Author: The Kedge Anchor

The Kedge Anchor - Anchored in Hope “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…” Hebrews 6:19 The Kedge Anchor - About Welcome to the Kedge Anchor. This blog started from a time in my life where I no longer liked changes. Changes, like the waves in the ocean can turn us upside down sometimes and the currents of this life can take us to places we really didn’t intend to go. But changes are a part of life and the older I get the less I like them. Maybe you can relate. Sometimes storms form over the ocean and totally churn up our lives like the ocean floor. And when all is finally over, we feel depleted, drained, exhausted. Turning to God’s word first is always a good place to start and gain footing again. And sometimes God leads us to other sources for encouragement, family, friends, church family, and oddly enough, for me, back to the still calm waters (of the ocean). Kedging is a nautical term “to draw (a vessel) along by hauling in on the cable of a light anchor that has been dropped at some distance from it, or (of a vessel) to be drawn in this fashion “ https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kedging Kedging is done in calm waters when one needs the boat to move forward or in the case when one is going against the wind. The sailor casts the kedge anchor out in the waters and pulls the boat towards the anchor. In a season of wait, when we feel like we are at a stand still and perhaps we aren’t hearing God’s voice or when we are in the middle of the storm, we can draw to Him. (James 4:8) We can cast our anchor (of hope) out and take a step in faith toward God, read the Bible, recall a favorite verse, and cling to HIs words. He is our anchor for our soul (Heb. 6:19). When the storms and currents of life are changing our course and we find ourselves going against the wind, we can remain steadfast in His Word and love. Be encouraged. You are not alone. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you…” James 4:8
encouragement, healing, hope

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: The Potter and the Clay — Part 2

The Kedge Anchor

What Do We Do When Life Doesn’t Turn Out How We Expected?

©The Kedge Anchor 2026

Last week, we followed a lump of clay through the hands of a potter.

We watched as the clay was pounded and kneaded, shaped and formed on the wheel, placed on the shelf to dry, and eventually fired in the kiln.

When the potter took the finished piece from the kiln, it was ready for its intended purpose.

But the potter wasn’t finished creating.

He decided he wanted another pot.

This one would be bigger and taller, able to accommodate the flowers bursting from his garden. He wanted it to complement the first pot while adding more contrast to the room with a different shape and color.

The potter began working on the second pot.

He pounded and kneaded the clay, removing the air pockets. Then he placed it on the wheel and began to shape it.

His hands worked the clay, adding pressure and water as he formed it. He opened the center, pulled the clay upward, carefully formed the walls, shaped the lip and smoothed the edges.

When he was satisfied with the shape, he lifted the pot from the wheel and placed it on the shelf waiting for it to dry.

Days passed.

When the pot was completely dry, the potter placed it in the kiln for firing.

After the firing was complete, he waited for the kiln to cool before carefully removing the pot.

It was beautiful.

It was exactly what he had envisioned.

He filled it with flowers from his garden and placed it in the room beside the first pot.

But one day, the second pot was accidentally fell over.

It fell hard.

And it broke.

The potter gathered the pieces.

He carefully examined what was left and began putting the pieces back together. Some pieces fit perfectly. Others required more work, a little sanding here and there to smooth some rough edges. He arranged the pieces so that a hole was right in the center.

The cracks from where the pot had broken created beautiful lines. The potter painted those cracks with gold paint and added some leaves, creating a vine that wound its way around the pot. The broken pieces had become part of its beauty.

When he was finished, the pot wasn’t exactly the same as it had been before.

There were places where the broken pieces had changed its appearance. But the potter didn’t see it as ruined.

The candle’s light shone through the places where the pot had been broken and repaired.

The pot had a new purpose.

And perhaps that’s something worth remembering.

Stay tuned for Part 3. There’s more to this story.

encouragement, hope, Stress, Trust God, Uncategorized

The Potter — Part 1 – When God Is Shaping Your Life: The Potter and the Clay

The Kedge Anchor
© 2026 The Kedge Anchor

Understanding the Process When Life Doesn’t Look Like You Expected

When God created us, He had a purpose in mind.

I think about an artist creating a piece of art. An artist is usually inspired by something, and before the first brushstroke or pencil line is made, there is often a plan—a design and a purpose.

Sometimes the purpose is simply to add beauty. Sometimes it’s functional: a bowl to hold something, a cup from which to drink, a vessel to hold flowers, or a lamp to carry light.

God uses the imagery of a potter and clay to describe our relationship with Him:

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

God formed us in His image:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’”
— Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

And Scripture tells us that God has plans for us:

“For I know the plans I have for you…”
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Think about a potter sitting down at the wheel with a lump of clay.

Straight out of the package, the clay doesn’t have much aesthetic form. It’s soft and pliable, and because it is soft, the potter can shape and mold it.

But before the potter begins, there is already a plan, a design, and a purpose in mind.

The clay is placed on the wheel and the process begins.

It is slapped down onto the wheel and pounded. It is kneaded, much like bread dough, to get the air out. The potter works the clay for a few minutes, and as the clay is kneaded, it becomes warm and softer.

Then the clay is placed back on the wheel.

The wheel begins to turn.

The potter wraps his hands around the lump of clay and begins to give it form.

Sometimes the clay begins to dry from the friction of the potter’s hands. So the potter wets his hands and adds water to the clay, continuing to shape and form it.

Then comes the pressure.

The potter applies pressure from the top, opening up the center and hollowing out the inside. Pressure from certain points on the outside creates grooves and curves, giving the piece its shape and character.

The potter forms the lip and smooths the edges. He gives the piece one final spin, checking it and looking it over.

The wheel stops.

The potter takes a piece of string, slides it underneath the newly formed pot, and lifts it from the wheel.

The pot is taken to a shelf with other pieces to dry.

And now…nothing seems to be happening.

The clay has already been through a lot—pounding, kneading, spinning, pressure from all sides, pressure from the top, being hollowed out and shaped.

Now it simply rests.

Days pass.

Other pieces come and go, but this one remains on the shelf, waiting until the potter is ready.

Then the potter takes it down.

It is dry.

It is ready for the kiln.

The temperature inside a kiln can reach more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pot may remain there for hours. The firing process is intense, but when it is complete and everything has cooled, the potter takes the piece out and prepares it for its intended use.

And I can’t help but think about how it is with us.

How many times have we felt like that lump of clay?

Pounded.

Pressed.

Shaped.

Emptied.

Stretched.

Waiting.

Maybe you’ve been in a season where it feels like God is doing something in your life, but you don’t understand what He’s doing.

Maybe you’ve experienced pressure from every direction.

Maybe you’ve felt like you’ve been emptied out.

Or maybe you’re in that place where nothing seems to be happening at all.

You’re just waiting.

But the clay doesn’t know what the potter is making.

The potter does.

God sees what we cannot see.

And maybe that’s where Romans 8:28 begins to take on a little more meaning:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

Not everything that happens to us looks or feels good.

But God can work through all things.

The clay has no idea what it will become.

It only knows what it’s experiencing right now.

And sometimes, I think we’re the same way.

So pause for a moment and think about your own brokenness.

Where has it brought you?

How have you healed?

Maybe you haven’t healed yet.

Maybe you’re still in the process.

There is hope.

And there is more to this story—because there is more to our brokenness than we may realize.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

encouragement, hope, Stress, Trust God

Navigating Life’s Storms with God’s Word

The Kedge Anchor

Lighthouse #2

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Florida

I have a confession… I shared these posts in the wrong order. 🤦🏻‍♀️

But maybe that’s fitting because we are all still learning and growing. Sometimes even our little mistakes can remind us to slow down, give ourselves grace, and remember that God is still working, even in the imperfect moments.

When was the last time a situation came into your life that you weren’t expecting? Maybe you saw it coming and didn’t know how to stop it. Maybe it was completely out of your control, and there was nothing you could do to change the outcome.

Have you been there?

I know I have.

When storms come into our lives, our first instinct is often to look at the waves instead of looking for the light. We focus on what is happening around us instead of turning toward the One who is steady and faithful.

Part of the story how The Kedge Anchor got its name. Look for the short story on my social media pages,FB and IG

We see this with Peter when he stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. As long as his eyes were on Jesus, he was able to do what seemed impossible. But when he noticed the wind and the waves around him, fear began to take over.

How often do we do the same thing?

We focus on the circumstances around us, the things we cannot control, and all the “what ifs” that fill our minds.

But Jesus is still there, calling us to keep our eyes on Him and to anchor ourselves in Him.

God never asked us to navigate life’s storms alone. He has given us His Word, a light to guide us when we cannot see the way ahead.

God tells us not to worry and to trust Him. And yet, in our humanness, we still worry.

I know I have caught myself getting caught up in a situation, worrying and fretting about things I cannot control. But when I finally stop, take a breath, and turn my attention back to God, that is when I can hear His still, small voice calling me back to Him.

Matthew 6:25 reminds us:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

And in Matthew 6:34, Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own concerns.

God’s Word contains what we need to walk through the storms this life brings our way.

 Psalms 136 remind us of God’s faithful love endures forever. 

Proverbs reminds us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

And the Gospel reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us through Jesus – John 3:16.

I love the promise found in Matthew 28:20:

“teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (AMP). Perpetually. On every occasion. To the end of the age!!!  I love that!!!

Because when a storm hits, our faithful Father should be the first One we turn to.

So today, where are your eyes focused? Are you looking at the waves, or are you looking toward the Light?

encouragement, hope, Trust God

Finding God’s Faithfulness in Creation

The Kedge Anchor

Finding reminders of God’s faithfulness in the world around us

This is Teemu. She was barely a year old in this photo. She’s 28 now.

Have you ever wondered if God sees you? Have you felt like your prayers seem to go unanswered, your circumstances don’t make sense, and you wonder if God is paying attention? You’re not alone. Many of us have been there. I know I have. And that doesn’t mean we don’t have faith. Questions and struggles do not mean a lack faith. But we don’t have to remain trapped in doubt.

Creation reminds us that God is faithful. The birds do not wake up each morning wondering if God will provide. The squirrels in our yards do not worry about where their next meal will come from. They simply do what God created them to do, and He cares for them. Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (NIV).

Now, does that mean we will never have worries? Of course not. Job had plenty of worries. He lost his family, his health, and everything he had. He questioned, he grieved, and he struggled to understand what God was doing. But even in the middle of all that pain, Job came back to the truth that God was still in control. God is sovereign.

Job knew what it felt like to question God’s plan. He experienced deep loss and pain, yet even in his questions, he looked at creation and recognized God’s wisdom and power. He said, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8. or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” (Job 12:7-8 NIV).

When we see the birds, the animals, the changing seasons, and all the things He has created, we are reminded that God is faithful. The same God who watches over the smallest creatures also watches over you.

My cuddle bug

Sometimes we want God to explain everything before we trust Him. We want to know the why, the when, and the how. But trust doesn’t work that way. Trust means believing that even when we don’t understand what God is doing, He understands our humanity. He knows our struggles, our questions, and our limitations. But God is still good, He is still present, and He is still in control. He most likely is using the very situation, the very season to draw you closer to Him.

God created the earth, the animals, and us, and He called it all good. He gave us the responsibility to care for His creation. The same God who cares for the birds, the fish, and all of creation cares for us too. He loves us. We are His creation.

So the next time you hear the birds singing or see the squirrels running around, maybe take a moment to remember: the Creator who cares for them is the same Creator who cares for you.

anxiety, encouragement, hope, Stress

Finding Hope in Life’s Storms: Your Guiding Light

The Kedge Anchor

Exploring the lighthouses God provides to help us navigate difficult seasons.

As I’ve been reflecting on the storms we all face at different times in our lives. I was reminded of something I wrote a couple of years ago about the lighthouses God provides along our journey.

Life’s storms can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of our next step. But even in the darkest moments, God is faithful to provide reminders of His presence, His guidance, and His love.

Imagine you are out at sea on a stormy night..

The sky is dark. There are no stars shining above to guide you. Waves are crashing around you, tossing you back and forth, and there is no land in sight. For a moment, everything feels hopeless.

Then, in the distance, you see a light.

A lighthouse.

A steady beam shining through the darkness, guiding you toward shore and safety. You let out a sigh of relief. You feel encouraged. You realize, “I’m going to be okay.”

When you finally reach the shore, the fear begins to fade. The storm may still be raging, but you know you can make it through.

Have you ever felt like you were in that storm?

I know I have.

Some storms of discouragement have been brief squalls that passed quickly. Others have lingered, leaving me feeling tossed and battered by my own thoughts or by circumstances happening around me.

During those seasons, I need something to help me. Sometimes I need someone to help me.

Whether the storm is passing quickly or seems to have settled in for a while, we all need encouragement during difficult seasons.

So I want to ask you:

Who or what do you turn to when you are navigating stormy waters? What helps you find your way when there seems to be no light, no stars, and no clear direction? Who or what are your lighthouses?

I want to make it clear: I am not a counselor, and this blog is not a substitute for professional mental health care. However, our mental, emotional, and spiritual health matter. This is simply a place of encouragement where I share things that have helped me during difficult seasons.

If you feel you need to speak with a professional counselor, I encourage you to seek one who can provide the support you need.

Over the next few posts, we’ll explore some “lighthouses” that can help us find encouragement, wisdom, and hope during life’s storms.

Lighthouse #1: Trusted Friends and Family

God created us for community.

There are times when we need to reach out to others and allow them to walk alongside us. Having a support system is not a sign of weakness; it is part of how God designed us.

For many years, there has been a stigma around mental health struggles and seeking help. Thankfully, that stigma is beginning to fade. More people are recognizing that reaching out for counseling or support during difficult seasons is not a failure — sometimes it is a wise and courageous step.

It is okay to feel sad. It is okay to feel angry, anxious, or discouraged. God created us with emotions, and He understands what we experience.

He is not surprised by our struggles. He is not angry when we feel overwhelmed. He invites us to pour out our hearts to Him.

Jesus understands our emotions because He experienced them Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion, Jesus experienced deep sorrow and anguish (Matthew 26:36-46). He understands you because He created you.

More importantly, He loves you and wants to help you.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” — John 3:16

Sometimes people try to encourage us by saying, “You just need more faith.”

But faith is not about never struggling. Jesus only asks for faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Even in moments of doubt, He meets us where we are.

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” — Matthew 9:23-24

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

At some point, we all face discouragement, anxiety, or seasons where we feel overwhelmed. Feeling this way does not mean you are weak or that you lack faith.

But we do need to be mindful of where those thoughts lead us. We have an enemy who wants us to doubt God’s goodness and believe we are alone. That began with the deception of Eve in Genesis 3.

You are not weak because you need encouragement.

Sometimes we simply need a lighthouse.

Sometimes we need someone to remind us that we are not alone.

Who is part of your support system? Who can you reach out to when the storm gets rough?

And if you find yourself without that support, consider finding a local Bible-believing church where you can build relationships, serve, and become part of a community.

And if you know someone who may be feeling lonely or discouraged, reach out. A simple message, prayer, or conversation may be the light they need in the middle of their storm.

In the posts to come, we’ll continue exploring the lighthouses God provides to help us navigate the stormy seas of life.

This post was inspired by “Wisdom for Mental Health” from YouVersion.

Uncategorized

STEAM: Finding Encouragement When You Feel Like You’re Losing Steam

The Kedge Anchor

A while back, while lying in bed trying to fall back asleep, I started to pray. But before my thoughts fully turned into words, another thought entered my mind:

“I’m losing steam.”

 I was growing weary of a situation. Doubt starts to creep in. I know in my heart that the tide will turn, but sometimes when you’re in the middle of the storm, it’s hard to see the shoreline.

Have you ever been there?

You know God is faithful. You know His promises are true. But the waiting is hard. The uncertainty is exhausting. The battle feels longer than you expected.

And then I wondered:

What would I tell someone else who was feeling this way? How do I find encouragement when I feel like I’m standing alone?

For me, the answer begins with remembering.

Remembering the times God has carried me. Remembering the prayers He has answered. Remembering the moments when I didn’t see a way forward, but He was already making one.

Because the truth is, God has always been faithful.

I started thinking about the things that lift my spirit: singing hymns, listening to worship music, practicing gratitude, and counting my blessings. Scripture tells us to meditate on things that are good and lovely – Philippians 4:8. When we intentionally focus on what God has done, it changes our perspective.

Then another thought came to mind:

What if encouragement isn’t just something I need to receive, but something I need to give?

Encouraging someone else costs nothing. A kind word, a note, a phone call, a prayer, or simply letting someone know they are remembered can brighten a weary heart.

And as I thought about all of this, a word began to form:

STEAM. I feel like I’m losing steam.

Maybe this was the Holy Spirit reminding me how to keep moving forward when I feel like I’m running low.

S — Sing

The Bible tells us to sing—even in the middle of trials.

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas sang praises while they were imprisoned. Their circumstances had not changed, but their focus had.

Psalm 5:11 reminds us:

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.”

When we take refuge in God, we are reminded that our circumstances do not have the final word.

Colossians 3:16 tells us:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – NKJV

And one of my favorite verses is that God sings over us!

Zephaniah 3:17 says:

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

How amazing is that?

The God of the universe sings over His children.

Maybe I really do need to sing more.

T — Thankful

Gratitude has a way of redirecting our hearts.

Psalm 107:1 says:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Notice it says in all circumstances, not necessarily for all circumstances.

God does not ask us to pretend that difficult things are easy. He invites us to find Him in the middle of them.

Ephesians 5:20 encourages us to:

“Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Thankfulness shifts our eyes from what we lack to the One who provides.

E — Encourage

One of the quickest ways to lift our own spirits is to encourage someone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says:

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Think of someone who might need encouragement today.

Send a text.

Write a note.

Make a phone call.

Send a card.

Ask someone, “How can I pray for you?”

You never know what someone else is carrying. A small act of kindness may be exactly what they needed.

Sometimes God uses us to remind someone else that they are not forgotten.

A — Available

Are we available for God to use us?

Sometimes when we feel discouraged, we spend so much time focusing on our own struggles that we miss the opportunities God places right in front of us.

Serving others gets our eyes off ourselves and back onto God.

If you’re not sure where to start, your church is a great place to begin. There are always ways to serve—helping with an event, organizing, making calls, greeting people, preparing materials, or simply filling a need.

But serving doesn’t stop inside the church walls.

Maybe it’s helping a neighbor.

Making a meal for someone who is sick.

Volunteering in your community.

Offering your time and gifts where they are needed.

1 Peter 4:10 says:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

God has given each of us something to offer.

M — Mad at the Enemy

Now this one may sound strange.

But sometimes we need to get mad. A good healthy, righteous anger.

Not at people.

Not in a way that leads us to sin. Be anger and sin not – Ephesians 4:26

But we can get angry at the enemy’s attempts to steal our joy, distract us from God’s truth, and make us doubt what we know about God.

Jesus Himself showed righteous anger when He cleared the temple in Matthew 21:12.

The enemy wants us focused on fear, frustration, and defeat.

But we can fight back.

Mark 9:24 captures a prayer many of us can relate to:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Ephesians 4:27 tells us:

“Do not give the devil a foothold.”

Don’t give him space in your thoughts that belongs to God.

When doubt creeps in, return to Scripture.

When fear rises, return to prayer.

When discouragement comes, remember God’s faithfulness.

So when you feel like you’re losing steam, remember STEAM:

S — Sing
T — Thank
E — Encourage
A — Available to serve
M — Make the enemy mad by refusing to give up your joy

The storm may still be raging.

The waiting may still be hard.

But God is still faithful.

He is right there—loving you, strengthening you, and singing over you.

Keep your eyes on Him.

He is your anchor.

hope, Trust God

Be Careful Where You Put Your But.

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Andreea Andrei on Pexels.com

Have you ever heard someone give you a compliment and then add the word “but”?

“You did a great job, but…”

“I appreciate what you did, but…”

Suddenly, everything before the “but” seems to disappear. One little word has the power to shift our focus from what was good to what was lacking.

I never expected a simple word to teach me something about my faith. But as I started paying attention to how we use the word “but,” I realized it can reveal more than just our communication style—it can reveal where we place our trust.

Because sometimes we do the same thing with God.

“I trust You, but…”

“I know You are faithful, but…”

“I believe You will provide, but…”

Our “but” can become the place where fear, doubt, or the need to control creeps in.

The word itself isn’t the problem. It’s what comes after it. There is a big difference between “God, but…” and “But God…”

One keeps our focus on the obstacle. The other reminds us that God is greater than the obstacle.

Didn’t set out for this post to become a lesson in communication but there is something to be learned here spiritually as well. I was talking with someone a few weeks ago. If I remember correctly the topic was about planning. The person I was speaking with was concerned that not enough planning had been done for something. So I suggested, just trust God it will all work out. The reply was, “Trust God but…” that’s where I had to interrupt. Trust God but. Oooo, that’s dangerous. It sounded like God wasn’t big enough. We have a big God who sees the big picture. We have a God that goes before us and paves a way for us. We can plan six ways to Sunday, we can make all the plans we want BUT GOD, directs our steps. “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16: 9.

Check out this article.

See how this can be applied spiritually? Man can plan BUT the Lord directs. The “but God” negates whatever we plan. That’s not to say we shouldn’t, we should plan, BUT GOD will directs our steps and provide. And if for some reason if we have done all we think we can do to plan for something, we as humans can forget, we aren’t perfect. God will provide whatever it is we may have overlooked, He will make it work. Because, Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

So be careful where you put your “but.” Whether you are giving praise or trusting God for something, stop and think, is going to be “God but…” or “But God…?”

Gratitude, healing, Trust God

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: A Journey to Contentment

The Kedge Anchor

Sometimes disappointment doesn’t come because something went wrong; it comes because life didn’t turn out the way we imagined. We make plans, imagine our future, and settle into what feels comfortable, only to find ourselves in circumstances we never expected. We wonder how we can find peace when the place, season, or situation we are in doesn’t look anything like what we hoped for.

Recently, I read an article by Karen DelTatto in an email from iBelieve.com that reminded me of my own struggle. Through her own experience of moving into a home and neighborhood that wasn’t what she originally envisioned, she discovered that God’s blessings were not limited to the place she thought she wanted to be. Her story caused me to reflect on my own journey and the places God has planted me along the way.

My husband and I have moved several times throughout our marriage, but Virginia was never a place we imagined calling home. After spending more than 30 years in Florida, leaving was a much bigger adjustment than I expected. It wasn’t because I didn’t appreciate what we had there. I knew how blessed we were. I treasured the warmth, the ocean, the familiar places, the memories we had built, and the life God had given us. That was part of what made the transition so difficult. I wasn’t leaving something I disliked; I was leaving a place that had become home.

I tried to make Virginia feel like home, but there were many moments when I wondered, “Will this ever feel like home?”

But God.

God began to show me blessings I wasn’t always looking for. He provided a wonderful church family and placed people around me who have encouraged me, served alongside me, and reminded me that home is not just a location. He blessed us with great neighbors, and He provided a job for my husband where he is valued and encouraged.

I still miss Florida. I still miss the ocean, the warmth, and the familiarity of a place where we had built so many memories. If I am being honest, I can’t say I love Virginia the way I loved Florida. But God is teaching me that contentment does not mean we love every circumstance we are in. Contentment means trusting that God is present in every circumstance.

As I reflected on Karen’s story, I was reminded that sometimes the place we don’t choose is the very place where God is working. She discovered blessings in the neighborhood she didn’t originally want, and I am learning to recognize blessings in the place God has brought us.

This also made me think about Paul. His circumstances were far beyond anything I have experienced. Prison was not where Paul planned to be, yet from that place he wrote words that continue to challenge us today:

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” — Philippians 4:11

Paul didn’t find contentment because his circumstances were easy. He found contentment because he knew God was with him.

I am still learning contentment. I still miss Florida, but I am learning that my peace cannot be anchored in a location. My peace is anchored in Christ.

What about you? Have you ever found yourself in a place or season you didn’t choose, but God showed you blessings you didn’t expect? I’d love to hear what He taught you. Leave a comment below.

anxiety, Fear, Uncategorized

Back to School – Part 2

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

In Part 1, I shared my memories of the first day of school and how much anxiety came with it. I worried about making a mistake, breaking a rule, or disappointing my teacher.

Looking back, I realize I sometimes approached my relationship with God the same way. I wanted to please Him, but I was afraid of getting it wrong.

But God doesn’t leave us guessing. He has given us His Word to teach us, guide us, and help us understand what pleases Him.

So the question is: What does it really look like to live a life that pleases God?.

I believe a lot of times we are looking for something specific. We seek God’s will for our lives. What does He want me to do specifically? While I do believe He a permissive will for us and a perfect will for us, I tend to think we can get too caught up in that. I know there have been times where I didn’t take a step or do anything because I was a afraid it would be the wrong thing. We make plans, but God directs our steps, Proverbs 16:9. If we have a pure heart about a decision, if it’s not where God wants us, He will direct us on the right path.

Our faith is what pleases God. Faith comes by the word of God. I thinks it’s so easy to get wrapped up in God’s plan. Living in fear of doing the wrong thing, worrying about the consequences. I think it was Charles Stanley who said, “Obey God and leave the consequences to Him.” God will direct our steps, He’s got our backs if we are truly following Him.

Mike Donehey wrote a book, Finding My Life for God’s Will, he says that maybe God isn’t giving us specifics of the plans for us, because He is the plan. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life…!” Highly recommend this book! (and I’m not getting paid to say that)

So unlike those first days of school when I worried about making a mistake and ending up in trouble, I don’t have to walk through life afraid of getting everything wrong with God.

My job is not to figure out every detail of the plan before I take a step. My job is to trust Him, seek Him, obey His Word, and follow where He leads.

The Teacher has given us the syllabus. The lessons are right there in His Word. We just need to show up, listen, and be willing to learn.

And thankfully, we don’t have to learn alone. God is with us every step of the way.

anxiety, Fear, Obedience

How to Please God: Lessons from the First Day of School – Part 1

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Atlantic Ambience on Pexels.com

There was always a feeling of anxiousness going back to school. That first day was always rough. Sometimes I’d hear rumors of how hard my homeroom teacher was going to be and stories from other students the nightmare that homeroom class was for them the year before.

It was always nice to be a little early and see some old friends and kids I hadn’t seen all summer, for a brief moment I would forget about being anxious. Then the bell would ring and all the students would walk into their classrooms. I’d be anticipating the teacher walking in or if the teacher was already there, I’d be accessing his or her mood.

I was always afraid that I would accidentally break a rule, make the teacher mad and send me to the principal’s office get detention and then when I got home, be reprimanded again. But isn’t that just like us humans to catastrophize everything, even as kids.

My goal was to do well in school, make my teacher and parents happy, make some friends and have some fun. But I still had this fear and worry I would do something wrong. I didn’t want to make my teacher mad or break a rule. I lived in fear those first few days of a new school year.

As a Christian, now, all I want to do is love God and obey His word. But I have to admit if I have the wrong perspective, I can live in fear of God. We are to have a reverent fear, an awe of God. Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” I do have a reverent fear of God. He is in control, He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. He is sovereign and righteous. Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”

All I want to do is please God, every day. But I know I am a sinner and I can’t be perfect. God sacrificed His Son to die for us and pay the penalty of sin, so that we can live with Him forever in eternity. Now if someone saved me from a burning building, rescued my from a sinking ship, whatever, I would be forever grateful to that person. I would welcome that person into my life as part of my family, I would stay in contact and give back however I could. The same is for me with God. He saved me from death and gave me eternal life and all I had to do was accept Him and receive the gift of salvation. He is my life, I stay in constant contact and try to give back when I can however I can.

So how do I please God? What can I do to make Him happy? After all it’s only His approval I seek. It’s only His approval that matters. Like the first day of school, I live in awe of God and sovereignty. Unlike the first day of school, I don’t have any anxiety about making a mistake or making God mad. But I began to think, what does make God happy? What do I do to please Him?

I want to obey His word, His commandments. God gave us His word, the Bible. It contains everything we need to know about Him and how to live for Him. But what is that exactly?

The Ten Commandments were the first set of guidelines to live by. After Jesus came to the earth, He narrowed those down to two. Matthew 22:37-40, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.“ Ok so there’s two. That’s not all.
Here are some other things I have found.

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Outside of the fact God is telling us not to be anxious (Do not be anxious, I believe that is in command form, He’s not suggesting, He’s telling us not to be anxious. Easier said than done, that’s a discussion for another time). So God wants us to communicate with Him about everything always.

Hebrews 11:6 – “ And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” and faith cometh by hearing and hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” Just exactly what that means. But prayer and talking to God isn’t always bowing our heads and folding our hands. (Another discussion for anther time).

1 Peter 4:9 – “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” Being hospitable, that’s easy, without complaint, not always easy.

Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;” Your wealth may not be thousands of dollars in the bank. God just wants you give back and mange what He has given you.

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Romans 14:17-18 – “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

There are so many more ways we can please God, and this post is already getting long. I think this is a topic I will continue exploring.

Looking back, I realize I spent so much time worrying about disappointing my teachers, breaking a rule, or making a mistake. But God is not waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us. He wants us to learn, grow, and draw closer to Him.

Yes, we should have a reverent fear of God because He is holy and sovereign. But we also have the incredible privilege of knowing Him as our loving Father.

Just like the first day of school, we may feel nervous stepping into a new season. But unlike those first days in the classroom, we don’t have to walk in afraid. God walks with us, teaches us, and guides us.

What are some things you have found in Scripture that show us how to please God? I’d love for you to share in the comments.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow.