YOLO -- Faith Over Fear!

Last Sunday, my granddaughter, Alexia and her husband, Winston, were given a sacred launch into their new missions ministry in Kauai, Hawaii. Thier pastor prayed for their transition, their safety, and God using them powerfully to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

A wonderful adventure lies before them. And, speaking of adventures, this Nana has become rather nostalgic.

It was the yellow Mustang convertible! I had it for a week while my car was being repaired. It energized the idea of me, my daughter, Staci and 14-year-old Alexia to take to the road.

So what are three girls to do with that sweet ride? How about heading to Six Flags Over Texas?

Alexia was our master planner. Right away she let us know that she would not be going on the extreme rides. Oh contraire -- fearless Staci and me would not let fear get the final word.

Somehow we arrived at our first ride -- The Riddler -- a massive, green-and-yellow steel stand-up roller coaster.

Out of nowhere -- Alexia hollered, “Let’s go!”

That first courageous step awakened something in her. For the rest of the day, she wanted faster rides, repeat rides, and eventually the front seat! We laughed until our sides hurt and proudly declared, “YOLO -- you only live once!”

Today, this 24-year-old is preparing for a far greater adventure. Moving across an ocean to serve God requires more than roller-coaster courage. It requires faith -- the willingness to say, “Lord, I don’t know every turn ahead, but I trust You.”

“Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you.” — Isaiah 41:10

Courage doesn’t mean we never feel afraid. It means fear doesn’t get to choose our destination.

What step have you been avoiding? Make the call. Take the trip. Accept the assignment. Follow God’s prompting.

Let's choose faith. Take the first step. And when God says, “Let’s go!” -- let's hold on for the adventure of our lives!

Being God’s Masterpiece

Have you ever opened your phone’s camera, accidentally hit “selfie” mode, and suddenly found yourself staring into an extreme close-up?

Whoa! Who was that “slightly mature” woman looking back at me?

It couldn’t have been me. I had already dolled myself up that morning, and the mirror had been quite complimentary. But that camera -- merciful heavens! Apparently, it had invited my mother to the photo session!

Thankfully, God doesn’t examine us through an unforgiving camera lens. He sees His workmanship -- His beloved creation.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” -- Ephesians 2:10

The world constantly whispers, “You’re too young, too old, too ordinary, too wrinkled, too heavy, too inexperienced, or simply not enough.”

But our Creator says, “You are My masterpiece.”

A masterpiece isn’t mass-produced. It is thoughtfully designed, carefully formed, and created for a purpose. God didn’t make a mistake when He made us. He knew our personality, gifts, laugh lines, tender heart -- and yes, even those features the selfie camera insists on enlarging!

We don’t need the world’s approval when we already have the love of the One who created us. Our worth isn’t determined by our age, appearance, accomplishments, or number of social-media “likes.” Our worth rests securely in Him.

So, when you look in the mirror today, don’t concentrate on everything you would change. Thank God for what He created. Then take your gifts, experiences, compassion, and beautiful heart into the world and make your Heavenly Father proud.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30

That surprise selfie may reveal a few lines I hadn’t noticed -- but every one of them says, “God has been faithful!”

"You are beautiful to Me. You are My masterpiece."
Love, God

Back to School -- Back to Prayer

 

After attending our church service this morning, we drove to Georgetown for Celebration Church’s third service -- and held seats for our family of twelve!

The primary reason for our trip was my youngest grandson, nineteen-year-old Bryson. He and his best friend, Jack, are settled into the apartment they’ll call home while beginning their first semester at Austin Christian University.

When I learned about this Christ-centered university -- rooted in Jesus, His Word, and His mission -- I thanked God! Along with high academic standards, students are encouraged to discover their calling, follow Jesus’ example, and prepare to enter the workforce with both competence and character.

Today took me back to my two -- Ryan and Staci’s first day of first and third grades in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Like every mama, I wondered: "Would they like their teachers, make good friends, succeed academically, and avoid the wrong crowd?"

The faces and school supplies change, but parents’ prayers never graduate!

At Celebration Church, children in third grade and above led worship -- hands raised and hearts singing to Jesus.
What a precious sight!

