Memories In Remembering

“I remember what happened long ago; I consider everything you have done.  I think about all you have made.”  Psalm 143:5

She received a beautiful bouquet of purple and white roses from her friend.  They were beautiful, and then with tears she said, “But they died.”  The flowers were gone physically, but the memory of them and the thoughtfulness of her friend brought a smile of remembrance.  She had taken a picture of them to always remember.  As we talked about the flowers, her memory became alive and vivid in the present moment.  The memory of remembering brought life and joy even though the flowers had wilted and died.

God has given us the ability to remember.  We can reminiscence about events and experiences of our past.  We recollect a person from our past.  Our memory can be triggered by smells, pictures, food, objects, or just life.  Memories are filled with good, but they can also be painful and traumatic.  We try to let go of the bad and the hurt and focus on the good.

This past week, I was in a time of remembering my mom. She has been in Heaven for twenty years.  Some days, it feels just like yesterday, and other days it feels like forever since I talked with my mom.  I miss her everyday and wish I could talk with her.  As I remember, the memories become more real and fill my thoughts with hundreds of little pictures of events throughout my life with my mom.  When I am with my siblings, my mom feels even more present with the stories we share and knowing we all experienced life together with her. 

The more we remember, the more we remember.  For instance, the more we talk about our childhood house, the more we remember about it.  We begin walking through each room in the house and describing it.  It is amazing the details you can see in your mind when you begin to share it out loud.  When you talk with a friend, that person begins telling their story which then helps you to remember more about your own story.

I attended the planning meeting for my high school reunion that will take place next year.  Oh, the memories of high school.  I have the privilege of creating a time to remember those of our class we have lost.  I have had to go back to my high school year book to remember their faces since I had not seen them in years.  Photos brought events to mind, and I have sat for a time reflecting and remembering.  Some events and people I remember and can share stories, and others I have no memory.  It is amazing what stays as an important memory.

I officiated at my cousin’s funeral who died way too young.  As I prepared for the service, my mind was filled with memories of her as a child – her beautiful blonde hair, her smile, and playing together at family gatherings.  My siblings, nieces, and cousins joined together to say good-bye to my cousin.  As we talked at the luncheon afterward and looked at pictures, memories became words that formed stories of our past and triggered remembrances of others in the family who are now in Heaven. In the sadness of loss, came also the joy of her life and stories that brought smiles.  The past became present and my cousin was with us in our hearts in the memories.

Grief is part of our memories as we release a loved one to Heaven.  As more people I love go to Heaven, I begin remembering those who have gone before them and those they will see in Heaven.  My cousin’s ashes will be buried on top of the grave of her dear Grandma – my aunt.  My mind is filled with memories of my Aunt Esta and her sister, my mom.  My heart is filled with a sweet joy as I remember times shared and those times come alive within my soul.  They now dwell in Heaven, but their memories are alive as I remember.

Give yourself permission to linger in memories.  Quiet your soul and put away your list of chores and spend some sweet time in the memories.  It is not living in the past, but bringing the past into view.  It is remembering the moments and the details that have built your foundation of life.  It is not forgetting but experiencing again and again the people you have loved.  To look into their faces in your mind and feel the love in your heart.  It is allowing a smile to touch your lips even in the sadness of loss.

Linger in the memories of remembering.  Give thanks to God for those who are in Heaven.  Remember their love and impact upon your life.  Keep sharing their love and life.  It keeps their spirit alive in this world.

Elaine J, Sturtz

www.livinginthedifferent.com

Just Do It Wet

“My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.” ‘James 1:2-3

The sun was shining.  It was a beautiful fall week in Ohio, but I was in Florida with clouds, rain and a looming tropical storm.  The vacation was planned months ago to spend a week enjoying the sunshine and resting on the beach.  I even prayed for God to bless the week with sunshine.

God did not take away the storm, the rain or even the clouds.  We had moments of sunshine a couple of days.  We still biked in the rain.  Walked and ran in the rain.  Sat on the beach in the winds and among the clouds.  Never saw the sunrise or the sunset because of all the clouds.  But God is still good.  God was still faithful.  God still met my needs but not my wants.

My expectations were not met.  I was disappointed.  I wallowed for a moment or more.  I could not change the weather, but I could change my attitude and how I was going to deal with my vacation.  I had a choice – be miserable and grumble or thank God for clouds and His presence and make the most of it.  We even had to cut short our trip because of being evacuated for the coming hurricane.  Good still came in the midst of the storm.  Friends took us to dinner and also to the airport.  As I write this, I am sitting in the airport awaiting my flight in four hours hoping we get out before the airport closes.  I am pondering what is God teaching me?  Here are some of my random thoughts.

Simply, you cannot base your life or your happiness on the weather.  It will always change.  The weather will not change just because you want it to or ask God to change it.  You need to change your plans or just do it in the rain, get wet and enjoy the adventure.  The weather can affect your attitude.  It is not giving power to the weather, but accepting whatever the weather is you are still going to live life fully and abundantly.

You can be miserable, grumble, and complain and believe nothing in life is good and nothing ever turns out good for you.  Something always happens.  Maybe it does rain on your beach vacation again and again, but it is a privilege and luxury even to have a vacation.  One event may have not turned out how you wanted it to, but it does not mean all of life will go wrong.  Separate events. Do not lump everything together.  Life happens.  It rains, but the sun also shines.

Make the most of each situation.  I slept more.  Rested.  Had long conversations.  Shared memories.  Had no worries.  Enjoyed the sound of the rain.  Watched the clouds.  Savored the good food.  Watched the waves and the children who still played in the sand and waves and the joy on their faces and their laughter.  I had to change my purpose.  My purpose was not to rest in the sunshine and get a tan.  My purpose was to find God moments in the moments of the experience.

How do you prepare for the storms of life?  Yes, we physically prepare.  I watched the beach town prepare – bringing in chairs, taking down umbrellas, putting on hurricane shutters, and securing all the outside equipment.  But how do you prepare emotionally and spiritually for the storms of life?  Do you pray and tell God what you want?  “Lord, take me out of this storm.”  We usually pray for what we want to happen.  We tend to tell God what we want Him to do instead of listening to what God has for us.  God may have other plans or decide to walk with us through the storm.

We do not like the storms of life.  Storms usually come unexpectedly – loss, grief, family situations, hurts, illnesses, diseases, fire, tornadoes.  Some we can prepare for – hurricanes, surgeries.  You may not be able to prepare or even if you do, you cannot take away the storm that is coming.  God promises to be with us even when we do not feel His presence.

The storm may drench you like the rains on my vacation.  Do you give up and see life as against you?  Do you wallow in the mud or do you dance in the rain?  It does not mean you love the storm, it just means you are trying to live in the midst of it.

Give yourself permission to cry, be angry, and wonder why me and why now?  Weep over what you had hoped life would be.  Feel the pain.  Acknowledge the hurt.  Then turn around and turn to Jesus.  Change your focus from yourself and what you want or even think you deserve because you are a Christian and embrace the life you now have after the storm.

The storms of life produce consequences, clean up, and changes that you have no instructions on what to do.  There may be damage, emptiness, brokenness, and uncertainty.  Remember, no matter what valley or storm you go through, God is with you.  He will lead us to a place of quiet even in the midst of the chaos and restore our soul.

Getting wet cleanses us.  It cleanses us from wanting our own way and trying to tell God what to do.  It cleanses us to focus on what really matters and who is really in control.  Sometimes you just have to do it wet!

Elaine J. Sturtz

www.livinginthedifferent.com

Maybe It's Time To Trust What You Believe

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

This past week, my newspaper column for The Daily Chief Union Newspaper was titled “Maybe It’s Time to Stop.”  I have included the column at the end of this blog.  I talked about that it was time to stop some of the behaviors that affect us emotionally and keep us from living fully into life.  As I have reflected on those words, my thoughts have gone to what I say and believe, and do I really trust what I believe when faced with the trials of life?  God revealed several things to me on my morning run.

First, we say we believe.  Belief is what we accept as true.  We make statements about our faith that we know are true, but do we really trust what we believe especially when life gets hard, and we experience loss, struggles, and the uncertainties of life?  Are we trusting God even when life goes in a totally different path and unexpected events happen that leave us speechless and uncertain? 

Trust is having a bold confidence.  It is a secure reliance on God’s faithfulness and His promises.  It is relying on God’s guidance and strength.  When we say, “I trust God” it means I surrender to God’s guidance and am dependent on God for each step of life.  It is believing God is always God and God is always faithful.

