By Paula Williamson, guest writer I have been around people who brace themselves for what’s about to happen, even when things are going well. Their view of God seems to be that He stands by, waiting to pull the rug out from under them. What a misconception! It Is Written MATTHEW 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Creation Speaks Any parent planning a birthday for their child offers a glimpse of God’s love for us. No birthday party has been as grand as the world God created for us. Each sunrise and sunset speaks of His faithfulness. Every season brings new surprises. At the close of each day, the sky is filled with twinkling stars and a holy silence. God is good. Prayer Lord, help us let go of misconceptions about You and, with childlike faith, believe You are good and want only the best for us. Help us not to blame You for the bad things that happen in life and in the world around us. Help us to have a correct view of You. Takeaway God is good.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Did you know that much counseling and ministry focus on early life? Imagine preschool- and elementary-age kids forming the foundation of our lives. Let that sink in. We often project onto God the roles our authority figures played when we were children. If we had controlling, authoritarian parents, we tend to view God through that lens. He is not them. It Is Written JOHN 3:16 AMP "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world, that He even gave His One and only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him as Savior shall not perish, but have eternal life." Truth God is love. His very nature is love. I used to think He held a standard so high that I could never please Him, a view I picked up from my mom. He does not sit in heaven waiting to mark our mistakes with a big red pencil. Everything He does flows from unconditional love for us. Prayer Lord, we forgive those who taught us a false view of You. We forgive ourselves for all the years we spent blaming You for things that were not Your fault. Help us to have an accurate view of You. Remove the lies we have believed. Help us to know You as You truly are. Takeaway God is love.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There are no mistakes in God’s kingdom. His word says that children are a blessing from the Lord. Either that is true or it is a lie, and if it is a lie, the whole Bible is a lie. God’s plan is wonderful, perfect, and complete. Each person was created for a purpose. Have you ever been in the presence of a child who asked, “But why?” after every answer to their question? It Is Written PSALMS 139:14 -16 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. No Mistakes Believing that we were fearfully and wonderfully made and that God’s works are marvelous is a wonderful place to rest. God does not make mistakes. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. We may never get an answer to why, because we probably would not understand, and we are not at the end of our story. We can trust that God is loving; He sees all, knows all, and has a plan for what looks like chaos to us. Instead of asking why, ask what now? What am I here for? Prayer Lord, help me trust Your goodness even when I do not understand. Help me find a place of rest in Your goodness. Help me run to You when the storm feels too big, too overwhelming, too impossible. Help me realize I am not at the end of my story. Help me trade fear for faith. Takeaway God makes no mistakes.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer It has been said, “Hurt me once, shame on you. Hurt me twice, shame on me.” No one can make us victims without our permission. I had the pleasure of hearing my four-year-old grandson sing “I’m in the Lord’s Army” early one morning. I thought, “We should all wake up to that song!” Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the whole armor of God. Why do you think it says that? We are not to be passive victims of circumstances. It Is Written ROMANS 8:37 -39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. Biblical View We choose our worldview. If we grew up in dysfunction, we can replace that view with a Biblical one by studying God’s word. We live by aligning with the world’s view or the Biblical view. It is our choice. The difference between being a victim and a conqueror starts with what we believe. Is what I believe helping or hurting me? Prayer Lord, would you reveal any beliefs I hold that are not true? I give you permission to unravel every lie I have believed that keeps me stuck in a victim mentality. I no longer want to be deceived by anyone or anything. I want Your truth about me, my family, my relationships, and the world around me. Jesus, Scripture says in John 14:6 that You are the way, the truth, and the life. Would You reveal Yourself and the truth to me? Takeaway The way out begins with Jesus.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer If only we knew the impact we have had on lives! A man on my street died years ago, and I did not know him well. From the life he lived, I knew he went to work faithfully, in the heat or the cold, to provide for his family. He was a good steward. He took good care of his home, yard, and car. He played with his kids in his yard. He went to church on Sundays. His life spoke, even though I did not know him well. It Is Written PSALM 139:16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape]. 1 PETER 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; LUKE 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” We Are Part of His Plan We were planned. Our story is written in heaven. The angels help us fulfill it. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, part of a holy nation. We are here to proclaim the praises of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! We are an ocean of lights in a dark and hungry world searching for truth. Let your light shine! You matter. Every action, deed, or lack thereof matters. Prayer Lord, help us believe the best, hope for the best, and stir up the best in others and in ourselves. Help us be the light everywhere we go and help us see the power of our words and actions for a hungry, stressed, and fear-stricken world. Help us shine the light toward You, Your hope, Your word, Your will, and Your ways. Takeaway With God all things are possible.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There is nothing quite like being lost. Whether you were a child at the State Fair and suddenly looked around and saw no familiar faces, or a parent whose child had been standing beside you and was suddenly gone, being lost is a horrible feeling. It Is Written MATTHEW 18:12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? MATTHEW 18:20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. The Prodigal Matthew 18 tells the story of a son who received his inheritance early. He squandered it recklessly and wastefully, only to find himself far from home, slopping hogs. He comes to his senses and heads home, where his father has been watching and waiting for his return. He is neither scolded nor rejected. His father sees him from afar and runs to meet him. He throws a party for him, dresses him in his best robe, and puts a ring on his finger. He is found. He is home. Just as the father in this story watches and waits for us, so does God. Prayer Lord, I have wandered so far away. I have done so many things I am ashamed of; I feel deeply guilty and ashamed. I don't know how you can ever forgive me, but like a child who has lost their way, I lift my arms to You. I want to come home. I want to belong. Forgive me. I forgive myself. I surrender my heart and life to You. Lord Jesus, come into my life. I want to come home. Takeaway Belonging is a prayer away.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Fear and anxiety steal more from us than we realize. Most of what we worry about never happens. Anxious thoughts trigger the release of chemicals in our bodies that harm us. Being anxious produces nothing good. Would we keep putting our hand on a hot stove, knowing it would harm us? No. Put a stop to anxious thoughts! It Is Written: PHILIPPIANS 4:6 -7 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. JOHN 14:27 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. God’s Club God offers what we cannot find anywhere else. Turning anxious thoughts into prayers to the One who can change them brings peace that guards our hearts. Jesus left us that peace when He ascended into heaven. Scripture does not say, "You might try this.” It clearly says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything." That shifts us from limitation to the expectation that God cares, loves us, and will bring about good, maybe not immediately, but eventually. Prayer Lord, I lay down any mistrust or misconceptions I have about You, Your goodness, Your faithfulness to Your Word, and Your people. I release my anxious thoughts to You about my life, family, circumstances, the world and I place my faith and trust in You and Your Word. I wait with childlike faith, thankfulness, and expectation. Takeaway Turn anxiety into a prayer to God.

By Paula WIlliamson, guest writer We often toss around phrases without giving them much thought. Some have said the extended saying was: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Blood is thicker than water, but some ties are even stronger than family ties. In our families, people have titles such as grandma, grandpa, mother, father, sister, and brother. There are people outside our families who hold those titles even though they are not related by blood. It Is Written GALATIANS 4: 5-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Adoption Did you know that a blood-born child can be disowned, but an adopted child cannot? As born-again believers, we were purchased by a blood covenant, adopted, chosen, and made heirs. There is something precious about being chosen and loved as you are, with no hoops to jump through, just loved thoroughly and completely. God loves us that way. Prayer Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives who hold these titles, by blood or Spirit and who represent You, and love us just as we are. Bless them and their families. Thank You for adopting us, choosing us, and loving us just as we are. Takeaway God includes us just as we are.

By Paula WIlliamson, guest writer While that phrase may hold some truth, it does not make our words any less important. If we were as careless with our actions as we are with our words, we would be in deep trouble. The Bible is very clear about the importance of our words. Matthew 12:34 says, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” It Is Written EPHESIANS 4:29 Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Heart Examination For a heart inspection, we need only record the words that come out of our mouths. Both the heart and the mouth control our actions. Are our words full of slander, gossip, criticism, fear, negativity, pessimism, cursing, or depression? Those words reflect heart issues. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Without Him, we are limited to ourselves. The good news is that heart restoration is God’s specialty. Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Prayer Lord, help us know that we are not limited to ourselves or to a hopeless existence. You are the God who can change hearts and lives and give us the courage and strength to live meaningfully. We give you our broken and hardened hearts and ask that You soften them so we may have the faith of a little child. Takeaway There’s hope for our hearts.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There is some truth to that, but an absent mom, dad, child, or spouse does not make the heart grow fonder. One can be absent and present at the same time. Looking to people to meet our deepest needs can lead to disappointment when they aren't there as we expect. There is One will never leave, fail, or forsake you. It Is Written PSALM 27: 10 Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, Yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]. DEUTERONOMY 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." One Who Never Leaves God is omnipresent, meaning He is always here. His Word promises that He will never leave, fail, or forsake You. It takes childlike faith to believe this. People are imperfect. No matter how perfect we try to be, we will fail at some point. Humans were never meant to be our Savior. We have only One. He is intimately acquainted with us in all our ways. He promises He will never leave us, fail us, or forsake us. He keeps His Word. Prayer Lord, help us understand that we do not need to seek a sign or confirmation that You are with us. Your Word tells us so, and You do not lie. In Psalm 139, You know when we rise and when we lie down. You are intimately acquainted with us in all our ways. We need only believe with the faith of a little child. Takeaway You are with us always .

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Humans like to fling one-liners. Many aren't true, but this one has some truth. Scripture does not teach that we will be exempt from trials, but that God will walk with us through them. Trials are painful to our flesh and are meant to put it to death. As children of God, we are to live by the Spirit, not the flesh. Trials can kill pride, selfishness, and many unbecoming traits that do not resemble a child of God. It Is Written JAMES 1:2 -4 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. Letting Go Holding on to offenses, troubles, traumas, and trials only makes us angry, bitter, unforgiving, resentful, negative, and rebellious. We can choose to forgive, release, and let go. We can choose not to be a victim of circumstances. When I trust God, He promises that good will come from trials, but I must be willing to release them to Him. Prayer Lord, help us lean into You during trials and seek any insight You may be trying to teach us. Help us not to grumble and complain as the children of Israel did for forty years in the wilderness. You led them in that direction to teach them how to wage war so they would be ready to take the Promised Land. Takeaway Trials produce endurance.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Whoever said that was misinformed. There is only one remedy for healing wounds, and it isn’t time. Where do we get our wisdom? Is it from a credible source? History repeatedly shows we are fallible, yet one place has never been proven wrong in over 3,000 years. God’s word will never pass away. It Is Written ISAIAH 53: 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed. Lasting Healing Time may heal a scratch or scrape, but it certainly does not heal the wounds of our hearts or ease the loss of a loved one. Counseling may teach us coping strategies, and psychiatrists may prescribe medications, but true inner healing comes from the Lord Himself. We can ask Him to enter the place where the pain is and to apply the healing work of the cross. This healing is eternal and ours through Jesus Christ. Prayer Lord, I lift up to You a lifetime of wounds, hurts, bruises, cruel words, pain, and trauma, and give them to You. I am tired and weary of carrying them in my body, only to see them resurface again and again. I release them to You once and for all. I receive the healing You purchased for me, Lord Jesus. Thank You. Takeaway By His stripes we are healed.