Wrapped Up in Buried Treasure

Kolleen Lucariello is funny and witty, but also uncommonly wise, in this Christian Life UPGRADE, she encourages us to be aware of the need to store up "treasures" to help us in the tough times.

"I was wrapped up in many ways," Kolleen says, "as I sat on the porch that morning: a warm bathrobe, a heavy blanket, and my worries that had become the focus of my conversation with Jesus.

"That is, until I found myself wrapped up in distraction from the activity of a squirrel."

I (Dawn) laughed hard as I pictured Kolleen's squirrel story. I hope you will enjoy—and learn from it—too!

Kolleen continues . . .

I sat perfectly still as I watched my little squirrel friend.

When he arrived on the scene, his cheeks were bulging and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d from one side to the other as he maneuvered over the grass.  

What is he looking for? I wondered.

Suddenly, little squirrel stopped and put front paws in action; dig, dig and dig some more until all I could see was its middle section down to the tail. Once satisfied, the squirrel sat upright and spit the nut from its cheeks into its front paws, gave it one last glance and plopped the nut into the hole.

Then, with great precision, the squirrel pulled the dirt over the nut and commenced leveling and arranging the grass. A little pat here and a little pat there until satisfied and then, little squirrel scampered away.

Amazed by what I’d witnessed, I wondered if I’d be able to find the location of the nut. I was stunned to discover I could not see—with or without my glasses—any evidence of where the squirrel had just been!

Two days later, I watched the same course of action take place in another area of the yard. The squirrel was preparing for winter.

But, how does a squirrel remember where it buried its treasure?

I thought to myself. If I can’t see it, how will the squirrel find it under feet of snow?

I did my own digging on the topic and discovered that, not only do they have great memories, squirrels also hide a food supply in several locations in the event they might forget or they are consumed by another.

My daughter-in-law shared a Snapple cap of “RealFacts” with me that said, “Squirrels lose more than half the nuts they hide.”

Mesmerized, I experienced an upgrade in my life as I watched the little critter bury its treasure in the yard that day.

1. The Importance of Reinforcing PREPARATION.

Just as that squirrel was preparing for winter, I was reminded of how we can prepare for the seasons of life that feel most like winter by burying the treasure of the Word of God within us.

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NLT).

When the Word is within us, it provides the warmth of hope when we feel frozen by fear or tossed by the storms of this life.

2. The Reality of EVIDENCE When Our Memory Fades.

My failure to find the exact location of where the squirrel’s treasure was buried did not erase its existence. It simply meant that I couldn’t see it; but, the squirrel knew.

It can be tempting to assume God is nowhere to be found when we feel buried beneath the heavy weight of circumstances. Life certainly has the ability to resemble winter’s harsh and bitter season.

However, I am reminded—often—that my inability to see God does not erase His existence. When I’ve buried the Word deep within, the Holy Spirit is able to bring to my memory and remind me of who He is—so it becomes easier to find where He is.

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you” (John 14:26 AMP).

We must never be fooled when our memory fails us or our treasure becomes consumed by another, such as with time and circumstance. the treasure is still there. He’s always there. 

3. The Need for MULTIPLE TREASURE RESOURCES.

In the same way the squirrel had buried multiple sources of supplies, we can do the same.

We can set up a system of support for the moments when we simply can’t draw from our memory bank the Word treasures we’ve hidden; or for—as the enemy likes to do—times when what has been planted is stolen (Mark 4:1-8).

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT).

During the storms of winter, when it can be tempting to isolate, there is treasure to be found in community.

God is your main Source, but where, or who, are the other sources in your life to offer life-sustaining spiritual nourishment when you most need it?

So on those dark days, ask yourself: what’s my treasure and where have I buried it?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com

Graphic adapted courtesy of Alexa at Pixabay.

Advice from a King

Sally Ferguson always encourages readers to look at the plain truth of scripture and then apply it to their lives. In this Wisdom UPGRADE, she reminds us of a famous king who knew he needed God's help as he made plans for his future. Sally says we need to turn to the Lord regarding the details of our lives too.

"The world has been watching as the monarchy changed hands in England," Sally says. "A cherished Queen passed her torch to her son."

Like much of the world, I (Dawn) watched Queen Elizabeth's memorial service. The regal celebration of her life was only overshadowed by the sadness in her family at her passing. I watched King Charles' face—incredible grief—and wondered what he was thinking. Was he overwhelmed by the role that would soon be his?

Sally continues . . .

The logistics of rulership include reminting currency, updating police uniforms, and building facades to project the King’s image and cypher. The national anthem becomes "God bless the King," and His Majesty’s preferences will take priority. At the end of an era, the Queen’s deeds are memorialized. *

Another son also rose to power when his famous father passed from this life.

King Solomon

Solomon had big sandals to fill when the baton was passed to him. I can imagine his knees quivering as he asked God for help with his new role.

“Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help” (2 Chronicles 1:10 CEB).

Had God asked me about my greatest wish, I’m not sure I would have thought to ask for wisdom.

Solomon watched his dad struggle with political egos and expansions, and knew it was beyond his comprehension. David’s rule grew with the kingdom—now it was up to his son to manage.

Some of Solomon’s quest for understanding is recorded for us in the book of Proverbs.

1. Plan away, but God saves the day.

I’m a planner down to the last detail. Sometimes plans must be set aside.

Maybe you’ve experienced this when the phone rang, and your plans changed because of an emergency at home? Or work called and needed extra hands for the task?

It happened to me this summer when my carefully composed itinerary wouldn’t print for our family reunion. Hubby said, “Let’s just go with it,” and we did.

Everything progressed for a fun boating adventure and, as far as I know, we didn’t leave anyone in the middle of the lake.

Solomon says,

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).

Have you been orchestrating details the Lord wants to direct? What would it look like to submit them to God’s guidance?

2. Dedicated plans. Successful outcomes.

When my friend’s Multiple Sclerosis advanced, she opted to seek relief with Stem Cell Replacement Therapy. She gathered a team to help with financial planning, physical care in traveling to Chicago, and practical help at home. It was daunting.

Our prayers felt like desperation knocking on heaven’s door.

My team brainstormed options for fundraising and decided to host a Harvest Fest with vendors, raffle baskets and children’s activities.

• We got on the phone and knocked on doors.
• We prayed for the Lord to do a mighty work for His glory.
• We cheered when people donated supplies and time.
• We celebrated when the farmer volunteered his wagon and horses for a hayride, and when the church rallied around our cause.

The day was a smashing success and a miracle to watch unfold. Six years later, we still marvel at what the Lord did in our midst.

Solomon says,

“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place" (Proverbs 16:3 MSG).

Do you have trust issues?

God is able to handle the details.

How can you release your desires to God's undertaking?

3. Everything is potential for God’s redemption.

Some things in life don’t feel redeemable. Romans 8:28 reminds us every detail of our lives can be worked into something good for God’s glory.

I wrote a piece for Live & Learn: Unexpected Lessons From God’s Classroom that felt very vulnerable. It laid bare the outbursts I had when my kids were little. It exposed my impatience when life got out of control. And yet it became a tool for healing to see the Lord redeem life in the learning room with God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 says we give better to others what we learn from our own suffering.

Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose. . . “(NASB).

If everything has a purpose, then the junk you’re going through will one day be something you’ll treasure.

What part of life leaves you feeling vulnerable? Will you surrender it to God’s safe keeping until it becomes a blessing for someone else?

Solomon’s reasons for writing Proverbs are listed in Proverbs 1:2-6. There are 31 chapters—why not study one each day of the month? You’ll never lose your place when the chapter corresponds with the date on the calendar.

My prayer for today:

Lord, align my will to do Your will and grant me a dream worthy of the pursuit. May Your Name be glorified. Amen.

What dream will you pursue with the Lord’s help?

Sally Ferguson usually has to go through the school of hard knocks to learn her lessons. She’s learning to let the Lord use her foibles to help others and bring encouragement for the journey. Her story is available in Live & Learn: Unexpected Lessons From God’s Classroom. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad and is working on a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with Sally on her on her website.

* Reference: https://www.royal.uk/his-majesty-kings-cypher

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Daniel Kirsch at Pixabay.

Restore Sparkle to Your Hope

Joanie Shawhan is a hope-giver. In this Hope UPGRADE, she shares five ways to rethink our circumstances when we feel like our hope has waned."I opened my invitation," Joanie said. "The words unfurled like a banner—Sparkle of Hope."

Anytime I (Dawn), see the word "sparkle," I sit up and take notice. I like just about any kind of bling. But to have the "sparkle of hope"? How wonderful!

Joanie continues . . .

Hope? Stress from unforeseen circumstances had sapped my strength and drained my hope.

The words that spread across the invitation to our ovarian cancer fundraising gala convicted me.

My hope had lost its sparkle.

I recalled another September, in 2006, when I clung to a thread of hope. I had rolled over in bed and felt a mass in my abdomen.

That delicate thread of hope unraveled when I heard the words, “You have ovarian cancer.”

As cancer survivors, we hope:

• as we race for the cure,
• while we endure our next treatment, and
• waiting on tenterhooks* for encouraging results from our next test. 

Sometimes I doubted God’s faithfulness. I begged him for answers and wondered if he heard my cries.

Fear and anxiety overwhelmed me.

What if I received an answer I didn’t want to hear? I had been disappointed in the past by undesirable results in response to my prayers.

I felt my hope waver.

But does hope itself waver? I don’t think so.

I’m the one wavering as I vacillate between two opinions.

Sometimes I behave like the Israelites when Elijah challenged them on Mount Carmel. “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21 NIV).

Now it’s my turn to answer this question: Is God God or is He not? Is my hope based upon my circumstances or is my hope based upon who God is?

Ovarian cancer was not what I wanted to hear. I felt blindsided. I wasn’t sure I’d survive the treatments.

Sometimes my hope lost its sparkle.

But God was with me, holding me, comforting me.

I’m reminded of these words from an old hymn:

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, my righteousness.” **

My hope is in Christ.

How Do I Restore Sparkle to My Hope?

1. Praise God for who He is.

When I feel devastated or overwhelmed, offering praise can require conscious effort. Maybe this is why Scripture instructs us to offer a sacrifice of praise.

I can join David and praise God for who He is and for His faithfulness.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5 NLT).

2. Remember what God has done. 

I reflect on how God has answered my prayers in the past, how His presence comforted me and brought me through previous trials.

I remember His promises to me personally and the promises from His Word.

“Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you” (Psalm 42:5 NLT).

3. Ask God for wisdom.

I tend to ask God, “Why is this happening to me?”

Instead, maybe I need to ask Him for wisdom to walk through my current trial, for scriptures to anchor my faith and offer me assurance of His love and provision.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV).

4. Give Thanks.

In my brokenness, I struggle to give thanks. But I don’t necessarily thank God for the situation. I thank Him for who He is in the midst of the pain and confusion.

Maybe He wants to reveal a new facet of His character to me through this crisis and draw me closer to Him. I thank him for the specific ways He has answered my prayers and seen me through other trials.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

5. Trust God.

When I have done all I know to do, I let go and trust the One who loves me and gave His life for me.

Sometimes when I was going through chemotherapy, all I could do was rest like a little child in his arms.

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3 NLT).

Whatever the circumstances we face, He promises to be with us and to never leave us. He is for us and not against us. He loves us.

“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NASB).

How do you restore the “sparkle” to your hope when you are going through a trial?

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of “Your story plus my story become our stories.” An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Life Repurposed, and We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished. Follow Joanie at www.joanieshawhan.com.

* To wait on tenterhooks is to be "stretched tight" or be tense while waiting in anticipation or suspense.

** Hymn: “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” by Edward Mote, 1834.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures at Pixabay.

7 Powerful Ways Gentleness Benefits You

Debbie W. Wilson is an encourager, faithfully pointing readers to the powerful and refreshing Word of God. In this Character UPGRADE, Debbie explores gentleness and how it not only honors God, but benefits us in powerful ways.

"Do you value gentleness or view it as weakness?" Debbie asks. "Some people think volume and coarseness show strength. The Bible teaches the opposite"

I (Dawn) have never had much of a problem with gentleness . . . or so I thought. Reading Debbie's post, I realized I've seldom been gentle with myself. Others are far from gentle with others. In whatever way we struggle with gentleness, this is enlightening.

Debbie continues . . .

Gentleness is powerful. Are you gentle?

How do you treat your weaknesses?

• Do you chastise yourself when you fall short of your standards or impose stringent disciplines to overcome your weaknesses?
• Or, do you treat yourself with compassion?

How do you treat those who disappoint you, are caught in sin, or don’t share your views?

• Do you raise your voice and pound the table to hold their attention?
• Do you hope to win them through quarreling or intimidation?

Using gentleness to combat sin and weakness may seem counterintuitive. Yet, it can change a king’s heart and break a bone.

It may not be your natural response, but this supernatural choice carries divine power.

The Gifts of Gentleness

1. Gentleness helps us experience Jesus.

Gentleness is powerful because it is godly.

Jesus describes Himself as gentle. When we're gentle with ourselves and with others, we represent and experience Him.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29 NIV).

Consider how you talk to yourself. Are you kind? Do you allow time for rest, room for growth, and grace for mistakes?

Your gentleness makes me great (Psalm 18:35 GW).

2. Gentleness moves hearts.

Gentleness is more powerful than yelling, arguing, or using harsh discipline.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1 NLT

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone (Proverbs 25:15 NIV).

3. Gentleness helps restore those who’ve fallen away.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path (Galatians 6:1 NLT).

4. Gentleness empowers speech.

With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25 NASB).

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).

5. Gentleness reveals wisdom.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13 NASB).

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others (James 3:17 NLT).

6. Gentleness empowers godly leadership.

He [a church leader] must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money (1 Timothy 3:3 NLT).

7. Gentleness is beautiful and precious to God.

Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious (1 Peter 3:4 GW).

What if I'm Not Naturally Gentle?

We can't manufacture a gentle spirit. However, as we surrender each aspect of our lives to God, His Spirit fills and empowers us to look like Jesus (Galatians 5:16).

We ask Him to fill us, and then by faith, we live as His Word instructs.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: ... gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient (Colossians 3:12 GW).

Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5 NIV).

Be humble and gentle in every way (Ephesians 4:2 GW).

Have you experienced the power of gentleness extended either to you or by you? What is your favorite verse or story showing the power of gentleness?

Debbie W. Wilson, Bible teacher and former biblical counselor, combines insight and encouragement to inspire people to trust Christ with their lives. Her books include Little Faith, Big God, Little Women, Big God, and Give Yourself a Break. She and her husband Larry founded Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit biblical counseling and Bible study ministry. Debbie enjoys dark chocolate, a good mystery, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Find free resources and connect with Debbie at RefreshingFaith.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesty of Olivia Snow at Freely Photos.

When We Feel Like Jesus Doesn't Care . .

Kathy Collard Miller makes hard truths understandable and simple truths powerfully motivating. In this Faith UPGRADE, she reminds us that God is working in and for us in our most difficult storms of life because He deeply cares about us.

"We’ve all experienced times when our circumstances seem to indicate Jesus doesn’t really care," Kathy says, "We may feel overwhelmed, or our prayers aren’t being answered as we would like."

Yes, I (Dawn) have experienced that feeling many times. Once, I remember asking, "Lord, where are you? Do you see me?"

Of course, I knew He was present and He saw me. Years of trusting Him taught me that. But feelings in that moment threatened to rule over my faith. I'm glad Kathy is addressing this important issue.

Kathy continues . . .

A story in the Bible, in Mark 4:35-41, exactly addresses our heart’s longing to be cared about.

In this passage, Jesus and the disciples are in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, and the storm is so extreme the disciples fear they will die.

God Cares about You in Your Struggle

1. Everyone, even the disciples, questioned whether Jesus cared about them.

You are not alone.

They ask, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Why do they ask? Because Jesus is asleep on a cushion.

I’d say that’s really uncaring and inattentive.  

The fact that these hardened fishermen are expressing feelings like wanting to be cared about is incredible and fascinating. Most men hide their feelings, but here they express their deepest longings:

Please! Someone! Care that we are going to die!

2. Our storms feel overwhelming when there’s no instant solution.

I can surely understand the disciples’ terror. They may have even thought nothing bad would happen to them because they are with Jesus.

But there truly was a reason for fear. Even though most of them were seasoned fishermen, this storm was obviously way beyond their comfort zone. They knew fishermen who had perished in storms like this.

The Sea of Galilee was famous for sudden windstorms. The boat was not just taking on water—it was “swamped.”

As they looked around for help, what did they see? Jesus asleep on a cushion. The man who should have been the first to take care of them was completely oblivious to their need and fear.

We, like them, can see the dangers of the storm hitting us, and it seems like Jesus is oblivious.

He isn’t answering our cries for help—the way we want Him to.

3. We interpret the 'silence' as 'Jesus doesn’t care.'

When the disciples can’t stand it anymore, they “woke him” (vs. 38).

• Did they jostle him? The boat was already being jostled.
• Did they call to him? The sounds of the wind were already screaming.
• Did they grab him and shake him? That’s what I would have done. Out of terror and feeling abandoned.

We can be tempted to express our terror and abandonment through emotional outbursts because we’re afraid we’ll hear, “No, I don’t care because you don’t deserve it” or some other lie.

I’ve been guilty of getting angry at my husband Larry, and only later realizing my heart was crying out, “Show me you love me! Maybe my anger, distress, or craziness will get your attention.”

I think we can have the same reaction to Jesus which expresses itself through doubt, distrust, and ungodly reactions.

4. Even when it seems Jesus doesn’t care, remember who He is.

After Jesus calms the storm and the danger is past, the disciples are filled with wonder and awe. They rightly ask, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41-42).

If they had asked each other at the beginning—“But remember what He’s already done for us?”—they might not have wondered if Jesus cared about them.

That’s most likely exactly why a story like the Sea of Galilee storm is included in the Gospel account.

I wonder how many times the disciples—who became the Apostles—said things like, “Remember that time Jesus was sleeping, but He woke up and immediately calmed the storm? We had to wait but He came through. He’s going to do the same thing for this challenge.”

We can do the same thing.

• We can reflect on his nature of omniscience: “This is no surprise to Jesus. He knows everything.”
• We can reflect on His nature of perfect love: “Even though He seems to be asleep on a cushion, He hasn’t stopped loving us or caring for us.”
• We can reflect on His power: “This storm is no problem for Him.”
• We can reflect on His wisdom: “We can trust whatever reason He is allowing this. He will solve it at the right time.”

Remembering the truth brings glory to God.

5. Jesus is compassionate even as He invites the disciples to have more faith.

When have you wondered if Jesus cares? The good news is He didn’t give up on the disciples even as He gently called for greater faith.

I wish I could have seen the expression on His face. I think it’s not one of frustration but compassion. And since He knows the future, He knows He will continue to strengthen their faith until they become powerful witnesses for the Kingdom.

Can you hear Him say to you, “Child, I do care! Trust me. I know exactly what I’m doing and it’s for your good and my glory”?

The next time it seems Jesus doesn’t care, what will you remember He already done and how it revealed His nature?

Kathy Collard Miller loves to help women trust God more through her 59 books and speaking in 35 states and 9 foreign countries. She is a wife, mother, grandmother living in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, Larry of 52 years. Her website/blog is www.KathyCollardMiller.com. Kathy’s newest book is a women’s Bible study on courage: Heart of Courage: Daughter of the King Bible Study Series. This post is adapted from Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Dimitris Vetsikas at Pixabay.