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By Betsy Ore Glass

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 NIV

We are seeing what happens when an ocean roars out of control. Losses of dwellings that were once homes full of memories are swept out to sea, making national headlines. Winds that appear to be calm one minute can build in the next and combined with the right atmospheric conditions, begins to circulate and an out of control tornado starts a rampage of destruction. These are all forms of nature, but do you know that we can operate out of control too?

Learning to do something new takes discipline and instruction. We do that when we want to learn and grow. Exercising discipline and taking advice are good things. When we begin to walk away from God’s Word, His guidance and His instruction, is when we start walking in the deep end of the water alone. If we cast our cares on God and seek Him and keep our eyes fixed on Him and His teachings, we won’t lose control and veer into the dark, where lack of self-control feeds itself.

Have you ever been so angry that you did something and then regretted it? Have you ever said words to someone in a few short minutes, only to realize later that it would take many lifetimes to repair the damage done? What causes someone to lose control? Usually it is born out fear of some kind. Fear and living in fear can cause a person to react in many ways, all of which reflect an out of control countenance. But if the emotions, heart and mind are rooted in God and His Ways, we can’t have faith and fear at the same time. God says to walk in faith. We face trials sometimes that make us feel like we want to have a temper tantrum at times. But, did you know that trials are often a test to us and reveals to God where we are in our level of faith? Walk away from anything, any behavior or thoughts that don’t line up with God. (Titus 2) Apologies and repenting brings forgiveness and paves the way for new beginnings and a fresh start. Building faith by reading the Word and memorizing scripture now is like putting money in the bank. The strength from a strong faith will be there for us later when we need to call upon it.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.

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