When Enough is enough

A couple of days ago I was listening to a Christian radio station, and the radio personality said something that really hit home for me. The topic was when will enough be enough. In today's society we are always wanting more, whether it be more clothes, a bigger house, more vacations, or a better job. We need to sit back and really focus on being content with what God has given us. He has specifically picked each and every one of our blessings out for us. There are so many things that we have to be thankful for, and HE is always more than enough. I so often find myself {especially in regards to fashion}, wanting more. Once I get something I had my eye set on, there is always that next thing around the corner. It is so important to realize that these worldly things will not bring contentment, only faith and trust in Jesus Christ can do that. 

This morning I read a devotional that also touched on this subject, I have shared it below:

"Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit." 

-Proverbs 23:4

Do you know when to quit? Is enough really ever enough? Not only is wisdom important in quitting, but so is self-discipline. Isn't it financially true,  just as you are about to reach quitting time something shiny and new comes along and becomes more important. Know when to quit, finish it out, and stay finished.

(This devo can be found in the Daily Bible Devotion App found in the App Store)

Have a blessed week!

Erin

Do it for the LORD.

It's so easy to become bogged down in work and the daily stressors of our lives. I find myself regularly complaining when things get overwhelming, and trying to map out a different road to fill my own life. Deep down I know I need to trust in the Lord to guide me and do my bidding for me. I stumbled across this devotional today and it really hit home. I hope that you enjoy! 

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward.”

Colossians 3:23-24

By Jill Bricoe

The people in Liberia have many problems.  But when they come to an impasse, they simply smile a marvelous Liberian smile, shrug their shoulders, and say, “What to do?”

Coming from a culture that tends to believe that man can do anything he wants to do if he tries hard enough, we may think that this sounds like a weak man’s excuse. However, simple acceptance of the situation may be the first step to the realism required to live amidst trying circumstances without falling apart.

Christians are instructed to “Wait upon the Lord” until we are told “what to do,” and herein lies our rest.  In acceptance we find peace.  Once instructed, however, we must do His “doing” heartily. Enthusiastic “doing” delights the heart of God!  Our daily “doing” must not be for our earthly honor or success either.  We must not “do” for men, that men may “do” for us!

My mother-in-law was a great example of this text.  Whenever she cleaned a pair of shoes, they shined as if Christ would wear them; whenever she cooked a meal, she cooked it as if Christ would eat it.  And she was satisfied to receive her “reward” from Him!

Dear Lord - when I know not “what to do,” still me.

When You’ve shown me “what to do,” fill me,

That I may “do” Your will with all my might!

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lord, sometimes I find situations in my life that I cannot fix, and I get frustrated when I go on my own trying to find the right thing to do.  Help me to look to You first, accept the reality, and wait for Your guidance.  And when I see the things I know I need to do, give me the strength and energy to do my best at each task, looking to You for my reward.  Amen.

Devo by Jill Bricoe via here, images via here

Everything Beautiful in His Time

Everything Beautiful in His Time - Things may look like a mess now, but someday it will all make sense.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has painted time with changes. The kaleidoscopic movement of innumerable processes will be seen in the end as “beautiful in its time.”  It may look a mess up close, just as putting your face too near a big painting will distort your view of it. Stepping back puts it in better perspective.  One day we will step back, look at the finished canvas of life with the Artist by our side, and see it in all its beauty and completeness.

The same thought inspired some unknown author to write:

Not till the loom is silent,

And the shuttle ceases to fly

Will God unveil the canvas,

And show the reason why

The black threads were as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 goes on to say, “Also He has put eternity in their hearts.”  People who have a world view from a worldly perspective will fail to see beauty in black threads.  All will be meaningless to them.

But for those of us who have eternity in our hearts, it is another matter.  We are lent faith to believe that “…every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor – it is the gift of God” (Ecc. 3:12).  And, it is the grace of God that will enable us to leave the explanations of the dark threads till heaven.  This faith will help us “…to rejoice, and to do good in [our] lives” (Ecc. 3:12).

To everything there is a season; a time for this and a time for that.  There is a time to ask God to put eternity in your heart – now!  Ask Him.

By Jill Bricoe

devo via here, images via here

Max Lucado : To Reach the Destination

In order to reach the destination, we have to say no to some requests!  Can you imagine the chaos if a parent honored each request of a child during a trip? Can you imagine the chaos if God indulged each of ours? “No!” is a necessary word to take on a trip!
Scripture says, “For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgment but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thess. 5:9)
Note God’s destiny for your life: Salvation. God’s overarching desire is that you to reach that destiny. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When His sovereign plan and your earthly plan collide, a decision must be made. Who’s in charge of this journey?
If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope He chooses?

*Devo via here, images via here

A Godly Touch: Max Lucado

August has been absolutely crazy for me! I apologize for the lack of posts. My instagram (@ashesoflaughter) is still seeing some action ;) Promise to get back into the swing of things soon. Until then, I'm really trying to lean on God during this crazy month. Hope you are too. Here is a quick devo from Max Lucado for some hump day inspiration!

The power of a godly touch. Have you known it? The doctor who treated you, or the teacher who dried your tears?  Was there a hand holding yours at a funeral?

Haven’t we known the power of a godly touch? Can’t we offer the same?

Some of you use your hands to pray for the sick. If you aren’t touching them personally, you’re writing notes, calling, baking pies.  You’ve learned the power of a touch.

But others tend to forget. Our hearts are good; it’s just that our memories are bad. We forget how significant one touch can be.

We fear saying the wrong thing, or using the wrong tone or acting the wrong way. So rather than do it incorrectly, we do nothing at all.

Aren’t we glad Jesus didn’t make the same mistake? Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?

*Devo via here, images via here

xx,

Erin

Making Allowances for Others

By Jill Briscoe

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. ~ Ephesians 4:2

Are you good at making allowances for people?  Or do you have ridiculously high expectations?

Our lives should say, “I make allowances for people,” for this is the language of love.  Forbearance is a divine quality.  Romans 11:4 talks of the “forbearance of God”; Phillips translates the verse, “making allowances for one another, because ye love one another”; Moffatt says, “Forbearance is related to patience.”  This means I should hold back my quick judgment, and should not evaluate or dissect people’s motives.

What a challenge to walk through life like this!  Are we making allowances for our teen-agers, for example?  I remember Pete, our youngest, growing daily right out of his socks – at fourteen years of age he was six feet four inches tall.  Quite an achievement over such a small amount of time!  But I didn’t make allowances for his grand accomplishments!  His schoolwork zeroed; around the house he was lazy and undisciplined; he couldn’t be bothered even to pretend he wanted to go to church anymore!  “No wonder,” laughed the wise counselor I resorted to in deep distress.  “He’s put everything he’s got into blood and bones and height!”  I got the point and made allowances.

Bishop H.C. Moule has said that forbearance is “allowing for each other’s frailties and mistakes; aye, when they turn and wound you ‘in love,’ finding it easy to see with their eyes and if need be to take sides with them against yourselves!”  That’s making allowances!

Happy 4th, everyone! Hope you have a very blessed holiday filled with those you love.

*devo via here, images via here

Love for All

By Jill Briscoe

“How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?”  For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.  ~ John 4:9

Start talking about things the other person understands.  Jesus started with a bucket!  Next, make sure you show interest in people as people!  Jesus cared about the Samaritan woman’s personal problems, and she knew it!  Don’t be sidetracked.  The woman wanted to start arguing about which church to go to, but Jesus reminded her that it was the Person she worshiped that was important, not the place of worship.

Don’t be shocked.  Know your world and what’s going on out there; there is a difference between isolation and separation.  Jesus was never isolated from sinners, but He was always separate from sin.  Next, realize that sin is a symptom of the real problem – a soul-thirst only God can quench.  Tell people that Jesus is the answer to their thirsty quest.  Don’t be afraid to talk about salvation, souls, and sin; Jesus did.

Talk naturally.  You should be able to talk about your faith as freely as you do about your family.  Jesus made spiritual talk easy and comfortable for others, because it was easy and comfortable for Him.  Be sure not to put on a special voice when you talk about God – use your usual one!

And, finally, don’t run after your prospective converts; Jesus didn’t.  When they’ve had enough, let them go – but pray for them.  And then watch them come back with their friends.  What joy!  Talking of truth satisfies as nothing else can.  You may even conquer your appetite the way Jesus did, just with the fullness of it all!

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

*Images

*Devo

Birthday Wisdom

I am another year older and hope that someday I can also say another year wiser {wink}. 

I do know that with encouragement from the Lord, I can do anything. I hope that this year will be filled with many more good times, great friends, and opportunities to serve the Lord.

Most importantly I want to leave you with a verse that really stuck out to me. No matter how many birthdays you have under your belt, being born again in Christ is the only thing that really matters.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Have a fantastic day, lovelies!

xx,

Erin

*image via here

Sunday Love

Hello friends! I am back from vaca and I've been sick all weekend. Stay tuned for some outfit posts I took in Italy!!

The Hero Of Heaven

Max Lucado

The hero of heaven is God.  Angels don’t worship mansions or glittering avenues.  God is not the grand marshal of the parade; he is the parade!  He’s not the main event; he’s the only event!  His Broadway features a single stage and star:  Himself.  He hosts the only production and invites every living soul to attend.

At this very moment God issues invitations by the millions.  He says, “Come, enjoy me forever.”  Yet many people have no desire to do so.  He speaks; they cover their ears.  He commands; they scoff.  They don’t want him telling them how to live.  They regard his son as a joke and the cross as utter folly.  They spend their lives telling God to leave them alone.

Jesus offers the invitation in Matthew 11:28:  “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

images via here // devo via here

Anxiety to Joy

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“Eight dollars! That’s it?” I asked the teller. “But there was plenty of money in the account this morning. What happened? I’ve not spent it!”

The teller shrugged. “What would you like me to do?

My stomach turned and my face grew warm. I wasn’t sure what to do. I only knew the feelings of terror and panic that crept into my mind. This was a place God knew I hated. I’d spent seven years in under the darkness of loneliness and fear when I had nothing–scrapped to feed my boys. This spot, the place where survival kicked in, was a territory I didn’t want to visit again…ever! Memories flooded back. Days when eight dollars was the equilivant of $8000.00. I pleaded that God would pull me out of poverty and place me into peace.

Fear squeezed the joy from me and replaced it with guilt and unworthiness. Until today, God had not let the ministry account dip into single digits. He knew my fear. So why today? Why test me today?

My anxiety dragged me to a place of faithlessness instead of faithfulness. The love and joy I’d found in this ministry suddenly dissipated. I was hurt, angry and a little disappointed God would put me in this situation again especially since this was HIS ministry. We were just the tools.

I starred at the last $300 in our savings account then instructed the teller to move it to checking. Walking out of the bank, l leaned against the wall and cried. With over $2000 in bills hovering over the ministry, the small $300 would be gone end-of-day.

God tests us–tries us even pushes occasionally to stretch beyond our immediate knowledge of Him. He invites us through hardships to explore His peace that passes understanding and to claim His promises of consolation, joy and the plan He has to prosper us not harm us. It’s not easy and He brought me to my knees kicking and screaming.

“Just trust me,” He whispered.

I crawled in the car and headed to the post office. Slipping my key into the box I looked up and cried, “God provide.” Twisting the key, I opened the door, an envelope lay tilted to one side. A smile parted my lips and when I opened the letter, a sigh of relief came over me.

God promises when our anxiety is the greatest, trust it to Him, we’ll receive consolation and joy. That day, I learned it wasn’t about me but did I have a willing heart to learn, to stretch, to see a new side of Christ, and when I said yes, the elation of peace was immeasurable.

When anxiety overwhelms your heart seek the promises of His consolation and joy. There is peace in handing over the worry.

The envelope…contained a check for $300. God matched what we had and we paid the first bill.

Devotional by: Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles

images via here

via here

Fear He Who Quiets the Storm

By Jill Briscoe

“Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.”  ~ Mark 4:36

There was another storm on Galilee.  Jesus and the disciples were in a boat together.  According to Mark, “other little boats” went along.  We do not know who was in those other vessels; all we know is that they wanted to be near Jesus.

“And a great wind storm arose, and the waves beat the boat, so that it was already filling” (v. 37).  This time, even Peter was afraid of the storm.  If the big boat was in trouble, can you imagine what was happening to the little boats?

Jesus, meanwhile, was asleep in the stern (see v. 38).  His frightened men woke Him up and accused Him of not caring for them properly.  “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (v. 38) they asked Him.  Jesus didn’t answer that question, but He stilled the storm, and He told them He cared about their lack of trust!  “Why are you so fearful?” He asked them.  “How is it that you have no faith?” (v. 40).  The Bible says the disciples “feared exceedingly” (v. 41).

It always makes more sense to fear the power of the One who can still the storm rather than to fear the power of the storm itself!  The other little boats were helped when Jesus stopped the wind and hushed the sea to sleep.  Our faith, or lack of it, always affects the little boats that sail by our side.  We mother should remember that!

Images via here, devo via here

Settle Yourself In God's Plan

Sometimes we become so accustomed to our everyday blessings, that we begin to build our lives around our earthly possessions. Earthly possessions do not bring contentment, faith in Christ does.  Below is a great devotional on the matter {found here}.

2 Thessalonians 5:16

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

Stuart and I were halfway through a two-month tour of ministry in Africa. Every four days or so we set off for the next conference, traveling by small plane, car, truck, or even bush taxi; arriving at new compounds; and having every meal with a new family. We slept in different beds, met different bugs, ate different food, and drank different water. All of this did not make for a particularly settled feeling!

The “listening” was hard. Being an outside ear meant we were there to do a lot of loving listening. The new missionaries were struggling with culture shock, relational problems, the absence of mail for eight weeks at a time, or the unsafe feeling of living miles away from a hospital (one country didn’t even have an ambulance!). They needed someone to talk to.

There were desperate needs on every hand—lepers, crippled children, ignorance, and apathy. Add to this the militant march of Islam and you get the picture. This was certainly not the sort of environment to make anyone feel secure.

But watching and listening to those missionaries, I learned home isn’t a little box in a safe subdivision. Being settled isn’t a car in the garage, membership in a club, or even model children making model grades. Being fulfilled does not consist of a husband’s climb up the corporate ladder or paid vacations to Hawaii!

Home is the will of God, and if you are settled into His will, you will be settled into whatever way-out situation you find yourself. The God of Peace will see to that!

By Jill Briscoe

Images via here

God Knows.

Whenever I get down, or anxious, I can usually see where I've been spending my time and determine the cause. What shows am I watching? What music am I listening to? What am I filling my head with? Do any of these answers remotely involve glorifying God? No wonder I'm confused and anxious, I am taking direction from the world, not my Creator. 

It is sometimes (strike that, most of the time) hard for me to put my life into God's hands. I find I'm constantly trying to live my life on my own and figure out my future, when really that is Gods job. I just need to trust in him with all of my might and know that whatever comes, I can brave the storm, because he has a plan specifically tailored for me.

All Knowing God - God has no uncertainty and He is there for you every step into the future.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 1:11

You know – He knows something we don’t know. How good of God to shield the future from us!  How could we live well or sleep easily if we knew the death we’d die, the child who would go wrong, the house that would burn to the ground, or the poverty we might be brought to?  Our language is full of words like maybe, perhaps, and someday.  But He knows something we don’t know; His language consists of “shall be” and “will be” because He knows ahead, while we but “know behind.”

To know Him who knows the “something we don’t know” is comfort indeed. Knowing all, He waits ahead for us, surprising us with steady provisions of His love. I am so glad that when I married I did not know my husband would travel so much, my daughter would have a bad accident, and I would have a serious car crash. If I had known, I would have worried for months before my husband began his itinerant ministry, would have been an overprotective mother, and would never have bothered to get my driver’s license! It is enough that God knows. He does not send me into my future alone, but waits for me to meet Him there.

I praise Him for the things He has been at the first and for the things He will be at the last, and I will try to remember—He knows something I don’t know.

By Jill Briscoe

devo via here, images via here

Rejoice in the Good + AWESOME Cross Bracelet

"Where does your strength come from?"

by Heather Hart

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boasting in our weaknesses is not something that comes natural to many of us. Delighting in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties sounds even weirder. Can you imagine rejoicing when you failed a test, or when someone calls you names or spreads rumors about you? How about being happy about not understanding the math problem that your teacher wants you to solve? Does it sound silly yet?

Let's look at it a different way, when you fail a test can you rejoice in the fact that life doesn't revolve around one test score? Can you rejoice in the fact that the teacher is offering extra credit? Instead of focusing on the negative, look for the positive! So you failed a test, Jesus died for your sins! So your friend started a rumor about you, Jesus knows that truth, and His opinion really is the one that counts! So you don't understand the math problem, you can ask for help. Even if you never understand the math problem, God knows what direction he wants you to go in life, maybe it doesn't have anything to do with algebra (don't tell your teacher I said that...math is used in everything we do... you know what I mean though).

When we are weak, then we are strong. When we acknowledge that we can't do it on our own, then we open the door for God to help us. His grace is enough for us.

Reflection:

Do you look at the negative in situations, or do you delight in the positives?

Application step:

Today when things don't go your way, look to God for your strength. Ask God to help you find the positive in the situation, and trust in His power.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for being my strength. Help me to remember that your opinion is most important, and help me to delight in my trials. Nehemiah 8:10 tells me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. Let it be so. Help me to find joy in you, and to delight in any circumstance. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

*images via here, devo via here, Mylo Jewelry bracelet available here

Create In Me

images via here

xx,

Erin

Risky Love

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My father will honor. John 12:26”

“Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard.  She poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair.  And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house.  John 12:3

When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, his disciples mocked her extravagance.  “Why waste that perfume?  It could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor,” they smirked!”

But don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary:  “Why are you troubling this woman?  She did an excellent thing for me!”

There’s a time for risky love.  A time to pour out affection on one you love.  Seize it!

Someday, I can take her on that cruise.

Someday, the children will understand why I was so busy…

But you know the truth, don’t you?  Some days never come!

Write the letter.  Make the apology.  Take the trip.  Do it!

By Max Lucado

devo via here, images via here

Let God Carry Your Burdens

My nails are painted that exact color! Essie Turquoise and Caicos {here!}

By Jill Briscoe

“Bear one another’s burdens.” - Galatians 6:2

There is a time for everything, a season for this and a season for that. There is a time to bear a care in solitude, and a time to share a prayer with a friend. We need the wisdom to know when to shoulder responsibility, when to delegate, and when to cast it all upon Jesus – our incomparable Burden Bearer.

Sometimes I have to have a cry, then wash my face, and get on with it! I know I must bear the thing alone. Another day, when I was burdened beyond belief after watching a loved one suffer, a friend came to me and touched my hurt with tenderness, mending the raw edges of my helplessness. Such love brought a blessed buoyancy that helped more than I could tell. Someone cared enough to help make my burden bearable. Yes, there is a season for sorrow, a time to bear another’s burdens.

But there comes a time when only God’s shoulders are broad enough to carry the weight of my worry. Then crushing burdens become carried burdens. Yoked to Him, I can plow my lonely furrow, walk a straight path, cope with the intolerable, and figure out the impossible. Then, having been carried, I am sent on my way strengthened to help carry another. I need to pray:

Show me when to share, Lord – Commission me to carry, Lord

And teach me not to burden one of your special children, if I must bear my burden alone!

images via here, devo via here