"Journey to Bethlehem" with Reservations

Journey to Bethlehem opens in theatres today. Despite all the excitement over another good, Christian movie, I ask potential viewers to approach it with reservations. 

I had the opportunity to preview the film with friends about six weeks ago and, although I found some things I liked about it, there were other points that give me serious pause about recommending the film to others. I wish I had written my thoughts immediately (besides just on the survey form that I returned to them), but here is what has stuck with me.

**Note: There are possibly some spoilers in here, although I will try to avoid giving too much away.

Good points: 

There was good cinematography (at least from my viewpoint as an amateur). The costumes, visuals, set, graphics on travel scenes were good quality. The music was good "musical" quality. It definitely had a Disney (think Moana or Lion King) sound to some of it. Yes, the songs did get stuck in my head. I liked the actors and actresses that were in the film (although I wonder why some allowed themselves to be involved).

Not-so-good points: 

- This is probably my biggest, overarching point. The creative liberties taken are too liberal. I don't mean liberal in the religious or political senses that many people associate saying someone or something is liberal nowadays. I mean that I think they are too loose and open with their creative ideas about the nativity story. Their creative liberties can give a wrong impression about something that should be considered more seriously. Sure, it makes Christianity and all the characters in this story seem fun and interesting - and it IS an interesting story - but you lose some of the true sense of it by being too silly. Some things that bothered me:

- The way the wise men acted - They were downright goofy in some scenes, including a dance to entertain King Herod. That seems quite far-fetched to me. Why would dignified, wise men - likely scientists, historians, or the like - lower themselves with this ridiculous show? Very unlikely to me.

- The way Gabriel acted - I have never in all of Scriptures read about an angel who lacked confidence as Gabriel is portrayed. His interaction with Mary is not believable to me. I really didn't like him "roaring" to wake her up, either.

- Joseph and Mary's interaction prior to the betrothal ceremony - Sure, we don't know what went on. I think that they likely knew each other prior to becoming betrothed, but not in the flippant, flirty way that is portrayed in this film. I don't think their relationship would have started off with such misgivings about whether they would each be faithful to each other. This portrayal made me uncomfortable. No, I don't think Joseph and Mary were perfect. I think throwing shade on their character, however, is reproachable.

- King Herod's son, Antipater, coming to see baby Jesus - I have read another review where the publisher of the film, Alan Powell, had a conversation with the writer of the review. The publisher shared that Antipas was not the son of Herod who was engaged in the killing of the babies and he himself lost his life around this time. The writers wanted to show how meeting Jesus can change everything. I appreciate that sentiment, but to someone who doesn't know that side of it, I think it doesn't come across well. Nowhere in the nativity story in the Bible is King Herod's son ever involved directly with Jesus, Mary, or Joseph.

I do not think "Journey of Bethlehem" is a good representation of what we should want people to see of what Christians believe or this historical story. I think it has the opportunity to make Christians and our beliefs look shallow and ridiculous. The seriousness of this historical event is reduced.  

This will not truthfully and accurately portray that in which we believe to those who don't yet believe. This can be likened to The Message "version" of the Bible or The Shack, which can draw people to God through inaccurate views of who He is. I don't think this movie will be a strong force to draw people into a healthy relationship with Jesus. Sure, it can draw some, but may they be open to hearing truth once they come and avoid the bright and shiny, fun and goofy images.

So, go and see if it you like. It was fun in places, definitely goofy in my opinion, and sat very wrong with my spirit about how it portrays the nativity story. As it is, I would use caution if you are considering suggesting that a non-Christian see this film. 

If you want to make watching something about the nativity a tradition for your family, I'd like to suggest the movie, The Nativity Story instead. This one has been a tradition in our family for the last 4-5 years. The labor scenes of Elizabeth and Mary might be more than what you'd like for young or sensitive individuals, but otherwise, it is well done.

(Image created by Sean Wichert)

Let Them Stay!

My back has been hurting the past few days. I'm sure there are multiple reasons, but when I eliminated most processed sugars and carbs from my diet last spring, I noticed that I didn't have back pain anymore. Well, it's hurting again, and as I evaluated my food intake of the past couple weeks, it has included breads, cookies, and other sweets. I have such a weakness for these! That chocolate hazelnut spread and cookie butter were bought special, just for me! The Amish Friendship Bread and the pasta meals have been so delicious! 

I was thinking about either throwing out the items that are tempting me or urging my kids to hurry up and eat them. 

But I need to develop self-control.

That's when I realized that this applies to more than just what's in my pantry.

When we have temptations out in the world, we can't always remove those. It is not in our power to remove them all, and I'm sure we'd encounter quite a push-back from some other people if we tried.

Sure, we can remove some temptations from our immediate environments, such as our homes, or our phones. We can remove alcohol, magazines, certain tv shows/movies/websites, other media sources. We can block people with certain language or behavior from entering our abode. It is good to have a safe place to rest from our battles, where we can rejuvenate and prepare for the next.

But since we can't erase all temptations, we must develop the fortitude to fight them with self-control, which is a quality of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

"For the fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." 

Galatians 5:22-23

A parable told by Jesus came to my mind.

Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
"'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
"'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" - Matthew 13:24-30

• We leave the temptations - and those who may bear the temptations into our lives - much like the weeds were left with the wheat. 
• We can grow strong even in their presence when we are under the faithful care of the one who planted us where and when we are.
• Uprooting the weeds may cause us not to grow as strong as we should.

Unlike the weeds in this parable, 

who would never be able to change and become like the wheat, 

the people around us 

who are living their lives entangled by their temptations

 have the opportunity to change!

Praise the Lord! In view of God's great mercy, patience, and the grace that He has for every single person who will accept His great and free gift - let the weeds stay! May those who are the "wheat" have a profound impact on them so that they may also become "wheat!"

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-2

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9

Hiding the Word of God in Your Heart

Here are the Scripture memory tips that I shared recently with a Bible study group. They asked that I type up my notes and share it with them, so I did, and thought I'd share with all of you, too. One of the reasons to memorize Scripture verses and passages is so you can share them with other people. It is also nice to be able to recall them in your own circumstances, whether they be difficult or joyful.

 I don't use all of these techniques (just most of them!) so pick and choose what would work best for you.

- If it's a long passage and you're struggling to memorize it, break it up into smaller chunks. Focus on one phrase and then add the next phrase to it.

- Repeat, repeat, repeat.

- Write down your verse(s) on index cards or sticky notes and put them where you'll see them (near kitchen sink, on bathroom mirror, near computer,...)

          - If the cards get too familiar in a location so that you are not noticing them anymore, move them to another spot.

- Set alarms on your phone/watch to remind you to review your verse(s).

- Write a note on your to-do list to practice your verses.

- Have a set time of day at which you plan to practice verses (similar to having a set time for devotions/quiet time, exercise, etc.).

- Practice with someone else.

- Review previously memorized verses to keep from forgetting them. (Index cards or the app mentioned below are helpful for this.)

- Add motions. What hand motions can you use to recall the words?

          - I demonstrated using an imaginary walkie-talkie for Proverbs 10:4, and touching the wrist and forehead for Deuteronomy 6:8. We call Philippians 4:19 our "street preacher" verse and, as such, have stood atop things to say it.

- Find or create your own music or rhythm/beat for the verse(s). Acts 5:29 has a good beat to it. Many Scripture songs can be found online, on Youtube, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. - whatever listening platform you have on your devices - or on cd. Some sources for Scripture songs that our family has used:

          - "Sing the Word from A to Z" by the Harrow Family (for kids, but can be helpful for adults as well; I know I learned 26 verses this way!)

          - "Seeds Family Worship" - They have 18 cds available on their website, and we have found many of their songs online, too (YouTube, Spotify).

          - "Hidden in My Heart" - Scripture lullabies but good for any age

          - The Corner Room and Sons of Korah are two groups I've listened to on YouTube who sing Psalms

                       - Psalm 91 by Sons of Korah and Psalm 46 by The Corner Room are ones I've listened to while memorizing those passages.

- Install the Remember Me app on your phone. This app lets you input which verses you want to memorize, choose your Bible translation preference, and will help you review your verses. Your practice moves up levels (i.e., Level 1 - you practice the next day, Level 2 - you practice three days later, Level 8 - the highest - you practice 99 days later). You can even choose different practice methods, such as a flashcard review (5 of your verses/passages or ALL your verses/passages).

- Say it out loud. Incorporating the oral motor movements and the auditory system helps make stronger neural pathways than just saying it in your head. This is also why writing the verse is helpful - strengthening neural pathways by engaging another modality (actually two - the kinesthetic/fine motor act of writing and the visual act of seeing the words).

If you have any questions about finding Scripture songs, using the app, etc., I'll be happy to help however I can.

Happy memorizing!

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. - Psalm 119:11

Wonderings about Wise Wanderings

In December 2019, while participating in our church's Christmas on the Corner performances, I gained a new appreciation of Joseph in the Christmas story. You can read about it here.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus
Photo credit: Henry Huey Photo
hueyphoto.com, @HenryHueyPhoto

This year, while participating again in the Christmas on the Corner performances, I yearned to have a deeper experience - to try to see the story from another perspective, whether it be that of the shepherds or the wise men.

I had a hard time focusing on either of these (unless I was at the performances), until my family visited White Sands National Monument in New Mexico on December 20, 2021. That's when I took these pictures.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Being surrounded by all the sand and the mountains, I thought about the wise men and what their journey in the Christmas story might have been like. The majority of the following poem was written as I stood atop a hill of sand, surveying our surroundings. This isn't anything deep or theological, but gave me a focus as I strive to keep Christ and His story at the center of my and my family's Christmas this year.

I wonder what it was like for the wise men

To cross hills and valleys of sand

To travel far from family and friends

And traverse a foreign land

To follow a star in the night sky

To stay on course in the day

To explain their journey to passersby

I wonder just what they would say.

And did the star disappear

Before they questioned the king?

Is that why they stopped in Jerusalem

And told him everything?

Then, when they left the palace

The star again appeared.

They hadn't lost their way

As they might have at one time feared.

And, finally, they met the child

While with his parents he sat

I wonder what Mary and Joseph felt.

Did the kings play with the child on the mat?

When they presented their gifts

Did they appear to be too much

For this boy and his simple family

How would they use the such?

Or did the gifts seem not enough?

Did the kings truly understand

That the child who played before them

Came to save and heal the land?

What was their trip home like?

Were they terrified by the dream?

What route did they choose to take

To avoid the king as he blew off steam?

What did they tell the people

When they arrived home at last?

What new paths did their lives take

After this trip had passed?

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are visited by wise men from the East,
from the First Baptist Church of Round
Rock's Christmas on the Corner, December 2021
Photo Credit: Keith Mitchell, http://www.keithmitchell.photography

No Matter What - You Matter!

I, too, was in tears at this point. Did God really talk to me on this morning and act through me to bless another person? I know He did, but why? Why me?

I have had other similar experiences, like this one:

I know these experiences to be true, but for someone who doubts their worth at times and cannot understand why anyone would care for me to realize that the one and only God, creator of the entire universe, DOES care enough to communicate with me through the Holy Spirit - I felt and still feel both honored and humbled! I know these two friends felt honored and humbled as well, knowing that God cares so much for them that He had someone out there praying for them. (Side note: I encourage you to contact people when God puts them on your heart to pray for them.)

But this is not just for me! It's for you, too! No matter how unworthy or low you feel, God cares for you!

 Taking from the points from our pastor's sermon on December 19, 2021:

        1. You are never too young or too old.

        2. You are never too experienced or too novice.

        3. You are never too educated or too uneducated.

        4. You are never too good or too messed up.

"Jacob was a cheater. Peter had a temper. David had an affair. Noah got drunk. Jonah ran from God. Paul was a murderer. Gideon was insecure. Miriam was a gossip. Martha was a worrier. Thomas was a doubter. Sarah was impatient. Elijah was moody. Moses stuttered. Abraham was old. Lazarus was dead." And God cared about all of them! He had a special purpose for each of them!

I really recommend that you listen to Pastor Dustin Slaton's full message. There is so much more that you should hear on this topic.

I also read an article published online by Dayspring on Dec. 16, 2021, and the following quotes from the article stood out to me:

"...the great and awesome God stepping into the everydays of some simple folks."