Yet the pastor’s message wasn’t directed primarily toward the children. It was for the parents -- the ones responsible for cultivating faith and a hunger for Jesus at home.

“Let the little children come to Me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

The pastor spoke of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:25–38. These two elderly, faithful servants recognized Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple. They saw what others might have missed -- God’s promise resting upon the next generation.

We must also recognize, encourage, and make room for those coming behind us. Children learn goodness, kindness, courage, honesty, and a “What Would Jesus Do?” mindset by watching us.

So, as another school year begins, let’s turn our worries into prayers and our examples into living lessons.

Father, protect our students. Give them wisdom, strong faith, godly friendships, and courage. Help parents and grandparents model Jesus well -- and recognize the God-given calling within the next generation. Amen.

School teaches lessons -- but faith teaches us how to live them.

When God Places a Paintbrush in a Child's Hand

What a day! More than twenty of us boarded a bus for the hour-long ride from Austin to Marble Falls. There was plenty of talking and laughter with dear friends from church -- but none of us could have anticipated the sacred experience awaiting us at Belóved Gallery.

We came to see Akiane: The Early Years, featuring fourteen original childhood paintings by Akiane Kramarik, along with her poetry and the extraordinary story behind Prince of Peace.

Akiane was only eight years old when she painted that now world-renowned portrait of Jesus -- an image she said came from recurring heavenly visions. Raised in a home without belief in God, she possessed a childlike faith that could not be explained away.

God had placed something inside her that demanded expression -- and she answered with paintbrushes, poetry, perseverance, and faith.

At eight, she painted Planted Eyes, expressing both the beauty and suffering of the Black race. It was her first oil painting, completed in only fifteen hours.

At nine, she painted Father Forgive Them, portraying the agony of the Crucifixion and the costly power of forgiveness.

And then there was Prince of Peace. The original painting disappeared from public view for nearly two decades before its remarkable recovery. Today, it hangs in Marble Falls, looking into the eyes—and perhaps the hearts -- of those who stand before it.

I couldn’t help thinking, “Nothing is impossible with God!” — Luke 1:37

Akiane’s story reminds us never to dismiss what God can place inside a child -- or inside any of us. A gift may begin as a quiet stirring, an unusual dream, or a desire no one else understands. But when surrendered to God, that gift can travel farther than we ever imagined.

We left the gallery carrying more than memories of beautiful paintings. We carried renewed wonder -- and the reminder that our Creator is still creating miracles through willing hearts and open hands.

Love Listens

I’m doing my best to become a better listener. But, oh my -- sometimes my own story is already standing backstage, tapping its foot and waiting for an opportunity to come out!

While someone is talking, I may be thinking, “That happened to me, too!” I want to share so they’ll know I understand. Yet, if I’m not careful, it may sound as though I’m trying to top their story with mine.

A few days ago a friend told me about her husband’s passing and the financial concerns and other challenges she now faces. My heart immediately connected with hers because, after my late husband passed away, her story was once my story.

But she didn’t necessarily need my answers. First, she needed my ears -- and my heart.

Romans 15:2 reminds us to be considerate of the doubts and fears of others. That kind of consideration begins with listening.

Hearing and listening are not the same. Hearing notices the words; listening notices the heart. Someone may say, “I’m fine,” while their trembling voice, tired eyes, or long pause tells an entirely different story.

Real listening hears what isn’t being said.

It means putting ourselves in another person’s shoes. It means listening without interrupting, preparing our response, or rushing in to fix everything. Sometimes people don’t need a solution -- they need a safe place to hurt.

And sometimes, after we have truly listened, God may prompt us to gently share part of our own story. Not to take over the
conversation, but to whisper, “You’re not alone. I’ve walked through something like this, and God carried me.”

When people are hurting so deeply that they don’t know what to believe, they need the devotion of a loyal friend -- someone willing to sit beside them and help carry the weight.

That is my prayer: “Lord, make me a better listener. Help me know when to speak, when to remain silent, and when my story might bring hope.”

May we become beacons of light who lovingly say, “I’m here. I’m listening.”

And even better: God is listening. He understands every unspoken fear, and He has the wisdom, comfort, and answers we need.

