And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB

The fog was so thick I could barely see the car ahead of me. I enjoy the mystery of fog as long as I am not driving in it. When I am unsure as to my next stop or turn, I get a little anxious and concerned. We are taught as young drivers to keep our eyes on the red lights of the car in front of us, but if the fog is too thick, pull over and wait for the fog to lift. Good advice. Wait.

Now and then I find myself in a fog of sorts when my mind becomes clouded with the negative thoughts and images that plague each of us at one time or another. You know what I mean; thoughts of doubting my usefulness, or worthiness, wondering if I will ever get it right, whatever it happens to be at the time. It could be a job situation, a relationship challenge, or a personality clash brewing in my small group that requires problem solving finesse.

Whatever the situation may be, God gently reminds me to stop trying to lift the fog on my own and let Him help me lift it away. He very gently says, “Come my child, sit with Me awhile and we will figure this out together.” As the fog lifts and the answers come, the peacefulness of being in His presence overrides the previous cloudy confusion and brings me to a place of clarity. Time spent in prayer with the One who knows the answers is time well spent. He’s lifted the fog, which was clouding my perspective, and replaced uncertainty with discernment. He has replaced self-doubt with self-worth in knowing He is molding me into who He wants me to be. He lets me know there is nothing He and I cannot handle together so long as I stop trying to get through the fog on my own and trust Him to clear it away.

I am learning, albeit slowly, to wait on God. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). When we fail to wait on God’s direction and instruction for our next stop or turn, we are often getting ahead of God’s plan and purpose in that moment. Be still and know that I am God is the most famous part of this scripture reference, but we don’t often hear the remainder of the verse. Why does God want us to be still? I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Oh, You mean You would like for me to hold my horses so You can let me know what direction You want me to go and so You will shine through my fog?

He wants us to wait on Him to get the plan fully into motion before jumping in and messing it all up. His plan and purpose will always be best and show Him for who He is: The Almighty, everlasting Creator and heavenly Father who wants only what’s best for us. Just as we need to keep our eyes on the red lights of the car in front of us during a foggy drive, God wants us to keep our eyes focused on Him until the fog clears in our heads and we have a better perspective on what His plan is and what direction He wants us to head next.

My prayer for you is when you find yourself in a foggy, doubting yourself situation, that you will take the time to curl up on your heavenly Fathers’ lap and ask Him to clear away the fog. Then bask in His presence and the peacefulness that follows. He loves you so much and wants only for you to trust Him for guidance when the road gets foggy and uncertain. Confusion and uncertainty are from the one who makes us doubt who we are in Christ. Clarity is from our Father who loves us beyond compare. We have incredible peace when we place our trust in the Peace Giver.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for lifting the fog of life to help us see more clearly the path You have us on. Please help us to trust You during the times we have trouble seeing the road ahead. Please teach us to wait on You so You will be exalted in heaven and earth. In Jesus’ matchless name, amen.

So, what about you? Ever find yourself in a foggy situation where you are in need of clearer direction? What do you do? What scripture comes to mind that helps clear away the fog? Post a comment, lets chat about it.

In His embrace,

Toni

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His loving kindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His

loving kindness is everlasting.

Psalm 136:1-4

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For me it’s a day of celebrating how thankful I am for those I love and who love me back. I am thankful for so many things on a daily basis, but this one very special day we have an opportunity as a nation to all give thanks in unison. Just think, on this one day, millions of people gather together to intentionally show gratitude for blessings and love.

I realize for many this is a day of simply gorging on turkey with all the trimmings and watching football. I like that part too, but as a Christ follower, Thanksgiving Day has become so much more.

When I was a child, I did not know to thank God for my blessings. I did not understand it was God the pilgrims were thanking for the feast before them. In my young mind it was simply a day of food, football and two extra days away from School. When I became a Christian and learned that all things are from God, the Father of all creation, Thanksgiving Day became more about focusing on gratitude for my blessings and making sure those I love know just how much they mean to me. Though I do my best to show gratitude to God and those I love often, Thanksgiving Day makes it all the more pronounced especially when the day is shared with other grateful hearts.

Being fully aware of many who may not feel thankful for much of anything these days, I want to pause and remind us all that it’s okay to opt out for a short while. I, like you, have had my share of disappointments and tragedy. Times when life just doesn’t seem fair and times when I’d just as soon opt out of life and crawl in a hole than celebrate anything with anyone.

What gets me out of my hide away hole is in knowing the opt out period is only temporary as is the situation. Unfortunately, life is filled with ups and downs where we feel we have no control or say so in the outcome. I’m a fan of the ups and not so much of the downs.

If you are in a hide away hole of sorts right now and would rather eat a bologna sandwich all by yourself instead of feasting with others, may I encourage you to take a peak outside of your hole? Hey, I’m all for a bologna sandwich now and then, but I promise you will only hurt yourself and those who love you by avoiding a day of food, family and fun.

Before you get upset with me and stop reading, please give me just a moment more of your time. I ask you simply this; what do you have to be thankful for? Nothing you say? I don’t believe you. We all have many things to be thankful for even in the midst of despair. Make a list, yes a list. Who do you love? Who loves you? Do you have a warm bed to sleep in? Do you have food to eat? Do you have a roof over your head? You get the point. We all have something to be grateful for even if we can’t see beyond our sadness because of difficult circumstances. Hang on to the promises of God. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Now start your gratitude list. I promise it will make you feel better. As your list grows, so will your joy. Gratitude is one of the strongest medicines for curing an aching heart. Please try it. Not just today, but anytime you are feeling down, go back and re-read your list. Add to it from time to time. It’s amazing how it helps!

If you are living in peace and harmony right now, I thank God with you for a peaceful time. Please share this with those you know that may need some encouragement to look for blessings.

If you are struggling just to hang on one more day, I pray this becomes a bright spot in a dismal day. Please let me know by leaving a comment below how I may pray for you. It is my honor to do so.

Please take a moment and listen to this song. It’s one of my favorites. I promise it will fill you with gratitude and joy. After listening, start your list.

May the Lord of all creation bless you and yours abundantly today and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Father God, I thank You so very much for the blessings in my life. I pray each day I am not falling short in showing You just how thankful I am for Your constant love and direction. I pray Lord for those reading this that may be experiencing tragedy or difficulty in their lives. Please give them peace and comfort as You lead them through and see them safe to the other side of the storm. Please help them recall goodness and blessings the enemy of this world would rather they forget. Please bless our service men and women and keep them safe from harm. I love You more than words can say. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen.

In His embrace,

Toni

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

The past; it creeps in, infiltrates thoughts, disrupts sleep, alters conversation, causes trouble in relationships, can ruin a perfectly good day, and sometimes derails a future filled with promise and hope.

So often I find myself re-living something from the past. Sometimes it’s a painful childhood memory, thoughts of a past relationship gone badly, or a negative, hurtful comment from a trusted person in my life.

I think of situations where I have failed miserably; moments in time I wish I would have handled differently, comments made without thinking first that I wish I could stuff back in my mouth, or even unkind thoughts I’d love to hide from God. We all have something in the past we’d like to forget, and just as important, things we would like others to forget.

I’m so thankful for the example of what failure and forgiveness look like in the Bible. Take King David for instance. He failed, too. He failed and looked up. He failed and fell to his knees. He failed and asked the Lord of all creation to forgive and restore him. In Psalm 103:12-13, David tells us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” David blew it more times than he ever wanted to remember, yet he would seek forgiveness every time. And God, the One who only wants our devotion and obedience, granted it every time. Doesn’t that just make you feel a little better already?

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” Henry Ford

I’ve seen the lack of forgiveness ruin relationships and nearly ruin a person’s ability to function. Letting go of past hurts is not an easy thing to do, yet the Bible makes it clear we must. In Matthew 6:14-15, we are told if we forgive, we too will be forgiven. “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

But Toni, what if the person who hurt me does not acknowledge my pain or ask for forgiveness? The lack of a forgiving heart does not punish the wrong doer; it only hurts us and leaves us with anger and frustration while the offender carries on without a care. Extending forgiveness, whether deserved or not, frees us from a form of bondage the enemy of this world would love to keep us in. Whether the offender asks our forgiveness makes no difference, it’s forgiving from our heart that matters, so when the time comes we can say without a doubt, yes, you are forgiven. When we extend unasked for forgiveness, we are set free and I’m quite sure, smiled upon by our heavenly Father. When we forgive those who humble themselves and ask, we are both set free and smiled upon by our heavenly Father. Either way, we set an enormous example of what Jesus’ sacrifice was all about.

We’ve all heard it said, “Forgive and forget.” I think God gave us a memory partially because He wants us to remember our transgressions and the transgressions of others against us. If we are wise, we learn from the past, then God allows us to be of help and support for others along the way that may be in the same situation as we once were. God does not waste anything. He uses every morsel of our lives to teach us, help others, and to bring glory to Himself.

Whether it’s something we’ve done, or something someone has done to us, not one of us will get out of this life without some sort of regret or pain from the past. What matters most, however, is how we handle these things while we’re here. Do we learn, ask forgiveness, and move on? Or do we blame others and wallow in self pity? I believe with all my heart God wants us to learn, ask forgiveness, and move on to much bigger and better things. He loves me, He loves you, and He wants us to have a life of abundance.

“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

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful You love us in spite of our faults and failures. Though undeserved, You sent Your only Son to this world as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Father, please forgive me when I struggle with an unforgiving heart and please help me to humble myself and ask forgiveness of those I’ve wronged. I do not want Your sacrifice to have been in vain. Please bring humility back to this world. In the matchless name of my Lord and Savior, amen.

Any thoughts? If you have something on your heart that you feel comfortable sharing in a public forum, then please share here. If however, you have some thoughts you’d like to share privately, then please email me for a private conversation. I’d love to hear from you. ☺

In His embrace,

Toni

toni@inHisembrace.com

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”                                                                         Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

Recently, I was watching a game show featuring newlyweds as contestants. The host commented on how loving many of the couples were to one another. One of the couples dated for many years prior to marriage and was showing a great deal of affection for one another. The host was particularly impressed with this couple and asked if they had always been as affectionate and considerate to one another as they were this day. They replied they had, and were committed to always doing so. The host laughed and jokingly said; “Coming from someone married for a very long time, I can assure you it doesn’t last.” The audience laughed and the show continued.

I was saddened by the comment and my thoughts immediately went to my own marriage and the times my husband and I have discussed this same topic. While taking long walks hand in hand, we’ve noticed much older couples also walking hand in hand, sharing sweet moments of leisure together. We are inspired by their long-lived devotion to one another and have said many times, “That too will be us when we are older.” Walking hand in hand, our grip tightens; without words we are reaffirming our desire and commitment to be one of those much older couples one day inspiring a young couple to stay connected and not let complacency creep into their marriage.

As I prayed this morning for the Lord to help my husband and I keep this commitment, He reminded me of my commitment to Him many years ago: a commitment to keep holding hands even as the years go by, a commitment to not let complacency creep into our relationship.

I remember reading a book as a young Christian about God holding our hands through life. It’s a picture I so often have in my mind: a picture of God holding my hand, walking me through some of life’s most beautiful and most challenging times. At times my grip is loose and carefree, while other times my grip is so tight I can almost feel God’s hand in mine.

At Canyon Ridge Christian Church, the church where I learned how to truly hold God’s hand, there is a sign that reads: “Love God, Love People.” It’s a shortened version of our scripture for today. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I’ve learned over the years that this is not merely a suggestion, but a command. It is something we are to be intentional about. We are to love God and love the people placed in our path regardless of time, circumstances, or distance.

I think of other relationships and how often we so easily let them slowly slip away, especially if distance separates us. Why is it that too often, we have an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality? Can we really only focus on those who are close at hand? Is our love of friends and family only strong if they are within an arms reach? Sadly, this seems to be the case. The same can be said of our relationship with God. If we need Him, we reach for His hand; if all is well, we let go until the next crisis.

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us and asked only that we love Him and those He gives us to love. Today, I ask you to honor that sacrifice and commit with me, to love God and those He has placed in your life with much less complacency; to love God, your spouse, friends, and family just as intentionally as you did when you first met and felt love for them. Remember, God is only as close as your own hand, just waiting for you to reach out and walk with Him.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of my own complacency when it comes to loving You and those You have given me to love and be loved by. Please help me to always be mindful of the command to love You and others as You have loved us. Thank You for always holding my hand. Please don’t ever let go. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thoughts? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

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In His embrace,

Toni

  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

One of the most beautiful hymns ever written can be recited by most. Many non-believers know the first verse because it’s a standard song during Easter services and funerals. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

We meet Jesus. We ask Him into our hearts and lives as a guidepost and anchor in times of distress. We become infatuated with the newness of our faith and the love we feel for our Lord and Savior, much like when we fall in love with another person. In time however, the infatuation period ends and real life hits us, sometimes hard. We’re not sure about this Jesus now because life didn’t suddenly become sunshine and roses. We’re unsure about our decision. Was it the right one? What was I thinking? Is God real? Does He really love me? Is there truly a purpose for my life? Who do I tell of my uncertainty?

A new Christian left unattended can so easily be swayed back to the darkness of this world. No matter our age, friends may think this new life we’ve chosen isn’t cool, or we may be made fun of for becoming a “Jesus freak.” Let’s face it, becoming a Christian can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are from a non-believing family. All of a sudden we go from the joyful serenity of “I once was lost but now am found,” to uncertainty and feelings of “I once was found, but now am lost.”

As a seasoned Christian who has traveled the road of the lost before, I feel compelled to do my best to nurture the newly found Christian. Our scripture reference today reminds us, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV).

We are all called to set an example for those young in faith. We are to point them to scripture, teach them the importance of prayer, and make sure they are baptized. Leaving a new believer in Christ to figure it out on their own is in and of itself shameful.

I see a baby duck trying to make her way into the pond for the very first time. She’s at the water’s edge, looking back at the safety of the shore; she needs a nudge of encouragement from a sibling to take that first step into this unknown world. She has never swum before, but the water is so inviting. The thought of this refreshing new life is drawing her in, but she’s still so unsure. She makes the decision; yes, she’ll try. She needs to keep her eyes focused on mom just ahead.Is this a good idea? Mom wouldn’t lead me astray now would she? Okay, here goes…

Just as that baby duck needs to keep her eyes focused on her loving mama, we need to encourage those new in faith to keep their eyes focused on our heavenly Father. When the baby duck sees her siblings gleefully swimming behind mom, she feels more secure in taking the plunge. If they can do it, so can I!

As seasoned sisters and brothers in Christ, it is our job to give those small nudges of encouragement to our new little siblings. As we set the example of what it looks like to follow Jesus, they will feel more secure in taking the plunge into their own freedom in Christ.

Let’s all do our best to take our new baby siblings under our wings so they will feel safe and secure in knowing they have a family to trust in times of uncertainty.

And if you are one of our new baby siblings, please reach out to us. Let someone know that you are new to faith in Jesus so we can help you on this new very exciting journey. The water’s warm and refreshing. Come on in! Let’s chat about it. I’d love to hear about your journey. What can I do to help? Post a comment on the website if you’d like.  

Dear heavenly Father,

Please help those of us who have gone before our new brothers and sisters to be of help and encouragement as they begin to swim on their own. Give us words of hope and comfort when the waters get rough and someone to come to when insecurity sets in. Please be with those new to faith in Your Son and lead them to a brother or sister in faith to be of help and inspiration. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Thank you for reading. I hope it has blessed you.

In His embrace,

Toni

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 15:4-6 NASB

Over the years of being self employed, a wife, mother, small group leader, aspiring writer and public speaker, I’ve learned something very important about myself. I need and value encouragement! There, I said it; I need encouragement! Whew, I feel so much better now. The reason I say this as if it’s a big secret or something to be ashamed of, is because I’ve heard it said that as Christ followers, we should not require worldly encouragement, only the encouragement we get from God and the bible. The need for encouragement or affirmation is somehow linked to being prideful. Each of my roles in life however, requires some form of encouragement in order to know I am on the right track. Without affirmation in each area, I would be prone to discouragement or the ugly thought of giving up.

Please do not misunderstand, the desire for appreciation or praise for something someone else or God should get credit for is most definitely a pride issue. But that is not what we are talking about here.

As the hands and feet of God, we are charged with the joyful task of encouraging one another. And, let us not forget, encouragement is one of the spiritual gifts! Isn’t it just like our God, to make the giving and receiving of encouragement a gift!?

Our key verse above makes it very clear that encouragement comes from God as a gift not only to be received, but also to give. We are to encourage one another in life, and more importantly, in spiritual matters. When life gets tough, we encourage each other to keep going, knowing our life reflects the glory of God. When the enemy targets us and tries to discourage us from something that brings honor and glory to God, it is we who are charged with making sure he is unsuccessful as we lift each other up in prayer and offer words of comfort and encouragement.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 NIV (love the holy kiss part, but that’s for another devotional) ☺

Since launching my new website I’ve received a lot of affirmation from faithful friends and family. I am so very thankful for the kind words because they tell me I’m on the right track and am honoring God by my work.

I once heard it said; if it’s not a gift, make it a discipline. If you are not a person who easily shows appreciation to others, or who willingly encourages another, I challenge you to make it a discipline. Go ahead, try it. I promise you will find great joy in the smile you receive back. There is something precious in seeing someone delight in a surprise show of gratitude or appreciation. Kindness begets kindness……

This is one of my favorite quotes: “Appreciation is a free gift that you can give to anyone you encounter; it is completely your choice. And each time you choose to thank someone for a job well done, you are making the world a better place.” Barbara A. Glanz

Everyone needs a little pat on the back, a kind word and a little extra love now and then. Our children are in desperate need of our attention to this because of the plethora of negativity thrown at them every day. Our spouses need our attention to these details too. So many marriages would be saved if we all just took the time to show a little extra love, encouragement and gratitude to the one we vowed to love, honor and cherish. Find something, anything your child or spouse does that brings a smile to your face and tell them how it makes you feel. I promise it will lead to more smiles for all of you. ☺

So, how about you? Do you find yourself in need of encouragement too? Do you have the gift of encouragement? Do you find encouraging others a daunting task? Please leave a comment; others will be blessed by it. This is a safe place to chat. I’d love to hear from you and pray with you.

Heavenly Father, You are the ultimate gift giver. I thank You for the gift of encouragement, both the giving and receiving of it. I thank You for those who reach out to me when I need a pat on the back, or a listening ear. Please dear Father, help me to always be aware of when someone in my path needs a word of encouragement and appreciation. I appreciate You more than words can say!!  In Jesus’ name, amen.