Reels of the Past

Chris standing at the little pond at Red Rock Canyon

 One of my favorite speakers of late is Lisa Harper. She is so smart, engaging, and witty in her delivery. I love her books and her videos. She seems to be down to earth, down here with us real people. Yesterday, after Chris watched his teaching video (we do this almost every morning), the next one that played was Lisa Harper. I just left it on. 

As she began to share, something she said sparked a mental reel. That's my best description for it. She was talking about trusting God and how He's carried us through so much already. Whenever she said it, it was like this mini-quick reel played in my mind. I thought about my divorce and the fears I faced, starting with no job and two little kiddos to raise alone. Then, as a single parent, I returned to school to complete my bachelor's degree in Education. 

Images of the mystery illness I had in 1996-7 ran through my mind. I thought about how God carried me through that. In just a matter of a few seconds, these and so many other instances ran through my head. I was immediately humbled as I realized how God has always carried me through. 

I found this quick trip through time to be very encouraging. If (since) God carried me through all of the crazy life events, I'm pretty sure He is not going to abandon me and leave me stranded in the middle of this caregiving journey.

My mind went to Nahum 1:7. It goes something like this: God is good and faithful. He is a stronghold in the day(s) of trouble. He knows those who trust Him. I found great contentment just in knowing that He knows my level of trust. He knows the areas I struggle with and those I am a bit stronger in. He knows when I tell Him I'm "done" for the 99th time today that I have one more ounce of trust for later...so He waits. He knows I'll be right back. Lol.

I love that He knows I can be so wishy-washy, but He doesn't give up on me. He doesn't walk out or throw up His hands. He just silently, patiently waits for me to get it together again - because He knows me. Lol. I love that He knows me and sticks around on purpose.

Today, I will remind myself that God remains even when the world feels broken. Even when I feel battered and torn in the middle of life's storms. I'll think about all that He has already walked through with me over the years with absolutely no thought of leaving me, ever. I will be content today, just knowing that He is right here with me in the middle of the messes of life, even the ones I make myself. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?


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Affirmations for Caregivers

Cover of 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.



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