Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 81

What to Do When Things Seem Hopeless

I can’t think of a more desperate situation than having a child who is near death. 

I’ve stood in enough hospital waiting rooms with frightened parents to know it is a terrifying experience, no matter what the age of the child. In our own family, I have two miracle nephews, both of whom were frighteningly close to death, but whose lives God chose to spare. I pray every day that these young men will never forget God’s mercy to them and never take their lives for granted. 

I thought of my nephews today when I read of another frantic parent on the pages of Scripture—Jairus. His 12-year-old daughter was sick and near death. This Judean family lacked the benefit of modern medicine, state-of-the-art equipment, and well-trained specialists. 

All they had was prayer. 

And Jesus. 

Lord willing, I hope you never have a child who is critically ill, but we all face faith challenges like the one Jairus and his wife encountered. We’d be wise to learn from his example. Here are five principles we can apply from Luke 8 when we encounter a faith challenge: 

1. Run to Jesus and ask for help. 

Jairus flung himself at Jesus’ feet and begged him to heal his daughter, and we must to the same. While we should avail ourselves of every resource available and every human being who can assist us, it’s crucial that we begin and end with God. We must recognize it is God who holds our lives, our futures, our fortunes, and our families in his hands. He is the gatekeeper who can provide and direct all other resources our way. 

2. When things look darkest, don’t give up. 

Friends met Jairus on the way and told him not to bother the teacher anymore, that his daughter was dead. Short of death, we mustn’t believe the lies that say our situation is hopeless. The pages of Scripture and the history of our world hold innumerable examples of God’s miraculous power. He can cause a barren womb to bear a child, a jobless man to provide for his family, a lonely orphan to find a home, and a comatose patient to speak again. Nothing is impossible for God. NOTHING. 

3. Don’t be afraid. 

When the news arrived that Jairus’ daughter had died, Jesus issued a challenge to him: “Do not be afraid. Only believe . . .” We too must rest in the perfect love of Jesus, trust his plan and purpose for our lives, and allow his peace to replace our fear. We must remember that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” (Rom. 14:23) and not surrender to the sin of unbelief. It hinders the effectiveness of our prayers and steals valuable energy from our efforts. We cannot allow it to hamstring us.

4. Watch God work. 

When he arrived at the home, Jesus commanded everyone with no faith to leave the room. Then he demonstrated his sovereign power over man’s greatest enemy, death, by raising Jairus’ daughter to life again. While we may not be praying for someone who is critically ill, the same power that raised the dead is available to us through Jesus Christ. 

And if your faith is weak? Remember that faith is like a muscle—the more we use it, the stronger it grows. If you have only tiny faith, pray mustard seed prayers and watch God answer. Every prayer victory will make it easier to believe God for something greater the next time. 

Don’t be afraid to ask God to give you more faith. The father of the demon-possessed boy did: "I do believe;” he confessed to Jesus, “help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). 

I know there are some reading this post who have prayed, hoped, and believed God would spare your loved ones, yet they still died. I’ve been on that side of the hospital bed too, and I know your sorrow. I don’t always understand God’s ways, but I know we can trust him, even when our hearts are breaking. 





My miracle nephew RustyOthers may be struggling with infertility or fighting to stretch an unemployment check. Your heart may be aching for a prodigal or experiencing a broken marriage. Unless God shows us that his will is different than what we’ve been praying, no matter how dark the situation seems, we must continue to pray for God’s miraculous deliverance. 

 
Jesus’ words to Jairus are his words to us as well: 

“Do not be afraid. Only believe . . .”













Just in time for Mother's Day -- a special "Pamper Me" giveaway. Please feel free to share this on Facebook, Twitter, and through email. I'd love for one lucky woman to win a gift package that includes a paperback copy of Hungry for God and gift cards to Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and Chick Fil A!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

My Daughter's Two Loves -- A Birthday Tribute

In honor of my daughter's birthday on Saturday, I'm reposting a birthday tribute from three years ago. Happy Birthday, Kristen!


