A February Halt

“By prayer and determination we have to form the habit of keeping ourselves soaked in the vision God has given….The difficulty with the majority of us is that we will not seek to apprehend the vision; we get a glimpse of it and then leave it alone.”

– Oswald Chambers, Prayer: A Holy Occupation

I’ve been away on various notes, one of which I write about at Turn the Page Cafe. It’ll give you a glimpse of the season as of late, and we are very thankful for it all. Our schedules have been ambushed this week due to the teenagers coming down with what’s apparently Type B Influenza. Please keep the kids in your prayers. They’ve finally eaten something substantial for the first time in a few days, but before that the nurse was kind enough to have us drive around to the back of her building and test them in the car so they didn’t have to get out again.

We were thankful to get proper meds right away, though I wished we could have gotten one of them seen sooner, but she was not able to get out of the bed much and I gave us a deadline that if she wasn’t better, we were going even if I had to have another person help me carry her up the stairs.

Tay and I are watching BBC’s Little Women tonight and I just thank my Father for going out of His way all the time, for us. He has been ever present, providing just what is needed each day as His Word says He’ll do, even holding my position at work so I can be here with the kids for a few days. They are strong; the past few years has given us all a different kind of grit than I knew possible, but being at work while your child is texting you knowing at one time their fever had read almost ER-worthy heights, I felt it was best to be available. That and, M2’s spike was near time for me to leave and I couldn’t do it.

That’s when the nurse said to bring them, so I had thirty minutes to get them ready and out the door, sweat drenched down my son’s back not long after I slipped a shirt over his head. It was only a couple days before La could barely sit up to take anything, much less get her legs to cooperate.

Matt had been here at the beginning of the week thankfully, after having worked nine days straight, he needed it too, so this time we are switching spots to make sure everyone gets their liquids and meds on time. My own body is sore, and Tay is experiencing some symptoms, but my prayer is, neither of us will catch it, or if so, that it may be extremely mild so I can keep going.

I can usually tell when I’m not myself. The energy slips away, and even simple things become tiresome in the mind. Thing is, this is where I am tonight. Even hearing chatter of others was beginning to wear me out, and things I desired to tick off my list are still invisibly there, waiting for me to figure out and face them.

It’s okay. If there’s one thing I’ve set roots in, it’s that the world will only stop spinning if God allows it, and it most likely won’t happen because Meg was ill, or taking care of someone who was. Guilt removed, stress halted, problem solved. Matt has been wonderfully helping where he can, and I’ve learned to do what I can, applying these same graces for living to everyone else.

I read a post recently about not having a scarcity mindset. It’s not a new topic or fear—but I think it’s something we have to continue to guard against as it limits God, who is unbound completely.

His mercies are new every day and we say this but it’s because He is author of the day and time in which we exist. Where His throne is, time is of no constraint. It’s all the same to Him and nothing scares Him ever. What better God, Father, Brother, and Friend than One who is unbothered forever by things temporal?

Though visions, goals and chores seem to take longer than we like, it is part of adventuring with Father to trust He knows best, and that nothing derails us from the ultimate Prize. This February night in is needed anyway since I have been going non-stop, now with homework due, cafe prep, transitions with children, working outside the home, and as always…being a dog mom and getting involved locally.

When time and its boundaries seem to limit, then we add sickness on top of that, we can see that slowing down can be for our good. It teaches us to appreciate both sides of a coin. And in case anyone thinks I like running, no! This is a season of pure obedience again, working hard for the future payoffs, Lord willing.

Isn’t this an eternal perspective too? Think on it.

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

4 Things to Remember in Life When Learning [from Others]

There are various methods in which we can consume information and learn.

Chances are if you have landed on this page, that you typed certain key-words into the search box and decided to click the link. You could be subscribed to this content, or be following along on my social media.

I don’t know your background or what you are going through, or why you are here in this moment but there could be 2 things about you I bet I do know.

It’s only a guess, and correct me if I am wrong….

….but I think you like to read & learn.

We read for different reasons. Sometimes we read for leisure and at other times we read to learn about something.

When we read, the information we are taking in can be healthy or damaging depending on the content and how we perceive it.

Reading is just one way we can learn.

Being a home educator, I am all about finding a child’s strengths, weaknesses and curiosities in order to feed each appropriately. I am learning….

There are four different types of learners. (source)

One learner and inventor whom I appreciate and have enjoyed learning more about is the co-founder of Apple, Inc. He was an industrial designer and a leader who inspired ingenuity.

“Jobs repeatedly emphasized that Apple’s mantra would be simplicity.” (source)

I admire Steve’s love of learning and going against the grain of the norm. He went on adventures and learned from people and places, and took that knowledge and ran with it.

But my discernment tells me to be mindful of who I learn from. Notice I said mindful, not paranoid.

Did you know learning is a gift from God?

Daniel, also called Beltesshazzar, wasn’t known for going with the flow of the world either.

He and his three friends [the ones you may remember who were thrown into the fiery furnace and survived: see Daniel chapter 3], had a hunger for learning but more importantly a hunger for a relationship with God.

“God gave these four youths great ability to learn and they soon mastered all the literature and science of the time…” Daniel 1:17 The Living Bible

Daniel was born during King Josiah’s reign. Daniel also quotes Jeremiah the prophet in Daniel 9:2 and it makes me think maybe just maybe these godly men of influence had a slight impact him.

“The wise man’s words are like goads that spur to action. They nail down important truths. Students are wise who master what their teachers tell them.” – Ecclesiastes 12:11

There are many amazing leaders I can learn from, but the One who is completely perfect and loves me perfectly is my Father in Heaven, my Maker.

I want to take my own risks, teach my kids by way of example, and use the time I have been given on this earth to live fully and freely within His bounds.

Some people’s advice, though given with good intention, may not be the best for me.

“I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will instruct you and watch your progress.” – David, Psalms 32:8 The Living Bible

That being said, we don’t have to live in fear that someone is teaching us wrongly.

We believers in Christ Jesus can pray for wisdom and discernment from God himself. We can take what we have learned and see what He says about it in the Bible.

4 Things to Remember When Learning from Others

Learning is a gift from God.
Success may look different for some.
Not all [successful] leaders have the same values/beliefs.
God is the only perfect leader/teacher.

Maybe giving credit to God in Heaven for life and learning isn’t the most popular thing, but I won’t shy away from doing it because it is the foundation of what I believe. I never liked to go with the grain either….

M.E.Weyerbacher

Licenses were purchased for the photos above from adobestock.com

#MondayManifesto Writer’s Resource

http://www.angelaparlin.com/write/

Linking up with: Jennifer Dukes Lee at #TellHisStory | Holley Gerth at #CoffeeForYourHeart | Grace and Truth at ArabahJoy.com

If You Feel Beat Up, Shipwrecked and Like Hope is on Probation.

When our identity feels like a tossed salad and our worth feels like a zero, Grace is ready to crash in and wreck all the labels and lies.

He will hold our hands in the hard times that others may never know we are experiencing.

**But here’s the kicker: God’s people are His hands & feet. Will we open our hearts and let them in, so they can hold our hearts and hands in the hard?**

He wants to love us in various ways.

He wants us to let the pain out so we can let Him in.

He won’t ever let us go.

When you don’t know who you are, why you were born or feel like you are worth someone’s time.
When you feel lost, begging for a sip of hope, reaching out for a life line.
When you feel the days are recycled yesterdays and you can’t seem to get yourself together.

Hold on.

Hold on to the name of Jesus.

When your dreams feel like they are stuck on hold because you are saying yes to people first.
When lies seem to snuff the truth out for a time and you dwell on it and it gets you down.
When you see her dirty face on the screen and wish you could just hold her and let her know someone cares.

Hold on.

Hold on to the name of Jesus.

There will be pain in this life but God will work it into your story for the good.

Because there’s people around us who need to know someone has understood.

That what they are going through doesn’t leave them alone but opens up another world, of love in abundance.

When we are hurting, and the world is hurting and we don’t really understand why.

We can hold on.

Hold on.

One day we’ll understand it by and by.

So let’s hold on to each other and let’s hold onto Jesus, giving thanks in all circumstances, going against the grain of the wisdom of the world.

If you’ve went through any of that up there before…

Me too, friend.

^“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”

Hebrews 4:15-16 The Message

You are not alone. You are loved. ♥ ♥ ♥

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What Are We Fixated On?

Our Imaginations Are A Gift

Like any gift, they can be squandered or put to good use.

Recently, I took further steps to put up proper boundaries to keep focused on the task at hand.

I had to uninstall the Twitter app from my phone because I was getting too tempted to check all the notifications when I started to see growth in my “followership.”

I did experience more peace, but not long after that, something else reared its ugly head out of the headlines floating around on the internet, and once again my mind became distracted and hyper-focused on the wrong things.

Becoming Aware Of Where We Go Wrong Is A Sign Of Maturity

When I focus my energy, thoughts and attention toward the things that others are doing wrong, how awful everything seems, or hopeless thinks look -the life is drained right out of me.

I heard about this “new” news and my heart wrenched within me. I was shocked at first, then mad. I began hunting for more news, for proof, as if I could debunk it all and make the world a better place.

But the more and more I chased the trails, the wearier I got. I had gotten off the Right trail and onto my own selfish one.

Finally I came to my senses and clicked it all off. I realized what I was doing and that it was unhealthy, and clearly not going to benefit anyone.

Becoming Aware Of What Is Life-Giving & Helpful Is A Sign Of Maturity

I began to pray.

Sometimes I experience peace right away but this time my feelings didn’t catch up to what I knew to be true until after I meditated on God’s word.

The Lord brought me to a very hope-filled scripture and I repeated it over and over.

It wasn’t until I said a prayer for the person(s) who became the guilty party in the headlines, that I felt a new level of peace from God wash over me.

Becoming Aware Of God’s Sovereignty And Choosing A Life Of Prayer And Peace Isn’t A Sign Of Ignorance, It Is A Sign Of Maturity

Shift your imagination to Who is good.

Here are some of my favorite verses to think on to remind myself of the importance of what I fix my mind on.

Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

^“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Philippians 4:8 Amplified Version

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

If you have read any of my new series: The Trucker’s Wife, you will see I have come a long way in my thinking. But I still have so far to go! Daily I must remember these truths.

I hope you will too, friend.

Have you ever gotten caught up in the rigmarole of drama or hype, or “breaking news?” I am sure we all have at some point. I am learning I would rather live quietly and peaceably and keep my conscious clear. Usually as soon as I think I know the facts, I end up inserting foot in mouth anyways. Ouch.

Linking up @

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The Trucker’s Wife :: Part 1

She laid her head down on the pillow and closed her eyes tight. A tear trickled down her pale, cool cheek.

I feel stuck. Like I am going no where. I am doing what You called me to do Lord, but why does it feel as if everything is putting up a fight?

She grabbed her second pillow and held it tightly against her chest, pretending it was someone who loved her perfectly -like God. She wished she could physically hug her Father right now.

The leaves rustled and a branch scratched against the bedroom window outside. The moon lulled between a half and a full, beaming brightly with the black sky behind.

She leaned over and glanced at her oversized digital clock: 12:03

If I could just get some sleep, maybe I will feel better tomorrow.

***

Dear Tuckered Out Mama, We Are Going to Be Okay

Have you ever felt so physically and mentally exhausted that your biggest wish and wildest dream was a brand new day, fully rested and ready to go?

I understand. There is Hope, my friend. I pray you keep reading if you need encouragement, because as I share this part of my story, I want to share what has worked for me and what hasn’t.

Everyone is different. No two families are alike exactly. But take it from an overachiever, a recovering perfectionist and want-to-be juggler of all things good, we mamas just can’t do it all.

Lean into God and receive His good Grace for you in this season of rearing young ones. I am right there with you.

***

With that, she pulled the blanket up past her chin, almost covering her mouth. Rolling over, she stared at where her husband usually slept -er, where he would sleep when he was home, that is.

He had been driving a semi-truck for three years at this point and some days wore her out so much that she didn’t even have time to be upset about sleeping solo.

Today had been one of those days where everything was magnified. A day where it seemed like her kids weren’t learning, where she couldn’t get a grip on her emotions and where the bite of loneliness found her and stung like a red wasp with a bitter grudge.

Yes, tomorrow will be better. The Lord’s mercies are new everyday.

And with that, she closed her eyes once again and prayed sleep would come quickly.

***

You are reading Part 1 of a series: The Trucker’s Wife

by M. E. Weyerbacher

If you share words from this page please refer readers back to this blog page please. Thank you!

Thanksgiving at the Blog

November 7th I will be featuring one of you for People & Prose, a new Monday manifesto where I share a little about what I have learned from you so far, and where others can find you at. I will be doing this for the rest of 2016 each Monday, as a way to express my gratitude to you lovely readers and writers, encouragers and prayer warriors.

Link up below (do you like the new badge?)!

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If You’ve Ever Feared Failure

I’ve noticed something. The further in this faith walk I go, the more sneaky Satan’s tactics seem to get.

I listened to Focus on the Family recently about what a point man does and how in football the players literally learn what their opponents moves will be so when they see the little giveaways, they know how to act.

As a Christian we can’t always know what will come at us next, but when we know our weaknesses, admit them, cry to God for help, read His Word about what He says to do and rely on the Holy Spirit to help us, we can be better equipped for each day.

***

I failed last week in my thinking. I let my mind dwell on negative and unhealthy things. I hate when I mess up, but I’m glad my heart breaks all over the place when I realize what I’m doing…

We serve a God who is constantly sanctifying us and if we love Him, and are seeking after more of His presence one will not be able to remain in sin because it doesn’t feel right anymore.

***

I had things wrong for so many years. I thought it was a one and done deal and if I messed up, I gave up. I felt like a “saved” lost cause. Like a walking contradiction.

If I messed up, I ran. Away.

I thought if I could just get away, go somewhere else – then I could have a fresh start, where people wouldn’t know me, where I wouldn’t have to risk being known too deeply, in case I messed up again.

I was living in anticipation of my next big hiccup instead of living in anticipation of what God might do.

What a rotten way to live right?

Yes it was.

If I had only realized that this faith walk is journey, and that God was just inviting me to take steps with Him daily, as long as they were forward and in obedience, it didn’t matter the size.

The size of the step never mattered to Him. In fact, sometimes I think He just longed to carry me.

How do I know this?

Because the Word says He was close to me.

But in God’s Word even Paul said he struggled with his flesh. He did what he didn’t want to do and vice versa. I am thankful there are examples in God’s Word that teach us the Truth.

The Truth is, no one has arrived at perfection in their walk with Christ. Not yet until we see Him face to face.

I don’t want to make excuses for myself by any means, because I do believe we should be holding ourselves to a higher standard – to be in the world but not of it…

…But at the same time, I struggled with self condemnation for so many years and it has been a journey of learning that God Almighty is still big enough to catch me if I do fall.

In the mean time, we call upon Him, trust and rely on Him to help us daily give up the old ways and walk forward with Him on our new journey of Life.

He never promised easiness but actually His Word says there will be challenges, trials and temptations – and to be happy when facing them because we are being refined for a life of character.

Reputation is what people see, but character is what’s there when everyone else walks out of the room.

It’s in the place that no one but God sees where He is calling us to come away with Him, spend time with Him. As we do this, those old ways become less and less appealing and eventually, appalling.

***

How about you my friend? Have you found yourself struggling with an old sin trying to sneak back up on you? Have you ever struggled with receiving forgiveness?

I pray if this is the case for you, you realize you are not alone in your struggles.

If you feel like God is not working on you in some area of your life – then pray and ask Him to show you where you need work. Yet, if you are trying to draw close to Him daily, know that He will be faithful and help you overcome in due time!

-M.E.Weyerbacher

Linking up here:

The Power of Influence

“They shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death, and their voices prevailed.” -Luke 23:23

^“But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted.” -Luke 23:23 Message

I have been a part of the Seamless study, a book written by Ange Smith. There were some areas in the Bible that seemed like pieces of a bigger picture, but I just couldn’t seem to place them.

Luke 23:23 isn’t one of those, rather, it is verse I hadn’t really parked at before.

The other day when I read Angie’s words, it was like the Imagination Station from Adventures in Odyssey warped me back in time to this event.

I pictured an angry mob, shouting as they glanced at each other and upward toward Pilate.

I wondered if there happened to be some people in the middle of all this rioting who were not even supposed to be there that day, but were sucked in by all the drama.

Maybe some came from rumors, some heading home from the market.

I wondered if many of them were confused as to what was going on, but by the power of peer pressure, threw their fists in the air as well, and joined in with the loud crowd.

That crowd… that mob, had to start somewhere. And maybe I need to do more digging, maybe some of you already have read scripture that paints more of what led up to this.

Either way, it got me thinking about the power of influence and surrounding pressure.

Even when that pressure didn’t make a lick of sense! (free the criminal, kill the innocent)

I want to use the sphere of influence God has given me to bless, uplift, give Hope, and speak Life & Truth in love. If you are reading this, you probably do too.

Reflect on the power of Luke 23:23 if you haven’t before. In the times we are living in, it especially holds a great deal of weight.

Challenge:

*I challenge you today to think of an area of influence you have been given, no matter how great or small in your eyes, and commit to taking positive action.

Action tends to speak louder than words most of the time.

Examples:

After shopping, choose to go the extra few feet and return the cart to its proper place.
Decide to only eat out or order delivery if you have enough to tip well, and give an encouragement while you are at it. A simple smiley face or God bless goes a long way. My husband was a delivery driver for years and so we see both sides of the coin.
When you want to vent on social media, take your frustrations to God instead and in place of posting negative, decide to share something you are grateful for.
Think of someone who needs encouragement. Leave them an anonymous note in their screen door, with an uplifting scripture and tell them they matter.
Pay for someone’s meal behind you in a drive-through.
Leave things better than the way you found them. Whatever that looks like where you are at, or even if it just means speaking up about something rather than ignoring it.
Leave people with Hope.

Those are just a few simple suggestions that don’t seem major to us sometimes, but remember the world is watching us. Let’s lead by example. Let’s use our influence for good. Let’s be good stewards together! It’s a character thing.

Be blessed this Tuesday morning!

M.E.Weyerbacher

**sharing this with #TellHisStory link up at Jennifer Dukes Lee’s blog**