Overwhelmed – Sharon Bollum

Too Distracted to Pray?

February 23, 2017August 12, 2017
by Sharon

Why is it sometimes our experience with prayer is rich and comes easily and other times it feels like we’re talking into an empty well? Do you ever bow your head in solemn prayer and then a moment or two later find yourself thinking about something totally off topic? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Nothing compares to the feeling when our heart, mind and soul intersect with our boundless love for God and our desire to connect with His Holy Spirit. Read more “Too Distracted to Pray?” →

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Was That Really God’s Plan?

December 7, 2016September 3, 2018
by Sharon

Last Saturday I eulogized the 28 year old son of a friend. There were plenty of tears and lots of well-wishes for the family. I overheard a number of people comfort the parents by telling them their son’s death “Must have been God’s plan.

The next day I did a Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (nilmdts.com) hospital session for a baby in the NICU who is unlikely to ever go home with her parents. As a volunteer photographer I’m not allowed to share my faith with the families I serve. This particular baby girl belongs to a Christian family though. In fact, their pastor was there in the NICU to dedicate the baby to the Lord with a handful of family members in attendance. It was my honor to capture the event with pictures and video. Should the baby pass away, they’ll have the images as a lasting remembrance of their child. Read more “Was That Really God’s Plan?” →

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No Fear!

November 8, 2016August 12, 2017
by Sharon

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:26

How are you feeling today? Are you at peace? Are you in turmoil over Politics and Fake News? Are you up to your eyeballs with work and the number of people who need something of you or from you? Are you worried about money? The future? Your health?

If you answered “peace” then praise God! If your answer was anything other than peace, I have great news for you.

The question is, do you desire the peace that transcends all understanding or would you rather live as though the fate of the whole world is in your hands?

Let’s face it; feeling like we are in control is a lot more fun than feeling like we are at the mercy of others. If you’ve ever suffered because of things beyond your control you know how sickening powerlessness can be.

We have a lifetime of experiences, choices and consequences that lead us to believe we determine our own fate. To some degree we are correct. While we have a certain amount of influence in the world and a certain ability to direct our own lives … the notion that we are in control is only an illusion.

No matter how healthy or strong we are, the future we imagine can be changed in an instant by things beyond our control.

No matter how we try to protect the people we love, we can’t keep them safe from a myriad of unspeakable things that happen in this world.

No matter who we vote for, we may wind up with the other guy (or gal) in the White House.

Like it or not, we can only control what we say and what we do. We have to trust God with everything else. When things don’t go the way we think they should, we have to remember that God is sovereign. We have to remember All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes.

[pullquote]”For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 1 Corinthians 4:17[/pullquote]

We have to remember who we are and the Mighty God we serve. How we respond to what happens in this world is THE greatest evidence of our faith in God…or lack of it.

Remember how much God loves you. His plan is perfect. His love is perfect. Believing that will bring you peace. Nothing else will.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

Half of us are unhappy with the person in the White House. Determine now to rise above it. Focus on your progress as a growing disciple of Jesus Christ. Become the kind of Christ follower who inspires others to grow in character and humility. Start a revolution of peace, love and faith in God’s Word.

And remember His promise:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Notice that the verse says “If my people” not “If everyone on earth”.

Hmmmm, how about that! As it turns out, Christian, the fate of our future really is in our hands.

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Tsunami of Hope!

October 18, 2016August 12, 2017
by Sharon

There are a lot of different natural disasters in our world.

Thanks to the invention of the camera phone, many are recorded as they happen. Mud slides, earthquakes, flash floods, hurricanes, tornados… Each one a terrifying sight to behold. The sheer strength and force of them are humbling.

When nature versus humans, it’s almost always nature who claims the victory. Leaving in its wake a path of destruction that forever changes the face of the world as we know it.

If you ever wonder about how awesome the power of God and His created universe are, go ahead and watch a few of the videos. Try to watch them without your jaw dropping in amazement and horror. I doubt you can. Read more “Tsunami of Hope!” →

Tag: <span>Overwhelmed</span>

Too Distracted to Pray?

Was That Really God’s Plan?

No Fear!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:26

Hmmmm, how about that! As it turns out, Christian, the fate of our future really is in our hands.

Tsunami of Hope!

When nature versus humans, it’s almost always nature who claims the victory. Leaving in its wake a path of destruction that forever changes the face of the world as we know it.