Watch Out for Sparks

We live on a few heavily wooded acres that I call the Magic Forest. Part of life here involves picking up fallen sticks and eventually burning them. We’d hesitated to do anything with this year’s stack for fear that sparks might spread through the woods.

What made this year different, you ask? Well, conditions changed. A 100-year-old pine tree died suddenly on the edge of the clearing where we burn becoming a fire hazard. To be safe, we had a tree company out recently to remove it.     

Did you know that wildfires have already damaged nearly 1.9 million acres in America so far this year? Fire moves quickly and spreads rapidly anywhere conditions are hot, dry, and brittle, be it in forest, in grasses, or in human hearts...Read More

 

Use Gratitude to Combat Stress

Feeling stressed?

In the Psalms, we repeatedly see signs of David’s grateful heart. It was this perspective that allowed him to persevere in his many times of trouble and to accomplish wonderful things for the kingdom of God. Adopting an attitude of gratitude in the midst of ...Read More

How to Live in the Midst of the Storm

Most of you, like me and my family, are experiencing an unprecedented storm, one filled with uncertainty and fear. We didn’t expect it, may have been ill-prepared for it, and certainly don’t know when it will all end.

It brings to mind another group of people who, too, were caught up in a sudden and dreadful storm, not a COVID-19 storm but... READ MORE .

Wisdom First

If you want a truly successful life, seek wisdom before you act. Just because something seems right to you, doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do. Proverbs 14:12 makes it clear that a way that seems right to a person can instead lead to death, a death that includes relationships, finances, and even dreams. Before you take action, consider: 

• What does God say about it?
• What do wise counselors say about it?

If you don’t have counselors, seek them out. But use caution, simply because they have an opinion doesn’t mean they’re wise. A wise counselor is someone trained, or more experienced than you, whose own life reflects right choices. 

If your wise counselors are against it, wait to take action and thoughtfully consider their advice.

If God is against it, simply don’t do it. 

The more important the issue at hand, the more important it is to seek wisdom. Ultimately the decision is always yours, but remember, so too are the consequences. 

Walk in wisdom today, my friend. 

Ann 

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

If God’s Word is True

It’s my choice:

Today, and everyday, I want eveything about my life, the way I choose to think, act, and speak, to reflect the belief I confess to have. But I am a flawed person, proned to respond out of my fallen nature instead of my transformed spirit. I can’t do it in my own power.

The more time I spend with God, in communication with Him, worshipping His goodness and basking in His love, the more like Him I become.The more of the Word that I read, memorize, and meditate on, the more my thoughts align with His.

Both of these help me grow into a more mature believer, moving away from the world and closer to heaven. But the flesh is something that you and I have to die to daily, sometimes moment by moment.

So, today I chose to act as if God’s word is true. And I will rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to follow through. Want to join me?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit,

Help me to live life differently than the unbelieving world. Let not fear or worry or stress or anger or jealousy have any control in my life. Instead, let my life be controlled by the truth of God’s word.

Amen

Does an Inner Circle Matter?

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact a group, whether it’s just a few people or a large number, can have on the individuals within it? Peer pressure is just one example of the influence groups have on behavior. We’ve all witnessed it up close—my apologies to the owner of the house I helped cover in toilet paper back in high school—but the influence of others on our lives extends far beyond just temporary actions.

There is actually a science to group behavior that’s studied by social psychologists. It reveals predictable patterns in the way other people influence our attitudes and actions. Certain types of personalities are more easily influenced, but we’re all affected to various degrees.

Research shows that over time we become the average of the five people we associate with the most. We begin to model those around us as a natural result of group dynamics, and the more time spent together the greater the impact on our lives. While we often see the end result of its negative impact in news stories and on our criminal justice system, the same power can be harnassed for good.

Who you spend your time and energy with is crucial to your life’s trajectory. If your desire is to be successful, surround yourself with hardworking, determined people. If you want to grow more Christlike, spend time with passionate people of faith. If you value financial stability, seek out fiscally responsible people. If you want to live a life of positivity, avoid negative, fault-finding complainers.

This doesn’t mean you should never associate with your existing friends or family group if they don’t match your goals and values. What it means is that you intentionally walk through life with people who are already headed in the direction you want to go.

When it comes to daily life you should love everyone, but choose your inner circle with great care. They should inspire the best version of yourself, not the basest.

Be blessed my friend,

Ann Wilds

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God Cares When You’re Hurting

Recently I witnessed a beautiful sight as God spoke life in the midst of the ordinary. He knew that His daughter was going through a difficult time, and used a stranger to buy her lunch and leave a love-note from Him. It wasn’t much, but in that moment it was everything to her.

In difficult times we sometimes forget, and can even doubt, that He sees or cares what we’re going through. If that’s you today be encouraged. He saw her and He sees you, no matter where you are, even in a fast food drive-thru line.

He knows and understands the present difficulty you’re going through and feels your pain. Jesus has already walked the path before you and walks it now beside you. He is with you in your hurting. He is with you in the trenches. And He is with you in the fight. You. Are. Not. Alone.

Be blessed my friend,
Ann

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
(‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬)

How to Move from Victim to Victor

I’m participating in a 21-day worry-free group on Facebook, and the word for today is endurance. It’s an attribute that many of us lack, because it’s one that must be cultivated.

It’s really not a natural thing for us to willingly go through difficulties, especially extended ones, much less go through them with a positive attitude. Our brain and body were created to quickly move us away from any form of danger, pain, or suffering. When we can’t or don’t move away, the mechanisms inherent to the fight or flight response continue to escalate within us, often leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. And while this response is natural, we don’t have to be ruled by our nature.

Our mind has the power to counter the responses.  Did you know that our brain and body react exactly the same way to false danger as they do to real danger? Our mental perspective results in our physical response. If we perceive the situation in a negative light, our bodies respond accordingly. But if we frame that same situation in a positive light, we are able to remain more at peace.

For the sake of clarity, I’m not talking about actual trauma. But for anything less, reframing can be very beneficial.

Here is a simple example, suppose you are traveling and find your connecting flight delayed. I speak from personal experience as it has happened many times. If you perceive the delay in a negative way, you’ll feel stressed and may even act out in anger. But if you reframe that delay as a chance to finish your report, explore the airport, or an opportunity to be kind to a stranger, you won’t feel stressed. You just might feel blessed.

Asking the right types of questions is one of my favorite re-framing tools. Instead of questions like:

• Why is this happening to me?
• Why is my co-worker so mean to me?
• Why isn’t life fair?

Try asking questions like:

• What can I learn from this?
• How can I use this to get better?
• How will I glorify God in this?

Asking better questions leads to better outcomes. The first types of questions are victim questions. They reflect powerlessness, focusing on things beyond our control. The second types of questions are victor questions. They are empowering, focusing on what we can control. The situation doesn’t change, but our outlook and attitude does. And sometimes with a better attitude, we find that we can actually change the situation because we are no longer stuck in a trap of limiting beliefs.

The victim trap is no place for anyone to remain, but most especially a child of the Most High. So, I want to encourage you today, should you find yourself there, to pull out your Bible and apply it to your circumstance. It’s a great source of wisdom and of authority on controlling your mind. Below are just a few. Study them, pick one or two to memorize, or write them out and place them where you’ll see them. Claim the power God has given you.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Col. 3:2 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 ESV

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 1 Peter 10: 3-4 ESV

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Prov. 4:23 NCV

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, – 2 Cor. 10:5 ESV

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 ESV

When we work together with the power of the Holy Spirit to reframe the struggles of the day, we can leave stress and worry behind and, in faith, walk with endurance the path set before us.

Be blessed today.

Ann

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1b-2a

What Happens When We Forget

The Old Testament is full of stories of forgetting and its consequences. Time and time again, the Israelites would forget God and all the things He had done for them. Theirs was a cycle of suffering-repentance-rescue-forgetting-sinfulness-suffering.

As a young Christian, I would find myself time and again growing frustrated with them any time I read their stories.  They were such self-centered, disrespecting idiots. How in the world did God not simply destroy them all!? Thankfully the Bible isn’t a story of worldly justice, but a window into God’s amazing grace.

Now that I have walked with Him much longer, my reaction is somewhat different when I read these same stories in the Pentateuch. While I may still find myself irritated with them, I can also see myself reflected there. How many times have I myself forgotten? It makes me grateful that God is as faithful to me today as He was to them. He is true to the Covenant even when I’m not.

If we’re honest, none of us are much different than the Israelites that God rescued from Egypt. We, too, get caught up in life and allow the momentary circumstances we’re in to dictate our thoughts and behaviors. With our eyes on this world we forget about all that God has done for us and fail to wait on His direction.

When we forget how faithful He has been, we worry about the future, we worry about today. When we forget how much He loves us and all the ways He’s shown us that love, we doubt His goodness and stress over our needs. When we forget the many prayers He’s already answered, we think and act as if it all depends on us. And when we forget about His sacrifice for us on the cross, we put ourselves first and live by our desires.

Our forgetting doesn’t always result in sin, but it does always block us from the inner peace that only comes when we stay close by His side. So, in case you find yourself in a time of forgetting today, I’m sharing a simple prayer I pray when I find myself there. May it help you remember the goodness and faithfulness of our God.

Be bless my friend,

Ann

Father God,

Help me to remember all the mercy and grace You have given me. When I start to worry, remind me of Your faithfulness. When I start to rely on my works, remind me of Your strength. And when I start to go my own way, turn my eyes to the cross. Never let me forget the bondage of sin that Your loving sacrifice freed me from. I believe in Your goodness, I believe in Your truth, and I believe in Your word. When I doubt, help my unbelief.

In Jesus’ holy name I pray.

Amen

Created to Bloom

I found this teeny, tiny flower in the woods this morning. Many would dismiss it as a weed, yet it’s still effective at it’s job producing pollen to propagate it’s species. It’s also quite pretty to look at if you take the time.

You and I have much in common with this little plant. Christianity and a life centered on  Christ aren't overly popular these days. And even in Christian circles we may feel overlooked. But be encouraged.

Not everyone is going to appreciate you or what you have to offer, but that doesn’t change it’s importance. Whether your fan base numbers in the thousands or is only one, you continue to joyfully use your abilities, whatever they may be,  to fulfill God’s purpose.

Never forget that you, my friend, were created to bloom.

Life in the Potter's Hands

When my daughter was little we often played with modeling clay. I loved its silky texture in my fingers, soft and malleable just waiting for us to craft it into…well, more. At times the clay was hard and stiff when we first unwrapped it and we’d have to push and pull, and poke and prod it, before it was useful. In our hands, it would eventually transform back into something soft and supple. Now we could begin to work with it, forming shapes, cutting off a bit here, carving other bits there, until it finally looked like we intended, or at least it was a rough approximation to it. Nothing we made would sell as fine art, but still I keep two of our creations on my window sill, smiling when I see them from the sweet memory of times gone by.

Sometimes though, we’d grow bored and put it aside before creating anything, but a real potter won’t leave a lump of clay partially formed. With care, he molds it with his hands, pinching and pressing it until it takes the shape necessary to fulfill its intended purpose. Maybe it will be an elaborate sculpture or perhaps just a simple pitcher, but either way it’s only while the clay is pliable that it can be made into something more.

We live in a fallen world. People do horrible things to one another. Natural disasters, disease, and death abound. But don’t allow the sorrows of this life to harden you.

Instead of asking “Why me?” when troubles come, and they will come, consider asking “How can this be used to glorify you, God?”

When you remain yielded, He will mold every tear, every wound, and every heartache into beauty and purpose in your life. Your Potter is always working to mold you into so much more.

 – Ann Wilds

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

(Phil 1:6)

How to Adjust an Attitude

Do you ever have one of those days where you just seem to get up on the wrong side of the bed? You’re easily irritated and short-tempered for no real reason. That was definitely me this morning. My husband didn’t have to say much and I felt my ire rising. 

Being human, we’re all capable of being grumps. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok to remain that way. So, I took a deep breath, gave myself a stern talking to, and proceeded with a full on attitude adjustment. 

Chapter 4 in the book of Ephesians is a great resource for showing us exactly how to cleanse unhealthy thoughts and negative mental states. It begins with recognizing (v.22) that our thinking has tainted, and making the choice to fully put it away. That’s followed by earnest prayer, asking (v.23) the Holy Spirit to renew our mind and give us an attitude (v.24) that aligns with Christ. 

When we follow the Word, fully yielding to the Spirit, an inner shift occurs. But when we fail to do so, we give place to the devil (v.27) in our life and fall easily into sin. 

While I hope I don’t need another one soon, it would be wishful thinking to expect to never need one. But the next time my attitude is in need of an adjustment, I know just exactly where to turn. 

-Ann Wilds 

“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

 (Ephesians 4:23)

The Cost of Keeping Score

People sometimes complain about other people’s social media posts being filled with how well their life is going, how happy their relationships, and how special their children. The problem, they say, is that it can’t be true, no one’s life is that perfect, and they just need to stop pretending. But they’re wrong.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The problem has nothing at all to do with what someone else posts on their own social media, whether true or not. But everything to do with where you and I place our attention. God gave each of us unique life paths. Your path is not mine, my path is not yours, and the person posting on social media has their own path, too. We have no idea what they have walked through, or are walking through.

The enemy of your soul seeks to cause division and strife. He loves nothing more than to lead you to doubt God’s goodness towards you. And that, my friend, is where jealousy, discontentment, and resentment begin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀

The root of every sin is in where we choose to turn our eyes. When our attention is fixed on other people, our thoughts turn easily to what we feel we lack. Instead, look to God and His grace and glory. The only time we should focus on other people is when we look to see where we can give them help. We all rise best by lifting others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

So, when you feel discouraged by someone else’s seemingly perfect life, remember, it’s

count your blessings, not compare them. 

-Ann Wilds

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:8‬

Called to More

You know, following Christ isn't an easy life. It is a blessed life, it is a grace-filled life, but it’s certainly not easy.   

Though we are His, our human nature didn’t just disappear. We still have our old habits and desires. Like every other human that walks the earth, we have tendencies to be self-focused and involved, more concerned with ourselves and our own comfort than anyone else’s. 

But God calls us to so much more.

For though our human nature remains, our spiritual nature is changed the moment we accepted Christ as Savior. The Holy Spirit now lives inside of us. And with that spiritual change comes the power for us to be different, to live our lives as a reflection of Christ. 

But for us to answer the call to be different than the world, we actually have to be different. We have to think differently, respond differently, and love differently. And that’s where things get hard. 

God calls us to things that are antithesis to our human nature. He calls us to: 

• Forgive readily (Colossians 3:23)
• Control our thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• Love our enemies (Matthew 5:44)
• Wait patiently (Psalm 37:7)
• Not worry (Matthew 6:34)
• Trust God (Proverbs 3:5)
• Put on love (Colossians 3:14)
• Bless our haters (Romans 12:14)
• Live humbly (Proverbs 11:2)
• Live at peace with others (Romans 12:18)
• Manage our mouth (James 1:26)
• Deny our flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
• Be still (Exodus 14:14) 

Those are hard things to do. Yet, God is good. He would never tell us to do something that we didn’t have the capacity for. Like babies learning to walk, it may not be natural, it may not be comfortable, and it certainly may not be easy, but what He calls us to do is possible. And even when it seems beyond our power, it’s never beyond His. 

So, in whatever situation you face today where your human nature wants to respond differently than the Spirit living inside you, remember this. 

He doesn’t call us to do the easy, He calls us to do the hard. 

And though we may falter and fail, as I do daily, we never stop striving. So that through the power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit which helps us, we become transformed little by little into a life that looks less like us and more like Jesus.

—Ann Wilds 

Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked. —1 John 2:6

Color the World

One of the things I like least about winter time is that it steals most of the color from our backyard woods. Even the trees and bushes that maintain some green seem to turn a duller, dusty shade.

Yet it’s this very dullness that makes any touch of color that much more beautiful. I came across this red leaf yesterday and its color stood out even more brightly surrounded as it was by a sea of drab brown.

Though outward circumstances may drain the color from those around you, stealing their joy, remember that you’re different. The joy of someone with the power of Christ living inside them is no longer rooted to the outside world. So when the wind blows cold, hold fast to your color, your inner joy. You’ll stand out as a beacon of hope to a dying world.

Ann Wilds

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
(John 15:11)

Pennies from Heaven

I don’t know about you, but I often find dropped and discarded pennies on the ground. Some have clearly been out in the elements for quite some time. They’re dirty, worn, and even bent. Yet, no matter how long they've been overlooked or even how badly treated, they still hold the exact same worth as a shiny, new penny.