Maybe it is time to trust that God truly loves you and is always with you.  No doubt, no question, no debate.  There is nothing you can do to lose God’s love for you.  You are God’s child.  God loves you unconditionally.  God’s love has no strings attached.  You cannot earn it nor do you deserve it.  God just loves you.  There is never a time God is not with you even when you do not feel His presence.  There is never a time God does not love you.

Maybe it is time to trust that grace is free.  Grace is a free gift.  It is given abundantly and never runs out.  You cannot do anything to receive it except to accept it.  God’s grace is sufficient and can meet all your needs.  It is only in our weakness that God’s strength is revealed.

Maybe it’s time to trust that you are forgiven and live forgiven.  You cannot make up for your past and do enough to make yourself right with God.  Forgiveness is given through Jesus’s death on the cross for your sins.  We are forgiven.  It is time to trust and to let go of the past sins and live fully in God’s grace.  Stop beating yourself up and think you are not doing enough and are not enough.

Maybe it’s time to trust God with all of your life not just parts of it.  We pray and then step away to worry about what we just prayed about.  God wants to be in everything, in every aspect of our lives.  Every moment is a God moment.  God is with us in our grief.  God does not take us out of the sadness and sorrow but walks with us through it.  We may think, “I should be stronger if I truly believed.”  God does not require our strength because He gives to us His strength.

Maybe it is time to trust God each moment. Trusting God does not mean you understand everything or why something happened.  Trusting God does not even mean you like what is going on.  Trusting means that you believe God is in control and that life does not have to be on your terms or expectations. 

Trusting God means you live what you say you believe.  God loves you.  God is with you.  God wants you to surrender every moment to Him and walk in faith and trust.  Maybe it’s time to live what you believe.  Live in the moment in God’s love and grace.  God has you.  Trust Him!

Elaine J. Sturtz

My Newspaper Column in The Daily Chief Union Newspaper – Upper Sandusky, OH

Maybe It’s Time To Stop

There are many habits and addictions that people know are unhealthy.  It is difficult to make a change and stop these habits and addictions.  When addictions are mentioned, the usual ones are listed like drinking, smoking, gambling, overeating, and drugs.  Let’s talk about some behaviors that affect our mental and emotional health that maybe it is time to stop doing, too.

For instance, maybe it is time to stop carrying the weight of things that were never meant to live in your heart like the wrongs other have done to you and the burdens of your past.  Maybe it is time to release them and forgive yourself and others.  Your focus has been the hurts of life which has prevented you from living in the present.  It is time to give yourself the freedom to break the chains of your past.  You cannot change the past nor those who caused the hurt and pain.  Set yourself free from the prison of your past.

Maybe it is time to stop seeking the approval of others and worrying about the opinions of others and just live life.  Stop comparing yourself to others.  You were created to be who you are and to have the gifts and talents that were given to you.  You are the only one like you.  Other people will have different opinions, but your life is yours.  Your worth is not based on what others think. Your life is not a performance for others.  You were not made to follow what they want you to do.  It is time for you to be you.

Stop waiting for permission to live.  Live now.  You are waiting until life gets easier.  You have more money.  You feel better.  You lose the weight.  You have a partner.  And the list goes on and on.  You are the only one that can live your life.  Stop waiting and start living.  Life is hard and the struggles are real.  Learn to live through them.  Seek help and look for hope.

Maybe it’s time to stop holding on to everything that does not really matter and embrace everything that has value and worth.  Sometimes people hold so tightly to possessions and the past and how things used to be that they do not live now.  You cannot change the past nor can you recreate it.  You can celebrate the past and share the memories.  Focus on what has meaning not the trivial things of life.

Maybe it’s time to stop spending time on decisions that are not yours to make.  You fret and worry about things that you cannot change or try to develop a plan for someone else’s life and how they can make their lives better.  You spend all your time focused on things you cannot change or influence and therefore, do not live the life you have in front of you.

Stop basing your life on what you own and believing happiness is having more toys and the latest and most popular items.  Happiness is not found in things but in relationships and in the adventures and experiences of life.  Stuff will consume you and hold you down.  You just spend your time taking care of it.

Stop waiting to live and live in front of you.  Find people who enhance your life.  Let go of what is draining the life out of you, and find what fills you up and enhances your life.

Elaine’s website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different

Reverberation of Memories Again

 “The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”   John 3:8 NIV

It seemed like a lifetime ago as I looked at the photo albums and recalled some of the memories and events surrounding the pictures.  It was another life – a different life and I was a different person as I looked at myself in some of them.  That was really me?  I have glimpses in my head and sometimes all those memories feel like they are rapidly cycling through all those years.  This past week marked eleven years since my husband, Dave, went to Heaven.  I have the assurance he is living in Heaven without pain and is with Jesus.  I read the responses from people who remembered – “He was an inspiration.”  “His legacy will always live on.”  “He will not be forgotten.”  “He was such an influence in my life.”  It warmed my heart that he was not forgotten, and his life still reverberated in this world.

Reverberate means that the sound is repeated several times like an echo.  It is to reflect, resonate, or resound.  In relationship to a life, to reverberate means the echo of your life continues long after you have been released from this world.  While Dave’s voice is silent on earth, his legacy continues to reverberate.  His love and spirit travels in the silence of other people’s hearts and integrates into the foundation of their lives and decisions.

Today the wind is blowing in the rain, and I hear the sound of the wind.  I see the trees sway in the breeze and watch the rain hit the windows.  I see the effects of the wind and I hear how it causes the noise of the trees, but I cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  God’s Spirit works in our lives with the same effect.  We feel and see the effects but do not know where the Spirit will lead us.

As for the reverberations of our loved one, we do not know how their influence and legacy will continue in our own lives and in the people they have touched while on earth, but it does continue.  What are the sounds of memories?  What does life sound like?  We know the sounds of laughter and tears.  The sounds of joy and sorrow.  The sounds of frustration and fun.  They are all mixed together in life.  But how does the sound of love continue in our lives? 

The reverberation of love is a quiet, gentle sound within the heart.  It is deep within the foundation of our soul.  I recognize it when I sit quietly in God’s presence and wonder how did I get to be who I am?  I have heard the love, felt the joy, and experienced the heartache and pain that has come from those I have loved.  I may not immediately recognize where it came from, but I have integrated their influence into my life and their legacy continues.  I feel the vibration of their influence touching my life and soul.  It resonates within me.

I am no longer living in the deep sadness of loss but am focused on how my life has been influenced and enhanced because of the love I have experienced.  I am grateful for the journey.  Life took a different turn than I expected just like we cannot predict the direction of the wind.  The wind influences, changes, and redirects what is on its path.  Life changes in unpredictable ways.  Therefore, because of the changes and losses, we need to focus on the influence and legacy that reverberates from the loss and takes root in our lives.  The transfer is silent with barely a sound.  We could miss it in the noise of this world and the loudness of the pain.  It is in the quietness of our souls we give thanks and experience the reverberation from a life well lived.

The question then becomes is my life reverberating the love of Jesus to others?  Am I allowing the wind of the Spirit to blow through me and touch others just as I have been influenced and touched on this journey?

May our lives reverberate the love of Jesus!

Check out my past blogs, my books, and my newspaper articles on my website –

            www.livinginthedifferent.com

Elaine J. Sturtz

Summer Reflections

 “And all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift.  They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.”  Romans 3:24

Summer is slowly fading into fall reminding us how the seasons of life change and grow and develop.  It has been a summer for adventures, bike riding, sunshine, travel, counseling, loss, and most of all the presence of God and His amazing grace.  My devotions and my personal reflections have been centered on the word “grace.”  Grace is God’s unconditional love for you and me.  It is not earned or deserved; it is given out of God’s love for us as His children.  Here are some of my devotional reflections –

“Grace is God giving Himself in full acceptance to someone who does not deserve it and can never earn it or repay it.”  Charles Swindoll

Sometimes we lose people or things before we are done needing them.

When we receive Jesus, we stand before him as perfect – our sin is gone – remembered no more.  God forgives you.  Forgive yourself.

God gives grace out of the goodness of His heart not out of the perfection of ours.

Take your anger to God in prayer where nobody hears it but God.

Give God every activity and situation and learn to trust God to work for you.

God has chosen me despite my failures.  I am chosen by God as His child.

Be content where God has placed you. 

Prayer and worship are more about aligning myself with God’s purposes than asking God to align with mine. 

Prayer is not informing God or convincing God to see it our way.  Prayer is surrendering to God.

A Christian does not lose his/her salvation.  We are secure in Christ.  Though we may feel like we have lost our assurance.

You will never know a day in your life when Jesus does not love you.

If you trust God and His will for your life, you don’t need to know what comes next.  God has the right to determine what is next, but so many times we want to know so we can decide if we do it or not.

God owes us nothing – no answers, no explanations, no help, but God gave us everything.  God gave us Jesus.

We show God’s grace when we refuse to hold grudges against those who hurt us. God did that for us.

Our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on God’s faithfulness.

You can’t grow beyond what you haven’t grieved.

The initial experience of an event or moment brings joy, but the reflection and shared memory complete the joy.

Start with God not worry.

Gratitude is the posture of our lives.  It turns us to God.  Live a life of gratitude.

Slow down.  Sit at Jesus’ feet.  Work can wait but your soul can’t.

Live with confidence that Jesus is true and your salvation is sure.

Come as you are to God, not as you think you need to be.

Purge your heart of anything that cannot co-exist with God.

The power is not in the prayer.  It is in the One who hears it.

It is my hope that one of these statements from my devotions has touched your heart and you have written it down to reflect upon it.  Let me know.

Keep growing in God’s love and grace.

Check out my books, blogs and newspaper articles on my website –

            www.livinginthedifferent.com

Your Life Pace

 “So let us run the race that is before us and never give up.”  Hebrews 12:1

The calendar turned to September, and life kicked into a faster gear for some of you.  The month brings fall sports, football season, school and all its activities, the pool closed for the season, the county fair and fall festivals, and…. The non-stop of activities continues to grow.  Your pace of life is labeled “busy.”  In your head you feel overwhelmed.

You have much to do and may feel pushed, rushed, and frazzled.  You have no time to think, plan, or even contemplate if what you are doing is what you want to do.  You are in gear and just plowing threw the activities.  Your life may be busy with family situations, illness, being a caregiver, a mountain of paperwork or other necessary but overwhelming tasks that keep you at a heightened intensity.

Maybe some of you are in park mode.  You just do not know what to do, where to begin, how to make changes, or how to live in this season of life.  Your physical body may look like it is resting, but your thoughts are running in high speed with no specific direction.

Whether you are in park or high gear, you need to evaluate your life pace.  What do you want your pace to be?  You can only reflect on this by first resting.  Rest your thoughts and give yourself permission to be quiet and rest in God’s quiet presence.  This may not feel possible nor productive, but if you do not rest, you will burn yourself out.

What about following God’s pace and walk with God?  To rest in God means to give each activity, each situation, each thought to God and learn the habit of trusting God to work in you.  That is, pausing and talking with God about what is before you, what seems huge in front of you and trust God to work through you.  It is not your strength, but God’s strength through you and in God’s timing not yours.  Resting in God does not mean you are inactive, it just means you allow God to walk with you in each situation without trying to figure out everything on your own.  You pace yourself with God.

We do not naturally rest because we feel we need to always be busy even for God.  We try to earn God’s favor.  Oh, we know God gives us grace and forgives us.  It is a free gift that we cannot work for nor earn, but we tend to want to prove to God that we are worthy of His grace.  We want to work hard to show God that we appreciate and accept what He did for us.  We want God to see our initiative in doing things on our own, but that is a distorted view of what God really desires.  God wants surrender and dependency upon Him.

When we allow God to set our pace, we can get off the merry-go-round of society with all of its expectations.  We take time to think, pray, and be aware of the feelings and needs of those we love and care for.  It gives us time to reflect on our daily purpose.  It is daily choosing to give everything to God and trusting His grace is sufficient.

God’s grace is sufficient.  In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul prayed for God to take away his pain and heal him.  He wanted God to meet his need and relieve him of the “thorn in his flesh.”  Then Jesus said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  His outlook changed and joy came into his life when Paul focused on God’s grace not his pain.  The pain was still there, but his focus changed.  His weakness expressed the grace and strength of Jesus.

God’s grace is sufficient.  Trust God instead of following the expectations of this world.  God’s grace is enough, but we want to make it on our own or give God the plan for our lives.  Slow down.  Change your focus.  Rest in the total acceptance of God’s presence creating your life pace.

Allow your life pace to be powered by God’s grace.  Grace is what God gives out of the goodness of His heart, not anything we do.  The good news of grace is that when we come to God, God gives His grace – unconditionally.  Grace is something we do not expect and can never earn, but it is also something we should never turn down.

When we live in a life pace of grace, we forgive ourselves and others freely.  We do not worry but surrender everything to God and know that God’s grace is sufficient and will meet all your needs. Walk in grace.  Change your focus to walk with God and trust His pace for your life.

Check out Elaine’s books, newspaper articles and past blogs on her website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Worship in Adventures

 “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness, tremble before him, all the earth.”  Psalm 96:9

I recently took a long weekend trip to Historic Savannah, Georgia with the plan to enjoy the sites and learn the history of the city.  We rode the trolley, visited the historical sites, ate great southern food especially the peach cobbler, and walked thousands of steps through the park and squares.  I had prayed for safety and protection and invited God into the moments of each day.  And yes, God showed up in amazing and awesome ways.  I never expected to worship so much on the trip.

First, in our Uber driver with whom we enjoyed our conversation on the drive.  He dropped us off at our hotel and as we walked into the lobby, Ben realized his phone was still on the seat of the Uber vehicle.  As I called the phone, the driver walked into the hotel lobby, phone in hand.  He smiled, handed the phone to me and said, “God bless you.”  What a gift from God.  I took a moment to pause, thank God and praise God for his blessing and watchful care over us.  A moment of worship as we began our adventure.

The next day, we rode the trolley all the way around Historic Savannah and got off at the last stop at the Catholic Basilica of St. John the Baptist – a place of worship.  It was beautiful and breath-taking.  You could feel the Spirit in this holy place.  God had been invited and was present, but what brought me to a deeper worship was the docent, Martha, who was our tour guide.  She loved this church and saw God in every aspect of the building.  The stained-glass windows revealed the story of God, but to Martha the windows were God’s presence – His Word revealed in pictures.  The beauty was not to be worshipped as an idol but to be worshipped as God being present in His amazing creation.  Martha’s face radiated God’s love and joy.  Because of Martha, God was experienced and worshipped humbly and with a deep reverence of God’s holy presence.  Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

I always seek out a place to worship while on a trip.  We found a Methodist Church and it was within walking distance.  It had a 11 AM traditional worship service. The sanctuary was being remodeled therefore the service was being held in the house of worship next door – the Jewish Temple.  Wow!  We found ourselves in a beautiful Jewish Temple worshipping Jesus.  What an adventure.  Our Christian faith is rooted in the Jewish tradition.  As the pastor preached on the Bible being the Word of God, he looked behind him and made reference to The Torah which was encased behind him.  The Word became flesh in Jesus.

The service was filled with the traditions that touched my heart with the feeling of truly being in worship – the introit sung by the choir, the Gloria Patri, chimes, traditional hymns, the Doxology, Benediction Response by the choir, and the robes and formal dress of the congregation. It brought back wonderful memories of churches I had served and how traditions are intertwined in experiencing the Presence of God. 

Then in the afternoon, we went to the Square where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism was honored with a statue and a historical marker describing the beginning of Methodism in Savannah.  I sat on the bench and in those moments reflected on the foundation of my church faith.  The Methodist Church has been central in the faith history of my family for generations.  It was in those moments, I worshipped God not because of being Methodist, but because it was through the church that I learned about God and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.  I grew up going to Church and then serving Churches as a pastor.  In all those experiences, God was present.  I grew in my relationship with Jesus, and I encountered people who were sign posts that have guided me down the path of faith.  We have worshipped together and experienced the sweet Spirit’s presence in these places.

We all worship God in different styles and in different settings.  I find that it is not so much about the place, the style of music or the name on the building, it is about your heart.  It is inviting God into all the adventures of your life and honoring God.  Worship happens when we are aware of God’s presence, humble ourselves in grateful praise to God, and recognize it all comes from God.  Worship becomes a lifestyle – where we honor God in every aspect of life.  Every part of life can become worship when we bring God into it.  Worship in all the adventures of your life and in the everyday moments.

I came to enjoy the sites of Savannah, and God blessed my time with so many adventures where worship was intertwined.  God was present in the beauty of nature all around, in the smiles and conversations with people, and in quiet moments where no words were needed.  Worship is a natural part of life.  Recognize the gift and worship our Lord.

Check out my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

            Books, Past blogs and Newspaper columns.