WWMD?

 

My one and only granddaughter, Alexia, grew up surrounded by five grandsons. Naturally, when we finally had a girl, she had a pink room, pink everything -- and perhaps a few special privileges!

Alexia learned early that a well-timed pout could open doors. Sometimes it opened the door to a tasty treat. Sometimes it meant a trip to Dollar Tree with five whole dollars burning a hole in her pocket.

And somehow, that sweet little face often secured the soft, gooey middle cinnamon roll -- the prized piece in the pan!

There were even moments when her brother received the blame for something she had done. Her childhood motto might have been: “WWMD? What Would Mommy Do?” Or perhaps, “What will make Mommy give in?”

But that little girl sitting on our stairs is now a beautiful, married woman. She and Winston Rose have been married for ten months, and together they are asking a far more important question:

“What Would Jesus Do?”

After prayer and listening for God’s direction, Alexia and Winston believe He is calling them to move to Kauai, Hawaii, where they will help serve in a church plant and share the love of Jesus.

Now, Hawaii sounds like paradise -- until you’re the Nana thinking about how many miles away it is!

My heart feels both the tug of distance and the joy of seeing them obey God. I would rather have them across an ocean in the center of His will than next door outside of it.

When the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah answered:

“Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8

That is what Alexia and Winston are saying with their lives.

The little girl who once knew how to pout her way into the middle cinnamon roll is now willing to leave what is comfortable and familiar to help lead others to the Bread of Life.

This Nana may shed a few tears, but they will be tears of love, pride, and gratitude. Our girl has grown up -- and she and Winston are answering God’s call with a wholehearted “Yes!”

WWJD? What would Jesus Do? They’re finding out -- one faithful step at a time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you, our friends and family sense the Lord prompting you to support this mission, whether through a one-time gift or monthly contribution, any and every seed will help make this season of ministry possible! A ministry fund is set up through "Epiphany Global". To give, simply visit the link below and select: "Kauai, Hawaii Missions" under the designation options. Any funds given through that designation will go directly toward supporting their mission and the work they will be doing in Kauai. https://epiphanyglobal.org

The Gift Behind the Gift

Last Sunday, after church, our destination was a lovely lakeside restaurant, Quince Lakehouse. We enjoyed lunch under a covered patio as boats drifted by and soft music played in the background.

Then something unexpected happened.
Suddenly, lively Jamaican music filled the air.

I looked up just in time to see a young man walking a tightrope stretched high above the water. Not only was he walking it -- he was also dancing, jumping, balancing, and performing tricks that made my knees weak just watching!

That young man wasn't simply balancing. He was flying! Handstands. Leaps. One-legged poses. Reaching out over the water -- and somehow making it all look effortless.

Of course, we know it wasn't effortless.
There were thousands of unseen hours behind those few minutes of applause.

We often admire someone's gift, while God remembers all the practice that shaped it. Isn't that true?
People see the performance.
God saw the perseverance.
People see the applause.
God saw the discipline.

People see the finished masterpiece.
God watched every brushstroke.
People hear a beautiful singer.
God remembers the lonely hours of practice when no one else was listening.

Whether it's a dancer gliding across a stage, a surgeon with steady hands, a teacher shaping young minds, a mother raising children, an artist with a paintbrush, a mechanic repairing engines, or a friend who knows exactly what to say when your heart is hurting....

Every good gift has its beginning in God. James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

The world may never give a standing ovation to the faithful caregiver, the school crossing guard, the window washer, the Sunday School teacher, or the grandmother who faithfully prays for her family.
But heaven notices.

So whatever gift He's placed in YOUR hands....
Use it.
Develop it.
Share it.

Not so people will admire us --
But so they will glorify the One who gave it to us.
Because the greatest gift isn't the talent.
It's the Giver.

What Stage Are You Standing On?

Last Saturday, Carl and I celebrated our 3-year anniversary. Honestly -- at our ages -- having another anniversary is a WIN!

As I reflected on the day, I became a gratitude collector.
Gratitude has a remarkable way of making ordinary moments extraordinary.

A bouquet becomes a reminder that someone thought of us.
A simple breakfast becomes a memory.
A stop at the pharmacy for a friend becomes an opportunity to serve.
A prayer at a dear friend's bedside becomes holy ground.

That night we laughed, oohed and awed at the live musical, "42nd Street". It reminded us that every great performance began with someone who refused to give up.

In fact, one of the characters in "42nd Street" had only thirty-six hours to learn the lead role after life unexpectedly changed her plans. She could have said, "I can't."

Instead, she stepped forward.
It made me think about our own lives.
We don't always choose the script.
We don't always know what scene comes next.

But every day, God invites us to step onto the stage He's prepared for us -- with courage, faith, and gratitude.

James 1:17 reminds us,
"Every good and perfect gift is from above."

Some gifts arrive wrapped in ribbon.
Others arrive disguised as opportunities to encourage, serve, forgive, or simply be present.

I've discovered that a joyful life isn't built on spectacular days.
It's built on grateful hearts.

So today, let's thank God for friendships and those who encourage us, and all the in-between times of life!
But let's don't miss the even greater gifts...

The people God places beside us.
The opportunities He places before us.
And the grace He pours over us every single day.

Those are the celebrations that never fade.

#goodgifts #friendship #opportunities

The Sign Says It All

As we drove through our city last Saturday night at 10:00 pm, I couldn’t help but notice this scene. A man sat beside his bicycle with a handmade sign that simply read:
"JESUS LOVES YOU."
Three little words. A woman had stopped to talk with him. I had to take a quick photo while we were waiting for the red light to turn green.
No crowd. Just one person taking time for another.
I couldn't help but wonder -- what would Jesus do?
Jesus never looked at a crowd and saw a problem to manage.
He saw people to love.
He saw Zacchaeus in a tree.
A woman at a well.
A blind beggar by the roadside.
A thief on a cross.
He looked beyond circumstances and saw souls.

When I look around, I see people through the lens of their circumstances instead of through the eyes of Christ.
Some are lonely.
Some are struggling.
Some are successful.
Some are hurting.
Some are joyful.
Some are simply trying to make it through another day.

And then I ask myself a question that has lingered in my heart ever since:
"Lord -- do I see people the way You do?"

If I'm honest, there are days when I become impatient. Days when I make assumptions. Days when I notice inconveniences before I notice people. Days that I just want to go home and take a nap!

But -- that's not the heart I want. I want a heart like Jesus' heart!
"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them..." (Matthew 9:36)

Lord, help me see people the way You see them.
Help me see the cashier who's had a long day.
The neighbor who feels forgotten.
The stranger who needs a smile.
The friend who's quietly carrying a heavy burden.
The family member who's difficult to love.

Every person I meet is someone created in Your image and deeply loved by You, Lord!
So today, Lord, open my eyes.
Slow my hurried heart.
PLEASE – make me more like You, Jesus!

Kingdom Faithfulness

Good day, my dear friends! Have you ever wondered if what you're doing for God really matters?

I have.

Years ago, I sometimes found myself looking at people with larger platforms, greater influence, or larger ministries and wondered, "Am I making any difference at all?"

Then one day, the Lord gently whispered to my heart:

"Donna -- I made you, and I made them."

Suddenly, I understood.

There is no competition in the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are all part of one body, but each member has a different purpose. (Romans 12:4-5)

Let's think about the smallest bone in our bodies. It's tucked away inside our ear, only a few millimeters long. Most people don't even know it's there. Yet without it, our hearing would be greatly impaired.

Small doesn't mean insignificant.

The Bible is filled with "ordinary" people who quietly changed history. Two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, protected baby Moses. Obadiah quietly hid God's prophets during a dangerous time. Their names aren't mentioned nearly as often as Moses or Elijah, but heaven knows every act of faithful obedience.

Maybe our calling or gifts aren't behind a pulpit.

Maybe it's encouraging a lonely neighbor.

Teaching a Sunday School class.

Writing a note.

Praying with someone in a hospital waiting room.

Or simply being faithful in the place where God has planted us.

We should never measure Kingdom significance by earthly applause.

Heaven doesn't count followers.

Heaven celebrates faithfulness.

Jesus said, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

Not "famous."

Not "successful."

Faithful.

We should NEVER compare our calling with someone else's.

We simply use the gifts God has placed in our hands.

We may never know this side of heaven whose life was changed because we simply said, "Yes, Lord."

Hummm! -- I think I'll keep encouraging someone today! That's a good bless to start!

#Kingdom #welldone #significance

Lord, Let My Mercies Be New Every Morning

One of my favorite verses is found in Lamentations 3:22-23
"His mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

I love that promise. The problem is --
Sometimes my mercies aren't nearly as new and fresh.

Have you ever had one of those moments when something really wasn't that big of a deal -- but somehow it became one?
I have.

Recently, I caught myself being disappointed over something that could have been settled with a smile instead of a sigh. Looking back, I realized the issue wasn't really the situation.
It was my heart.

Isn't it amazing how quickly we can extend mercy to ourselves while expecting perfection from the people we love most?

If we're not careful, little irritations become big offenses.
A forgotten phone call.
A slow cashier.
A driver who cuts us off.
An order at the restaurant that's not quite right.
Or someone who simply didn't think the way we would have.

Then the Holy Spirit quietly whispers,
"Donna -- how many times have I shown mercy to you?"
Ouch!

Jesus never runs out of mercy.
He doesn't wake up grumpy.
He doesn't love us according to our performance.
Every sunrise arrives carrying another fresh supply of grace.

If His mercies are new every morning --
Perhaps mine should be too.

Colossians 3:13 reminds us: "Bear with each other and forgive one another -- Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Today I'm asking the Lord to soften my heart.
To help me choose kindness over criticism.
Grace over grudges.
Mercy over being right.

Because when I stand before Jesus someday, I doubt He'll ask whether I won the argument.
But I have a feeling He'll care very much about whether I loved well.

Lord -- thank You for never running out of mercy toward me. Help me give that same mercy away -- especially to those I love most.

Living on Assignment

Last Wednesday, four of us found ourselves gathered in a hospital waiting room while our dear friend's husband underwent hip surgery. Although I had only just met one of the couples that morning, you would have thought we'd been lifelong friends.

With four chairs facing each other, we prayed, laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed my homemade banana bread and watermelon while the hours slowly passed.

And something beautiful was happening that none of us could have planned. I was reminded once again that God has a wonderful way of turning ordinary moments into holy ones.

A man -- sitting nearby -- overheard a conversation we were having about the estate sale business my sister and I once owned. He quietly walked over and asked for advice about his late father's home and furnishings.

What began as a conversation about furniture -- quickly became something much deeper. Our conversation drifted from furniture to faith.

That was when my friend (the patient’s wife), gently asked the man if he knew Jesus. He admitted that he'd been disappointed by religion.

We asked if we could pray for him. He said “yes”. And our dear friend waiting for a word about her husband’s surgery -- belted out a prayer of courage, faith and the Gospel message. Right there in the hospital waiting room.

No one planned that appointment. God did.

Right there in the waiting room. No church building. No stained-glass windows. Just five ordinary people, one hurting heart, and a God who never misses an appointment.

As we prayed, I couldn't help but think --
Maybe we weren't just waiting for the surgery to end.
Maybe we had been sent.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to do."

Perhaps EVERY DAY -- is an assignment waiting to happen. Are we the ONES God calls?
A conversation.
A smile.
A prayer.
A word of encouragement.

As Carl and I celebrate our 3rd-year anniversary today (my, how time flies), I'm reminded that the greatest memories aren't simply counted by years. Perhaps it's about celebrating three years of availability.

And, that's a life worth living and celebrating!

#onassignment #DivineAssignment #jesussaves

Lord, Please Swaddle Me

We all remember these words from Luke 2:7 "And she (Mary) wrapped him (Jesus) in swaddling cloths.."

Sunday after Sunday, I see this precious mama and baby – sitting right at the front of church. The baby is wrapped snugly against her chest in a soft swaddle. He is about 5 months old. His Mama told me -- outside the snuggle, he is a fast-racing crawler.

But, at church, while everyone else is standing, singing, talking, and moving about, that little one peacefully sleeps through the entire service.

Not a peep. Not a fuss. Just perfect rest.
Curious, I asked his mama about it.
She explained that swaddling helps babies feel safe and secure.

I read about it and further saw the gentle wrapping reminds them of the snug comfort of the womb. Their tiny arms stay close to their bodies, so sudden movements don't startle them awake. The gentle pressure calms them, comforts them, and helps them rest.

I couldn't help but smile. Then I couldn't help but think...
“Lord, I need to be swaddled too. Not in a blanket. But in Your peace.”

How often do we allow fear to jolt us awake?
Worry keeps our minds racing.
Disappointment steals our rest.
The "what ifs" rob us of sleep.

Meanwhile, our Heavenly Father gently whispers:
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

What if we trusted our Father the way that little baby trusts his mama?
No striving.
No resisting.
No fear.
Just resting close to the One who holds us.

Psalm 91:4 paints a beautiful picture:
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."
What a heavenly swaddle!

Perhaps that's what Jesus meant when He said,
"Come to Me -- and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

I'm still learning. Some nights I sleep only a few hours before my mind begins to wander.

But that precious baby reminded me that peace isn't found in perfect circumstances.

Peace is found in the arms that hold us.

So today I'm praying a simple prayer...
"Father, wrap me in Your love. Swaddle my anxious heart. Hold me close enough that I can finally rest in You."

Because there is no safer place......than in the everlasting arms of God.

#babyswaddle #UnderHisWings #swaddle

Let's Ask for Wisdom

What a good idea -- the request and the gift of wisdom!

If there were ever a time to ask for wisdom -- it's now – right now!

Every day we're bombarded with opinions, headlines, social media posts, podcasts, and people who confidently proclaim, "This is the way!"

No wonder so many people seem tossed back and forth, changing direction with every new idea that blows through.

But God has never intended for His children to live that way.
Proverbs 4:7 gives us one of the greatest pieces of advice in all of Scripture:
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."

Notice it doesn't say, "Get wealth."
Or popularity.
Or influence.
It says, “Get wisdom!”

James tells us exactly where to find it:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." (James 1:5)

What a promise!

God delights in giving wisdom to those who sincerely seek Him.

The wisdom of this world often says, "Look out for yourself."
God's wisdom says, "Love your neighbor."

The world says, "Win at all costs."
God says, "Walk humbly with your God."

The world encourages revenge.
God teaches forgiveness.

I want to be deeply rooted in God's Word so that when the winds of confusion blow -- and they surely will -- I will remain firmly planted in His truth.

Wisdom doesn't begin in Washington D.C. Or Austin. Or any state capitol.

It begins in our hearts.
It grows in our homes.

It is nurtured around our dinner tables, in our churches, and during quiet mornings with an open Bible.

Perhaps the change we long to see in our nation begins at home -- much closer than we think. We pray for wisdom and when it comes -- our family influences a neighborhood.

A neighborhood impacts a city.
And a city shapes a nation!

Let's ask God today for the one thing He says is the principal thing. It’s WISDOM!

God quietly says, "If any of you lacks wisdom... ask Me."

#wisdom #PrayForWisdom #walkhumbly

Come Closer -- Heaven

Yesterday I wrote a blog entitled “This is like Heaven to Me”.
WHAT? This gnarly, angry, hateful and unkind world we live in – calling it “like heaven?”

Honestly, the world doesn't get us. It doesn’t understand why Christians can have peace in the middle of uncertainty, joy in the middle of sorrow, hope in the middle of loss, or gratitude in the middle of hardship.

It isn't because we're pretending life is perfect.
It's because the Holy Spirit lives within us.

It’s choosing Jesus -- because every time we choose His voice over the enemy's, His peace over our panic, His truth over the world's lies -- heaven comes just a little closer.

I know God would want us to declare “heaven” for so many people who think they are living in hell on earth. Oh, that they would come to know the peace, joy and happiness in living in the mindset of God's faithfulness right smack dab here on earth and one day heaven will be our home sweet home.

That isn't theologically saying we are in heaven. It's saying we can live under heaven's influence while we're still on earth.

Jesus taught us to pray: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

In other words – bring a little bit of heaven here. What is heaven like?

There is no bitterness.
No fear.
No jealousy.
No gossip.
No hatred.
No anxiety.
No tears.
No sin.

And every time we choose forgiveness over resentment --
Every time we choose peace over panic --
Every time we choose gratitude over grumbling --
Every time we choose love over anger -- we’re allowing a little of heaven’s atmosphere to invade earth. That's why Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20, "Our citizenship is in heaven."

And since our citizenship is heaven – we ought to think differently.
Speak differently.
Love differently.
Forgive differently.
Hope differently.
Not because life is easy --
But because we're citizens of another Kingdom.

And how do citizens of heaven speak – let me show you!

"The world may choose fear. We choose faith."
"The world may choose anger. We choose grace."
"The world may choose despair. We choose hope."

Why? Because we’re already living with our eyes fixed on our heavenly home. Won't it be wonderful there?

This Is Like Heaven to Me

Yesterday morning -- out of nowhere, I found myself singing an old hymn I hadn't thought about in years.
"And this is like Heaven to me..."

Where in the world did that come from?
I wasn't listening to Christian music.
No one had mentioned the song.
It simply floated into my heart.

As I sang those precious words, I realized something.
The songwriter wasn't saying life was easy.
He wasn't saying there were no troubles.
He wasn't saying he'd already arrived in heaven.

He was saying that living in the presence of Jesus brought a little taste of heaven right here on earth. Now compare that with how the enemy wants us to live.

The enemy wants us to live as though heaven doesn't exist.
Biting our nails over tomorrow.
Believing we're not good enough.
Replaying hurtful words.
Comparing ourselves to everyone else.

Listening to the lies that whisper, "You'll never measure up."
How exhausting!

Then Jesus invites us live as though heaven has already begun in our hearts. He speaks:
"Fear not."
"I am with you."
"My grace is sufficient."
"My peace I give to you."

Suddenly, our circumstances may not have changed -- but our hearts have.

The Apostle Paul called it "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding." (Philippians 4:7)

That's a little piece of heaven settling into an earthly heart.
One day, when Jesus returns, we'll experience heaven in all its fullness.
What a glorious day that will be!

But until then, every time we choose faith over fear...
Peace over panic...
Praise over complaining...
Hope over despair...
We're experiencing just a little foretaste of what's ahead.

And that's exactly why that old hymn still rings true.
"And this is like Heaven to me..."
Because wherever Jesus is welcomed...
Heaven touches earth.

Triggered -- or Transformed?

Have you ever noticed how quickly something can "trigger" a reaction? Like that chigger that takes a hunk out of you???

OR --

Like a child talking back.

Like someone getting to us.

Like the phone doesn’t stop ringing.

Like the traffic won't move.

Like someone posting an unkind comment.

Or -- like seeing that Dairy Queen commercial and we're triggered for a bowl of ice cream. AND, it sounds like the best idea we've had all day! (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)

I've come to realize that being triggered isn't the problem.

It's what we do AFTER we're triggered that matters.

My circumstances may push the button, but my heart chooses the response.

When my feelings get hurt, when disappointment sneaks in, when I'm tempted to grumble or indulge a craving, I have a choice.

I can react – or I can run to Jesus.

King David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23–24)

I love that David didn't ask God to first change everyone around him.

He asked God to search HIM.

That's becoming my prayer too.

"Lord, why did that comment hurt so much?"

"Why am I so impatient today?"

"Why am I looking for comfort in a bowl of ice cream instead of in You?"

I've discovered that my triggers are often little warning lights on my dashboard. They reveal places where God is still working on me that will bring me healing, freedom, and peace.

Jesus never points out our weaknesses to shame us. He lovingly reveals them so He can transform them.

The more I invite Him to search my heart, the less power those triggers seem to have. Slowly, my reactions become responses.

My frustration becomes patience.

My hurt becomes forgiveness.

My cravings become opportunities to lean on Him.

I'm still -- a work in progress -- and yes, every now and then a Dairy Queen commercial still gets my attention!

But I'm learning that the Holy Spirit is stronger than my strongest trigger.

Today, instead of asking God to remove every irritating circumstance, I’m asking Him to transform my heart.

Because when our hearts change, our reactions begin to change too.

And that's a beautiful work only He can do.