Often times relationships can be difficult or even strained between family members. Even when everyone seems to be getting along well, not everyone will see eye to eye.
My family (sister, brother, mom, and I) did not have the best of relationships, more so between the three siblings. We struggled, not knowing how best to communicate with each other.
My husband and I were living in Virginia when we got the call to come home. My mom was diagnosed with terminal lung and liver cancer. She lost her life in July 2011. What little closeness we had was torn apart after her passing. My brother turned to alcohol to help deal with his feelings. They had a special bond, and her death took a toll on him. About six months later, we received another phone call to come home. This time it might be to bury my brother. He ended up in the ICU, battling for his life. The cirrhosis of his liver was so severe that his body was shutting down. He had lost all feeling in his legs, and it was paralyzing him. His attending physician advised me to put his affairs in order; they did not expect him to recover.
By the grace of God my brother did recover, and with months of rehabilitation he is sober and is able to walk. However, it was during this time, a period of about five years, that there was a lot of arguing, accusations, and hurt feelings. We no longer talked or even visited with each other. Not only was this hurting us but our children as well.
This was tearing me apart on the inside; I missed my sister and brother. I began to pray in earnest and asked God for his forgiveness and for His help and His guidance to bring my family back together.
I was reading the Upper Room and came across a devotional that fit my situation, Matthew 5:23-24. As I sat praying, God spoke to my heart, telling me to forgive and let everything go. I’m now on speaking terms with my sister and my brother, and I continue to pray for a complete reconciliation.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Guide us to always lean on You, especially in times of heartache. Your strength and love for us can carry us through those hard times. Amen.
Contributed by Carrie Cardenas
- Feb 26, 2018Day 13: Monday, February 26th, 2018
Day 13: Monday, February 26th, 2018“…forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against one another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”Colossians 3:13
Often times relationships can be difficult or even strained between family members. Even when everyone seems to be getting along well, not everyone will see eye to eye.
My family (sister, brother, mom, and I) did not have the best of relationships, more so between the three siblings. We struggled, not knowing how best to communicate with each other.
My husband and I were living in Virginia when we got the call to come home. My mom was diagnosed with terminal lung and liver cancer. She lost her life in July 2011. What little closeness we had was torn apart after her passing. My brother turned to alcohol to help deal with his feelings. They had a special bond, and her death took a toll on him. About six months later, we received another phone call to come home. This time it might be to bury my brother. He ended up in the ICU, battling for his life. The cirrhosis of his liver was so severe that his body was shutting down. He had lost all feeling in his legs, and it was paralyzing him. His attending physician advised me to put his affairs in order; they did not expect him to recover.
By the grace of God my brother did recover, and with months of rehabilitation he is sober and is able to walk. However, it was during this time, a period of about five years, that there was a lot of arguing, accusations, and hurt feelings. We no longer talked or even visited with each other. Not only was this hurting us but our children as well.
This was tearing me apart on the inside; I missed my sister and brother. I began to pray in earnest and asked God for his forgiveness and for His help and His guidance to bring my family back together.
I was reading the Upper Room and came across a devotional that fit my situation, Matthew 5:23-24. As I sat praying, God spoke to my heart, telling me to forgive and let everything go. I’m now on speaking terms with my sister and my brother, and I continue to pray for a complete reconciliation.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Guide us to always lean on You, especially in times of heartache. Your strength and love for us can carry us through those hard times. Amen.
Contributed by Carrie Cardenas
- Feb 26, 2018Day 12: Sunday, February 25th, 2018
Day 12: Sunday, February 25th, 2018“There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.”
Proverbs 18:24
Have you ever looked up all the different meanings for “friend?” Do you have friends that you labeled with special titles? Maybe like many in your category of friends, you include things like ‘my new BFF,’ or maybe ‘friends forever.’ Think a moment about other categories, i.e., acquaintances, or those you claim as ‘someone I know. Do you have someone that fits the description found in Proverbs? I used to think it was so great to have a ‘Chum’ in school. And then of course several ‘Buddies’ through growing up and even Pals in the Military. But I have come to cherish those I have found since getting to know what the Lord has brought into my live. He gives so many reminders in the Word through Scripture that when we study, discuss, and live by those instructions, we can to learn to increase our ‘Family of Friends’ that will always be with us.Think now about your friends. Have you checked with them lately?
Prayer:
Dear God, guide us to study scriptures and recognize those people who will become our life-long family of friends. Amen.
Contributed by Ken Smith
- Feb 25, 2018Day 12: Sunday, February 25th, 2018
Day 12: Sunday, February 25th, 2018
“There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.”
Proverbs 18:24
Have you ever looked up all the different meanings for “friend?” Do you have friends that you labeled with special titles? Maybe like many in your category of friends, you include things like ‘my new BFF,’ or maybe ‘friends forever.’ Think a moment about other categories, i.e., acquaintances, or those you claim as ‘someone I know. Do you have someone that fits the description found in Proverbs? I used to think it was so great to have a ‘Chum’ in school. And then of course several ‘Buddies’ through growing up and even Pals in the Military. But I have come to cherish those I have found since getting to know what the Lord has brought into my live. He gives so many reminders in the Word through Scripture that when we study, discuss, and live by those instructions, we can to learn to increase our ‘Family of Friends’ that will always be with us.
Think now about your friends. Have you checked with them lately?
Prayer:
Dear God, guide us to study scriptures and recognize those people who will become our life-long family of friends. Amen.
Contributed by Ken Smith
- Feb 24, 2018Day 11: Saturday, February 24th, 2018
Day 11: Saturday, February 24th, 2018
“And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:39
When I first gave birth to my daughter, I found the meaning of true love. I felt a type of love that only a parent can understand. Words could never describe the emotions tied to holding that innocent life. I became solely responsible for something so much bigger than myself. However, with my love for my child came great resentment. I understood the responsibility that was bestowed upon me to raise this child, and though I was not prepared for it, I was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that she always had everything she needed. Because of this, I couldn’t understand some of the struggles that I experienced in my own childhood. There were periods of neglect, some emotional abuse, and some exposure to things no child should ever be exposed to. I could not understand that, no matter how unprepared I was for the monumental responsibility of being a parent, I would never allow my daughter to experience the things I had as a child. So grew my resentment for my own parents. It was years of bitterness, anger, and isolating myself from my family. That was, until I made a choice.
I visited my parents on Mother’s Day one year, and I spent the week learning about the struggles my mother went through as a child, as a teenager, and as a (very) young mother and wife. As she explained some of her and my dad’s hardships throughout life, I began to realize that mine was nothing compared to theirs. I began to understand that there was never any intentional hurt in my childhood, it was mostly due to a lack of resources and knowledge. I started to see that bitterness and anger had clouded my vision, and instead of seeking information and trying to love, I just kept throwing stones. My parents couldn’t change the past, no matter how much they wanted to. What we all needed was simply to understand each other and to be validated. During that visit, I learned that love is not always a pretty, painted picture. It is loving through the trials and mistakes. Sometimes people annoy us, they challenge us, they are unkind, they make huge mistakes, etc. People aren’t perfect. Sometimes it takes a moment of perspective, a moment of looking through a lens other than our own that can shed light on the truth. We were born to love. My relationship with my parents is stronger than it has ever been, mostly because I made the choice of love over anger. There are many stories in the Bible where God loves His children, despite their shortfalls. Love is so important to Him that it is the second commandment that Jesus shared with His disciples in Matthew 22:39: Love your Neighbor as Yourself.
So no matter what the circumstances, be lovers.
Prayer:
Lord, be with us throughout this Lenten celebration as we face our own challenges in sacrifice to You. Remind us to spread Your love, even when it is difficult. Teach us to understand our neighbors, to forgive their inadequacies, and to love them as they are. Help us to understand Your love for us, and to know how to love ourselves so that we may understand how to share it with Your world. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Contributed by Brittany Diaz
- Feb 24, 2018Day 10: Friday, February 23rd, 2018
Day 10: Friday, February 23rd, 2018“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Phillippians 4:13
It was February 23, 2007. Tug and I had planned a vacation and were anxious to escape from the hectic pace of the Dallas metroplex to the Texas coast. Our bags were packed, and we were scheduled to leave later that morning. We looked forward to the warm Gulf breeze, the cry of seagulls, and, of course, great seafood.
At 4:30 a.m. the phone rang. It was unexpected, and I felt suddenly apprehensive. The following minutes took us from a place we knew to an unknown territory. We were advised that my youngest son, Shane Ingram, had been in an automobile accident and did not survive. At the age of 36, “my baby” was gone, leaving two young children of his own. I was devastated, and my emotions were numb. What would I do without him?
The next few weeks were a blur with bad moments and good moments. Family was called in, funeral arrangements made, and memories of Shane were re-lived by everyone. The family and friends helped me survive this difficult period.
However, when I did begin to regain my sanity, I am ashamed to admit that I did not act in a Christ-like manner. I spoke harshly against God. Was Shane’s death an act of God? How would I fully live again when my life was so full of hurt? But as time passed, I began to realize how truly fragile life is and that I am not in control. When Shane died, I grieved beyond words. I was sure no one understood my heartache and pain. I was so full of self-pity that I could not look beyond the walls of my grief to the comfort of my Heavenly Father, much less to others who had their own griefs. God remained patient, loving, faithful and merciful. I had not! The lesson I learned, and I hope you will remember, is that God is full of mercy and blessings. Regardless of your heartache or pain, He is with you when you wake up, when you go to sleep, and every moment in between.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, I am grateful You never run out of the love, compassion, mercy and grace I need. Thank You that I can begin each new day with You. Amen.
