encouragement

Disobedience & Detonation

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Last night, my family and I watched a speech by a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer who lost his eyesight in an explosion in Afghanistan. He told the story of a man who, rather than precisely walking in the exact same footsteps as the bomb expert in front of him, chose to take just a few steps to the right — to the path of less resistance. He was thrown by an exploding bomb, and the man following him immediately lost both of his legs in the blast. As the officer went to assist the wounded, a separate bomb exploded underneath him and he was blinded by the shrapnel. Even as I write this, I am reminded that my disobedience and desire to follow my own path does not only cost me, but also those around me.

This morning as I was reading a C.S. Lewis book, these words spoke to me:

“Laziness means more work in the long run. Or look at it this way. In a battle, or in mountain climbing, there is often one thing which it takes a lot of pluck to do; but it is also, in the long run, the safest thing to do. If you funk it, you will find yourself, hours later, in far worse danger. The cowardly thing is also the most dangerous thing.” Mere Christianity, p. 197

When I disobey (most notably the Lord) — or even if I’m “just” being lazy — it will cost me and those close to me — and the consequences could be severe. Those are sobering words. I think that we tend to think we live in a vacuum — that our choices are only our choices, and we are the only ones who suffer when we misstep. Sadly, that is not the case. Our disobedience (“failure to follow rules, commands, etc.”) can bring about a detonation (“the action of causing a bomb or explosive device to explode.”)

Here’s a prayer for us:

Lord, thank You for another day of life. Like following a bomb expert one step at a time across a mine field, may I obey You and put my feet exactly as You do. Please help me to discern and understand just the next step. You have promised that your Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)  Help me to follow you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The great news is that there can still be beauty from ashes. Without totally spoiling the story, I encourage you to research Lieutenant Brad Snyder or purchase his book (which I have not yet read but hope to):  Fire in My Eyes: An American Warrior’s Journey from Being Blinded on the Battlefield to Gold Medal Victory.

In case I don’t have a chance to blog again before Christmas, may the joys of the season be with you and your loved ones. He is Immanuel — God with us!

Until next time,

Lisa Toth

Remember. Celebrate. Trust.

CELEBRATE: God’s Amazing Provision

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I am in awe, and need to write this down as there’s a good chance I’ll need to read it again tomorrow, or next week, or next month, when I will likely face another big financial challenge. God has come through again, and while this shouldn’t surprise me, somehow it does because it’s so BIG.

If you’ve followed my blog thus far, you know that my two oldest kids are in college. One is a junior and the other is a freshman. At the beginning of the school year, I had no idea how we were going to make it through both semesters without somebody taking out some loans. Both guys had worked hard, saved their money (and so had we, as best we could), and earned significant scholarships, but the numbers just weren’t “adding up” — at least every way that I could figure.

However, yesterday it was confirmed by both colleges that we will make it through the spring semesters — debt-free! I am still in shock. In August, the numbers definitely didn’t add up. I knew we could make it through the fall, between what all of us collectively had in the bank, but I had NO idea how we could pay through the spring. There were so many ups and downs:  an unexpected late scholarship came through — yay! A student’s car died in December and had to be replaced — boo! We were able to take a mini-vacation to Nashville as a family — yay!  One of our cars needed $2,200 in repairs while we were there — boo! We would be getting a big tax refund — yay! A document came in the mail one day later that reduced our refund by $1,100 — boo!

And yet, after calling both the business offices and financial aid offices for the colleges yesterday, it was confirmed that we have made our last spring tuition payment for our freshman, and there is just one more payment due for our junior. God has pulled through again! Amazing!

Before you check out, discouraged perhaps that this may not happen for you, let me please encourage you that God is faithful, and no respecter of persons. (See Acts 10:34-35.) Believe me, we have made our share of financial mistakes. Big ones. Investment properties gone sour. Cashing out 401K money earlier than we should have because we were feeling desperate, and therefore, paying a big penalty. A number of “lemon” cars that cost an arm and a leg just to keep on “hospice care” until we could get a more reliable vehicle. And yes, there were consequences and heartaches for each one of those poor decisions….

We have learned a ton through those choices, and continue to learn that while there is grace and mercy, there still are often unwelcome repercussions. However, times like yesterday remind me that God is faithful — even when I mess up. And that is true for you, too!

