Entering the human race, we walk out into a world, searching for fulfillment. In our pursuit, we struggle with emotional insecurities and faulty relationships. Eventually we find ourselves in a society filled with broken people where many weary travelers are on the same endless quest for peace and well-being. In The Search Stops Here, the author gives details of her personal experiences with depression, anxiety, anger, and suicide. On her journey toward restoration, she explores the root causes of defeat, aiding in figuring out our frustrations and our hurt. She addresses life issues such as control and expectations and provides practical and proven processes for an improved level of health and wholeness.

Debbie Calvert insists that the damage of rejection can be repaired, the fight to conquer inferiority ended, and the pain of troubling emotions relieved. Tackling foundational beliefs, the author shows how thought processes affect our behaviors and strongly suggests the need of new “house rules.” This book offers convincing evidence of an alternative route – one which is more effective in offering nurture and love, human nature’s absolute necessity. Stressing the importance of living one day at a time and better understanding true success, The Search Stops Here challenges us to stop our tiring efforts and end our lifelong search.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Calvert is a woman who knows how to end the search. Her life testifies to the reality of hope and transformation.

Debbie Calvert discovered how to stop her desperate and seemingly endless search for that illusive something more. Now, by telling her miraculous story of God’s grace, she offers help and hope to others who may be looking for answers.

Suffering clinical depression herself as a young wife and mother, Debbie Calvert understands the emotional and relational difficulties that lead one to desperation. She recognizes the necessity to develop sound thoughts and truthful expectations regarding ourselves, others, and even God.

Speaking to diverse audiences, Debbie mixes humor, sound practical advice, and the truths of God’s word. Honest and transparent, she holds fast to the belief that no person or situation is beyond assistance.

Founder of Focused on Real Life Ministries, Debbie Calvert is an inspirational speaker and author. She and her husband, Bob, have been in pastoral ministry since 1983, assisting individuals, marriages and families toward wholeness and healthy relationships. They now co-pastor Heart-Changing Church in Avon, Indiana. They have two grown sons.

Click here to buy Debbie’s newest book!

This past Father’s Day my family and I went to the theatre to see The Karate Kid. I was moved especially by a certain part of the movie. Dre Parker is the young boy who meets Mr. Han, the man to teach him Kung Fu, so he could beat the school bullies in an upcoming tournament. Dre’s first lessons involved hanging up a coat, putting it on, letting it fall to the ground, picking it up, hanging it up, putting it on, etc. You get the picture!

Every day Dre came in hoping for new lessons, to “get on with it,” to become that Kung Fu champion. Each day the lesson was the same until the repetitive task changed slightly – the same “coat routine” but with a different attitude. Already frustrated by this point, the young, exasperated boy begins to hang up the coat, this time adding a little cheerful smirk. This continues for days until he finally gets fed up and throws down the coat one last time. It’s here Mr. Han says, “Pick up the coat!” When Dre does, Mr. Han draws in to take the coat from him. When he does, the young boy impulsively fights for it, with his teacher slapping his student’s day-by-day-built muscles, as a result of the tedious non-exciting lessons of hanging up, putting on, dropping, and picking up the coat. Needless to say, Dre is amazed and dumbfounded by his new-found strength.

I think that’s how we often feel, hoping for new lessons but stuck with the old ones, wanting to “get on with things” but seemingly getting nowhere. But we ARE getting somewhere. Our Teacher knows best. This line in the movie hit me like a brick: “Everything you are doing is Kung Fu.” Like us too, everything we’re doing is purposeful for our growing up, becoming strong in Jesus, conquering the bullies of life all around us, and one day teaching others to do the same.

Our character is being developed in the day-to-day mundane tasks the Lord asks of us. He wants to see how serious we are about being a champion. He wants to see if we have the determination to do whatever it takes to see that happen. Maybe you feel like me, at times, that you are only involved in “a coat routine,” getting nowhere, mad at the Father, and not understanding the principles of growing up to be champion. It’s not for us to understand but only to listen and obey the instructions of our Teacher. He knows best. Will we trust that He is only attempting to build stamina in us that when He does place us in the “center ring” of life, we will not be creamed by our opponents who seek to bring us down.

Be reminded today that no matter how hard the lesson, not one is in vain. Your spiritual muscles are being developed – you’re going from scrawny Christian to outstanding champion! Maybe that’ll help change your outlook. Perhaps we’ll both live today with a better attitude whether we’re still hanging up a coat or in the battle of a lifetime. Everything you’re doing is making a champion…even if it doesn’t feel like it!

I haven’t written a blog in a long time. I’ve been pre-occupied with writing and publishing a book.  More than that, I’ve been involved in growing up - whatever that means. Usually no one likes to reveal those experiences. They’re not as desirable to share. It’s a risk to let others know we haven’t arrived. It’s humbling to let them in on our moments of child-like frustrations. But I’m convinced that what we read or see in people is not always what really is. I believe the reality is that many of us are simply frustrated by the complex processes of growing up.

The last few days (shall I add months and years?!), I’ve been learning a lot. When I take time to evaluate things, I see that I have wasted many moments of life in frustration…not getting my way or life not going like I thought it would. In these seasons, it is easy to grow sore at God, wondering why our circumstances aren’t more pleasant, our dreams still seemingly distant, and our world not quite how we pictured. Then we are left to deal with discontent, jealousy, and plain anger.

I don’t know about you, but I’m still involved in life’s lessons. Some days the teachings come easy; other days they are troublesome and hard. But I’m convinced it’s all a part of growing up, getting stronger as a person, and overall more like Jesus. What changes me in these moments? Simply, it is when I realize my anger and admit I have been distancing myself from the only source that can help me, God.

As children, we often get mad at our Father. Not getting our way, we march to our room, slam the door, and stew there for awhile. Then when we realize we’re not getting far, we recognize Daddy’s way is best and come to the conclusion that we are the child and He is the Dad. I wish I could say I’ve only gone to my room once and slammed the door. Unfortunately, I still do. But what amazes me is when I come out of my room and my Father still loves me, recognizes I’m growing up, learning to trust Him, and gives me another chance. This is what keeps me going today. I’m growing up…STILL!!  And  you are too, my friend!!

Yesterday someone told me I was a successful speaker, writer, etc….  Honestly, I was stunned.  With little on my calendar and a manuscript still sitting in my computer, I’ve felt anything but flourishing.  Truthfully, it’s quite upsetting at times, but I’m seeing there are lessons in it all.

I’m sure God smiled when He saw me scurry to get “professional” photos, a new website, and smashing shiny business cards.  Buying in to the attempt for better success to “get myself out there,” here I am ~ at home in deadened quiet in the midst of dirty laundry, a skuzzy bathroom, and a son who will soon come home from school asking me what’s for dinner.

Coming up on my 20^th anniversary, November 19, 2009, of when God spared my life from suicide, I honestly thought I’d be soaring by now.  Friends are pastors of new churches, missionaries out saving the world, seemingly thriving.  Me – I know where I sit – in this very moment learning what it truly means to be successful.

Victorious living often paints for us a picture that brings us to literal discouragement.  Our definition of triumphant is far greater than life’s honest reality.  If examined closely, I believe we are more conquering than we think.  Perhaps like me, you could use a new version of the accentuated word.

Success is the ability to wake up without bitterness, the willingness to forgive one who wronged us, and the act of kindness that gives only because God has awarded consideration to us.

Success is in daily presenting our self as a literal offering, allowing Sovereignty moldable clay to use to His liking.  Remaining pliable is achievement.

Success is in the little yet noble acts – the menial but meaningful tasks – the day to day chores, working to make ends meet, lending a hand to a neighbor, helping a friend.

Success is awarding others a smile, a kind word, perhaps a touch.  It’s slowing down in our busyness to hear painful internal cries and see behind gloomy eyes an ocean of locked tears.

Success is treating others well, caring for those we love with honor and respect, the same in public as behind closed doors.

Success is being a winner – not by prevailing in arguments or defending one’s position but rather by cultivating internal peace convincing us there is nothing more to gain.

Success is victoriously overcoming life’s difficulties, choosing to take refuge from storms, and living in the grace that says it will be all sufficient.

Success is prevailing no matter what, choosing to get out of bed in a world that offers little.  It’s undertaking its challenges, pulling off difficulties, and finishing one more day!

That’s success, my friend!  From today forward, according to our new but true definition, let’s you and I TOGETHER continue to live successful!  Can you see God smiling now??!!

So many people are in need of a miracle today.  I have many friends in dire need of one:  those with houses close to foreclosure, marriages in turmoil, and many struggle with poor health.  Some I know look to be homeless unless God intercedes with a place for them to live.  The list continues.

Do we sit back and say, “Oh, well, this world is falling apart and this is just the way it is?”  Or do we look for a miracle, a way to beat the odds, looking for intervention in our current state or circumstances?  C.S. Lewis noted that one cannot believe a miracle occurred if one has already drawn a conclusion in one’s mind that miracles are not possible at all. 

What is a miracle anyway?  It’s an event that appears contrary to the laws of nature and is regarded as an act of God.  When it happens it’s often amazing, extraordinary and often unexpected.   Do we still believe in miracles today?  Do you?  That’s a good question for all of us.

Since miracles are considered an act of God, we need to first consider if the God of such actions has changed?  Does He still work miracles or doesn’t He?  I guess that’s why I love Hebrews 13:8 so much.  It says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Yesterday, meaning years ago, Jesus turned water into wine, He fed a multitude by turning a loaf of bread into many loaves, and He raised the dead.  Today, do we believe that Jesus can turn OUR water into wine?  Do we believe that He can take the little we have, our “one loaf,” and multiply it to adequately meet our needs and those of others?  Yesterday Jesus Himself was raised from the dead by His Father.  Today, do we believe God can raise those things in our life that are dead?  Can He bring US back to life and to life abundantly?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 that miracles are performed by faith in God.  “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move.’”  Faith like a mustard seed – a small, tiny seed – that’s not much!  So I believe it’s not a hard task to have faith as the more difficult one is to HOLD TIGHT until the mountain moves.

Sometimes we just jump to find a way around our massive heap.  We often weary from waiting for the overwhelming wall to budge.  The truth is insurmountable situations do relocate!  God says they do!  But in the perfect timing and will of our Lord Jesus!  There’s still a Miracle Worker in the house!  Just hold tight, my friend!  Keep your mustard seed of faith and see God reposition your mighty mountain!

With my mind on the new year ahead, I’d like to challenge myself and all I know to be careful this year of “temporary trappings.” Whether it’s family relationships, job frustrations, health issues, finances, Facebook, etc. and etc., let’s make it our goal to not allow ANYTHING to take so much of our emotional energies that we are not effectively proclaiming Christ. Jesus is coming again – I think people need to hear us boldly and courageously begin speaking this truth. This world is not our home – we don’t have time to attempt to anchor down and make it all we want it to be. Resist the temporary trappings of this life and instead chose to focus on staying out of the trap, pressing on, giving your life away, and watching with expectation a Great God at work. Let’s make it a Happy New Year for those who desperately need a Savior. Temporary Trappings – run from every one of them! Freeing yourself will be what brings your greatest joy! Running with you after God and GOD ALONE in this new year – Much love! Debbie

When I was a little girl I played the board game CHUTES AND LADDERS.  Have you ever played?  If you have, you know the objective is to make it all the way up the board going from 1-100.  The challenge is the chutes.  There are long ones that can take you down several levels or those shorter which are more like little slides.  Along with the chutes are the joys of finding ladders.  The tall ones take us up a couple levels and the shorter offer a couple steps.

The box top, I think, describes it all – “Chutes and Ladders – Dora the Explorer – The classic up and down game with Dora and friends.”  Isn’t that like our life?  Our journey has many ups and downs, but together we travel “the board” encouraging each other through both the chute and ladder experiences.

We are living in times where in a moment faith can turn to fear, courage to discouragement, love to hate, and a sound mind to depression and hopelessness.  These we call the chutes.  When we start playing this game, our intent is to win.  We just don’t stop in the middle and say, “Forget it!  I can’t do it!  I’m not playing anymore!”  Sure we often feel like that, but our goal is to finish!!  And with determination we get up from each “chute experience” and with hope look for our faith to lift us to a new level.

A game isn’t over until it’s over!  Our life continues until our death or until Jesus comes again.  It’s then that we lay hold on eternal life, that we’ve gone from 1-100 and finish and jump up and down at the Heavenly gates just as Dora did with her friends.  Be encouraged today, my friend.  Get up, take another’s hand, and journey on.  Find those ladders of faith, and don’t spend too much time at the bottom of a chute.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world!”  John 16:33 NIV

I know first hand how hardship often attempts to overtake us.  Chutes happen!  Almost 20 years ago I wanted to end the game.  Even as a pastor’s wife I contemplated suicide, and I thank my God today that He offered me a ladder.  Those ladders continue to help me realize that there is no circumstance that we as His child cannot rise above!

 This world can be taxing.  I Peter 4:12 tells us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” 

We are in a fight for faith.  Cancer is raging, finances are dwindling, and violence is rising.  But I’m here today to remind us that our God is alive and well!  His spirit rages, resources never decline, and love remains forever!

When I feel like quitting, I’ll tell you honestly what God reminds of – it’s this:  Dora started on spot #1 by herself, but along the way she made it her priority pick up a few friends and to finish TOGETHER.  On spot #100 of this board is Dora jumping up and down with the friends she gathered along the way.  Here’s a big question and a challenge to each of us:  What if Dora decided to give up, to quit and never finish??

I laugh when I see the little monkey on the board at the bottom of a chute with his feet in a bucket of water and the saddest face ever.  That’s how we feel some days.  Maybe we need to sit there for a day or two, or three.  But friend – there is NO option to give up for our God promises to lead His dear children along!  When there are chutes, there are always ladders to be found!

 If we have accepted Christ then He lies within.  If He lives within us, we have fight!  Not only do we have fight within, but we have a winning spirit.  We have the persevering, overcoming, victorious spirit of God within us!  With that there is courage, and with bravery deep within us there is no turning back!

May we encourage each other along the way especially as the day of the Lord approaches!  Philippians 1:27 tells us, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

Our home is not on this board – we are just passing through.  We then live and present ourselves as people with their citizenship in Heaven.  And we stand together with ONE spirit and ONE purpose – ONE top priority – Fighting TOGETHER for the faith, which is the Good News.

We need to stop fighting each other.  Stop fighting everybody you’re fighting and stop fighting yourself, daily emotionally beating YOU to a pulp!  Start fighting the real fight, and stop creating your own chutes!  Life itself has enough of them!

 On this playing board are many people and objects.  If Dora and her friends aren’t careful they could be distracted.  We are living in the day of distractions attempting to sidetrack us from God’s will and His work. 

The Bible says warns us not to be distracted but to stay alert.  As Good Christian soldiers the Bible reminds us not to get wrapped up in “civilian affairs” but to concentrate on the battle at hand and the task of winning the war!  May we be careful how we spend our time, money, and talent, realizing this world is full of so many offers for those things.

 God desires to remind you today that you aren’t alone!  Others have been where you are but they’ve not stayed there.  Some are a couple rows up on the board cheering you on admonishing you to find a ladder of faith.  They found ladders that worked!  I think that sounds too like the “cloud of witnesses” that made it past STEP 100 – and who are now cheering us on to our finish.

 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

 Perhaps you or someone you know is facing sorrow and difficulties today.  Chutes are very painful – I know!  May I encourage you to get up from your place of discouragement, take the hand of your Jesus, and take just one step and then another and then another?

Ladders of faith to lift you higher – they are there!  They’re on the board!  And I believe that you’ll find them!  YOUR GOAL IS TO FINISH!!  And God’s grants you all you need to FINISH STRONG!   God bless you, my friend!