Follow the Leader

Remember playing "Follow the Leader" as children? We marched, hopped, skipped, and sometimes acted a little "off" as we tried to imitate whoever was leading the parade!

Well, friends, we're still playing "Follow the Leader"! Only now, the stakes are considerably higher!

After last week's elections, some Americans are celebrating while others are scratching their heads, wondering, "What in the world just happened?"

But here's my GOOD NEWS! Our God is still on His throne! Heaven hasn't called an emergency meeting. God isn't wringing His hands over election results. And His plans for America haven't been canceled!

Romans 13:1 reminds us: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God."

Our responsibility isn't simply to cheer for leaders we agree with or criticize those we don't. It's to PRAY for them, respect the offices they hold, and ask God to give them wisdom, integrity, courage, and compassion.

And perhaps, just perhaps, the revival we're praying for in America needs to begin with the person looking back at us in the mirror!

That's YOU and ME!

We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can stand for truth without abandoning love. We can be patriotic without forgetting that our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven.

And those sunny days we're longing for? They aren't dependent on who's sitting in the White House, Congress, or the governor's mansion. Our hope rests in the ONE Who created the sun in the first place!

So, let's lift our heads, roll up our sleeves, love our neighbors, pray for our leaders, and keep shining God's light.

America's future isn't beyond God's reach. And neither is ours!

Lord, guide our leaders, heal our divisions, and awaken our hearts to Your truth. Let revival begin with us!

FOLLOW THE LEADER? Absolutely! I'm following JESUS!

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'" — Isaiah 30:21

#followtheleader #peaceonearth #thisistheway

LOOK UP! God's Got the Whole Universe!

 

LOOK UP!

That's exactly what I did a couple of years ago when the moon decided to photobomb the SUN!

Remember that spectacular solar eclipse?

Carl and I joined neighbors, doctors, nurses, and caregivers on the rooftop of Texas Children's Hospital to witness the heavens putting on quite a SHOW!

WOW! Talk about FRONT-ROW SEATS to God's magnificent creation!

But I've discovered something. Sometimes we're so busy looking DOWN at our problems that we forget to LOOK UP at our GOD!

Isaiah 40:26 says:

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?”

In other words, STOP pacing the floor! STOP rehearsing every worst-case scenario! Go outside and LOOK UP!

I remember standing outside at Epiphany Ranch in East Texas, where my daughter and son-in-law live.

STARS EVERYWHERE!

Honestly, I wondered if they'd been multiplying like RABBITS while I slept! LOL!

Without city lights competing for attention, the heavens were absolutely breathtaking.

And here's the AMAZING part.

Isaiah tells us that God brings out the stars one by one and CALLS EACH BY NAME!

Can you imagine?

I sometimes walk into a room and forget WHY I went there, and GOD remembers the names of countless stars!

THAT'S OUR GOD!

Now, think about whatever is weighing on your heart today.

A medical report? A struggling child? Financial worries? A prayer that seems to be taking FOREVER?

Dear friend, the God who holds the universe together hasn't misplaced YOU!

Psalm 121:1-2 reminds us to lift our eyes and remember that our help comes from the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth.

That doesn't mean every problem disappears overnight.

But it DOES mean we never face our problems alone.

So tonight, step outside. Take a deep breath. LOOK UP!

And remember:

IF GOD CAN KEEP TRACK OF EVERY STAR, HE CERTAINLY KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE!

LOOK UP! YOUR HELP ISN'T COMING FROM THE STARS. IT'S COMING FROM THE ONE WHO MADE THEM!

ON THE WAY THERE!

Don't Miss the Divine Appointments!

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I've been thinking about Jesus and all the places He went. Villages, hillsides, synagogues, lakeshores, and homes. He was always ON THE WAY somewhere!

But here's my AHA moment! Some of His greatest miracles happened ON THE WAY THERE!

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem with the little children ran to Him. He was on His way to Jairus' house to heal his dying daughter when a woman who had suffered for twelve years reached out and touched His garment. Jesus STOPPED!

He healed her, called her "Daughter," and restored her dignity. Then He continued to Jairus' house and raised his daughter from the dead!

Talk about a divine appointment!

And remember Lazarus? Martha thought Jesus was four days too late! But Jesus wasn't operating on Martha's timetable. He was operating on GOD'S!

Jesus never seemed hurried, harried, or frantic. He had places to go, people to see, and a mission to accomplish. Yet He always had time for ONE MORE!

Now, let's talk about US!

We have schedules, appointments, grocery lists, deadlines, and places to be. We're so focused on GETTING THERE that we sometimes miss what God has planned ALONG THE WAY!

Ouch! I'm preaching to myself!

What if that unexpected conversation isn't an interruption? What if the person who needs a listening ear is our assignment for today?

What if God wants to use OUR smile, OUR kindness, OUR encouragement, or OUR prayer to help heal someone's broken heart?

Maybe the greatest thing we accomplish today won't be on our TO-DO list!

Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21)

So today, I'm asking God to help me slow down, look around, and listen for His gentle nudges.

Because sometimes the most important part of getting THERE is what God wants us to do ON THE WAY!

#onthewayhome #todolist #slowdown #ontheway

Holy Sheep! 🐑

The Joy of Belonging to the Good Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3

HOLY SHEEP! Yep, I said it! And I'm delighted to be one of them!

For years, I've used the initials "HS" for Holy Spirit. But today, I'm thinking those letters could also stand for "Holy Sheep!" After all, we're the sheep of HIS pasture! (Psalm 100:3)

And how could life get any better than belonging to the GOOD SHEPHERD?

Before David wore a crown, he carried a shepherd's staff. He knew sheep weren't exactly the brightest animals in the barnyard! They wandered, got distracted, and sometimes headed straight for trouble. Sound like anybody we know? (I'm raising my hand!)

But David also knew something wonderful. Sheep don't have to know everything. They just need to know their shepherd!

Our Good Shepherd knows where the green pastures are. He knows where the still waters flow. He sees the wolves, the pitfalls, and those sneaky varmints waiting to lead us astray.

And here's the BEST NEWS! We aren't just ordinary sheep. We're CHOSEN, LOVED, and CALLED BY NAME!

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)

That's our assignment! LISTEN! FOLLOW! TRUST!

When He says, "This way," we follow. When He says, "Rest," we quit running ourselves ragged. When He says, "Stay close," we don't go investigating every tempting patch of grass beyond the fence!

And let's not forget the other sheep! Some are hurting, some have wandered, and some need a little nudge back toward the fold. That's where we come in — loving, encouraging, praying, and helping each other stay close to Jesus.

Today, I'm thanking God that I belong to HIS flock.

No wandering necessary. No wolf too frightening. No valley too dark.

The Shepherd is watching. His voice is calling. His love is everlasting.

HOLY SHEEP! What a wonderful life!

The Votes Are In — But God Is Still On the Throne!

WHEW! What an election! Yesterday, Carl and I were on our feet from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., serving as election officials. Lines out the door! Passion in the air! Folks determined to make their voices heard!

And these two senior citizens? Well, let's just say our feet were voting for a recliner!

Today, some folks are celebrating. Others are disappointed. And some are simply shouting, "THANK YOU, JESUS! No more political commercials!"

But here's the GOOD NEWS! God is still on His throne!

No election results surprised Him. No political party holds His future hostage. No candidate can outvote His sovereignty!

Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that the Lord directs the hearts of kings like streams of water. In other words, God hasn't lost control of the steering wheel!

Jeremiah knew something about troubled times. Yet, amid heartbreak and uncertainty, he declares:
"His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Did you catch that? NEW MERCIES! Not recycled leftovers from yesterday! Fresh, heaven-sent mercies for TODAY!

So, whether your candidate won or lost, here's our assignment: PRAY MORE. WORRY LESS. LOVE BIGGER.

Pray for our leaders. Respect our neighbors. Refuse to let political differences steal our friendships, our kindness, or our witness for Christ.

After all, we're citizens of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken! (Hebrews 12:28)

And here's something worth celebrating: While ballots determine earthly leadership, they don't determine heaven's authority!

God's promises aren't up for reelection. His faithfulness doesn't have an expiration date. And His love doesn't depend on which side of the aisle we're sitting!

So, dear friends, take heart! Lift your eyes! Choose peace over panic and prayer over despair.

The votes are in. The people have spoken. But our King still reigns!

And THAT, my friends, is a victory worth celebrating!

God bless America! And God bless YOU!

We're Bible Women, Too!

Move over, Hollywood! The RED CARPET was rolled out last Wednesday night for some VERY SPECIAL LADIES!

Mrs. Noah, Sarah, Deborah, Delilah, Martha, Lydia, and the Widow with her two mites made their grand appearances at our Women's Bible Study!

And yours truly? I was Kiane Sawyer, reporting on the remarkable lives of these Bible women! Our very own Barbara Wilters (aka Allison D'Alfonso) interviewed each celebrity while our Bible Study leaders became ACTRESSES! We laughed, applauded, and even had husbands show up to video our production!

But here's the BEST PART!

I wrote this play in 2004 when I was President of Women's Ministries in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Twenty-two years later, God dusted off that script and gave it NEW LIFE in Austin, Texas!

After eight weeks of studying significant women of the Bible, we brought other Bible women's stories to life!

Mrs. Noah taught us perseverance. Sarah reminded us that God's promises are worth waiting for. Judge Deborah demonstrated courage. Martha showed us the importance of choosing what matters most. Lydia modeled hospitality and generosity. And the poor widow? She gave EVERYTHING she had!

Even Delilah reminded us that our choices have consequences!

But here's what struck my heart.

WE ARE BIBLE WOMEN, TOO!

No, our names aren't written in Genesis, Judges, or Acts. But we're writing our own faith stories every single day!

We're praying grandmothers, serving mothers, faithful friends, encouragers, caregivers, givers, and women who keep showing up when life gets HARD!

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us we're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those faithful women who walked before us are cheering us on!

And the SAME GOD who equipped, noticed and blessed the women of sacred scriptures, notices, sees and loves YOU and me!

Our Red Carpet may be a grocery aisle, hospital hallway, church kitchen, or a neighbor's doorstep.

But wherever God places us, we can walk in FAITH, LOVE, and PURPOSE!

The Bible women had their stories. We're still writing ours!

And oh, what a story God is writing through YOU, too! So thankful for those who went before us to show us the way of living our lives with true grit, determination, and all out service for our Lord!

Carry on good and faithful servants!

#walkoffame #redcarpet #witnesses #praying #ServingGod

God Is NOT Pacing Heaven's Hallways!

WHEN, LORD? WHY? HOW MUCH LONGER?

Ever asked those questions? Oh, my goodness! Some days I think heaven must have a special department just for my questions!

Trouble. Turmoil. Heartbreak. Unanswered prayers. Life can feel like a storm that WON'T LET UP!

And when someone we love is hurting, waiting becomes especially difficult.

I think about precious families praying for healing, parents watching their children struggle, and loved ones pleading, “Please, God! SOONER rather than later!”

Then I read Psalm 29:10:

“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.”

WAIT! GOD IS SITTING?

While we're pacing the floor, wearing out our knees, and checking heaven's clock?

YES! But here's the beautiful truth.

God isn't sitting because He doesn't CARE. He's sitting because He hasn't LOST CONTROL!

He's not nervously pacing heaven's hallways. He's not calling an emergency meeting of angels, wondering what to do next!

HE IS STILL KING!

But does that mean we won't experience heartbreak? No.

Does it mean every prayer will be answered on OUR timetable? Unfortunately, no.

And does it mean we shouldn't cry, question, or sometimes feel overwhelmed?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Even Jesus wept.

Faith isn't pretending the storm doesn't hurt. Faith is trusting that the One who rules over the storm is WITH US in it.

Psalm 29:11 ends with this beautiful promise:

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.”

Notice, He promises STRENGTH and PEACE, even when answers haven't arrived.

Dear friends, perhaps you're waiting for a miracle, a breakthrough, or simply enough courage to face tomorrow.

KEEP PRAYING! KEEP BELIEVING! KEEP HOLDING ON!

The flood may be real, but it doesn't have the final word.

GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!

And the God who rules over the waters is the same God who holds YOU close.

HEAVEN RULES! AND YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

#KeepHoldingOn #JesusWept #heavenshallways

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FALL BACK! The Extra Hour Blessing!

HALLELUJAH! Today is November 1st -- a brand new month and we were given an EXTRA HOUR!

At 2:00 a.m., our clocks FELL BACK one hour, and suddenly, we were given the gift of 60 additional minutes! Whoohoo!

An extra hour of SLEEP! Can I get an AMEN?

Of course, no one advised my internal clock -- which wakes me daily to ensure my blog posted on time -- 5:00 AM. Please don't feel sorry for me -- it is one of my greatest joys to post a blog daily!

I've been thinking about those two little words: FALL BACK!

What if, instead of just falling back into our pillows, we fell back into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father? Fell back into His grace and mercy that is new -- not just this morning, but every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that His mercies are NEW EVERY MORNING!

That we woke up -- especially considering the alternative! And, what if we woke up with gratitude in our hearts each morning!

