My Personal 23rd Psalms

King David...  My brother from another mother.  I can relate to David's position of being the youngest of 8 sons, as I am the youngest of 8 daughters.  I can relate to David sitting out in the fields writing, because in a large family, it's very easy to get lost in the crowd, so one tends to create one's own reality.  I too love to be in nature, sitting quietly, writing, praying, reflecting, and yes, daydreaming.  I find such peace in connecting with God through nature and quiet time.  I don't need the TV.  I don't need the phone.  Just my iPad, and the beautiful surroundings of God's creation.  

Lastly, I guess I should come clean and confess that David and I also have a very daring and crazy side that surfaces at times. Yep, that's pretty much where being the youngest will get you.

At this stage in my life, the 23rd Psalms represents more than just a prayer.  It represents my precious hand-holding journey with Christ through this life He has called me to live.  I'd love to share with you what my personal 23rd Psalms would look like today, should I write it.

Psalms 23 

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I don't have to worry about where God is taking me, because He has equipped me for the journey.

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

I rest in His beauty and remain calm as He guides me.

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Everything I lost along the way, He restores so that it's clear all glory belongs to Him.

4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Although it looks extremely dark at times, I'm aware it's like a train tunnel with a beaming light of purpose waiting on the other end.  I shall not be derailed, because He is my plus 1 and I am safe in His guidance. 

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

He has prepared everything I need before I even know I need it.  Even the onlookers are in awe of His love for me.  He keeps my mind sound and always gives me more than enough so that I can generously share His gift of love.

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I have no doubt that His favor will open doors for me.  I enter and stay connected to His plan.

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy

Don't Cry.

If you currently have or have survived teenage and/or young adult children, then you've been to "wits end".  Yes, it's an actual place.  I have the t-shirt and the hat!  I'd done everything I thought was right, had the best intentions, extended love, grace and 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances.  Yet, the dark cloud of parental despair loomed over my head like a storm cloud!  The pain and disappointment of not having my child follow my "life manual" was just too much.  At this point, there seemed nothing left to do, except find a comfortable place to cry.  So that's what I did.  I sat down, grabbed my iPad and opened my bible app in hopes of finding some kind of encouragement for this weary mom.

For some reason (I'm sure it was a God reason), I read Luke 7:11-17 which talks about Jesus raising the widow's son from the dead.  No idea why I read that, but Jesus' words in verse 13 were spoken just for me.  He simply said, "Don't cry."  Huge gulp!  Two simple words that carried so much weight with me in this tearful moment.  It was like He was saying, "Your hopes and dreams for your child may look dead, but you won't be needing those tears.  I'm in control." 

The next words He spoke were, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"  Verse 15 goes on to say the young man got up, began to talk and Jesus gave him back to his mother.  He took what seemed like a dead situation, gave it new life and gave it back to the mother.  

Your situation may be different from mine, yet the burden of the grief is just as heavy.  You may have had days when you cried, prayed, and pleaded with God for change, yet things seemed to remain unchanged.  Whatever you're going through, be confident of this one thing, when Jesus speaks, His voice gives new life.  His touch is LIFE-changing.  His presence restores!

No matter what it looks like right now, don't give up.  Pray and trust God's plan.  Watch Him take what looks like a total disaster and turn it into purpose where nothing will be wasted.  Rest in knowing His voice has the power to bring new life to seamingly dead situations.  So, as I encourage myself, allow me to encourage you.  "Don't cry".  God is in control.

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy

I've been there!

I heard someone mention a place they were planning to visit for vacation.  I got so excited and said, "I've been there!"  I went on to recommend certain places of interest, great restaurants and so many wonderful things there were to appreciate there.  I just knew how they would feel being there, because "I've been there".

Unfortunately, there are also other places I've been in life that weren't so enjoyable and when I see people in those places, my reaction is different, yet the same.  Sometimes the reaction is more along the lines of a hug and a whisper, "I've been there."

Colossians 3:12-14 says, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience...forgive...And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  It can sometimes be uncomfortable and humbling to acknowledge some of our pitfalls, but think of how great of a witness you can be to someone who feels like they are at the end of their rope.  Of course there are experiences and events in our lives that we're not too proud of.  Maybe it's not something you want to talk about at all.  But there are times where your story is just the medicine to heal someone else's pain.

I can tell you first hand how comforting it is when I am down and someone shares a story of how they overcame the very thing I'm struggling with.  It strengthens my faith and reminds me to hold onto God's promises.  At times, we all need to be reminded that we're not alone, we're not the only person this has happened to, we're certainly not forgotten and, most importantly, we are loved.  

So the next time you see someone who's in a "not so great" place in life to which you can relate, please don't let them suffer alone.  Clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bind them together with love and let them know, "I've been there."

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy/