A Bison, a Dumb Idea and a God-Idea

While having lunch at my home on Sunday, my kids told me this story. Last Wednesday, a 54-year-old woman motorcyclist was attacked by a bison in South Dakota when she sat in the grass to take a photo of a mother bison and her calf. She got way too close to the little family and another bison (maybe the dad bison) charged at the woman, hooked its horns into the belt loops of her jeans and flung her around in the air for a few seconds. The sheriff said the woman was "apparently saved when her pants came off and she fell to the ground unconscious." At that point, the sheriff said the attacking bison ran off with the rest of the herd. I understand she survived the attack – thank God! The gal who filmed the incident, posted this: “Please, please, please feel free to share this, so people understand they’re about to die when they confront an animal this powerful.”

Then, I remembered a similar story and asked my daughter if she remembered when she was about four years old, standing a distance away when her daddy and I had grabbed hold of a young calf to castrate him. The mama cow, rather than attacking us – went after Staci and, with her head, begin to bounce Staci in the air. Thankfully, Staci held onto her ears like riding a bucking bronco. Her daddy turned and kicked the cow who released our girl. It was a scary sight. Staci remembered.

I thought about those two incidents and how we MUST be watchful of everything we do that could give a foothold into our lives by the enemy of our souls. That’s why Godly wisdom is so important to our success in life. Proverbs 4:6-7 says: "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding."

If anyone could speak to us about the snares, traps and lies of the enemy of our souls it was the Apostle Peter. Remember the many mistakes he made because of not recognizing he was a target of Satan? Peter was already in-the-making to be mightily used by God, so of course the enemy wanted to keep him from his destiny. Peter warned us with this: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Peter understood who it was that tricked him into denying Christ, to cut off the soldier’s ear, to cower behind others. Peter goes on to tell us how to defeat the enemy. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:9

Wisdom, Holy Spirit’s voice and good old common sense is with us to keep us from making really dumb mistakes like playing around with wild animals or getting ourselves into compromising situations or simply choosing what we know God wants us to avoid. I really believe that God is leaning in close to His kids today to give us His wisdom for successfully living a victorious life in Him. As He leans in, may we lean in closer to Him to hear His voice and know His ways that will surely keep us safe, sound, and successful.

1 Kings 2:3 “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

Good Sense…..Makes Good Sense

My 5:45 am early morning walks are getting darker and darker. I thought, because it’s summer, that it would stay bright and light at least until September, but not so. I walk that early before it gets so hot outside. But this morning, it was pitch dark so I knew I needed to take my flashlight to brighten my way. I’m glad I did.

I had the good sense to know I made the right decision when I came across this handle that I could easily have tripped over. I’m still in recovery from the face plant that I encountered a few weeks ago, simply because my foot hit a heave in the street. Then, not much further down the road, this rag was in the street and I could have gotten tangled up in it.

I started singing that old African American spiritual song: “All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me!” Thank God for my guardian angels who I’m sure have double duty over me!

And, without that flashlight, I might have missed seeing this frog. I took the photo and bid him farewell and thought: “Could this be my Prince Charming and I should have kissed him?”

I don’t like to over-spiritualize everything in my life because God gave us “good sense”. But, still I believe that “good sense” really is the Holy Spirit Who Jesus said would be ours when He ascended to heaven. So, call it what you may, I still believe good sense, our conscience and Holy Spirit are one and the same when we acknowledge Him. The Bible teaches us that those who put their faith in Christ for salvation, receive the person of the Holy Spirit for indwelling. The Holy Spirit within us is the source of all knowledge and of all common sense.

Jesus said in John 14:15-17 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

Thanks, God, for the help AND the Helper! Thanks, God, for my angels! Thanks, God, for the good common sense you gave us. May we activate and appreciate all the gifts You have given us because You love us so much!

Bananas & a Bright Idea

A few days ago, my cousin, who lives just a few blocks from me, came over for technology help. I’d like to think that I was the tech-guru that she thought I was, but after an hour of trying to figure out the problem on her phone, I admitted I was at wits’ end. I was baffled and disappointed for both of us.

Earlier in the day, I was at Sam’s and purchased their 3-pounds-for-$1.28 bananas. After Mary Ellen left, I saw the bananas on my counter. I knew I wouldn't eat them all, so I decided to take some over to her and her husband. All of a sudden, I had a bright idea about that phone issue. With bananas in hand, I went to their home and put the idea to task. In just a few minutes, problem solved and all their electronic devices were in-sync. We shouted “Hallelujah” and "happy" danced!

The dance wasn’t for me. It was for He, Who gave me the insight. I knew I had tapped into my power source -- my divine Know-it-All. My ability couldn't get the job done, but the answer came from He Whose ability is unlimited. I believe the Holy Spirit, the One Who Jesus said would come to take His place because He had to go away (John 16:7) was where the answer for this dilemma came from. Holy Spirit has the answer to everything. Here's how I explain it. When the power company comes and hooks up electricity to our home, they don't come in and turn the lights on for us. That's our job. The power is there -- ready for us to flip the switches.

And in a similar way, we were hooked up to the Holy Spirit when we believed and received Christ. He imparted power to us to not only be able to tap into God's wisdom and understanding, but when we "turn on the switch", He gives us power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. He lives in us. But, we have to "turn on the lights" -- rather we acknowledge that He is our helper, our counselor, our comforter, and our peace. AND, He knows everything about everything, so we tap into His wisdom that is way beyond our grade level and experience.

May we power-up and be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to radically transform us from weak, fearful, anxious and timid believers to empowered people of love, hope, boldness, and courage, with the bonus of getting wisdom from our divine Know-it-All. We just have to flip the switch of faith in His "bright ideas"!

We’ve Got the Power! It’s Pentecost Sunday!

Happy Birthday to YOU! Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. So, it is YOUR birthday, because you ARE the Church going and coming. At every birthday celebration, a gift always shows up! This day of celebration commemorates the Gift of the Holy Spirit to us. And what a gift He was AND is to us today!

Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter) -- the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and others in the Upper Room. They were in one accord in one place. We, the Church, need a Pentecost today! To turn from blame and shame to Godly, courageous, bold witnesses for Christ. To become people of compassion, kindness, and love for each other. In a world of violence and cultural unrest, if ever we needed a Pentecost, it is today!

Pentecost fulfilled Jesus' promise "to send the Holy Spirit to you!" (John 16:5-15). It launched Peter as a powerful witness for Christ. How did he go from being cowardly to courageous, from being frightened to fearless? How did he go from denying Jesus to defending Jesus? It was the power of Pentecost that made the difference in his life. And that is the same power we need in our lives if the Church is to have a positive and lasting impact upon the world. Peter was changed. (Acts 4:13)

Acts 2:41 records that Peter spoke to the crowd and 3,000 people were baptized. Power-less to power-full! And that’s what Holy Spirit does for us, too! My story is similar to Peter's. I was weak, timid and afraid, but because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, I weathered and overcame many storms in my life. The Holy Spirit gives me the power and confidence to share the Good News boldly and unafraid. The power of the Holy Spirit is available to anyone who is a believing and obedient Christian and who desires the fullness of God’s Spirit.

The moment we received Christ, the Holy Spirit not only came to live in us, but He also imparted the power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. "Be filled" means to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His attitudes and actions in the life of the believer. We received amazing gifts of the Holy Spirit when we received Christ and a big bushel of fruit. Galatians 5:22: "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

The change this world needs begins with you and me. When we point to others, there are four fingers pointing back to us. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in me!" Won’t you pray this prayer to be changed and empowered to be bold witnesses of God's love through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?

“Dear Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I know You live in me. I know that You are my helper, my counselor, my confidant, my comforter and my peace. I ask You to take complete control of my life. I ask for Your gifts and fruit to be evident in my life. Lord, I ask that You fill me to overflowing with Your precious Holy Spirit. Baptize me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet – the same way You filled those in the Upper Room. I ask You for a radical transformation like the disciples had when they went from fear, anxiety, and timidity to empowered people of faith, boldness, and courage. Come Holy Spirit! Consume me! I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Bunny Trails That Give Bunnies a Bad Name

So I’m still caring for this pint-size Yorkie who, BTW, is about to get "shipped out" because she keeps telling me what to do. “Treat? Go for a Walk? Scratch my tummy! Put me as close to you as I possibly can get!" And, I yield to her, almost every time. Those big brown eyes are irresistible! What she doesn’t realize is that’s why I don’t have a pet of my own. I’m quite content with being responsible for just me and "just me" enjoys not having anyone telling me what to do, where to go, and what to say. Well, with the exception of Holy Spirit Who I’m prone to do, go and say what He says! I’ll admit, if someone was spying on us, they’d get a kick out of Emma and me conversing and me telling her she better “shape up or ship out”!

Our four-times-a-day walks include her trying to follow bunny trails – and me, reeling her back to the nice casual walk around the neighborhood. She endlessly sniffs around in circles, never getting anywhere. And she certainly never finds the bunny. But, I can’t blame her because I tend to go off on bunny trails myself. In fact, my bunny trails give bunnies a bad name. For example, I go to change my wash to the dryer, and on the way, I see my plant that needs to be watered and after I water the plant, I notice dishes that I need to put into the dishwasher. And, oh, while Im doing that, I realize I need to buy more dishwasher soap so I get my notepad. While I make a note of the soap, I hear a great commercial that says: “Order now. Call 1-800-xxx-xxxx.” I know I want it so as I start to order it, I remember that I need to change my wash to the dryer. Oh me!

Like I have to reel Emma back in, I think I’m feeling the tug from my Father – reeling me back in and reminding me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways (including the bunny trails) acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight!” (Proverbs 3:5,6) And from Psalm 119:1 “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”

I sure don’t want to be caught up going in circles, looking for a rabbit or bunny or even a squirrel. I desire to be focused, being intentional and purposeful in whatever my hands find to do. It’s been said that purposefulness is having “conscious” intention. It is having a clear focus on what and why we're doing it.

I’m tending to think that this little Yorkie is more God’s plan than it my kids’ plan. I need to learn what NOT to do – being double-and-triple minded instead of single-minded. I’m determined to devote myself to the project at hand, not a part time or sorta-kinda commitment. And combine it with faith to believe that God will help me live out the purpose He has given me.

The Blessings of Listening

Last week I blogged about listening for God's voice. I admitted to my own inabilities to hear Him as often as I should because of so many distractions. But, on another note, I'd like to share with you some of the times when I did listen and how it paid off.

There were the times when I was hurt because of what someone said or did. And, hurt turned into frustration. So, I thought, I'll state my case in a nice lengthy email. I made sure that my words were only tainted a tad bit with my angst. I felt my words were kind and made my point. "Good job", I thought. Then, when I was ready to hit the "send" button, I stopped short. I heard a whisper in my heart, "Don't send it." Then I thought to myself, "I haven’t talked to God about this yet, have I?" I paused, sat back in my chair and prayed over the little email I was about to launch. That prayer nudged me to sleep on it. I did. Next morning, I realized that no matter how savory my words were, they could be misconstrued and it just wouldn't be worth the confrontation. I realized the same Holy Spirit Who nudged me to sleep on it, is the same Holy Spirit that lives in my friend.

We've all heard the saying, "Sleep on it. Give it fresh eyes in the morning." Good advice. I know that routine because that's what I do each day after I've typed my blog. Since I always make sure my blog goes live by 6 am every day, I sleep on it and with those fresh eyes I scan it and invariably, I'll see a grammatical error or a sentence that isn't needed or it's just way too long and so I edit something out that wasn't necessary. I like to think it's not just my eyes that scans it, but Holy Spirit scans it with me -- for me! Those little edits are heaven-sent. I just know it.

I've learned my lessons well because there were times when I sensed/heard God whisper and ignored it. The still small voice—the warning. I know that it's so much more than my conscience speaking. Well, in fact, I know that my conscience holds hands with the Holy Spirit, so I've come to welcome those warnings. Because, there were times when I didn't act on those warnings, and it is just not worth the misery it caused.

Today, I count on that voice that causes me to take a little longer before I send a text message, an email, or even speak my mind. I'm taking my time to consider the outcome if I said this or that. I'd like to say I've conquered the hastily-spoken words and said something that seemed so innocent, but in the ears of someone else, were taken the wrong way.

Here's what I know for sure. God doesn’t speak to hear His own voice. No, He lovingly will use whatever it takes to protect us from our own undoing. His voice is not only one of correction but a voice of protection. I've learned to discern His voice better AND I'm remembering to ask for it.

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) Listen and obey. Simple as that. And when it comes to emails, text messages or real life interaction, I ask myself daily: "Will these words simply make a point or am I using my words to point to Christ?"

Be careful little mind what you think….because thoughts lead to actions and actions can sure get us into “quick sand” of regret! Please save us, Lord, from ourselves. Keep us tight with You – so tight – that we imitate You in our thoughts AND our actions!"

We Came. We Saw. GOD Conquered.

I Raise a Hallelujah! Oh, yes, I do! Oh, yes, we do! Veni, vidi, vici – the Latin for “I came; I saw; I conquered” – attributed to Julius Caesar who used the phrase in a letter to the Roman Senate in 47 BC after he had won a quick victory in his short war against Pharnaces II at the Battle of Zela. The phrase is used to refer to a swift, conclusive victor. And, it was also used after the 17th-century Battle of Vienna, saying “Venimus, Vidimus, Deus vici”t ("We came, We saw, God conquered"). Our victory was also a swift, conclusive victory! Hallelujah!

I like that last one the best: “God conquered”! All praise and honor and glory be to Him for the incredibly powerful, and truly God-orchestrated, last couple of weeks. As a team who came, who saw and put full-on gusto of prayer, intercession AND really hard work into the sale of my children’s home, getting the move and closing in before the end-of-the-year – was a WIN of mammoth proportions. “Through our God, we shall do valiantly. It is He Who will tread down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12)

I won’t go into the ups and downs of accomplishing this task, but I will give credit to where credit is due – and that is our little team of just a few who wouldn’t think negatively or yield to the temptation of speaking negatively either. We just dove in with relentless ambition and audacious faith in the power of the Holy Spirit Who gives us the power we need at times like this. “Praise God! Hallelujah!” That’s what I said Thursday night when I shut the door to the thoroughly cleaned out, beautiful home that looked so different years ago when my kids moved in. It was dated, was in disrepair in many areas – and they did a makeover -- that would entice women and men to come and open up their hearts to the love of this family and to the love of God. Oh, the lives that were changed in this home. Oh the blessings of inspired faith and relentless hope and great expectations for tomorrow. Halleluljah!

Over 50 million people have now watched a YouTube clip of unsuspecting shoppers who get a surprise while eating lunch. A young woman, seemingly enjoying her lunch in a food court, stands up. She appears to be on her mobile phone. She begins singing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. All around her, over 100 (clearly prearranged) opera singers stand one by one and join in. I got holy goosebumps when I watched it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

“Messiah” is George Frederick Handel’s most famous work. It tells the story of Jesus – the Messiah. Part Two is about His death on the cross, His resurrection and His ascension into heaven. It ends with the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. In the spring of 1742, King George II rose to his feet as the first notes of the triumphant ‘Hallelujah’ chorus rang out. Royal protocol has always demanded that, whenever the monarch stands, so too does everyone in the monarch’s presence. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood. King George II had accepted that he, too, was subject to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

The word ‘Hallelujah’ is an invitation to worship – it literally means ‘Praise (Hallal) the Lord’ (Yahweh). It occurs twenty-four times in the Old Testament (mainly in the Psalms) and it occurs four times in the New Testament.

And it occurred for us when we had plowed through the obstacles, the season, the traditions, AND, this move at Christmas that will take my family into 2020 with freedom, gusto, and many others being touched by He Who conquers – and many times – conquers by using the frailties of human beings to prove His strength is made perfect in our weakness. So, today,
I raise a hallelujah in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me
I'm gonna’ sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna’ hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
(From Bethel Music, I Raise a Hallelujah) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2XtRuPfaAU

Living our Faith Out-Loud – De-Compartmentalized

When I blogged about compartmentalizing" our lives yesterday, I didn't mean it for our faith. Our faith is an exception. You know -- that "keeping it to ourselves" compartment. We've all heard the saying: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The idea is that when people go to Las Vegas, they get a license to do things they would never normally do. So what if you cheat on your wife? This is Vegas! So what if you are irresponsible with your money? This is Vegas! So what if you…?

Here’s what I mean. When it comes to our faith, many Christians compartmentalize it like that “Vegas” saying: “What happens at church, stays at church,” or “What happens away from church, stays away from church.” Many live their faith out only on Sundays at church and, outside the church, their lives are faith-less and lacking the fruit of the Spirit. They blend in so much with unbelievers that it's hard to tell a difference in them. Their light is dimmed by the way they speak and act when faced with a challenge or a follow employee who gets on their nerves. They remain silent when someone brings up the subject of pro life, chastity, faithfulness in marriage and going to church.

We are called to be Christians (devoted followers of Christ) not just some of the time, but all of the time. As Jesus’ followers, we’re called to continually grow in our relationship with God, and to help others do the same. We see our daily interactions as opportunities to live our faith out in word and deed. Keeping God front and center in all that we are and do, and being open and authentic about our faith with those around us . Living our faith out loud is an important part of the process of helping others become disciples who make disciples.

St.Paul gave us a glimpse into how to live out our faith in front of others -- de-compartmentalized: "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

We can be recognized by the fruit we produce in our lives. What kind of fruit are we producing? More than that, what kind of fruit are others noticing we are producing when they see us on a daily basis? Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit that are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Our faith and commitment to Christ is a 24/7 proposition -- not just when everyone is looking at us, but also when no one is looking. Time to de-compartmentalize our faith – and live audaciously as fully, all-in-followers of Christ!

My Perspective Changed and So Did I

We’ve all seen that FedEx logo. And, often we are excited to see it because an important package finally arrived. My perspective of express is getting to a destination quickly. I think of an express train or bus that has little to no stops before reaching its destination and then there's the express elevator that goes straight to the top instead of stopping on other floors.

My perspective changed when the FedEx logo was put up on the screen during a speaker's talk. He said: "Look between the E and the X and see if you can see the white arrow.” And, with a little intentional focus, it was easy to see. Since then, when I see that FedEx logo, whether it's on a truck, an airplane, or a box being delivered to me, I see that arrow!

Maybe you wouldn't have given a second thought to that FedEx logo including a right-arrow. Or maybe you've always seen it. That's because we're ALL different. We all have a different way of viewing things. We often hear sayings such as: “different strokes for different folks", "let's agree to disagree", or "couldn't see the forest for the trees," These expressions verify that we all have different perspectives.

My "God" perspective certainly changed over the years. As a child, I viewed God as a hard taskmaster. I saw Him as the authority figure that would "get me" if I didn't act or perform to please Him. I lived in fear of what He would do to me. My perspective changed when I came to know God's love and grace. I came to know Him as my “Abba Father” -- a Daddy that I can literally "blow it", but with arms open wide, He beckons me to Him, forgives me and gives me mercy. Romans 8:15 says: “The Spirit you received doesn’t make you slaves. Otherwise you would live in fear again. Instead, the Holy Spirit you received made you God’s adopted child. By the Spirit’s power we call God Abba. Abba means Father.”

The key to knowing what's best for my life, is KNOWING GOD!" And that's why my perspective has changed -- because the more time I spend in His Word, in fellowship with His people, in communication with Him, in trusting Him with my whole heart, in wanting with all my heart to please Him.....I've come to know HIM…..REALLY know Him. My perspective changed.....and I could never see Him in any other way again.

Now, with the Apostle Paul, I really do have a perspective of God that causes me to love Him more. And the better I understand His nature and ways, the more I understand how very much He loves me. Paul prayed "May you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is" (Ephesians 3:18). Take that to heart, and you'll never see God the same way again either.

Help! I Need Directions!

I’m so thankful for my phone's GPS app. Such a time saver. Such a stress reliever. Such great comfort as I take so many road trips by myself. I remember the days of getting lost trying to find a location. I wonder how we made it so well before GPS? How did they make it in the old days before pavement roads or signs? Oh, I know. God was with them, just like He is so present with us today.

While my car wasn't starting on Saturday and trying to resolve the issue, I was going through my car’s Owner’s Manual to try to find an answer to the problem. Besides the car not starting, the outside lights would not turn off. I knew the battery would drain if I couldn't figure it out. The outside lights were on “Automatic” and the manual said I needed to “turn” the knob to “Off”, but the knob was stuck. It wouldn’t turn. Instead of unsticking it, I pushed the knob casing right into the dashboard. Lord, have mercy! I thought: "Something else to be charged for at the repair shop!" I tried grabbing hold of it to pull it out, but couldn’t get it to stay. I used a large screwdriver and pliers – but nada! I quit trying and went back to my prayer time and again, that scripture came to me “Do not fear. Only believe.” Shortly after that I remembered my small eyeglasses screwdriver, used it to pop it back in! And, whoa-la, and praise God -- it worked!

Seriously, my friends, I know it’s not a magic potion, but I know God is with me. He is with us. His Holy Spirit is in us and He knows everything about everything. He is our wisdom provider, our common-sense initiator, our comfort-giver, and our source of any and everything we need. He is so much more than a GPS!

I’m hearing the message loud and clear – that we should be communicating with Him as we would with a friend with us in the car, or, across the table from us. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 Those ways include car troubles, family troubles, and life troubles. They include good times and not-so-good times.

Having a little conversation with Him Who knows everything about everything -- provides directions when and to where we want to go. That's huge when we consider those who refuse to ask for directions -- men AND women. They'll go around the same block or same area of town over and over again before they're willing to ask directions. But, in this case.....if we just have a little one-on-one with Him Who is the Supreme KNOW-IT-ALL, He will direct our paths. We'll get to our destination in record time, even get cars repaired. Expert advice!

Perhaps you're looking for direction on decisions that you are having to make today. Just maybe this "Word" is your "Word" too. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways (while driving, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, waiting in a store line, etc., acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

The Sound of a Rushing Mighty Wind

As I made my way home from church, the skies began to darken and the wind started blowing hard. I was thankful to get inside before the torrential rain began. I thought that my trees might break because they were bent over so far. I started saying “Peace. Be still. In the name of Jesus”, over and over again. I decided to take a nap and when I awoke 45 minutes later, the sun was shining brightly and all was calm.

I saw that my neighbor’s patio chair had been knocked over and some tree limbs broke off and many clumps of leaves laying all over. On my FB timeline, I saw a friend’s post (pictured here): “A gust of quick wind came down and ripped out trees on the golf course, tore branches off the trees on the course into our yard and pool. Amazing how quickly it happened!”

Immediately I remembered, “Today is Pentecost Sunday, and these winds and their sounds hold no comparison to the winds that day!” Acts 2:1-2 says "And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting." This was a noise LIKE a violent rushing wind. This “wind” is not violent that tears apart trees and patio furniture and shingles from a roof. It is better likened to a refreshing, cool breeze of the Holy Spirit.

When we were fishing at Beaver’s Bend, the temperature escalated on a couple of the days. It was warm but we were refreshed when all of a sudden we would feel a very cool, almost cold, breeze circle around us.

Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to a gentle breeze that blows through one’s life and changes everything. He first mentioned the Holy Spirit in a conversation with a spiritual leader named Nicodemus who had always tried to please God by following Him with precise scores of rules and laws. Jesus described a spiritual experience far more personal than that. “You can’t get to know God by anything you do yourself.”

Later, when Jesus was about to leave this earth to return to heaven, His disciples were sad and wondered how they could live without Him. He promised them: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth. He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16–18).
In other words, Jesus knew that a human body could be in only one place at one time. But through His Spirit, He could be with us all the time. And not just with us. The Bible says the Holy Spirit will, if we will let Him, live within us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” asked the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:16).

I just had to write another blog today about the Holy Spirit Who has been my mainstay. It is surely the most wonderful and most mysterious blessing of all! If you’ve ever prayed in grief or discouragement and suddenly felt comfort or if you’ve asked God for help in making a decision and felt a dawning awareness of what the right choice should be, then you’ve already met the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does the very things that Jesus Himself did while He was with us: He comforts us, helps us to understand truth, provides direction and healing, helps us to admit when we’ve sinned, and reassures us of God’s love. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the lives of those who love Him. What makes all the difference is knowing that the Holy Spirit is always here, always watching, always encouraging, and always ready to help us when we really need Him.

Perhaps, today, you’re feeling the soft, gentle breezes of the Holy Spirit drawing you into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture says “I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you”. Jeremiah 31:3 He’s nudging you to commit your life to God. If you are already a Christian, the Spirit may be calling you to a more devoted life to Christ and even to a life of greater service to others. Whatever He might be saying to you, God asks you to believe that His Spirit is there, near you, watching you, giving you the power to overcome, be more faith-filled and drawing you closer into Himself. Go ahead. Lean in. Experience those cool, gentle breezes of Holy Spirit right now, this very day!

Happy Birthday, Church! It’s Pentecost Sunday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. So, it is YOUR BIRTHDAY, because YOU ARE the Church going and coming.

Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter) commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and those in the Upper Room. Pentecost fulfills Jesus' promise when He said: "I must go away but I will send the Holy Spirit to you!"(John 16:5-15) and it launches the large-scale spreading of the Gospel. Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said these words to His disciples: “When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you shall receive POWER." (Acts 1:8) How awesome is that?

Peter is such a great example of how God turns a fearful, impulsive coward who denied even knowing Jesus into a powerful, bold and courageous witness for Christ. It was because of Pentecost, and Peter receiving that power, that Jesus had promised. Acts 2:41 records that Peter spoke to the crowd and 3,000 people were baptized. Power-less to powerful! And that’s what Holy Spirit does for us, too!

My story is very similar to Peter's because I was weak, timid and afraid but because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, I have weathered and even overcome so many storms in my life. The Holy Spirit gives me the power and confidence to share the Good News boldly and unafraid. That power of the Holy Spirit is available to anyone who is a believing and obedient Christian and who desires the fullness of God’s Spirit.

I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is the answer to our actions AND reactions of anything OR anyone we encounter. How was it possible to be a strong and bold witness of Jesus Christ back in those days of such tyranny and oppression? How is it possible for us to overcome the challenges in our lives? How is it possible to experience John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The moment we received Christ, the Holy Spirit not only came to live in us, but He also imparted the power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. "Be filled" means to allow the Holy Spirit to produce his attitudes and actions in the life of the believer. We received amazing gifts of the Holy Spirit when we received Christ and a big bushel of fruit. Galatians 5:22: "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

People ask me: “What’s your secret?” “How can you always be so happy?” It is no secret. It is the natural product of “living in the Spirit” and embracing His presence and fellowship. Through life's ups and downs, I can tell you I know peace. I know faith. I know comfort because of the Holy Spirit.

Won’t you pray this prayer with me today in celebration of Pentecost Sunday and Holy Spirit that lives in you? It's simply acknowledging His presence and His power that is available to you today.

“Dear Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, welcome into my life. I know You are living in me, and today I acknowledge that You are my helper, my counselor, my confidant, my comforter and my peace. I ask You to take complete control of my life. I ask for Your gifts and fruit to be evident in my life. Lord, I ask that You fill me to overflowing with Your precious Holy Spirit. Baptize me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet – the same way You filled those in the Upper Room. I ask You for a radical transformation like the disciples had when they went from fear, anxiety, timidity, and concern to empowered people of love, faith, boldness, and courage. May I receive you fully and completely. Come Holy Spirit! Consume me! I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!!!

I Hear You, But I'm Not Listening

A concerned husband went to his doctor and said, "Doc, I think my wife is going deaf. What can I do?" The doctor replies: “Go home and stand 15 feet from her and speak to her. If she doesn’t reply, move 5 feet closer and say it again. Keep doing this so we’ll get an idea about the severity of her deafness.” The man goes home and does as directed. He starts off standing 15 feet from his wife in the kitchen as she is chopping vegetables and says, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” He hears no response. He moves 5 feet closer and asks again. No reply. He moves 5 feet closer. Still no reply. He gets fed up and moves right behind her, about an inch away, and asks loudly, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” She replies, “For the fourth time, vegetable stew!”

I thought about that story this weekend when I was in a prayer team (common to a Holy Spirit 101 retreat or healing night) of four people. I noticed a man continuing to turn his left ear in the direction of the person who was speaking, time and time again. After we had individually prayed for each one in this group, I asked the man if he’d like prayer for his hearing. He quickly said, “I don’t have a problem with hearing, but my wife thinks I do. Actually, the problem isn’t hearing – it’s listening.” He amused us enough for each of us to compare notes on how well we listen – especially to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

I think this cartoon best describes why we're not hearing. The message is clear and true to our lives. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me:" (John 10:27). I wonder if He had in mind how difficult "listening for His voice" would be in 2019? Of course, He did. And, if ever we needed to hear His voice, it is in this day and time. So many voices chiming in, so many distractions each and every day and being pulled by our social media apps and electronics that keep us nose-dived into content overload.

We need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, comfort, guidance, peace, and direction. Of course, we long to hear His voice, but in the busy-ness, the clamor and the many, many activities and distractions of everyday life, oftentimes, we may be hard-pressed to find that quiet PLACE where we can go for solace, rest and peace, and hear the voice of our Shepherd. And, even when we manage to find that place, like in this cartoon, the noise of our cell phones, radios, computers, TV, etc. -- keeps us distracted from hearing our Shepherd's voice.

We need to find that place where His voice comes through loud and clear to us. Oh, He has that place -- and we can find it, but it's up to us to disregard the distractions to "Be still (that’s a feat in itself) to hear and know our God." And, I'm not referring to a far-away island in the middle of no-where. It's possible to find that place if only for a few minutes in our day, to "Come away with Him"!

Matthew 13:13 -- Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’”

Moms! Let it Go and Let it Grow!

I'm sitting at my desk in Radiology at Children's Hospital and hear playing "Let it Go" on the tv monitors in the waiting room. How many times have I heard that song from "Frozen" and from messages I've heard about letting unnecessary stuff go?

But, this day, I'm thinking about Mother's Day and from what I've learned, "What would I tell my 18-year-old self when I first became a young mom?" I would tell her: "You may be new at this but practice makes perfect so LET IT GROW!"

I wasn't athletically inclined. No sports for me. Though I wanted to be "that" girl who stood out and won awards for her team, I didn't even try to go there. But, athleticism kicked in for me many years later when I started running. I learned that God made our bodies in a way that we can't expect to be an athlete with only an "I wish I could" mentality. Years ago, a group of us walked the 5K in honor of my husband who couldn't walk at all. After that, my son's marathon trainer said: "Your son's long, athletic legs came from you! It's time for you to start running!" At first, I thought she was kidding or crazy, but before long I started training. It started with building endurance. Then I was ready to run a mile. The first day I walked and ran, the next day I walked a little faster, and eventually, I could run a mile. Before long, I was ready to run my first 13.5-mile half-marathon.

I wish someone would have told me about endurance in motherhood! It takes endurance, practice, work, consistency, and exhaustion to grow into mothering with wisdom and maturity and grace and gentleness. I found the more I practiced, the stronger I became, step by step, slow and steady, learning, doing, listening to older moms, staying closely knit with the Lord and relying on His Holy Spirit, the better I got.

There is a reason Scripture talks about older women teaching younger women (Titus 2:4-5) to keep on and that's what this older woman is saying to you today, precious moms! You are NOT failing! It takes time and work and sweat and tears. When I say, it gets better, I don’t just mean it gets easier because your kids sleep and are more self-sufficient (although sleep is awesome). It gets better because you get better. You mature. You grow in grace. You are acting out of what you have been given by God. You have been molded and tested, and if you keep on, you will make it. So get your running shoes, pace yourself (oh my goodness, pace yourself), and keep on. You are NOT failing! I'm not saying "Let it go". I am saying "Let it grow!" You're not alone. God is cheering you on and so am I!

James 1:2-4 confirms what God is telling us: "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So LET IT GROW for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Getting Ready to be Overshadowed

Have you ever felt Holy Spirit’s presence so intensely, that you thought you could reach out and touch Him? That was me yesterday morning. I proceeded with my early morning routine: brushed my teeth, grabbed my mug of water and phone for the text message I’d send to my children later, put the fireplace on and sat in my cozy chair, opened my computer and hit the “post” button on my FB page and my blog.

This morning was very different. I sensed such closeness with the Holy Spirit that it was almost tangible. Maybe it was because I had been pondering the Advent talk I will be giving at my church next Wednesday night because when I awoke, I thought about Mary and the announcement by Gabriel that she would conceive a child and she asked: “How can this be since I am a virgin?” And Gabriel replied "'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will OVERSHADOW you.'" Luke 1:35

Suddenly, I desired to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit too. Suddenly the matters of this world seemed so distant to me. It reminded me of an old song we sang: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.“ Not long after my sweet Holy Spirit time, I was brought back to the reality of my “To Do” list and “How can I get all this done before I leave town next week?” But, like a cowboy throwing his lasso on a steer to wrangle him in, I felt Holy Spirit pulling me back into that “sweet spot”.

Gabriel gave Mary the amazing news that she was going to give birth to the Son of God -- without knowing a man. That wasn't even believable in the natural. We can only imagine the doubt that must have bombarded her mind: "How can I have a baby without a man?” My “How” certainly paled in comparison to Mary’s “How”. When Mary answered the angel back, she didn't say, "I don't see how that can happen." No, Mary was bold. She made a statement of faith. She said, "Be it unto me even as you have said." In other words, "I'm in agreement. Let it happen. If God says I'm highly favored, I believe it. If God says the impossible is going to happen, I believe it." And, my dear FB and blog friends and family, that's the way we need to be when God puts a promise in our hearts. Instead of trying to reason it out, we have to be fully convinced that what He said, He will do.

You may have a "how" in your life right now. You may be thinking, "I believe I'm going to accomplish my dreams, but how am I going to do it?" "How am I going to get well?" "How am I going to overcome this addiction?" What the angel said to Mary is true for all of us today. He said, "Mary, here's how it's going to happen: the power of the Most High is going to come upon you and overshadow you." In other words, God is going to breathe in your direction, and supernatural things are going to happen.

How are you going to get well? The power of the Most High is going to come upon you. How are you going to accomplish your dreams? The Most High God, the Great I Am, the Creator of the universe is going to overshadow you. When God overshadows you, miracles happen. Supernatural opportunities come your way. Family members that were off course will suddenly turn around. Problems that looked permanent will turn out to be only temporary, and you will see miracles come to pass!

Today, just like Mary, let's dig our heels in and do our part. Let's get into agreement with God's Word and receive His promises and obey His commands. Let's get ready for God's Spirit to OVERSHADOW us!

It’s Pentecost Sunday and I’ve Got the Power!

With two of my grandchildren, we recently watched the movie “Bruce Almighty”, a spoof about a guy (Jim Carrey) who was complaining that God was treating him poorly. Soon after, God (Morgan Freeman) actually contacts Bruce and offers him all of His powers if he thinks he can do a better job. Bruce accepts and goes on a spree, using his new-found abilities for selfish use and sings “I’ve got the POW-ER!” Hilarious movie but when I say "I’ve got the power” it’s because of Pentecost Sunday and the power that was given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and those in the Upper Room. It occurs 50 days after Easter (10 days after Jesus’ ascension to heaven), recorded in Acts 1:12-2-13. Pentecost fulfills Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15) and it launches the large-scale spreading of the Gospel. It was after Pentecost and the infilling of the Holy Spirit that Peter (the same one who denied Jesus, the coward, fearful, the impulsive activist) could speak with boldness and courage. Acts 2:41 records that he spoke to the crowd and some 3,000 people were baptized. Now that's what I call POWER!

Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said these words to His disciples ”When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you shall receive POWER." (Acts 1:8) How awesome is that? A couple of days ago I met with a young woman to encourage her as she was going through some pretty tough times. I told her how I weathered many storms of life because of the Holy Spirit's power that helps us successfully make it through this thing called LIFE. And, Holy Spirit gives us the POWER to share the Good News boldly and unafraid. That same power, the power of the Holy Spirit, is for believing and obedient Christians in our generation to turn our world around.

I believe the Holy Spirit, the one Who Jesus said, “I must go away so that the Holy Spirit can come”, is the answer to our actions AND reactions of faith and trust and love and power. How was it possible to be a strong and bold witness of Jesus Christ back in those days of such tyranny and oppression? How is it possible for us to overcome the challenges in our lives? How is it possible to experience John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

It is all possible by acknowledging and living in the Spirit! The moment we received Christ, the Holy Spirit not only came to indwell us, He imparted to us the power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. "Be filled" means to allow the Holy Spirit to produce his attitudes and actions in the life of the believer. We received an amazing gift of the Holy Spirit when we received Christ. In fact – a big bushel of fruit. Galatians 5:22 -- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control." Just look at what being “filled with the Spirit” provides to us as we acknowledge Holy Spirit in our life.

People ask me: “What’s your secret?” “How can you always be so happy?” It is no secret. It is the natural product of embracing the Holy Spirit’s presence and fellowship that’s called “Living in the Spirit”. Through life's ups and downs, I can tell you I know peace. I know faith. I know comfort because of the Holy Spirit. Walking in dependence upon the power that is there.

Come Holy Spirit! Consume me! Won’t you pray this prayer with me today in celebration of Pentecost Sunday and Holy Spirit that lives in you? It's simply acknowledging His presence and His power that is available today.

“Dear Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, welcome into my life. I know you are living in me, and today I acknowledge that you are my helper, my counselor, my confidant, my comforter and my peace. I ask you to take complete control of my life. I ask for your fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be evident in my life. Lord, I ask that you fill me to overflowing with your precious Holy Spirit – baptize me from the top of my head to the bottom of our feet – the same way you filled those in the Upper Room. I ask you for a radical transformation like the disciples had when they went from fear, anxiety, timidity, and concern to empowered people of love, faith, boldness, and courage. May I receive you fully and completely. I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!!!

Comfort Blanket Helps Lead Loyola University to the Sweet Sixteen

Since I posted a few days ago about THE COMFORTER, I've had two more occasions to reinforce what I was saying. This was USA Today's headline on March 15th: “NCAA tournament 2018: Loyola-Chicago gets inspiration from 98-year-old nun”. Loyola was able to pull off the first upset of March Madness in dramatic fashion. The 98-year-old longtime nun and chaplain of Loyola University’s men’s basketball team sat at the corner of the basketball court as the jubilant players for Loyola-Chicago celebrated their 64-62 victory, upsetting Miami to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. If she wasn’t restricted to a wheelchair, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt surely would have joined the fun. Sister Jean, the longtime team chaplain, could barely contain her own glee inside the American Airlines Center. “Thank God, thank God we did it,’’ she said at the end of the televised broadcast. “We just knew we would do this. Our team is so great and they don’t care who makes the points as long as we win the game."

The team's coach was quick to credit her: "Sister Jean is our team chaplain and she's our COMFORT BLANKET. She just has so much spirit. She's got an unbelievable energy level to her that I connect with." The coach added: "You know how much she's praying for you. You know how much she's doing for you and she means the world to this university and our team." I love that "Comfort Blanket" analogy. I'm quite certain Holy Spirit inside that beautiful woman is her "power source".

Since I posted a few days ago about THE COMFORTER, I've had two more occasions to reinforce what I was saying. This was USA Today's headline on March 15th: “NCAA tournament 2018: Loyola-Chicago gets inspiration from 98-year-old nun”. Loyola was able to pull off the first upset of March Madness in dramatic fashion. The 98-year-old longtime nun and chaplain of Loyola University’s men’s basketball team sat at the corner of the basketball court as the jubilant players for Loyola-Chicago celebrated their 64-62 victory, upsetting Miami to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. If she wasn’t restricted to a wheelchair, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt surely would have joined the fun. Sister Jean, the longtime team chaplain, could barely contain her own glee inside the American Airlines Center. “Thank God, thank God we did it,’’ she said at the end of the televised broadcast. “We just knew we would do this. Our team is so great and they don’t care who makes the points as long as we win the game."

The team's coach was quick to credit her: "Sister Jean is our team chaplain and she's our COMFORT BLANKET. She just has so much spirit. She's got an unbelievable energy level to her that I connect with." The coach added: "You know how much she's praying for you. You know how much she's doing for you and she means the world to this university and our team." I love that "Comfort Blanket" analogy. I'm quite certain Holy Spirit inside that beautiful woman is her "power source".

When I read that headline and article, I remembered the question someone asked me, “I’m confused about the Holy Spirit. I hear people talking about it and it scares me.” I explained “Actually Holy Spirit isn’t an “it”. Holy Spirit is a person -- the 3rd person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit was given to live inside of the life of a believer in Jesus Christ in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer in a way that we cannot do on our own. The Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rather than TRYING to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce those qualities in our lives. We are told as Christians to walk in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit. I loved hearing about Loyola's COMFORT BLANKET. That precious nun is no doubt filled to overflowing with God’s Spirit which enables her to be that comfort blanket to others.

I saw another beautiful analogy of the Holy Spirit when I heard a young mom and a professional in the business world, give a beautiful but very emotional talk. As tears rolled down her face, I saw a lovely older woman go behind her and wrap her arms around her waist. The speaker calmed down, relaxed and carried on eloquently. That sweet older woman became her COMFORT BLANKET. That analogy spoke to me of how Holy Spirit is our COMFORT BLANKET. John 14:16-18 (Amplified Bible) says it so beautifully: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener), to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come to you."

Maybe you need a COMFORT BLANKET sitting in your corner, cheering you on in the games of life that you're playing in. As a believer in Jesus Christ, professing Him as your Lord and Savior, He is in your corner in the person of the Holy Spirit Who lives in you and is there to be your Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor and Strengthener. Acknowledge His presence and experience His warm and cozy Blanket of Comfort.

My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things

My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things
My word of the day is COMFORTER: a thick bed covering that is filled with a soft light material; also someone who helps you to feel less worried, upset, frightened; someone who comforts you.

