Easily Distracted

 This has been an unusually difficult week filled with some super highs and super lows. My son is making progress - amazing progress, especially for 15+ years post TBI. That's the good stuff! On the other end of the emotional spectrum - the wheel pretty much just fell off our handicap van. I'll be paying more than the van is worth to get it fixed. Lol. It was certainly one of those caregiver nightmares - but man, it could have been a lot worse and I saw God's hand at work even in the middle of the mess. 

I didn't need the distraction, quite honestly. I mean seriously, I can distract myself quite easily and do so all day most days. But as I was praying about how in the world I'm going to come up with the money to fix the van and get us back rolling - I thought about how easy it is to see the storm. 

Faith is not in a physical form. We can't see, touch, or feel it. It takes faith to know that we have faith. We also cannot physically see or hear God. That takes faith too - to keep believing that He is "out there," that He loves us, and He is with us - even when we can't see Him.

My mind went to Matthew 14 where Peter walked on the water. He jumped out of the boat once he was sure it was Jesus who had come walking on the water to them - in the middle of the storm - in the darkest part of the night. (I'm pretty sure He wasn't even carrying a flashlight!) We applaud Peter for getting out of the boat. But we are quick to condemn him for being distracted by the storm. It's easy to shout, "Keep your eyes on Jesus" from the sidelines, isn't it?

Then, it hit me. Peter was distracted by the storm he could see - but he could see Jesus too! 

We don't have that privilege. We can feel our own storms, emotions, pain, confusion - you fill in the blank. By faith we know God is with us - even though we can't see Him.  If Peter can get distracted by the storm with Jesus standing right there...we can't condemn ourselves when we get distracted in our storms. God certainly won't!

If we can keep our eyes on Him - we can do the miraculous, including clinging to Him during the dark night of the soul. And if we can't keep our eyes on Him? He's still right there. Jesus didn't abandon Peter, He reached for him. And Peter distracted himself with the storm with Jesus standing right there. We are okay, you guys!

Today, I'll encourage myself by reminding myself that God will not abandon my soul if I get distracted by the storm. He won't throw up His hands and walk away. I'll direct myself to look for His hand in the dark of night. Then, when I see it - I'll grab it and let Him lift me up out of the troubled waters of my soul and trust Him to put me back in the boat and bring peace once again. I'll remind myself that He's not going anywhere, He's here for me. I believe I can trust Him for one more day - will you join me?

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Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.

 Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced

Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation

                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16

New Release! Peace Out!

I just released the 31-day devotional Peace Out! It's in the Bible. Each day's scripture has something to do with peace - and how we can continue to enjoy it and walk in it - no matter what! It's available on Kindle and print in my Amazon bookstore and in printable ebook form on my new website Dove's Fire Publications.