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"!

Greater Things Shall You Do

I walked in the door of the Wuerch's home and there came my youngest grandson to me -- not running -- but riding (standing up) on his hoverboard -- with perfect balance and agility. I remembered the one he had a couple of years ago -- more of a starter version. This one has lights, off road wheels, bluetooth that provides music, is weatherproof and there is no weight restriction.

Older brother, Brennan, was sporting his high tech camera that gets crystal clear, high definition shots with a flip video screen. Larry gave Staci a sweet gift of taking all her music from her five CDs and getting them all listed on iTunes and Spotify. (Check it out if you get a chance.)

And my oldest grandson received a "vlogging" camera, stablizer and headset with retractable earbuds. All the kids received iPhone cords in their stockings. Bear got an Apple watch. Ryan got an Echo-Plus and Dots which all synchronize in room to room or different, which also serves as an intercom system.

All this technology -- wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do." John 14:12. Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need. He was multi-tasking all the time. Yes, we are in the age of the greatest advancements in technology and it is moving at warp speed. What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways ways to do things.)

We heard the song, "Mary, Did You Know?" so many times, by so many different artists, over the Christmas season, and I think about all the Mamas out there who could have been asked similar questions "Mrs. Ford, DID YOU KNOW that your son would invent the car?" "Mrs Wright, DID YOU KNOW your boys would invent the first airplane?" "Mrs. Gates, DID YOU KNOW your son, Bill, would be a world leader and innovator in computer technology?" Mrs. Zuckerberg, DID YOU KNOW your son, Mark, would create Facebook?"

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7. How awesome is that? He is in us, and greater things and greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as the Baby in the Manger. Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do. After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us! EMMANUEL -- God with us!

Greater Things Shall You Do

Day 361 of Photo Inspirations -- Greater Things Shall You Do
I have to laugh out loud as I watch my two youngest grandsons enjoy their high tech Christmas gifts. The one that has grabbed the most attention is their hover board.  For most of the day, they're counting the minutes until it's their turn to use it.

Last night, we went to the grocery store and as we exited the car, Brennan said, "Nana, can I take my hoverboard in?"  I was surprised he brought it with us, and at first I said, "No", but then I thought that it may be a good way to keep them locked into me at the store.  After all I needed to be their responsible grandmother.  They took turns riding it up and down the aisles, following me closely.  Several people stopped us to ask "Where did you get that?" Their reply?  "Santa".  A friend said, "Michael J Fox from Back to the Future!"  Hilarious!  When it was time to check out, we were warned by the cashier, "Better not bring that in with you next time. We've had to ban skateboards, skates, hoverboards and heelies from the store.  The risk is too high!"   I get that, but the boys sure were able to enjoy themselves going down those long stretches of "landing strips" before their fun came to an end.  Leave it to Nana to stretch the limits.  LOL!  

My first photo inspiration today was catching Brennan -- not only on the hover board, but, as easy as walking, he had on his Beats headphones and using his iTouch -- operating 3 high tech items at the same time!  Wonder Boy!  LOL!   First it occurred to me -- "Look at the coordination of that boy. He's just like his Nana........NOT!"  I fell yesterday just going up the stairs while talking on the phone to Mom in Tulsa.  Brennan came running to me.  He and  Mom, both, where shouting, "Are you okay?"  I was.

All this technology -- wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do."  John 14:12 -- Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need.  He was multi-tasking all the time.  Yes, we are in the age of the greatest advancements in technology and it is moving at warp speed.  What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways ways to do things.)

We heard the song, "Mary, Did You Know?" so many times over the Christmas season, and I think about all the Mamas out there who could have been asked similar questions "Mrs. Ford, DID YOU KNOW that your son would invent the car?"  "Mrs Wright, DID YOU KNOW your boys would invent the first airplane?"  "Mrs. Gates, DID YOU KNOW your son, Bill, would be a world leader and innovator in computer technology?"   Mrs. Zuckerberg, DID YOU KNOW your son, Mark, would create Facebook?"

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve.  Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7.  How awesome is that?  He is in us, and greater things and greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as  the Baby in the Manger.  Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do.  After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us!  EMMANUEL -- God with us!

Feeling Some Nudges? Having Some "Aha" Moments?

So you've been feeling some nudges, hearing some still small voices, having some "aha" moments? I'd like to suggest that God is trying to get through to you! If you are tight in your relationship with God -- you go to Him in prayer and study of His Word, you embrace His love and care for you, you KNOW Him -- then, it's definitely Him, and I highly encourage you to respond to His nudges.

And, when I talk about "nudges", I'm talking about the Holy Spirit Who Jesus promised would come when He went away. "However, I'm telling you the truth. It's for your advantage that I'm going away, because if I don't go away, the Helper/Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7.

I talk a lot about "being on assignment" -- and it's so simple to know what that assignment is when we realize He who knows everything about everything lives big in us. We don't have to jump through hoops or any other actions to merit His favor or love. He is our Father so we should just live "tuned in" to His nudges and still small voice and the "knowing" that He is leading and guiding us. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

So, let's start following Him -- His little nudges. He has so much wonder and awesome experiences awaiting us -- let's start pursuing them. We could take the "safe" route and the easy way by living a mundane life, or we can follow God’s impulses that lead to the "above and beyond" in our lives. Let's tune into the nudges that God is giving us -- those nudges to live, pursue, hunt, give, climb, dig, jump, walk, run, research, and focus on the assignment -- the nudges -- and the "aha" moments will surely follow close behind!