Category: God

  • Grip of Despair

    When despair wraps its
    Ugly tentacles around my shoulders.
    Squeezes, squeezes, then
    Squeezes some more.      

    Intense pressure weighs upon my heart.
    Impending doom draws nigh.
    Hope dashed—shroud of darkness envelopes.
    Guard my heart. But, how?
    Decisions made—I have no control.

    Acknowledge crushed dreams.
    Reject despair.
    Yet despair returns full force;
    Multiplied with mighty power.
    No resolve in sight.

    Then I hear a faint whisper,
    Tell it to Jesus.
    Tell it to Jesus.
    There’s no other such a friend or brother,
    Tell it to Jesus alone.

    *****

  • Day #300 – Life Aboard a Boat, Part 1

    This is a momentous occasion—300 days on the trail, the waterway trail that is! I find this hard to believe unless I look at my journal or calendar and see verification for myself. 300 days, 4848 miles, 16 states + Canada, and too many waterways to mention. What a whirlwind experience (wild ride) we have had throughout the entire 300 days! Still seems impossible to believe that we are ¾ done with the trip. In some ways, it feels as though we have just begun, and in other ways, it feels like we’ve lived aboard Sanctuary for much longer.        

    I am working on a job description for First Mate. Requirements needed for this position is quite extensive so it may be awhile before the list is complete. Here are a few points to consider:

    • Strong physical endurance most helpful. Ability to withstand sweltering heat and humidity, pelting rain, storms and cool temperatures. May occur within the same day. A strong internal constitution when encounter foreign water and foods. Ability to walk a lot, coordination in riding a bicycle, climbing in and out of a dinghy, and stepping many steps, tying knots, lassoing cleats/posts/rings in anticipation of docking
    • Excellent balance and no fear of the water or motion sickness prone—a definite plus!
    • Ability to tolerate long periods without family or friends you left behind. The flip side: you will meet many wonderful people along the way who share your trip with you off and on during  the 6000+ miles.
    • Days of isolation in tight quarters; other days you’ll be overwhelmed by people everywhere with no where to retreat.
    • Every day is different for approximately the next 365 days. No two days are the same even if you remain in the same anchorage, marina, or mooring ball.

    Let’s pause for a moment.

    • Is God showing you a new door to open in your life today? Maybe an adventure in the making.
    • What do you suppose He is preparing you to encounter or withstand in the near future? Be brave and ask Him.

    In Part 2, we will consider useful skills to carry along for the trip ahead.

    xxxxx

     

  • Breathing in His Grace

    Swan Creek anchorage by Rock Hall, Maryland

    All is calm.
    All is still.                                             Fish jump occasionally.
    Blue Heron glides overhead.
    Subtle creek ripples
    Gently past our vessel
    Sanctuary – tucked away snugly
    Within a protected cove.

    Take a few deep breaths
    Breathe in His grace and 
    Breathe out His praise  *
    Breeze cooling as sun sets
    Slowly behind pine tree line.
    Another day draws to a close
    Opportunity to thank the One
    Who made all things possible.

    Picture taken at Swan Creek at anchor, Rock Hall Maryland

    • Matt Redman – Your Grace Finds Me! 

  • Come to Me

    Come To Me                     

    Are you weary?
    Burdened beyond words?
    Rest is found in Him.
    In Him alone.
    Freely, generously without question.

    I can learn from Him.
    He is my Teacher; I am the student;
    ever learning,
    ever failing,
    then ever learning some more.

    He is gentle,
    humble in heart.
    Sweet, blessed, essential
    Rest is found in Him.
    He can satisfy my longing soul
    and fill an empty heart.

    thoughts taken from Matthew 11:28-29

    *****

  • I’m Back !!!

    Greetings & Salutations!

    Been so long busy preparing and traveling on our year-long Great Loop journey that I am sorry I’ve neglected this blog. In the interim, I hope you’ll find, read, comment on our blog link at www.TravelsOfSanctuary.com. Our blog will give you a clue as to what my husband Steve and I have been doing for the last six months.

    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary
    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary

    This is day #179 of a potential 365-day trip. Doing the math, I calculate that 182 days will be one-half way through. I can honestly say I am not the same person when Steve and I began on September 3, 2016 back at Lakeshore Yacht Harbour, Muskegon, Michigan.

