Peace 107:7

Uplifting & Encouraging

Encouragement for Parents

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Hi Peace Family, it’s Ann from the Peace 107 Morning Show. I recently read an article by Gina Smith that truly lifted my heart. My kids are all adults now, but I still have doubts about how I did as a parent. I KNOW that most of these worries are just the enemy attempting to mess with me. But even at this stage of being a parent, I needed to read this!!!

(link included)

8 Truths to Cling to When You Feel You’ve Failed as a Parent

1. You did the best you could.

2. We are not perfect parents.

3. If there are areas of failure, you are forgiven.

4. It’s not all up to you!

5. There is not a list or a formula for parenting.

6. God does not fail.

7. You have MUCH to offer the church!

8. The story is not finished yet.

How about a mini-vacation…?

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Hi Peace family, this is Ann from the Peace 107 Morning Show. Are you feeling achy, irritable, emotional, tired?!  I read an article recently that said it’s probably not our bodies that are tired, but our souls. It was written from a secular stance but had some very spiritual truths in it. Some remedies suggested for alleviating the tiredness were to avoid negative thoughts and negative self-talk. I am SO guilty of talking negatively to myself!!

Another remedy for the tired soul… REST!!

In John chapters 14 and 15, Jesus encourages His disciples and us. He talks about us being in Him and He is in the Father. I’d say we’re in a safe place to rest and be revived.

Reading the article reminded me about a list of MANY things that are true of us in Christ. It took me a bit of searching through all the places I save links and articles… but I found it!! It’s a list that will help you and me to avoid the negative, emphasize the positive AND bring some rest. I included the link… in case you have places you “safely store” links you want to be able to access later.

Being reminded of truth will help chase away those negative thoughts!
So, find a comfy chair, bring your glass of iced tea and enjoy your mini-vacation…

215 THINGS THAT ARE TRUE OF ME NOW THAT I AM SAVED:

  1. My salvation is fully accomplished (John 19:30).
  2. I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).
  3. I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).
  4. I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).
  5. I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).
  6. I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).
  7. I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).
  8. I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).
  9. I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).
  10. I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
  11. My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).
  12. My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).
  13. My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).
  14. I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).
  15. I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).
  16. I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).
  17. I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).
  18. I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).
  19. I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).
  20. I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
  21. I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
  22. I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).
  23. I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
  24. I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
  25. I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).
  26. I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).
  27. I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
  28. I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
  29. I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).
  30. I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).
  31. I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).
  32. I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).
  33. I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).
  34. I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).
  35. I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).
  36. All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).
  37. I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).
  38. I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
  39. I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).
  40. I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).
  41. I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).
  42. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
  43. I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).
  44. I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).
  45. I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).
  46. I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
  47. I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).
  48. I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
  49. I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).
  50. I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).
  51. I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).
  52. I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
  53. I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).
  54. I am a “peculiar person,” even God’s special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
  55. I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).
  56. I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
  57. I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).
  58. I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).
  59. Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
  60. I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).
  61. Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
  62. The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
  63. I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
  64. My “earthen vessel” houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).
  65. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
  66. I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).
  67. I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).
  68. I am one of the “called” of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).
  69. I have been called unto the fellowship of God’s Son (1 Cor. 1:9).
  70. I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).
  71. I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
  72. I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).
  73. I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).
  74. God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
  75. God predestined me to be conformed to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).
  76. I have already been glorified according to God’s mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).
  77. I am eternally secure in God’s love (Rom. 8:38-39).
  78. I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).
  79. I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
  80. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
  81. I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).
  82. I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).
  83. I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His “brethren” and “friends” (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).
  84. I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).
  85. I am Abraham’s seed (Gal. 3:29).
  86. I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).
  87. I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).
  88. I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).
  89. I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).
  90. I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).
  91. I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).
  92. I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).
  93. I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).
  94. I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).
  95. I am one of God’s people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).
  96. I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).
  97. I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).
  98. I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).
  99. I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).
  100. I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).
  101. My “old man” was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).
  102. I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
  103. I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).
  104. I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).
  105. Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
  106. I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
  107. I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).
  108. I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
  109. I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).
  110. I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).
  111. I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
  112. I have God’s laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).
  113. I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).
  114. I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).
  115. I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).
  116. The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).
  117. The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).
  118. I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).
  119. I am being changed into Christ’s glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).
  120. I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).
  121. My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).
  122. I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
  123. I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).
  124. The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).
  125. I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).
  126. I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
  127. I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).
  128. I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).
  129. I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).
  130. I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).
  131. I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).
  132. I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).
  133. I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).
  134. I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).
  135. I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
  136. I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).
  137. I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).
  138. I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).
  139. My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
  140. My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).
  141. Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).
  142. Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).
  143. I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).
  144. The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
  145. I am God’s servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).
  146. I am Christ’s servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).
  147. I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
  148. I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).
  149. I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
  150. I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
  151. Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).
  152. I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
  153. I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
  154. I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
  155. I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).
  156. I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).
  157. I have God’s all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).
  158. I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
  159. I have God’s power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).
  160. I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).
  161. I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).
  162. I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).
  163. I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).
  164. I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
  165. Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).
  166. I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).
  167. I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
  168. I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
  169. I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).
  170. I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
  171. I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).
  172. I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).
  173. I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).
  174. I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).
  175. I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).
  176. I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).
  177. God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).
  178. God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).
  179. God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).
  180. I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).
  181. All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).
  182. My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).
  183. My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).
  184. I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
  185. I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
  186. God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
  187. God’s Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).
  188. I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).
  189. I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).
  190. I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).
  191. I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).
  192. I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).
  193. I am kept from falling (Jude 24).
  194. I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).
  195. My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
  196. I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
  197. I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
  198. I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).
  199. I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
  200. I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
  201. Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
  202. I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).
  203. I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).
  204. I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).
  205. I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).
  206. I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).
  207. I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).
  208. I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
  209. I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).
  210. I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).
  211. I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).
  212. I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).
  213. I will be a pillar in God’s temple (Rev. 3:12).
  214. I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).
  215. I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).

Aggies, we think you’ll LOVE Trump the Longhorn!

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Meet Trump the Longhorn!

This beautiful fur-baby became famous this week when his “mom” posted a picture of Trump the Longhorn enjoying some Blue Bell Ice Cream! Unlike a certain person who put some ice cream back in the store freezer after sampling, Trump’s creamy treat was paid for before he sampled it and gave his lip-smacking approval!

Brian and Ann from the Peace 107 Morning Show, had the opportunity to talk with Kristy Walker, Trump the Longhorn’s mom. Take a listen to what she had to say about Trump being a social media celebrity:

Home-going of my “Third Mom”

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The friends we make when we’re young never stop being friends even when life takes them far away. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and am still friends with so many from the early years of school through high school. One such family was the Conrow family. The 3 oldest kids were all fairly close to my age and we went to school, church and Sunday School together. When their little brother came along, it felt like having a baby brother.

I reconnected with these friends almost 15 years ago. After about 3 decades of “separation” we took up as if we had never parted! Then in 2015 I moved to El Paso to live with and help care for their mother who had Alzheimer’s. The arrangement was orchestrated by God to not only take care of Sandra, but me as well. I was at a point in my life that I needed the connection with these friends to help heal ME! This was the year after my husband had left me, my father had passed, I’d developed some health issues and then was without a job. Being able to spend time with a family that had been an important part of my upbringing… it was truly as if God had turned the clock back and was remaking my future!

Sandra LOVED her family… nothing brought a smile to her face like family!!

I lived with Sandra for almost 2 and half years and went back to school to get some healthcare certifications. I so enjoyed my time with her. We had many great days… wandering around Home Depot looking for something, but not quite sure what it was… taking trips to her favorite plant nursery and stuffing my little Jeep full of plants and items she needed for her many rose bushes. Sandra loved her kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids, fiercely! As she started slipping further into Alzheimer’s, we did have hard days too.  Those were almost always because she was very independent and very stubborn. Being stubborn isn’t always bad! I hope some of her stubbornness rubbed off on me during my time there. Her stubbornness carried her through MANY things in life. The confusion Alzheimer’s brought her made it impossible for her to be as independent as she was accustomed. I feel privileged to have been able to spend so much time with Sandra and help keep her healthy, safe and in her home as long as possible!

Sandra lovingly coaxed roses to bloom in the desert

Sandra recently developed some more serious health issues and within a couple weeks God said “Come HOME my child”. One of her daughters kept singing to her that morning… I Can Only Imagine. We can only imagine what it was like for her open her eyes in Heaven… welcomed in by her Savior, with a clear mind and healthy body… able to sing with a voice strong and clear. The first thing she did may truly have been to sing one of her favorite songs, “How Great Thou Art”!

  • Thankful,
    Annie Nance

I Made It 5 Years Cancer Free!!

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Peace Family you have been a huge part of my journey with cancer and I wanted to share with you the good news…As of January 28th, 2019 I am now 5 years cancer free! Here’s a picture of my doctor, Kathleen Schmeler and I at my check up a week ago.

I began working for Bryan Broadcasting in 2013 and three months later was diagnosed with cancer. I was shocked and had the unenviable task of telling my bosses that news. I also had to ask for time off for treatment. In all my career I have never asked for time off the first year I work a new job. It’s not done in radio. One of my strengths is being dependable, showing up on time and working hard. This went against everything in me. I was scared.

The news was met with support and an assurance they would hold my job and wait for me to get better. They would be there with me. It was amazing. I also was only 90 minutes from one of the most renowned cancer centers in the world: MD Anderson in Houston. My doctor fast-tracked me there and 25 days later I went under the knife to removed a 2 cm tumor. Then the hard part started.  Radiation for 6 weeks M-F with a chemo called Cisplatin every Monday to enhance the radiation. Boy did it. By the 4th week I had second degree burns and was begging for mercy.

No mercy was given. Doctors explained that radiation was cumulative and since I had sensitive skin it would be something I would just have to endure. That was the price to try to make it 5 years without a recurrence. That is a difficult place to be in.  I worked years to learn to be present in the moment and not live in the past or future, and now I was asked to reverse that. It pushed me to my limits and drove me into the arms of Jesus. There were some days I was so weak I used a wheelchair. There were times that my prayer was just the word Jesus…it was all I could get out in my suffering.

You never know how you will react to a challenge like cancer but I realized something profound. God is God and he is good even if I had cancer. My faith was solid. I did not ask why or feel sorry for myself. He was my only source of help.  If there was any immaturity in me it was burned away during radiation. I realized that I might not be okay and that was okay. I had lived an amazing life and a gratefulness entered me like I had never known.

I had tests every 3 months for 4 years and then every six months. Now, it’s once a year. To be honest I did not think I would make it to the 5 year mark. There is still no guarantee it will not come back at any time. I try now to live fully each day. And my family and lifelong friends say I have a peace and calmness about me that wasn’t there before. I guess facing death will do that to you. And your priorities get checked really fast.

So, in closing, I am here!! I can’t tell you the joy that brings me. Thank you for your prayers and kindness during this time. It’s been an honor to be with you every day on Peace 107 and be a part of your life. My purpose in life is to encourage others in Jesus name. And I will stay and do that as long as God allows me to.

 

It IS risky! It’s downright dangerous!!

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A while back, I was chatting with an unmarried friend about the demise of my first marriage and he commented, “I don’t know how ANYbody can get married! How can you really know someone enough to marry them? It’s just too risky!”

Those words tumbled around in my head for days. I came to the conclusion that he is partially correct. I completely understand why he feels that way. He said it out of his observations of married friends and family members. No marriage is perfect and it sure isn’t easy!! Marriage probably is the riskiest thing you can ever do in life. Riskier than mountain climbing or skydiving. If you don’t make the right choices… you could lose your life!

BUT… in the risk and the danger is so much good, so much growth… so much that will NOT happen without that risk.

Number 1…

When “marriage experts” say that to be successful, a marriage takes 2 people giving 100%… I think that’s low-balling it. You have to give more than you have! Yeah, I know, it makes me sound math-challenged… oh yeah, I am… but a successful marriage takes two people giving much more than 100% each.

Since “math” says more than 100% is impossible, that extra effort, time, energy, passion, wisdom… etc. needs to miraculously come from somewhere… or someONE. Yes, marriage can be successful without the intentional dependence on Jesus. BUT… without Him, you don’t have access to the strength needed to give more than 100%.

Now, back to the risk and value in marrying someone…

Yes, you are risking everything when you give beyond 100% to another fallible human being. I think that’s what God wants from us, however. No, He doesn’t want you miserable! He wants us to LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13, the “Love Chapter“, isn’t only for married people, it’s for everyone. The beginning of verse 8 sums up what true love really is and does… “Love never fails…” Other things may be tried in an attempt to help or fix, but LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Love never fails. But humans do.

And even when humanness causes the failure of a marriage, all is not lost! The effort, time, energy… EVERYthing you put into your marriage is worth it. The most obvious gifts from marriage would be kids! But there is much more that is gained! The lessons learned while loving have great value!

What I’ve said so far is simply my “ever-so-humble-opinion”. It is an opinion that’s been educated by a lifetime of experiences that I’ve let Jesus use to teach me. And He will continue to teach me through things that HAVE happened and WILL happen.

A few observations from my experience…

Nothing is wasted!! Nothing, not a bloomin’ thing! I gained a lot during my marriage that I would not have if I’d not been married. My kids and grandkids are the best things that came from it! Also, I learned an incredible amount during my 30 years of marriage. Here’s an abbreviated list of things I learned:

  • How to manage a household (although by “managed” I mean “barely controlled chaos”)
  • How to fix almost anything… with wire, hair ties, superglue or duct tape
  • How to get gum out of clothing, hair and VCRs
  • How to get the smell of vomit out of almost anything… even the vents in the car
  • How to stay awake all night with a sick or terrified child… without the aid of coffee
  • How to set aside wants because someone else has a need
  • How to never give up hope that things will get better
  • How to let the Holy Spirit lead when you’ve been betrayed
  • How to fight for a marriage
  • How to let God fight for that marriage
  • How to let go when God says it’s time
  • How to let God heal when life seems beyond repair
  • How to look back and realize none of it was wasted

There is a multitude of other lessons that have been learned… including some about helping children understand about raising animals for food and several regarding the need for steel-toed boots when cutting firewood… I just chose a few and will leave the rest to your imagination.

The knowledge and (semi)wisdom I’ve gained makes the risks well worth it!

Do I have regrets? For sure!! But I try to let Jesus take those and redeem them like everything else. I look back and have to say that if anything was different back then, I might not be where I am right now. And I really like where I am, doing what I’m doing… and LOVE where God is leading me… not that I know exactly where that is and how it will look… BUT I am LOVING the adventure!!

  • Annie Nance

“Melting Away the Years”

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The spring of 2015 I had the opportunity to take a long, much needed road trip. Just me, my Jeep and Jesus! Along the way I visited friends and family. Early in April, I left my Aunt Bobbie’s house well rested and lighthearted. It was such a delightful and fun time with her and some of our extended family!! As I headed up into the mountains northwest of Phoenix, I was surrounded by sights I didn’t get to see in Wisconsin… mountains, palm trees, cactus, Joshua Trees and, occasionally, flowers trying to exist in the desert. The road was winding and rolling between the mountains. (Now, if you know me, I LOVE THAT… winding, rolling… up and down, back and forth… sigh).

I had the CD player cranked. I must have had the silliest grin on my face!! I was laughing, and singing, and gasping at the sights, crying, and laughing some more.  I was thanking Jesus and telling Him, out loud (LOUDLY), what an awesome creator He is! I blurted out, giggling; “Oh God! I feel like a little kid!!!” I heard my Heavenly Dad’s voice say… “Yes… I am melting away the years.”

Sigh…

And, like He often orchestrates, this song was next on the CD…

Nothing is Wasted – Jason Gray

“From the ruins, from the ashes; beauty will rise. From the wreckage, from the darkness; glory will shine” – JG

That’s Really White!!

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Isaiah 1:18 …Though your sins are like scarlet,  I will make them as white as snow…

God knows I learn better with pictures. Do visuals help you learn His truths? A few years ago He gave me this visual…

I had experienced a couple of really hard days and was in need of one of those pictures!  Tired, I crawled into bed, turned on my favorite worship mix and closed my eyes. 

I saw Jesus sitting on a bench. I didn’t see His upper body or His feet… just His lap. He was wearing His pure white robe, the same robe I always picture Him in.  I smiled and sat down next to Him. All that was in my view was His lap and my lap next to each other. 

I was admiring His white robe and I looked at mine and it was white too. I squinted a little, tilted my head and, of course, I had to argue that point. I started to imagine smudges on my robe. I even said to Jesus, “After all we both know I’m not perfect…” and He stopped me. A question hung in the air.  Again I tried to say, “Well, you have to admit… (I was thinking about my sins)” and He stopped me again… with the same question…  with a smile to His voice, “Oh really?” I gasped! My eyes popped open as I realized what He was trying to tell me! That’s what He did on the cross… and He did it completely… I’m forgiven! I’m clean! 

I closed my eyes again and looked back at our laps… they were still next to each other.  I smiled as I felt His arm around me. My robe is as pure white as Jesus’ robe. 

That’s what “It is finished” meant!! How cool is that?! How white is that?!

  • Annie Nance

God’s Speaking, Am I Listening?

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Annie Nance –

In 2007 I was working at a radio station in Madison, WI. The network was doing some “downsizing”, and it was pretty stressful. The workload was increasing, was having trouble with my (then) 19-year-old and our church was experiencing some major spiritual warfare.

In October of that year, I had to drive up to our parent company in Minneapolis for some training needed as I took on more responsibilities. The 5-hour ride was filled with me rotating between crying, singing (loudly) to my Mercy Me and Casting Crown CDs and praying. The praying melted into begging at times. I asked God to comfort me. I was seeking peace and direction through the stress that was building at work.

The training went well and I headed to the cottage, about 2 hours east of the Cities. I was looking forward to some solitude… sitting by the campfire… taking pictures… just spending time outside.

It was a beautiful autumn day… blue skies and lots of colors on the trees.

As I got closer to the cottage, the sun was setting. I had my camera out the window taking flash pictures. I liked how the flash reflected off the birch bark, lit up the blazing leaves and even showed off the pines.

I wound down that gravel road and probably took 20 – 25 pictures.

When I got to the cottage I started looking through the pictures… on the tiny screen on the back of my camera. I deleted many of the pictures and saved the ones I thought turned out OK. I saved only 5 pictures.

Spent the next afternoon on the ATV trails… taking oodles of pictures. It was a fun and restful weekend. Just what I needed.

When I got home I downloaded the pictures onto the computer.

I was stunned when I discovered what was on one of the few pictures I’d saved from my twilight trip down the gravel road. I couldn’t see it on the tiny screen of my camera… I could have just as easily deleted it.

It was God’s way of reaching down and giving me a hug. He was reminding me that He’s always right there with me, in the middle of whatever is going on.

This picture has become my “God’s Speaking” picture…

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