“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’” Matthew 16:24-25 (KJV)

When I was in college in the 1980s, I had a bumper sticker prominently displayed over my study desk. It read: He who dies with the most toys wins! At that point in my life, I really bought into that philosophy (no pun intended).

I felt like a certain amount of happiness came from what you possessed – materially speaking. I placed a lot of value on things like my Izod shirts and my Gucci watch. I innocently enough believed that having a happy, successful life equated to not just having more but having more of the right stuff. I felt that owning certain things reflected success and would add to my personal value.  

As a result, I accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. Stuff that I felt defined me and, to a certain extent, increased my worth. I feel like I spent a lot of time trying to carve out my place in this world by seeking more (of everything) – more square footage, more horsepower, more work, more, more, more – only to discover that who I am has little to do with what I own and where I live but has everything to do with who I serve and how I live.  

Growing and maturing over the years physically and faithfully, I began to clearly understand that less is more. Less of me and more of Christ. This knowledge and understanding led me to greater self-discovery. When I learned and started to live this, I found my true self along with greater contentment and happiness. 

Less is more. Less of what I want and more of what He wants gives my life more of the right stuff – more meaning and value than I could ever could imagine. 

Now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I find myself purging most of that stuff from my younger days. I want less. I want to lighten my load literally and figuratively. I want less. I want less to make more – less stuff to take care of and more room for time with those I love and less focus on what the world defines as happiness and success and more focus on what God has in store for me which He promises is for my good. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate certain creature comforts and still have that Gucci watch (as a keepsake) but those things don’t define me and are no longer my focus. Life is so much more rewarding with my priorities in order (God and family first) and my focus where it needs to be (my faith walk).

Simply put in Philippians 4:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” 

So back to that bumper sticker – He who dies with the most toys definitely does not win. He who gives his life to Jesus wins it all! 

As you go throughout your day and plan the week ahead, remember less is more.

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”       Matthew 19:24 (ESV)

As a parent, I know I have many short comings. Nobody’s perfect, but sometimes I find there are little things that I failed to pass on to my kids leaving me thinking, “How did I miss that?”

One day my daughter called and mentioned she had two pair of pants belonging to her husband that were missing a button. I simply told her to sew them on and let her know I even had some extra buttons in case she needed one or two. Then, she told me she didn’t know how to sew on a button. My initial reaction was “How do you not know how to do that?” To which her humbling response was “You never taught me.” Ouch.

As a mom, I felt I had failed in not teaching her something so basic before sending her out into the world. I know it’s a small thing but a good and necessary skill to have. 

To rectify this situation, we decided she would come over prior to a family gathering for a quick lesson. With a similar dilemma, my daughter-in-law decided to join us as well. To prepare, I got out all the necessary things. I made sure they each had the correct size and color buttons needed, the appropriate color of thread, and a needle. As we began, I told them threading the needle would be the hardest part. I prepared myself for this to take a few excruciating and frustrating minutes because personally it always takes me quite a few tries. 

Much to my surprise, they each successfully threaded the needle on the first attempt. I don’t know if my eyesight is getting worse or if I just make things harder than they have to be, but I never get it on the first try! As I observed my girls follow the simple directions I gave, I noticed how eager they were to learn and how careful they were to do exactly what I said. When we were done, both girls were proud of their work, and I was proud to have shared a simple thing that made a difference to them.

All of this reminds me of Jesus’ lessons in Matthew chapters 18 and 19. In Chapter 18 verse 3, He tells us, “… ‘unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”  This emphasizes how important it is that we pay attention and trust His instruction following closely and modeling His behavior just like children model what we teach them – no matter how old they are.

Expanding on this, He further teaches us in Matthew 19:24 that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. I don’t know about you but sometimes when I sit down to sew I think it would be easier to get a camel through the eye of the needle than that flimsy thread! Of course, the real point being made here is that getting into heaven has nothing to do with our worldly works and earthly treasures (you can’t take it with you). It’s impossible to get into heaven on our own – God is the only one who can make the impossible possible. 

That time together for our sewing lesson taught me – #1 we are never too old to learn from our parents and #2 no matter how old our kids are we continue to parent, to teach, and pass on our knowledge and skills. 

It is the same with us and God. We must acknowledge we still have things to learn, remain teachable, and continue to go to Him for instruction. 

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”       Psalm 119:15-16

Many years ago, upon adopting a German Shepherd (Max), my husband decided to take him to puppy training classes, what some call obedience school. He graduated with high praise upon completing the basic class andthe advanced class. We were so proud! 

More recently, we made the decision to adopt not one but two Labrador -English Setter puppies (Sadie and Zelda). Our thought being the girls, as we call them, would entertain each other and not get lonely. Mission accomplished: they are perfect playmates and are definitely two peas in a pod. They are also 2 times everything else – 2x the vet visits, 2x the food, and 2x the energy (actually it feels like 8x the energy). It didn’t take us long to realize that our girls would need obedience classes too so we could handle them as they grew in size and strength. We both attended every class along with the girls. I enjoyed the structured time with our pets and learned so much about how to raise them to be more focused and well-behaved.  

In the training, we learned valuable commands like watch me, sit, stay, come, release, and my favorite – leave it. I found Watch Me and Leave It to be two of the most beneficial commands. When we learned Watch Me it required the puppy to stop, sit, and focus on the owner before receiving the command to release. This has proven beneficial when needing the girls to calm down and regroup. I use Watch Me (and often times Leave it) on a daily basis when we are on our walk as Zelda gets distracted by every bug, butterfly, and leaf. 

Just because they graduated from puppy school doesn’t ensure that we have 100% perfect pups. As you can imagine, the effectiveness of the obedience training overall is greatly affected by our consistency and practice with the girls. We have to reinforce what they learned daily to get the desired results. 

The scripture above reminds us that the same is true about our Christian training. Think about it. In His word, God reminds us of His commands. To live in His will, it requires our obedience. When I am about to make a decision, I can almost hear Him say Come and Watch Me. When I pray for an answer, I don’t always get my desired response. Sometimes, He tells me to Stay or Leave It. For our Christian training to be effective, it takes practice and consistency. Just because you accept the invitation for salvation, it doesn’t make you a perfect person. We are all far from that, but we can become more and more like Jesus by being obedient to His commands. 

Remember this when you become distracted on your daily walk as a Christian. Hear God saying, “Watch Me” to regain your focus and remember your purpose.

 “You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.”  Psalm 119:4-6

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”                 II Corinthians 10:3-5. (NIV)

As a very young child my son occupied a good bit of his time playing with a variety of action figures. GI Joe (a hand me down from his dad’s childhood), Small Soldiers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Street Sharks, and the Red Power Ranger all come to mind. When he wasn’t creating adventures for his action figures he and his friends were dressing as superheroes and maintaining order in the neighborhood. 

While playing, I could hear the situations my son created for his characters – Good vs. Evil. I can remember hearing his sweet, small voice exclaiming, “Choose your weapon!” and I knew a battle was about to ensue. This phrase carried over to superhero neighborhood play as well. 

I will go out on a limb here and guess many of us had these same experiences as children. Viewing our childhood battles (real and imaginary) as Good vs. Evil and easily settling a conflict with “Choose your weapon.” I did. My brother and I worked through our Barbie and GI Joe situations and our own differences this way – including thumb wrestling, pinecone battles, and the occasional full on wrestling match. 

I would love to say all this – the conflict – goes away as we become adults. However, that is not the case. Just as dueling started in the Middle Ages as a way to settle disputes, defend one’s honor, prove leadership, or end a quarrel, conflict always begins the same – two people, witnesses, and a choice. Choose your weapon.

True – Dueling died out in the US in the 1870s; however, the need to settle conflict never goes away. Daily we are faced with some type of conflict and a choice – sometimes more than once a day. Choose your weapon. 

As the scripture reminds us, even though we live in this world we do not or should not wage war as the world does. 

Someone speaks unkindly to you – Choose your weapon. 

Someone cuts you off in traffic or in line – Choose your weapon. 

You are hurt, physically or emotionally by others – Choose your weapon. 

You are treated unfairly or offended – Choose your weapon. 

Yes, Choose Your Weapon: revenge or kindness, retaliation or grace. Take it into your own hands or place it in the hands of God. 

We are charged with being obedient to God whose weapons can demolish any stronghold. God’s weapons are the right choice in any battle. Battles within the world and within ourselves. 

Dealing with addiction – Choose your weapon.

Financial struggles – Choose your weapon. 

Feeling depressed, dejected, disappointed – Choose your weapon. 

Again, Choose your weapon: self-pity or self-improvement, self-destruction or self-care. Battle your own demons with worldly weapons that perpetuate self-defeat or cause self-harm, or allow God to battle on your behalf. 

Whatever you are dealing with daily, short-term or long-term, remember there is only one Divine Power that breaks every stronghold and resolves every conflict for your good. 

Choose your weapon. God wins every time. 

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.”      Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)

One of the scenic stops along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is Thunder Hole. I marked it as a ‘must see’ when planning our trip to Maine. As we were exploring the park, I remember getting so excited when we came upon the parking area for Thunder Hole. I had read about the roar created when waves enter a carved-out portion of the rocky shoreline and the loud thunderous roar which accompanies it. I couldn’t wait to see if the tide was high enough to cause the large waves needed to create the sound and splash. It’s all about the timing to get the ultimate experience and I wanted the ultimate experience.

The parking area we came to was across the street from the landmark shoreline. With minimal signage, I looked for a path created by others that would surely lead us quickly to our destination. We made our way through some trees and across the street to the rocky shore. (When I say rocky don’t think stones, think boulders!) In the distance, I spotted people gathering near the area sure to be Thunder Hole, so we set out navigating our way over, across, between, through, up, and around the bouldered-beach. I was determined to get a close look and experience this natural wonder. Nothing was going to get in my way. Certainly not a few “rocks.”

Truth be told, my husband was so worried about me and my dexterity (or lack thereof) that he thought this wasn’t the best idea and suggested we reconsider. But I, motivated by curiosity and determination, would not be stopped. 

Finally, seeing our destination within reach we climbed atop a boulder for a better view. There it was – Thunder Hole! … and … a set of stairs … that obviously led up to the other end of the parking area. 

It is important to know that generally this is how I do things – the hard way; although, I prefer calling it the road less traveled. 

After taking in the sights and sounds which did not disappoint, we opted to take the stairs back to the Jeep. Go figure – stairs straight back to the parking area. We had a good laugh and added something else to the list of things I have put us through while on vacation. As I reflect on it now, I wouldn’t change it for anything. I pushed myself to traverse the rough terrain to reach this incredible sight for the experience. We made a great memory and I learned where to find the stairs should we have the opportunity to visit again.

Isn’t this how God works? Sometimes there’s an easier way but He allows us to take the long way to receive a lesson. In life when we struggle to navigate the unknown, we need to remember to pause and learn the lesson. Then, we can help others or remember the experience for our own benefit in the future. 

The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness traveling to the promised land to be humbled and tested before receiving their reward. That’s part of our journey too. 

The next time you’ve been over, across, between, through, up, around, or on the rocks only to discover the stairs were there all along, take time to learn the lesson and as always receive your blessing!

“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…”

Hebrews 13:1,2 (NRSA)

I am not sure how many people remember the Welcome Wagon. A version of it is depicted in the movie Where the Heart Is. In the movie, Sister Husband travels around to greet new community members and provides them with token gifts. Years ago, I experienced the welcome wagon first hand when my husband and I moved into a new home.

For those of you too young to remember or have never heard of this, here is your brief history lesson:

The Welcome Wagon was founded in the 1920s in Tennessee. A “hostess” would visit new homeowners bearing coupons and advertisements from local businesses. This gave new neighbors a chance to learn what was available in the community. Sadly, in 1998, the company discontinued the use of hostesses when research showed the majority of homeowners would not be home when the hostesses visited. Boy, is that a sign of the times!? Today, the company still exists through online services and work with small businesses. 

As I said, I was the recipient of a welcome wagon package – no hostess visit though. I bet I wasn’t home (It was the mid ‘90s). When I received the information, we were the first people moving into a new subdivision. Over time, the neighborhood grew and we were joined by other families of all ages and sizes. As a young, energetic, sociable wife and mom, I decided to bake something to take to each new neighbor. I would also provide our name and phone number as well as the name and phone number of the closest pizza place. The routine went something like this: notice a new family moving in, prepare my goodies (usually pie or cookies), and go meet the new neighbors. I was determined to know the people my children would be interacting with and share some hospitality.

As my children were growing older, our close knit cul de sac families changed. Changes came through divorce, relocating for work, moving to down size, etc. With the passing of time, the homemade goodies were replaced by store bought pies or fruit baskets and then they ceased all together.

Then, someone moved in behind us – my back fence bordered their yard. I did not go to met them. I used the excuse that I never know if they are home or not, or if it is a good time, or if they will care for what I bring.

Sound familiar? Never enough time. Someone else will do it. Everyone is just too busy.

In Isaiah we are reminded not to neglect hospitality – the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. We are called to show hospitality.

Today, think of someone you can extend a little hospitality to – maybe a new neighbor, a co-worker, or someone you just haven’t gotten to know very well. Chances are your actions will lift you as much as the other person. 

Don’t wait. Don’t leave it for someone else to do. The scripture says we should continue the love. 

If not you, then who? Don’t miss a blessing.

“Observe my sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord. If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit!  

Leviticus 26:2-4 (NIV)

My husband and I were preparing to take an epic road trip (2+ weeks) up the east coast and across to Niagara Falls before heading south back home. Knowing the time frame and the distance, I felt we needed to be prepared for all types of weather – hot/cold/rain/sun (but no snow – it’s August!) I became insistent that we invest in good rain jackets – especially for the Niagara Falls portion of the trip. 

When we shopped for jackets, I learned quickly that there are varying degrees of protection from the elements – who knew? I stood in the store perplexed. Which is better, rain resistant or rain repellent? To make the final decision, I did what I always do. I based my choice on the color of the jacket (because pretty matters, right?). The sky blue one was cute and functional. Certainly, this must be the one with the best protection too. Rain repellent.

As it turns out we had the opportunity to use our new rain gear a few times on the trip. We never let the weather impede our plans or derail our fun. The first time, we put on our jackets and went out walking in Bar Harbor in the morning drizzle. I was happy and dry, ever so proud of my stylish jacket. 

Then it rained harder and harder. 

Ultimately, I began to feel the water seeping in through the seams. Rain repellent was not what I imagined. However, I didn’t let that dampen my spirits. I still wasn’t as wet as I could’ve been! The same proved true on a rainy day in Vermont and at the foot of Niagara Falls. We were so thankful we planned for the rain.

Fast forward to the return home. There was 90+ degree weather and not a drop of rain for 3 weeks. With no rain in sight, I paused and considered this: Why are we so welcoming of the sunshine and so fretful of the rainfall? We spend so much effort, go to such extremes, to not get wet, hoping our plans aren’t ruined by the rain when that rain is truly a gift. 

In Leviticus, we are told the rain comes as a reward for our obedience. Yet, we often repel or resist it. Much like the dry ground after all that 90-degree weather and no rain – the earth refused to soak it in until completely and repeatedly saturated. 

Like me at Niagara Falls – I purchased everything I could to stay dry (the water shoes, quick dry pants, rain repellent jacket with a hood). It wasn’t until we were on the boat under the spray from the falls, enveloped by the mist, feeling the pelting water that I decided to just soak it in. Soak in the awesome experience. The majesty, beauty, and power of that wonder. I did truly soak it in. I even insisted my husband take a picture with my hood off, hair drenched!

In our lives there will be rain – literally and figuratively. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:45, “… He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” So, when that happens, when you are pelted with negative experiences, hard decisions, and difficult tasks, remember to soak it in.

Soak in the moments. Feel the awesome power of God. Remember the reward. 

“…man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”                                                                                              Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

Did you know that in 2011 the USDA replaced the well known Food Pyramid with a new nutritional graphic called My Plate? For 19 years we all relied on the pyramid to guide us to healthy eating. 

Now I would never be able to label each level of the Food Pyramid. I only remember that the things I most liked to eat were a very small part of it. My major food groups of choice are bread, ice cream, and potatoes.

I have always been aware of the benefits of the base of the pyramid … the really good stuff. Yet, somehow over the years I have chosen not to dwell on that. I gravitate to my old favorites.

Reading today’s scripture, I realized my spiritual diet has been a lot like my nutritional one … very heavy in just a few areas with barely a taste of anything else. In my Bible study, I have specific parts I am drawn to over all the others – Galatians, Ephesians, Proverbs – the bread. I consider these the bread, ice cream, and potatoes of my spiritual diet.

By concentrating and relying on these old standbys, I am missing so much more of the good stuff that God has in store for me. He laid it all out in 66 books of the Bible – His Food Pyramid for Christians. Or using today’s term – My Plate. My Plate should be evenly balanced with all of the good stuff offered to me.

Are you like me? Are there sections of the Bible that you drift away from like brussel sprouts? 

Today I challenge you to sample something different. Sink your teeth into a new part of the Bible. 

Try it – you might like it!

As a side note: I discovered brussel sprouts aren’t so bad either. You just have to cook them the right way.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                                                                                                                                                    Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

I was sitting right next to my husband in the car staring out the window. I felt so disconnected and distant. My mind was a million miles away. For the last few days it was like we were speaking different languages. We just weren’t on the same page in thoughts or actions at all. This left me feeling alone – the inches that separated us were more like miles. 

Similarly, I have been in a crowded room and felt as if I was (or wanted to be) stranded on an island. People around me were speaking but no one was really saying anything. People would ask me a question or try to make conversation and I only responded with empty answers. Because of a recent experience where I felt disappointed or defeated by others, I wouldn’t allow myself to get emotionally drawn in and I wouldn’t allow others to get too close. 

Sometimes the distance between us and others cannot be measured in inches, feet, or miles. The distance we feel is a gap in communication – an invisible, immeasurable canyon keeping us from connecting with those around us. 

In my life, those lonely, isolated emotions are usually self-induced. Left unattended, these feelings can cause a permanent separation or chasm between us and those we love. Depression can grow in the space void of positive relationships and cause one to slip farther and farther away. No matter the cause or length of the separation, it is always work to close the gap, to get back to normal, and to rebuild those bridges. 

Have you ever experienced feelings of being alone in a crowded room, like a distant observer, cut off from caring? The key is to never lose hope – to know we are never truly alone. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.  God can close those emotional gaps for us. He will minimize the distance and bring us back home. 

Even when you are the one pushing people away or hiding behind a mask to disguise your pain, God does not leave your side. You can run away, deny, and refuse His love but it is always there. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

The next time you feel abandoned, left out, or distant, reach out to God. He understands and He cares. He will walk with you through the shadows and back into the light of life. Through His unfailing love you can reconnect with others and fill the gap.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female.”                                                                                                           Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

These days most people have a profile picture of some sort whether it is associated with your email address, Facebook, or some form of social media. I say ‘most people’ because I don’t have one. I opened a Facebook account once but never added a picture or even used it. I  haven’t even uploaded a picture for my email. 

When I considered adding a picture of myself I could never commit to one picture … to a picture I thought represented me. Maybe it is because when I look at photos of myself I am too self-conscious about them – I prefer to picture myself as younger and even prettier than that! Just kidding. It goes much deeper.

Scrolling through numerous profile pictures of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers I can best describe them as some humorous, some serious, and some strangely disturbing. I have often wondered … what were they thinking??? I am shocked to see how some people choose to represent themselves. Seriously, there are some ridiculous pictures out there and I have come to believe either people are really self-confident or really naïve.

 I mean, it is called a profile picture for a reason. It is an image chosen specifically to represent you. It is your image to the world – after all, it is on the world wide web. Don’t people realize that the profile picture is the first and sometimes the only impression people get of them? 

This is why I don’t have a profile picture … What if I chose the wrong image? 

I have learned something – I may not have a Facebook account with a picture or a personal image on my email, but in reality I do have a profile picture. The profile I project each day. The image I am showing the world. 

What kind of image am I projecting when I am in the workplace, at home, at the grocery store, or in the car? When people get a glimpse of me, what do they see?

Genesis 1:27 reminds me I am created in the image of God, but is that the image people see when they see me? 

I hope that people see at least a little piece of God through me. That is part of my daily prayer that I might be a reflection of God and that people who I come into contact with will see Him in me. However, I know I’m not consistent. I mess up. During those times, I should shake my head and say, “What was I thinking? … How can I represent God that way?”

One of the great things about a social media profile picture is that you can change it. 

We all mature and gain knowledge day to day and year to year. I doubt the profile picture you chose as a sixteen year old would be the same at the age of 30. 

Today, what’s your profile picture? Serious, humorous, strangely disturbing? But seriously, is it the image of God? Are you sending the right message? Are you making the right first impression?

People see us on the street, in the office, at the store, and in the car. It is our responsibility as Christians to make sure we are reflecting the face of God. That we are living the life we are called to live. 

As you are checking out the profile pictures of others, make sure you keep an eye on your own to be sure it is current and the one you want it to be.

Is it time to update your profile picture? It is never too late to change it.