In what areas do you need to trust Him? Finances? A lost or wayward child or other loved one? Healing, when the doctors have no more answers?

Here’s a Scripture promise and then a quick prayer:

“Trust in the Lord and do good;

Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”  (Psalm 37:3-5 NASB)

Lord, thanks that You are always faithful — even when we are not. Please help us to trust in You and to cultivate — or “feed securely” — on Your faithfulness. As we delight in You and commit our way to You, we choose to place our trust in You, because You are trustworthy. Thank You for Your amazing track record. Please encourage each reader, and help us to be an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Until next time,

Lisa T.

Remember. Celebrate. Trust!

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Beverly, WV

The Girl on the Bicycle

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It was a sunny, crisp morning — not too hot and not too cold. My mixed rescue dog, Simon, and I had just enjoyed a long walk in the woods and I was feeling pretty relaxed. As we ascended the path up and out of the trees, I noticed the dog across the street, but I did NOT notice the girl on the bicycle coming towards us on the left, barreling down the hill on our very same sidewalk. Simon went ballistic — barking, growling, lunging — but thankfully, I was able to grab his collar just in time. Crisis barely averted…. Whew! We all had just had our aerobic exercise for the day!

So, what the heck? Why did my normally-calm-and-generally-friendly dog suddenly go nuts? Well, about seven years ago, when Simon was just a puppy, we were all outside enjoying a beautiful summer day in the cul-de-sac. Kids were playing in front of the house, and I was chatting with the neighbors. Simon was secured loosely to a line on the front lawn when, all of a sudden, two girls rode their bikes on the sidewalk right in front of our house. As Simon tried to chase the first one, the second bike hit him in a split second and he yelped. We had him checked out and he was fine, but he has never forgiven, nor forgotten, “the girl on the bicycle.”

As this scenario almost played out again this week, it got me thinking. What are triggers like that in MY life — that in an instant cause me to go from calm and peaceful to ballistic, as I remember a painful event in my past? No amount of logic, love or cajoling seems to be able to erase that memory from Simon’s psyche….

How about you? What are those memories or situations that cause you to “bark and growl” — practically barring your teeth — possibly just moments after a time of tranquility?  A few of mine are injustices (perceived or real), the exploitation of women and children, and the remembrance  of (or actually running into) a few people who have deeply wounded some of my dear friends or family. I know that I need to forgive them….

Let me say a quick prayer for us:

Lord, You know our hearts. You know that there are areas of hurt and even injustices that we just can’t seem to forget. Please heal our hearts, renew our minds, and help us to forgive those who have hurt us or our loved ones. Nothing is hidden from Your sight. Please help us to trust You to “right the wrongs” (in Your timing — not necessarily ours). In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Until next time —

Remember God’s faithfulness.  Celebrate life and your loved ones.  Trust Him — Who sees all and knows all.

Lisa T.

P.S. ~ If you have time, click on the link below to be encouraged by the song, “It Is Well” by Kristene DiMarco. Powerful.

It is Well – Kristene DiMarco

 

REMEMBER: Ebenezer!

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“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.'”  1 Samuel 7:12

Happy New Year’s Eve! As we prepare to wrap up 2016 and welcome in 2017, I wanted to share a few thoughts about “Ebenezer.”

December was a challenging month for us, and for several of our loved ones. From large unexpected expenses to school challenges to the rapid decline of the health of one of our dear parents, we were feeling very stretched. Additionally, several close friends were struggling with job losses and medical issues.

For some time, we had planned a family vacation  to use a timeshare in Nashville for the week before Christmas, but we were really questioning if it was wise to still go. After praying together and conferring with a few friends, we decided to at least go for the first part. Since the place had a kitchen, our primary expenses would mostly be gas and groceries…

I am so glad we went! It was a time of refreshing and regrouping for all of us, and on our first morning there, we decided to drive to Franklin, Tennessee, to visit Journey Church. Because we all enjoy the music of “All Sons & Daughters” (a Christian duo) and they are based in that church (along with their pastor who has toured with them a few times in our local area), it seemed like a good place to try out.

