Does It All Revolve Around the Sun?

 If you've followed my blog for long, you know that I love the creation passages. There are several of them scattered throughout the scriptures, from Genesis, of course, to Isaiah, Psalms, and even Job. I enjoy reading the passages and imagining the scenes as they are described. This morning, I went all the way back to Genesis 1, where the beginning began. 

It's interesting to me that God created light on day one, but He did not create and set the sun in the sky until day 4. How did that happen? We tend to feel like our lives revolve around the sun - and in a very practical, actual way, it does here on Earth. But as I unleashed my best creative thinking and imagination to try to capture the power of creation this morning, I realized that the sun isn't the point. It's not even a reference point since God didn't bother to create it until day 4. What's even crazier is that He didn't need it for light. He only set it in the sky to "govern" the light.

Instead of everything revolving in a symbolic way around the sun - it revolves around what God did, what He said was to be. The sun can only do what God designed and ordered it to do. And, of course, it does it well! But here's the thing, God didn't need the sun. The sun needed God. God was intentional about creating and setting the sun, pretty much for our benefit and to help keep all He had created in line and orderly.

He is just as intentional about us, perhaps more. He set the sun in the sky and walked away, so to speak. But He chose to indwell us. He chose to interact with us in our daily lives - as much as we will LET Him. He didn't want to be up-close-and-personal with the sun, moon, or stars, even though they are His creations. He watches them from afar. But with us - He moves right in to the extent we allow Him to.

Today, my meditations will be on how much I allow God to have of me. How much do I "let" Him see? He sees it all, but He is respectful. I purpose today to let God get closer. He will not shun me for all my crazy thoughts. He won't move out because caregiving makes Him uncomfortable. I'll remind myself that He is right here, with me, and for me. So, I will trust Him for today. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                           

If you enjoy these devotionals, I have others! I've expanded my bookstore on Amazon. My devotionals are available in Kindle or print format. The new Bible study guides are now available on Kindle and in print! Amazon is the only place they are available right now as I am working on developing a new website.

Road to Emmaus

I love the Road to Emmaus story in the last chapter of Luke's gospel. But this morning, as I was reading it with fresh eyes, a couple of different things stood out to me. It's almost two stories in one since Jesus reveals Himself to the two walking on the road, then He does the same to the disciples later in the chapter.

As He approached the two men walking toward Emmaus, He recognized that they were sad. Jesus asked them what they were concerned about. We know that God doesn't need to ask us questions just to obtain information. Lol. They began to share their deep grief with Jesus as the three continued to walk toward Emmaus. As they shared their viewpoints about how the Messiah had come, and they had been disappointed when He was killed, but now they were hearing that He had been raised from the dead.

Jesus met them where they were in their belief system and in their doubts, and he began to explain all the OT prophecies pertaining to Him. Wouldn't that be an amazing experience? But they still missed it. Maybe it was because they were blinded by grief and disappointment. Boy, have I been there as a caregiver. As the story goes, they reached their destination and invited Him to eat with them. But when He broke the bread, they realized who He was.

He didn't hide who He was because of their pain, doubt, unbelief, or disappointment.  As a matter of fact, while they were walking on the road and discussing their pain and grief - Jesus approached them! He could have taken another, happier road. He could have avoided them altogether - like a lot of people do when they don't know how to deal with our pain or grief. But He didn't - He walked right up to them and revealed Himself to the two. 

God is not afraid of our grief or pain. He doesn't even avoid our doubt or disbelief. Instead, He walks right up into our situations and declares He is the bread of life - the bread that keeps us alive in the middle of the mess. The bread that was pierced in the Passover tradition demonstrates how He would be pierced for our souls. The bread that was broken during the Passover and our modern communion services demonstrate how He was broken for us. He will not avoid us - instead, He will reveal Himself to us on a level we can understand.

Today, I'll remind myself that Jesus approaches me on the road I'm taking. He wasn't going to Emmaus. He was reaching for these two souls. My thoughts will be on how He also reaches for my soul on life's road. I'll turn my thoughts to how He accompanies me on the road - no matter where I'm going. It's not the road or the destination that matters - it's the revelation of Him in the middle of the day that gives me something to hold on to. I'll reach out today, grab hold of His truth, and trust that He is the sustaining bread of my life. Will you join me?

Unforgettable

 For some reason, this week has been rougher emotionally. It seems I was just cruising along, and BAM! I got hit with all sorts of stuff from many different sides. I gifted the rest of my son's percussion equipment to a young, local drummer who is just starting out. I felt like I was giving a piece of my son away. But I convinced myself it was better for the bag of goodies to be used than to just sit in the closet for another 15 years.

Then, yesterday, I came across a video on FaceBook. When Chris had the wreck, he was in a relationship with a wonderful young lady. While I have no ill feelings toward her for moving ahead with her life, it stung as I watched her wedding video. I had a break-down moment and an ugly cry. I am happy that she is happy, but my emotions got the better of me as my son has been forgotten.

For the caregiver, it can feel like the world has moved on and we've been forgotten. The alone-ness is deep, long, and dark sometimes. Friends seem to have moved far away emotionally (perhaps because they did). Maybe they are afraid we'll ask for the help they mindlessly offered. Family can be distant too, and relationships shallow, leaving us feeling like we have a shell of a life. I have to say, this week, I have felt forgotten.

As is my custom, I ran to the word for comfort and solutions. To my surprise, God doesn't tell us to "suck it up, buttercup." Instead, He comforts our souls. He gets us. He gets the pain, the alone-ness, and every other aspect of our caregiving journey. Then, He reminds us that we are unforgettable to Him. I found two scriptures to encourage myself with.

• Psalm 27:10 - When my father and my mother (sister, brother, stranger, and friend) forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.
• Isaiah 49:15 - Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet, I will not forget you.

We cannot be far enough back in our caregiver's cave for God to forget us, not see us, and not reach us.

Today, I will remind myself that I am inscribed (tattooed) on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16) He can't forget me - and better yet - He doesn't want to! God will not look away from our circumstances, from our wounds, or from our pain. He marches right in and sits down with us, and reminds us that He is here. He has us. He will not leave us. He will not forget us. This is my meditation for the day. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                           

Would You Like to Show Support for Dove's Fire Ministries?

Maybe you've wondered about helping support all that goes on at DFM. One way is to shop my personal bookstore, which has devotionals, Bible study guides, and more that I have written. Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore.

You can also donate via PayPal at paypal.me/dovesfireministries 

Or you can donate via CashApp: $JeanieOlinger

Or if you have Venmo my ID is:@Mary-Olinger-6

Which Path

 Each day presents many paths, and we get to choose which one(s) to walk. Some things are given, right? We will care for our loved ones meeting their needs often before (or instead of) our own. We'll cook, clean, do laundry, work, and of course, have coffee. Those are givens. The one big choice to be a caregiver supersedes and commands all these smaller choices. We don't even have to think about them for the most part. They are just part of our days. We got on that path already, and we just ride life out from there. We don't get up every morning and wonder if we'll be providing care for our loved ones. We just do it.

But we can choose some paths. And the freedom of being able to choose can help us oftentimes keep our attitudes in check. Here's what got me thinking along these lines.

This morning, I was reading Psalm 142. In verse three, David, who just happened to be writing it from a cave according to the subheading, says this. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. (NKJV) He goes on to elaborate on his emotions by saying, They have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul. I may not say it just like that, but I sure feel it like that sometimes. 

Social isolation is a real thing for caregivers. Even if we can get out some, there can be a lot of anxiety. I often feel like we stick out like a sore thumb, and I never know when we do make plans if the facility is accessible or not. We've run into a few tough ones, which often discourages me from going out at all. Forget choosing any path - I'll just stay home. Lol.

But our emotions can travel down paths too, especially for those of us who feel alone or have inadequate support or help. Caregiving, as beautiful as it is, can be a cold, lonely walk that no one seems to understand. But God sees the path of our emotions. He sees the paths of our thoughts. And He is not afraid to meet us on those crazy, winding, dark paths. 

David goes on to say in verse 5, I said, You are my portion. That's a path choice, right there. He decided to cry out to God. He chose to praise God in the middle of the soul prison. He purposed to praise God from the back of the cave. That is where true freedom lives.

Today, I will try to look past the cave and the darkness of the path and focus on the light of God's word. My meditations will be on how God is with me in the cave and on the path. I'll remind myself that God knows the paths my thoughts and emotions will take even before they head out. I'll turn my thoughts to God's goodness even in the dark times. His righteousness, even when I feel less-than. And His presence even when I feel alone. I purpose to praise Him from the back of the cave and trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                                   

I don't Like "All Things"

Yesterday morning, I was puttering around doing my caregiver tasks. For some reason, the last couple of weeks have been particularly hard for me emotionally. I fight off thoughts about what my son might have done if the wreck hadn't happened. Would he be playing drums for a famous band? Who would he have married? Would he have married at all? What would his children be like? What would he look like and act like as a dad? I try to brush them aside, but the barrage continues. 

As usual, I start thinking of scriptures to encourage myself, and I heard myself think, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I thought about it for a little bit. Then, I decided that maybe I don't want to do all things. Maybe doing all things isn't what it was cracked up to be. Does it mean I have to do "all things?" While I am thankful that I am able to be my son's caregiver, sometimes I sure do wish life had taken a few different turns.

I'm sure Paul did, too, as he sat in a prison cell with hardened criminals and penned, I can do all things through Christ to the Philippian church. He actually spends the two previous verses explaining that he'd seen good days and bad, had plenty and lack, and been hungry and well-fed, so he was ready to just trust God no matter what.  Sometimes perspective is a huge encourager and a reminder that it could be worse on many levels.

So, I turned my thoughts to just trusting God today. Life may not have played out like I wanted or planned for it to, but every day is a good day to trust Him. No matter what. The "all things" are nonnegotiable that life throws at us, whether we are expecting them or not. They are those phone calls in the night that a loved one fell or passed. They are watching the slow decline of a spouse or parent who is gradually slipping away. They may be holding our child while they are in extreme pain or confusion. I don't like those kinds of "all things," do you? 

But I know that no matter what a day tosses our way, God is with us in our "all things." He never tosses any prayers back to us. He doesn't tell us that a situation is too sticky for Him to walk through with us. He reminds us to bring all our cares, even the ones washed in tears, to Him. We don't have to dress anything up - just come just as we are to Him. And He will meet us there and empower us for all things.

Today, I will remind myself that God is right here in my "all things." He has not abandoned me or even looked the other way. I'm not told to refrain from expressing my pain, hurt, feelings, or emotions. God takes it all and sits in my "all things" with me and waits for me to be ready to allow Him to carry me. Today, I will rest in His heart and let Him carry me and my all things as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                           

If you enjoy these devotionals, I have others! I've expanded my bookstore on Amazon. My devotionals are available in Kindle or print format. The new Bible study guides are now available on Kindle and in print! Check out my growing bookstore. It is also available on my website - until I move it this week! Check out 31 Days in Psalm 31.

 

3 Storms

 This morning during my personal Bible study time, I was reading back through Jonah. I find his story amazing. I am currently preparing some teachings for my YouTube channel, and Jonah's story fits right in. Make sure to subscribe! As I was reading this morning, I realized that God calmed the storm after the crew tossed Jonah overboard. That got me to thinking.

I went back and read the two storms that Jesus calmed. (Matthew 14 and Mark 4) It seemed to me that there is a pattern of calming storms in the Bible. Jonah's was one that was his own fault. The disciples, however, were sent into their storms. Both times, Jesus had instructed them to go to the other side. Do you think Jesus didn't know there was going to be a storm? Since He as all God-all man, He had to know! But He also knew He was going to meet them in the middle of the storms and speak peace.

As caregivers, it can often feel like we live in a storm. If there are multiple storms, it can seem like there isn't a break in between. Am I right? The good thing is that we know the Peacemaker. We have an up-close-and-personal relationship with the Prince of Peace. He lives in our tattered little boats with us!

God is never afraid of the storm. He will not abandon us to our own fears, either! 

Storms come. Sometimes, they are Jonah storms and caused by a poor decision on our part. Maybe we took "the wrong road" or something. Or perhaps they just happen while we are following God's directions. The storms are not always the result of disobedience. Storms happen. Life happens. Caregiving happens. And then God happens. Peace happens.

Today, I'll remind myself that Jesus is still in my boat. My meditations will be on how He is the reigning Prince of Peace, has been since forever began; and will be until eternity doesn't end. I can trust Him for today. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                           

Would You Like to Help Dove's Fire Ministries?

Maybe you've wondered about helping support all that goes on at DFM. One way is to shop my personal bookstore, which has devotionals, Bible study guides, and more that I have written. Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore.

You can also donate via PayPal at paypal.me/dovesfireministries 

Or you can donate via CashApp: $JeanieOlinger

Or if you have Venmo my ID is:@Mary-Olinger-6

Deep Sighs

 For caregivers, having a moment here or there to just sit and breathe can be few and far between. We are pretty much on-call 24/7, even if we care for our loved ones long distance. There isn't a time we can just slip away and not be available because we never know when a call may come. Sometimes, it's a small decision. Other times, it can be critical. So, it's important to be on duty and vigilant all the time.

For those who provide around-the-clock up-close-and-personal care for loved ones, it's difficult to find a moment to ourselves, even when we live in a caregiver's cave! But sometimes, the universe aligns just right, and a caregiver gets to sit with a cup of coffee or sip on their tea and take a breath. Even though it's rare, when it does happen, I find myself allowing a long, deep sigh to escape. 

It's involuntary, meaning I didn't plan for it. It just happens. The deep sigh is an emotional response that is healthy, actually. It's part of the body's "emergency response" system and signals that you are still alive, and it's okay. 

This morning, I found this verse in Psalm 38 that says, Lord, all y desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. (NKJV) When I read it, I just camped there in my thoughts for a while. How could God be that close? This little phrase lets me know that He is so aware of me - so connected to my emotions that He knows when I don't even have words, and all my emotions come out in a huge, deep sigh. 

He's so close that He gets every thought, feeling, emotion, and expression that caused the sigh to develop. And while the sigh signals my sympathetic nervous system that all is okay in the world at least for a moment, God is there for the crazy barrage of thoughts that may follow the sigh. He gets our questions. He understands our emotions, even if we don't! He feels every part of that sigh for us and has the balm to heal our unseen wounds. Man, He is good! 

Today, I'll remind myself that God is so close He can feel my feelings, hear my sighs, and wipe my unseen or unexpressed tears. I'll be thankful that God is not afraid to get close to us, even if we feel like a mess. He walks right into our caregiver's cave and makes Himself at home. He is comfortable with the caregiver. He is comfortable with me. Today, I'll say that out loud - God is comfortable with me. And I will rest in this truth as I trust Him to walk one more day with me. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                                           

If you enjoy these devotionals, I have others! I've expanded my bookstore on Amazon. My devotionals are available in Kindle or print format. The new Bible study guides are now available on Kindle and in print! Check out my growing bookstore: 

I also recently opened my own bookstore. I'm presently filling it up with my books - check out the ones I have available in eBook format. You can download them and read them on your phone! Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore.