It's NOT a train....AND the engineer is still in control!

I'm sure I've written before about the tunnel and the train. It was worse when I used to have a much more stressful job. Trying to be the ever optimist, I would proclaim, "There's a light at the end of the tunnel!" Then, the sometimes not so smaller voice of the pessimistic side (NO, I do not have multiple personalities even if it sounds like it!, smile) would continue after a slight pause...."yeah, it's a train!"

I'm reading a book entitled, Aaron's way, the journey of a strong-willed child, by Kendra Smiley with Aaron Smiley. Aside from loving their last name it has also been a really helpful book to read. It is a story of her son, Aaron, and the discoveries/roadblocks that she discovered and faced while raising their strong willed son. The interesting part is that Aaron is now grown up and not too far removed from those times of strong willed growing up years to give his insight as well. Aaahhh! A look into the mind of the kid. HELPFUL!

I have at least one strong willed child (and occasionally, still, a strong willed husband) who see life very black and white with very little to no shades of gray. I have discovered that they are out to control their destinies in a sometimes out of control world and the variable personalities they come in contact with. This insight alone is worth reading the book.

There are quotes throughout the book too and I REALLY enjoyed this one and wanted to share it and it ties into the tunnel/train:

"When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not, you sit still and trust the engineer to get you through" Corrie Ten Boom

The Bible talks about trust too.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowlege him, and he will make your paths straight.

1 Chronicles 5:20 (NIV) They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

Raising our kids today (and sometimes still feeling like we're growing up ourselves) is a battle worth fighting! We don't go through the tunnel alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.... God's care and protection!

Fighting fear with PEACE

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”- Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

Let's admit it....especially lately, there are a lot of things that can drag our fears out into the open. Wall Street, stock market, election (the end of political ads, YEAH!), other countries, etc. AND that's just the stuff that affects everybody....not even the stuff that affects our own personal lives and family.

The verse above states what trips us up: fear of man. All the things listed are "us" created they are not from God.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."John 16:33 (NIV)

God knew we would have troubles and fears here. However, he sent Jesus so we could regain peace. He has overcome death AND the world. So where do you want your focus?

We can fight and struggle on our own, or accept the peace God offers. Then even when the troubles of this world seem overwhelming and our emotions are getting the best of us, there is still peace to fall back on.

Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What a great picture, God's peace TRANSCENDS (/www.webster.com: to rise above or go beyond the limits of b: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome, c: to be prior to, beyond, and above limits) our anxiousness. Just ask.

We heard a sermon on peace Sunday. I was reminded of a song from Sunday School (another verse of Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my Heart)

I have the peace that passes understanding down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I have the peace that passes understanding down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

Chorus:
And I'm so happy, so very happy,
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart!
(repeat)

Look beyond your own understanding. God stands with arms open wide to welcome us back to fear-free living. Take Him up on it! :)

How's Your Flashlight and a reading suggestion

John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

God provides an awesome light to help guide us through the pitfalls of this life. However, it is up to us if we will walk in light or darkness. It's almost like we are given a flashlight. It doesn't matter how powerful the beam would be. If we don't put the batteries in the flashlight, it doesn't matter what we do....no light.

So, how do we get those batteries and keep them in place and charged? Jesus is the battery. Believe in him and accept him as your savior and you're on your way. Keep it charged by surrounding yourself with other Christians, reading the Bible and praying. Then our light can help others get their own flashlight.

I've heard numerous people ask lately, "Where do I start reading the Bible?" I picked up an excellent Bible quite a few years ago called the Journey Bible. They suggest a 5 alive plan by reading through these books: Genesis, Deuteronomy, John, Acts, and Romans for a general overview of the Bible. I have also heard of reading through Proverbs in a month as there are 31 chapters and 30-31 days in a month (Usually!). There are many versions of the Bible. Find the one easiest to read. There are even chronological Bibles that put the Bible in historical order without some of the repetition.

No matter what you choose, the important part is just do it. A little quiet time in the AM (or whenever you can take some time) goes a L-O-N-G way.