Winds of Change

by Terri Webster

Most of the time I welcome change with open arms. I’ve become

fairly adaptable and have taken a few risks throughout my life.

But that wasn’t always the case. The changes I went through while growing up were painful. I moved a lot with my family and lived in five different states by the time I reached high school. My dad worked for the US Forestry Service, so we were transferred about every four years. 

By the time I felt secure in my surroundings and had strong friendships, we were packing again and saying goodbye.

I grew up feeling insecure and painfully shy. I never felt I fit in anywhere.

When I started high school, I was the new girl again. I hated that label. I was pushed to the limit trying to make new friends and fit in.

I remember one day realizing how foreign it was to me that one of my new friends was born and raised in the same house, never seeing new towns, experiencing new things. While I envied her stable life, I realized I was appreciative of all the changes I’d experienced, all the people I met along the way and places I was fortunate to live in.

After I married my Army husband at age 19, we moved to another country. When he got out of the Army, we returned to the states and became Christians shortly afterward and began setting roots in Jesus and His unchanging word.

We bought our first house where I thought I could set down stakes and settle for at least the next 20 years. Four years later I was caught up by the winds of change again when my husband left and I became a single mom. 

The years that followed were the hardest I’ve ever endured. But I learned that true stability and security lies in God’s unchanging love, His Word and character. I learned that setting roots and settling in to live with Him is the only secure and stable place to be.

I remarried in 2007, and have lived in the same house for 12 years. That’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere and I’m almost 60!

We’re about to pull up stakes and sell our house to move two hours from where we live now. It means leaving our beloved friends and everything that’s familiar.

My daughter and her family recently relocated six hours south of me. That means road trips back and forth, especially to see those precious granddaughters.

Another big change is I’m leaving my job, where I’ve worked since 1991, with a couple of hiatuses over the years. Turning a milestone age of 60 is sobering, as I’m caught up again in the winds of change.

I want to glide gracefully through these winds of change, staying anchored and secure in the God I’ve come to know to be the One and only unchanging constant in my life.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today 

and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Are you facing changes in your own life? Do you feel out of control and unstable as you are blown about through the winds of change?

Whether or not the changes in your life are good or bad, I want you to know that your stability and foundation are sure in Christ. Stay close to Him by spending time alone in His word and telling Him your fears and concerns.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because 

He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I want you to know Jesus can be fully trusted and wholly leaned upon as you anchor yourself in Him. As you do, you will not be blown off course through unexpected changes. 

Psalm 94:22 But the Lord has become my fortress, 

and my God, the Rock in whom I take refuge.

I invite you to share below in the comments about how you have stayed the course through life’s winds of change.  

Staying the course,

Terri

Photos courtesy of www.pixabay.com

Cyclone Hurricane

House

Quiet Entrance

by Terri Webster

What king has ever left the comforts of his throne for the good of humankind?

What god has ever so fully and richly satisfied that which we can’t, than what the One True Almighty God has?

There’s no denying we humans are incapable of being good enough to satisfy our deepest need for life on earth and then life eternally.

No one is. Ever.

The moment when Jesus stood up, removed His royal splendor, then stepped into our world, everything changed. He became God's gift to us to satisfy our deepest need for salvation.

The heavenly realms loudly proclaimed gloriously, while hell quaked and shook, as He quietly stepped down. 

Planted in a virgin’s womb.

Growing for months. Then passing through the birth canal, His own hands created.

Entering our world just like you and me.

Surrounded only by a handful of people, in a smelly barn with animals.

Even I was born in a nicer facility than my Savior.

No one had room for Him. This wasn’t how the expected, fore-told Messiah, King of all kings was expected to make His entrance.

While spiritual and political leaders expected a different entry; loud, commanding, powerful, and in full view for all to see…

…they missed Him.

In the loud, busy, in-full-view celebratory events we enjoy as we celebrate Christmas, let’s not miss Him.

Him, our long-awaited Messiah, God’s gift to mankind. Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift; free for anyone who will accept, open and make yours for life, now, and forevermore.

To all, from my heart and finger tips, to yours, may you receive and enjoy the greatest Gift ever given, while celebrating Him with your friends and family.

Have a bright and merry Christmas, 

Terri

 (photos courtesy of www.pixabay.com)

Depending on God

by Terri Webster

When I was a single mom, depending on God became tangible.

