by Stacey | Mar 20, 2014 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
It happens so fast. One second everything is fine. The next, everything is wrong. In the space of a single heartbeat I am far from where I want to be.
Voice raised. Temper flared. Blood roars.
Feelings hurt. Misunderstood. Friendships rent.
Selfish heart. Burdened mind. Weary soul.
God whispers between the rhythmic throbbing in my chest.
I love you. I love you. I love you.
Oh, my stubborn sin. There is no excuse that makes escaped words acceptable. No amount of tears can take back what is done in haste. Yet, God remains. In-between each heartbeat. Whispering softer words.
Beloved, my Son died for this sin. Accept His sacrifice. I am not surprised by this sin. Acknowledge your need for a Saviour. I love you, and if you repent, I will see you through the lens of My Son. Forgiven. Clean. Redeemed.
And my heart beats faster.
Truth, in all His glory, confronts the depths of my failures and loves me anyway. In the space of a single heartbeat God draws me close. Like a parent comforting a child. My ear presses against His chest and listens as his heart beats for me.
by Stacey | Mar 6, 2014 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
Sometimes the road is hard and requires believers to set aside their rights and their desire to be proven right, to ensure that God’s name is glorified. It’s something our daughter has done in the past—more than once, and I sit here amazed at all our nine-year-old has taught me.
Kaitlyn has taught me that things don’t always unfold the way you plan. Sometimes others win, and life isn’t all about me. She has also taught me about sacrifice. About looking outward rather than inward, focusing on others and their needs instead of her own.
Her message echoes the message God whispers to me. He calls me to pour myself out and minister to others by His strength and for His glory. Right now, that might mean going above and beyond my responsibilities to serve someone else. Maybe someone who wronged me. It might mean allowing someone to take advantage of my generosity because it serves a greater good. It might be as simple as keeping my mouth shut and letting it go.
Whatever it is.
As I struggle to do that, I remember Kaitlyn, and her simple belief that God will complete what He starts. And then something wonderful happens. The hard way becomes beautiful.
by Stacey | Feb 13, 2014 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
The underbelly of our family has been on display since we returned from Chicago. We have a live-in. She has seen sides of our family that have likely etched ugly moustaches and beards over the glossy image on our Christmas card.
It has been humbling to live in TOTAL transparency before her.
Does she sees my heart for God while we live with one foot in St Catharines and the other in Brantford? Is my fierce love for Jesus and my family evident? Does she see a longing to be in God’s presence and true repentance when I mess up?
Or, does she only see the outer. The flared temper, the failed attempts, the enforced discipline?
I know God doesn’t expect my life to be perfect but He does expect it to be different. Even when we are stretched between two cities, two communities, and two lives.
Does my life look different to her?
God expects me to be a grace-filled, God-honouring parent, spouse, and friend during all seasons of life. There is no free-pass due to stress, unhappiness, frustration, or ________. (You fill in the blank.)
I’ve decided that every person needs a live-in during a season that exposes the underbelly of life and what really fills the heart. And if that makes you cringe, well, good. Sometimes what we need isn’t very comfortable.
A live-in. A 24/7 Presence that sees it all, hears it all and knows it all. A Presence that sheds light into those corners hidden from the average eye. A Presence that will not allow me to pretend I have to altogether when I don’t.
And trust me, I don’t.
I need a live in. You need a live in. A Presence who dwells, not in our home, but in US (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17). A Presence who fills us (Acts 2:4; 9:17). A Presence who produces fruit (Gal. 5:22-23). A Presence who washes and renews us (Titus 3:5). A Presence who strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).
If Christ is your Saviour, you have one.
His Holy Spirit.
by Stacey | Jan 30, 2014 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
She blinked.
A fluttering half-second when she inhaled the temporary and exhaled eternity. Ushered away from the presence of those she could never imagine leaving and into the presence of the only One who never leaves. And she finally lives, like she has never lived before.
She is home.
Oh, to lift a corner of the veil and witness her triumphant welcome into eternity! The indescribable love, laughter and joy as mortality puts on immortality.
And we blink.
Blink back tears, grief, a longing for what this world cannot provide.
Pain, although sharp and deep, is a sweet reminder that the earth is not our home. One day, if we trust in Jesus, we will open our eyes in the place where victory swallows death and the sting of the grave is no more.
And those who have gone before will usher us in. We will meet our Saviour and we will know.
We. Are. Home.
by Stacey | Jan 16, 2014 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
Precious and Most Holy God, who knows the beginning and the end, not one created person is worthy to stand before you. You know all that was and will ever be. You knew each one of us before the foundation of the world. You even know our children and their children before one day is lived.
Words cannot capture Your majesty.
It is with great anticipation your bride awaits the coming of her Groom. While our lamps are burning we pray for Your will to be done.
Hasten.
You are the giver –providing everything needed. You are the forgiver – absolving the horrendous sins of our hearts, hands and minds through the innocent blood of Your Son.
We are freely forgiven. Now pour out your grace enabling us to forgive and to love others the way that you love us. Without You, it cannot be done.
Begin in each one of us a faith that will become a heritage of great value to our children. Circumcise each heart. Make it new, make it clean.
Begin in me.
*From the archives
