Worthy Life

https://youtu.be/FYMjO9mL0Tw

Build My Life ~ House Fires

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ~ Ephesians 4:1 NIV

Last year, on Memorial Day, I took Savannah over to see my grandpa, Lyle Hayes. She was old enough to grasp some of what Memorial Day is and why we celebrate it. While we were visiting, she asked to explore his house. My grandpa had an older home with many rooms. In the office was a war memorial display case, which housed a model plane, the same kind of bomber on which my grandpa fought. It also housed many medals and other memorial items that belonged to both my grandpa, as well as his brother, Clayton. 

Just about every time I went to visit Grandpa Hayes, he'd tell me stories of his time in the service, especially his training in Florida, but rarely did he talk about Clayton. Shortly after my grandpa died last summer, we found a newspaper article about my great-uncle, Pfc. Clayton Hayes, and how he helped a mom and her son carry belongings back to their war-ravaged home in Normandy. The article was from June 3, 1944. At the end of the war, many men came home as war heroes. Unfortunately, Clayton Hayes, died as one, in September 1944, during Operation Market Garden in Holland.

This Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember the fallen heroes and pray for their families. Please also pray for those who are currently serving in the military. Before the day is out, take a moment and thank those you know who have served and fought to keep us safe and free. And finally, ask God to give you the strength and courage to live a life worthy of both their sacrifice, and of the Lord's calling on your life. 

Who do you know and want to thank on this Memorial Day? 

http://normandie44.canalblog.com/archives/2012/01/14/23241133.html

Article on Pfc. Clayton Hayes, and the others in his troop.

©Heather Potts 2019

Thank you, Teachers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4&list=RD7j0Pedpgiag&index=3

Only Jesus ~ Casting Crowns

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMPC

With the school year ending, I began thinking about all the girls learned this year. Then my thoughts turned to my own teachers, of which there were many. From Mr. Holba, my fifth-grade teacher, to Mr. Knaus, my senior-year high school English teacher, to Dr. Lipscomb and Dr. Stein, my two favorite Lit professors at USF. Clearly, I had more than four teachers, but these are the ones who’ve stood out over the years. It wasn’t because of the zoo in Mr. Holba’s class, or even the fruit and vegetable nicknames Dr. Stein had us choose for ourselves, the way those who were revolting the Christian church did in the time-periods we studied. It’s not about their titles, or even necessarily the lessons they taught. They stand out above the rest because of how they made me feel: special, smart, strong, able, important. They all challenged me to be the best version of myself. But my teachers didn’t stop at the completion of my BA. Over the years, I’ve had countless teachers with many titles: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, Husband, Teacher, Leader, Brother, Pastor, Mentor, and Friend.

Today marks the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week at our girls’ school. To all the teachers we’ve had over the years: THANK YOU! You have and are making a difference! On the days you feel like pulling out your hair, just remember: for the child, it won’t be about passing the test, becoming the greatest artist, or even singing on-key. Years down the road, it will be about the days you were there, the way you cared, the way you smiled and always had a hug. It’ll be the way you were Jesus to that child.

We’re told to give thanks in all things. To all our teachers: Thank you!

©Heather Potts 2019

Gateway of Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6xSOMdt_2g&list=RDa6xSOMdt_2g&start_radio=1&t=2

Only You ~ David Crowder Band

But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. ~ Hosea 2:14-15 NLT

Having lived near the Gulf of Mexico for many years, we were taught that the reason so many people die when caught by a current has nothing to do with the strength of the swimmer and everything to do with strategy. Instead of wasting energy swimming against the current, you should swim parallel to it. Eventually, the current will end. If you haven’t exerted all your energy trying to swim against it, you should be able to swim back to shore.  

The same is true in many of the battles we face. If we try to fight them in our own strength, we’ll lose. But if we prepare for the fight, then, with Christ’s help, we can overcome. Maybe you are battling an addiction (drugs, emotional eating or spending, pornography, etc.). If you try to “not give in,” eventually you will, and suffer physical and emotional consequences. If you, instead, find an accountability partner and the two of you begin to pray and make a plan of victory, when the temptation arises, you’ll know how to overcome.

Perhaps a loved one has walked away from the Lord. Begging won’t cause them to turn. Seeking God, strengthening your own relationship with Him, and praying scripture over them is the best strategy with this current. Then, when they come to you, you will know how to respond to and love them.

The reason the enemy fights to keep you and your loved ones trapped is because he’s afraid of what God will do through you and them. But you have something far greater than an enemy: you have a Husband and His Name is Jesus! Your Husband is the head and is responsible for the direction and welfare of His household. Because we have free will, God allows us to wander into the muck. Sometimes, it takes the muck to hear the Lord call your name and whisper, “Come away with Me, so I may speak tenderly to you and turn your Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.” And when we choose to turn, He's right there, welcoming us into intimacy with Him.

Whatever you or your loved ones are battling, I pray you would draw away with your Love, with Jesus. Allow Him to heal your heart, turning your Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.

https://youtu.be/lSwCOs-uXzU

Lifehouse Everything drama

©Heather Potts 2019

He has Risen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE&list=RDhuFra1mnIVE&start_radio=1

Forever ~ Kari Jobe

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! ~ Luke 24:5-6 NIV

Yesterday, we took the girls and two of their second cousins on a “Journey with Jesus.” It was an opportunity for them to see the last 8 days of Jesus’ life, as well as his crucifixion, and victory over the grave. Over the years, I’ve heard and read the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection many times. But getting to view it through my girls’ perspective seems to bring me to a new level of understanding.

There are some people very dear to us who have been going through a lot. My heart has been breaking for them, even as I’ve been praying for them. The other morning, as I was driving to work, Forever by Kari Jobe began to play. God spoke to me in the bridge of the song:

We sing halleluiah / We sing halleluiah / We sing halleluiah / The Lamb has overcome!

He said not to worry about them, but continue to pray for them. This thing hasn’t overtaken them, because the Lamb has overcome!

What things are you facing or experiencing in your life? Is your focus on the pain or on Jesus? When we only look at the pain of the circumstances, we can miss Jesus walking with us. But when we shift our eyes, we can see that the pain is not the end for us, as it wasn’t for Jesus. Instead, His victory becomes our victory, because Jesus has risen!

©Heather Potts 2019

Three Words

https://youtu.be/pRZSRi5yyoQ

At the Cross ~ Chris Tomlin

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ~ John 19:30 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.19.30.ESV

It is finished. 

Three words.

Three words not to be taken lightly. 

Three words encompassing "I love you; I forgive you; I know you; you are Mine."

Whatever sin, shame, pain, hurt, or lie was in your past or present, you don't have to live with or be afraid of it anymore. Because of what Jesus did. Because of how Jesus showed His love for you. Because of what He said: It is finished. 

Spend some time today thanking Jesus for His love and sacrifice. Pray for yourself, as well as your loved ones, reminding each other that the burdens are no longer yours to bear. He took them all and declared: It is finished. 

©Heather Potts 2019

The Basics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4RUjGsTfks&list=RDD4RUjGsTfks&start_radio=1

Heart of Worship ~ Matt Redman

“Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do; take his words to heart. Come back to God Almighty and he’ll rebuild your life. Clean house of everything evil. Relax your grip on your money and abandon your gold-plated luxury. God Almighty will be your treasure, more wealth than you can imagine. ~ Job 22:21-25 MSG

Yesterday was day one of a week of prayer at the girls' school. As a family, we're asked to pray together for student believers in schools, and for all authority in schools. Yesterday, I also read a devotional from Proverbs 31 Woman that said we need to go back to the basics, revisit Kindergarten Bible lessons, so we can draw on those lessons, even in life's crazy times.

As Easter approaches, we, as parents, are having to go back to the basics to ensure we're teaching our girls on their level. Of course, there are lots of "Why" questions, but that's why we need the basics: 'For God so loved [you] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ' ~ John 3:16 NIV.

Today’s passage from Job was just one of the prayer points for the students. “Take his words to heart,” is a teaching we all need to remember. God’s words have great power: the power to heal, move, and shape our lives, if we’ll let them. As Easter approaches, what’s one thing your family is doing to prepare? If nothing else, will you consider praying for students, and each other? Life can get crazy and chaotic, but as we come back to the basics of praying with and for each other, it’s amazing how we will see God move.

©Heather Potts 2019

Her Song

https://youtu.be/ftlhvUibkHM

Cast My Cares ~ Kids Praise 5: Psalty’s Camping Adventure

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28 NIV

One day, around the time Savannah no longer took naps, I was having a hard time putting Elizabeth down for her nap. Then the idea came to sing her to sleep. And what better to lull her to sleep than with Elvis Presley’s, "Can't Help Falling in Love." It didn't work. But that became the song we sang to Elizabeth every night and naptime. Sometime later, Savannah heard me singing it to Elizabeth and requested her own song. "Cast My Cares" was what came to mind. 

When my brother and I were little, long before Veggie Tales, Kids Praise, with Psalty the Singing Songbook, were the popular kids’ Christian movies. One of which was a camping adventure, in which two kids got lost. Instead of panicking, the younger said to the older that she learned in Sunday School to cast all her cares on the Lord, because He cares for us. And then she sang the song.

This song has been very instrumental in helping us guide Savannah through many trials, from bad dreams, to missing loved ones, to struggles with wearing pants. But this isn't just a cute kid's song. It's an anthem for all of us: I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And anytime I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.

When we’re going through trials, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But when we go to God, casting all our cares upon Him, it’s amazing how He brings our hearts to peace, even before our circumstances change. Whatever concern, hurt, or hardship you are facing right now, you don’t have to carry it another minute. Instead, cast it all on the Lord, because He cares for you. 

©Heather Potts 2019

https://youtu.be/pXhKWWCCdk8

Can't Help Falling in Love ~ Elvis Presley