Word of the Week: Truth

I've been preparing my notes to speak at Legacy this weekend and the word that I have had on my mind is Truth. So I decided to give you a sample of one of the devotionals from my ebook!

Truth

“And you will know the truth,

and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 NLT

Knowing the truth brings freedom from bondage, freedom from life altering lies, and freedom from despair.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He’s the freedom that we need to know. He’s the Truth that we must embrace.

He’s the Truth that will erase the lies we’ve carried in our heads. No falsehood or distortion can successfully stand in the light of Him.

His name is Truth, His character is truth, His word is truth. Truth bathed in the grace of God that has the power to transform us from the inside out.

Walking in truth places us on the path of righteous living. Washing our minds with the truth places us in the center of His will.

Waiting on truth to be revealed in our situation places us in the palm of His hand. His loving words are a balm for every battle-scarred soul. Cling to the God of all truth!

Prayer:

Precious Truth, our Savior, our Lord, guide us in the way of truth. Help us to listen for Your trustworthy voice and lay aside any whispers of darkness. Keep us steadfast and strong in the light. We praise You, we thank You, we love You. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

To get your copy of my devotional ebook click on the title below:

Exalt His Name

Word of the Week: Treasure

What do you treasure?

I’ve been thinking about this lately.

Have you ever wandered around a store looking for something to catch your eye? Maybe that's just me!

A few weeks ago I found a treasure box. I wasn't sure what to do with it. So of course I went back to the store and purchased a second one.

I began to use one treasure box to hold some note cards that have different names of God on them that I want to study. It made me think about what other things I treasure. So I started to make a list.

I treasure the word of God. I love quietly reading my Bible and making notes of the treasures I find within its pages.

I treasure jewelry. I have pieces that were handed down. Ones made by local designers. And things that my husband and children have gifted me...each item is priceless in my heart.

I treasure chatting with friends. As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. I love gleaning wisdom and insight from the people in my life.

I treasure music. I love to listen to music and I love to sing it!

I treasure artistic creativity. Artwork in all of its forms amazing me. From jewelry designing to painting and drawing to spoken word, I love it all!

I treasure laughter. My granddaughter’s laughter fills my heart with joy!

I treasure books. I’ve spent many nights up way too late trying to finish one more chapter.

I treasure time spent in quiet. I truly value having extended times of peace and quiet in my day.

I treasure memories of special moments. With each year that passes I value my memories of events, time with family and friends, traveling with my husband. Making memories is one of my greatest treasures!

I can’t put all of those things in the second treasure box. But, I am gathering up some of my favorite things to give away!

Take a look at the video and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to search for clues that could lead to you be a winner of #AlidasTreasure!

Word of the Week: Girls

What would you say to your younger self?

At age 14 every emotion is...SO...INTENSE!

According to a study involving over 19,000 children at age 14 in the UK: 24% of the girls and 9% of the boys experience depression.

As part of the study the children were asked if they felt statements were true, sometimes true or not true regarding how they felt in the previous two weeks:

• I felt miserable or unhappy.

• I didn't enjoy anything at all.

• I felt so tired I just sat around and did nothing.

• I was very restless.

• I felt I was no good anymore.

• I cried a lot.

• I found it hard to think properly or concentrate.

• I hated myself.

• I was a bad person.

• I felt lonely.

• I thought nobody really loved me.

• I thought I could never be as good as other kids.

• I did everything wrong.

How would you answer for yourself?

Cyber bullying, stress over school, home life, peer pressure, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and negative thinking are driving forces for these feelings during adolescence.

What transpires during a girl’s teenage years shapes the direction of her life.  

The onset of puberty marks a time of heightened vulnerability. Some girls may have to discontinue their education due to lack of finances or early pregnancy, sexual exploitation, coercion or violence. Each of these traumas can lead to depression.

This past week I have sensed a spirit of despair in the young people who’ve reached out to me. As I pray for them scripture floods my mind.

Every sigh of the soul finds a home in Psalms.

Psalm 69:20 says, “Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.”

In the office I hear how often girls have to face the sting of harsh words, side eyed glances, and unrealistic expectations that all serve to break not only the heart but the spirit.

Every girl needs a safe person to confide in, lean on, and be comforted by.

Those who seek help in counseling are like the psalmist in Psalm 130:1 “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.”

And in Psalm 40:2 we read, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

For those girls who know the Lord, I can direct them to find healing in His love and care. For those who don’t I can pray for them.

I pray that the girls of Belize overcome despair.

I pray that the girls of Belize find comfort from the Comforter.  

I pray that the girls of Belize find hope and healing.

I pray that the girls of Belize find deep abiding joy and will pass it on to others.

Word of the Week: Storytime

“Once upon a time; when time was time”

A familiar phrase to many Belizeans but I read those words for the first time yesterday in a new book entitled “Belizean Storytime” by Sherlet Neal Lopez.

We’ve lived in Belize for 7 years yet there are many cultural sayings and nuances in language that we have yet to learn.

Written in Kriol and English this book is aimed at restoring the art of storytelling in Belize. As a lover of words and stories this book satisfies my heart and brings joy to my soul.

I’d heard about the character Anansi but I actually met him yesterday in Miss Sherlet’s book. His great great grandfather's words are still ringing in my ears, “What you do today, you will pay for tomorrow!”

Mercy, how true is that word of wisdom? It applies itself in so many real life situations. What I eat today shows in my health tomorrow. How I treat someone today shows up in my reputation tomorrow. How I study today shows up in my knowledge of the material tomorrow.

Woven throughout the book are life lessons, some practical, some spiritual, some moral.

As I went to bed last night the last thing on my mind was the story about Anansi going to church just to get free food.

How often do we go to church to ‘get’ and not to ‘give’? He went through the motions just because he was hungry.

We go to a church service or a prayer meeting to get a breakthrough, or maybe because we seek relief from physical or emotional pain, or need help with our financial difficulties.

But when was the last time we went just to give God praise? To serve in a way that points others toward Him? Or to be a blessing to someone else in need?

Isn’t it amazing when a powerful spiritual insight smacks you on the head in the form of a short story?!

I read an article the other day that said the average person spends 19 minutes a day reading. I was shocked!

It seems like half of my childhood summers were spent in the top of a tree reading Little House on the Prairie.

Thirty years ago on bedrest with my oldest child I read and re-read the Chronicles of Narnia.

And now each night the last thing I do before going to sleep is to read a chapter or two of the latest book I’ve downloaded onto my Kindle.

We need writers that will provoke us to read again.

Belize is fortunate to have an author who has risen to the challenge to put pen to paper in order to provide stories able to inspire a nation to read. I’m so grateful to have been present at Sherlet’s book launch today. And I hope you’ll be on the lookout for your copy of Belizean Storytime!

Word of the Week: Adventure

We were going the wrong way but we didn’t know it yet.

What began as a shopping trip ended with an angelic intervention.

Or at least that’s my explanation of our afternoon ride.

A detailed map of the Krasnodar, Russia public transportation system was of no help to us as our eyes alternated between looking at the map and looking out the windows.

Silently praying that a familiar landmark would show us that we were on the right track; my thoughts drifted.

Back home in California we would go for drives on the freeways. If we missed an exit I would tell my little ones that we were on an adventure.

Years ago that was my way of keeping my kids and myself calm as I retraced our path to get back on track.

As they grew older ‘adventure’ became a code word for being lost.

And I was just about to admit to Spencer that we were lost.

A few gentle taps my shoulder made me look up from the map.

“Excuse me.”

Glancing his direction I noticed an outstretched hand gesturing to the map.

I pass it to him.

He looked it over, then looked up at me, “where are you going?”

“The bus terminal near Turgeneva and Gagarina”

Nodding once while politely handing back the map, “You must get off the bus right now, go back 2 blocks and wait for the number 6 bus going the other way.”

Suddenly, the bus came to a halt.

A woman’s voice cried out that we needed to go across to the other side of the street.

Time appeared to stand still as they debated.

Finally, repeating the instructions as I understood them the entire bus, it seemed, yelled out their agreement.

In tandem we jumped up, gathered our belongings, thanked everyone, and exited the bus.

Racing across the street in silence, carefully counting each block, we arrived just in time to catch the correct bus.

Once Spencer and I had a chance to catch our breath we looked at one another to check our reality.

My eyes were glazed over and my heart was still racing. “They were all speaking Russian, right?”

“Yeah, but, I understood it in English.”

Grateful that my teenager heard what I heard I exhaled and acknowledge with relief, “Me too.”

We made it home safely within a half hour but that miraculous moment has remained with me to this day.

We’d been in Russia a few weeks at that point. We had no knowledge of numbers or directions. And yet, as we listened to a language we didn’t fully understand, the Holy Spirit translated those words as they hit our ears.

I’m grateful that God’s power is not limited by language.

As I reflect on this memory it serves as a reminder that He’s still there.

How has He been there for you?

Write down those moments and give God praise for His unfailing love that reaches every corner of the world!

Wednesday's Word: Unnoticed

Unnoticed. Have you ever wanted to go unnoticed. I certainly have!

Life in a small town doesn’t allow for anonymity. When I step out of my home there will be at least one person who hails me by name.

At the post office I hear, “Mawnin, Mrs Sharp!” At the market someone yells, “Hi, Miss Alida!” Even those who cannot remember my name want to make a connection. “Aren’t you Tom’s wife?” “You’re the lady who works with Miss Diana.” “You’re the one on TV with Ms Andrea!”

I simply cannot go unnoticed.

The bible passage that’s been on my heart is from Luke.

It’s the story of a woman who tried to go unnoticed.

Luke 8:43-48 says,

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.

She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Desperate for healing, yet avoiding a face to face encounter with Christ, she stealthily maneuvered through the horde of people to sneak up behind Jesus. Reaching out her hand with the only asset she had left, faith, she touched the edge of His clothing. Instantaneously healing came.

One touch ended 12 years of suffering, 12 years of spending all that she had, 12 years of not being clean in the eyes of her culture.

From bankrupt to blessed in a solitary moment!

It’s interesting to me that she tried to hide from Jesus. Even more interesting is that He called her out.

Who touched me? No one came forward.

Peter points out to Jesus that there is a large crowd. But that didn’t matter. He knew that someone had touched Him. And He knew that person was trying to hide.

Sometimes we just want relief from our pain. Sometimes we just want results.

But Christ wants relationship.

We are made whole through relationship. She had to come forward. She had to get right with Him.

Trembling with fear she came out of her hiding place within the crowd. Flinging herself at the feet of Jesus she confessed what she had done.

After she acknowledged what had taken place God lovingly and compassionately restored her dignity by commending her faith and releasing her from the presence of the onlookers to “Go in peace”.

As a result of her choice to get right with God, not only was she blessed with healing, she was also blessed with peace.

Right standing with God brings us a peace that passes understanding.

To have peace is have tranquility. Wholeness.

When we willingly surrender, confess, and testify at the feet of Christ He completes our healing with wholeness.

I confess that I am like this woman. I just want God to answer my prayer so I can go on my way.

I confess that I have valued results over relationship.

I confess that there have been times when I didn’t want to testify publicly about what God taught me through my brokenness, healing, and restoration. I didn’t want to acknowledge my imperfections so I kept quiet. And then felt remorse on the drive home.

God, sometimes gently, sometimes loudly, sometimes in front of a crowd, calls us into relationship with Him in order for us to experience the abundant life He came to give us.

He sees you.

He is calling out to you.

He is waiting for you to come into a face to face relationship with him.

He wants to bless you with peace.

He wants to make you whole.

Are you hiding from God? Has He called you out?

You, my friend, cannot go unnoticed!

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Wednesday's Word: Envy

A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Being a visual person means that I take a risk each time I do a bit of research online. The images that pop up stay with me long after I’ve viewed them. I wanted to learn about what causes bone to rot. I saw a few pictures I’d like to forget.

I read about an infection in the bones that is caused by an open wound. I read about how poor blood supply can cause death to the bones. That’s what envy does to our spiritual bones.

Envy:

the feeling of discontent and ill will brought about by another person’s advantages, possessions, or a resentful dislike of another person who has something that you desire.

I used to think that envy and jealousy were the same thing but there is a difference between the two.

Jealousy:

the feeling of anger or bitterness that someone has when they think that another person is trying to take someone or something away from them.

Jealousy is when you think someone is trying to take someone away from you but envy is when you want something someone else has.

I have to confess that I struggle with envy. Social media fuels the fire for me. I see a photo or read a post and I wonder "why not me?" "Why do they get to do that, have that, go there?" and the questions in my head rage on and on. I block out the life that God has for me when I feel sorry for myself or complain about my circumstances in life. But, envy is not a circumstance problem. Envy is an attitude problem. And even more serious, envy is a sin problem.

It’s not the feeling of envy that is a sin. It’s the action of continually begrudging what someone else does or wanting what they have that makes it a sin.

As I recover from envy I have found that there are some things that are very helpful in moving me away from being caught up in envy and moving toward spiritual health.

Begin by taking every thought captive and making them obedient to Christ.

Identify the open wound.

Find someone to talk to about what is causing you to feel so envious. Is it one specific person? Is it something that you’ve always wanted to do? Pray about the root of the problem and let the Holy Spirit work in you to clean the wound so it can heal.

Identify the source of poor blood supply.  

Are you afraid that God has a limited number of blessings and that there is not enough to go around? God only has your name on the blessings that are for you! If you obsess over what someone else has you will miss out on the treasure that God wants to pour out over your life.

Find the Source of Peace.

Rest in God’s arms. A heart at peace gives life. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

We don’t have to be troubled or live with the fear of missing out. God has provided peace for us. God’s storehouse of blessings will never run out for His children. Trust Him to provide for you. He never fails!

How do you cope with envy? Let me know in the comments!