Ever needed a miracle like… now? My son called to say his wedding, postponed the previous summer, would take place in one month. Anticipating the first wedding date, I’d bought a dress that fit perfectly.

I hung up the phone and dropped my head into my hands.

How would I ever lose the fifteen pounds gained since summer?

I began working out and counting every calorie. Holding my stomach in, I got into the dress without bursting any seams.

Maybe another day without food and I’d look just right.

However, when time neared for the big event, a vision flashed before my eyes of the groom’s mother waddling down the aisle in a beautiful, lavender dress with bulges everywhere — around her waist, around her hips, and around her thighs.

I dashed to the mall in search of the perfect slimming garment and spotted a sign boldly proclaiming Miracle Suits. I snatched that garment from the rack and practically danced my way into the fitting room. I pulled, tugged, and stuffed myself into the suit. My now-bulging eyes told me I was enhanced, slenderized, and shaped as the label claimed.

So I bought the suit, returned home, and removed my purchase from the bag. My family stopped what they were doing as their mouths fell open. They agreed I could not wear that suit of armor under my elegant dress. I realized the only thing slenderized was my brain.

Sanity returned to my panicked mind and I returned that miracle suit to the mall. The day of the wedding, I put on my dress and found that those huge bulges I’d imagined existed only in my panic mode.

Later, I was able to laugh about the suit of armor I’d almost worn to my son’s wedding, but I also realized that many times I react the same way in a perceived crisis. I take the problem to God in prayer and then rush out to try to fix it myself.

I’ve learned with a little discipline — physical, mental and spiritual, and putting on the armor of God daily — I don’t get myself into situations where I have to struggle with pleading to God for a miracle.

Are you in need of a miracle today? Trust God and watch him come through for you.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, NC. www.inspirationfrommayberry.com.

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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. My father drilled this adage into my head as a youngster. The purpose? To help me realize I could do anything if I put my mind to it and took things one step at a time. This approach was extremely helpful last year while my husband was deployed with the military. Some days seemed overwhelming. The tasks of managing our three children, my full-time job, and household duties were depressing at times and didn’t seem humanly possible. Looking at my husband’s fifteen-month mission all at once was discouraging. However, when I took it one day at a time or one week at a time, I was able to remain focused upon the tasks at hand and make it through.

No matter what happens during each day, God promises that His grace is sufficient. There are no contingencies. The Bible doesn’t say God’s grace is sufficient only on days that He is not busy on the other side of the world, or only on days He is not promoting world peace. God teaches in His Word that His grace is sufficient every day.

What are you facing today? God cares. Whatever it is, God will give you the grace necessary to endure and overcome. Before your feet even hit the floor in the morning, remember this and pray. Ask God to give you the grace needed just for today.

Just as you eat an elephant one bite at a time, don’t get ahead of yourself…take each task one at a time and live life one day at a time. It is much more enjoyable and you’ll feel like you have really accomplished something.

Laurie Elmore Thompson is a published author, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and inspirational speaker. She has a M.Div. in Women’s Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her book, Laurie’s Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity, can be purchased on Amazon.com by using the following link http://www.amazon.com/Lauries-Story-Discovering-Joy-Adversity/dp/193550777X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315398282&sr=1-1. Dr. Frank Page, President and CEO of the Executive Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention has said of Laurie’s new release: “A true story of God’s grace in the midst of a most difficult circumstance.” Laurie is also a regular contributing author for the Wives of Faith website at http://www.wivesoffaith.org/. Visit her ministry website and read her weekly blog at www.lauriethompsonministries.com. Laurie, her husband, and three children reside in Anderson, SC.

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I have a confession. I am a stack-a-holic—a bonafide, 100% stack-a-holic in desperate need of finding a Stack-a-holics Anonymous.

This disease permeates my home and my office at work. When I don’t know what to do with something, it goes in a neat (or sometimes not so neat) stack.

Whoever coined the phrase “outta sight-outta mind” must have been related to me. When papers go into one of my stacks instead of a file or the trash, my intentions are to look at them later when I have more time. The problem is I never seem to have (or take) the time and the stack grows higher and higher until it’s ready to topple onto the floor.

With my basic perfectionist tendencies and my need for structure and organization, this malady drives me nuts. It’s my Achilles Heel—my thorn in the flesh. Trying to function in the midst of clutter is like cooking in a dirty kitchen—can’t do it.

As I get older, I realize how many times I’ve let other things pile up in my life—important issues such as asking forgiveness, making amends, or dealing with a critical attitude. Sometimes when God says, “Do this” or “Do that,” it’s easier to push it aside and put it in a stack to deal with later.

When I finally get around to de-stacking, it feels great. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and a large dose of peace. Dealing with spiritual matters and being obedient to the Lord’s promptings gives me the same feeling—only better. Makes me wonder why in the world I wait so long.

