Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 24, 2017

Finding Healing In A Half Century Worth of Memories

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

There are things in life we are never ready to go through, and losing a loved one is certainly one of those things we dread. July 17, 2017 started off to be a very good day, and I even sent encouraging emails to friends early that day because I wanted them to feel the same way I felt. At lunch time, I received the phone call. My only male sibling, my beloved brother Roberto, known affectionately as Beto, had suddenly suffered cardiac arrest as he walked to a meeting. The EMT’s who worked on him recorded that it took 28 minutes to resuscitate him. As I heard that report, I felt information from the preceding days, weeks, months, and even years rushing through my brain and found myself struggling to breathe. It seemed like a bad dream, surreal, not possible!

My brother remained in CVSICU, the intensive care unit for cardiovascular patients at Mercy Hospital in Miami, where he lived, for the next 11 days. After praying and hoping for a miracle for those very difficult days, on July 28th our family had to suddenly let go of the idea of Beto ever leaving the hospital.  He went home to be with the Lord, leaving a huge void in our lives.

It has only been a couple of weeks since he left us, and the past several days have brought a lot of tears, as I have allowed my grieving to pour out of me. I have also had moments when I was reminded of the many times we laughed together and enjoyed the time we had together. I was blessed to have my brother in my life, and I was blessed to share special moments with him, as well as to stay connected with him even as we lived many miles apart.

Despite the sadness I feel now, I am blessed to be able to find solace in a half-century worth of memories with Beto, and I will cherish these memories with my sons, grandsons, family and friends. He will always be a part of our lives – just in a different way.  I know I don’t walk this grief journey alone, because God is with me every step of the way. He is my comforter, and I can claim His promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with Him – this is our living hope.  Beto is enjoying the presence of our Lord – that brings me peace and comfort.
 

“Lord, thank You for putting special people in our lives, especially those we call family. We are indeed blessed in so many ways!”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 23, 2017

Stepping In With Mercy

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NLT)
 

Moms wear lots of hats: chef, chauffeur, housekeeper, personal assistant, cheerleader, tutor, office manager, etc. Of all the hats I wear as a mom, my least favorite is my nurse’s hat. I would like to ditch this hat altogether since it requires mercy. (I am sorely lacking in mercy.)

I prefer natural remedies over doctor visits so the vitamins, juices, and other natural treatments taste nothing like the cotton candy medicine a pharmacy might prepare. I give my children what they need to fight viruses and stomach aches, but stroking a feverish forehead with a cool cloth or rubbing the back of a retching boy is not in my wheelhouse. My philosophy: rest so your body can fight the invader and let me get my work done. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but there it is.

Our key verse presents a big challenge for me. To be merciful is to care for those who are in agony, distress, or sorrow. Mercy moves beyond compassion, sympathy for another’s unfortunate situation along with a desire to help, to action. Mercy acts on compassion. Mercy steps in and gets her hands dirty. Mercy listens to the grief and makes it her own. Mercy hears the heartache and accepts the sorrow as her own.
Often a virus that latches on to one child eventually makes its way through all the members of our household. When the virus strikes me, mercy floods my heart for those who have been struck before me. “So this is what you were feeling?” I think. I swim in a sea of remorse as I brave the fight my body is waging. If only I had known.

Mercy doesn’t wait to find out what devastation feels like until it strikes her personally. It dives into the devastation along with the wounded, serving in whatever way God directs.

I will dig my nurse’s hat out of the trash bin. I will enter into the suffering of others, ready to offer a cup of cool water.

“Lord, I commit to not only sympathize and desire to help those in misery, but to enter into the suffering. Show me how I can be merciful to those in need of mercy.”

 

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 22, 2017

Not Where, But Who Is Your Hiding Place

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1(NLT)

We live in a sinful world, but where do you dwell? The “secret place” (Hebrew for shelter or hiding place) refers to the Holy of Holies in the Temple – the place God dwelt. A place only the High Priest could enter; however, the people could enter in their hearts. Your heart is the ONLY place no one can go…that is except God! Your heart holds your deepest most cherished desires, dreams and thoughts that maybe you have never shared with even your spouse or closest friend. But God knows the depth of your heart.

The secret place is a place of heart where we hide in a loving relationship with our Father. He is our shade in the heat of life, our refuge from the storm and our fortress in time of trouble. When we feel insecure, inadequate, stressed, sad, tired or lonely. When we are fearful, disappointed or disconnected where do we run and hide?

Why make God our dwelling? Take a look at the blessings of dwelling in God’s presence (Psalm 91:1-16): rest, refuge, rescued, protected, shielded, sheltered, fearless, untouchable and unconquerable to evil, reinforcement from angels, answered prayers, satisfied and longevity. God honors those who are His children and have a relationship with Him. Can you imagine God honoring us? That is exactly what He will do for those who make Him their dwelling place. In Psalm 91: 15, the Hebrew word for “honor” literally means “to make heavy.” Here’s what happens. We go to God with a heavy load of burdens, and we leave with a heavy load of blessings. That’s how God honors us. He doesn’t stop at delivering us from our difficulties. He goes on to make us heavy with blessings.

“Father, help us to find our dwelling place in you and be protected and blessed!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 21, 2017

Leaving Complicated Behind

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (ESV)

Have you ever noticed how we often make what’s “simple” so hard and difficult?  Our overriding pursuit of perfect often causes us to exhaust all measures and resources for our desired ending.  We plan, budget, analyze and strategize until our minds become deadlocked into non-activity.   Paralyzed, we convince ourselves it’s just too complicated.

Find myself in that place sometimes when it comes to God. Reading His word can challenge me.  Where do I start?  How much do I read?  Which study should I do?  All valid wonderings, but God simply desires that we come.  He invites us to come hungry and thirsty for His words.  He longs for us to simply read, meditate and digest the nuggets of His truth even if we don’t understand it all.  God desires our soft heart, open mind and teachable spirit.  He doesn’t have a quota or a list of how much we read or what passages we study. He simply invites us to come just as we are.

Prayer works the same way – an open invitation to talk to God and listen for His voice.  Yet, we make it seem difficult.  We search for the right words to say.  We shy away from praying with others because we fear messing up.  We even sometimes try to duplicate the prayers of others as if they hold more clout than our own.  We steer away from voicing how we really feel – the doubts, questions, etc.- despite the fact God knows all about you and me (Psalm 139:1). Yet He loves hearing our voice; God waits expectantly.   While there are many examples of how to pray in His word, God doesn’t restrict the cries of His children.  He longs to commune with us even if we stutter and our voice quakes.  God simply invites us to come just as we are.

Simple is how God approaches His creation.  Difficult is the potent lie of Satan saying we can’t approach God.  Why?  Because he knows when we read God’s word, talk to Him and listen for His voice, we fall deeper in love with the One who beckons us to come.  So, sweet friends let’s abandon all those hangups, excuses and fears.  Let’s run deep into the arms of our Heavenly Father and leave perfection behind.

“Father,  You created us, loved us, and gave your Son for us. When we confess our sins and choose to believe in You, we get to live with You forever!  Nothing could be simpler and yet more profound – leaving complicated behind.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2017

Sweet Offerings

“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” Psalm 7:17 (ESV)

 

What beautiful praises and glory I offered God before I went into “my” world yesterday.  Stunned at how quickly glory evaporated in the midst of my interrupted day.  Circumstances, I couldn’t control.  Reactions I could.

 

Before I flipped the page in my prayer journal today – all those beautiful words of yesterday caught my eye.  My heart had been full. Praises were lifted high.  Gratitude was not minimal.  Conviction hit hard.  “Forgive me for my attitude yesterday Father for allowing someone else’s disruptions to generate gossip and a wrong attitude.”  Note to self:  I can praise God all I want from my early rising; but God’s glory comes in living it out throughout my day.

 

God seeks authentic praise not flattery from lips that speak too many other things. No routine phrases.  No impressive words.  No prestigious speech – simple, real praise – expressions of our desire to honor Him and honor others.  Gratitude that flows automatically from hearts that are full without easily forgetting His blessings.

 

Today, I get up and start my day with different praise.  Words that are not just trite phrases. Words that aren’t ramblings and lyrics of pretty songs.   Words not scribbled down to fill empty pages; worshipping God in awe, reverence and respect.   Today, let’s offer Him the praises of those who desperately need His mercy and grace.  Let’s lift up our words to glorify Him because of who He is and not because it sounds pretty.  Today, let’s relinquish our tendency to leave praise behind when “amen” is uttered.  Let’s choose to serve Him, to live out our lifestyle of worship knowing He sees it all.  Let’s rehearse those words in our mind every time we’re tempted.  Let’s replay that scene from pen to paper when things don’t go our way.   Let’s not so easily forget that true praise is a reflection of our heart towards God.

 

“Father, You are worthy of our Highest praise – help us to worship You not only with our words but with our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 17, 2017

Focus!

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

 

The chart projected on the wall was a few feet straight ahead from where I sat. The doctor blocked one of my eyes and told me to read the chart, and only stop when I could no longer read what it said. When I finished with that eye, we proceeded to do the same with the other eye. Then, he took away the eye blocker, and I could read with both eyes, a little farther down the chart from where I had previously stopped. Though I could see fairly well with each individual eye, it was a lot easier to do it with both. I could focus better.

 

My visits to the optometrist, or even to the ophthalmologist are only an example of how sometimes two are just better than one, especially when it pertains to focusing. Here are some other examples about the power of twosomes: In order to waltz, one would need a partner; in order to lift weights, one would need a spotter; in order to throw a Frisbee, a football, or a baseball, one would need a catcher; in order to hike a trail, one should always have a partner to ensure his or her safety; in order to get married, one would definitely need a mate. And the list goes on and on.

 

Though there is multiplicity to the meaning of the word “focus,” when I think about it, I automatically think of two things coming together, like the lenses that optimize the clarity in the way our eyes see, especially as we get older and our vision is no longer so clear. God’s Word is our guide for life. It helps us to stay focused on Him as we travel the path set before us.

 

Is the path you are on rocky and unsteady? Are your troubles many? Are people failing you? Focus on the One who can bring you the relief and victory that you need: Jesus.

 

“Sweet Lord Jesus: we are so thankful for You. If we keep our eyes on You, the troubles of this earth will be dimmed by Your light.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 16, 2017

Hungering For More

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 (NLT)

“Do you want another kid’s meal?” Grandma asked Kaden, my 6-year-old.

“Yes, please!” Kaden replied between mouthfuls of silver dollar pancakes, bacon, and eggs. The boy loves pancakes and bacon. Two plates already lay clean at the side of the table, every morsel consumed by my growing boy. He had inhaled bacon offered from adult plates at the table as well. He finally sat back in the booth after cleaning another plate and declared, “I think I want more pancakes and bacon but I better not. Sadly, I don’t think I have any more room.”

In our key verse, a “hunger and thirst for righteousness” refers to a continual fulfillment with God’s righteousness. Kaden’s hunger for bacon and pancakes was eventually satisfied. The idea here is that we, as believers, hunger and thirst for more righteousness as we are filled with righteousness … causing us to hunger for more … and on and on the cycle continues. As we are satisfied with more of God, we hunger for even more.

What is this righteousness for which we hunger and thirst? It isn’t a full belly, but a heart that is right with God. Righteousness is a gift we receive through the sacrifice of Christ. “…But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ…Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” (Romans 5:17-18)

Kaden’s full belly only satisfied his physical hunger for food. Our satisfaction stems from being filled to overflowing with spiritual blessings. The well never runs dry. The plates of bacon and pancakes never stop coming. God desires to fill our plates with spiritual blessings when we continually hunger for more of Him, for more of His righteousness. Our filling will lead to more hunger. We may not be able (or even want to) eat mounds of bacon and pancakes, but do we want more of Him? Let’s hold out our plates, saying, “Yes, please!” to more of God.

“Father, I come to You, asking You to continually fill my plate with more of You. Thank You for Your promise to fill us to overflowing with Your spiritual blessings when we hunger and thirst for a right relationship with You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 15, 2017

When Proving Right Is Overrated

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)

King Solomon is considered to be the wisest man to have ever lived. Simply because He prayed for wisdom (2Chron.1:8-10) and God answered. A fun fictional comic book fact: the superhero, Captain Marvel uses the acronym SHAZAM to change from Billy Batson to Captain Marvel. The “S” in SHAZAM represents Solomon because of his wisdom (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury = SHAZAM.)

Because of James 1:5, years ago, I started praying for wisdom…in no particular area just pure wisdom. I can testify, God answered that prayer at times leaving me humbled knowing it’s certainly not me, but without a doubt God.

I love learning and there is a lot to grasp and gain just by everyday living. I thrive on knowledge in any capacity. However, I’ve found it’s best sometimes to keep my “knowledge” to myself and my mouth fastened…especially if it really doesn’t matter; and to be “right” is on my agenda. A self-righteous spirit of always having to be right is unloving. All through Matthew chapter 23, verse after verse, Jesus is very stern and unsparing towards the Pharisees. Jesus calls the Pharisees out on all their cowardly and dastardly deeds. They meticulously followed a long lists of religious rules and regulations at being “right.” However, Jesus pointed out their self-righteous, unloving spirit. In other words, it’s OK to be right, but don’t do it wrong.

Knowledge is power, helpful and a necessity. However, always having to be right is the wrong heart attitude. Especially if being right is argumentative and makes someone feel inferior. I would rather be quiet and understanding showing the love of Christ than be right and uncaring acting like a Pharisee.

“Father, we thank You for answered prayers of knowledge and understanding. May we use Your generous gifts as good deeds never finding fault with our brothers and sisters in Christ. First, having a right heart attitude…even if that means our wisdom has to come in second.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 14, 2017

Moving From Captive To Free

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (ESV)

Setting something free should be easy – right?  I tried several times to release this tiny bug out my car window. Every time I lowered the glass, the bug clung to the edge and slid down with the window.  Raising it back up, I thought he was free but then he reappeared.  After several attempts, I almost gave up but the last roll down, I helped push him up over the edge.  Free falling into fresh air – finally set free.

Ever find ourselves desiring freedom yet clinging to what is holding us back?  The elusive edge of moving from captive to free appears scary when being free seems impossible from our vantage point.  In those moments, we need help getting over the edge.  But instead of welcoming help and admitting our vulnerabilities, we stay on the up and down spiral convinced freedom isn’t ours for the taking.

Sweet friends this is the beautiful place where we release guilt and shame. This is the place where we reach out to trusted others who can strengthen our pursuit of free.  This is the place where we admit what is holding us back and choose to courageously take steps to release the chains.

Nothing more precious than the release of chained finally being set free.   This is the place where we as trusted others must release judgment for the sake of helping one over the edge and set free. It’s where we realize the battle is bigger than us both and we build hedges of prayer.  It’s when we step down off our own pedestal and recognize we all fall short of God’s glory.

Dear captive one don’t miss the grace and mercy God offers to those who run to Him.  Despite our history of past mistakes and clanging chains, we can be free.

Dear trusted others don’t miss the opportunity to witness God’s redemption and restoration.  Regardless of where someone has been, they can be set free.

“Father, help us identify any areas in our lives where we are held captive and do the hard work of release to embrace Your freedom.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Freedom, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2017

Holding On Tight To Our Faithful God

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” I Peter 5:10

No one is exempt from suffering.  Even the pretty lady stylishly dressed sitting next to us.  Even the one who always has laughter on her lips and a smile on her face.  Even the sweet one with the seemingly perfect life.  Even the woman in the big house with three cars in the garage. We all experience heartbreak and broken dreams.  Suffering is not prejudice or selective  – it touches us all.  No one is immune from the devastating wake that suffering births,  but we  are destined for His glory even in the face of insurmountable challenges.

Sounds ever so easy and pretty for glory to shine in our hard places. But suffering isn’t easy and definitely not pretty.  It’s never our choice to suffer.  It never hits our list of things to do.  Regardless difficult moments touch our lives and rivet us to our core.  It shakes our foundation.  Rocks our beliefs, and even draws up deep questions.

One of suffering’s strongest pulls is to drift us further and further away from God.  When life becomes unbearable, we often isolate from others.  Consumed with life, we zero in on all that is wrong and often forget God’s words.  Pulling away from friends, church and family, we quickly find ourselves in a downward spiral of despair and hopelessness.

Love the way God welcomes our doubts, fears and wonderings.  Love the gentleness of our Mighty God who uses teachable moments to spur us on to greater growth.  Love His sweet promises that rise up to the surface and catch our eye. Grateful for friends who give us space, yet keep us engaged.  Thankful for words of encouragement, texts and cards that lift our spirits.  And the greater glory – well, that sweet friend is found when despite our circumstances, we hold on tight to our faithful God.  We  seize opportunities to share our journeys through suffering so others won’t give up.  We stretch outside of ourselves and reach toward the bigger picture. We never lose sight of God’s promise to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us. Keeping it real – we admit our struggles without giving up on our God.  Simply put, we shine the light back on Him and off our circumstances giving the greater glory to the One who carries us through.

 

“Sweet Jesus suffering is not our desire, but we embrace our hard places and entrust them to You knowing You will never leave us nor forsake us.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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