I walk a lot of golf courses. My son Davis plays for the University of Cincinnati so my husband Mac and I try to attend the tournaments that are reasonably close to home. On the golf paths, in the midst of beautiful scenery, I have learned to pray, and pray, and pray. Most of the time it’s not even about the golf that I’m watching; I just like to take advantage of this allotted time to pray for family, friends, and life issues–really, whatever the Lord brings to mind.

BUT, before I sound too holy, I must confess, I do have a competitive streak in me that rises and falls as I tenaciously watch the direction of Davis’ little white golf ball. It’s crazy how fervently I can sometimes find myself pleading with the Lord for a par, or better yet, a birdie. One time when I was in this desperate state, staring at the ball as if I could personally “will” it into hole, my eyes changed focus to a large tree that stood in the background just behind Davis. I then heard in my heart these Spirit-led words, “Chris, remember, I’m always about the big picture.”

Ah, yes, in each of our lives, let us remember, God is always about the big picture. Just like a tree begins as a seed, then in due time, it becomes a sapling, and over years of growth, it becomes a sturdy and mature work of art, so we too, are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). He always has Your best interest at heart, even when things temporarily seem right or left of center.

If you’re in the midst of a harder season right now, let His word encourage you:

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

“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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I admit, it’s hard to let go of my immediate desire for things to go exactly the way I want it to go, at the exact minute I want it to happen (the ball in the hole!). But I must remember and trust, that

The little fickle ball vs. the large sturdy tree

in the long run, the Lord’s “big picture” will be a far better work of art, more than anything I could have momentarily willed myself.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

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I'm not sure why, but early this morning as I was sipping my coffee quietly, an out-of-the-blue question came to my mind: "What's the benefit of being a Christian?" Within 10 seconds, I came up with 5 reasons why I have chosen, by grace, to walk this daily path.

Read and rest in these truths with me:

Benefit 1: I have a place to "put my junk." So much of the time, the things I think, say, or do are just plain wrong, and I know it. The cross of Christ is the place I can pour out my mess, and then walk away clean. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9

Benefit 2: I have a Wise Counselor. And, boy, do I need Him! The wonderful thing about Jesus is: He's always available, He's always right, and He's always free. Truly, His Word is flawless. With Him are wisdom and might; to Him belong counsel and understanding. Job 12:13

Benefit 3: I have a bigger purpose than myself. God wants more for me than this culture's unending, life-draining rat race. Instead, He desires to fill me with His incomprehensible love, and then in turn, He asks me to pour it out all over others. THIS is the true, adventurous, fulfilling life! Get yourself up on a high mountain... bearer of good news. Lift your voice mightily… bearer of good news; lift it up, do not fear. Say to (the people), "Here is your God!" Isaiah 40:9

Benefit 4: I have hope. When, not if, but when, life doesn't make sense, I can trust that God knows what He is doing. If I allow Him to work, then my trials can become the fertile soil of His blossoming glory so those around me will marvel and wonder why I have inexplicable strength, peace, and even joy. Now may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Benefit 5: I am going to live forever. This life is a passing vapor compared to what is ahead for those who call Jesus Savior and Lord. For those who doubt eternal life, let me ask you this: If even man desires to end most of our entertainment with a "happily ever after" closure, why would God, creator of man, end life with disease, death, and decay? No, He is a much more redemptive Author than that! Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. I Peter 1:3-4

Believer or non-believer, ponder these God-breathed blessings and then consider agreeing with each one with a praising shout, "Amen!" Yes, today and tomorrow and forever, let us all rejoice in His rich benefits.

Remember, He is in the ordinary days too:

Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?

Matthew 13:55

O God, You are the God of the Mundane. I love how Your wonders are birthed from the ordinary routine of Your people. I see this in Moses’ life when he was pasturing the flock…and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush. And I see this in in Gideon’s life when he was beating out wheat in the wine press in order to save it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, ”The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” And I also see this in Ruth’s life when she went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech, a kinsmen redeemer. And then, You moved in the mundane of Lydia’s life:  And on the Sabbath day we (Paul and his followers) went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. O God, I pray I will learn from these men and women of old. Help me to do my daily routine with joy, knowing that You are in my midst. During the ordinary, I can choose to pray to You all day long, inviting Your divine power into my repetitive labor, turning it into a spiritual service of worship. And I can also listen to You, and then choose to joyfully obey Your voice, doing the next thing in front of me, whether it's small or great. Yes Lord, teach me to number my days. I want to make them count for Your glory, no matter the task at hand. May I not miss the truth that You are beautifully present within the mundane; and there, Your wonders are birthed.

Ex 3:1-2; Judges 6:11-12; Ruth 2:2; Acts 16:13-14; Rom. 12:1; Ps 90:12

Are you struggling with a relationship right now– a friendship, a parent/child relationship, your marriage?

This may sound too simple, but try kindness. Think of your kind words as much needed raindrops falling on a thirsty flower. Very practically, just as a flower cannot survive without water, neither can your relationship survive without kindness.

First of all, be willing to humbly push aside any stubbornness, pride, or unforgiveness that exists in your own heart concerning the one you are struggling with. This attitude only keeps the air thick and the clouds dark between you both. Ask yourself, “Am I happy with these ill-feelings; really, am I happy being miserable?” If the answer is “no”, then go ahead, choose to rain drops of kindness:

Say to your friend, “Thanks for walking life with me.” (then, compliment him/her on a specific character quality)

Say to your son or daughter, “You are AWESOME!” (then, be sure not to add “but” to this statement)

Say to your husband before he leaves for work, “You’re lookin’ good today, baby.” (then, smile)

It’s amazing what a few uplifting words can do for a thirsty soul. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if kindness was the instigator in saving your relationship? Are you willing? Just try it for a period of time–not just for a day, especially if your relationship has been in a drought for years. Choose a sprinkling throughout each day, every day, until it becomes a habitual part of your relationship.

Now if you are saying to yourself, “No way, impossible, I can’t or won’t do this,” here’s another simple concept: ask God for help. Remember, the fruit of His Spirit is…kindness. (Gal. 5:22) In His kindness, He died for you. Now He wants to (and certainly can!) live through you, but only if you are willing. So reader, if you want to be determined in your relationship, I challenge you to be determined in a new way… decide to speak life-giving words into the heart of another. Likewise, if you want to be strong-willed in your relationship, then do so with a new purpose. Uncompromisingly say to yourself concerning your friend, your child, or your spouse, “The drought is over…today, it’s gonna rain.”

She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Pr. 31:26

The challenging words below are not new. I have set them before each of my children as they entered high school, and then again, as they have gone on to their respective colleges. And now, for the fourth (and final) time, we are packing up the suburban to drop our "baby" off at the University of Tennessee. I will not go into the emotional weight of this reality for me as a mom, otherwise I would not make it through this post! However, my words to Emmy are the same as they were to her siblings as they each stepped into their new chapter of life.

"Emmy, always, always, always, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. Say to your own heart first, and then proclaim this to the world"...

By the grace of God, I am who I am.

I am what the world calls a "Jesus freak," but what I call "saved by grace."I am living for the One who died for me.

I salt the earth with His kindness; I light the world with His love.

I choose to walk by faith and not by sight, and to dance to the beat of a different drum.

I am the one who has Power beyond my own strength, Peace beyond my own understanding, and Purpose beyond my own pleasure.

I am the one who answers to the Commander of the Universe; and yet, I am also calmed by His intimate Spirit that lives in me.

Because of Christ Jesus, I am living Life to the fullest--yesterday, today, and FOREVER.

I am changed; I am more than I am.I am a vessel that holds a treasure, a lamp that shines a light, and a well that springs a fountain.

And with these abiding truths, I am the one who pursues the lost and broken, the way He so passionately pursued me. I am His ambassador. I am His image bearer. I am His messenger.

By the grace of God, I am who I am.

I am a Christ follower. I am free.

Dear Readers,Not too long ago I had a conversation with Michael Easley on his radio broadcast show called InContext. If you have the opportunity, I welcome you to listen to my thoughts and stories about life and God, highs and lows, messing up and maturing.

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The interview can be found here: http://michaelincontext.com/listen/

‍Resting in Him alone.