Simply Gathering Grace -

Living with depression…A LESSON IN WILDFLOWERS AND GRACE

May 15, 2017 By Mikki Jo 4 Comments

I saw a small clump of lavender and pink in a ditch line. A rusted barbed wire fence was their backdrop. They were framed by a drive-by beer can and a faded McDonald’s cup. That scene taught me something that day.

WILDFLOWERS AND GRACE, oh my.

Those wildflowers held so much beauty. So much so, that the ugly around them kind of slinked into the background and the wildflowers were all I saw. Brilliant colors that only God could paint, and intricate blooms that only God could create. They had burst out of the ground and bloomed even with all the yuck they were surrounded by.

Depression, it’s real. It can be a lonely place. That’s why we have to seek out the beauty. It’s those things that bring us peace. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy– meditate on these things. (NKJV)

Depression no longer defines me but I do believe it’s the thorn in my side. Paul talks about the thorn in his side in 2 Corinthians. He’d asked three times for the Lord to take it from him. And Paul tells us what He said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NKJV)

I’ve learned that when I open my heart to Jesus and His grace I can easily coexist with the ugly stuff. He shows me the simple things that I used to take for granted. His grace leads me to a place of peace and He points out all the good stuff along the way. I can see a leaf floating down from the sky and my heart writes a poem before it reaches the ground. (rolling my eyes, because I can’t believe I just admitted that) Yes, I’m mushy like that. I love having coffee with Jesus and just listening to Him.

Go for a walk and enjoy a sunset. Learn a new hobbie. Help others in need. Seek out things of beauty in nature, God really does bring us peace through His creation.

Seek God in the midst of the heaviness. Some days are harder than others, but He gives us strength. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Always remember we have hope! Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
It won’t last forever! Psalms 30:5b Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Always praise Him. Psalm 86:12-13 I will praise You, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. 13 For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.

Depression. It keeps me leaning on Jesus. And His grace is sufficient.

I want to be like a wildflower and keep growing even among the ugly, so I’ll glory in my infirmities, in my depression, my craziness, and my quirkiness. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Because His GRACE is sufficient.

HE DOES MORE THAN SIT ON A THRONE

November 28, 2016 By Mikki Jo Leave a Comment

Life can change in the blink of an eye. People leave, hearts break, but time goes on. And we learn. We learn from life altering circumstances that change who we are. Circumstances that not only rearrange our lives, but also our hearts and the way we view life as a whole.

We see things from a different perspective. I now live where my Grandparents lived, and my parents after them. A place I played and washed my toy dishes and picked dandelions and daisies. It’s where I picked apples and strawberries and ran from bumble bees. It’s where I learned to tie a string on a June bug’s leg and let it fly as I guided him. It’s where I learned to ride a horse and fill my bucket with water from the well box, and wash clothes with a scrub board. We went barefoot, and ate salted watermelon on the front porch. This old farm was heaven to me, or what heaven would be like one day.

I first learned about Jesus right here one lazy summer afternoon as I sat eating strawberries and cream on the steps of the old wash-house. Grandma sang “The Old Rugged Cross”, while her hands kept near perfect rhythm as she washed clothes on a wooden scrub board. I asked her about the old rugged cross and who the man was she spoke of. She shared with me her Jesus and that day He became mine too as she taught me how to ask Him into my heart. She taught me to pray and we would sing old hymns at the end of the day under the shade of an old oak tree. The old wash-house is weathered and worn, but it holds precious memories for me.

Back in those days, I saw this old farm through the eyes of an innocent child, beautiful with never ending days, forever carefree. Now, I see it through the eyes of my Grandparent’s. It’s still beautiful, there’s never enough time in the never-ending days. Did I say forever carefree, well these days I cast my cares on Jesus.

This has been a hard year for my family. But I have learned a lot.

I’ve learned what the “peace that passes all understanding” means in the Bible. One of my favorite scriptures.

I’ve learned by watching the sinking sun, that it casts light completely opposite of itself, on the darkest part of the sky, coloring the clouds with it’s hue. Jesus does this for us too. In our darkest hour, His light is guiding us, encouraging us. Giving us hope for the days to come.

I’ve learned that prayer is the most important part of my day, and to rise while it is yet night as Proverbs teaches me to. I’m far from the Proverbs 31 woman, but she has some amazing qualities.

I’ve learned to love deeply and accept loss, because it’s all a part of living.

We don’t have to go through any of it alone, because Jesus is always with us. Is He always on the throne? Yes. But He don’t just sit there. He was the one who walked through the raging waters with us, how do you think we made it to the other side? It was Jesus after all, the whole time, It was Jesus.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

P.S. I’m still learning a lot here on this old farm.

3 STEPS TO GUARANTEE SUCCESS ON YOUR JOURNEY

March 11, 2016 By Mikki Jo 7 Comments

I drive down the road and I see remnants of past holiday seasons scattered among the homes I pass. A Christmas wreath with a faded tattered bow, a wilted snowman that has lost all his air, a valentine heart hanging on a door. Easter is soon coming regardless of what season someone still has hanging out in their yard.

Easter is coming and no matter what season our lives are in Jesus is coming too!

While reading my First5 app I was reminded of the great sacrifice Jesus made.

In the Old Testament animals were sacrificed to cover sin. Over and over and over again. It was not possible for this sacrifice to take away sin. But God had a plan, a perfect plan. Hebrews 10:4 NIV It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice and take away our sin. Once, for all! John 1:29 NIV The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Today it’s a nasty rainy day, or I could say…the rain is gently falling and the cool air feels so refreshing. I’ll choose the second option. If I had to go out and hunt for a ram or goat to sacrifice for my sin today I’d grab my muckboots and rain jacket and say “It’s a nasty rainy day! I need to reach God today so I have to go slaughter “Beatrice” my goat because I need a blood sacrifice!” I’d be all grumpy and hateful having to tromp around in the rain and I’d be all broke down because I would have made friends with Beatrice coz that’s how I roll. Poor Beatrice. Ohhhh myyyy, can you imagine!? I’m so thankful for Jesus! He sacrificed Himself for me and He took away my sin. He died once, for my sin and your sin! Thank you Jesus! Thank you!

My dear friend and sister in Christ, Pam Jones, mentioned in class the other day how we are on a journey. Oh how true! During my devotional time with the Lord, I came across that word about seven times this week. Yes, we are on a journey. Where are we headed? Our ultimate goal should be to make heaven our home. What do we need to get there? We need Jesus. Who should we take with us? Everyone!

3 steps that will guarantee your success on the journey ahead of you.

CONFESS 1 John 1:9 NIV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

COMMIT Proverbs 16:3 NIV Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

CONTINUE Colossians 2:6 NIV So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him.

Where are you headed on your journey? I’ve had many detours in my life and I’m thankful Jesus helps me find my way back. If the journey you are on doesn’t include Jesus, step out in faith today and welcome Him along. You’ll never regret it. He loves us so much.

WHAT DOES KNITTING HAVE TO DO WITH JESUS?

February 23, 2016 By Mikki Jo 14 Comments

I am super excited about the new heel pattern I found for my hand knit socks! It’s much easier and quicker.

It involves using a shadow stitch and knitting them together as one. Without the shadow stitch being knit together with the original stitch there will be a gaping hole left in the heel. I found that out the hard way. The shadow stitch became the foundation and gave a secure join…no HOLES left behind. The shadow stitch with the original stitch makes one strong NEW stitch and one stitch without the other would not produce a sock heel. Both together, strengthened the other, and completed the original design. Genius pattern!

This scenario gave me a “Ohhhh….Hmmmm” moment. Yes, I do this on occasion. I think it’s pretty awesome how God speaks to us through the simplest of things.

The Holy Spirit dropped these scriptures into my heart.

Hebrews 10:1 (NIV) The law is only the shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves.

Colossians 2:17 (NIV) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

John 1:17 (NIV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

I think sometimes we neglect the teachings of the Old Testament and toss them out as obsolete, old fashioned, or not needed because we have the New Testament now. Oh how wrong we are.

The Old Testament is a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:24 (KJV) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The Old Testament is a sure foundation that the New Testament was built upon. It tells of the coming of the Messiah, and of His death on the cross. Jesus taught using scriptures from the Old Testament. One without the other is incomplete. But both of them together, the Old with the New, is the greatest love story ever told. (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Jesus came to fulfill the scriptures. He is our new covenant.

Below is a photo my brother took. His and his brides wedding rings with one placed inside the other rest in the center of the Bible. Both together make a heart-shaped shadow. Very symbolic. With the word of God being their foundation their lives are joined together and make one heart.

I have an old valentine candy box full of love letters that my Grandparents wrote each other. A shadow of the love that was yet to come. A beautiful love story of good times but hard times that would be passed to many more generations. I am thankful.

I’m reminded of my Grandma and one of our conversations. She was telling me the best way to do something and I said, “Grandma you’re just old-fashioned.” She smiled and said, “Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.” I’m sure I rolled my young eyes at the time but not where she could see me of course, but I hear the wisdom in that simple statement today.

After all, if it weren’t for the old the new would never exist.

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation.

WHEN TWO HANDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

January 29, 2016 By Mikki Jo 5 Comments

I glanced over at my son and my niece during Sunday morning worship and what they were doing made my heart skip a beat.

After a horrific car crash my niece escaped with her life and a broken arm, a very significant break, but it could have been so much worse. God indeed had angels encamped round about her. We are so thankful she is going to be okay.

During worship as everyone began clapping hands, my niece Hannah only had one hand with her other in a cast. I glanced over and they each held one hand out and together they clapped their hands in worship. It reminded me of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Oh how many times I’ve fallen and needed help getting up. And no, I don’t wear a medic alert necklace although that may be a good idea.

My family is very close. We’ll feed each other, help wash the other’s hair as in my niece’s case right now, make each other laugh, and pray for each other. But mostly we’re just there for each other. Even if we sit and don’t speak, we’re there, present, helping each other up when we fall down.

Sometimes we give space, sometimes we invade space, according to our need at the time. Above all, we love one another. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Even as much as we love someone we can still fail them at times. But God will never fail us. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

We have a burden bearer and His name is Jesus. When we are overwhelmed we can go to the one who is greater than our circumstances. We need only to call on Him and He will meet us right where we are. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation, thank you for bearing our burdens!

Psalm 68:19 (NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

HOW TO OUTWIT OUR GOOD INTENT

January 20, 2016 By Mikki Jo 8 Comments

“One last box and I’ll be done, and my New Year resolution will transform this spare room into a wonderful exercise room! I’m on my way to a healthier and skinnier me!” That’s what I’d said to myself last year. And here I stand in the middle of a once again cluttered room with boxes and bags all around me.

The treadmill was decorated with an old coat, an afghan, a pair of “too small” jeans, and a wooden back-scratcher. (I wondered where that back-scratcher had ran off to.) The weight lifting bench held a pair of boots, a wore out pair of Nikes and a pair of blinged out sandals I couldn’t live without.

Once again, the room was filled with even more clutter AND exercise equipment. And I was still unhealthy, overweight and disappointed in myself. How did I allow this to happen?

I had good intentions but I was never committed.

Good intentions.

There’s more than one sad song about people with good intentions.

Sometimes our spiritual life can get cluttered. The Holy Spirit comes and cleans us out and we fill ourselves right back up with junk. Instead of reading the word of God, we binge watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Instead of meeting the Lord in prayer we ease our conscience with a “now I lay me down to sleep” poem. Instead of going to church and being part of a local body of Christ, we watch TBN. And we wonder why we feel so undone and so empty inside.

How do we make a real commitment and a real change?

We need a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

When we make no real commitment to Christ after we accept Him, we are in danger of being filled right back up with things of the world instead of a Christ-like attitude. Luke 11:24 (NIV) “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” These are some pretty scary words Jesus spoke in this chapter about our spiritual condition.Some people feel they don’t need to commit to a local church body, but God’s word says otherwise. Just like physical exercise strengthens our physical body, spiritual exercise strenghtens our spiritual body. The body of Christ are the church members, and we need each other. We have a responsibility to each other. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Let us become committed to Jesus Christ and our local church body. We can’t allow ourselves to be cluttered up with junk after we’ve been cleaned out! Be committed! Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

MEMORIES OF AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

December 13, 2015 By Mikki Jo 20 Comments

I’ve heard of a ghost from Christmas past but this is a post from Christmas past. Past Christmases have been on my mind more this year than any other, which led me to create an old fashioned Christmas tree. I wanted to share it with my children and grandchildren.

The magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes, in a child’s heart, on a child’s face, is peaceful and chaotic all at the same time.

I remember Grandma’s Christmas tree, an oddly shaped cedar tree with sprawling branches reaching clumsily in every direction. It would be all lit up with big gaudy bright lights, red and green and blue and yellow and orange. The tree would glisten with silver icicle tinsel and hanging from each branch was the old “Shiny Brite” glass balls.

In Grandma’s window were candles with orange bulbs. As Daddy and Mom and my brother and I would head home on Sunday evenings I would watch through the back car window until we were over the second hill, and the candle lights would finally fade away into the night. I always felt a sense of sadness when this happened and I don’t know why. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes and I still have no idea why.

Growing up, the magic of Christmas was important in my family. Mom and Dad always made it special. Traditions have been passed down from my grandparents to my parents, then to me and my children and grandchildren.

Always pass those beautiful memories and traditions down to your children. And encourage them to make their own traditions as well.

Along with the magic of Christmas my Grandma taught us about Jesus. My Grandma and Mom prayed us all right into His arms, never ceasing to pray for us. And I know a few of us gave them a run for their money.

Mom and Grandma have their own stories. Through the years they shared of the goodness of the Lord and what He done in their lives. And we remember these stories and speak of them often and we thank Him for His wonderful grace.

It’s good to remember the days of long ago and have a HALLELUJAH party! Psalm 134:3 (NIV) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.

As I remember the Christmases past, I also remember the goodness of God. Both yesterday and today. I look back and see the blessings from my childhood and how they have molded me into who I am today. And I’m thankful. I’m thankful for God fearing Parents and Grandparents. And I’m thankful for an old fashioned Christmas that reminded me of so much love. Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

EVEN IN TRAGEDY THERE IS COMFORT

November 30, 2015 By Mikki Jo 7 Comments

The phone rang, it was one of those calls. The one to tell you that someone you love has passed away. I was sure I heard the name wrong, this can’t be true. He was too young, it’s impossible. You ask again, saying the name out loud, to make sure you heard them correctly.

Yes.

It was him, he’s gone.

At first I sat there in shock, then I cried, then I got angry. I cried again. Then I began to pray for his family.

I never questioned God, because I know His plan is perfect. I know His ways are higher than my ways, His thoughts are greater than my thoughts. He wants even better than I do for those I love. Because you see, He loves them even more than I do. Isaiah 55:9 (NIV) As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

How do we make it through such a tragic loss?

1 By trusting in Him. Psalm 9:10 (NIV) Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

2 By holding tightly to Him. Psalm 63:8 (NIV) I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

3 By allowing Him to comfort us. Matthew 5:4 (NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Remind ourselves of the beautiful hope for the future. Revelation 21:4 (NIV) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

We can’t allow ourselves to refuse the comfort of God. Let’s run to Him with our broken hearts and He will be waiting. When our pain is too much to bear He will rescue us. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

HOW TO GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND

November 24, 2015 By Mikki Jo 7 Comments

The kitchen had five women busily moving about preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Each one creating and tasting and measuring and pouring. Working together like a well oiled machine…

…until…

…chaos ensued.

Mom asked, “Did anyone salt the mashed potatoes?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Uhm, yeah I did.”

“Hm, so did I.”

“Ugh, me too.”

“And so did I,” said Mom.

They were the saltiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever tasted.

“The rolls!” Mom yelled. She opens the oven door and smoke began pouring out. The scent of well scorched rolls filled the room, the kitchen door was opened up. The crisp November air was welcomed in as the thick smoke was rolling out.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear, a HUGE dog leaped in with a bound. Sniffing and licking and wagging and drooling, all over the kitchen. More yelling from all five women, “A DOG!” “Whose dog is that?!” “Get that dog out!” “Where’d that dog come from!” “Oh my!”

Thanksgiving day lesson: KEEP A GUARD AT YOUR KITCHEN DOOR! And, don’t salt the mashed potatoes five times.

During the month of November we’ve talked about lies, fear, and negative thoughts. These are all strongholds that satan uses to defeat us. He is out to steal, kill, and destroy. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

KEEP A GUARD AT YOUR HEART’S DOOR

We need to safeguard against spiritual strongholds by being aware of what we think, what we hear, what we see, and what we speak. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Let the peace of God guard our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today let’s commit to accepting God’s word, believing God’s word, confessing God’s word, and living God’s word.

TRADE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS FOR THE ASSURANCE OF GOD

November 19, 2015 By Mikki Jo 10 Comments

The glass is always half empty. She always sees the difficulty instead of the opportunity. She always fears the storm instead of looking for the rainbow.

Yeah that’s me. How do you see your glass?

Only days ago, I explained how this is natural. It’s human nature. It’s survival. It’s how we protect our hearts and minds from pain and disappointment. Pessimism is okay, as long as you use it to protect yourself and those you love.

What a lie I’ve been telling myself all these years! I’m thankful to have found this out. While listening to a message from my Pastor this past weekend, I realized negative thoughts can lead to a “critical” spirit. All these years I have been discouraging myself, not protecting myself. I had thrown a wet blanket on the fire of the Holy Spirit, and stifled my HOPE in God. A pessimistic spirit had somehow set up residence in my life and kept me discouraged and expecting the worst in every situation.

There is no way we can have hope if we continually speak discouragement or see the glass half empty or fail to consider God’s purpose in the midst of difficulty. With no hope is distrust. Let me tell you, we need not think we will journey any distance with the Lord if we don’t trust Him.

So, after walking in a circle of my own creation I am soooo excited to step out and shed this cloak of discouragement, this spirit of pessimism. A stronghold that has remained safely hidden for many years calling itself protection.

Not only do we shut out the hope of God when we respond to circumstances with discouragement instead of encouragement, but we teach it to our children without even realizing it. Teaching them to always expect the worst instead of the best. “Don’t get your hopes up, in case things don’t work out. That way it won’t hurt as bad.” I’m just shaking my head at myself right now. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Pessimism is born out of fear, fear of the unknown. This is not what God wants for us. He desires to deliver us from fear. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and he answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.

In our life bad things will happen. Don’t be afraid to expect good things. Don’t be afraid to hope for good things. Trust in God to calm the storms of life. Psalm 107:28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

There’s hope in every situation with the Lord. Always, hope. Psalm 130:7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.

Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

The hope we have in Jesus swallows up discouragement.

HOPE