And, what if our first thoughts were praise and worship to our Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy that follows us each new day.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Aw! Giving God our first thoughts, our first praise, our first thanksgiving!

Oh, how we need that reminder!
Our lives are filled with schedules, appointments, responsibilities, and those never-ending TO-DO lists. Sometimes we're so busy running FORWARD that we forget to REST in the One who holds our tomorrows.

And here's something worth remembering -- God doesn't operate on Daylight Saving Time!

He never sleeps through our prayers. He never runs late with His mercy. And His love doesn't change when we change our clocks!

Maybe you've been running on empty. Maybe your heart is tired. Maybe you've been carrying burdens that were never yours to carry alone.

Here's your invitation......
FALL BACK into God's grace.
REST in His promises.
WAKE UP to His goodness.

And if you happen to sleep through that extra hour?
Don't worry! God's blessings will still be waiting when you wake up!

FALL BACK! REST EASY! GOD'S GOT US!

#fallback #daylightsavings #restinGodslove

A Vote, a Heart, and a Rainy Day Blessing

 

Yesterday, something happened at our early voting location that touched my heart!

After days of welcoming voters, checking IDs, and watching long lines of determined Americans, I thought I'd seen just about everything.

BUT THEN CAME THIS PRECIOUS COUPLE!

They arrived in a van, both facing significant physical challenges. The wife used a motorized wheelchair, and her husband had mobility difficulties of his own.

They were determined to VOTE!

My coworker and I went outside to assist with curbside voting.

The wife initially requested a paper ballot, but marking those tiny circles proved difficult. So we brought an electronic voting machine outside, where she could make her selections.

And wouldn't you know it? IT WAS RAINING!

But beneath that covered portico, something beautiful happened.

While her husband went inside to vote, this precious woman and I visited.

I admired her beautiful blonde hair. She admired my patriotic heart earrings.

And suddenly, I knew those earrings belonged to HER!

We talked about her years of writing, speaking, and teaching. Though writing has become difficult, she's still working on a book using recordings!

WHAT AN INSPIRATION!

Later, I watched her husband carefully position their van and prepare the wheelchair ramp.
Such determination! Such devotion!

They could have chosen another voting method, but they had come in person.

And I was reminded that what seems EASY for some requires extraordinary effort from others.
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

Yesterday, my neighbor happened to be a beautiful woman beneath a rainy portico.

I went outside to help her vote.
But SHE came to teach ME something!

Voting is a privilege. Kindness is a calling. And love is always worth the extra effort.

With Election Day approaching Tuesday, November 3, I hope every eligible voter who hasn't voted will make a plan to participate.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR VOTE MATTERS. AND SO DOES YOUR KINDNESS!

#Vote #LoveYourNeighbor #ElectionDay

Maybe God Is Just Staring!

Oh, the LOVE we have for our children!

I remember when my Ryan and Staci were little. Sometimes I'd stand beside their beds, watching them sleep, studying those precious faces, and wondering how I could possibly love two little people SO MUCH!

I'd kiss their foreheads, whisper a prayer, and thank God for choosing ME to be their mother.

Have you ever done that? Just stood there, completely captivated by someone you love?

Recently, I heard a beautiful message from a pastor who described standing beside his three-year-old daughter's bed, overwhelmed with gratitude that he got to be her daddy.

As he gazed at her, he sensed God reminding him of Psalm 139:
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!" (Psalm 139:17)

And then came the thought that took my breath away.
What if God looks upon US with that same tender, adoring love?

What if those moments when heaven seems silent aren't evidence that God has forgotten us?

Maybe He's simply delighting in His child!

Oh, how often have we prayed, "Lord, where are You? Why aren't You answering?"

We mistake His silence for His absence.
But Psalm 139:18 assures us, "And when I wake up, you are still with me!"

WOW!
The same God who created the universe knows our names, hears our prayers, sees our tears, and loves us beyond anything we can comprehend.

And just as I didn't need my children to perform, accomplish, or even wake up to earn my love, we don't have to earn God's affection!

We are already HIS!

So, dear friend, if God seems quiet today, let's don't assume He's gone somewhere.

He may be working in ways we cannot see. He may be inviting us to rest in His presence.

And perhaps, just perhaps, He's looking upon you and me with the same overwhelming love we feel when gazing at our precious children.

HIS SILENCE DOESN'T MEAN HIS ABSENCE.
WE ARE SEEN. WE ARE KNOWN. We ARE DEARLY LOVED!

#SilenceIsNotAbsence #GodknowsOurnames #godstillseesus