The worship was uplifting, and the sermon was great. Pastor Jamie George taught about Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol” and reflecting on one’s own life — actually “reflecting on the goodness of God.” As I sat there thinking about how faithful God has been to me and to so many of my loved ones, I was hugely encouraged.

Although we all undoubtedly will face trials of many kinds — some that even seem insurmountable — God has promised to be with us. That’s the whole premise of this blog:  that we REMEMBER His goodness (and remember others), CELEBRATE His goodness (and also celebrate others), and TRUST Him for our tomorrows.

As we prepare to ring in the New Year and maybe also set some resolutions, here’s a takeaway from Pastor Jamie that I plan to reflect on and, hopefully, also make some lists:

“What is your Ebenezer? How has the Lord been your help?”

We all have much for which to be grateful. Let’s remember!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may 2017 be your best year yet!

Lisa Toth

Remember. Celebrate. Trust.

P.S. The mug pictured below was a Christmas gift from one of my kids. It “morphs” from all black to a beautiful picture with the words “Remember, Celebrate, Trust” when hot liquid is added. Love the idea of going from darkness to light as we TRUST!

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CELEBRATE: New Beginnings!

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“Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth;
Do you not perceive it and know it, and will you not give heed to it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19
     Yay! New beginnings. Aren’t they just thrilling? Actually, I’m not generally a fan of change, so “new beginnings” can cause no small amount of angst in me. In fact, just the phrase “new beginnings” can somewhat irritate me. Is there such a thing as an “old” beginning? Do we have to emphasize the newness? I think I’ll coin the phrase “comfortable beginnings” to help people like me ease into this whole thing… 😉
     However, since my last posting in August, when I was somewhat bemoaning but also trying to “trust” in the midst of transitions in my life, God has shown me in so many ways that He’s with me in these new places. Not only has it been a new school year with all new subjects to tackle, but it’s also been a very different fall than my previous 15 years of homeschooling, as both of my older students have left for college away from home. I took on a few new leadership positions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (what was I thinking?), and my remaining student, Joy, took on a new soccer team, new driving privileges, and a new co-op for outsourced classes.
      I have to say — some of the best parts of these “new beginnings” have been the awesome people I’ve met on our new pathways. It’s been great to form new friendships and also to be stretched in ways that are not normally “comfortable” for me. I had to speak one morning in front of about 150 women in one of my new roles (maybe not a big deal for you, but a huge, panic-stricken event for me!). It went well, and the prayers before and the encouragement I received after from ladies that I hadn’t even known before this fall were monumental.  Step out — you can do that new thing, too! And, most importantly, God has promised to be with you!

     Here’s an idea for ya’:  grab hold of a trustworthy friend who has been through a few “new beginnings” as well. (We are privileged to live in an area with many military families, and I have tremendous respect and honor for these dear ones who have moved time and time again — sometimes every year.) Reach out to them, and learn from them, too!

Be encouraged. God has promised to “make a way in the wilderness” for you. Also, those “rivers in the desert” will not just be your tears in the dry, desert/deserted areas of your life — although it feels like it at times. You will make it through this!

    Remember God’s good track record. Celebrate His faithfulness today.  Trust Him for tomorrow’s adventures.

Signing off until next time,

      Lisa  🙂
Remember. Celebrate. Trust.
RVR Camp in Manchester, MD
View from the covered bridge at RVR Camp in Manchester, MD
Beverly, WV

TRUST: In the Waiting Room

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Wait for the Lord.  Be strong and let your heart take courage.  Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NASB

I don’t know about you, but I hate to wait. I want my food – now. I want a parking place – now. I’d like an answer – now (as long as it’s favorable to me). And I’d like all green lights on the way to my destination, please… As you can probably guess, these “demands” are rarely satisfied.

Recently I’ve had some significant opportunities to wait, and I’ve been reminded that waiting involves trust. Last week, for example, my mom had surgery at “one of the top hospitals in the country.” I was in the “waiting room” for close to 12 hours, along with my older brother and step-dad, and it was nerve-racking, to say the least.

Many friends and family prayed with me before and during the process, but I was still struggling with my peace. Would she make it through? Would she wake up from the anesthesia? Would they get all of the cancer? Would her cuts heal, or would she be permanently disfigured?