Fool Yourself Less

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

You did not trust your gut feeling or instinct, but you believed the opinion of someone else.  It fell apart because you did not trust yourself.  The other person made you question yourself and so you caved in, and now you regret your choice.  You fooled yourself into doubting yourself.

You thought you did not need help, guidance, or advice.  You believed you could think for yourself.  You relied on social media’s perspective to form your views and values and you made these thoughts true.  Now you have alienated those who have supported you.  You have fooled yourself into thinking your foundation is outdated.

Not all your thoughts or the views and opinions of others are factual.  You can create thoughts that you believe are true but have no factual basis.  This is where anxiety, worry, and fear take up residence in these thoughts that have no validity.

You created a view or story in your head and begin looking for statements from others and the media that validate these thoughts.  You keep adding to the thoughts until you fool yourself into believing they are true.  You argue and are reactive and negative toward others who challenge your thoughts.

So, who are you trusting with your thoughts?  When you trust someone and they break your trust, it is difficult to trust them again.  Sometimes it is accepting people for who they are and not basing your thoughts and decisions on people who are not consistent and factual.  It is not fooling yourself to believe they will not mess with your thoughts.

How about fooling yourself less?  Start by stating truth statements to your thoughts.  Ask yourself why you had the thought.  Where did it come from?  Why are you entertaining different thoughts about a value or belief that is part of your strong foundation of life and faith?  Focus on what you know is true and your foundational beliefs.  Challenge your thoughts and tell yourself what is true and right and good.

To fool yourself less is not being hopeless or pessimistic, but it is being realistic.   It is also building trust in yourself and living in truth statements that align with your values, morals, and beliefs.  A fool believes popular media opinion as facts without putting any personal thought into it.  Research for yourself.  Talk with those you respect.  Pray for discernment.  How does the idea or thought reflect who you are and who you want to be?

Fooling yourself also involves believing the thoughts that nobody cares, you have no value, life is all bad, and down the negative rabbit hole of self-defeat.  You are thinking in an all or nothing view.  Fool yourself less through statements like “sometimes bad things happen, but good happens too.”  It is capturing your thoughts before you speak them and not allowing them to feed the negativity of anxiety and depression.  Fool yourself less by focusing on what is actually happening around you and name what is true.

Fool yourself less by accepting people for who they are and not living in what you expect or hoped they would be.  You cannot change another person.  You can only accept the person by how they currently behave and act.

Elaine’s website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Inviting God to Today

“Always be joyful.  Pray without ceasing, and give thanks whatever happens.  That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.”  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I talked with a friend recently who was concerned about a family wedding.  The bride was focused on the décor wanting to create the perfect Pinterest event.  There was no focus on the actual ceremony and the sacredness of the wedding.  I asked my friend, “Are you concerned that God is not invited to the wedding nor the marriage?”  She said, “Exactly. That’s it.”

This has made me ponder – Do we invite God to each day and each event and each relationship and each moment?  We may pray and “do” devotions.  We may go to worship.  We may even be involved in service to our community.  We may donate our time and resources to help others.  All of these are good.  All of these express ways of living out our faith and commitment to following Jesus.  But do we invite God into the moment we are doing all of these things and into the moments we are just living daily life?

I began to think about my week.  Each time I counsel, I pray for God’s Spirit to speak in and through me and even during the session, I ask God to guide me where I need to go and what I need to ask.  I invite God into my writing that the words on the page are His words and that God will use them to speak to someone.  But sometimes, my thoughts get off track and get lost going down a path that pulls me away from my focus on Jesus.  That is when I need to stop and say, “Hey, God, I forgot to take you with me.”  Are you inviting God into your work?

I found myself being more deliberate in making phone calls this week because I invited God to bring to mind people who needed a conversation or who needed to know I cared about what was going on in their lives.   I called many of my ninety-something friends to check on them and to let them know I cared, but I did not listen every time but got distracted with less important matters.  Are you inviting God into all your conversations and relationships?

I enjoyed a bike ride on the one day it did not rain and was sunny and warm enough to ride.  At first, my focus was only on the ride and sunshine, but when I invited God into the moment, I saw the beauty of His creation.  I saw an eagle, the beautiful white clouds, the geese, a jumping fish, and I relaxed in the beauty of God’s creation.  I breathed in God’s Spirit and breathed out any worries or frustrations.  When you invite God into your day, you see God’s presence and can give thanks.

I had lunch with my siblings this past week.  At first, I was focused on being the “cruise director” making sure everyone would show up and the conversation would be good.  Then, we prayed before the meal and invited God to be with us and to bless our conversation.  I relaxed and just accepted everyone for who they are and let it go.

I attended the visitation hours for a gentleman who was part of my childhood church experience.  Talking with his wife brought back childhood memories and also memories of my own grief journey.  The connection with the majority of the people present was church and family where God was present.  God had been invited and active in the life of my friend.  One of Fred’s legacies is the word “THINK.”  He challenged his students and those around him to think and use their God-given ability to work out the problems in his math class but also the problems of life.

To me, to think means to take a step back and pause.  It is asking yourself what is going on and what decision do I need to make here.  It is also inviting God into the situation to keep you focused on the moment, the solution, and the experience.

I attended the Bratwurst Festival and Parade where my niece was crowned 1st runner-up in the Bratwurst Festival Queen Pageant. I also had a nephew in the pizza eating contest before the parade.  So, you are wondering, what does the Festival have to do with inviting God?  It does.  It is inviting God into every moment of your life and relationships.  It was demonstrating God’s love and an aunt’s love by being present in the events that were important to my niece and nephew.  Giving hugs and showing how important they are by coming to events that were special to them.

It is not just praying to God, but inviting God to be with you and with those who you are praying for and the situations that you have no idea how to pray for.  It is inviting God to be with those who have been devastated by flooding.  It is inviting God to touch your heart and show you what to do and how to be of support.

Invite God into every thought and moment.  When you become anxious and worried, stop and THINK – oops, God, I did not invite you into this moment.  Come Jesus, Come.  Become intentional about inviting God.  God is with you and wants to be in your every thought and action.  “Hey, God, I invite you into my today.”

My website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

            Check out past blogs, books and newspaper articles

Life Through The Eyes of a 10-Year-Old

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.  Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children.”  Mark 10:14

This past week, I spent a day again with my niece, Raya who is 10-years-old.  It was another planned “Raya Day” with one of the goals to go school shopping.  The adventure turned out to be a reflective time about life from the perspective of a child.

Raya came to our house looking very tired.  She hugged me but was not her usual energetic self.  She had not slept well because of the thoughts that kept going around in her mind.  She needed a nap before we began our adventure so Raya slept for an hour.  Do you know when you are too tired to go on and just need a nap?  Many times, we just push through and do not listen to the needs of our bodies.  We think it is impossible to find time to nap, but our bodies were not made to be in overdrive all the time.  Just a five-minute rest to close our eyes and settle our souls does wonders for our attitude and outlook on life.  It also gives us time to rest our thoughts and focus on God’s presence.

Raya ate a small but healthy breakfast – orange juice and a banana which helped her regain her joy and strength.  Later that day for a snack, she had cottage cheese.  She knew all of this was healthy for her.  Sometimes, we know what is good for us, but we do not make the healthy choice or it is not in our home.  It is also having someone that guides us to make better choices.  God wants us to depend on Him in making our choices not the world or advertising.  Our bodies our God’s temple, choose wisely. 

As we entered the store, we had a plan. Raya had a style in her head that she wanted for her clothes.  She did not want to dress and look like the “popular” or “mean” girls.  She knew what she liked and quickly found her outfits for school.  She was decisive, focused, and able to put clothes together with a little guidance from her aunt.  Once we arrived home, Raya had a great time trying on the outfits and having a little style show.

As I reflect on this time, Raya, even at her young age, knows who she is right now.  It is choosing what you like and being who you are.  It is not depending on others to choose for you or define what you like or what you should do.  Use your God-given ability to make your decisions.  It is following the words of Scripture in Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed.”  Or as another version states – “Do not change yourself to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking.”

We had lunch with my cousins, and they rode to the restaurant in their slingshot bike.  My cousin, Dan, offered Raya a ride around the parking lot in it.  Her eyes got real big and she was unsure about it.  It was scary to try something new, but she did it scared and loved it.  She was excited to share about her adventure later with her dad.  A child teaches us that sometimes we have to do things scared.  It may be something we want to do, an experience that looks exciting, a new thing that we never thought about doing, but we take the step and try it.  Being scared and anxious should not stop us from trying.  We miss out on a lot of the adventures of life if we only do what we have always done and not step out of our comfort zone.

