GREENLiGHT

7 Assurances For Those Bad Days…

All things work together for Good

Woke up feeling agitated. Nothing worked. Traveled internationally for a Book Signing event. Computer would not connect to the work system. Important personal items missing. Important book signing items missing. Every where I looked something was missing. Totally confused.

To a meticulous planner, it’s like the end of the world. What’s happening? Why? Why do airlines require you to leave things or charge you to bring the ‘world’ with you? No pun intended. Is it for safety, precaution, to make money? Why?

All Things Work Together For Good

As I searched, I took a deep breath and started thinking. Maybe the way I planned it was not the way the Lord meant it to be. Responses from prayer partners came with reassurances:

7 Assurances Of God’s Leading

God works All Things together for our Good
He’s intentional
Be anxious for nothing
In humility ask and accept what he’s doing through others
Wait, obey as He leads
Oh what Peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear when we do not carry everything to God in Prayer
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

The irony of it all is that I was writing the final in my GreenLight book series titled RedLight: When God Says No. As my frustration weaned, I began reflecting and reached for the morning’s devotional which …as I read the topic, I laughed out loud. I looked up, and shook my head in wonder. Here’s what stood out for me:

Life is challenging, so we can easily get distracted and allow circumstances to dictate our emotions. But if we operate that way, then when life is good, we’re happy; when times are tough, we’re frustrated; and when hardship pours in, we’re miserable. On the other hand, unwavering commitment to the Lord is a cornerstone of faith. When we are situated on that foundation, we can focus solely upon God.
In Touch With Him Devotional

I Surrendered

I surrendered with the realization that everything worked the way the Lord wanted it to. I was never able to connect to the system, so no work could be done. My colleague took me shopping for a few needed items as a birthday gift (yes, it was my birthday). Practical learning as I write about when God says no or stop. Indeed the Lord gets the well deserved glory as I sit back quietly with soft smiles gasping at his wonder. Indeed He worked all things out for His own good.

I resolved to follow His lead and hope you will too.

Blessings overflow.

Pray. Just Pray.

Pray. Just Pray
GreenLight

Find a place to Pray

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying. (Ephesians 6:18)
Ephesians 6:18

A Place to Pray can be anywhere. But a Quiet space for few minutes once or twice daily can work wonders to quiet your heart, your mind your soul.

A place free of distractions.
It’s your solace and can boost your mental health.

Pray. Just Pray

Blessings overflow

Explore Possibilities Literary Event

13 Verses To Fight Fear…

God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7

It’s natural during times of change that we feel worried about our future. We feel Concerned when we can’t see our way. Take courage. Know that the lord is our God. He will lead, guide and protect us.

Here are 13 verses to comfort an strengthen you in times of need.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows
You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you
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.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident
So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.
You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things

Which do you lean on most in times of anxiety and stress? Any missing that you would like to share?

Blessings overflow

Stay Connected…

By my computer I’m working feverishly. Being the responsible person that I am, I plugged in my cellphone to remain fully charged for when I’m not connected.

An hour later I checked to see the progress only to realize that though the cord was inserted in the phone, the plug itself was lying by the desk unit unplugged. I gasped.

The Great Connector

I pondered about my relationship with the Lord. Am I really connected? Or is my relationship lying unplugged? The incident reminded me to look internally. To examine the fruit of the spirit that I exhibit to others. To examine my faith. My habits and relationships.

I walked away with another learning gleaned from the Holy Spirit. He provides the Green Light and is my source of strength, guide, leader and my connector.

May this experience provide the tug to examine your own relationship with the Lord this Easter and always.

Blessings overflow.

A Piece Of Peace

Peace… Freedom from disturbance; tranquility

May we experience Peace 

Peace in the midst of chaos
Peace in the midst of struggle 
Peace when things get out of hand
Peace during mayhem
Peace during lack
Peace in courage
Peace in times of Fear
Peace in times of confusion
Peace in sickness
Peace in health 
Peace in quiet time
Peace in ease

May we always experience peace. A peace that only our Lord can provide. He is my peace. Hope he’s yours too.

Blessings overflow.

At Noon We Hide…

At noon we hide under the cover

We hide as the problems hover

We hide in Christ’s Safe Place

We hide in His beloved Space

We hide until the problems are gone

We hide until things get back to Norm

At noon we hide

We hide until the problems sever

^{© Dr. Shelly C}

God Doesn’t Keep A Clock…

I wish God kept a clock with my timing as priority. But He doesn’t. It’s in the waiting that we Grow.
Dr Shelly C

I could write a whole book on Max Lucado’s Quote that God doesn’t keep a clock. Personally, I wish God kept a clock with my timing as priority. But when I pray and ask his intervention, I have learnt to trust his timing.

Waiting Is Hard

I remember publishing my Research. After it was accepted by the JAABC, I was told it would be published in the Winter of the following year. Though it was long, I actually had a publishing date to look forward to. Contrast that with the birth of a child. A mom waits in the final weeks because the baby could arrive at any time. No specific date is given even when the doctor gives a ‘proposed’ date. The baby can still wait.

That said, life experiences prove that waiting is hard. It comes with the associated worry, fear, and riveting anticipation. We become impatient. But I have learnt to trust God’s timing. When we become weak and heavily burdened, we turn to the source of all things new. Our refuge and strength. Yes indeed, he is a present help in times of trouble. Let’s turn to him. Pray. Seek his guidance while we wait. One thing is for sure, he will come through for you and me. But only in his time.

Walk in the assurance that God’s timing is always right…and by the way… Pray while you wait.

Blessings overflow.

A Late January Evening By The Seashore…

Success Strategies

By the sea I couldn’t wait to be. To sit causally on the sand. Me, towel, book and birds all in one as the mighty waves thundered and splashed against the seashore. The weather forecasted it would be the coldest day of the season. Disappointment soared at the spoilt prospect yet still I was determined to chill (literally).

I sat still gazing in the distance. Cold yet relaxed. It was as if there was not a care in the world. I watched the little bird hunt its food fighting against the rushing waves as it eroded the shore. “Give up,” I shouted. But it didn’t as it tried again and again to grab another peck, and another peck. It’s little body was no match for the cold windy weather, but it was yet to give up.

That Smile

That smile… my smile, as usual with it’s pleasantries drew in passersby…

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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus…

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth 
will go strangely dim
In the light of his glory and Grace

I looked up as I heard the familiar chorus playing. Then I began to ponder the words. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. But the part that got me … then the things of earth will go strangely dim.

Peace Eludes

How often we allow the cares of the world including our finances, on-the-job issues, unemployment, relationship deterioration etc to cause us to go astray. We pity ourselves, become sad and depressed because we are limited in our way of handling our issues. It’s hard. Let’s face it, we can’t do it alone.

The Quest For Success

Even Success sometimes deter our relationship with the lord. I’ve often said that we pray for the achievement of our goals and aspirations, then when the lord answers our prayers, we forget to give him thanks. Then we continue our quest to maintain the ‘success’ often on our own. And yes to our detriment. Alas, the sleepless nights ensue.

As I reflected, I was drawn to another familiar song which in part says “Oh what peace we often forfeit…all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Today I implore you to remember these well known songs. Let’s take our troubles in prayer to the lord. Let’s allow the things of earth to go strangely dim. Let’s experience the comfort and peace that only God can provide.

Pause right now and Look full in his wonderful face. Let it be well with your soul as you sleep peacefully at nights.

Blessings overflow.