Strength for the Journey

My family loves hiking.  On an overnight backpacking trip in the Adirondacks this summer we camped at a lake on the way up Crane Mountain.

The next day we packed up and began climbing the steep incline to the summit.  The way was hard.  Each step was difficult.  Sweat dripped down my forehead and body.  Tired muscles straining, I took step after step trudging up the rocky mountain terrain carrying my heavy backpack.

I know from experience that there is a reward for such hard work.  Along with great exercise, there's moments when you take a break.  Slipping off your backpack, you get to breath in the mountain air and gaze at breathtaking views.  These are views that you would never be able to see without making the difficult trek.  Sitting back and basking in the sunshine, you feel the cool mountain air against your face.  As you sip water and nibble on a protein snack, you feel your body revive and you are strengthened. 

Life is a journey.  The way can be hard, but God is good and helps us keep going.  He gives us times of rest so we can renew and refresh ourselves; times where we can relax and enjoy God's gift of life given to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus promises to be with us every step of the way.  Psalm 23:3 from the Amplified Bible says this:  "He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake."

Isn't that a beautiful promise from God to all who put their trust in Him?

Step out and walk with the LORD today.  Let Him lead you in His paths.  Life can be difficult but it's worth it.  God will refresh and restore your life and give you strength for the journey.

Live the adventure,
Susan

The Power of the Word

I woke up early this morning, startled from a vivid nightmare.  My heart was pounding from fear and my mind was racing with terrifying thoughts.  "God, cleanse my mind from this," I prayed.  As I prayed, words from a Scripture verse came to my mind.

Words are powerful, but even more powerful than what any human being can ever write or say are the words that God has revealed to us in His Word, the Bible.  This is God's message to us.  It contains all we need to know for this life and how to gain eternal life (through realizing we are sinners in need of Jesus the only Savior and placing our faith in the sacrificial death and resurrection of God the Son - Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sin)!

The particular Scripture verse that came to mind this morning was a verse that a teacher in high school made us memorize.  I went to public school from K-8th and then my parents placed me and my siblings into a Christian School.  On every science test, my Chemistry teacher began the test with making us write a particular Bible verse from memory.  At the time I can remember not being too thrilled with it and actually a little bit annoyed.  I thought, "What is the point with repeating the same verse over and over?"  Now, thirty years later I understand and I thank God for what this teacher did for me, even if I didn't realize it at the time.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

The Scripture verse is found in Philippians 4:8.  I am embarrassed to say that years later I didn't remember the reference and had to look it up and I even fogot the exact wording of the verse, but its essence has stuck with me and the Holy Spirit has brought and continues to bring key words from this verse to my mind - words like PURE, TRUE, HONEST, LOVELY & JUST.  I am going to be spending some time later today reviewing this verse and committing it to memory, especially in light of the the two verses Philippians 4:8 is sandwiched between. 

Here are the three verses together.  Look at their powerful impact!

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

When my first husband died in a terrible car accident (it was in the middle of the PA turnpike and shut the whole road down), the Bible promise I clung to was Philippians 4:7.  I am telling you that God kept my heart and mind from going crazy because of my Savior Jesus Christ.  To discover that this verse is linked to a verse I learned as a teen has been a startling revelation to me.  I had probably noticed it before but never really took note of it until this moment.  And then, I want you to take a look at verse nine.  Wow!  It says, "those things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do - and the God of peace shall be with you."

Amazing.  Simply amazing.  Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, things of good report is what God tells us to think about - to dwell on - things that have virtue and praise.  God's Word is powerful, never doubt it.  Learn it, receive it, hear it and then do it!  It is something that God is working on in my life and He wants to do the same for you!

Living the adventure,
Susan

 

Hope Midst the Darkness

Hope Midst the Darkness

By Susan Kelly Skitt

12-26-2012

Senseless horror, lives are slain,

Evil lurks on earth’s fair plain,

Darkness, death, murder, hate

Hover near eternity’s gate.

What hope is found for this world of sin?

What help and comfort can be found within?

The answer came one night long ago,

When angels came to shepherds low,

Announcing good tidings of great joy for everyone,

God sent the Savior- He sent His Son.

Jesus brings peace to our troubled hearts,

He gives help and hope - a brand new start,

Glory to God and on earth peace to all,

Who receive the Savior when on His name they call!

God brings peace to this world of strife;

Jesus offers joy and hope – eternal life!

Crimson and Snow

Photo Credit National Geographic

“Mom, come quick and look!”  Joel peered out our window at bright red birds zig-zagging across our backyard.  “I counted five of them, Mom!”  I watched in amazement as one of the cardinals darted from a pine branch to the frosty ground.  The striking crimson bird stood out in stark contrast to the barren December landscape.

Whenever I see a cardinal, I think of my grandmother.  My Nanna loved the red-suited little fellows and had various cardinal knick-knacks she would display on her shelves during the winter months.  When you entered my grandparents’ home, it was always warm and cozy—a restful haven for all.   

I am thankful too for the Christian heritage that my grandparents and parents passed down.  The truth of the Scriptures were taught to us so we could see in vivid color what Jesus did for us when He shed His precious blood on the cross.  Christ came into the world to die for our sins –paying sin’s penalty so all that trust in Him can have eternal life in Heaven.

As I look forward to Christmas 2012 and the coming New Year, I am thankful for the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf—a sacrifice of crimson that washes us white as snow!

Have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

Susan Kelly Skitt

On Eagle's Wings

Exodus 19:3-5

King James Version (KJV)

³ And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
⁴ Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
⁵ Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Demonstrating True Love

I'm reading through a 40 day devotional book revolving around the topic of LOVE.  It's not the Love is a Verb Devotional book where I have written two stories.  That book is a lovely daily devotional for one year that various authors have contributed real life stories to show examples of love into action.

The particular book I'm reading right now in addition to my regular Bible reading is a little different.  It is to challenge the reader to define a different aspect of love each day for 40 days.  It's more of a personal evaluation for the reader to know how to personally put love into action.  It is an action plan!  I've had this book on the shelf for a few years but only now dusted it off and opened its pages. 

We've all heard and know about the love chapter in I Corinthians 13, right?  It's used often at weddings with starry-eyed couples embarking on loves new adventure.  How many of us can off the top of our head list some of the things that love is or is not?  Love is patient, love is kind, etc, etc.  But when we encounter daily life challenges in our family and in our marriage, do we always put God's definition of love into action?  How can we do that?

When we realize that God always works in our lives in love because God is love, it is both exciting and humbling.  To learn to love like God loves is a challenge I want to take seriously.  I am sad to say that I can often say, "I love you" but not follow through with those actions in everyday life situations, especially when I am frustrated.  (That's another day's challenge - Love is not irritable!)

The first challenge on Day 1 of the book was to resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all.  It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.

The question afterward looked like this:  Did anything happen today to cause anger toward your mate?  Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words?

This was quite a challenge for me and I have to admit that I felt like I was biting my tongue quite a bit.  I am by nature (my old sin nature) not the most patient person on God's planet.  I'm a "take charge" kind of person and if something doesn't go the way I think it should go and in the time frame I think it should happen, I can get very impatient.  (Actually after writing that, it sounds selfish doesn't it?  That's another day's challenge.)

For instance, I like to be on time.  There is nothing wrong with that, is there?  But how I act and react when things aren't working towards that end is the issue.  Maybe it's something that happened in the home to delay departing for an event or even traffic on the road.  And if I'm honest, I can even be the cause of the delay sometimes!

God wants to develop patience in our lives.  He allows difficulties and even delays to cultivate patience in us.  When we check our hearts against God's Word we will learn what needs to change.  I need God's daily cleansing because my heart by old sinful standards is deceitful and selfish.  The Bible says, "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly."  Proverbs 14:29  I want to be a person of great understanding and not a fool.  For those of us who know Jesus as our personal Savior, we have a new nature in Christ that enables us to choose what is right. 

Let's decide today to put love into action and practice patience.  It's God's starting point to demonstrate true love.

Because You Care Book Tour

Adventures in Living is honored to host the Because You Care Blog Book Tour!  I have helped in the caregiving role with my own grandfather and highly recommend this beautiful gift book.  Please leave a comment at the end of this post to enter to win the Grand Prize Giveaway!

As someone caring for an ill or elderly loved one, you understand that your role can push you to the limit, press on every nerve—and yet fill you with a deep sense of love and peace of mind.

Beloved authors Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk know this too. Beautifully written and full of gentle wisdom, their personal stories of caregiving will help you face some of the ups and downs of your journey.

• Feeling guilty for doing too much, too little, or nothing at all
• Answering other’s well-meaning but insensitive questions
• Watching someone you dearly love suffer or die

 Here are the stories from those living the life. Let their encouraging words lift your heart.

This Is Who You Are

From Cec and Twila

Others may call you brave. They’ll use words like noble or sacrificial. They’ll admire and applaud you because you’ve offered your life to make yourself available to someone who needs a long-term caregiver.

“I couldn’t do what you’re doing for him,” a friend says.

You listen to the words your friend speaks, and you like hearing the compliments. Yet as you listen and smile, you don’t see yourself as exceptional. You’re doing the right thing for someone you love, and that gives you peace. You also know the reason you’ve devoted your energies to another person.

You can express that reason in a single sentence: “I do it because I care.” You might say it’s because you love the person, or you may do it because of a strong sense of commitment to God and to your loved one. Regardless of how you express yourself, you’re determined to give yourself as fully as you can.

Some days you may not feel like loving anyone. You get tired, lose your temper, or think of the things you didn’t accomplish. During the worst times, you wish the situation would change. And in those dark moments, you’ve probably prayed, Dear Lord, please take this burden from me.

The situation probably won’t change for a long time—perhaps years. It’s not the kind of life you would have imagined. You probably envisioned living out your years in blissful peace. Caring for your loved one wasn’t part of your dream, but this is the life you have. Despite the moments of sadness, perhaps even regret, your answer remains the same: “I care.”

Taken from:  Because You Care.  Text Copyright © 2012 by Cecil Murphey, Twila Belk.  Artwork Copyright © 2012 by Betty Fletcher. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon.  Used by permission.

About the Authors:

Twila Belk and Cecil (Cec) Murphey are both long-term caregivers for their spouses. Twila, aka the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a writer and speaker who loves to brag on God. She works fulltime with Cec as his manager, personal assistant, and biggest fan. Cec is a veteran author who has written or co-written more than 125 published books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold in the millions and have brought hope and encouragement to countless readers around the world. Cec and Twilas’ second co-authored book, Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware (Guideposts Books), released in August 2012. 

For more info about Twila, visit www.gottatellsomebody.com.

For more info about Cec, visit www.cecilmurphey.com. 

Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers

Harvest House Publishers

Gift Book

ISBN 978-0-7369-4328-4

Retail Price: $12.99

Release Date: February 2012

Authors: Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk

Find Us on Facebook:

Because You Care Facebook page:  Click here  

Articles by Twila Belk on Caregiving:

·         Waiting and Wondering

·         Insensitive Remarks

·         Toenail Love

·         Because You Care, You’ll Care for Yourself

·         Caregivers Need Encouragement

Grand Prize Giveaway

·         Book—Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers

·         Book—Hope and Comfort for Every Season

·         Hallmark journal, list pad, and memo pad stack

·         Glade “Angel Whispers” candle

·         Hershey’s Bliss dark chocolate

Instructions to enter the Grandprize Drawing:

1. Leave a comment about the book or author on this blog post during the blog tour.

2. Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by October 12.

3. The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer.

4. The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name.

The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.