Tag: fear

  • Three Sleeps Before Christmas

    “Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called Thee by name; thou art mine,” Isaiah 43:1

    Maybe like me, your Christmas holiday plans are not going as expected. I’ve been in physical therapy since October trying to help mend some worn body parts. Hubby Steve tested positive for Covid Christmas week and is really sick. This obviously put a kibosh on being with family and friends. No shared food or gift giving for now.

    He’s stuck with me and our dog Skipper. We’re stuck with each other in a COLD climate with a winter stay-at-home blizzard approaching.

    My expectations. My thoughts. My ways. Notice all the “My’s” in this paragraph? I keep saying, “Your will, God; not mine.” If I’m being honest, I still want My way and My expectations fulfilled. Forgive me, Lord!

    A long-distance friend wrote that it will be a “Silent Night Christmas for us.” Another friend wrote, “Peace. Quiet. Serenity.”

    Not the thought that came to my finite brain cells. More like: Really? At Christmas? This can’t be! Big-time Bummer. Waiting to see how it all turns out is more nerve racking.

    I shared with a friend how I woke early with thoughts of a story. I propped myself up in bed with my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and penned some words. She suggested that this book idea is “for such a time as this. Maybe this time of pain and suffering the Lord will use to grow you and so many of your loyal readers into being more like Him…believe the best rather than assume the worst. I’ll be praying.”

    She also quoted an older man from her church who’s known for saying, “The Lord knows.” All these up-in-the-air decisions, celebration gatherings, physical and mental anguish, broken and failed relationships—the Lord knows. In fact, He knew about all of these areas of our life long ago. My part is to trust and believe He’s working all these things out for my best. He knows and cares.

    That’s another thing I love about my friends. They’re honest, loyal, and not afraid to point me to the Light, my Saviour. Isaiah 43:1 is a great reminder, to fear not for I am redeemed. He knows me on a first name basis. I am His and He is mine. What more do I need?

    How about you? Do you fear certain things especially this time of year? Can you call on the Great I am, God, to rescue you from those fears? There’s no better time than now to say, “Here I am, Lord. I believe in You and want you to be my redeemer-friend-Saviour.” It’s as simple as that.  

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others

  • Don’t Give Up

    Needing some me-time, I traveled to my sanctuary place near the water and pen these words:

    I go to my Sanctuary
    Quiet reigns
    Except for quacking geese
    Nearby culinary smells of
    Freshly baked bread
    American flag flutters over the boat stern
    A solitary sailboat with jib hoisted
    Moves slowly across the lake
    Peace prevails without
    From within, my spirit begins to calm

    There are no guarantees for a happy or healthy life. Even or especially in the middle of this all-encompassing COVID-19 pandemic. There’s a verse that’s meaningful to me. I hope it is for you too.

    The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged – Deuteronomy 31:8.

    He tells us not to be afraid or discouraged. I have to admit that I’ve been both throughout most of this past year. Even today I wrestle with fear, anxiety, and doubt. I feel jittery, tense, wanting to be someplace else. If I can keep the above words in the forefront of my mind, they’ll give me calm assurance. Confidence. Trust in the One who’s got this whole mess under control. He knows the beginning from the end.

    He will not abandon me or you in the middle of a crisis or afterwards. Just knowing He is there beside me each step of the way causes my mind and heart to feel at peace.

    When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn,” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

    *When’s the last time you felt unable to focus because of anxiety and worry? What’s it like for you?

    *What are you fearful or discouraged about right now? How can you get past those negative thoughts?

    *****

  • St. Teresa’s Bookmark

    Let nothing trouble you,
    let nothing frighten you.

    Mother Teresa
    Mother Teresa

    All things are passing;
    God never changes.
    Patience obtains all things.
    Whoever possesses God lacks nothing:
    God alone suffices.

  • S.O.S. call

    Recently my husband Steve and I were forced to call the Coast Guard for a rescue. We’ve been boating for over 30 years and always relied on our own wits and resources to get us out of a jam. Not this time! We landed on the wrong side of a sandbar and needed help to pull us off and then tow us to a safe location.   SOS - Boat US rescue 6-15-2014

    As I age (or mature sounds better to me), I’m realizing it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s more than okay. Sometimes it’s the wisest decision to make. As humans created by the Almighty, we weren’t made to live independently of each other. We need each other for support, guidance, and even physical help from time to time. I’ve noticed when I’m on the giving end of help that I, too, am blessed. The blessings go both ways—to the giver and to the receiver.

    • How about you? Are you struggling with a tough decision?

    • Could you use a listening ear to navigate through a rocky time in your life?

    Dear God, thank you for being available in times of fear and stress. Thank you also for providing others to help during times of need. Sometimes I don’t even know I’m needy, yet You send along someone to encourage, bless, or guide me along this life path.

    “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them even sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you”—Psalm 5:11.

  • Help is only a prayer away

    Sometimes it’s about admitting our inability to shoulder the burden alone. There will be times of troubles, trials, and temptations. We’ll be disappointed and distressed as we walk this journey called life. Maybe you’re plagued with an ongoing health issue, or a child you love dearly tests every fiber of being in your body. For some, Satan is trying any way possible to place a wedge between you and your spouse.           image002 (Copy)

    The question is not if fears and trials come, but when. When these afflictions plague us, know that there is a place to run to for help, a strong tower to shoulder our weak frame.