I fell in love with her when she was a foot in my side and a hiccup under my rib cage. Like a weird scene from the movie The Exorcist, I’d watch my growing belly rise and fall while her various appendages took turns jabbing and kicking my vital organs. A most efficient miniature kick boxer, she was famous for her stealth attack just as I had settled down, unsuspecting, for the night. Sometimes I envisioned her standing on my bladder and streeeeeeeeetching all of her 21-1/2 inches of height to pat me on the head--through my throat. 
How a curly-headed blue-eyed cherub was born from such ignoble beginnings, I know not, but when I clasped her to my heart for the first time, I knew not only that I loved her, but that I would die for her. It’s a good thing we got that settled early on, because twelve weeks of colic might have undone a lesser commitment. 
I remember the first time she laughed. Not just a snicker, or a chuckle, but an all-out belly laugh. It was such a big noise from such a small child that it caught me by surprise, and I laughed in response. Then she laughed, and I laughed, and we were in love all over again.
Early on I prayed two things for her. That she would love God with all her heart, and that she would love books and reading. Those were my two loves, and I couldn’t imagine a daughter of my flesh without either. 
The first was easy. What child wouldn’t love the God who loved her first? The One who knit her together, placed her in her parents’ arms, and gave his Son to purchase her place in Heaven?

Although her initial faith prayer came early, as simple child-like faith often does, with each dawning awareness of how much bigger God was than she ever imagined, she revisited that commitment. God has always stood the test, and her commitment continues to grow. It was birthed in childhood, and it is blossoming in adulthood.
And the love of books and reading. Now that came at the price of many tears. Kindergarten phonics lessons left us both in despair—frustrated, impatient, and discouraged. But we persevered, because we knew what the prize was, and it was worth having. The day she read the first American Girl book from cover to cover without assistance or tears, oh, what a glorious day!
And through the years, this sharing of those two loves, the love of God and the love of books, has been the vehicle that has formed her into the lovely young woman she is today.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jer. 39:11).
On this, her birthday, she is living that hope, and the future is bright.
Happy Birthday, Kristen.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mat. 6:33).
I love you very much!

2015 Update: Now my daughter has THREE loves. On March 8, we welcomed our new son-in-law, Michael, into our family.








Just in time for Mother's Day -- a special "Pamper Me" giveaway. Please feel free to share this on Facebook, Twitter, and through email. I'd love for one lucky mother to win a gift package that includes a paperback copy of Hungry for God and gift cards to Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and Chick Fil A!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Obnoxious Christians

Every year a man with a sign that says God Hates Fags stands on a street corner on the campus of the University of South Carolina during Welcome Week. He screams damnation and hell fire and flings God’s Word around carelessly and angrily. His presence makes it difficult for campus ministries to reach out to incoming students, because many assume the man is associated with them. Christian students are hesitant to identify themselves as believers, because they are afraid they’ll be lumped into the same category as this man. 

And although I can’t say for sure, I don’t think his preaching is very effective. I never saw a homosexual college student asking him for information on how to be saved. They’re usually hurrying to get as far away from him as possible. 

Then there’s Mitch at work. He’s a Christian, and EVERYONE knows it. Not because Mitch is kind to elderly customers, helpful to his coworkers, and always punctual. Everyone knows Mitch is a Christian because he attaches a Bible verse to every comment he makes, usually when he’s gossiping about his colleagues. “Did you hear John got a promotion? I hope it doesn’t go to his head. You know what the Good Book says about pride going before a fall. . .” or “Have you seen Sandy’s nose ring? It reminds me of that Bible verse about a jeweled ring in a pig’s snout.” 

And then there’s Joan, whom nobody likes. She’ll tell you she’s excluded from impromptu staff lunches because she’s a Christian, but that’s not true. Her coworkers leave her out because she’s loud, rude, and self-absorbed. 

Each of these Christians take comfort in Luke 6:22: “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. . . for your reward is great in heaven.” Unfortunately, I don’t think this blessing applies to them. 

Christ used this Scripture to comfort those who were and would be persecuted for their faith—those who were testifying of Christ, speaking the truth of God’s Word in LOVE (see Eph. 4:15), and living by biblical principles. The reward Christ promises is for those who are modeling Christ like behavior, not for those who are justifying their sin by slapping a Christian label on it. 

Some believers are persecuted, but not because they're godly. They’re persecuted because they're self-righteous, sinful, and obnoxious. Naming the name of Christ doesn’t automatically make their persecution Christian persecution. They are being persecuted for their own sinfulness. 

If you’re struggling with relationships, don’t automatically assume it’s because you’re a Christian. Ask yourself, as objectively as you can, if it might be because you’re not exhibiting the Christ like behavior that should make people want to be around you. 

Christian persecution exists. I know of godly men and women who have lost their jobs, friends, families, and even their lives because of their faith. I’m glad Christ promises a rich reward for those who make such great sacrifice. The rest of us, however, would be wise to examine our lives. 

When we encounter persecution, is it because of our Christian faith or because of our non-Christian behavior?


Upcoming Event:Praying with Power Women's Conference May 9, 2015Hosted by Good Shepherd UM Parish in Brookville, PA
Session 1: Why Pray?If God's going to do what God's going to do, why bother praying? Does it really work? The answer is YES, and this session will show you why.Session 2: How to PrayIf you find yourself bored, distracted, or repetitive when you pray, you'll love creating your own personalized prayer journal.Session 3: What to PrayThis session will show you how to discover God's dreams, desires, and power for your life.Session 4: What Happens When We PrayIs your spiritual life dull, dry, and lacking excitement? This session will show you how prayer can energize your faith and help you fall more in love with God.
For more information or to register, contact Lori Henderson (navymomkt@gmail.com) or Kathy Shaffer (flokat1990@gmail.com).
If you live within driving distance of Brookville, I'd love to see you there. Too far away? Invite me to come to your church or women's ministry event. Click here for my speaking information.



If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Why I Write & Mother's Day Giveaway Package

I received my first royalty check from my publisher recently. 

 $142. 

If you do the math, this averages out to about 75 cents a book. Not even a tithe of the purchase price. After Amazon took its cut, the publisher got theirs (which they shared with my editor), and my agent received his meager share, 142 dollars remained. Did I mention I gave my intern a bonus because she works hard, too? And I tithed on it? 

My husband made me proud that day. Instead of saying, “Are you crazy, woman? What are you thinking?! You could be working a REAL job and earning REAL money,” he said, “Well that’s an unexpected bonus.

I love that man. 

He gets it. 

Not that I wouldn’t someday love to earn an income from my writing, but there’s more to what I do than the bottom line in our bank account. My husband works hard, manual labor to provide for our family, and part of that provision is enabling me to fulfill the calling God has placed upon my life. 

Four years ago, when our youngest daughter’s high school graduation galloped over the hill toward us, we had a talk about what I should do once my tenure as homeschool teacher extraordinaire was complete. The logical option was to work more in my profession—dental hygiene. The other option was to pursue the writing and speaking ministry that was stretching its fledgling wings against the walls of our nest. 

Since we’d now be paying for the education we’d been providing at home, it made sense to seek out a job that would generate income. Duh, right? 

 Only the doors to more dental hygiene work remained closed. Despite almost 30 years of clinical experience. Despite a stellar work history. Despite enthusiastic references. Despite a personal referral. 

But the doors that led to the publishing world were swinging open. My mentor and editor, Sue Duffy, recommended me as her replacement at Reach Out, Columbia magazine—small salary, great ministry. Then my blog, Hungry for God … Starving for Time grew legs and began to walk. No pay, but the chance to share God’s truth with thousands around the world. Then invitations to speak to women’s ministry groups popped up in my email box. Love offerings—oh, I hope they love me. 

The choice was obvious, and my wise, sacrificial, God-loving husband said, “Go for it. God will take care of us.” 

 Have I mentioned that I love that man? 

 Now, four years later, the lights have stayed on, the children are as educated as they want to be, and we’ve even taken a 30th anniversary cruise. I wake up every morning and sit before the Lord, eager and excited about what he wants to teach me. Like receiving a Whitman’s Sampler on Valentine’s Day, I can’t wait to unwrap the gift so I can share it with others.  Take a bite of that one; there’s something good inside. 

There is no greater satisfaction than ministering in the name of the Lord. Every time God uses my humble, imperfect writing to encourage, convict, or challenge someone, my heart sings. The Hanes underwear company’s slogan in the 1990s was Hanes—Makes You Feel Good All Under. Well I’ve got news for you, Mr. Hanes. It isn’t underwear that makes you feel good all under, it’s working with Jesus. 

Thanks for putting up with my nostalgic rambling. It must be my advancing age that’s causing me to wax eloquent. Or maybe it’s humble gratitude that 1 Thessalonians 5:24 is true: 


  “He who calls you is faithful.” 


What about you? Is God nudging you to take a step of faith for him? May I encourage you to step out? I promise—you’ll never regret it. 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isa. 6:8).




Just in time for Mother's Day -- a special "Pamper Me" giveaway. Please feel free to share this on Facebook, Twitter, and through email. I'd love for one lucky mother to win a gift package that includes a paperback copy of Hungry for God and gift cards to Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and Chick Fil A!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Special Mother's Day "Simple Indulgences" Giveaway

Just in time for Mother's Day -- a special "Simple Indulgences" giveaway.

I'd love for one lucky mother to win a gift package that includes a paperback copy of Hungry for God and gift cards to Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and Chick Fil A!


Please feel free to share this on Facebook, Twitter, and through email.
We'll draw for a winner just in time for  Mother's Day
a Rafflecopter giveaway If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Remember Your First Crush?

Do you remember the first time you fell IN LOVE? 

I’ll never forget my first major crush. His name was Freddy. He had blue eyes, a sprinkle of freckles across his nose, and curly blonde hair. The fact that he had a really sweet ride didn’t hurt either. 

Because we lived in the same apartment complex and attended the same school, we saw each other every day. It wasn’t long before we were an item. Freddy and Lori sittin’ in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G. 

I woke up thinking of him and went to sleep thinking of him. I even dreamed about him. Everyone knew we’d get married one day, but I knew it was serious when he let me drive his Big Wheel. 

Our relationship ended when I moved away in third grade. I cried for weeks. 

I thought about Freddy today when I read Psalm 40. A psalm of David, this beautiful, poetic psalm describes God’s glorious redemption of sinful man. What caught my eye, however, and sparked a trip down memory lane, were the following lines.

Describing God, David writes, 


“Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to you in order. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (v. 5). 
If you’ve ever wondered what God thinks about, here’s your answer—He thinks about US! 




Not only thinks about us, but thinks about us all the time. Like a schoolgirl crush on a cute boy, God is enamored with us, besotted with us, and captivated by us. Thoughts of us fill his days and crowd his nights. He studies us, knows us better than we know ourselves, and eagerly wants to spend time with us. He loves bestowing gifts on us and thinking of ways to bless us. 

But he will never move away. He is committed to us FOREVER. 

How does it make you feel to realize that the almighty God of the universe thinks about you all day long? For me, it’s a very humbling thought. As my former pastor often says of God’s love, “I can't earn it. I don’t deserve it, but I am humbly grateful.” 

And gratitude, I think, is the appropriate response.Will you join me in prayer today?

“O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?” We don’t deserve to be in the center of your thoughts today, yet we are. I don’t know why you love us, but you do. Somehow, Lord, make us men and women who make you smile every time you think of us. Accept our love and gratitude this day, and help us tell others “how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.”


a Rafflecopter giveaway


I'm so excited to tell you that Hungry for God is now listed among the 100 Top Faith Blogs for Christian Women on Women's Bible Cafe. Thank you, readers, for your nominations and votes of confidence.








Upcoming Event:Praying with Power Women's Conference May 9, 2015Hosted by Good Shepherd UM Parish in Brookville, PA
Session 1: Why Pray?If God's going to do what God's going to do, why bother praying? Does it really work? The answer is YES, and this session will show you why.Session 2: How to PrayIf you find yourself bored, distracted, or repetitive when you pray, you'll love creating your own personalized prayer journal.Session 3: What to PrayThis session will show you how to discover God's dreams, desires, and power for your life.Session 4: What Happens When We PrayIs your spiritual life dull, dry, and lacking excitement? This session will show you how prayer can energize your faith and help you fall more in love with God.
For more information or to register, contact Lori Henderson (navymomkt@gmail.com) or Kathy Shaffer (flokat1990@gmail.com).
If you live within driving distance of Brookville, I'd love to see you there. Too far away? Invite me to come to your church or women's ministry event. Click here for my speaking information.



