Opportunities to Practice Virtues

Friends, this week is a bit rough for me, with some lower back pain, which is why I'm late on posting this week. However, I'm determined not to completely miss the week, as I've posted something every week for the past six years, so here I am, aches and all.

This will be short and will not contain pictures, because I'm conserving as much energy as possible for my tutoring job these days. I'll try to get at least one graphic done for you next time.

While I've been in pain, I've been reading and listening to music and thinking on verses of Scripture. Because of these things and the blessings of parents who understand back pain and are willing to lend me a helping hand when I need it, my heart has been light, my spirits lifted, and my thoughts mostly positive.

I say mostly because there have been black moments where the pain seemed too big to conquer. But then the Holy Spirit reminds me that Jesus is bigger than all my pain. He has suffered more, so He can take the bulk of the burden from me. It's like He Himself said once: "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:30 HCSB) That verse has held me steady in the worst of the annoyance that has been this trial.

Traffic Jam Contentment

by Andrea Renee Cox

How do you handle a traffic jam?

Yesterday morning, I read Philippians 4, and the two verses that leapt out at me were these:

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

Philippians 4:11-12 NKJ

My family headed home from a weekend trip shortly after I read that section, and wouldn’t you know that would be the day of bursts of heavy rain that slowed us down, a side trip that was for naught, and multiple traffic jams that had us inching along slower than a slug.

But I didn’t panic. Or freak out. Or get frustrated at any of it.

Happy Verses

by Andrea Renee Cox

Have you ever needed a pick-me-up but didn’t know where to find it?

I’ve been in that same situation many times. Over the years, though, I’ve discovered a great source for that boost of energy or change in attitude. This source is available 24/7.

When I’m down in the dumps, I open up my Bible and read the “happy” verses. They don’t necessarily have the word “happy” in them, but they cheer me up just like saying that word does.

Season of Waiting: Part One

by Andrea Renee Cox

There are many different seasons in life. Childhood, teenage years, marriage, friendships, trials, joys, deaths, births, mentorships, and the list could continue for quite some time. Each one brings its own challenges, its own joys. Each presents opportunities to learn new things and practice things you’ve already started picking up on.

I currently find myself in a season of waiting. All my life, since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of becoming a wife. Taking care of a husband, cooking meals for him, sharing conversations and laughs, enjoying each other’s company. Even arguing at times and coming to some sort of compromise. Raising children together, if the Lord allows. And always, always growing closer to God and serving Him together, supporting each other as we grow spiritually. All of that and so much more. Yet, so far, that dream remains only a dream.

Courtesy of Graeme Weatherston
and freedigitalphotos.net

Patience has never been my strongest characteristic. In fact, I’d say it is my least mastered quality. And when I asked God for patience, well, He gave me children to tutor and stories to write, two challenges that have tested me in many different ways over the last dozen years, even as they've brought many, many blessings. Yes, I’ve gained patience along the years. But I’ve still got a L-O-N-G way to go. Of course, living in the times of social media and to-go restaurants and 1-click online purchasing options, it seems patience is a thing of the past.

But it’s never been more necessary.

Being single yet wishing my husband-to-be was already in my life presents a problem of loneliness for me. A problem I’ve struggled for years to solve. But what if finding the solution isn’t what I’ve been tasked to do?

What if God’s got different plans than the ones I’ve dreamed of all these years? What if, instead of getting married young and having kids soon after, He wants me to become better acquainted with patience? And contentment. Perseverance. Confidence, not in myself, but rather in Him and His ability to make my dreams come true in a unique and awe-inspiring way. A way that exceeds my expectations by a billion miles. What if He has way more planned for me than I could ever have imagined?

And what if those plans come only after I learn those pesky qualities that come in handy but are practically impossible to master?

Just this past week, I came to the end of me and stepped out in faith. I shared my struggle of being single with a group of people on Facebook who read Christian nonfiction books, asking for advice on which “being single” books to read that would give me a fresh perspective on this season of waiting. Not only did I receive suggestions for books (some will be included in a list in Part Two), but I was surprised and blessed by the reassuring words and prayers offered by other members of the group. A few others then chimed in that they were also in the season of waiting for their spouse to come into their lives. We were able to encourage and pray for each other, which lifted up my heart (and I’m sure it did theirs as well).

Sometimes God emboldens us to share our concerns with others and to speak words of kindness and encouragement in return. When we do so, even if we’re afraid of how it will be received or the responses we’ll get, we become a part of something bigger and grander than ourselves. We overcome our fears of rejection and being hurt by harsh words and trust God with the outcome.

Because I took a leap of faith to speak out when I was afraid to admit my weakness, God has given me a new determination. This year, 2015, I plan to push myself hard, with God’s help and guidance, to learn to be content with this season of singleness and waiting. It won’t always be easy; I imagine there will be days I feel I can’t take another second of being alone. But God will be with me through each breath of this journey of spiritual growth. A battle is being waged in me, one that threatens to rip apart my sanity. With God by my side and commitment in my heart, I will overcome the enemy trying to hold me back. And I’ll step into my future, learning patience and contentment and confidence in God along the way.

Readers, what battles are you facing right now? In what ways has God shown you that He’s working behind the scenes in the part of the battle that you can’t see?

Coming up:

Monday, February 16 – Guest Karen Witemeyer shares the inspiration for her spunky novels.

Monday, February 23 – Season of Waiting: Part Two

Thanks for stopping by today! I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to drop by next Monday for my latest article.

Would you like to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Do you need a proofreader? Here are the services I offer.

Life is Really About...

What is life really about?

Life isn’t about the money we missed because we were out sick for three days.

It isn’t about living paycheck to paycheck.

It isn’t about what we think the world owes us.

It isn’t about losing our job or finding out that we’re not receiving all the benefits we thought we were getting or the fact that our insurance payment is due and we can’t scrape up the money to keep on track.

It’s not about any of that.

Do you know that feeling of pure panic that comes at the end of all the scenarios I just presented to you? Well, it’s not about that panic, either.

It’s what we do when we feel that panic. It’s how we handle that sense of urgency that comes with being the one to figure out what to do next.

Let me tell you: if you think you’re still in the driver’s seat at that point of panic, pull the car over and park it. If you’re in full-blown panic mode, you ain’t in control, honey, that’s for sure.

Believe me, I’ve been there. One week last October, I was sick and missed a lot of work. I only worked four hours (and I usually work around twenty, give or take a couple.) My paycheck was severely lessened, obviously. What I realized, though, is that it’s not about the missing money or the few hours I managed to work or any of that stuff. It’s not even about how I’d somehow survive that week. Nope. It isn’t about me.

It’s all about God.

It’s about how He wanted me to realize that He is the one behind the steering wheel. He is the one who provides everything I need. God has provided me shelter, food, and a loving family. He has provided me with a job that I love with a boss who is flexible and understands when I’m sick and unable to come in for a couple days. God has provided everything I need, and He will continue to do so.

In all of life, good times and bad times alike, it’s super important that we always remember to praise God and thank Him for being in charge of our lives. He looks out for us and provides for us in so many ways, most of which we either take for granted or completely fail to notice.

Too many times we’re focused on where our next meal, paycheck, etc. are coming from that we blind ourselves to how God is moving on our behalf. We all need to just slow down a little bit and observe the ways in which God touches our lives, providing all our needs—and blessing us with fun “extras” simply because He loves us.

I’m reminded of a verse in Matthew chapter seven.

Matthew 7:11 NIV

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

He blesses us with so many gifts, even without asking Him: the ability to breathe, health, food, shelter, family, friends. The list continues. How much more will He bless us when we ask!

A key to this, for me, is to remember to thank Him for the blessings He grants us as they come our way. It’s always wonderful to show our appreciation for His thoughtfulness toward us.

Praise God, for He is good! May He continue to bless each of you as you journey through life with Him. Amen.