    God’s comforting words appear many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” When God says something, He means it. He is there right alongside us as we go through deep waters. I may not see Him physically, but faith tells me that He’s there regardless of my limited sight.

    • Whom do you seek in times of trouble?
    • When have you felt the mighty hand of God?
    • Can you name your fear(s) and willingly offer them up releasing them to a compassionate God?

    We’re offered solace and refuge in Isaiah 41:10/NLT, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

     *****

  • Spring: it’s just around the corner now!

    Finches display yellow once again
    Spring is close at hand
    Winter passes
    Have no fear
    Hang on

    Orchid, Frederick Meijer Gardens
    Orchid, Frederick Meijer Gardens

     

    Put winter garb away
    Sun shines radiantly
    Vibrant color palettes replace
    Dismal gray

    Our God truly reigns!

  • Seek Rest for your Soul

    Seek Rest for your Soul

    Grand Haven Lighthouse (photo by Steve Lasher)
    Grand Haven Lighthouse (photo by Steve Lasher)

    “Go somewhere fear told you you couldn’t go. Find your edge and push it. Speak that truth. Joseph Campbell said, ‘The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.’

    The treasure is growth, risk’s reward. Turns out the cave is more amazing than frightening; spacious, pristine and liberating.” (from Soulseeds.com)

    Is fear speaking to you right now? Maybe fear is preventing you from submitting a magazine or book proposal. Are you a bit afraid of going to the edge and signing up for a writer’s retreat? Have you considered a retreat or conference might be the jumpstart you need to go to the next level?

    The treasure is awaiting you — you need only step out in faith. Reserve your spot now. Don’t delay another day. Is it time to begin Writing in Harmony with your Soul? A perfect opportunity awaits you to join fellow writers for 30 hours of writing, reflective time, learning, brainstorming and much more!

    Find out more about finding your treasure and dispelling crippling fear. Come join us on March 22–23. For more information, see:

    https://www.meetup.com/wordweavers-wmi/events/101252082/

    “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock & my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” — Psalm 62:5–6.

  • Unplugged for 15 days

    St. Bart's

    You’ve probably wondered where I’ve been the last couple of weeks — 15 days of being “unplugged” from Internet and cell phones. Yes, I said 15 days & I must say except for the first 2-3 days of nervous withdrawal, it’s been great! I am here today to tell you it can be done and with a large degree of satisfaction.

    My location necessitated this decision to be totally unplugged. My husband and I and three other couples boarded a 40-foot Leopard catamaran in Marigot Bay, St. Martin. We successfully circumnavigated nine different islands and bays in the West Indies including St. Marteen (Dutch & French side), St. Barts, Nevis, St. Kitts, Statia, Anguilla, Ilet Pinel & Tintamarre and back to St. Marteen.

    Botanical Gardens - Nevis
    Botanical Gardens – Nevis

    I experienced a wide spectrum of emotions during the two weeks including (but not limited to):

    • Joy (beauty in nature, delightful foods, camaraderie with friends, lasting picture memories)
    • Fear (wind and waves)
    • Amazement (God’s creation – colorful fish, flowers, plants, trees, mountains)
    • Pain (received a bite of some kind which caused swelling, intense heat)
    • Ecstasy (color of waters, majestic mountains, birds, flying fish and turtles)
    • Regret (family members & friends not there with us to experience this beauty)

    Now I can bask in memories as I peruse our numerous pictures. You, too, can come along as I share the photos here & on Facebook.

    Flower on St. Barts
    Flower on St. Barts

  • Guilty or not guilty?

    “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” — Psalm 139:23, 24.

    “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life” – Psalm 139:23, 24 (The Message).

    Investigate, search, test me — those are mighty probing terms. Do I really want the God of the universe cross-examining me? One thing for sure – nothing will slip past him. There’s no way I can bluff the One who sees all and knows all.

    Prayer: Thank you, God, that you are a personal God. You are involved by knowing & caring for each of us. Gently lead me away from wrongful behavior and thinking. Guide me in the path of integrity & virtue.

    Ask: What about you? Are you willing to have every thought and action cross-examined before the Judge? Or, like me, are there some pieces of your life you’d rather not have exposed? If so, can you take steps to right the wrongs?

    ***

  • Things aren’t as they used to be

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:14–16).

    This verse suggests that I should not be complaining, moaning and groaning about the non-working or poor-working parts of my body. Since I am fearfully & wonderfully made (Scripture says so) and God’s works are wonderful, then my body is as it’s supposed to be.

    Every day has been pre-arranged. God is aware of the exact state of my body today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

    “Though the process of aging continues, inwardly you grow stronger with the passing years. Those who live close to Me develop an inner aliveness that makes them seem youthful in spite of their years,” Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

    I must trust that He knows what He’s doing & all is going according to plan.

    • Do you grow tired of certain body parts not functioning as they should?
    • Can you turn the grumbling into thanking God for what is going well in your life & what body parts are functioning well?

    ***