Tag Archives: christianity

July 14, 2025 · 2:37 pm

Oh, LORD! I Lost my GPS

My dear friends in Christ, have you ever felt like life is a road full of unexpected turns? One moment you’re cruising along, feeling a wonderful sense of freedom and direction, and the next, you encounter a detour, a sudden roadblock, a pothole, or even the unsettling experience of something we deeply rely on being completely dismantled. These moments are challenging, aren’t they? And in these times, when we feel disoriented and unsure of the way, we learn to cry out: “Oh, LORD! I’ve lost my GPS!”

The True Meaning of Mobility

Without a doubt, we all cherish our mobility in life, and rightly so! It’s more than just getting from one place to another. For many of us, mobility importantly represents:

  • The freedom to move forward in purpose: To walk confidently towards the calling God has placed on our hearts, embracing new opportunities, and seeing His hand guide our progress.
  • The freedom of cherished independence: To joyfully steward the gifts and choices He’s given us, navigating our paths with a sense of security and control that only comes from knowing He is with us.
  • The freedom of renewed perspective: The blessing of stepping away from the daily noise, getting a fresh look at our circumstances, and finding the quiet wisdom that helps us move forward.

These forms of mobility are precious gifts. We work diligently to nurture them, and when they feel threatened, it’s natural to feel a pang of distress. We might find ourselves pleading, striving, or even wrestling to regain control over what feels lost. Yet, sometimes, in God’s perfect plan, we come to a moment where we simply must acknowledge: “This situation, Lord, is truly beyond my power.”

Finding Strength in Surrender

It’s precisely in these times of surrender, when our human efforts fall short, that the most beautiful truth emerges: our inner strength, rooted in Christ, is tested and refined. We have a divine choice before us. Will we yield to the heavy burdens of anxiety, frustration, or despair? Or, will we choose the path illuminated by His Word?

For those of us walking by faith, this path leads us to a deeper, more profound reliance on our Heavenly Father. The Bible beautifully reminds us to “wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31). This isn’t passive idleness, but an active, hopeful, and trusting surrender. It’s a conscious decision to clothe ourselves in joy and peace, even when the storms of life rage around us. We trust that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts deeper than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), knowing He is orchestrating all things for our good.

When something significant is removed from our lives – perhaps a familiar means of progress, a sense of security, or a long-held expectation – it often clears the way for something far greater. The dismantling, though it may feel painful in the moment, can be God’s loving hand gently, yet firmly, guiding us to a necessary recalibration. He encourages us to redefine what “mobility” means in His kingdom, and to discover innovative, God-given ways to move forward, perhaps on paths we never dreamed possible.

Navigating Life’s Way with Faith

The journey of life will always present its twists and turns. We will inevitably encounter moments where our cherished freedoms feel challenged. But by rooting ourselves deeply in His promises, embracing the resilience He pours into us, and finding peace in surrendering what we cannot control, we can navigate life’s way with an unwavering spirit, knowing that the Lord Himself will rescue and deliver us from every adversary (Psalm 34:19). Indeed, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Now, dear friend, it’s your turn:

In your own journey, how has your understanding of true “mobility” or “freedom” transformed when faced with life’s unexpected challenges? What new paths has God revealed to you when old ways of moving forward were no longer an option? What Bible verse came alive in that moment of unrest?

Dr. Buck / Christian Life Coach /

As God gets bigger in our lives–we get stronger!

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June 22, 2025 · 7:23 pm

Oh, LORD! The Light’s Gone Out.

This morning, a long ago memory suddenly surprised me as I was turning into my kitchen. It took me back to 65 years ago and to the soft  warm glow of the lamp in the family den. That glow was a silent signal that my father was there, settled on the small, soft sofa, quietly reading the evening news. Just knowing he was there, with that lamp shining, filled me with a deep sense of safety and security. I’d often peek in, watching him turn those big newsprint pages, listening to the paper softly crinkle as it turned, feeling completely at peace. It’s a memory I truly treasure.

It’s funny how a simple light can hold such big feelings, isn’t it? That lamp, for me, was a quiet beacon of comfort and steady presence. And it made me think: What happens when the light goes out? What happens when those feelings of safety and security dim, or even vanish, in our own lives? We’ve all been there. We’ve all faced moments when it feels like the spiritual “lamp” in our hearts flickers, or worse, goes completely dark. That’s when we cry out, “Oh, LORD! The light’s gone out!”

Our Brains, Our Lamps, and God’s Reminder

Did you know your brain, right now, generates enough energy to light a small lightbulb? It’s constantly buzzing with power, fueling every thought, every feeling, every memory. What incredible potential lies within us! But sometimes, even with all that power, we struggle to find our way in the dark. We forget the light.

The amazing thing is, God knows this about us. He knows we’re prone to forgetting, especially when life gets tough. That’s why, all through the Bible, He constantly tells us to remember. He doesn’t just want us to have head-knowledge of His story; He wants us to have heart-knowledge of His faithfulness to us.

God’s Constant Call to Remember

Think about the Israelites in the Bible. After God worked miracle after miracle to free them from slavery in Egypt and lead them through the wilderness, what did He keep telling them? “Remember!”

  • “Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God…” (Deuteronomy 4:10).
  • “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand…” (Deuteronomy 5:15).
  • “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

He wasn’t telling them to just recall old stories. He was telling them, “Look at what I’ve done! If I did it then, I can do it now. Trust Me!” It was like a constant spiritual light switch, reminding them to keep the switch on by remembering His proven track record.

The Psalms are full of this, too. When the writers felt lost or scared, they’d often say things like, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). They weren’t just wallowing in their worries; they were actively recalling God’s powerful work to pull themselves back into His light.

And what about the most important thing we do as Christians? Communion. When we take bread and wine, Jesus told us, “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). It’s not just a ritual; it’s a profound act of remembering His ultimate sacrifice, the very foundation of our hope and salvation. It’s the brightest lamp of our lives.

Why Remembering Lights Up Our Walk

So, why is this “remembering” so crucial for us, as Christian women seeking a deeper walk with God?

  • It Strengthens Our Faith: Just like that den lamp signaled safety, remembering God’s past faithfulness solidifies our trust in Him for today and tomorrow. If He brought you through before, He can and will do it again.
  • It Fills Us with Gratitude: When we deliberately recall His blessings – big and small, past answers to prayer, unexpected joys – our hearts naturally overflow with thanks. This shifts our focus from what might be dim to all the brightness He’s already given.
  • It Gives Us Hope: Every memory of God’s deliverance becomes a little beacon of hope, shining brightly into our future. It reminds us that His promises are true and His love never fails.
  • It Reminds Us Who We Are: Remembering God’s incredible power and love helps us remember who we are in Him. We are His beloved daughters, created with purpose, and called to be “lights” in this world (Matthew 5:14). When we recall His light, it empowers us to shine our own.

How to Keep Your Lamp Lit

But what can we do if we feel the light has been switched off?

  1. Start a “Lamp Moments” Journal: Get a notebook and write down every time you see God’s hand at work in your life – big breakthroughs, small comforts, answered prayers, unexpected graces. These are your personal “lamp moments.” When darkness tries to creep in, pull it out and reread them.
  2. Share Your Story: There’s immense power in sharing your testimony. When you tell others how God has shown up for you, it not only encourages them, but it also solidifies that memory in your own heart.
  3. Soak in Scripture: The Bible is a treasure trove of God’s faithfulness. Spend time reading and meditating on verses that remind you of His character and His powerful acts throughout history. Let His Word illuminate your mind and heart.
  4. Practice Gratitude: Make it a daily habit to thank God for specific things. Even in tough times, there’s always something to be grateful for, and acknowledging it keeps your spiritual lamp burning.

My dear sisters in Christ, God knows our struggles. He knows the moments when we cry out, “Oh, LORD! The light’s gone out!” But He’s given us an incredible tool: the power of remembrance. Let those cherished memories of His grace illuminate your path, strengthen your spirit, and remind you of the unwavering faithfulness of our LORD. May your own life radiate His light, born from the beautiful, undeniable memory of His grace.

What’s a “lamp moment” you’ve experienced recently that brought you comfort or hope?

Dr. Buck / Christian Life Coach /

As God gets bigger in our lives–we get stronger!

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May 4, 2025 · 5:57 pm

Oh, LORD! I Need a Blessing

Have you ever stood at a crossroads in your life, that pivotal point where one path splits and a choice between two beckons? Perhaps it’s a shift in family dynamics, a new calling, a career change, or even navigating health challenges that demand a personalized approach. In these moments, our hearts often whisper, sometimes even cry out, “Oh, LORD! I need a blessing.”

Recently, as I pondered my own next stage, weighing the potential joys and challenges that lie ahead in my continued work as a senior advocate at a Medicare-approved health plan, the LORD drew my attention to a powerful, yet often overlooked, moment in scripture: the story of Caleb and Achsah, his daughter, in the first chapter of the Book of Judges.

The story involves Caleb, Joshua’s right-hand man, an aging man of unwavering faith and courage, who had promised his daughter Achsah in marriage to whomever could conquer the strongly held Canaanite city of Debir. Othniel rose to the challenge and won her hand (Judges 1: 12-15).

Now, here’s where the story takes a very interesting turn, bringing our focus right to Achsah. It’s as if we’re standing there with her at her own important crossroads, watching as she takes a significant step forward. When she came to her father, she asked for a blessing – and not just any blessing, but a really practical one: ‘You’ve given me land in the South,’ she said, ‘but could you also give me some springs of water?’ (v. 15). And Caleb, being the loving and wise father he was, granted her request, giving her both the upper and lower springs.

My sisters, in Christ, take a closer look, Achsah’s request beautifully illustrates the initial steps we can take when facing a life choice, steps rooted in practicality, commitment, and wisdom, all the while seeking our Heavenly Father’s blessing. Let’s break these down into small, doable steps, just as we navigate our daily lives:

Step 1: Ground Yourself in Practicality

Just as Achsah recognized the aridness of the Negev and the vital need for water, our first step involves a clear-eyed assessment of our current reality and the practical implications of the choices before us.

* What are the tangible aspects of this decision? Consider the resources involved – time, energy, finances, support systems.

* What are the potential practical challenges and benefits? Be honest with yourself about the pros and cons. What might make this new path easier or more difficult in your daily life?

* In my own recent reflections, I had to be practical about my physical energy. While my heart was willing to embrace increasing and new opportunities, my body reminded me of its limitations as I neared my 75th year. Acknowledging this practicality wasn’t a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.

Step 2: Embrace the Commitment

Through Achsah’s thoughtful and practical approach, we see the importance of the long-term commitment she was willing to embrace. This mirrors the broader truth that making a significant life choice requires each of us to invest ourselves fully, determined to see it through, even when challenges inevitably arise.

* What level of commitment does this choice require? Are you prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort?

* What are your motivations? Are they rooted in a genuine calling or a fleeting desire? True commitment stems from a deep-seated purpose.

* For me, committing to advocating for senior’s health care and alternative medicine requires acknowledging that there will be days when my physical strength wanes. My commitment lies in finding sustainable ways to contribute in a meaningful way by leveraging my cognitive and emotional resilience.

Step 3: Seek Wisdom and Discernment

Achsah sought her father’s blessing, recognizing his wisdom and authority. As daughters of our Heavenly Father, we too should seek His guidance and discernment.

* Pray for wisdom: Ask God to grant you clarity and understanding as you weigh your options. James 1:5 reminds us, “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.”

* Seek godly counsel: Talk to trusted mentors, pastors, or wise friends who can offer a biblical perspective and sound advice.

* Listen for God’s still, small voice: Be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Keep the Word of God before you.

Step 4: Ask for God’s Blessing – The Land of Springs

Achsah didn’t just ask for land; she specifically asked for the land with springs of water – a source of life, nourishment, and sustenance. When we seek God’s blessing on our choices, we’re not just asking for His approval, but for His provision, His guidance, and His life-giving presence to flow through our journey.

* Present your choices to God in prayer: Be specific about your hopes, your fears, and your need for His guidance and blessing.

* Trust in His provision: Just as Caleb provided for Achsah, our Heavenly Father promises to provide for those who seek Him and align their lives with His will.

* Look for the “springs of water” – the sources of life and strength He provides along the way. This might be unexpected support, moments of clarity, or a deep sense of peace.

My dear sisters, stepping into a new season of life can feel daunting, but it’s also filled with potential and purpose. By grounding ourselves in practicality, embracing commitment, seeking wisdom, and most importantly, asking for our Heavenly Father’s blessing – the land of springs – we can move forward with confidence and hope, knowing that He walks alongside us, providing everything we need for the journey ahead.

What life choice are you facing today? Take a moment to bring it before the Lord. Ask for His blessing, and trust that He will guide you to the land of springs, of refreshment, and fullness of life. 

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April 18, 2025 · 6:33 pm

Oh, LORD! There’re Weeds in My Garden

Recently, my focus turned to my spring garden. With packets of seeds in my hand and a hand shovel, I envisioned delicate daisies, vibrant wildflowers, and perfectly unfurled ferns. Some days, I would lose myself in the intricate details of each emerging petal. Then came the shock. What I believed was a budding spring flower was nothing more than a worthless weed in disguise! Disbelief washed over me as I shook my head. “Where did you even come from?” I murmured. In that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke, His voice gentle yet powerful. “Just like your heart, daughter,” He whispered, “it happens the same way.” The “it”? Those subtle distractions that pull me away. Things that somehow take root in my heart, keeping me from a closer walk with Jesus.

Haven’t we all experienced this? We diligently tend the garden of our hearts. We plant seeds of faith, hope, and love. Our vision is a flourishing space, alive with the fruits of the Spirit. But then, we spot them. The unwelcome intruders. The persistent weeds that seem to sprout despite our best efforts. These are not the beautiful blooms we anticipated. Instead, they manifest as anxieties and worries. They appear as persistent temptations and ingrained habits that stifle our growth. It’s the inner critic whispering negativity. It’s the external pressures pulling us from God’s intended path.

Consider the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13. It vividly illustrates how the enemy often sows seeds of doubt, discord, and difficulty, even in the most fertile ground. And while Matthew 16 doesn’t explicitly mention weeds, the context of Peter’s struggle to grasp Jesus’s impending suffering reveals a crucial truth. Even those closest to God, individuals with the purest intentions, can be susceptible to worldly thinking. This thinking can choke out spiritual understanding. Peter, in his human desire to redirect Jesus, inadvertently became a voice of opposition, a “stumbling block” (Matthew 16:23)—an uninvited weed in God’s divine plan.

This truth resonates deeply within our own journeys. We strive for spiritual maturity. Yet, we so often find ourselves battling internal “weeds.” Sproutings of pride, insecurity, worry, or fear. We also encounter external “weeds.” These might take the form of challenging relationships, difficult circumstances, or the alluring pull of worldly distractions. These weeds can feel overwhelming. They threaten to suffocate the very life of our spiritual growth.

But take heart, my dear companions in Christ. The presence of weeds does not signify a lost garden. Instead, it signifies our active participation, through God’s Holy Spirit, in His ongoing work of cultivation. The Apostle Paul, a man intimately acquainted with relentless trials and inner struggles, declared with unwavering conviction: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV). This powerful truth reminds us that even amidst the weeds, God’s unwavering love remains. It is our constant source of strength and hope. His love provides security, safety, connection, and purpose. 

So, how do we deal with these persistent weeds? One vital tool in our spiritual gardening kit is the power of prayer, especially when it intertwines with praise. Praise is more than mere gratitude for blessings received. It is an active acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. It recognizes His goodness and His unfailing love, even amidst our struggles. When we begin our prayers with heartfelt praise, our focus shifts. It moves from the weeds to the Gardener. We acknowledge His power to work in and through our challenges.

Praising God in the face of difficulty is like spraying (very carefully) the homemade mixture of vinegar, soap, and salt on those unwanted weeds. It exposes their powerlessness against His glory, effectively killing their roots. Simultaneously, it strengthens our faith. It reminds us that He is far bigger than any obstacle we face. This cultivates an attitude of dependence on Him, preventing us from being consumed by the problem itself. As we consistently offer praise, our prayers transform. They become more than just requests. They become powerful declarations of faith, aligning our hearts with God’s will and inviting His transformative power into our lives.

So what about those weeds that grow without permission? My sisters, do not be discouraged by the weeds in your garden. They serve as a reminder that growth is a process, not a destination. Embrace the ongoing work of tending your hearts with prayer. Let it be deeply rooted in unwavering praise. Remember the steadfast love of God that surrounds you. No weed, no struggle, can ever sever that bond. Continue to cultivate your faith. Know that with God’s help, your garden will not only survive but flourish. It will bear abundant blossoms and fruit for His glory. Keep digging, keep praying, keep praising. Watch as the Master Gardener transforms your challenges into a channel for deeper growth and unwavering faith.

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