"How could we know at what point that routine aspect of our lives is actually showing up on God's holy radar...a great intersection of mundane and miraculous?"

"Clearly, He is a God who magnifies the mundane in order to accomplish His miracles."

"He is both Majesty and a God who presses into our days, our everydays. And, He whispers Life into those dusty, disgraced, and dull places - and we are never, ever the same."

Again, I recommend reading the full article from Dayspring.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  - Matthew 10:30-31

But he himself [Elijah] went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." - 1 Kings 19:4-5  God took care of Elijah even when he wanted to give up and die.

Yahweh, our amazing God, cares enough to reach into our crazy, messy, dirty lives to show us His great love and to draw us closer to Him. I pray that is what you will seek - to draw closer to Him and to know that He loves you.

Our Compassion child matters.

Just when I thought "not even the cat likes me," this happened.
God cares even about my thoughts.

Through my work with our church's Homebound Ministry over the past eleven years, I have met many individuals who were/are still being used by God and fulfilling His purpose as long as they were/are able - telling the nurses and aides in the nursing homes about God, still preparing Bible study lessons and sermons, reaching out in love and generosity to those in younger generations - setting an example that I hope I am able to follow someday.

These special ones - young and old - matter.

No matter what, you matter!

No matter how unimportant you may feel. No matter what may be in your past. No matter what anyone else has said about you. No matter your life circumstances. God loves you, cares for you, and has a purpose for you!

Be honored and humbled.

The One who formed all the stars and galaxies in the whole universe with just His spoken words wants to have a relationship with you!

As a bonus recommendation, take a listen to "Matter" by For King and Country. 

May your Christmas be blessed as you remember the great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit from God the Father who loves you more than the world.

Some "Swell" Considerations

 

Some "Swell" Considerations

Bee venom and my body do not get along. I'm not allergic to bees, but I have "moderate" reactions. My husband and I each got stung last Saturday. After a few minutes, he didn't feel the sting and couldn't even tell exactly where he had gotten stung. I, however, began swelling near the sting site. Thankfully, this sting wasn't near my eye like the last two times! I got stung on the hand this time and - three days later - the swelling was still there, although it showed signs of improvement. I could touch my fingertips to my thumb, almost make a fist, hold a pen and semi-write, and could almost see knuckles and veins again. 

About 52 hours after the sting

There are many thoughts that can accompany an injury or illness. Here are some thoughts I considered during this time, in no particular order. I have included a Bible verse with the sections and more at the end.

Compassion for Others

One of the first and largest reminders that I had during this time was compassion for others. I went to a memorial service the same day I was stung. I could have pointed out my discomfort to my friends and neighbors, but I was drawn to notice individuals there who were suffering things much more painful and enduring than my swollen hand. I felt no desire at that point to say anything about my discomfort. There are individuals who go through much harder things, and for much longer durations. Some people have chronic swelling or pain due to injuries, illnesses, needed medications, or syndromes - for decades! Some people deal with other kinds of pain - mental, emotional, relational, etc. My discomfort may last 4-5 days, but then I'll move on and get back into my usual routines. Some people don't have that opportunity.

By the way, I highly encourage you to check out Special Books by Special Kids. You can find them at their website (sbsk.org), or on YouTube or Facebook.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)

Overlooking Struggles

It can be easy to overlook another's struggles, or to at least not understand the implications those struggles have on a person. We can be so self-absorbed that we don't see the pain in someone close to us. I was around many people last weekend - at a memorial service, at church, and visiting family, and not one person mentioned my swollen hand (besides my husband who already knew about it). I honestly believe most people didn't even notice. I emphatically don't mean to imply that these wonderful people were self-absorbed, but it drew to my attention the times when I myself may be self-absorbed and not see the hurts of others. 

"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." (1 Corinthians 10:14)

Different Effects

The same situation can affect people differently. As I mentioned at the beginning, my husband's bee sting didn't bother him at all after a few minutes while I had swelling for days. This applies to other situations, too - of many kinds! This could be anything from illnesses and injuries, to family losses, to work stress - you name it. We all react differently. What may cause only minor and short-term discomfort for some may have long-term and serious effects for others. Hmph - if that's not something the whole COVID-19 virus has also taught us!