Child of God, don't ever be misled by the world's twisted truths or by lies from the enemy. Your value isn't found in the number of friends you have or the number of followers. It doesn't come from worldly honors or accolades. Nor is it determined by the way others see or treat you. No matter how much or how little you’re appreciated in human eyes,

being wanted will never alter your worth.

The source of a coin's value comes from the image stamped upon it. So it is with you. You are stamped with the image of the Living God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Your worth is both assured and secured.

- Ann Wilds

"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them." (Gen. 1:27)

The Assurance of the Manger

My house is all a bustle as we prepare to host family Christmas next weekend. Last night as I was hanging ornaments, my thoughts drifted back to my childhood Christmas home. If what comes to your mind is a beautifully trimmed and decorated tree with elegant ribbon and wrapping underneath, you’d be mistaken.

We couldn’t afford to buy a Christmas tree. Each year we would cut our own, not from a Christmas tree farm filled with perfectly shaped trees, but from an ordinary field with random pine trees. We lived in the country and would traipse through acres, and often mud, to find a tree that was remotely the size and shape of a traditional Christmas tree. We’d carry back our find like a prized trophy, then proceed to cut the branches to somewhat resemble the right shape. On occasion we’d even cut off a branch and graft it in with string or wire to cover a gaping hole. Then we’d hang large bulb lights, add old and often handmade ornaments, and then cover it with as much tinsel as possible. A handful of tinsel can cover an awful lot of imperfections. The messy, imperfect tree was fitting for our highly dysfunctional family.

Next came my favorite. We’d set up the manger scene. Ours was a small, simple manger with an angel with a broken wing, a few animals, Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus. I loved the baby Jesus. If there were other pieces, I don’t remember them. Many years later, when my mom moved in with us, the manger made it to our house but not the character pieces. Somehow in the move we’d lost the baby Jesus.

If you are in a place where you don’t feel the presence of Jesus, know this. While it is possible to lose a baby Jesus, you can’t ever lose Jesus. Take comfort in that assurance. When our eyes are fixed on ourselves or on the troubles of the day, we don’t see Him. When our ears are filled with the siren song of the world or the lies of the enemy, we don’t hear Him. But, nevertheless, He is there, longing for intimacy with us, ready to carry our every burden, to break our chains and free us from our fears.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah. Through Him, all that is, or ever will be, came into being. He is the lover of your soul, your prince of peace, your good shepherd, your great treasure, and your savior redeemer. Turn your eyes and see.

                                                                                                                                 ©Ann Wilds

Don't Believe a Lie

A friend was hurt recently over words someone said about her. It was apparent she was in deep pain though the words, spoken in context, weren’t intended to offend. What was minor for one, was major for another.

Often, when we react intensely to an offense it is because it has triggered a previous wound, a rawness that has never fully healed. Though the pain is felt in the moment it is not actually about that moment. In my friend’s case, the wound comes from a lie she has unwittingly embraced as truth.

A lie that says she doesn’t measure up.

Are you, like my friend, troubled by nagging thoughts that you’re not enough? At one time or another, we all experience feelings of inadequacy. And the feeling can be justified: a first-time parent with a newborn, a novice chess player, or a student taking an exam not studied for. But if the feelings of inadequacy center on who you are as a person, know with absolute certainty that they are lies.

We each carry a unique perspective, influenced by our life experiences, our family, the world, the enemy, and our internal sound track. But there is something you need to understand. The messages, expectations, and beliefs that come from them have absolutely no meaning unless you accept them as truth. And what you believe to be true, manifests in your life as if it was true.

Over the years, I've also heard messages that I wasn’t enough, that I was faulty or lacked value. Some were spoken out loud, though most were piercing whispers in my heart. But I learned a secret. Those messages don’t define me. They may be someone’s truth, but they aren’t my truth.

The real truth of who you are comes from your Creator. But until you fully embrace His truth as your truth, you'll spend life weakened and under attack. My friend longs to be accepted for who she is, but finds herself thwarted time and again, because deep down she still believes a lie. As a result, she can respond to others in a distorted way. When they pull back it reinforces the lie. My friend’s pain is very, very real. But it is needless.

Lesson for the Journey:

If someone said that you were a purple gorilla, you’d walk away unconcerned because you know it’s untrue. A person's opinion of you will only cause you distress when you’ve forgotten the truth of who you really are. The moment you accepted Christ as your Savior you became a new creation, one that He calls cherished, victorious, chosen, and fully whole. So before you react, remember who you are. Anyone else’s opinion simply doesn’t matter.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

-Ann Wilds

Countdown with Kindness

December is upon us and the countdown to Christmas is here. Thoughts of finding the perfect gift for friends and family begin to fill our minds. If you’re like me, you may already be well into your shopping.

The perfect gift is personalized to the needs and desires of the recipient.  What one person would love another would hate, so it can take effort to find just the right one. But there is something that is perfect for everyone and just the right size, though it is often a gift in short supply. It’s not the latest toy or electronic but simple love and kindness.

Turn on the tv, go online, and even look into homes, and it’s clear that they are something our world is in desperate need of.  A wise man once said, “be the change you wish to see in the world.”   I want to see more love and kindness, so that means I need to be more loving and kind.

“Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”              Ephesians 4:32

You can share love and kindness no matter who you are or what your age for neither require position, experience, or money. They require only good intention and tender action.

Christmas is the day to celebrate the greatest kindness, the greatest love, and the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year our family is counting down to it with random acts of  love and kindness. Won't you join us?

Imagine the impact we could have if each of us intentionally shines God’s light every day in December. It might spread, like ripples on the water, across kitchen tables, neighborhoods, and schools healing wounds and divisions across the land.

If you are joining us on the countdown, here is a printable kindness calendar along with a list of simple ideas to help get you started. You can download them here.  Have fun with it. The sky is the limit.

I’d love for you to share your countdown experience, so I invite you to come back to this post and leave a comment or send me an email at abwilds@yahoo.com.

Be blessed,

Ann

What Shoes Are You Wearing?

Have you ever found yourself wearing the wrong pair of shoes?

I remember a winter a few years ago when we woke to much colder conditions then our Southern norm. I was excited for the chance to finally wear my leather boots. But as my daughter and I stepped outside to head to the car, I made a shocking discovery. My boots were warm and, oh, so pretty, but they weren’t remotely suited for an icy walkway.

In that moment, my backside felt the brunt of a life lesson. It doesn’t matter how nice or attractive footwear is, if it doesn’t fit the need it’s pretty much worthless.

The same holds true with the shoes we wear in our faith walk. Spiritual flip flops are easy to slip on, but they’ll never be sufficient to take us through difficult terrain or across long distances without tripping us up. 

When the Apostle Paul was headed to Jerusalem, the believers were afraid and didn’t want him to go. They knew that road led to nothing but danger and suffering. But Paul was never one to wear flip flops. God had placed him on the rocky path to Jerusalem, so he laced up his hiking boots and pressed on.

If God has placed you, or allowed you to be, on a difficult path right now know that it’s natural to not want to be there. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to smooth the way, to place you on an easier road. But often time, that’s not His will. We can’t always understand the purpose of the road we’re on, but He certainly does.   

Even Jesus prayed for another option in the garden. He knew the cross lay before him and that path required a serious pair of shoes. But his desire was to only do God's will. He didn’t falter. Wearing steel-toed boots, He saved us all.

A believer’s path will never be completely smooth. In fact, we’re promised trouble. But we’re also promised that we won’t walk alone. We need to stock our closet with footwear suitable for any path we may find ourselves on. Shoes that give sure footing when the way is slippery. Shoes for covering long distances as we run the race. Shoes to step freely without harm from hazards around us. Shoes strong enough to trample the head of the enemy when he attacks. But also shoes of peace as we share the Good News with the world. And shoes for dancing in the joy of the Lord.  

I’ve been on a particularly rocky road this year. And though I’ve prayed for the way to change, this is where He has led me. So instead of praying for a different road, I’m praying for the right pair of shoes to walk it in a way that brings Him glory.

Message for the Journey:

It's hard to focus on much more than your discomfort when you're wearing the wrong pair of shoes. When you find yourself going through diffculty, think less about the road you're on and more about what’s on your feet. Ask God for shoes to walk it well. The right pair really can make all the difference. 

                                                                                                  -Ann Wilds

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Heb 12:1b-2a