The Invisible Bridge

The Invisible Bridge
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1

In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy Jones takes a journey to find the Holy Grail – the cup Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. Along his quest, he uses his father’s journal as a resource to guide and show him how to overcome the obstacles present in order to find his treasure. The last test he comes up against is a test of faith. He must step onto the “invisible bridge” in order to cross a cavern. Everything he read in his father’s journal told him it would work, but it is hard to put your life on the line for something you cannot see. It was not until he had put his full weight on the bridge and had taken a step that he discovered with certainty that the bridge was real.

Faith comes first in believing that God is who He says He is. John 3:16 says that whoever believes that God gave His son as a sacrifice for our sins shall have eternal life. The first step in being a Christian is to move forward in faith and believe. The second step comes in believing God will do what He says He will. It is about believing in God’s promises even when it doesn’t feel like they are promises. It is trusting in Him, even when those around you think you are crazy.

Hebrews’ chapter 11 is known as the Hall of Faith. It documents amazing people of the Old Testament who lived out their faith. It was by faith Noah built an ark; it was by faith Abraham left his home and his inheritance; it was by faith Sarah had a child in her old age; it was by faith Moses’ parents hid him from the Egyptians when he was born; and it was by faith the people of Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry land. There are many stories of people relying on their faith in God, even when it didn’t make sense.

Sometimes, taking those steps of faith is difficult. It is hard to step forward into the things unseen and to rest in faith. The great news is that we have a letter from our Lord. A letter that tells us that we are loved children of God. A letter that confirms that our faith is based on truth, a letter that tells of the blessings the Lord has for us when we are willing to take a step of faith. This letter is the Bible. No matter what part of the journey you are on right now, God is with you and He is for you. Take a step of faith in Him; put your full weight onto His promises. He will not let you down.

Enjoy!!

I believe

I Believe*...

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe*... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe*... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe*... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe*... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe*... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe*... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe*... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe*... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe*... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe*... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe*... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe*... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe*... That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe*... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe*... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe*... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe*... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe*... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe *... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe*... That you shouldn't be so eager to find Out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe*... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe*... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe*... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - You will find the strength to help.
I Believe*... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe*... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe*... 'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything.

Fat Like Me

I was watching a show on Lifetime last night called "Fat Like Me". I know what your thinking. Lifetime? Really? Yes, Lifetime. But in this movie this skinny, pretty, petite girl, Allison does a documentary on what it's like to be fat in today's society. She rents the 'fat' suit, gets someone to make a 'fat' mask, buys the 'fat' clothes, and makes 'fat' friends. Just so she can get the inside scoop on what it's like to be looked at differently.

In this movie, Allison's mom is overweight as well. Allison finally musters up the courage to talk with her mom about her concerns. First, she apologizes for all the years of making fun and ignoring her. She tells her how she has been made fun of for having a fat mom. How her mom never could run on the soccer field with her or wanted to take her swimming. She tells her that she never thought to think how she (the mom) felt. Then, she goes on to tell her how she feels that her mom has been selffish. How she has picked food over her health. How she has picked food over her kids. Umm...this has pulled some strings with me. Is that what I've been doing? Picking food over my kids? Why would I do that? I'm a good mom. But then I was thinking...that IS what I'm doing. Everytime I put something in my mouth, I'm picking that over my health and my kids. I'm slowing killing myself with Dr. Peppers, thin mint Girl Scout cookies, and chicken fried steak.

I've decided I'm going to try to do better for myself and my kids. I may still have my one Dr. Pepper a day, but that's it. Only one.

I know people say you shouldn't tell everyone you're dieting because then people will look at you everytime you put something in your mouth. But, people already look me. Why not have some accountablity? We'll see how it goes.

Happy eating!!