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 14:13)

Things Can Change

When I first thought of this one, I thought about how a little bitty sting caused a larger area to swell. (The pictures below show my hand at 45 minutes, 3 hours, and 21 hours after the sting.) Situations can start that way - one small action leads to certain results and often more actions and results. As I typed this, I was reminded of another perspective, too. A beekeeper friend of ours has said that each time you get stung, the reaction is less. For some people, however, I have heard the opposite to be true. I have been stung four times in the past year and four months that we have been beekeeping and have not yet determined if the reactions are getting better or worse. 

          

Application? A small sin, whether it be in thought, word, or deed, can grow into something much larger and troubling. Then again, a small kindness can also grow into something bigger and better. A grudge can fester; a gratitude can flourish. Another application is that repeatedly experiencing the same situation, whatever it may be, can make you stronger or it can weaken you. Sometimes we have a choice whether to remain in that situation or not. Sometimes we only have the option to choose the attitude we are going to have and how we are going to react to the situation. It's good to be aware to our situations and how they are affecting us. It's good to be aware of what situations those around us are dealing with and how they are being affected. How could we help or encourage them?

"'But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.'" (Luke 8:15)

Help

It's okay to ask for help AND it's okay to accept help that is offered! I found myself asking for help opening water bottles, carrying things, washing dishes, etc. - things I wanted to be able to do for myself or for someone else! I tend to be pretty independent (especially about little things like these!), but I found myself releasing control and allowing others to help me. I allowed myself to ask for help, even in the little things. We were created for community, not isolation.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Perseverance

Sometimes you just have to keep pressing on. You can't just sit and wallow. Complaining will not serve you well. You have to push through the pain and difficulties sometimes. This leads me to my next thought:

Difficulty Does Not Mean You Are Out of God's Will!

Just because you are suffering in some way and not experiencing wonderful wealth, health, and prosperity DOES NOT mean that you haven't been obedient enough. It doesn't mean you haven't prayed enough, fasted enough, read your Bible enough, served at the church enough, tithed enough. It doesn't mean any of those things! What about the apostle Paul? Would you tell me that he wasn't obedient enough or that he was outside of God's will when he said he had a "thorn in his flesh", when he was bitten by a snake, shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, whipped, imprisoned, etc.? (Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-31 for a brief list.) What about the Christians who were martyred - and still are today - for telling others about Jesus? And what about Jesus, Himself? He suffered greatly! Do you think he was having fun up on that cross? (Read Matthew 27:27-54 for part of the story.) Surely you don't want to imply that He was out of God the Father's will. Living for Jesus is not without trials and pain.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" (Hebrews 12:7)

Sometimes the Path to Healing Doesn't Feel Any Better

My husband was home from work for Labor Day. All throughout the day, he insisted on bandaging my hand to push some of the swelling out. Sometimes it wasn't too bad. At other times, my hand ached. Fluid built up in my proximal interphalangeal joints. (Yes, I looked up that term. It's the joint in the middle of your fingers, the first joint out from your knuckles. Our daughter once asked the scientific name for the knuckles - which are the metacarpophalangeal joints - and so I was curious which these were.) I had been excited that morning that I could touch my fingertips to my thumb, but when my hand was bandaged, I couldn't touch or hold anything! The way to growth, healing, or just a better life isn't always easy. Surgery to correct a medical issue can be painful - but lead to healing. Physical therapy after surgery can be painful - but if you stick with it, the end result is better than where you were or where you currently are. Counseling can be painful, but lead to greater mental, emotional, and/or relational health.

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:10-11)

Consider the Motive

That little bee wasn't just a mean little critter set on hurting someone. She was defending her home and her community. Someone was entering their home and taking their honey. Yes, I was standing probably about 10-15 feet away holding nothing more threatening than a cell phone to take pictures, but she was doing what she thought best to protect the hive. And you know what - she gave her life for them! Whenever a bee stings someone, she dies. Whenever something painful happens to you and someone else is involved in it, carefully consider their motive. I know this is something I've had to talk to my pre-teen and teen kids about. Yes, it might have made you feel badly, but that might not have been the other person's intent at all.

"Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.'" (Proverbs 24:29)

The one picture I took before I got stung

Don't Let Fear Keep You from the Good Stuff

As I mentioned earlier, I have been stung four times in a little more than a year. Do you think that means I'm going to stay away from the bees? No way! I still love them - and the delicious honey they make! I love that they pollinate our flowers and the vegetables in our garden. It's possible that I might wear a bee suit more often, even if I'm not personally dealing with the hive - but fear is not going to win! Don't let a hardship keep you from getting the good stuff. If you run into a tough spiritual question, don't turn from God or stop studying the Bible. If God doesn't answer a prayer the way you wanted Him to answer, don't stop praying. Take the test, run the race, do whatever it is that is set in front of you. Reach for that goal!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

More Verses

(Compassion for Others)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

(Overlooking Struggles)

"In reply Jesus said: 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving hi half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.'" (Luke 10:30-34)

(Different Effects)

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)

"'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?'" (Matthew 7:1-3)

(Things Can Change)

"'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'" (Matthew 26:41)

(Help)

"The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" (Genesis 2:18)

(Perseverance/Difficulty Does Not Mean You Are Out of God's Will)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:2-4, 12)

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," (2 Timothy 4:12)

(Sometimes Healing Hurts)

"'Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.'" (Matthew 7:14, KJV)

(Consider the Motive)

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19)

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

(Don't Let Fear Keep You from the Good Stuff)

"'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Deuteronomy 31:6, repeated in verse 8 and Joshua 1:9)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive he crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Always with Me

Recently, I have fought on the battlefield of my mind again, warring against the lies in my head telling me that I am no good and not worthy of people's love. I was able to hold onto the truth that my family loves me, but was fighting to see why they would. It was a rough few days. Through it all, however, God communicated in a number of different ways that He was always with me.

As I mentioned holding onto the fact that my family loves me, I was also able to hold onto the truth that God loves me, too. It was a truth that I could feel in the core of my being. At one point when it was really hard, I asked Him, "Lord, could I just be done?" it was as if I received a soft hug from the one who never left my side and a quiet, 

"No, my child." 

My family could tell I was struggling even if I wasn't verbalizing it, and they often told me "I love you." As much as I felt like I didn't want to hear that, it was exactly what I needed to hear over and over. I got hugs and cuddles, even (and especially) from the least cuddly family member.

During low moments, if we had music playing, the songs seemed to be communicating from God directly to me. He often uses music with me. I would just sit quietly and listen to the words, letting them do their work. (I'd usually share with you the specific songs, but I wasn't mentally in a place to write them down this time around.)

Another way I felt God's presence was through soap bubbles. Yes, soap bubbles! When washing dishes, I'll often puff the soap container, which causes it to release a few happy little bubbles. During my battle, I would puff the soap, and MANY bubbles would float up. Instead of floating off like they usually do, they floated right back in my face - every time! Okay Jesus, you got my attention that time. 

Once, a specific word triggered the war again. I left the room and knelt down, sobbing, with my head against a table. I said, "Jesus, I need you." I raised my head and saw on the table a figurine of Jesus praying, much in the same position I was at that moment. There - right there in my moment of need - was a reminder of Jesus, that He was with me at that moment - that He was (and is) always with me. He understands what I'm going through and He'll always be by my side, every time I fight the battle.

One day last week, I prayed for God to help me again. I prayed for Him to help me "fight the devil's schemes," to "take my stand," to "put on the full armor." I realized then that I had just prayed the Bible verse that I was teaching my niece that week (Ephesians 6:11). He knew that I, too, would need that specific verse last week.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, where the lies in your head continue to attack you, hold tightly to Jesus and keep fighting! Turn on some Christian music. Read your Bible. Seriously. Continue to draw closer and closer to God and He will draw close to you. No matter how you feel, you are not alone. You don't have to be. I know it's hard to reach out to someone, especially in those moments, but if you can, please find someone with whom you can talk. (More people fight these battles than you may realize.) Fight those lies with truth, and refuse to believe the lies anymore!

Hebrews 13:5b - "because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

James 4:8a - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."