I do a lot of traveling and that means sleeping in beds that don’t compare to MY bed at home. When I get home to my bed and my sheets, my five pillows 😴 and my COMFORTER, I sleep with COMFORT. My sleeping “paraphernalia” includes a sheet under my blanket/comforter and a sheet over it. I started that when we stayed in hotels that their sheets were on that way, which meant that the blanket or comforter that is rarely washed, is never against our body or face. That “cleanliness” sleeping way became an almost must-have for me.

Bottom line, I’m more energetic and more alert when I’ve had a good night’s sleep. Our beds are where we begin and end the day, and where we spend nearly a third of our life. So why not make it the cleanest and most comfortable spot in our home?

Speaking of COMFORT and COMFORTER, there’s nothing like the comfort a mother can provide to a hurting or frightened child. Her love moves into action, not with explanations or reasoning, but with everything in her power to quiet, to COMFORT, and to reassure. Her arms embracing that sweet one, speak louder than any words the child could hear in that moment of fear or pain. Her voice is soothing and quieting, “Shhh, it’s okay…Mommy’s here. It’s okay.” Those gentle words bring the assurance that helps the child to believe, “It is okay because Mommy is here, and I am in her arms.”

We are God's children and He desires to be that COMFORTER and encourager to us. He is HERE -- right now! Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the COMFORTER will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7. The COMFORTER is the precious Holy Spirit who lives in us as believers to provide that comfort that calms the storms in our lives.

The words in Psalm 46:10 are like the words of comfort from a caring mother to her fearful child: "Be still, and know that I am God". The language is simple and the words are few but they are words that tell us all we need to know to settle us, still our fears, quiet our hearts, and reassure us when we hear, “Shhh. Be still, calm down, release all your concerns, quiet your heart, it’s okay, I am here and you are safe in the shelter of My arms.”

TEAM-Work: Together Everyone Accomplishes More

I’m back in Austin with my two youngest grandsons who make for sweet times of board games, helping with homework, helping feed the animals and all the other shenanigans that works Nana’s brain AND body! LOL!

I was helping Bryson with his science homework which included the study of birds, and specifically, pelicans. Instead of working alone, I found out that pelicans work in teams which gives them a better chance at a good meal. As we read some of the characteristics of the pelicans, Bryson exclaimed: “Those pelicans are so annoying. They would not leave.” I knew what he was talking about. He remembered back to when he was just four years old and an invasion of pelicans overtook their boat, which was loaded with the fresh fish they had caught. See the photo here. Notice that Bryson wasn’t letting them boss him around, but those pelicans were there to support each other as a team. I like that. TEAM-work. Together Everyone Accomplishes More.....EXCEPT in the case of a very strong willed boy!!

This photo is one of my all-time favorites. You can tell this pelican was by no means the "boss" of Bryson and he showed it! LOL!

Maybe you've heard your kids or grandkids say "You're not the boss of me!" to a sibling or someone else. But have we ever made that statement to ourselves? Actually, we can, and we should.

”How often do we yield to temptations -- big and small? Instead of eating a few chips, we eat the whole bag. Instead of just a piece of chocolate cake, we go in for a second slice. Instead of walking away from listening to an obscene joke, we laugh with them all. Instead of changing the channel or walking out of a movie when the content is questionable and almost every other word is profane, we just sit there and take it in. Instead of eating nutritiously and getting exercise, we talk ourselves out of it. We then justify it all by saying "I just can't help myself!" But, in reality...we can. It's about Who the Greater One is that lives in us. The Holy Spirit knows what is best for us instead of letting our flesh be in control of us.

I daily desire to choose being on God's side -- endeavoring to be the conqueror over the tactics of the enemy. In fact, I think the most exciting journey in life is simply saying, "God, I want to change. I want to please You. I want to be more like you." I want YOU to be the boss of me.

The good news is this....it's not a process we have to conquer on our own. Our TEAM -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with us to help us accomplish so much more than we could ever do on our own. God's Spirit in us is our Helper, our Guide, our Comforter and Partner in accomplishing whatever it is we may face. Very soon, we'll start to realize that we have some real authority because of our TEAM. When that happens, every time our flesh tempts us, all we have to do is speak Bryson's words to our flesh "You're not the boss of me!"

Curb Appeal Matters

Having been a Real Estate Broker for over 16 years, I know that curb appeal matters. A rundown looking property detracts buyers, whereas a property that has an inviting and welcoming smile on its face aka fresh coat of paint, landscaping enhanced and tidy, clean appearance causes buyers to want to know more about that property. Let’s face it, first impressions matter. We care about how we dress for a job interview, and we spent extra time in front of the mirror before that first date. When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter, too.

The term “curb appeal” comes from real estate sales and home design. For years, buyers have formed their first impressions of homes when they first drive up to the home just beyond the curb. That first impression determines whether or not buyers want to see the inside of the house.

To get that buyer in the door, the seller spent hours and days on seeding new grass, planting flowers, painting their front door, weeding and cleaning up the yard. If the home didn’t appeal from the curb, buyers moved on to the next house.

Maybe this post is to help you market your home....if you're wanting to, but foremost, I wanted to compare that important idea of curb appeal to you and I. What is OUR curb appeal? What is it about us that draws people to us or detracts people away from us?

Is our disposition grumpy, cranky, dismal? Is our attitude "cloudy" and "glass half empty"? Do we look exhausted and worried? Does our appearance look like we could care less about what others think about us?

What is that "first impression" others get of us? If we really want to convey the love of God, His peace that passes understanding, the graciousness and appeal of the Holy Spirit, then OUR "curb appeal" matters. We were created in the image of God, and God sure doesn't make junk. God sees us as a masterpiece. Do others see us as God's masterpiece?

1 Samuel 16:7 says "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Sure, the world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. When we focus on what's beautiful on the inside, we will exude that beauty -- that "curb appeal" on the outside.

Maybe, this post is two-fold -- curb appeal on our homes and curb appeal on the "home of the Holy Spirit" who dwells in us. "Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. How's that for realizing what our curb appeal should be. We are not just houses, but we are temples of Almighty God -- how could our curb appeal be less than our BEST?