If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

It's Great to Be Adopted

I celebrated my birthday recently, but my friend Melanie celebrated an equally special day—her adoption day.


Like a birthday only better, her celebration marked the day her parents chose her. She knows her position in their family came about because two people deeply desired her. They were willing to sacrifice to bring her into their family. They chose to pursue her, open their hearts to her, and give her their name.

Some of you know our family also has an adopted child. His name is Winston. Winston’s birthday is somewhere in mid-December, but his adoption day is March 26, my birthday. I tell him he’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever received, because I know he came from the Lord.

Several years before we adopted Winston, we had lost our 17-year-old “firstborn.” The only member of the family with brown eyes like me, Polly was a buff Cocker Spaniel with silky fur and a tiny stub of a tail. Her death left a gaping hole in our family, and we knew we needed another pet.

Instead of purchasing a dog from a breeder, we chose to pursue a rescue. Like many adoptive parents, we researched the best adoption (rescue) agencies. We carefully filled out an application, submitted letters of reference, and agreed to a home visit. Then I spent hours poring over picture after picture of adoptive dogs. The details overwhelmed me, and I finally cried out to the Lord.

Lord, if we’re going to adopt, I need you to send the puppy to us. May I please have a girl dog, because I can’t stand that leg-hiking thing? And if she could have a coat that doesn’t require much grooming, that would be wonderful. I loved Polly’s sweet Cocker Spaniel face and ears, and her easy-going disposition worked well with our family. And would you please send one big enough to take long walks together? Thank you, Amen. 

I prayed, and God, through my sister, worked. An email popped up in my mailbox one Sunday afternoon. “If you don’t look at any others,” it said, “look at the first one.” She had attached ten pictures.


This is similar to the first picture I saw.

A Cocker Spaniel/Irish Setter mix, Winston has the face of a Cocker, the smooth coat of a setter, loves to take long walks, has an easy-going disposition, and, though he’s not a girl dog, almost never hikes his leg.

He is a precious and beloved member of our family, and I know he is a perfectly chosen gift from God to us.

My friend Melanie will tell you that there’s something very special about being chosen. If Winston could talk, I think he’d agree.

This is why, when I read in Ephesians 1:4-5 how God chose us to be adopted as his children, I feel pretty special, too.

“For he chose us in him . . . In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

He sought me. He bought me. He wanted me. He welcomed me into his family, and he is my forever Father. He is yours, too, if you’ve trusted him as your Savior.

By law in every state in the union, a parent may never disown his adoptive child. It is a forever contract. Parents may disown their biological children, but adoptive children are theirs forever. So it is with Christ. When we are adopted into his family, it is forever.

 Doesn’t this make you feel special? Cared for? Secure? Loved?

If you’re struggling today, I pray the words of Ephesians 1 will remind you how much God loves you, what great lengths he went to adopt you, and how secure you are as his child.

If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of adoption, I encourage you to click here to read more about how to become part of God’s forever family.

As Melanie, Winston, and I say, “It’s GREAT to be adopted.”




You want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you.



If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner










Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.
 

 

 

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Do You Have Spiritual Alzheimer's?

For the life of me, I couldn’t remember where I’d put the stamped envelopes my husband asked me to address. “They were right here on the counter,” I said in frustration, “but I moved them when I cleaned before the party.” 

And that check. Did I deposit it or just think about depositing it? 

And how many times have I gone to the back of the house to get something only to forget what I went there to get? 

I see you nodding your head, because, if you’re busy and over 40, you’ve done the same things. We’re overextended and trying to do too many things at once. 

And it’s not a new problem. My grandmother used to say, “I’d forget my head if it wasn’t sewn on.” I know the feeling. 

In an article titled “10 Early Signs of Alzheimers,” The Alzheimer’s Association states, “One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.” 

Thankfully, the other nine signs are not a regular part of my life . . . at least I don’t remember that they are. . . . 

I don’t have physical Alzheimer’s, but I am often plagued with SPIRITUAL Alzheimer’s. I suspect you might be, too. 

I forget how God saved me, and how he transforms me. 

I forget the thousand prayers God has answered. I forget how, for over 30 years, God has met my family’s needs. 

I forget how God provided scholarships, grants, and anonymous donors to provide for four college educations. 

I forget how God has protected my family in cars, planes, and trains. In the United States and out of the United States. On land, on sea, and in the air. 

I forget how God has been with us as we rejoiced at the birth of babies and wept at the death of saints. 

Spiritual Alzheimer’s—do you have it, too? 

People with physical Alzheimer’s are fearful and anxious. They question their caregivers and struggle with trust. They fail to seek help and often panic in uncertain situations. People with spiritual Alzheimer’s are also fearful and anxious. We question our Father and struggle to trust him. We fail to come to him for help and instead panic when new challenges enter our lives. 

Perhaps this is why, every year at Passover, for thousands of years, Jewish fathers have retold the story of God’s deliverance, care, and provision for the children of Israel. 

“Remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt,” Moses reminded the Israelites. 

“You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out” (Deut. 7:18-19). 

“Remember well.”

“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years” (8:2).

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God . . . Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 

“He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ 

“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant” (12-18). 

If you’re struggling with uncertainty and fear today, perhaps you’re suffering from spiritual Alzheimer’s. 

I have good news for you. 

There is a cure: Remember what the Lord your God has done for you. 

Would you like to remember well what the Lord has done for you? Why not begin by leaving a comment? Maybe your comment will help someone else remember.


Upcoming Event:Praying with Power Women's Conference May 9, 2015Hosted by Good Shepherd UM Parish in Brookville, PA
Session 1: Why Pray?If God's going to do what God's going to do, why bother praying? Does it really work? The answer is YES, and this session will show you why.Session 2: How to PrayIf you find yourself bored, distracted, or repetitive when you pray, you'll love creating your own personalized prayer journal.Session 3: What to PrayThis session will show you how to discover God's dreams, desires, and power for your life.Session 4: What Happens When We PrayIs your spiritual life dull, dry, and lacking excitement? This session will show you how prayer can energize your faith and help you fall more in love with God.
For more information or to register, contact Lori Henderson (navymomkt@gmail.com) or Kathy Shaffer (flokat1990@gmail.com).
If you live within driving distance of Brookville, I'd love to see you there. Too far away? Invite me to come to your church or women's ministry event. Click here for my speaking information.


If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Because Not Every Day Is Your Birthday

I’m still basking in the glow of my birthday. It was a really good day. 


My husband started the fun the night before by revealing his latest project—a quirky, colorful planter filled with happy spring flowers. When I arrived at work, my coworkers surprised me with a scrumptious raspberry-filled birthday cake and a Trader Joe’s gift card. Chocolate covered almonds with sea salt, here I come! My patients were kind, cheerful, and generally well behaved. 

My sister  met me for lunch and treated me to my favorite food—Chinese at Miyo’s, and then my husband and I rendezvoused with friends at a favorite seafood restaurant for dinner. Both daughters Facetime called and told me they loved me, and throughout the day dear friends phoned, sang, and left birthday messages on Facebook. 



It was a wonderful birthday. 

As I opened my Bible the following day, however, I remembered that not all my birthdays have been wonderful. 

A note in the margin reminded me that this time last year my husband was injured, out of work, and awaiting surgery. Underlined verses from another year show where I had claimed a promise for a loved one who was far from God and breaking my heart. A final note transported me back to a year marked by financial insecurity and fear. 

Looking at those dark and uncertain times against the backdrop of today—a time when life is peaceful and my heart is happy—brought to mind a promise from Psalm 30:5: 



“. . . weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” 

We often ride the wave of health, happiness, and security all the way to the beach, but sometimes the wave crashes, and we find ourselves raw and wounded in a sand-covered heap on the shore. 

“When I felt secure,” Psalm 30:6 says, “I said, ‘I will never be shaken.’” 

Somehow we think every day should be a birthday and every sky saturated with sunshine and warmth. 

But some days are not happy birthdays. They feel more like sad deathdays. 

“. . . when you hid your face, I was dismayed,” the Psalmist admits.

“To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: ‘What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?’ (Ps. 30:7-9) 

We cry out, “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help’” (v. 10). 

And God does. 

Eventually the clouds change from the color of iron bars to the color of soft kittens. We receive grace to pray and persevere. The same waves that flung us roughly upon the shore carry us gently toward smooth water. The sun peeks through, the birds begin to sing, and our hearts start to hope again. 

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

"O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever” (v. 11-12). 

Perhaps today is a birthday day for you. I celebrate your joy. 

Maybe your day is more like a deathday. I weep as you weep. I ask the God of all comfort to strengthen your heart and give you hope to carry on. 

The number one reason for suicide, according to those who have attempted it and survived, is feeling hopeless, convinced that life is going to be miserable forever. They mistakenly believe killing themselves is the only way out. 

If you’ve thought about ending your life, please remember that circumstances can change in a moment. Suicide is a permanent act based on temporary feelings. Those who have attempted suicide and failed almost always express relief that they weren’t successful. 

Wherever you are on the sea of life, hold on to Jesus. He is your hope, your future, and your salvation. Say in faith with the Psalmist: 

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” 

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:13). 

 Morning is coming. 



If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, I’d like to share two excellent resources:

A compelling article by Jennifer Michael Hecht: 10 Things I Wish People Understood about Suicide 

The 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).


If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Prodigals and Those Who Wait - A Guest Post by Andrea Merrell

Eighty-eight percent of children raised in evangelical Christian homes will leave the church by the age of eighteen. Most will turn away from authority, parental values, and biblical teaching, losing their potential, their health, and their destiny — sometimes even their life. As a parent, guardian, or loved one, what can you do to prevent this from happening? If it does happen, how do you fight the battle? Is there hope?




It's my pleasure to share a post from fellow author and friend Andrea Merrell. If you love a prodigal, I pray her words will fill you with hope and encouragement.



Prodigals and Those Who Wait
By Andrea Merrell


It seems everywhere I go someone is dealing with a prodigal. 

As the mother of two former prodigals, my heart breaks anew as their story unfolds. Depending upon the circumstances, the pain can be almost unbearable at times. Watching your child march boldly into a life of destruction is heart-wrenching. It can bring an extra burden of guilt and condemnation, especially for the Christian parent who feels they’ve done all the right things. 

The staggering truth is: even good kids rebel—and even good parents can end up with a prodigal. 

My husband and I found this out the hard way, and we were devastated. We didn’t know what to do or who we could turn to for help, so we fought this battle alone for five long years. During this time, we shed many tears, experienced sleepless nights, and lived in fear for the lives—and souls—of our children. 

 The two questions I’m asked most often are: 

 • Is there hope? 

 • What do I do in the meantime? 

The first thing I want people to know is that there is always hope. God’s Word is full of promises, and he is waiting for us to take hold of those promises and believe he will do what he says he will do. 

The Bible says God is not a respecter of persons. In other words, he doesn’t play favorites. He doesn’t esteem one of his children higher than the other. He loves each one of us with an extraordinary unconditional love. God is faithful and there is always hope when we put our trust in him and pray in faith according to his will. 

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a plan for each of his children. He desires to prosper us and give us a glorious future full of hope. The problem is that God’s timetable is different from ours and camping out in God’s “waiting room” can be tough.



If you are currently dealing with a prodigal, what can you do while you wait? 

In Praying for the Prodigal, I not only share my story, but what I learned during my journey including: setting boundaries, avoiding the blame game, and learning to pray the Word of God over my children daily. You will be encouraged by advice straight from the prodigals, and your faith will be strengthened by thirty days of prayers and Scriptures, equipping you for the battle ahead. 

 No matter where you are in your own journey, the key is to hold fast to God’s promises, and never, never give up on your children—no matter how hopeless the situation may seem.

Praying for the Prodigal is available on Amazon.com.









If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner


If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher