Blog

There are days when it feels easier to quit than to move forward.  It feels better to just be done than to push any longer.  We simply want to say ‘enough’ and be done with it all.  And yet, we press forward, we move onward.  It isn’t the easy path that makes the difference.  Anyone can walk that path.  It is the difficulties which shape us and guide us.  It is the challenges which help to mold us into better people, more empathetic and kind.  The hardships help to define us.  

Still, there are days when we still want to quit, to simply give up.  Those days are the test, the brink of something.  We must continue onward, not giving in because it seems too much.  There is more to be done.  There is more to be accomplished.  There is good still ahead – even if it does not seem possible.  There is a path forward, even when we have no idea where we are going.  

There are days when getting up and getting dressed is an accomplishment in itself.  Celebrate it.  There are days when we feel as though we can do anything – and those days, we do everything.  There are days to rest and days to work.  There are days to push even harder and days to simply let it be.  Regardless of the days, we move onward, one moment at a time – not worrying about the future, focused on this day.  This is great on the days we feel like it, when we don’t feel the weight of it all.  But on the days when it all feels too much, we need to know we are not alone.  God will help us to move onward.  He will care for us when we cannot care for ourselves.  

Today, no matter where you may find yourself, keep your head up and move onward.  On the days when it seems too much, know you are not alone.  One step at a time is movement.  On days when all is well, help someone else move forward.  Onward, we move with God and each other.  There are good days still to come.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 40:5

⁵ You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
    they would be more than can be counted.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

Anger sneaks up on us.  It seeps into our systems like a toxin without being noticed until we are completely infected.  It shows up in our attitude.  It appears in our unkind remarks.  It becomes a part of our walk, our talk, and our everyday interactions.  Before we know it, it becomes a poison destroying nearly everything in our lives – from our relationships to our own peace.  It is dangerous if left unchecked.

If it is so subtle, how do we counteract?  How do we handle the anger that seems to boil up in us?  We start at the root.  What is the cause?  Where did it begin to find its way into our system?  Where did it all begin?  These are questions which often lead back to fear and misunderstanding.  When we are afraid, when our beliefs or our ideas are challenged, we respond in anger.  We tend to lash out when we are challenged.  We aren’t always good at listening.  We jump to conclusions and stop listening.  We become so enraged that we cut off our access to common sense.  It becomes a downward spiral and spins out of control fast.  We don’t take the time to understand because what we hear is scary.  

This seems to be where James’ words speak loudest to me.  He teaches to be slow to speak and quick to listen.  If I am listening only to respond, I am not listening.  If I am constantly triggered by something being said, I respond only in anger and am not listening.  The key is to be both – slow to speak AND quick to listen.  Stop and hear.  We might find we are not as far off as we thought we were.  We also might find we are not nearly as angry when we take the time to truly hear.  If we can listen, truly listen, we may see our anger dissipate.  It won’t have the same result.  We may find we aren’t angry at all when we take the time to understand.

This is hard.  This takes work.  But this doesn’t give us an excuse to stop trying.  

Lord, may I be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to anger today.  

Focus Scripture:

James 1:19-20

¹⁹ You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰ for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

It only takes one.  One can change everything.  One can turn a situation, melt a heart, or motivate towards good things.  It only takes one.  One smile, one kind word, one hug, one act of kindness – all just simple small ones which can make a huge impact.  Yet, we struggle to share just one some days.  Maybe those are the days we are in need of one.  Maybe those are the days God sends one to us.  But don’t miss the power we hold by sharing just one.

It seems so simple and yet, these aren’t shared nearly enough.  The impact is tremendous, the power is within us.  It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort.  It just takes willingness and a kind heart.  You never know how you might change someone’s life simply by sharing just one.

Today, the task is simple.  Seek to share one.  Seek to share a smile.  If you are currently not getting out, call someone to share a kind and encouraging word with.  If you have the opportunity (just a moment), share an act of kindness, one which is unexpected.  You never know how God may be using you to share his love.  It only takes one – and you just might be that one today.

Focus Scripture:

Matthew 7:12

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

As I walked along the beach, I opted to take my chances at being chased by the waves.  It was too cold to get wet and my shoes were already a bit damp.  With the tide high, my best option was to get as close to the water as possible.  The sand is packed so much better there.  It is bearable to walk.  You can develop a rhythm on the packed sand.  It just wasn’t always possible to walk on it.  Sometimes the waves washed so close it was best to leap into the deep, thick sand.  It was a dance I participated in over and over.

You don’t move very fast in the thick sand.  You don’t make a lot of progress for the amount of work you put into it.  You work really hard for not a lot of results.  As I trudged along, I noticed other footprints.  Others had walked these same difficult paths before me.  Why would they do that?  Why would anyone choose this difficult path?  Maybe they were avoiding the tide too.  Maybe they wanted to stay far away from the cool waters of the ocean.  Or maybe they were working on getting stronger.

We wouldn’t want to choose the more difficult path, it doesn’t seem to make sense.  Well, it doesn’t make sense unless it is part of our journey.  As I picked up one foot, then the other – I made my way through each deliberate step and noticed something.  I noticed I was purposely slowed down.  It gave me every chance to look around and see what beauty was surrounding me.  It gave me the opportunity to slow enough to enjoy the sound of the waves.  I was able to hear the birds sing.  I was slowed just enough that my senses were heightened to the beauty surrounding me.  I also felt like this was a way to get stronger.  Since each step took such determination, surely my calf muscles were getting a workout unlike any other.  I felt sure I would find out when I got up the next morning – feeling the unusual push and pull of footsteps.  Mostly, the difficult path was teaching me there was value in the challenge.  

When our paths are difficult, may we take the time to slow down and look around.  God is with us.  Notice the beauty even in the challenge.  You are getting stronger.  One step at a time, move closer to where God would have you to be.  

Focus Scripture:

Romans 5:3b-5

suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

I always have to carefully consider whether or not I really need to get up during the night.  It isn’t so much a question of whether or not I should get up, but more of a question of the consequences of it.  As you might have guessed, Leo sleeps right between me and Wendy.  He snuggles right up to whomever he chooses and is usually a pretty good bedfellow.  But, if you get up, all bets are off.  He will steal your spot quicker than you can blink.  You come back to find him curled up on your pillow fast asleep – or so he makes it seem.  Getting him to move after that is challenging.  Most of the time, I figure out a way to squirm my way back into the bed – and he usually wins on the amount of room and where he lays his head.  

The funniest part is if you had told me this would be my situation years ago, I would have thought you had lost your mind.  Why would anyone reorient their whole sleep pattern for a friend such as my dog Leo?  I have always loved animals, that is not the issue.  But to completely give up part of your pillow and your bed would have made no sense to me.  Sometimes it still doesn’t.  But it doesn’t have to be explained, it is a choice we have made and we are so grateful to have Leo in our lives.  He brings more joy and unconditional love than I could have thought possible.  And, if I am honest, he keeps things interesting – all the time.  

It seems to me God offers us love and kindness in the most unconventional ways.  Maybe God understands what we need when we need it.  He may send you a message of love through a note or a friend.  He may offer you joy through a memory or an event.  It might be God offers you a little something special through your garden or a walk in the woods.  For me, all of these things could be true.  But there is just something extra special about the love of my buddy Leo.  And it isn’t for me only.  Anyone who spends any time around us will get a heaping dose of attention, served up by Leo himself.  I couldn’t think of a better gift than that.  

May God offer you an extra dose of kindness and love in unexpected but joyous ways today.  

Focus Scripture:

Genesis 1:24-25

²⁴ And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. ²⁵ God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

We all know words mean something.  They can tear down or build up.  They have so much power because of the source from which they flow.  When someone speaks words of hate or anger, it is even more painful when you know those words are from the person’s heart, mind, and part of their true feelings.  The same goes for kindness and encouragement.  When you know someone truly means the words they express, it takes on a whole new meaning.  We will often tell someone to consider the source when we hear news.  What source does it come from?  Understanding the source changes things.  Our words often are sourced from our heart, from our deep longings and deep hurts.  It could be the words we speak or type are fueled from the hatred or anger we have long buried yet keeps reappearing when we are challenged.

Words seem to mean more now than ever.  We are having much less face to face interaction.  When we are in person, our expressions are covered (for the most part – eye rolling still noted).  Our main communication is through typing or phone calls, Zoom calls or Facetime.  In these formats, words take on an even stronger position.  They carry more weight.  They are more important than ever.  

Considering this, genuine words of kindness and encouragement are so desperately needed.  We need to lift up our brothers and sisters.  We need to truly care about one another and reach out, giving someone else the boost to keep moving forward.  These are difficult times for us all.  No one is immune from the repercussions of this pandemic.  Since we are all struggling in some way, wouldn’t it be better to lift each other up rather than tear each other down?  And if we are having a difficult time doing that (or doing it genuinely), maybe it is time to consider the source from which our words flow.  Is it that our heart is filled with things which stain our whole body?  Is it that our whole beings are soiled by the filth of hatred or anger?  Could it be our words are speaking loudly about the distress we are feeling inside?  

May our source be pure.  May our words be encouraging, kind and loving.  May our speech be genuine.  May we live as Christ.

Focus Scripture:

James 3:10-12

¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

Leo (my buddy, my dog) has a special skill of relaying to me what is most important.  He sends this message loud and clear, but not in the ways we would normally communicate.  If I am on my phone, he nudges my arm.  If I am working on my computer, he puts his head right in front of the screen so all I can see is him.  When he is hungry, he sits and stares at one of us and when we acknowledge him, he runs to his bowl, pointing out the urgency of his need.  And we have a bell.  He rings this bell for everything else.  Sometimes he rings the bell just to get attention.  Sometimes he will ring the bell and walk away – as if to let us know he passed by it but had to touch it.  He has a way of knowing if I am struggling and just sits in my lap, not asking for anything.  He just offers his kindness.  I learn something new every day from his skills and abilities.  He doesn’t have to communicate in the usual ways to get his message across.  I understand what he needs.  

We can wander through life trying to figure out why we don’t hear God.  We can walk aimlessly not really understanding how God leads or feeling his presence.  I think it is because we aren’t paying attention.  If God created Leo, who can communicate with me, surely God is not lacking for ways to communicate.  I think we just pass right by him on a regular basis.  I think we mistake his embrace for something else.  I think we simply take for granted things are the way they are without realizing all we have been given by a God who loves us more than we can imagine.  God communicates.  He speaks loud and clear.  We may not want to hear the message.  We may not want to do what we know he is asking.  We may want to run the other way.  But God is not short on communication.  He is speaking to us – it just might not be in the way we are expecting.  

We have to pay attention – looking around at all God is doing.  It will take time.  It will take effort.  But we just might find he has been communicating with us long before we ever started listening.  And maybe today is the day to hear him.

Psalm 18:6

⁶ In my distress I called upon the Lord;
    to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
    and my cry to him reached his ears.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

So much of life is about give and take.  What are we willing to give up to get something else?  There are simple decisions: This morning I wanted to wear a particular pair of pants.  When I put them on, I could not breathe adequately.  Giving up my ability for good circulation was not worth wearing the pants.  So, back in the closet they go.  There are decisions we make which have a little more challenge, but we still often know the right answer:  We can eat the cake.  The cake is good and it is our favorite.  We have earned the right to eat the cake (it is our body, after all).  But if we eat the cake, we are giving up what we have worked on for the last week.  Is it worth it to give up all of the efforts over the last week for a piece of cake?  Sometimes the answer is yes – eat the cake.  Sometimes it is no – put down the fork.  Then, there are longer term decisions:  I choose to give up eating foods that others willingly eat so I do not have to take cholesterol medication.  My body doesn’t react the same way to what I consume.  I am willing to give up some foods to live a healthier life.  This decision has more challenges, but overall is just the right call for me, so it becomes a part of who I am.

There are still other decisions we make and we don’t realize just have much we have given up.  We can find ourselves in situations where we have been willing to sacrifice some things which are really important in order to obtain something else.  We may have given up our time to devote to a particular task.  The task may be wonderful and rewarding, it is a sacrifice of time we gladly make.  There are decisions we make which lead us to give up our time with our family.  We may have to make those sacrifices so we can put food on the table.  But I wonder if we don’t willingly sacrifice time with family to do more than just put food on the table.   I wonder if we don’t find ourselves sacrificing to obtain things which really don’t matter all that much.  There are still other sacrifices we make which leave us without our peace and our joy.  We don’t always make these choices knowingly.  It just happens.  We find ourselves looking at where we are and wondering if all we are giving up is worth what we are taking in.  Is this job or this relationship or this object worth our peace?  Is this too much of a price to pay?  Our answer may be yes.  If so, we begin to re-orient.  We begin to make changes, often with really painful outcomes.  It takes effort to reclaim what we have previously given away, even if we did it without realizing.  But in the end, is our peace and our joy worth it?  Are we worth it?

We all find ourselves in give and take situations on a daily basis.  Today, maybe we begin to evaluate if what we are taking is really worth what we are giving.  Maybe it is time to count the cost.  Is it really worth it?  Or is today the day to begin to steer in a different direction – taking back that which we did not mean to give up?

Blessings as you move forward, steering your course, finding your way.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 31:2-4

² Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me.

³ You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
⁴ take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
    for you are my refuge.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

Sometimes our fears , distress, and anxieties can cloud our view – they are all we see.  We can’t seem to move past them.  They become like cataracts for our hearts and our spirits.  We make judgments and decisions based on these cloudy views.  It becomes all we know.  We don’t choose this.  It isn’t like this was sought out.  This wasn’t what we wanted.  It happens…sometimes, it just happens.  And then, there is a sunrise.

Our vision may be cloudy, but once in a while, when we look up, really look up, we see God.  We see him in his amazing creation.  I see him this morning in the beautiful, colorful, majestic sunrise.  I am reminded that while our current situation may stink, it is not the final destination.  We can find ourselves roaming through the wasteland before we get a view of the land filled with hope.  We can become overwhelmed by the destruction right in front of us and then God shows up, in the middle of it all.  It isn’t as if he wasn’t there all along.  It is more like we just couldn’t see – cloudy vision does that.  Depression, anxiety, fear, distress can do this.  These can cause us to see nothing else.  Yet, God seems to break through at just the right time, shining his goodness on us for no reason except that we are loved.

Be kind today.  Your kindness may just be the sunrise from God someone else was longing to see.  Your kindness may be a glimpse beyond the cataract of fear.   Your kindness may be God’s way of reminding others he is still at work. 

May we move forward, shining bright and sharing kindness.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 118:5-6

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

It can be difficult to determine what is most important in our lives.  We have so many things which are vying for our attention.  There are too many seemingly important tasks and it can be a challenge to decide what is most important.  We often are drawn to the things which capture our attention the most.  If someone is constantly asking for something, we will want to take care of that person just so they will stop bothering us.  It goes back to the concept of the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  Yet, this wheel may not be the most important.  It could be the most silent really have the most need.

It is easy to tell ourselves we need to take a step back and just take a moment to assess.  What is it we are missing?  Who is it we are missing?  When we are ‘in the thick’ of it all, we can’t really adequately access.  There are still so many things screaming for us and we can get lost in it all.  This is one of the reasons for Sabbath.

Sabbath allows us a moment, a day set aside to rest.  This rest gives us a redirection of what is most important.  It allows us to cut off the noise and breathe.  We can re-adjust and actually get an assessment of all we might be missing.  It also helps us to realize what is not all that important.  We get a moment to stop, listen, and get ourselves back on the right track.

This doesn’t take anything except our willingness to actually stop.  We simply have to stop working, stop checking social media, stop replying to emails, stop all which captures our attention all day every day.  But these are the things which drive us and make us feel needed and important.  These are things which capture our every waking moment.  It seems so counterintuitive to stop.  

We cannot go all the time.  We will wear out.  We will destroy ourselves.  We will destroy relationships.  We will forget the things which really are most important.  It will all be thrown to the wayside.  Why?  Simply because we couldn’t let go?  Do we do this because we really need to feel this important?  

Today, may we let God be God.  May we allow him to re-orient, re-direct, and re-situate.  We might find out the wheels which need the most intention are really the wheels which sustain us.  We might find out we are the ones which need the most attention.  We may find out we are really out of gas and need a re-fuel.  Stop, rest, and may God give you all you need for the week to come.

Blessings my friends as you find Sabbath rest. 

Exodus 20:8

⁸ Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery