound of a newborn.
Are these the logos of God?
What is a logo? Definition: A logo is a visual mark that distinguishes a company, organization, product, or brand. (According to google)
Does Jesus have a brand? An image? Does He need one?
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
Let me say it again.
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
What are we promoting or marketing? What message are we sharing? What action are we desiring from those around us? Here is a thought that has crossed my mind – what if everything we did ONLY promoted the Name of Jesus…. How would the world look different?
Philippians 2:9-11
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If we are Christians, we are called to be the evidence and residence of Jesus. Do we reflect the evidence and residence of Jesus?
What name are we more concerned with promoting than Jesus? If we believe that His Name is the only Name that saves, then why do we concern ourselves promoting any other name?”
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Either we believe this or we don’t. If we do, then we believe Jesus is the Messiah and we should look, be, act and see different. So, if this is true, anything else we put above this Name is idol worship. Are we pushing another name other than Jesus Christ?
I ask again, what would Jesus’ logo be? Would we dare put it on our cars, shirts, hats or backpacks? How would we approach His Name differently if we believe His Name truly possesses the power we say it does?
This leads me into great thought and inner dialogue with myself asking who or whom do I represent?
The last ten years of life have created more stress than I ever dreamed one person, one family, could experience. In bullet point fashion, let me incredibly briefly share the load:
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: growth of my own family through infertility and adoption and cleft palates
⁃ Physical: Illness equating to my father being in the hospital every holiday for a solid two years
⁃ Spiritual: Two massive church splits
⁃ Emotional: My oldest niece adopting four amazing kiddos
⁃ Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual: the loss of my sister, my father, Clif’s grandmother, and Clif’s uncle
⁃ Spiritual: attempting to rebuild relationships with people and attempting to build new friends
⁃ Physical: stress killing me AKA weight gain and new food allergies
⁃ Emotional: family dynamics looking radically different
⁃ Emotional: watching dementia move into our family
⁃ Emotional and Mental: the amazing company I work for was purchased and all the changes that come with the beauty of realignments, new team members, new processes
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: greater battles than ever seen before in my own home front
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: stepping away from all of the ministries and volunteering that consumed my schedule in search of more peace and true connection and meaning
⁃ Emotional: loving on two sweet foster babies for one year with my oldest niece
⁃ Emotional: watching my youngest niece celebrate high school ceremonies and start college without my sister
⁃ Emotional: watching my sister’s three girls expand and grow without the joy present of my sister
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: losing everything that seems normal to me
⁃ Spiritual: determining what in the world God wants to do with me now
⁃ And that is just to name a few….
And then we book a trip for all 16 of my family members to ALASKA. Yes, that’s a lot of people. Yes, we all have super strong personalities. Yes, we are all painful when we get cranky. Yes, we know when to spend less time together. Yes, everyone came home alive.
I asked around and determined Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas was for us! We chose July 4th week for many reasons – and loved that we did. We chose the easier option of docking in and out of Seattle being that we were travelling from Knoxville, Tennessee, to the other side of the country. And as many of you know, we flew Delta- where all the kiddos got pilot wings and airplane trading cards. Be sure to try their chicken salad box for purchase – we highly recommend. Don’t forget to ask for wheelchair assistance with your airline if your party needs that- it created the greatest experience for my mom.
We made plans to spend the weekend in Seattle and so glad we did! We enjoyed seeing all there is to see at Pike Place market, Luke’s lobster rolls, Soul Cycle, the original Starbucks, Elliott’s Oyster House, Seattle Mariners game, and, of course climbing Mount Rainer. I won’t share the hotel we stayed in because I wasn’t super happy with the experience. I only talk about the excellent things. And the other stuff I try to forget. Being that we had 16 people of all ages, we divided and conquered a lot. But it was all amazing!
We ubered to the boat dock and I was thoroughly impressed with the entire onboarding experience- especially since my mom needed wheelchair support. Royal Caribbean has logistics down to a beautiful science. I had never been on a cruise ship before nor travelled this way via water. No one in my room was ever seasick nor felt uneasy about the large ship. We had all of the medicines, but none were needed, thankfully.
We chose the ship that stopped in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. We had two full days at sea on our seven day trip.
I’ve been told that “water triggers our parasympathetic nervous system.
I am a big believer that God created this world for His Glory and our good. As God was speaking and creation was responding, we see God do miraculous things with His very Word. For reference, check out the powerful historical timeline of Genesis 1 & 2. God’s Word carries power and weight. His Word creates, and creates things the first time in a way that can reproduce itself. God’s Word on any situation causes changes to occur. God’s Word impacts hearts and souls – hard and soft. I was mesmerized by all that my eyes could see. I was mesmerized with all of the creatures I was able to behold – eagles, whales, sea otters, and seals. I was astonished with views of ocean waves, mountains green and snow covered, waterfalls, small towns, lakes and rivers, and don’t forget the small town Alaskan folks thrilled to meet you.
My soul needed rest.
My body needed rest.
My mind needed rest.
My calendar needed rest.
My heart needed quiet stillness.
Frequently, I have been reminded of the historical narrative of Peter walking on the water to Jesus, especially when I was on a boat (ship) surrounded by water.
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately He (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
How often do I focus and meditate on the wind? How often do I become frightened by the very thing that God controls, Jesus controls? Why do I let that “thing” sink me, when my Saviour says, “Come!”
Lord, I long to live as the version of Peter that climbed out of the boat and walked. Lord, I ask that you give me the strength and power to fixate my eyes solely on your face. In Your eyes.
The water that surrounded us washed over my soul. Being immersed in God’s creation without a schedule and internet wrote a new rhythm on my heart and my mind. Today, I choose to be in the midst of things that matter. I choose to focus my eyes on Jesus and those things that do not align are removed. The peace of God consumed my trip and I am beyond thankful for the time He met with me there.
In Sitka, Clif and I experienced a bike and hike which was super fun – Thimbleberry Lake Trailhead not on e-bikes but real bikes! I could live in Sitka – 8,500 people and 14 miles of paved roads. A simpler life. We also enjoyed eating reindeer and blueberry soda from a local food truck. Not to mention purchasing SALT from Alaska Pure Sea Salt! If you want to see bears, this is the place. Also, your photographer husband will be sad for days if he doesn’t see a bear. Make note. 😆 In Skagway, the entire family rode on the White Pass Yukon Route Railroad and it was incredible. I highly recommend you bring snacks and coffee onboard and they only provide bottled water. We also enjoyed an Alaskan Fry Bread at Klondike Doughboy. Amazing! I could live here too! We were able to experience 4th of July celebrations in this small town – tug of war and contests. It was incredible!
In Juneau, my brother and family did the special excursion that took you on a boat off of our ship that was much closer to the glacier and wildlife – Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. They loved it! Also, in Juneau many of us explored over to the Mendenhall Glacier and waterfall. It did include a one mile paved hike, so I recommend renting a wheelchair for this event. It was beautiful – on our drive there we saw eagles everywhere. Also, I heard the crab legs were excellent! In Victoria, I was thoroughly overwhelmed with its beauty. Our crew broke off and did many things – e-bikes around the city, photography around the city, shopping around the city and tea room. This is a city I would make plans to go back for more time. The Abkhazi Garden was divine with its tea room experience. And the town was gorgeous with its Fairmont Empress Hotel, sailboat harbor, China Town, and British Columbia Parliament building. It was a very quick trip to this stop, but it was well worth the time.
None of this includes the family feud night, silent disco, Bingo, speakeasy with live music, workout center overlooking the ocean, running the track above the ship, ice cream Skip Bo game, Taco Goat Cat Cheese Pizza game, Bananagrams game, watching the sun go down at midnight, every hour on the hour, virgin pina coladas, incredible dining experiences and the spa! And so much time in the pools!
And we experienced a beautiful time spent with family. We made memories and every second of it I am thankful. My vow is to never waste a moment of this life. My vow is to keep striving to protect my rest and my peace. My vow is to continue to create relationships with those who truly care about me and for me. My vow is to keep my thoughts meaningful and uplifting – fighting against the critical spirit. My vow is to live life to the fullest and attempt to follow everywhere the Lord leads. My vow is to walk on the water keeping my eyes focused and unhindered.
The formal night. Lounging early morning while the rest of the world slept.Taken by Heather Haley… not Clifton Haley. 😂My people. Check out Amazon for Clifton Haley Photography Alaska Prints.
Okay, there is conviction… and then there is CONVICTION. This book has challenged me to study God’s Word to see what it means to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have been a believer and follower of Jesus since I was 12 years old. In many ways, I have been blessed with Godly wisdom to avoid some of the major pitfalls of this life. However, in many ways the plumb line that I had used against myself was not the Living Word of God, and definitely not the Saviour of the Universe.
Now that I have seen, I am responsible.
I have always struggled with how the Living Word was supposed to scrub up against the life of the a 21st Century American Christian. This book has caused me to focus on 7 major areas of my life and hold them up against the Word of God. Those areas are: Clothes, Spending, Waste, Food, Possessions, Media & Stress. At first glace, you might think, “I do okay in those areas..”. If you feel like you are good and have accomplished all that Jesus has for you, read this book. If you feel like you are obedient in most areas of your life, read this book. If you feel like you have no real understanding of what God says about these areas, read this book (and then become a Berean and study it out).
Jen doesn’t seek to be the end all, be all about these issues mentioned. My understanding is that she just wants the American Church of Jesus to study out how our lives actually line up with the Word of God. Our view of Christianity is skewed by an American worldview, and not a Jesus worldview.
If you dare to go and pick this book up, be prepared to be challenged. Be warned, this book is not for the weary. Actually, the weary might just be the very one intended to read it!
Happy to you in finding your alter to fall upon with all of your idols! Get ready! Don’t say I didn’t warn you… (btw we all have idols). Remember we have a loving Saviour who is willing to show grace to all, may repentance be near.
This book. This book. Wow. This book. Okay, so my girl Francine Rivers has challenged my knowledge of God’s Word once again. Francine writes a beautifully anointed book in exploring every avenue of scripture. She doesn’t just focus on the text, but the historical, physical and sociological climate of our scriptures.
This book explores the lives of five men in scripture: The Priest (Aaron), The Warrior (Caleb), The Prince (Jonathon), The Prophet (Amos) & The Scribe (Silas).
These men each faced extraordinary days in walking with the Unseen God of the Hebrews. These men were placed in positions that no one else had ever faced and were forced to choose- follow Him faithfully & fearlessly OR disobey and walk away from the only peace and truth they’d ever known.
Not only does Francine challenge us with her sanctified imagination of scripture, but she follows up each section with a dive straight into the Living Word of God. It is always important to decipher between what we actually know from scripture and what is sanctified imagination, but Francine paints crucial pictures for all believers everywhere to study out further.
This book has challenged me in ways I never could’ve dreamed. It has also taught me how to view each person in our Holy Scriptures: real, sinful people born of the same dust as me. These people were not super heroes. These people were common. These people only accomplished what they did for the Kingdom because the Spirit of the Living God was upon them. Lord, may I be one who is known as a girl with the Spirit….
In order to defeat the enemy, we must first identify him.
We all have one enemy.
He is referenced as the father of lies.
Our Lord told us that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. That same enemy accomplishes his work through unbelievers who give themselves over to him. While it is easy to sit and say that the Muslim religion is our enemy, let’s remember that they can be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Does that mean that we roll over and look the other way so that we don’t offend someone? No. It means we take this battle, the fight, this war, to the only place where it can actually we won…. On our knees.
Our enemy must be defeated in the spiritual realm. Our enemy is Satan himself and the evil he brings into the world. When a nation stops praying, stops believing in the One True God, YHWH, then evil has the upper hand. And we are seeing that very thing unfold before us… Evil taking over our country, one city at a time.
The Journey 