But Then… (How to Encourage Yourself)

   This may sound a little strange, and maybe even self-absorbed, but one way I’ve found to encourage myself when I get discouraged is to read things I’ve written, or listen to recording of myself preaching.  Now don’t get me wrong, I listen and read books by lots of other preachers and have learned lots from them, but when I’m discouraged, I find encouragement in my own writing and preaching.  Why?  Because, I go back to those things that God has already dealt with me on, and things that were a revelation to me.  Those God influences in my life, that’s the grace of God.  

    King David did the same thing.    When his followers were upset with him, he did the same thing. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” I Sam. 30: 6 KJV.  This verse doesn’t say how he encouraged himself in the LORD,  but I wonder if he didn’t go back to one of the songs he had written, and read or sing the words to himself, reminding himself that God was faithful.

    I’m a big promoter of journaling, and this is one of the benefits of journaling.  You can go back and see where God has been faithful in your life.   

Sometimes when you’re discouraged, you have to get all the way to the “But then…”. What do I mean by that? In Psalms 77, the psalmist was really discouraged, he felt God had rejected and forgotten him. He couldn’t even sleep at night because he was so distressed (verse 4). He felt God’s hand was totally against him (feelings can be so deceiving) then he gets to verse 11 and says, “But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember you wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works…”. He goes on declaring all the marvelous workings of God in the past, and that encouraged him and strengthened him in the present. 

       So when you’re discouraged, distressed, disappointed, or any other ‘dis’ in life, get all the way to the “But then…” and start going over all the good things God has done in the past for you, and the wonderful things in His Word He declares for you. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Get to the “But then…” and change your thinking to His goodness and love for you.                                                                          

He Walked with Me Through

The book is now available on Amazon.com

 These last few weeks have been pretty busy with my eyes glued to a computer screen doing the last edits and formatting on my 1st book called, “He Walked with Me Through”.  On Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 it went live (available) on Amazon.  

    This is the story of Todd’s accident, TBI, and the bizarre life that followed for me, struggling through being a caretaker, and then later a widow.  Even though it’s not a happy story, I still hope it can bring hope to the reader.  Even through the darkest times, God can walk with you.  We don’t always get delivered out of the darkness, but He always promises to walk with us through it.   Then as we take one step at a time through the dark valley, we make progress towards the light and the beauty again.

   I’ve dreamed for years of writing and publishing my writings.  It didn’t just happen, I had to make it happen, and do the work, but the dream has come true.  I’m still dreaming.  I have at least three more ‘books’ floating around in my thoughts, and working on getting them down on paper.  

    Thanks for reading!

   

Check Mate

     

My very excited redheaded grandson with a slight speech impediment tried so hard to explain to me how to set up my chess pieces to play this daunting game.  He was especially excited because he had just gotten this chess board that day on his sixth birthday.  He loves to play games.  He loves the challenge and loves to compete against anyone willing to play with him.  Now his gray haired Grandma sat across from him totally bewildered as I listened to him explain what to do.  He tried to tell  me where each piece went and then declared, you go first because you're white.   My only problem was I had no idea what or where each piece could do, or move.  So I moved a pawn one square.  His next move was strategically moved  across the board.  I moved a piece and he said I had captured one of his pieces.  I bewilderedly removed it from the board.  In the next move he declared 'checkmate.'  He had won.   I had no idea why or how, but he said my king was cornered and I was in check mate, and he was declared the winner.

    He was mostly excited because he had just beat his grandma in chess, this old lady was an easy opponent, but to him, she was an adult and he had won game.  Little did he realize that this Grandma didn't know even how to play, so winning was a given for him.

    I thought about other games in life I've been thrown into, without knowing the rules.  My opponent knew how to play, and was eager to do me in, but I was clueless, and was fumbling along.  Had I had prior instruction before playing I may have stood a chance in winning, but no rules were explained, I just had to jump in and play, and often times ended up loosing.  Education!

    In the game of life, it's always beneficial to learn the rules and strategies before proceeding too far.  We were given a rule book to play by.  The Bible has even been called "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth."  Learn from the one who created the game.  He knows every move we can make and should make to win and He's eager to tell us how to play the game, because He wants us to win.  All we have to do, is read the instruction and listen to His voice, as He explains the next move to make.

     II Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, throughly equipped for every good work."   In II Timothy 2:15 is says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."      Lets dig into God's Word to find the right way to win at this game of life.    For it's His Word that lights up our path, and shows us where go.  Psalms 119:105   

  I think I’ll study on some chess rules and moves too before playing my grandson again.  It would be beneficial for both of us if I did.  He’d actually have an opponent then, and I might stand a chance winning. 

Setting Out on a Coddiwomple Adventure

 Setting out on a Coddiwomple Adventure

The Great Adventure       

By Stephen Curtis Chapman

“Saddle up your horses

We’ve got a trail to blaze

Through the wild blue yonder of God’s Amazing Grace

Let’s follow our leader in the glorious unknown

This is the life like no other whoa

This is the Great Adventure”

     This song has been one of my all time favorites for years, and in fact it’s been the ring tone on my phone for over 10 years.  I’ve sung it, I’ve listened to it, but most of all I’ve lived it, and I am now off on another adventure.  But what is an adventure?  According to the dictionary an adventure is: An exciting or very unusual experience, a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.   I’m setting out in a Coddiwomple way; which means to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.  That’s what is happening in my life right now. I’m going to begin to travel with purpose but the destination is vague right now.

     Recently I made the decision to leave Kenmare and Alive Christian Fellowship as the pastor.  Now what to do?  I just feel it’s time to for me to do something different and take a new direction in ministry.  I’ve loved pastoring Alive Christian Fellowship and will miss the people very much.  I’ve been here in Kenmare at Alive CF almost seven years.  It’s been quite the ride.  There’s been some highs and some lows, but God has been with me through it all.

     At the time of this writing, my plan is to sell my house here, and then find a motorhome and travel wherever the Lord leads.  I’m available to come preach, sing, do my comedy act, or just help out wherever.  Just like Jesus told Mary at the resurrection, “go and tell…” (Matt 28:10)  I feel compelled to go and tell the good news.  And like Jesus said of himself in Luke 4:43 “I must preach the good news, the Gospel, of the kingdom of God to the other cities and towns also, for I was sent for this purpose…”  I know I’m not Jesus, but I am part of His body.  He declared the purpose of His body, and now I get to do my assignment to complete that purpose. 

  For a season my assignment was here in Kenmare, sharing the Gospel with those in this area.  I gave it my all and poured my heart into it with everything I had.  But now that assignment is over. It’s time to take the next step, no matter how shaky and uncertain it seems, I go out following my Shepherds voice.  Like all things, this traveling about will be just for a season, although I don’t know yet the length of this season.   I do want to eventually have a ‘home base’ and a home/house to live in again.  

    I’m also working on completing my first book, “He Walked with Me Through.”  The story of walking through trauma, grief, and loss.  The book is in rough draft, but I’m hoping to have it published by the end of this year. 

    I’ve updated my blog site.  The web address is still: www.kelleycamera.blogspot.com but the emphasis is more on Unfolding Grace Ministry now.  I will be trying to post updates on where I am and what I’m doing on the blog.  I’ve even attached a way you can partner up and come along side me in the way of giving.  It’s not just money, I covet your prayers as I step out in this adventure.  Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.

    I want to say a big thank you to all who supported me and came along side me in this past year.  It was a long hard road of recovery following surgery, but things are looking so much better.  My year checkup appointment with Mayo went well.  Although the little bit of the tumor that they could not remove is still there, it has not grown or changed.  The doctor called it ‘stable’, I call it, “It must go, in Jesus name!”   The last check up on my eyes was positive too.  They no longer feel I will loose my eye sight!  That is a big Praise the Lord!  

   Until next time, may God’s grace (His divine influence in your life) continue to guide you.  I’ll keep you posted occasionally on how His grace is influencing me.

In His Unfolding Grace

 Kelley Reuer

So What is Unfolding Grace Ministry?

 

Unfolding Grace Ministry aka Kelley Reuer

Whether pastoring Alive Christian Fellowship, leading worship, hosting a Women's Retreat, preforming comedy skits and songs, or ministering to widows, writing or being a freelance photographer, Kelley does it with all her heart.  She's learned God is always walking with her through all stages and happenings in life, whether good or bad.  This blog is to share some of that journey with you.