Raya has an ornery and teasing part of her.  She loves to have fun and smile and laugh and lovingly tease others.  She is able to hold a conversation with anyone and enjoys sharing about what she thinks is important.  Being ten, she does not have good boundaries and can go too far in the ornery category.  She needs her aunt to set the boundaries and pull her back.  Don’t we all need help in setting boundaries and can get off track at times.  God sets good boundaries out of His love for us.  God guides us and protects us and helps us stay on track through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.

It is a joy to have a conversation with a ten-year-old, she knows the difference between right and wrong and what is good and bad and what is healthy and not healthy.  She will defend her friends and is comfortable being who God created her to be.  Raya is growing in her faith and love for Jesus.

As I reflect on life through the eyes of a ten-year-old, I want to hold to the truth of Jesus’ words – “You must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child.” (Mark 10:15).  It is enjoying the adventures of life. Doing life even when you are scared. Trusting God even when you do not understand.  Being who God created you to be.  Ask questions.  Talk to people.  Try new flavors of ice cream.  Be a little ornery and laugh and find the joy in life.  It is also good to have someone to walk beside and share in the joys of life together!

Check out my books, past blogs and newspaper articles on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Life Through The Eyes of a 10-Year-Old

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.  Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children.”  Mark 10:14

This past week, I spent a day again with my niece, Raya who is 10-years-old.  It was another planned “Raya Day” with one of the goals to go school shopping.  The adventure turned out to be a reflective time about life from the perspective of a child.

Raya came to our house looking very tired.  She hugged me but was not her usual energetic self.  She had not slept well because of the thoughts that kept going around in her mind.  She needed a nap before we began our adventure so Raya slept for an hour.  Do you know when you are too tired to go on and just need a nap?  Many times, we just push through and do not listen to the needs of our bodies.  We think it is impossible to find time to nap, but our bodies were not made to be in overdrive all the time.  Just a five-minute rest to close our eyes and settle our souls does wonders for our attitude and outlook on life.  It also gives us time to rest our thoughts and focus on God’s presence.

Ray ate a small but healthy breakfast – orange juice and a banana which helped her regain her joy and strength.  Later that day for a snack, she had cottage cheese.  She knew all of this was healthy for her.  Sometimes, we know what is good for us, but we do not make the healthy choice or it is not in our home.  It is also having someone that guides us to make better choices.  God wants us to depend on Him in making our choices not the world or advertising.  Our bodies our God’s temple, choose wisely. 

As we entered the store, we had a plan. Raya had a style in her head that she wanted for her clothes.  She did not want to dress and look like the “popular” or “mean” girls.  She knew what she liked and quickly found her outfits for school.  She was decisive, focused, and able to put clothes together with a little guidance from her aunt.  Once we arrived home, Raya had a great time trying on the outfits and having a little style show.

As I reflect on this time, Raya, even at her young age, knows who she is right now.  It is choosing what you like and being who you are.  It is not depending on others to choose for you or define what you like or what you should do.  Use your God-given ability to make your decisions.  It is following the words of Scripture in Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed.”  Or as another version states – “Do not change yourself to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking.”

We had lunch with my cousins, and they rode to the restaurant in their slingshot bike.  My cousin, Dan, offered Raya a ride around the parking lot in it.  Her eyes got real big and she was unsure about it.  It was scary to try something new, but she did it scared and loved it.  She was excited to share about her adventure later with her dad.  A child teaches us that sometimes we have to do things scared.  It may be something we want to do, an experience that looks exciting, a new thing that we never thought about doing, but we take the step and try it.  Being scared and anxious should not stop us from trying.  We miss out on a lot of the adventures of life if we only do what we have always done and not step out of our comfort zone.

Raya has an ornery and teasing part of her.  She loves to have fun and smile and laugh and lovingly tease others.  She is able to hold a conversation with anyone and enjoys sharing about what she thinks is important.  Being ten, she does not have good boundaries and can go too far in the ornery category.  She needs her aunt to set the boundaries and pull her back.  Don’t we all need help in setting boundaries and can get off track at times.  God sets good boundaries out of His love for us.  God guides us and protects us and helps us stay on track through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.

It is a joy to have a conversation with a ten-year-old, she knows the difference between right and wrong and what is good and bad and what is healthy and not healthy.  She will defend her friends and is comfortable being who God created her to be.  Raya is growing in her faith and love for Jesus.

As I reflect on life through the eyes of a ten-year-old, I want to hold to the truth of Jesus’ words – “You must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child.” (Mark 10:15).  It is enjoying the adventures of life. Doing life even when you are scared. Trusting God even when you do not understand.  Being who God created you to be.  Ask questions.  Talk to people.  Try new flavors of ice cream.  Be a little ornery and laugh and find the joy in life.  It is also good to have someone to walk beside and share in the joys of life together!

Check out my books, past blogs and newspaper articles on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Where Did This Month Go?

 “Be very careful, then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”  Ephesians 5:15-16

As a new month begins, I become reflective about the past month and how the days were spent and did I live fully into those days.  I keep a journal and write down the highlights of each day, and then at the end of the month we review the month and the memories.  Time seems to go by quickly, and sometimes we forget all that we have enjoyed and experienced.

July was the 250th Anniversary celebration of our country.  Many of you watched parades and fireworks.  You may have attended a historical event, prayed for our country, recited the pledge of allegiance, or listened to patriotic music.  In some form, you celebrated the birth of our nation.  July is also my birthday month.  I celebrated with ice cream! 

My July was filled with counseling, bike rides, baking chocolate chip cookies, ice cream socials, funerals, visits, siblings’ lunch, cleaning windows, sorting memorabilia, phone calls, writing, laundry, worship, running, devotions, and the list goes on.  I know where the month went when I read through my calendar.  There were needed tasks to be completed and additional cleaning and organizing chores added.

When you are asked, “So, what have you been up to lately?”  What is your response?  Do you respond that you have been busy and describe the tasks that you have completed?  Our focus is usually on what we have accomplished.  Being busy is celebrated in our society, but busyness is not always healthy and how life is to be lived.  Do you ever respond that you enjoyed some rest and time with those you love?

I have always been a list maker and a task accomplisher.  I feel good about marking items off the list but invariably the tasks need to be repeated and the list is never finished.  Recently, we did a task focused week and wrote down what needed to be completed.  We did the list, but we also enjoyed time in between the tasks like bike riding, eating out, time with family and friends.  Tasks are important, but there needs to be a balance.

So, I am trying to change my focus from tasks to experiences, adventures, and relationships.  When I reflect on the month of July with the focus on relationships, my heart is full.  I celebrated the life of two dear ladies in their nineties with gratefulness for their legacy and love.  I am thankful I had the opportunity to know them and their influence lives on in my life.  I am grateful for time with family and friends and to linger in conversation with my ninety-something friends.

Adventures and experiences are what make memories, not usually the tasks.  We biked over 350 miles around our area and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation.  We took advantage of the beautiful days and even the clouds did not deter us from riding.  Sometimes, the simplest of things, brings joy and fulfillment. 

I visited a dear family friend twice in July, and through my time with her and our conversation, I learned more about my mom and my grandma and felt closer to them.  I listened to another elderly friend tell stories of his life and I felt blessed to know such a gentleman.  I spent a day with my 10-year-old niece and guided her through some of the history of my family and the foundation of our faith.  She experienced her history and heard the stories as we visited the cemetery, the family church, the hospital, and explored the town and hid little Jesus’ all over the area.

I had the opportunity to preach at The Old Mission Church in my hometown one Sunday morning.  The church was the first Methodist Church to the Wyandotte Indians.  It has been restored.  It is a humbling experience to preach and worship where the early Indians first received the message of Jesus from the missionary, John Stewart.  It is amazing history that you can miss when you do not focus on the adventures and experiences around you.

Yes, tasks need to be completed, but do not allow this, new month to go so quickly and pass by without enjoying some adventures and experiences.  Make the most of every opportunity God gives you to enjoy His creation and to listen to the stories of those around you.  Make the visit.  Bake the cookies and share them with someone who needs a conversation.  Get some movement if possible, too.  Enjoy the simple things of life.  Find joy and fulfillment in life.  Don’t let it pass you by.

Make the most of every opportunity God gives to you.

Check out my past blogs, newspaper columns and books on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

The Pattern and Fabric of Life

“When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh.”  Psalm 92:14

I had the honor and privilege of officiating at the Celebration of Life of a special lady, Marilyn, this past week.  Marilyn was ninety-nine and a half years old and lived life fully with quiet strength, determination, and love.  She was a quilter for half of her life and a portion of her quilts were displayed at her service and is the picture with this blog.  She made quilts for each family member and prayer quilts for those in need.  She loved to work with fabric and create or follow a pattern to design each unique quilt.

Marilyn’s life and legacy is a pattern of life to follow.  She used fabric to make quilts that she chose carefully, and her fabric of life was her faith in Jesus who she intentionally chose to follow.  Her legacy continues in her family and those she served.  Marilyn loved Jesus, loved her family, and gave her gift of service to others.

My first memory of Marilyn was her radiant smile.  Her joy for life shined through her smile.  She sat with a group of older widowed ladies in worship.  I greeted one of them, Martha, with a hug one Sunday and Marilyn said, “Where’s my hug?”  And from that Sunday on, I hugged the entire row of ladies.  Marilyn wanted to be included in those expressions of love and care.

Marilyn taught throughout her life, though not a teacher by profession, but a teacher in how she lived her life adjusting to the changing patterns.  She grew up on a farm which established her strong work ethic.  Marilyn told me once, “Life happens and you just keep going.”  She never stopped living and serving her entire adult life.  Her perseverance and strength came from the Lord.

Marilyn lived out Psalm 92:14 for as she aged, she continued to be productive, healthy and stay engaged in life.  She even drove her “old” friends who no longer could drive a vehicle.  She was still driving at age ninety-eight.  Marilyn’s life had purpose and meaning through her service to others, her church, and to God no matter her age. 

The fabric and pattern of life changed throughout her life – the design was different – but it still created a beautiful life that shared her love, gifts, and faith.  As her granddaughter said, “She lived love every single day.”

So, what is the pattern of your life?  To make a quilt, Marilyn either used an existing pattern or developed one of her own in order to create a beautiful tapestry.  Her life pattern was designed by her Creator and Savior, Jesus.  She surrendered her heart and life to Jesus and allowed Jesus to design her life. 

We need to allow our Creator God and Designer to create our pattern for life.  It will be unique and different than anyone else’s life.  Even though quilters follow the same pattern, their unique touches will make the tapestry unique based on their gifts and special touches. It is the same in our lives.  Even though we each follow the pattern of Jesus through His Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit, each of our lives will look different because of our own unique touches.

What is the fabric of your life?  The fabric is what you see – your outward life and appearance.  It is how the pattern of the Holy Spirit is revealed to others.  Fabric comes in an abundance of colors, designs, and textures.  Just like the fabric expresses the uniqueness of the pattern, the pattern of your life creates the fabric into its purpose and beauty.

God weaved beauty and purpose into the fabric of Marilyn’s life.  Her life and legacy lives on in the hearts of all she touched.  God weaves beauty into the fabric of our lives, too. 

My website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Finding Your Place Now

Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  John 14:2

We have three fawns that are currently living during the day in our backyard.  The momma drops them off in the morning and comes back later in the day to pick them up.  It feels like we are babysitting deer.  The three have found their place in our yard – close to the house next to our office window.  They lay in the mulch and leaves.  Their indentations are in the mulch.  It is so sweet that they have found a comfortable place in our wooded yard.

In my hometown over the past two weeks, we have participated in two ice cream socials and a luncheon.  After getting our food, it is finding a place to sit.  I have sat with family and friends and have had wonderful conversations.  It is choosing a place.  Sometimes a person will say, “I saved it just for you.”  Now that makes you feel wanted and special.

Finding a parking place sometimes is a challenge especially during a busy time or busy area.  Someone pulled out of one recently and I found a place to park that was convenient.  Other times, you find a place a distance away and choose the attitude of enjoying the extra walk.

We find our place in our families too.  Our place is like our role or responsibility in the family.  The place in the family is sometimes based on birth order, personality, your gifts and talents, or just your ability to get along with others.  Your place in the family can also be your own choice.  It depends on how involved you choose to be, how willing you are to be available to help and support, and how much other listen to you and trust your word and guidance.

It is finding your place in your social groups and friend groups.  You may be the organizer and have the role of getting everyone together and making the plans.  You may follow the crowd.  You may desire to have a social group and have not found your place.  My cousin, who moved back to her hometown a couple years ago, is searching for her place in relationships.  It is difficult to break into already established groups and relationships.

We also have to find our place in the Church.  It is choosing where you want to serve and give of your gifts and talents in the fellowship of believers.  It is finding your place in your faith.  There can be a feeling of not fitting in or even not being welcome.  It may even feel like there is judgment or a lack of acceptance.  It is difficult finding our place in this world and in relationships with others.  It is trying to fit in without compromising who we are or allowing others to be in control.

In each season of life, we need to find our place – our role and who we are now that life has changed.  Finding your place when you feel empty or lost or unsure is difficult without someone to be your guide.  That is why Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John that he prepares a place for us.  Not just a place in Heaven where we will be with Him forever, but also a place with Him now.  Jesus gives us direction in finding a place – “I am the way and the truth, and the life.”

The ultimate finding our place is with God.  God wants us to find Him and to be with Him.  Sometimes, we feel we have to find our way on our own and earn a place with God.  God calls us His children and provides the perfect way to Him through Jesus and the cross.  Jesus died for our sins.  We are forgiven and given the gift of salvation and eternal life.

But so often, we struggle with the simplicity of grace.  It is free, and it is a gift.  God seems distant and Heaven seems unattainable.  We complicate the relationship and think we have to understand and figure it all out.  That is what faith really is – a trust that you don’t have to know it all to believe it all.  It is finding your place as a child who is loved by a Heavenly Father who is good and faithful.

You fit in with God because God chose you.  God accepts you.  God has a place just for you.  When you feel like you don’t fit in or have a place in your family or among those around you, remember God always has a place for you. 

www.livinginthedifferent.com

The Simple Music of Life

“As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.”  Psalm 55:16

Heaven continues to get sweeter and sweeter this year as another dear friend, Sharon, took the journey home.  My connection with Sharon began with her family and then with her involvement in the Vesper Services at the facility where she lived.  My connections were many, but our bond of friendship was in the deep and confidential conversations we shared over the years.  Sharon trusted me with her heart and as a person she could process through what was going on in her life and in the life of her family.

Trust is the basis of all relationships.  It is in this trust that we share deeply and create a bond that nothing can separate.  Trust is knowing the person lives what they say and loves without condition or judgment.  When you trust someone, you can be open and vulnerable.  My friendship with Sharon had the foundation of trust. 

Her life and legacy were built on trust.  Sharon trusted Jesus and gave her heart and life to Jesus.  Sharon loved Jesus and simply and quietly lived her faith through her love and actions.  Sharon loved her family fiercely, and they trusted her to always be there for them and to love them no matter the circumstances.  Sharon loved the simple things of life.

In Sharon’s Celebration of Life Service, music was central.  Sharon had a love for music that she instilled in her family especially her son, Phil.  Sharon had the desire for a music career but life took a different direction.  Her desire was fulfilled through her son, Phil.  I got to know Sharon as she played for the Vesper Services when I would assist the Chaplain.  Music flowed through her fingers.

At her service, Michael sang “If I Sing” by Richard Muenz which moved my heart deeply.  Phil said it expressed his relationship with his mom.  I began to ponder some of the words of the song – “If I sing you are the music, if I love you taught me how.  Every day your heart is beating in the man that I am now…. I never told you.  It took time till I could see that if I sing you are the music and you’ll always sing in me.  Yes, you’ll always live in me.”

For Sharon’s family, she was the foundation of music.  She gave them the gift of music not just in notes on a page, but the music of love, the music of shared meals and delicious food, the music of laughter and joy, the music of Jesus, the music of enjoying the simple things of life.  She was the music that helped them sing, that gave them a voice to become who God created them to be.

Jesus is the music of our lives.  Jesus creates the rhythm of our lives.  A rhythm is a strong, intentional movement that guides the flow and pace.  It is the underlying pulse.  It is a regular pattern that is natural and continuous like heartbeats.  We can only sing if Jesus gives us the music which Jesus does in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit.

Sharon’s legacy of love for Jesus, others and the simple things of life come from Jesus being the music of her own life.  Is Jesus the music of your life?  It is not just listening to music or singing the words of songs, but allowing the rhythm of the music to become your natural pattern of life.  It is allowing Jesus to guide your pace and flow of life.  Everything you say and do, goes through the beat of Jesus.