Additionally, despite having a reputation for “being the best” hospital, there was still human error possible…and happening…at the front end. The receptionist accidentally entered information into the “advanced directive” slot instead of the “power of attorney” slot, so we learned just as my mom was going back to pre-op that we did not actually have the correct paperwork for her wishes. Several tests required for her surgery “had not arrived” so they were going to repeat them all, until we advocated to have them check again, and they “found them.” The surgeon, heralded as one of the tops nationwide, seemed more concerned about finding the top to his pen that had mysteriously disappeared since he came to my mom’s bedside, than he was about explaining the surgery to us and calming our anxieties. Grrrrr.

Thankfully, my mom did great in the surgery, they did get all of the cancer, and her wounds seem to be healing beautifully. Praise be to God, and I am grateful as well for the skills of the numerous medical staff involved.

As we sat in the waiting room for several hours following the surgery, while my mom recovered and prepared to be discharged, I finally turned my attention to the numerous other families nearby. Not everyone was going to be getting the wonderful news that we received that day. For some, waiting here in the cancer ward was a regular occurrence, as their loved ones were battling chronic or recurring disease.

Perhaps you’re in a waiting room that’s fairly significant, too. We all are, I suppose. Waiting to hear about that job. Waiting on medical tests yourself. Waiting to see how things are going to turn out with that loved one. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

May I pray with you? I’m a big believer in the power of prayer — mostly because I have seen the faithfulness of God come through time and time again. Not often how I would have planned it (in fact, seldom “my way”!), but in an amazing way that I could not have imagined.

Lord, as we wait here, may we trust You for the best possible outcome. Remind us of all the times that You have come through for our loved ones and for us. Please work out all of the details, and remove the obstacles that are hindering Your perfect plan from shining forth. We put our trust in You in this waiting room, because You are trustworthy. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen!

Remember. Celebrate. Trust.

Until next time!
Lisa

Beverly, WV

What the heck is “remember, celebrate, trust?”

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Welcome to the first blog post! I have to admit that this process has been a bit scary for me, but I am excited to finally get this show on the road.

By way of introduction, beginning this blog has been similar to someone who finds a recipe on the internet, saves it “somewhere,” thinks about it off and on, maybe even buys the ingredients, but doesn’t actually MAKE the dish for a LONG time. That’s me! I have pondered this, talked about it, and even asked a bunch of friends to pray for me during the long planning period. So…here it is! It finally made it out of the oven and onto the table! Let’s pray that it will be tasty and edible!

In addition to procrastination, another big reason I’ve hesitated to dive in has been the sense that “the world” really doesn’t need yet another blog. And yet, those three words {Remember. Celebrate. Trust.} have been burning in me over and over again for about a year, and the encouragement that I have found in pressing in a little deeper is something that I do feel would be good to share. I LOVE to encourage others. We can all use that, right? And, if we can share some genuine conversation and have some deep belly laughs along the way, all the better! Plus, I love to hear and share the stories of others (with permission). There are just too many fascinating people out there to keep silent…

So, here’s a quick overview of what these words have meant to me. They will be “fleshed out” more in future blogs, of course, but here’s the quick and dirty:

REMEMBER.

  • Remember God’s faithfulness.  “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”  Psalm 77:11-12 NIV
  • Remember others.  Are we are just going along life with all of its busyness, consumed with our own issues at the time, or are we taking time to remember others? To lift up our eyes and actually see those around us? Preaching to myself first, of course!

CELEBRATE.

  • Celebrate God’s faithfulness.  We will “celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”  Psalm 145:7 NIV  There are so many times of celebration in the Bible. Don’t tell me that God doesn’t like a party!  🙂
  • Celebrate others.  Along those same lines, are we taking time to celebrate those around us? Do we rejoice when they rejoice, or do jealousy and comparison immediately creep in? Let’s make a point to celebrate somebody around us today. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Chocolate is always a good option — haha!

TRUST

  • Trust God.  One of my favorite Scriptures about trusting God comes from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  Lots of good stuff in there. Putting it into practice — a little harder to do!

So, there you have it. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I look forward to connecting with you again next time!

Remember.  Celebrate.  Trust.