Matthew 14:24-31
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.  In their fear, they cried out, "it's a ghost!!" 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage, I am here!" 28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." 29 "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he sat the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.  "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.  "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

Wow!!  I read this with my devotion this morning.  Many times I have read these words but for some reason I stopped and read it slower than normal this morning.  How many times are we out in rough waters with waves crashing all around us...awake at 3am not knowing what to do??  How many times are we in Peter's position??  We call out to God, get out of the boat with strong faith, but then we give in to the storm around us and let it consume us again.  Then we feel like we are going to be consumed by the crashing waves instead of engulfed by God's protection around us.  It is so easy to look around at the news or just daily life and give up hope.  It would be so easy for the woman who just lost her fiance or the family who just lost their son or the mom whose baby is fighting for his life to give up on hope and life... to be swallowed by despair.  But God tells us in the verses above...come to me...don't be afraid... have faith...take courage!!  God NEVER, EVER tells us in the bible...wow, your problem is way to big for me... I can't handle it...You are gonna have to deal with this one on your own.  Nope, God always gives us a way out.  Most of the time when my worry and anxiety keep me up at night it's over things I have absolutely NO control over!!!  There have been so many times when I have been standing in the boat, looking over the side, scared to death to climb out.  At these moments I am usually looking around for ways that God is gonna work it out...thinking " well, maybe I could do this and this or that will happen."  Then, I raise my eyes toward Jesus and the response I usually get is something like this... umm, hello Leshia... you are not the captain of this ship, I am... just stop looking around for how you can fix it and just step out... I am right here like I always am!!  How reassuring that we don't have to handle the waves and the storm on our own.  BUT, we must have the faith to step out of the boat. Baby steps and faith the size of a mustard seed. 

Walk By Faith Jeremy Camp (Lyrics)

Mandisa: Stronger - Official Lyric Video

Mandisa - He Is With You (Slideshow With Lyrics)

It has to be for something...

Being on facebook can be a good thing and can be a bad thing.  It is so nice to see people from high school and feel like I am in constant contact with them.  On the other hand I see the heartache that those same people are going through on a daily basis.  It seems lately there is heartache and sorrow all around.  Even for Mike and I there seems to be an overabundance of blah days going on.  It can get overwhelming and sleep depriving to see so much sadness.  There is a song that comes on the radio that asks God to give us his eyes to see... his heart to feel.  I understand the concept of the song BUT... I don't want to hurt like God does for the things that are around me.  Maybe that is me being selfish but it would keep me up every single night... my heart would be broken all the time. These times that we live in are so, so hard and frustrating.  You can't even watch the news without seeing the sorrow around... someone being shot...someone's home burning down... child abuse.  Scary times we live in.  But if you read the bible, it tells of hard times to come... of suffering and wars.  I believe not just wars or the military type but wars among ourselves.  I honestly feel like lately that I am in constant struggle with something.  Mostly, its financial related.  Some days I feel like I am swimming, treading water really...and my arms are getting extremely tired but there is nothing to grab onto... no life preserver anywhere in sight.  Seems that things are never going to change...
When I feel a little twinge of self pity coming through... God reminds me that it could be so, so much worse.  It could always be worse.  No matter what pit of hell we seem to be in... it is only for a season.  One of my dearest friends and I are constantly telling each other that... whatever we are facing... "it's only for a season".  Some situations feel like they part of a NEVER ENDING season...how do we get through those??  How do we keep on keeping on??  How do we not let our pit suck the life out of us??  Ugh... the answer is soooo much easier said than done!!!  We have to keep looking up!!  Those times when I feel like I am treading water and getting tired... at least I can breathe a little easier if I look up and get my face above the water... Look up to the sky... look up the savior for answers.  He always comes in to save the day like a knight in shining armor.  It may not happen the way Leshia wants it to but i have not lost a fight yet where I call on Jesus.  So many times I want to question why all these things are happening around me... I want to lay in the floor and throw a temper tantrum like my 1 year old... and ask God why!!!  Why God... its not fair... what wrong am I doing that is causing me to go through this??  Why can't we catch a break??  The promises in your word, why can't some of those HAPPEN for me??  I told a friend the other day... it has to all be for something... we cannot go through all this CRAP for nothing.  People say to me that I have an incredible testimony... well, just being brutally honest... some days I would give up that testimony to have my life happening exactly the way I think it should... exactly perfect in my eyes.  I know, I know... those thoughts are soooo selfish.  I know that I am created to do a certain thing and without going through junk I can't do it.  Some days though... no junk would be nice.  I just have to keep going... keep loving on my kids and my hubby... doing every day life, one day at a time.  Keep praying for those around me who are suffering and dying inside... showing them it is so hard at times but you can do it... you can make it.  God will create a way for you... even if they have to throw their hands up in the air and give God the authority to carry them for a little while.  YOU WILL MAKE IT!!!  There are two songs by Mandisa that I listen to... "He is With You" ... and "Stronger". When my arms and legs get tired of treading water these songs give me a rejuvenation. 

Faith

Hmm... FAITH... In my devotion this morning I read Genesis 22.  In this God asked Abraham to use his only son Issac as a burnt offering.  Backing up- Issac was Abraham's only son because his wife Sarah could not get pregnant.  They prayed and waited for years and finally she became pregnant and gave birth to a son... in God's timing.  Waiting for a child caused their faith to grow stronger... then Abraham's faith is tested even more when God asked him to sacrifice his son, whom he had waited for years!!  When God realizes Abraham has passed the test... he allows Issac to live.
Wow- what a story of faith.  In my opinion- that is the ultimate test!!  We are given tests every single day to test our faith... faith in God.  How do we complete the test??  We complain SO MANY TIMES about the junk that we go through.  I do at times.  But what if we looked at it from a different perspective??  God has called and made every one of us for an exact purpose.  This purpose is only for YOU.  It still baffles my brain that what God has called me to do - ITS ONLY FOR LESHIA TO DO!! Its not for anyone else around me. Sure someone else could do it but not in the way God wants it done... not to give glory to Him.  The things I go through with my kids, finances, family, my past... its all to prepare me for my future.  Everything we do in life is a journey- the workplace, school, marriage... you cant get to the end without going through the beginning and the middle.  There is a road to every place you want to go.  How do you travel that road??  Is God your guide or is your path self-guided??  For me I chose to have faith in God's covering over my life.  I have and will continue to go through rough stuff in my life, but I know that its all for a season and a purpose.  IF WE ALL WENT THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT EVER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, WHERE WOULD WE GET OUR FAITH??  Where would we get our ability to help others through things??  where would we develop our ability to lean on God??  WHERE WOULD GOD GET HIS GLORY??
Read this verse this morning- Galatians 3:9- So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham shared because of his faith. 
My devotion put it this way:
The person whose faith has been severely tested yet who has come through the battle victoriously is the person to whom even greater tests will come.  The finest jewels are those that are the most carefully cut and polished, and the most precious metals are put through the hottest fires.
When I think about what we go through... there are times I question... what is the purpose for all this heartache and junk??  God, is there a purpose??  Then, I am repeatedly reminded of others around me who are going through heartache too, some  much worse than me.  People need to see proof that someone can go through junk - depend on God- have faith in Jesus Christ- and make it!!  They need to see others around them continuing to do life with continued praise and faith in God, while going through hell on earth. 

Change??

I read this in my devotion (Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman) this morning and I just really felt compelled to share it.

 

 

The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.(Psalm 103:19)

Some time ago as I went out my door in the early spring, a blast of easterly wind rounded the corner. It seemed defiant and merciless and was fierce and dry, raising a cloud of dust ahead of it. As I removed the key from the door, I quite impatiently began to say, "I wish the wind would . . ." What I was about to say was change, but my thought was stopped and the sentence was never finished.

As I continued on my way, this incident became a parable for me. I imagined an angel handing me a key and saying,"My Master sends you His love and asked me to give you this."Wondering, I asked,"What is it?""It is the key to the winds," the angel said and then disappeared.

My first thought was,"This indeed will bring me happiness." So I hurried high into the hills to the source of the winds and stood amid the caves. I proclaimed,"I will do away with the terrible east wind—it will never plague us again!" I summoned that unfriendly wind to me, closed the door behind it, and heard it echoing through the hollow caves. As I turned the key, triumphantly locking it in, I said,"There, I am finished with that."

Then looking around me, I asked myself,"What should I put in its place?" I thought of the warm southerly wind and how pleasant it must be to newborn lambs and new flowers and plants of all kinds. But as I put the key in the door, it began to burn my hand. I cried aloud, "What am I doing? Who knows what damage I may cause? How do I know what the fields want and need? Ten thousand problems may result from this foolish wish of mine!"

Bewildered and ashamed, I looked up and asked the Lord to send His angel to take away the key. Then I promised I would never ask for it again. To my amazement, the Lord Himself came and stood by me. He stretched out His hand to take the key, and as I placed it there, I saw it touch that sacred scar.

I was filled with remorse as I wondered how I could ever have complained about anything done by Him who bore such sacred signs of His love. Then He took the key and hung it on His belt. I asked, "Do you keep the key to the winds?" "I do, my child," He graciously answered. And as He spoke, I noticed that all the keys to my life were hanging there as well. He saw my look of amazement and asked, "Did you not know, dear child, that my 'kingdom rules over all'?"

"If you rule 'over all,'" I questioned,"is it safe to complain about anything?"Then He tenderly laid His hand upon me to say,"My dear child, your only safety comes from loving, trusting, and praising Me through everything." Mark Guy Pearse

Sent from the Streams in the Desert Devotional. For devotionals like this one for your iPhone, visit us at 43rdElement.com

 

 

Oh my - how so many times we want to "change" situations that we are going through to work out the way WE want them.  So many times I want God to change the medical situations in our home.  Honestly, EVERY day I either get medical bills in the mail or EOBs from the insurance company for bills that are to come.  It sucks!!  The worse part about it is that it is totally out of our control and until God heals Mikayla the bills are gonna keep coming. 

When I read this devotion it really spoke to me.  I know our situation sucks at times but God is STILL in control of it all.  All things work together for God's good.  No matter what happens we sit in the palm of His hands.  We have never gone without food, clothing, or shelter!!  I know that God has an amazing plan for our lives and it takes going through junk to prepare us... in order for us to be who he has called us to be.  You may be thinking right now... how can medical bills be used to bring glory or good to God??  Well, we are fully trusting that HE's got this!!  Our finances do not work out on paper but Mike and I trust him to provide!!  The overtime comes when we need it.  Just trust HIM - if you are a child of God and you wholeheartedly trust him... it will work for His good!!  I am so thankful and blessed that I know its not working out the way I would have had it work out... my life as a whole.  As the devotion says... God has all the keys to my life hanging on his belt!!  I make a REALLY BIG mess of things when I try to do it for myself!!  It's nice to know that no matter how old I get I still have a heavenly father that will always be looking out for my best interest... and will still give me a kick in the rear when I need it.       

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY MIKAYLA LEIGH!!

I am going to try to start blogging again... try being the key word here.  My precious baby girl turns 5 today.  Where did the time go??  I know in high school all the adults told me it was gonna happen like this... time escaping that is... but I did not believe them.  Craziness!!  I think back to the morning of her delievery... so many emotions and thoughts that morning!!  I was scared to death.  I remember when they wheeled me down to the OR I started having a panic attack, thinking "oh my goodness... this is really about to happen... I can't have a baby".  It was a crazy, unbelievable day!!  There were so many people in the room when she was born... I don't even know all their titles... neonatologists, ob, all kinds of specialists, students... all waiting for the worst possible outcome.  Not Mike and I... we just wanted to meet our daughter!!  So many bad reports up to that point... death was a possiblity and breathing on her own would be impossible.  Well, that little bundle of joy came out... proving EVERYONE in that room wrong... except God!!  He knew exactly what was going to happen... he knew Mikayla Leigh Scheetz was going to be his miracle baby... made to prove all those doubters wrong!!  Glory be to God alone!!  Can't believe that was 5 years ago.  So much has happened in that time... we have learned so much!!  God has taught us so much about life and love through Mikayla.  If I could say one thing good about this whole experience... it is how my relationship with Christ has developed!!  I don't know where that relationship would be if I had not had Mikayla.  I have soley depended on HIM so many hours, days, minutes... without a comforter in Him I honestly don't know how I would have made it some days.  So many people around Mikayla are blessed just by seeing her do life... she has obstacles BUT she does not seem to let those things keep her from being a typical 5 year old.  If we could all have the faith of a child.  She believes God CAN and WILL heal her legs and she will walk on this earth.  Lately she has been talking to God and about God doing just that... she tells Him... "God, I know you will make my legs all better and make them walk"... "I believe it".  The cool thing about her... there is NO doubt!!!  It is just a matter of God's timing!!  She does tell him to make them better in a hurry!!
I have people ask me sometimes, how I do it or they don't know how I do it.  I don't really know how to respond at times... I am just doing life... what other choice do I have??  It is so hard some days but I cannot let this stop us or our life.  It would be so easy to keep her in a bubble, in the safety of our home every single day but I can't.  Our purpose in life, together, is to give people around us hope and we can't do that inside these four walls.  God has such an ENORMOUS plan for Mikayla's life... sometimes it's a little overwhelming that He chose me to be the mom of such an incredible little girl who is going to grow up to be such an unstoppable woman of God!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY INCREDIBLE MIRACLE OF A BLESSING!!  We love you so much!! 

I cannot believe it has been 2 months since I have posted... it has absolutely flown by!! Let's see what is new... I guess I will start with Luke. We have been seeing doctors and therapists dealing with cochlear implant surgery for him. We have a tentative date of June 3rd for that surgery. Then after we get back from the beach (july 2nd) he will have them activated... be able to hear. We will be going to speech therapy once a week... and nightly with non-stop talker Mikayla!! We are so excited for this process to begin... so ready for him to be able to hear us. Luke is mobile now... crawling all over this house...pulling up on everything that he can get to. He is in to everything!!! His favorite thing to get in to is the dog food and water... I have to dig dog food out of his mouth at least twice a day before I hide the bowls. He is also loving the climb Mikyala's steps to her bed!! He falls a few times a day... I don't like that part but I know it is all par for the course. He does not cry for the most part when he does fall... sometimes he falls pretty hard though... then he wants mommy. He is such a good baby! Sleeping 12 hours+ each night... napping is another story though. He has gotten accustomed to our on the go lifestyle so that is how he naps... 10- 30 minutes at a time... even when we are home. Still a pig when it comes to eating. He weighs 18 pounds as of yesterday. I had to take him to the doctor for a rash. He has a rash all over his body from an allergic reaction to something he has come in contact with. It looks so terrible but does not seem to bother him. He is doing great. Not sure if I posted since we had the flu... Luke had it then I did. Mike and I have had bronchitis... Mike had it twice. Not much new with me... doing bible study on Tuesday mornings and leading a small group at church for stay at home moms. Just doing mom stuff... busy, busy!! Mike and I both have gotten new vehicles... he got a mustang and I got a minivan. I actually love my van... was not thrilled about getting it but very glad I did. Makes it much easier getting kiddos in and out. Getting ready for a little girl's birthday, Easter dinner at our house, and Mikayla was nominated to be a pageant next weekend. She will be accepting a crown and sash just like all the other winners. She calls herself Miss Tennessee. Will try and put pictures on here when I get some time. Enjoy our pics. Luke got a haircut... Daddy made me do it. This was the before picture.

After the cut... looks like a little boy more than baby.

First time in a swing... LOVED IT!!!

Luke learned to drink out of a straw this past weekend.

Things are moving right along here in the Scheetz household. Just celebrated two birthdays... mine and Mike's... getting ready for Valentine's Day. Mikayla loves holidays... regardless of which one it is. She loves all the decorations I have around the house. She now associates hearts with Valentines Day. She is getting to be such a grown up!!! Getting smarter every day... trying boundaries more and more every day too!! Her favorite thing to watch on tv right now is Food Network and Alvin and the Chipmunks movies. Brother and sister are loving each other more and more each day. They have started playing together more...mikayla loves taking toys from her brother and loves hugging him even more. Luke is getting so big. Went for his 6 month check up and everything looked great. He is 15lbs 10oz and 25 1/4 inches. Loves baby food... has not really disliked anything. His favorite right now is oatmeal with pears and cinnamon. Everything is going well. Enjoy the pictures!!
Starting to play more on his own.

Looking like such a big boy!!

My beautiful baby girl!!

Being silly together!!

Bath time... he loves it!!

Six months old!!