How does God remind YOU that He’s in control? Do you find it easy or difficult to turn the wheel over to Him? What do you have to let go of in order for Him to drive the car? Do you remember to praise and thank Him in even the difficult days?

Please share your stories in the comment section.

Adversity or Blessing?

After sinning yet again this weekend—will my old self ever cease to rise up against me?—and repenting (asking forgiveness and turning from my sin), I remembered a couple of verses I’d recently read in Luke. They’d leapt out at me when I read them this go around, enough for me to underline them. Now I’m glad I did. It made for an easy find when I needed the comfort the words offered.

Luke 22:31-32 (NIV)

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus was speaking here, and He knew that Simon Peter would soon deny Him three times. But He also knew that Simon would turn back to his faith. Not only would he turn back, but he would then be strong enough himself to strengthen the other apostles and Christians whose own faith would be on shaky ground.

As I read these words from ancient days, I found the comfort I sought, the comfort God had laid out for Simon . . . and for me.

But that wasn’t all I found.

In my moment of weakness, God showered me with blessings from two small verses in His vast Book. The following is an excerpt from my journal, things God showed me in those verses:

“Jesus prays for us, that our faith will not fail. Jesus, please help me follow Your example and pray that my faith will not fail. I am so weak. Please be my spiritual strength.

“The devil asks permission to hurt us, to tempt us. I like how God is in control of even our temptations. He restricts Satan’s attempts, too, like when He said not to take Job’s life. God is watching over us even (and especially) in our worst moments.

“When we make it through the trials and storms (sometimes victorious, sometimes battered and bruised), we’re stronger than we were before. That new strength comes from God refining us in the fire, removing more of our imperfections, and bringing out the best qualities in us—those that reflect His love for us.

“When we are strengthened, we then may strengthen our fellow Christians, our neighbors, the people we love. How? Because we’ve been where they’re at. We’ve struggled. We’ve fought the battle and come out stronger. Because of our experience (and our Heavenly Father), we have the tools needed to encourage and uplift and aid someone else facing trials, storms in their lives.

“Through adversity, I see blessing. I see strength.”

When adversity (those trials and storms that are sure to come in life) attacks you, what do you see? Do you see heartache and pain? Strength and blessings? A mixture?

How has God used adversity in your life to teach you lessons (comfort, humility, patience, etc.)? How have you used what you learned to help strengthen someone else?

Holiday Wrap-Up

As the holidays come to a close for yet another year, I’ve been thinking about the memories I’ve made with my family and friends this year. Good times and bad, both documented and tucked away in my mind to draw upon later down the road of life. The best part about this year for me was having God by my side. He was very evident in my life this year, as He is every year. Through the valleys, He held me as I wept. Up the mountains, He lent me the strength to climb when I felt I couldn’t go another step. At the peaks, He shared my victories, my joys. Every moment He was there. That fact always amazes me. Why should He love someone who is so flawed? Because He created me, He loves me. And because He loves me, I love Him. Loving God is the best place I could ever be.

When did God make Himself known to you this year? Was it during the good, easy times? Or did you see Him best when things seemed dark and lonely? What was your favorite memory (or at least one of your favorites) of 2013? I look forward to hearing your stories in the comment section below.

May the Lord bless you abundantly in the new year!

Letters from the Enemy

Though Letters from the Enemy was released in 2004, it’s new to me. My sister shared it with me, and, since I was iced inside by a rare-in-Texas sleet storm, I decided to squeeze this Heartsong Presents book in before reading one I received for the Blogging for Books program I participate in. I’m so glad I bumped this little book up on my reading list. It held a western sweetness I hadn’t read in a while.

 

Letters from the Enemy takes place in 1918. While the war rages in Europe, Lilly Clark eagerly waits for the mail train each week, hoping to receive a letter from her fiancé, Reggie Larsen, even as she sends him yet another missive. When her world is knocked upside down by a tall foreigner, Heinrick Zook, will Lilly stick to her resolve to send messages of hope to her beloved? Or will the lone enemy in town, who happens to keep crossing her path, challenge her to rethink everything she has come to believe, disrupting her carefully laid plans?

This is the second Susan MayWarren novel I’ve read, though I’ve collected several more. I’ve got to tell you, both the books of hers I’ve read have connected with me on a spiritual level. The messages and themes in her tales dig deep into my soul and don’t let me up for air until I’ve puzzled them out and seen how I could apply the things I’ve learned to my life in some substantial way. It’s books that do this that stay with me long after I’ve placed them back on one of my bookcases.

The thing that really struck me in Letters from the Enemy was Lilly’s spiritual journey. In a few different ways, it mirrored my own. The most significant is living in fear. Maybe that’s why the following line, spoken to Lilly from Heinrick, stood out to me. “Lilly, perhaps you’re afraid. Do you think that if you knew God and heard His voice, He might tell you something you don’t want to hear?”

From almost drowning twice to hearing of multiple school shootings to watching the terrorist attack on New York City and the United States in 2001, many fears have plagued my mind, stealing my joy and robbing me of peace. Too many times, as humans, we feel we must control every little thing in our lives or else we’ll fall apart. That’s just not true. The less control we have, by turning things over to God and trusting His plan for our lives, the more peace we’ll gain. The fewer fears we’ll retain. That’s what I want, to live fear free. So I’ll lay my fears at the feet of my Savior and ask Him to help me learn to trust Him. To show me how to rely on His plans, His guidance in every aspect of my life. From now on, I plan to make a more conscious effort to lay aside my human desires and ask God what plans He has for me. They’ll be far greater than anything I could have imagined in the first place anyway.

Other than the Bible, what books have spoken to your spiritual life in recent history? How can you apply the spiritual lessons you’ve learned from books to your daily life? Any advice for listening with your spiritual ears verses only using your physical ones?

Rain or Shine?

Courtesy of prozac1 and
freedigitalphotos.net

I live in North Texas, where it seems we are constantly in a drought, rain shortage, or being asked to conserve water. (As if some families—like mine—don’t do that already.) We carefully watch the weather forecast, hoping for even the slightest blip of cloud cover on the radar. When the chance of scattered showers finally pops up on the 7-day forecast, we hold our breath . . . and then sigh as we remember it typically skips our part of the county.

  

Then, one day it happens. The clouds gather overhead and the heavens open. Droplets of water splatter the ground and every brave person who dashes outside to check the mailbox. (Very important when expecting influencer copies of books!) If the downpour lasts longer than 30 minutes (okay, more like 15), the grumblings start.

“I wish it wasn’t raining.”

Courtesy of foto76 and
freedigitalphotos.net

“I hate being stuck inside!”

“Too bad the sun’s not out. The gray sky is so depressing.”

“Okay, so we needed the rain. But did we need THIS MUCH of it?”

Stop. Right. There.

We complain when it’s dry. We gripe when it’s wet. We want rain. We don’t want rain. (The story’s the same for snow, by the way.)

When do we pause to say, “Thank You, God, for THIS DAY”? When do we appreciate the weather He gives us?

Seasons of writing are similar to weather patterns. When the ideas are flowing and words litter the computer screen, we long for an agent to ask for a complete copy of our manuscripts. When we secure representation, we want a contract with a huge publishing house. When we grasp our first published novel in hand, we wish our next book would be released in seven different languages.

Stop. Right. There.

Don’t jump ahead in your writing journey. You might miss an important something God wants to show you. Or you may overlook an AH-HA! moment when He inspires a brilliant scene you may have otherwise overlooked. Worst of all, you might lose the golden opportunity to cherish our Lord’s presence and activity in your life.

Courtesy of Sujin Jetkasettakorn
and freedigitalphotos.net

Stop. Right. There.

Take a moment (or two!) to praise God for where you’re at on your writing journey.

And dance in the rain. (Or whatever type of weather you might be experiencing.)