The Bible says all things must be done “properly and in an orderly manner.” If you’re dealing with natural or spiritual clutter, don’t wait. Attack it today and enjoy the freedom that will follow. God will be pleased and you will be too.

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

I remember when I first learned how to ride a bike. I was a four-year-old—a cynical four-year-old at that. I was convinced if I took the training wheels off my bike I’d never be able to ride it again, forever lost in a purgatory of skinned elbows and scraped knees. I was perfectly content to ride my bike with four wheels forever. I had no faith in my ability to keep it upright on only two. But my dad thought otherwise.

That dreadful, terrifying day is still burned into my memory. Dad walked outside—no doubt after watching me perform uninspired loops in the driveway.

“It’s time,” he said. I stared, wide-eyed as my dad dismantled the training contraption and prepared the bike for its christening.

My heart thumped against my chest as I climbed onto the bike. My courage failed me, and I let Dad know just how futile this exercise of adolescent maturation was. Dad wasn’t about to let me go flinging myself wildly about the street on two wheels alone, so the next words he spoke calmed my fear and gave me the confidence to press on.

“Don’t worry, Eli. I won’t let you go. I will be right here the whole time. I won’t let you fall.”

From that moment on I knew I could ride my bike. For the rest of the day, no matter how violently I drove my bike, or how wildly I swerved, he was right there to catch me, encouraging me the whole time.

“You can do it, Eli. You’re doing great.”

God does the same for us every day. No matter where we go, how far we swerve away, or how far we ride, He is always by our side—encouraging us along the way. Just like my dad held the back of my seat as I learned to pedal straight, God is there guiding us. All we have to do is trust Him. He’s there for you too.

Eli Linton is a senior at Oral Roberts University. He is studying History and Journalism, and plans to attend the Graduate school of Education next summer. Linton also writes for ORU’s student newspaper the Oracle. The Oracle was recently named winner of the OCA (Oklahoma Collegiate Association) Sequoia award, given to the best college newspaper in the state of Oklahoma.

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For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts…

Nothing happened.  I hit “start” on the coffeemaker and nothing happened.

I hit it again and the lights started to blink. It beeped and blinked, but no coffee. I flipped the light switch – no light, but the garbage disposal worked. It shook and ground. In the dark I slapped at another button. Finally, water started to gurgle. In the midst of beep, blink, grind, shake, and gurgle, the coffee water started to dribble. I watched as thick coffee grounds pulsed over the top of the filter, flooding anywhere except into the carafe.

At 5 a.m. in the darkness of my sister’s kitchen, I couldn’t find the light. I couldn’t see to unplug the thing or find towels to stop the flood. It was a frantic face-off with this crazy machine.

Another more serious morning, “You have cancer,” hit with a sickening thud. My heart raced and I couldn’t catch my breath. Shock, fear, and grief overwhelmed me. Lost in the dark, there was nothing to unplug and no light switch.

Like the blinking lights on the coffeemaker provided a inkling of light in the dark kitchen, the light of Christ on my life did the same thing. But in diagnosis-agony, an inkling of light is not enough.

Jesus is not some distant light above, separated from who we are. Paul told Christians that Jesus has made his light shine in our hearts…

God knew exactly what to do. A childhood melody came to mind, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”  The simple and profound words reminded me I had known Jesus as my light for a long time. He was going to be personally involved. He began proving to me His light deepens in perfect accordance to the depth of my personal need. Wherever I was, He met me with His light.

When chaos seems to loom around you, reach up for the light that never burns out.

Father of lights, I am in the darkness of diagnosis. Through your Son Jesus Christ, please give my heart light to cope and hope.

Venita McCart, founder of Faith Force Cancer Support Ministries has, with her group, ministered to hundreds of patients since 2005 through group meetings, personal contacts, writing, and speaking.  A cancer survivor herself, Venita is currently working on materials to comfort and encourage cancer patients and their loved ones, and to help others create support ministries for the same. She and her husband live in central Illinois.  Venita may be reached at venitamccart@yahoo.com.
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Sweet gum balls littered the lawn. It was spring and the flowers bloomed in my garden.

Each year I spend hours raking the sweet gum balls off the lawn and tossing them in the trash. On this particular day I raked them into piles, scooped them into the dustpan, and threw them away. When I re-examined the area, I found one I’d missed. I picked it up and tossed it.

The further I walked, the more I found. I was surprised at how many I’d overlooked. How could I not have seen them? I’d already gone over the area thoroughly.

I realized this mirrored my spiritual life. It’s easy for me to go about my days and overlook my sin. I fail to recognize them even as I evaluate my life. I need to pray continually and pay attention to the Holy Spirit as He reveals my sin. The joy comes in abandoning these things and replacing them with what glorifies God.

Just as clearing my yard of sweet gum balls is a process that takes time and continual upkeep, ridding my life of sin is an ongoing practice that I need to make time for. Both require paying attention to detail and getting rid of what doesn’t belong. Only by looking to Him and listening for His voice, can I hear Him convict me of my sin.

Do you go through your days simply moving from one task to the next and checking them off your list, or do you stop to listen to the Spirit? Learn what He wants you to do and follow through with what He reveals.

Ellen Andersen, a native of California, moved to Greenville, SC nine years ago. She is a member of the Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers and An Author World in Greenville, SC. She serves as a Stephen Minister at her church and is involved in a women’s Bible study. She is working on a memoir detailing how God used unforeseen circumstances in her life to change her focus so she could minister to others to whom she could not otherwise relate.
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Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Recently, I celebrated yet another birthday. The typical countdown began as the new year rolled around…it was a month away, then weeks, then days. As the day drew closer, friends and family asked me what I was going to do on my special day. As in past years, my thoughts turned to the laundry list of things I was not going to do. I was not going to wake up early, not going to cook,  not going to allow the day to be about my kids, etc. Shortly after I awoke to the ranting and raving of my self-centered puppy, I decided to check off the first item on my laundry list. I went back to bed. Of course it was what I deserved, right?

When I awoke after a three hour nap, it suddenly dawned on me I’d missed out on a prior commitment I’d made to God…a bi-weekly service project. Even though it seemed insignificant to man, it broke my heart to think I had passed up an opportunity to serve God. The question plagued my mind; how could I feel so robbed of internal joy when the day was supposed to be about me? At that moment, I realized I had been carrying around a tradition from my pre-Christian days that had not been re-evaluated since then.

In the years to follow, when my special day comes around, I plan to update my laundry list with things that will express gratitude toward God for giving me another year of life. After all, the times I experienced the most joy were found in my service to the Lord. When your birthday rolls around, make your own laundry list filled with the joys of the life God has given you. Celebrate in Him.

Leah Gonzales enjoys spending time with family and friends. She volunteers with a local teen outreach ministry and her church. She spends time writing devotions, bargain shopping, cooking, exercising outdoors, and watching lighthearted movies. You can reach Leah by e-mail at leahg06@sbcglobal.net. You may visit her web site at: http://www.leahgonzales.com.

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Once more it fell. The crystal ball slowly descended over Time Square in New York and I’m guilty. I watch every year as this $2 million dollar, 12-foot wide, 11,875 pound, Waterford crystal-covered hunk, drops 400 feet while we shout the ten-second count down.

I’m amazed at the mindset of people standing in Time Square, chest-to-back, jumping up and down, screaming Happy New Year, only to wake up the next morning and complain about the year that lies ahead. We’re a fickle sort, aren’t we? (If I continue like this, I’ll be accused of preaching, so I’ll crawl off the soap box and return to the point).

Last year folks were instructed to be politically correct – “Happy Holidays.” This year we heard, “Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah” all in one breath. Retail sales were up 4.5% over last year and personal spending went up .01% while wages, oddly enough, fell .01%. Again, I reiterate…we’re fickle.

Still, we’re brought together…united during the holidays. For a instant, time freezes and people rejoice as a group. They celebrate what has gone and what is to come.

Paul was a Christ-made man. Stricken along the road, he was blinded only to be restored after his supernatural encounter with Christ. He went from Christian killer to Christian maker and he was saddened when he had to continually defend the authority given to him by Christ. He rejoiced in what was past in his life and praised what was to come. Even as he gently rebuked the Corinthians for their demeaning remarks of his ability, Paul prayed for them to be fully restored in Christ. He prayed for what was to come.

Though we are a country who could brag about all she has done for others, we are weak in Christ. The very foundation this country was built upon was those seeking a place where they could worship God without worry. Not any god, but God Almighty. We’ve slowly justified the deterioration of God’s church and allowed it to become anyone’s choice as opposed to only His.

So, as we enter into 2012 (two years past the Space Odyssey), we come together to celebrate the birth of another year. Like Paul, I am glad when I am weak for I know He is grooming me for better things, but I pray we will be fully restored.

Welcome in a new year and mount up as on wings of eagles. Wear the armor of God and march ahead. Rejoice for what is behind you and give praise for what is to come.

Believe and you will be fully restored.

Cindy is the founder of Mountain Breeze Ministries and cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. She has contributed to Novel Journey, Novel Reviews, and Christian Devotions. She has written for PML Programs and contributes to the Times-News.net. Her devotions and articles are published weekly in several newspapers across the country. She cowrites the He Said, She Said devotions with Eddie Jones that publish in Common Ground Christian Newspaper. Cindy is the coauthor of He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion.

Cindy is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She attended Johnson Bible College and graduated with a BA in Business from the University of Phoenix in 2008. She is a speaker who teaches frequently for ladies’ conferences, special events, and writers conferences across the country. She is a contributing writer to CBN.com . Contact Cindy if you would like for her to speak to your church, club, or group. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

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Revenge of the Mummy Roller Coaster

Listen to Just Wait – She Said

… and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. Matthew 1:24B-25A

I didn’t want to. I found every reason not to, but I did it anyway. I hate roller coasters. But here’s the thing. My husband and son love to ride them so I suck it up, pull down the shoulder bars, shove my knees against the front of the car, and grit my teeth.

When we visited our son in Orlando, we made a visit to Universal. “Mom, you gotta ride The Mummy.”

I looked at Cameron and raised my brow. “It’s a roller coaster, isn’t it?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. But Mom, it’s not bad. Even Shauna rides it.” He pulled his girlfriend close. “We’ll squeeze you between us and you won’t budge.”

My family knows it’s not the speed of the roller coaster that bothers me…it’s the feeling I’m going to fall. When the ride loops and I feel my rear lift off the seat, panic shoots through me.

They nudged me through the gate and Shauna stepped to the side.

“Wait, where’s Shauna going?” She took Chase by the arm and headed down the stairs.

“Just wait, Mom. You’ll love this.” Cameron stuffed me into the car.

Just wait. I can’t count the times I’ve heard those words. Waiting is hard, especially when you’re waiting on something you really don’t deem as fun.

The Christmas story is so much more than just the surface story. Mary and Joseph’s lives were turned upside down. Just like us, they had plans. Perhaps they were simple…marry, get a few sheep, make a few tables in the carpenter shop…but they had plans. With very little warning they were told to “just wait.”

Their lives (and even the consummation of their marriage), were put on hold while they awaited the arrival of a miracle child. It had to be a long nine months—knowing what lay ahead. When I chose to put my life on hold to have a family it was my choice, but the choice was made for Mary and Joseph. Their lives and emotions were placed in wait mode.

The birth of Christ was a miracle in more ways than one. God found the perfect couple willing to wait so He could work through them. This humble couple was as amazing as their son. Their faithfulness and willingness to wait on God surpassed everything.

Sometimes God asks me to wait, knowing we live in a time of instant gratification. But waiting on Him is never a bad choice. The payoff may be in the future but it’s well worth the wait.

When the ride started I wondered why I waited, but the reward was the joy it brought my family. When God asks you to wait on His roller coaster, do it. I promise He’ll make it the ride of your life.

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HE SAID, SHE SAID RADIO IS MOVING TO MONDAY NIGHT…Join us as we delve deeper into the meaning of God’s word and apply it to our own lives.

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And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

“Why can’t our people be like these, Lord? Why did you call us to pastor a church full of nit-picky grumps? I’m tired of forgiving, loving, and blessing such ungrateful babies.”

Deep in my heart, His voice slapped my conscience. “You think you’re better than they are.”

A sick feeling clutched my belly. “You’re right, Lord,” I muttered. “All this grumbling against the people we serve comes from a feeling of superiority, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.”

Even though His voice had gentled, I knew there was more. “You say you want to minister to people and lead them to a deeper walk in Me. Yet you only want to help those who think you’re magnificent. The ones who need the help most are the whiney babies, not the spiritual giants. Who gave you the gifts to help people? If you do anything valuable, it came from Me. You are not the present, Jeanette, just the wrapping.”

Ouch. And thanks. I needed to hear that.

If I don’t keep a watchful eye on my attitudes, I can deceive myself into thinking God can’t operate His kingdom without our wonderful selves. We believe the lie that He works through us because we’re more talented or better qualified than our neighbor is. Then we look in the Book and see the types of people He most enjoys working with:

Moses, who murdered a man and argued with God’s call on his life;
Rahab, an ex- prostitute;
David, who lied, murdered, and committed adultery;
Peter, who denied Jesus at His trial after boasting he’d follow Him to death;
Paul, who hunted down Christians and had them thrown in jail.

None of these men and women was an exemplary God-follower. But He chose them anyway. He wrapped His word, His provision, and the ancestry of the Savior in these imperfect packages.

And He continues to do so today.

It’s not the number of gifts we possess that makes us usable in the kingdom; it’s how yielded we are to the Holy Spirit and how humble our attitude is. Let’s remind ourselves that Jesus is the present; we are only the package.

Then go out and sparkle for Him!

“Nutty with a dash of meat” best describes Jeanette Levellie’s speaking, writing, and life. She has published hundreds of humor/inspirational columns, articles, greeting cards, and poems. A spunky pastor’s wife, Jeanette is the mother of two, grandmother of three, and waitress to four cats. Her debut humor/inspirational book, Mirth and Worth in the Real Lane, releases in April of 2012. Find her mirthful musings at www.jeanettelevellie.com.
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