We tend to complicate our faith and our lives with activities, worries, anxieties, an abundance of tasks and make our faith complicated with so many expectations.  When we do this, we lose the music and gentle rhythm of salvation and grace.  It’s simple – God loves you.  God sent Jesus to die for your sins.  You believe and accept and sing for Jesus.  Simple.  Listen to the music.  Surrender control to Jesus and follow His rhythm of life.

It takes time to see that if you sing, it is because of those who leave a legacy of love.  Their love will always sing and live in you.

It takes time to see that if you sing, it is because Jesus is the music.  Allow Jesus to be the music – the rhythm of your life – and you will always sing, that is, live in his love and grace and glorify Him.  It’s that simple.

Listen to the music.

Elaine J. Sturtz

www.livinginthedifferent.com

Check out my other blogs and newspaper articles and books on my website.

My Spring Reflections

 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

The Spring rains have come.  The fields are planted.  The new birth of creation is growing.  God’s Word is alive.  I continue to reflect in my morning devotions, and God continues to reveal His presence through His Word and the word shared by others.  I hope you will reflect on what touched my heart this Spring.  Here is some of the thoughts I wrote in my journal -

We should never lose the sense of wonder that God’s love for us is so undeserved but given freely.

Jesus said, “It is finished.” There is nothing left for you to add to the cross.  Nothing left for you to earn, to prove.  The debt is paid.  You can stop striving for what is already secured – your salvation.

Prayer makes us wait as we give the situation to God.  Prayer quiets my heart. You cannot pray and worry at the same time.  Prayer is an act of trust.

God provides for me places of rest and enjoyment in everyday life where He restores me.

Good deeds are evidence of God’s Spirit working in and through us.

God is not asking us to keep up, He is asking us to slow down and meet Him.

God doesn’t answer to our schedule.  God invites us into His.

It is in the quieter rhythm we find God’s voice, presence, and peace.

There is a longing, an emptiness in us to desire the fullness of joy with Jesus.  It will be fulfilled in Heaven when we see Jesus face to face.

To completely trust in God’s work rather than our own is our ultimate Sabbath rest.

Stop spending time on decisions that are not yours to make.

Our first reaction to people and circumstances tell who we really are.

Jesus forgives our sin even before we commit it.

God knows the darkness of my life and doesn’t flinch or push me away – God just moves closer.

Trust is not built on knowing the road ahead.  It is built on knowing the One who walks with you.

It is not the size of your faith that matters but the object of your faith – Jesus.

Confession is telling God what you did.  It is not that God doesn’t already know, but the two of you need to agree.  (Max Lucado)

When God called you – God knew your past sins and your future sins – and He still chose you and called you.

We are always in God’s line of sight.  We won’t miss out on anything God has planned for us to experience.

When we take a wrong turn, God’s grace gently redirects not with shame but with guidance.

You are not what happened to you, you are what you choose to become.

Nothing surprises God.  We question “why?” but God is working even in senseless tragedy.

Peace is the gift of God in the middle of the chaos and storm.  It is not the reward after the storm.

It is exhausting trying to be your own Savior.

We may possess things, but God owns them all.

Our hope is not in our performance but in God’s open arms of grace.

We are to walk in moment-by-moment dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

God, not other people, are in charge of our situations and life.

Hope is a quiet, stubborn conviction that the light at the end is real, even when you cannot see it yet.

My hope is that one of these statements will resonate with you and help you on your journey closer to Jesus.

Check out all my blogs and newspaper articles on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

My Anchors Are Aging

“When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh.”  Psalm 92:14

I listened to Charlotte Leeth, dressed as a Revolutionary War era lady, share about the women and their work and influence during the early years of the formation of our country.  Her knowledge and authenticity transported the audience back in time.  Mrs. Leeth, as I refer to her, was my ninth grade English teacher.  I credit her for beginning my writing journey.  She encouraged me as a teenager and saw potential in me which influenced me to write several books.  Mrs. Leeth edited my last book – Live Different Moments. Since you are reading this blog, you can thank Mrs. Leeth too.  Her influence is still producing fruit.

My life has been impacted by the encouraging words of my teacher.  Mrs. Leeth will be ninety-eight years on this earth in a few weeks.  Her life has been fruitful in great and small ways.  She has made a difference in her students and her community and in her faith and mission trips.  I am privileged to be counted among those she has influenced.  Age is just a number to her.  She remains active and full of joy and life.

I had lunch with my friend, Dwight, who is in the season of his 90’s.  He has been like an adopted dad to me since I served as a youth minister in my early twenties. Always a gentleman, always the same constant man, always strong in his faith and his love.  He told me that he has had a good life and has been blessed.  He has been a strong foundation for the church and for those he has mentored.  He wonders why his is still here on earth.  For me, he is an anchor – always steady and sure.  I need people who are consistent, strong, never waver in their faith, and always love.  Dwight always says “Love you back” when I say “I love you.”  He always loves me back.  Now, that is a great legacy and wonderful fruit.  To always be loved back.  That makes a difference.

Ginny is preparing to leave this world whenever God calls her.  She tells me she has lived long enough at age ninety-four.  She is ready to join her daughter, Jan, in heaven.  She wants to make sure all the paperwork is completed so her granddaughter does not have to worry or figure it out.  She has also told me she has waited until warmer weather in the cemetery so I do not have to officiate at her service in the cold.  Ginny’s life still bears fruit because she is teaching how to prepare and not leave work behind for others to complete.  Completion and practicality are good fruit.

So many of my dearest friends are in their 90’s and still going strong.  I value their wisdom, and I so enjoy listening to their stories and the sharing of their memories that they hold close to their hearts.  They have lived a long and full life filled with joys and sorrows, challenges and accomplishments, and have survived to share their knowledge and faith.  Yes, all of them are grounded in their commitment to Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

It is amazing conversation to talk about Heaven with those who are preparing to take the journey whenever God calls them home.  My friends wonder why they are still here and are ready to walk into Heaven.  They feel like they have fulfilled their purpose and because of their aging bodies do not feel productive.  But they are anchors for those who follow them.  We need people who live the values of integrity, commitment, consistency, respect, and are grounded in their faith and love for Jesus.

Heaven keeps getting sweeter as my dear friends take the journey home.  I am never ready to let them go, but I am always happy for them.  They will get to see Jesus face to face and be rewarded for their earthly labor.

Anchor yourself in Jesus and allow those who have travelled farther on the journey to be your guide to Jesus.

Check out my Newspaper Articles and past blogs and my books on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

A Place For You

My people will live in peaceful places and in safe homes and in calm places of rest.”  Isaiah 32:18

This month, I have been watching two nephews play baseball and a niece play softball.  It is a joy to watch young children learn to play a sport and attempt to hit the ball.  There is excitement on their faces when they actually hit the ball and run the bases, but what thrills each player is to cross Homeplate and score a run.  One of my nephews, Avery, does a little dance when he touches each base, and when he touches Homeplate the joy and excitement flow from him.  Being home is the goal.

Recently, I talked with my dear friend Dwight who moved into a new home.  He is enjoying his new place because it is comfortable, peaceful, and he is surrounded by the possessions that are important to him.  He has made the space his own and enjoys sitting on his porch in the morning drinking his coffee.  His friend told him that he is “nesting” in his place.  It is home, and Dwight prefers being home.  He has found contentment being home.

I spent a day at home without counseling, a project, or anything on my agenda.  It felt good to be home – in my house and not having to be connected with media or people.  I sat in the sunshine and just lingered in the peacefulness of the woods around me.  I was aware of God’s presence all around me and felt the contentment of being peaceful with no great purpose but to just be present and enjoy being home.

I live in my hometown.  It is where I was born, graduated from High School, and where generations of my family have lived and currently live.  It is my place of origin, where memories have been created, where family has lived, died, and are buried in the family cemetery.  It is where the church is that I grew up in, and the church still remains active.  It is where I first learned about Jesus.  It is where my Grandma lived.  It is peaceful, comfortable, safe and secure, and where I belong.  My hometown is a peaceful Hallmark type of town where every time you go somewhere, you know somebody.  People talk to each other, smile, and life is at a slower pace. It is home.

What is home?  Home is where you are comfortable and feel safe and secure.  When you come home from work, a trip, or from an outing, it feels good to be home.  You relax and everything is familiar and it is yours.  You have the freedom to be yourself and create the space to be what you want it to be.  You sleep in your own bed, and you can eat what you want and make your own choices what to do.  This is the ideal view of home.  Not everyone has this feeling and contentment in the house where they reside.

I enjoy taking trips and exploring new places and having adventures.  It is relaxing to go to the beach and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets.  I eat different food and stay in a place that provides the basics of what I need.  But it always feels good to come home and sleep in my own bed with my own pillow and use my own bathroom.  Home is a place where I am surrounded with the familiar.