Contributed by Bev Tuggle
- Feb 23, 2018Day 10: Friday, February 23rd, 2018
Day 10: Friday, February 23rd, 2018“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Phillippians 4:13
It was February 23, 2007. Tug and I had planned a vacation and were anxious to escape from the hectic pace of the Dallas metroplex to the Texas coast. Our bags were packed, and we were scheduled to leave later that morning. We looked forward to the warm Gulf breeze, the cry of seagulls, and, of course, great seafood.
At 4:30 a.m. the phone rang. It was unexpected, and I felt suddenly apprehensive. The following minutes took us from a place we knew to an unknown territory. We were advised that my youngest son, Shane Ingram, had been in an automobile accident and did not survive. At the age of 36, “my baby” was gone, leaving two young children of his own. I was devastated, and my emotions were numb. What would I do without him?
The next few weeks were a blur with bad moments and good moments. Family was called in, funeral arrangements made, and memories of Shane were re-lived by everyone. The family and friends helped me survive this difficult period.
However, when I did begin to regain my sanity, I am ashamed to admit that I did not act in a Christ-like manner. I spoke harshly against God. Was Shane’s death an act of God? How would I fully live again when my life was so full of hurt? But as time passed, I began to realize how truly fragile life is and that I am not in control. When Shane died, I grieved beyond words. I was sure no one understood my heartache and pain. I was so full of self-pity that I could not look beyond the walls of my grief to the comfort of my Heavenly Father, much less to others who had their own griefs. God remained patient, loving, faithful and merciful. I had not! The lesson I learned, and I hope you will remember, is that God is full of mercy and blessings. Regardless of your heartache or pain, He is with you when you wake up, when you go to sleep, and every moment in between.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, I am grateful You never run out of the love, compassion, mercy and grace I need. Thank You that I can begin each new day with You. Amen.
Contributed by Bev Tuggle
- Feb 22, 2018Day 9: Thursday, February 22nd, 2018
Day 9: Thursday, February 22nd, 2018After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. 2 So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them.3 Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. 4 They couldn’t carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!”6 Some legal experts were sitting there, muttering among themselves,7 “Why does he speak this way? He’s insulting God. Only the one God can forgive sins.”8 Jesus immediately recognized what they were discussing, and he said to them, “Why do you fill your minds with these questions? 9 Which is easier—to say to a paralyzed person, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk’? 10 But so you will know that the Human One has authority on the earth to forgive sins”- he said to the man who was paralyzed, 11 “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” 12 Jesus raised him up, and right away he picked up his mat and walked out in front of everybody. They were all amazed and praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!”Mark 2:1-12
In this scripture from the Gospel Mark, we see Jesus perform one of his many miracles as he heals the paralyzed man.
We also learn three things from this story:
- Jesus knows you better than you know yourself.
- Jesus gives you what you really need.
- Jesus loves you enough to make you wait.
Take some time today to contemplate these three things and to praise him for all that he has given you and all that he has done for you. - Feb 21, 2018Day 8: Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
Day 8: Wednesday, February 21st, 2018“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”2 Corinthians 13:14
While a dear friend and I were talking about an upcoming Emmaus Walk, I said something about the Triune God. She said she would not have thought to use that particular term. I am not sure why I did, either. That conversation sparked my curiosity.
We as children of God must also work together along our “walk” of faith to help each other reach the goal of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Each of us has a God-given talent unique to ourselves that must be shared much like the three persons of the Holy Trinity. Had Father God not given His son Jesus to redeem our sins and had Jesus not given His life for all, there would be no Easter. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity who remains in constant communion with God's children, guiding our daily lives and helping us to remember how much we are loved and cherished even through the hard times when we could stumble along the bumpy spots in life that we all suffer.
Our journey in faith is also filled with glorious amounts of love, grace beyond measure, and peace that passes all understanding. All we must do to receive these amazing gifts is to believe in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—no strings attached. In doing this, we continue our journey in faith and take pleasure in sharing that faith with all we meet, demonstrating to them our strength and love, sharing our unique talents in ways only we as individuals can, and praising the Triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
During this Lenten season, let us all reflect on our lives so that our light may shine and glorify our True God who is in Heaven.
Prayer:
Almighty God, we thank You and praise You for giving to us Your Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Please help us to receive Your gift with open hearts that we might live with You in glory forever. Amen.
Contributed by Alice Schlessiger
- Feb 20, 2018Day 7: Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
- Feb 19, 2018Day 6: Monday, February 19th, 2018