    I’ve been honest with everyone—we are living aboard my dream boat on Steve’s dream trip. We’ve weathered ups and downs. In case you wonder if every day feels like living in Paradise; the answer is no. Many are wonderful and we see beautiful sights such as sunsets, manatees, and Key deer.  I can move my body geographically to a warm location, but with the body also comes my mind and soul. All my previous deficiencies and hang ups come along with me. My fears, doubts, worry (I know that I am not supposed to worry), probably even multiplied—they did not automatically magically disappear (wouldn’t that have been sweet?)

    Circumstances of life and known people stayed behind for a time. New circumstances, geography, people took their place while on this year long journey. I’m thankful for stay-over visitors we have from time to time.  My main source of communication, interaction needs to be found in my husband of 40 years. Other Looper boaters and my surroundings change constantly and sometimes daily. Lately, the mantra I repeat is:

    I cannot do this, Lord! I cannot do this without You!

    Depending on the day, I may be referring to:

    • Being stranded on the boat for a few days and nights without leaving while rocking and rolling in a storm trying to remain brave and not get seasick
    • Washing another dirty dish by hand
    • High temperatures and humidity feeling ready to pass out
    • Not seeing my children/grandchildren/friends for months at time
    • Lack of exercise aboard due to not much square footage and no car to take me away. We rely predominately on our own two feet or bicycles

    I constantly remind myself that He is my all in all. The great I AM. Learning to lean into Him as I combat impatience, loneliness, frustration, anger, and physical limitations. God gives me the choice and will to praise His name and be thankful for my many blessings of which there are many if I look around me. God is still in control.

    How do you handle loneliness? Frustration and anger? Have you been in a situation where you are at the end of your resources and had to call out to God in desperation? Maybe you are there right now. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or question. We can both grow together spiritually.

    Blessings to you & your family, Teresa

    I leave you with a few choice words from Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    *****

  • Ready for Adventure?

    Today is day #28 of the Great Loop adventure. And, yes it truly has been an adventure. We’ve seen landscapes, waterways, and sunrises not seen before. Met new Looper people we would never have crossed passed with in our regular, daily life.  Learned to go without embracing the basics of life.                                              img_20160927_140010943_hdr-1

    Let’s stop right here and look up the definition for the word adventure. Here’s what I found for the word adventure:

    • Escapade
    • Quest
    • Journey
    • Exploration
    • Undertaking
    • Exciting activity

    Okay, I am kind of weird. I admit that, but keep tracking with me. I then went on to look up the word exciting. Here’s where the road may diverge for you as it did for me. Here’s a few definitions for the word exciting:

    • Thrilling
    • Exhilarating
    • Stirring
    • Stimulating
    • Electrifying
    • Inciting

    That’s enough. I have felt all of those emotions and I haven’t even been on this trip for a month yet. What does that say about the trip? What does that say about me? I am not sure, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks. I’m just putting it out there for anyone else anticipating or planning such an adventure. It doesn’t even have to be the exact type of adventure we are involved with. When I think about the word electrifying, it does not bring up a positive connotation. Certainly not dull or boring, I’ll give you that much. More like scared to the point of wishing I were anywhere else but standing in my own shoes. Admittedly, I have felt that. Like when we said good-bye (don’t like that word, so I say: see you later) to my daughter and my friends. Those see you later words are so hard to say even though I know it’s only for a year, or in some cases, months until I see their smiling faces and hear their precious voices in person.

    I go through this exercise to share with you my emotions hoping you, too, can relate. Even a simple day’s emotions can range from peace to utter chaos within a short period of time. From tears of sorrow and disappointment to tears of joy. Sometimes without any warning.

    Then God gives me a verse to ponder. To hold onto and call my own: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence . This is a poignant reminder that He is approachable. He’s not a wizard that sits with a magic wand in never-never land occasionally swooping down to check on his created ones. The book of Hebrews describes this throne with the word grace (unmerited favor, mercy, or kindness). I like the thought of my Creator being available and that He is described with mercy and kindness. The verse goes on further to add that I can approach boldly and in confidence. I need not worry or fret; He’s got my whole life under control and in His competent hands—the Great High Priest.

    What do I take away from this?

    1. Approaching God and His throne is not reserved for nobility
    2. No holding back; no reservations
    3. He’s there for me anytime day or night
    4. God may not take me out of the storm/trial, but He’ll ride through with me

    God already knows all, so why do I hesitate to share my innermost feelings with Him?
    Is there a deep fear you’ve been holding to? One you hesitate to share with anyone?

    Reminds me of a tune I sang as a young girl called, Tell it to Jesus alone (words by Edmund S. Lorenz)

    Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you grieving over joys departed?
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    He is a friend that’s well known
    You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus alone

  • How satisfied are you?

    “The first hour of waking is the rudder that guides the whole day,” Henry W. Beecher.     Swiftsure - Clipper Cup (Copy)

    How do you roll in the morning? My morning usually rolls rather slowly. It takes me a bit to get my bearings and move toward a worthwhile goal. Have you heard the saying, I’d like mornings better if they came earlier in the day? That’s me!

    I know this for sure: when I look upward first thing in the morning (even before my feet hit the floor), my day goes so much better. Sometimes it’s only a quick SOS prayer—Lord, help me throughout this day. Prevent my mouth from saying unkind words. Help me see others through Your eyes. Casting my eyes on Scripture or reading through a devotional helps me center my thoughts and mind in pleasant, righteous places. Just may mean the difference between a great day and a horrible-bad one.

    • What can you do to center your mind on good and right thoughts?
    • Record how your day went thinking about the time you spent on bullet point #1.

    Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

  • Pot of Gold

    Recently I had the opportunity to sit at a book signing table with another talented writer, Kerry McAvoy and a dear friend, Vicki. Just like in past signings, I am amazed at the similarity of people who cross our paths (or stop at our table). We received words of affirmation, shared stories, and even received hugs from total strangers. Connectedness.   Womens Expo Book SigningRelational. Each of us has a story to tell; some put the words down on paper, others tell their story with just the words from their mouth. Either way, the story deserves to be told. Told to the current generation and then the next generation will become a part of the original whole.

    In conferences I’ve heard that if you intend to go into the writing business to make tons of money, you’d better chose a different vocation because that probably won’t happen. But then again, maybe those people weren’t counting new friendships, words of thanks and praise. Today my gifts equaled much more than money can buy. Like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Thank you all for the vital part you play in shaping my world which causes me to thank my Creator. The one who gifted me with insight, courage, and the talent and motivation to write my story.

    *****

  • Where is your gaze fixed?

    Instead of trying to “fix” yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love. (Jesus Calling)

    The song, He is Mighty to Save by Hillsong United continued to come to my friend’s mind as we navigated through and beyond yesterday’s challenges together.

    Horizon Display

    Savior, He can move the mountains

    My God is mighty to save

    Forever, author of Salvation

    He rose and conquered the grave.

    Jesus conquered the grave.

    Yesterday was an amazing day all the way around. An event which my husband and I + family and friends had been preparing for, praying over, sweating about and eventually turned over to Him finally came to completion. We are overwhelmed, thankful, and still amazed at the outcome! To top it all off, God displayed His handiwork across the horizon in the evening skies.

    When was the last time you doubted, second-guessed God and His timing? I should know better since He’s proved over and over again that He is faithful and just. His timing is perfect even though I sometimes long for a speedier response. When will I learn that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord? “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

    Lord, I want to fix my eyes on You; not on me. The fact that You see me clothed in Your righteousness, radiant in Your perfect Love is tough for me to even comprehend. Yet, You said it and I believe it! I praise You and thank you this day and how You showed Your faithfulness.

    *****

  • Birthing a “baby”

    I’ve heard it said that writing and releasing a book is somewhat akin to birthing a baby. Now that I’m on the other side of that equation, I agree.   Book Cover Template Life is Good v2

    Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious just released to the public this week, and I find myself with mixed emotions. Mostly joy and elation, but there’s also that tinge of fear and anxiety. What if my readers do not like it? What if they don’t understand what lies between the pages? Worse yet, what if no one reads the words?

    No, I cannot allow the enemy’s words to ring louder than my Father’s gentle nudging. I remind myself that I was ready to give up on this project years ago, but then … He came through. Again.

    I set out a type of fleece with one last effort to attract a publisher’s attention. It was at a writer’s conference in Muskegon I’d attended for years. This year they sponsored a contest. I’m a sucker for contests and freebies. Okay, God, I will do the work, but if nothing comes from this last effort, I’m finished!  I decided, what did I have to lose? I put together a painstakedly created book proposal along with the first three chapters of Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious (only that wasn’t the title I used then). You can imagine my ecstatic joy and surprise when my name was announced as a winner at the tail end of the conference.

    I cannot give up now. Too much prayer, toil, and time has gone into the making of this piece of hope. My grace story from the viewpoint of a brain surgery survivor needs to be told. I hope you chose to read my story of seeking balance in this crazy-mixed up world. Thank you, God, and my loyal supporters for not giving up on me.

    p.s. my book can be found on Amazon.com. My first book signing will be on Saturday, June 4 at Rockford City Hall parking lot, 10- 1:00 p.m. Love to see you there in person!

    *****