Home is more than a house filled with possessions.  Home is a feeling of family, belonging, familiarity, a place of origin that creates the feelings of peace and contentment.  Are you home with God?  Our place of origin is with God – we are created in God’s image and we belong to God.  God loves us as his children.  But sometimes, we are uncomfortable with God and do not believe God will love us because of what we have done or that we are not good enough for his love and acceptance.  When we finally surrender to Jesus and know that He loves us, died for us, and has a place for us, only then can we be home with God.  It is not about being perfect, but it is about accepting Jesus’ love and grace.

Jesus has prepared a home for us in Heaven.  When we die, Jesus will come and take us home to be with Him forever.  We long for a place where we are loved, where there is freedom to be who we are, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no struggles, and that is Home in Heaven.  Many of my friends have gone Home to Heaven this year. 

Are you at home with yourself? It is being grateful for who you are.  It is forgiving yourself and not absorbing or trying to fix everyone around you.  It is not expecting others to validate you and give you happiness.  You can have peace and contentment in your heart and be at home.  Slow yourself down and look at what you are trying to do in life.

To be home with God now on earth is to be so familiar with God that you talk together throughout the day.  Wherever you are, God is with you.  God’s presence is in you through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus’ Spirit makes His home in your heart.

“Jesus answered, “If people love me, they will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”   John 14:23

Our world can be a scary place filled with pain, hurt, heartache and sadness.  It is not allowing yourself to make all this negativity, anxiety and fear so familiar that you make your home there.  Home is where your heart is.  Be at home in Jesus.  Allow Jesus to be the most familiar to you and your place of peace and contentment. 

Living In The Dailyness

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

Every morning as I begin my run, I say this verse and surrender my day to the Lord.  The day is a gift from God and it is a blessing to be given this day.  You may wake up tired, sad, hurt, confused, anxious, and a hundred other feelings and emotions, but it is still a day given to you to be lived.  So are you living?  Yes, you are alive because you are reading this blog, but are you really living in the dailyness of life?

We live in this world where work is necessary, bills need to be paid, and commitments and responsibilities need to be fulfilled.  Life has daily tasks that seem endless and mundane without enjoyment.  You complete them because you have to and you grumble when you do them.  Life is busy but not fulfilling or enjoyable.  You may look forward to vacation or retirement or when life gets better.  So, what do you do now in the dailyness?

I believe each day is a gift from God and has a purpose.  Life may be hard and filled with heartache or pain.  It may not be what you want or expected, but this is the life you have right now.  You may be able to make some changes and take steps forward and make healthier choices.  Sometimes, we get into a rut or on a merry-go-round and every day is the same feelings and same tasks and same outlook.  There are choices.  Life sometimes gives us diseases and devastation that is not a choice.  Bad things happen.  Life is broken and fallen.

Life also has good.  It depends on outlook and attitude.  God is still good even when life falls apart.  God is still with you.  The Lord is still our Shepherd.  He still leads us even when it is through the valley of the shadow of death.  I talked with someone recently who shared the dark valley he had gone through.  It was tough and at times he thought God was not there.  He has made it through to the other side and now sees that God was with him.  He is grateful for what he went through because it has made him who he is now.  He has released the past and redeemed it and placed a boundary on the negative and the hurt.  He is living into the dailyness of life and finding rest and joy.

It is finding a moment of good in each day.  I have talked about looking up more often and taking a deep breath and breathing in the beauty of the sky and the clouds and having, for a moment, no responsibility but to enjoy the gift of God’s beauty and His presence.  We do not take these rest moments as often as we need to.  God provides places of rest and enjoyment in the dailyness of life but we tend to be too busy to pause and notice them.

While writing this blog, I just paused and enjoyed the beauty and innocence of a baby fawn resting in the ravine in our back yard.  The momma has left her little one hidden in a safe place.  I keep checking on it and enjoying the moment of being privileged to see nature in my backyard.  Sure, there are tasks and projects to complete, but there are also moments to enjoy.

It is finding moments of enjoyment in every day no matter your circumstances.  I am not denying your pain, problems or struggles.  It is finding life in your existence and living in your dailyness.  When you wait until you feel better, when you have more money, when all the tasks are complete, you will never get there.  Stop right now, look around you, what could bring a smile to you?  A good memory? A grateful heart?  A tear of sadness mingled with the joy of the memory?

It is not allowing the world to define you or your circumstances.  Joy and life are greater than this world and its hold on you.  Rest in God’s presence.  Allow God to give you rest in the moments.  Look for joy.  Live in the day.  Release what you cannot control.  Release your past and failures.  Receive God’s grace and mercy.  Allow yourself to live today.

Check out my book – Live Different Moments – for ways to live into this dailyness of life. All my books are available on Amazon or at Tea Story in Upper Sandusky.

Drinking In The Moments

Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  John 7:38

We arrived home just in time to see momma deer with her new born taking nourishment among the trees in our backyard.  It was a moment that I just stopped and watched from the kitchen window - nature at its most innocent moment.  A little fawn drinking from its mother.  It was a moment that God allowed us to step into His creation and see the beauty of life and the trust of innocence.

My niece asked me if I wanted to hold her new granddaughter – my great niece who is just two and half weeks old.  Of course, I said yes.  I held her in worship as we sang praise songs.  A line in one of the songs as I held her was – “I am a child of God.”  I drank in that moment and felt the presence of God.  It was a holy moment to hold this precious child – a child of God - through the entire worship service as she fell asleep in my arms.  It is truly a miracle how God created humanity.  We are precious in His sight.  My soul was full.

I officiated at the funeral of a dear soul who now is singing in Heaven.  During the visitation, her granddaughter created a beautiful video of her grandmother.  One video showed Sue laughing and smiling with her great grandchildren.  I stood between the video and the casket.  Her body had no life, but her spirit of love and joy filled the room.  I drank in the moment.  Sue is alive in Heaven, and her love is alive in the hearts of all who loved her.

I visited my friend whose daughter died this year.  Her daughter was my dear friend.  We shared stories of her daughter, Jan, and talked about ways to celebrate her birthday by remembering how she lived.  Jan always knew what to do next for her mom.  But then, we told stories and I saw the laughter in the memories.  I drank in the moment that God had placed me right there to bring her joy for a moment in the midst of the sadness.

Then my next visit was with Dick.  His wife died three months after my husband, Dave.  Dick and I walked through grief together being connected to the same church.  We would hug each other in our grief and share those honest moments that others did not understand.  My visit began with a hug and ended with a hug.  It was a moment where I paused and absorbed the connection.  Words were not needed.

In my next visits, I experienced the need for conversation and understanding.  I listened and heard the need for connection and for someone to just care about who they are and where they are in life.  I heard regret.  I heard confusion.  I heard joy.  I heard need.  I sat in the moment and took into my heart my purpose God had for me in that moment.  Just to be present and to listen.

I officiated at the memorial service for the father of a friend.  As the VFW folded the flag and presented it to my friend, I took in the moment – the memory of receiving a flag.  I holy moment where tears flow freely without embarrassment. Then the taps were played and the moment became sweeter and holier.  I drank in the solemness and respect.  My soul was refreshed in the memory and the sacredness of the ceremony.

Then the ashes of my friend’s mom and dad were placed in linen bags and then buried in the memorial garden.  They were buried together and the ashes would be absorbed into the earth – ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  We came from the earth and to the earth we return.  My friend showed me a picture of her parents happy and laughing together.  They lived, they loved and they made a difference, and now their love is absorbed into their family and those touched in life by them.

What does it mean to drink?  We drink water and other fluids to keep our bodies hydrated and healthy.  The liquid is absorbed into our bodies, but it takes time.  It is drinking slowly and deliberately.  Our souls need to be hydrated and refreshed, too.  It is pausing in the sacred moments of life and any moment can be sacred when you are aware of the presence of God in the moment.  It is drinking in the moment, that is, slowing yourself down and being totally present in the moment.  It is using all your senses to truly be in the moment.  It is absorbing the holiness and being refreshed and renewed in it.

God wants us to slow down and meet Him in the moments of life.  It is not our schedule and timing but God’s.  When we pause and drink in the living water that Jesus gives, we truly find refreshment, peace and contentment.  We experience God in ways we had previously rushed past.  It is hydrating our souls with the life-giving moments that are holy and sacred all around us.

Drink in the moments of life and allow them to renew and refresh your soul.

Check out my website for my Newspaper Articles and my books – www.livinginthedifferent.com