Meaning, I depended on Him for the basics of necessities; food, shelter, water.

My dependence grew exponentially, as I also relied on Him for justice, healing of my broken heart and sanity for each day.

Those were tough years, putting it mildly.  

Today, while I know all my provision flows from and through Him, I no longer am in the posture of daily exercising that faith muscle. I take care, though, not to let it become flabby because I hope to never need to work it out like I did in my younger days.

However, if not for those years, I’m convinced there is no other way for me to know the intimate, compassionate, care and unfailing love of the Father’s heart, the way I came to know Father God’s.

Experiencing all I did during those years, also led me to the heart of Jesus in a fresh way, as I said yes to His proposal to be my Husband.

I was already saved, born again, but those dark days caused me to know Him in ways I wouldn’t know Him otherwise.

I stumbled and fumbled through. Made my share of mistakes. Struggled with doubt, unbelief, fits of rage and distancing myself from God.

Thankfully, He never budged. His love never changed in my ever-changing world.

Are you walking through dark times today, through a whirlwind of changes?

Dealing with a broken heart, injustice, loss, sorrow?

I write to you from the other side of a life forever changed by pain and hardship with nothing but encouragement and hope to offer you.

First, there’s no way you can muster up enough strength, self-will or spiritual ability to endure. Maybe for a day or two. But that isn’t lasting endurance. That may sound like bad news to you.

I have far better news!

Dear friend, you were never meant to dig deep within yourself to find all of that, as the world will tell you. Eventually you’ll come to the bottom of yourself. Then what?

Your shoulders weren’t designed to carry the weight of others AND your own burdens.

In a world completely void of stability, God’s unfailing love is unchanging. The shifting ground under your feet and unpredictable circumstances you’re in, are no match for His power to settle and sturdy you, as He walks alongside you.

How does this become your reality?

In His Word, the Bible; that book the world tells you is not worth your time, you can take hold of and apply His truths to the depths of your need, permeating, going where only He can go.

There was a time when I wasn’t sure I would ever say this, but joyfully, the time has come. God’s Word, the Bible, full of His rich promises and truth, has been tried and proven, over and over again in my life. His promises can be trusted. (Psalm 12:6)

I’ll share just a few with you today (there are too many for one little blog post).

• Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Placing our burdens on Jesus, results in rest, even while in the storm.

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The darker the path, the brighter His truth shines.

• But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Waiting isn’t easy, but the promised rewards are priceless.

• Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Today, whatever state you’re in, dark, light, good, bad, come to Him, just as you are. Pick up Your Bible, and allow Him to tell you deeper things you otherwise wouldn’t know.  

Dependently staying the course,

Terri

Time Alone with God

by Terri Webster

How is your year going? Are you ready to see 2017 fade away and start 2018 with a clean slate?

For some of you it’s been a tough year. Some hard stuff mixed in with the good.

This is the time when I begin asking the Lord what my word/theme will be for next year to represent my quiet time with Him. 2018 will begin year three of intentionally setting aside time alone with Him every day.

It’s not because I’m so godly and mature, but because I was hungry and desperate.

Are you hungry? Feeling empty; like there must be more to this life; more to this Christian life?

A year ago I shared with you about this new venture with the Lord, which began two years ago. In my blog post titled, Color Your Year, posted December 19, 2016, I explain in more detail.

Before reading further you can catch up by reading Color Your Year here, then pop back over for today’s post.

Color Your Year

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quiet time, devotion and Bible reading. We call it different things, but it’s that daily block of time set aside for time alone with Jesus.

This is something I’ve discovered I’m desperate for. I must have it.

Like water is necessary for my body, so is my time alone with Jesus, His word, prayer and writing in my journal.

The past two years have been life-changing. My life’s circumstances haven’t changed, but I have. The change isn’t complete, but will take the rest of my life.

It’s a process.

Throughout the years of my life with Jesus, I’ve always known I needed to spend time with Him. At times my efforts were minimal. I thought as long as I opened my Bible, sat in His presence, read a devotion of the day, then prayed a little that this was enough to grow and change me; enough to know Him.

It wasn’t until the end of 2015, that I became aware of my great need. I couldn’t continue doing the same thing and expect change.

January 1, 2016 was a new day of a new month of a new year. I was focused and ready to make my time with the Lord top priority and yielded to Him in a fresh way.

Ten minutes a day turned into 30, when before I knew it, my “dates” with Jesus became the fastest hour or more gone by of every day!

The room above our garage has become my HAPPY place, even with the hard, disciplining, pruning and burning off the dross by His refining fire. 

I’m nowhere near where I need to be, but learning to simply BE with Him, and let Him do His work in me is priceless. It’s not my work, but HIS.

What relief it is!

How is your daily quiet time with God? If you don’t have a regular time set apart for time alone with Him, I encourage you to begin plans to make this a priority in your day. This is where you’ll find direction, healing and peace that the world will never provide. This is where the change you’re longing for takes place.

The Lover of your soul waits for you. He will never NOT show up.

I encourage you today, to step outside of the noise and busyness for a moment to ask Him for a word/or theme to represent your time with Him for 2018. When He shows you, (and He will), set up your personal space that’s just for you and Jesus. Let Him surprise you!

I invite you to share your thoughts too and how you spend your time alone with Him. Also, feel free to email me by using the form on the right side of this page to ask questions or request prayer.

Staying the course from surprise to surprise,

Terri

Stop! Get Quiet...be still-Part 2

Welcome back friends!

If you were here yesterday, you know that today’s post is part two of Stop! Get Quiet…be still.

If you missed yesterday’s post, catch up here: Stop! Get Quiet...be still-Part I

I left you, waiting to see how God showed up in the midst of my recent unraveling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I dreaded the long drive back home from the Florida town where my dear friend had just gone home to be with Jesus.

The days following are a blur.

The disconnection between my husband and me lingered. I continued with the usual; work, keeping grandbabies, ministry, the rush of life, while numerous volunteer needs at church continually beckoned me.

I’ve always struggled with saying “yes” when I should say “no”. Saying yes to doing good things isn’t always God’s best.

I’d once read Lysa Terkeurst’s, The Best Yes, and realized I needed to read it again.  

If you struggle with over commitment, I encourage you to read her book. You can purchase it here: The Best Yes

Have you ever been physically exhausted and soul tired; not sooo tired, but SOUL tired, where one more thing would’ve completed the unraveling?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. Taky My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

When did rest become a luxury instead of necessity?

I hope by sharing the following steps I took to stop the unraveling, will help you if you are in a similar mess.

First, I stopped.

I stopped my volunteer stuff at church and worrying about what others thought about it. I stopped rushing everywhere, barely arriving on time.

I stopped filling the margins of leftover time with lunches and other “fun” things.

I stopped looking at my phone every five minutes. I didn’t realize how addicted I was to my phone.

I stopped asking God questions and overthinking everything.

I got quiet.

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV)

I spent time with Him; in His word, waiting to hear what He would say, rather than me doing all the talking. This calmed the constant chatter in my head. My only prayer for several weeks was, 

"Lord, that I would hear Your voice and be filled with Your spirit."

In the quiet I was able to hear Him say,

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, 

and He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1

I drove with the radio off most of the time. No news or music.

The more I focused on what God said, the less my thoughts clamored about how to fix and control everything.

I got still.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Did you know it’s okay to not have to go somewhere or do something productive, every waking minute?

I sat still on our porch. No phone or tablet allowed.

Being still isn’t only a physical act, but a stillness deep within. Physical rest requires being still, but soul rest, is an inner work that only God can do.

At first I had to be intentional to not succumb to the urges that I always need to be doing something.

While being still before God, I allowed myself to mourn my friend.

Instead of fearing my son’s mental illness, I allowed myself to grieve, then relinquish him completely to his Almighty Father, and trust Him, who is able to accomplish the impossible.

...do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the 

salvation of the Lord, which He will 

accomplish for you today. Exodus 14:13

During my time out, I accepted an invitation for a short beach getaway with several girlfriends. Nothing fancy. A tiny, old block house that we filled with lots of laughter and memories.

I know not everyone can go to the beach, but maybe there’s a nearby area you can escape to for a day or even a few hours.

Jesus did.

He went out and departed to a solitary 

place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35

My husband and I departed on a long weekend getaway and reconnected.

Work and chores still needed to be done, but during these weeks I rediscovered His peace and rest.

Remember the nearby town I mentioned yesterday that I despise? When I have to go or pass through it, and a flashback invades my thoughts, I allow the memory. Then I thank God for His working it for His purpose of healing and restoration. It's ah-may-zing the power that has! I'm sure that soon I will love that old town again.

As my time-out season comes to an end, the process continues. I have a new game plan, a different strategy. I expect that in the near future, I'll be sharing some of those strategies with you.
My friend, if you're feeling the melt down coming, unraveling, freaking out, overwhelmed and exhausted, you are not alone. As I type these words, I'm praying for you. Go to the The One who will give you rest. Learn from Him. Give Him your choking yoke and replace it with His.

Then you can say with me, I know the best is yet to come.

Staying the course together,
Terri

Life Transitions: Brace Yourself

When your life’s foundation shakes beneath your feet; your world, as you know it, shifts and changes against your will, changes for which you have no control over, how do you brace yourself?

Life transitions are hard enough when you’re grounded in a sturdy relationship with Jesus, our Lord Almighty. I can’t imagine walking through this unpredictable life and world without His presence, power and assurance of my position and future with Him.

He moves through these unbearable transitions with us, ever present, never leaving our side.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep 

over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not 

be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

During some of my life’s biggest earthquakes, out of desperation, I held on tight to God’s promises of comfort, peace and hope. Each time, He fulfilled those promises.

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 

receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

As we visited with my dad over the holidays, I thought a lot about the reality of life’s constant changes. He lives eight hours away and I’ve made this same trip to Mississippi for over 36 years. 

My stepmom, Mama-Jean, passed away July of 2015, drastically changing our visits to Mississippi.

Mama-Jean was a strong woman and wonderful homemaker. She always spiced up our times together by spoiling us and making sure we left five pounds heavier than when we came. 

Now, trips to Dad’s feel more like we’re on borrowed time, as he’s 81, and I’m not very young myself.

Transitioning through my mom’s death in December 2014, is ongoing. As I put away Christmas decorations, memories behind specific ornaments and displays that were mom’s flood my mind. 

Many times I stop and ask God if He can let her know somehow that I’m thinking about her.

Grieving loved ones, going through divorce, illness, financial loss, etc., can be overwhelming to the point of giving in to complete hopelessness.

But you don’t have to live in hopelessness if you belong to Christ. When your world falls apart, you don't have to crumble beneath its weight. 

Why? Because Jesus Christ is our Rock. Refuge. Hope. He’s our Guide and Comforter. He steadies us when the ground underneath shakes and shifts.

Are you experiencing big transitions in your life right now; facing changes that you have no control over? 

Are you trying to maintain a “stiff upper lip”? Are you forcing down emotions that can be expressed to your Heavenly Father instead? 

Are you looking for others to provide comfort and hope? Even our most devoted loved ones are limited in what they can provide during difficult transitions.

As 2016 is now behind us, and today we begin a new year, will you stand firm with me on God’s solid foundation that’s sealed with the following words: 

The Lord knows those who are His…2 Timothy 2:19

And if you’re not sure if you belong to Him and feel hopeless in the midst of your earth-shattering transition, then know this: You are not reading this post by mistake. He loves you with an everlasting love and draws you to Him with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus came to provide a way for you and me to know Father God intimately.

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus 

and believe in your heart that God has raised Him 

from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Opening your heart’s front door to Jesus Christ opens up a world of hope, comfort and peace. He will forgive all your sin and indwell you by His Holy Spirit.

You can know joy and peace in the midst of life’s most difficult times.

Best of all, though, is when you transition from this temporary life on earth, to eternity with Him forever!

I pray all of you have a wonderful new beginning with Jesus today, and throughout this year, as you trust Him fully in all of life’s transitions, whether good or bad.

May you find joy, peace and comfort as you trust Him more for what only He can provide. 

Staying the course through transitions,

Terri

Where is Hope?

Where is hope?

For a four-letter word, hope sure is a BIG word, isn’t it?

Where do you place your hope today?

Or have you lost all hope?

Is there no hope for our country? No hope for the world?

Oh, quite contrary.

I often say, “There is always hope.”

How can I say that in light of the current crisis in the United States and around the world?

How can I say that as I’ve once sat in the midst of the ashes in my own personal life?

One thing I’ve discovered in my life with God, is that hope in Him does not disappoint.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God 

has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit 

who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Are you fearful? Do you fear the future?

I can’t write an answer any better than the one written by C. H. Spurgeon (a famous British Baptist Preacher in the 1800’s).

The following quote was printed in a daily devotional I subscribe to called Streams in the Desert, and was posted September 25, 2016.

Here’s what Mr. Spurgeon says in response to Psalm 42:9, Why go I mourning?

Canst thou answer this believer? Canst thou find any reason 

why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why hold to gloomy anticipations? Who told thee that the night would never end in day? Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice, and hail to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair?

Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes 

after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter? 

Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! 

For God fails thee not. C.H. Spurgeon.

The hope the world has to offer fails consistently. It’s about as reliable as the weather forecast.

But the hope that comes from God for all Believers in Christ, is sturdy, unshakable, and trustworthy. We can confidently put all our hope and trust in Him.

In light of the current state of the United States and the rest of world, I’d be willing to suggest that thousands upon thousands will soon replace their hope in the world with hope in God, through Jesus Christ.

If it’s peace you want; joy you need; or desire to overflow with power, then my prayer for you today is this:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and 

peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow 

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

There is nowhere else we can find true, sustainable hope, joy and peace.

Will you join me in trusting God for our future and putting our hope in Him?

Staying the course,

Terri

Fear, Dread, Despair

Which is most prevalent with you?

Fear?

Dread?

Or is it Despair?

For me, it was all three braided together and secured with a tight knot.

Fear of my future as I’m aging. Worrying about losing my husband prematurely. Fear of financial woes. Fear of harm to my grown children, grandchildren and other loved ones. Fear of failure, declining health, traveling, flying.

My fears spanned out to cover current world events, prevalent evil and our country’s blatant rejection of God and the Lord Jesus.

My fears led to dread. I dreaded everything. I became apathetic in all my involvements. Exhausted. Burned out. Weeks and months whizzing by at a rate of speed faster than I’ve ever known. 

I dreaded the Fall season because that meant Winter is coming.

Then despair set in. Despair that my life is running out of time, our country is falling apart and I’m getting older and there’s nothing I can do about any of it.

Or so I thought.

That’s what the devil wanted me to think. It’s what he wants you to think. He wants us to be consumed, distracted and powerless.

Beaten down, flat on our back with the tyranny of fear, dread and despair standing over us.

Can you relate at all?

Add to that the condemnation from the devil that comes with being a Christian while still struggling with these things. 

Focusing on and dwelling there, are all outside God’s plans and purposes; again, All, outside God’s plans and purposes.

If satan can keep us beat down and rendered ineffective as salt and light in these dark, evil days, he’s succeeded.

Do you want the enemy to succeed? I don’t!! I don’t want him to have the satisfaction. He’s wrecked enough havoc on me, my family, and all the things that are important to me.

Enough, I say!

Because here’s the truth: Our enemy is the one who is scared. He is the one with a dreaded future that WILL end in despair and defeat!

As believers in Jesus Christ, I pray that our only fear is the reverent fear and worship of Almighty God, Who has given us an endless abundance of grace and peace. AND an amazing future with Him forever!

Grace and peace to you from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms that we need.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with 

every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

As believers in Jesus Christ, we stand holy and blameless in our Father’s eyes.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the 

world to be holy and blameless in His sight. Ephesians 1:4

We are NOT seated in this world in a place of fear, dread and despair. It’s not possible because as a believer in Jesus Christ our position is this:

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him 

in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

The braid of fear, dread and despair, spun and intertwined by the devil, is unraveling for me.

The devil shudders at the thought of Christians gaining a godly perspective. He works tirelessly to keep us blinded to the truth. 

Why?

He is afraid…he is despairing of and dreading his future.

If we, as believers in Jesus Christ, open our eyes and see the truth and reality of our position in Him, we also will receive and open all the gifts given to us from God, Who, by the way, is still in control.

We can resist and cast off the devil’s temptations to give in to these plots and schemes of his. We can stand strong and firm in His mighty power, as we put on the full armor of God, which is already ours from Him, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s attacks. You just got to PUT IT ON. 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 6:10-12

I think we can all agree that we are under attack. You. Me. Our families. The Church in America and worldwide. Our country.

If we take our positions, equipped with God’s armor, eyes open, watching and ready, praying strategically against our enemy, we will never have time for fear, dread or despair.

Will you join me today in taking our place with God, in Christ Jesus, where we’ve been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms where the real fight is?

Pray with me.

Staying the course,

Terri