Make Plans Now

by Terri Webster

Happy New Year all! The sun is rising on 2019.

I don’t know about you, but this past year was a whirlwind.

At the end of every year, I read back over my journals. It’s incredible to see God’s hand at work in my life and be reminded of the past year’s events. I remember the big ones, but those little things (not so little) that impacted my life, I have trouble remembering.

In past years, I’ve set goals and made personal resolutions. If you’re anything like I am, you might be feeling a little defeated because you haven’t meet your goals or kept the resolutions you’ve made.

Life happens. The unexpected crowds our agendas, interrupting our goals and challenging the resolutions we made.

Today, I’m contemplating how I can start fresh in 2019. There’s

nothing wrong with goal-setting and making resolutions, but this year I’m trying something different and thought I’d share it with you. I’m only making a few short-term plans.

If God already knows the plans He has for me…

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

…then I’m going to prayerfully make my plans. And I’m not making year-long plans, but short plans where I see a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Through prayer and checking my heart’s motives, God has revealed simple plans that cover three major areas of my life. 

1. Women’s ministry in the form of a two-month small group soul-care plan. 
2. Following a Jesus Plan Health Plan, instead of the newest and greatest diet and exercise program. 
3. Finish writing my beach novel by making it a priority instead of a side thing. By committing only 15 minutes each day to writing, it feels doable. The beauty of this is, when I sit down to write for only 15 minutes, it leads to 30, then 60 or more.

There are clear instructions in the Bible about making plans. I’m making plans by following those instructions, which are…

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many 

advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

God has graciously provided close friends whose wise counsel I rely on. 

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and 

He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

In the past I’ve jumped ahead of God with my plans. Have you ever done this? It only leads to confusion and hinders His purpose for our life. 

To avoid this, it’s crucial that we spend time alone with Him. Be still with Him, yield and stay immersed in His word.

Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make 

my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath 

I say both ‘yes, yes’ and ‘no, no’? 2 Corinthians 1:17 (NIV)

Saying yes to every opportunity presented to us, without making sure it’s God’s plan, leads to crowded schedules and serious burnout. This is not God’s plan.

And finally…

May He give you the desire of your heart and 

make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

I’ve made incorrect assumptions about what He means by giving me the desire of my heart. God is a good and gracious Father, who has our ultimate best in mind.

If He’d given me every little heart’s desire I’ve had over the years, I shudder to think where I’d be in my life right now. He knows I’m happiest and most fulfilled when my desire(s) line up with His purposes.

So on this New Year’s Eve, I’m foregoing goal-setting and resolution making and sticking with these simple plans. I feel confident it will keep me on course.

I invite you to share your short-term plans to begin 2019. What works for you?

May He richly bless you today and all year, as you trust in Him.

Blessings,

Terri

The Most Powerful Quiet Moment Ever

by Terri Webster

Jesus entered the world in a quiet moment. 

Only a few were present to hear the birth sounds of a woman in labor, and then His infant cry. While the rest of the world slept, only a few witnessed God’s entry into the world through Jesus’ birth in a barn; the most powerful moment in history.

While people went about their busy days, the Messiah, Savior of all, was nursed, bathed, clothed and raised right under their noses. Because maybe they were too busy to notice.

Some days we can’t avoid the clamor, distractions and demands for our attention, especially during the holidays. To find a quiet moment with Jesus might seem impossible. But it’s not. It doesn’t have to be. It just might be the most powerful moment in your life that day.

Sometimes we fill up our plates in the form of good deeds, service, and must-do lists all in His name, while our hearts and souls are starving. A quiet moment with Him will feed our hearts and nourish our souls, so that we have His power to serve, and meet life’s demands.

Finding quiet moments with Jesus is where my soul is nourished and my heart finds peace, rest and joy. It is where His power and strength become mine. 

It can be as simple as taking 10 minutes in a solitary place where you can focus on Him. Thankfulness and praise will smooth out stress and ease anxiety, as He shifts your perspective. 

Step outside while kids are sleeping or first thing in the morning while it's still dark. Stop on your way home from work or running errands and take the time to be still with Him, setting aside everything else. 

Whatever you do, don't miss those powerful quiets moments with Jesus, during this Season and all year long. He is the One we celebrate.

Celebrating Him,

Terri
photo courtesy: pixabay.com

Out on a Limb Alone: 4 tips to remaining in Christ

by Terri Webster

Do you ever feel like you’re out on a limb? Alone, trying to do it all by yourself?

I’ve actually said in frustration to Jesus, “Lord, I went out on a limb for You. What went wrong?”

Not one of my best moments.

This dilemma can be easily solved.

How?

Jesus said,

I am the vine; you are the branches. 

If you remain in Me and I in you, you will 

bear much fruit; apart from Me you 

can do nothing. John 15:5

Be still. Stay. Remain.

Fruit needs special conditions in order to grow properly and flourish. Water. Sunlight. Nourishing soil. Pruning. All the while this is going on, the fruit just hangs there, remaining.

My job and your job is not watering, pruning and nourishing the soil. That’s the work of Almighty God IF we remain in Him.

It only takes a small amount of time every day to do that.

Here are four tips that work for me to ensure I don’t “go out on a limb” and bounce up and down in the wind and storms of life, only to drop from the vine prematurely.

• Decide: Decide before tomorrow when and where you’re going to be still in His presence. If you have to set an alarm on your phone or put it on your calendar…date with Jesus, then do so.
• Show up: As with any meeting or appointment, don’t go unprepared. Bring with you a Bible, notebook and pen.  
• Ask: Ask Him to speak to your heart. Ask Him anything. He can handle it.

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything 

through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

make your requests known to God and the peace of God

that passes all understanding will guard your hearts 

and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

• Enjoy: Relax and enjoy the remaining. Let Him water you, nourish you and shine His light on you.

If you’re struggling with having time alone with Jesus, I’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks on developing a personal alone time with Him.

My prayer for you is that you’ll discover the rare and priceless jewels He has waiting especially for you.

Remaining,

Terri

Take the Time

by Terri Webster

Sometimes you need to be alone. All alone. With Jesus.

I used to think I didn't have the time. I believed the misconception that being alone with Him was a luxury; a misuse of my time. Unproductive.

I would feel guilty if I drove to a nearby park to enjoy a walk or just sit in the quiet of my car and pray. 

Not anymore. 

When I need to be refreshed from within or I'm seeking direction about something, I can't afford NOT to take the time to be alone with Jesus. He's ready to provide the refreshment my soul longs for and guidance along the right path for me to take. 

What about you? Do you need a fresh touch? Are you wondering what path to take? I encourage you to take 10 minutes, 20 or more to be alone with Him. He will refresh your soul and guide you along the path that you should go, as promised in Psalm 23:3.

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.

This is how I stay the course, 

Terri

Green Space

by Terri Webster

Are you busy? Is this a good time to talk?

How many times have we asked a friend or family member either of those two questions?

What I’ve thought a lot about lately, though, is how I would respond if God asked me, “Hey, are you busy? Is this a good time for us to talk?”

I used to always be too busy.

It hurts my heart to think of all the times I’ve given Him my leftovers.

Today, I want to encourage you to take a little time out of your busyness and let the Lord give you what the world can’t.  

Pull off the main road on your way to work or on the way home, and sit in your car a few minutes. Or take a short walk somewhere. 

Shift your focus. Look up, instead of around. Sit with Him, talk to Him, give Him your cares.

Then think of one thing you can be thankful for. It could very well chart the course of your day. 

Stay the course with me,

Terri

Swept Away by Emotions

by Terri Webster

I can't always trust my emotions.

I have positive emotions and negative ones. Sometimes my emotions plunge me into a pool of tears, only to yank me out into a dry place where I feel nothing. They change as quickly as circumstances can change. 

Emotion is a natural, instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others (Google online dictionary).

The other morning distant thunder roused me from sleep. My husband had left at pre-dawn for a white-water rafting trip, and I’d fallen back asleep.

The thunder was oddly constant, without the usual breaks and pauses.

I thought Doc, our 85-pound dog, will be freaking out and “pawing” the window to come in. I threw off the covers, slid into my flip flops and brushed my teeth, all while constant, rolling thunder grew louder.

When I opened the front door and walked out on the porch, ominous clouds swirled above, illuminated with lightning. I was awed enough to quickly snap a picture with my phone. Then a burst of wind and a clap of thunder caused Doc and me to hurry inside and close the door.

Heavy rain poured down in straight sheets, then was blown sideways. The wind howled around the house, while thunder constantly rolled. The electricity flashed off and on in unison with lightning.

Finally, after two hours, the rain let up and wind quit blowing. The lightning and thunder lingered, until finally it all stopped. 

And just like that, it was calm and serene. The clouds were pushed aside by a calm breeze, revealing blue sky.

Isn’t this how our emotions are at times? They sweep over us with barely a warning, then abruptly change with our circumstances.

In the past I've allowed my feelings and emotions to be a determining factor in decision making.

Not smart!

The tiniest thing can flip on my emotional switch. If I'm not careful, before I know it, I’m swept out of control down a river of emotions.

Why does your heart carry you away allowing you to 

be controlled by emotion? And why do your eyes flash 

in anger or contempt? Job 15:12

Why do we gauge the truth with our emotions and feelings?  

Why did God create us with such a powerful character trait?

Why can’t I trust something that’s largely a part of who I am?

To answer these questions, the only reliable and unchanging source is God’s word; alive, active, and powerful.

It’s only when I move the situation under the light of God’s word that I find the real truth. Then I feel silly for feeling the way I did and allowing my emotions to carry me away.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

When I find myself in a negative emotional whirlwind, I realize I can’t solely rely on them to reveal truth. 

Here are three reminders I use to avoid being swept away by changing emotions and feelings, that I hope will encourage and help you too.

• Realize we’re made in God’s image. All throughout scripture we see that God has emotions and feels deeply. He was so moved with compassion that He gave His very son, so we could have an eternal, intimate relationship with Him, through Jesus’ atoning blood. All emotions aren't bad, but it's always safe to shine His truths on them.

• Negative emotions are based on past hurts and mistakes. Where God has already brought emotional healing and forgiveness, the devil’s scheme is to stir up our past to derail us and get us off course.

• Remember, it’s not all about you and me. If someone doesn’t respond the way we expect or want, stop and think that they have circumstances you’re unaware of. When we take ourselves out of the center and put Christ there, our perspective changes quickly. 

• Lastly, sometimes it's just plain 'ol hormones and exhaustion that plays a part in changing emotions and feelings. Make sure you consistently nourish your body and soul so these times won't be as severe. 

Finally, may you always enjoy God's peace in any storm as promised here in Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Staying the course,

Terri

Is All Abuse Unacceptable?

by Terri Webster

I recently read an article by Jenny Rapson, author at For Every Mom (foreverymom.com), titled, Beth Moore to Christian Leaders: Wives Do NOT Submit to Abuse. EVER.

I encourage you to read the article. Then I invite you to come back here and share your thoughts and concerns in the comments area below.

For Every Mom

I appreciate her (Jenny) boldness on the subject of husbands physically abusing their wives. She quotes a leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, who believes wives should stay in their marriage, except in extreme, dangerous conditions. Leaving the marriage would be wrong; it would depend on the level of abuse.

At what level is any type of abuse unacceptable? At what level are the conditions considered dangerous?

While the article addressed physical abuse, which at any level is wrong, I want to also address verbal and emotional abuse. There are no visible signs. No cuts, black eyes, broken bones or bruises. Yet, it can be equally damaging. And at some point, as in my case, eventually dangerous.

The internal damage doesn’t require immediate medical attention. If left untreated though, I believe it manifests later with illnesses, diseases, forms of arthritis, depression, PTSD and suicide.

Like Beth Moore and Jenny Rapson, I’m so pro-marriage, that I “stayed” with my husband while he continued an affair with my best friend. And other women. We eventually separated, but divorce wasn’t on my radar yet.

The abuse escalated after he moved out, so I didn’t have to live with it 24/7. Yet, I did.

We had children together. For 19 years I endured many forms and levels of emotional and verbal abuse. He used threats and bullying to instill fear and silence me into a corner. I just thought I was keeping the peace. I thought, as a Christian woman, that I was doing what I was supposed to do.

I was young. I didn’t know what his words and threats were doing to me as a woman and mother. And I didn’t realize what it was doing to our children. All I could think back then was, if I’d only done this or that or prayed harder. Or did a better job at keeping the peace.

For a year I “stayed”. I prayed and believed God would eventually bring us back together. As I’ve no doubt that He desired to restore and heal our family, God will never intervene where He isn’t welcomed. At the time, my husband saw no wrong done. He let me know that I was the problem and I believed it.

After we divorced, I was counseled by a pastor of a big denominational church that I was bound to my ex till death do us part. Through tears, I looked at him and asked, "Even if he’s with other women?" He answered me with indifference…”Yes.” 

In Beth Moore’s words, “…when we as a church culture demonize divorce as the worst possible outcome-the sin of all sins-we truly have no clue on this ever loving earth what some people are enduring.”

Thank you, Beth Moore!

Years later I discovered that pastor left his wife for another. I wondered how long had she suffered in silence, was backed into a corner, her voice taken away?

I’m not a victim anymore, but a victor, thanks to Jesus Christ and His healing power. However, the repercussions linger and sometimes seep into my 10-year marriage with a wonderful man.

I’m thankful this is being brought to light among Christian leaders, teachers and writers like Beth Moore, Jenny Rapson and Thom Rainer, President of LifeWay Christian Resources.

I will never protect an abuser, or minimize any form of abuse, like I did in my own life.  

There is hope and healing for any who ask God; for the abuser and the abused. Man or woman. A powerful part of healing includes forgiveness.

But forgiving doesn’t mean you submit to physical, emotional and verbal abuse of any kind.

Dear friend, if you are currently or ever have experienced any form of abuse from your husband or boyfriend, there is help. I strongly encourage you to tell someone you trust. Feel free to email me using the form on the right of the page if you prefer.

The Celebrate Recovery program is also a great place to start. This is a program for those with any hurt, hang up, habit or addiction. And it’s free. No judgement. It’s a safe place to tell and heal, with others who have walked similar roads. Celebrate Recovery

The first step is telling. You do have a voice!

Staying the course,

Terri

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com