My Rolling in the Hay Adventures

Not only do I blog every day, but I also write in my journal the highlights of each day -- the "God" encounters, the strange, the off-kilter, the wacky, and the wild adventures. Truly I amuse myself. Believe me, I have plenty to write about -- even outside of my normal routine. A couple of weeks ago I volunteered at the "Roar" VBS which spotlighted the wild exploits of jungle animals and in our Faith Station where I was a co-leader, we taught about the wild adventures that took place in the Bible.

Those Bible adventures carry on in the wild adventures I take on when I take care of my family's critters: 8 hens; 2 ducks, a huge longhorn, 8 goats, 3 donkeys, a dog and a cat, plus the wildlife (note the wild turkeys that showed up a couple of days ago) AND all the varmints that lurk in the dark at night.

I read my journal for this date a year ago and I was here, like this time, while the family was on their summer vacation. Oh my! Here's an excerpt: "OMG -- again! I went to check on the chickens and get in the eggs, and lo and behold, two hens were outside the pen. Blistering hot outside and they were running from me. Finally, one flew to the top of the wall and I chased her back into the pen and the other, I finally lasted longer than she did and caught her. Thank you, Lord, for strength in this day!" Here I am one year later saying "Bring it on, girls and boys!" Now we know that those hen girls regularly fly out of the pen for a little adventure of their own, but they fly back in. Now we give them a little leeway and they always come home where they belong. There's just no place like home!

Sometimes it’s a good thing to explore and experience some out-of-the-box times that produce growth, some new muscle, new insight, and a fresh new perspective. When I take on the care of these animals, it is definitely out of my comfort zone. Last year, I knew those animals sensed my trepidation. The goats and donkeys took advantage of me, the novice farm-hand, by overpowering my obvious inexperience. And then some of the chickens escaped under the fence and I was chasing them -- pardon the pun -- like a chicken with her head cut off. And if you didn’t know, chickens are fast. I’m sure you would have been greatly entertained if you had seen me. I finally cornered them and took them home, and then commenced to haul over rocks to the fence to cover the just-big-enough-to-escape holes. This time it’s easy-peasy. Note my relaxing morning devotion location and sweet Bentley, their Havanese dog who is my side-kick!

I am so pleased to report that my mentality changed from “out-of-sync” to “I’ll show you who's boss” this year! It’s smooth, calm and in-sync here at Old Mac-Donna’s farm. In fact, I think I’ve conquered any fears or concerns. The bigger animals respect me when I come out with their feed bowls. Now, I have a well-thought-out plan that calmly separates them, respectfully, at meal-time. They love it when I scratch their heads and backs. The ducks and chickens are behaving like well-behaved critters (instead of “gangsters” like I called those who escaped their pen last year), and those mama hens are producing a lot of eggs for me – so yummy! There’s nothing like fresh eggs.

I am so blessed to have a “King David” moment (1 Samuel 30:6) when he encouraged himself. I encourage myself by God's words about “taking dominion” in Genesis 1:28. “And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” I muster up that dominion attitude with wisdom and strength and an empowered mindset. I take matters into my hands that are empowered by God's strong and mighty hands and even celebrate His marvelous creation – His critters and His masterfully designed scenic view! Life is good because God is good. All the time.

If I Could Have One Wish…….

I remember overhearing a conversation between my two youngest grandsons. Brennan, asked his younger brother, Bryson, "If you had a genie in a bottle, what would you wish for?" They certainly earned love tokens when they both said: "For Nana to live with us forever!" They had some other outlandish wishes, but that one put a big smile on this Nana's face.

That conversation and memory made me think about what I would ask for today if a genie in a bottle showed up to grant me one wish, or even if God showed up and asked what one prayer could He answer for me today. How about you? What would YOU ask for? What does YOUR heart long for the most? No doubt, our answers would vary: More time in the day? A healed body? A restored relationship? A financial breakthrough? A child? A spouse? Strength to make it through this day? A dream vacation? World peace?

King David’s son, Solomon, was asked by God what one thing He could grant him. King Solomon responded: "wisdom to lead God’s people." Evidently, God liked that response because He gave him a wise and discerning mind. And Solomon became known as the wisest man in all of Israel. People from far and wide came to him for his wisdom. (1 Kings 3)

King David's wish (or ask) went like this: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4) I am drawn to the “one thing” David asked of God — to dwell in His house forever. More than anything, David longed to be in God’s presence. No wonder he was called “a man after God’s own heart.” David experienced many highs and lows in his life, but I think his life's theme was a singular longing to be in God’s presence.

In my blog yesterday, I spoke about being in God’s presence – how in His presence, we will know what to do, where to go and even what to say – because in His presence is the answer for everything. That is “my wish” and my prayer today, that our hearts will be filled with this one thing . . . a desire to dwell in His presence. I’m pretty sure God delights in lavishing His love upon us. In fact, Jesus tells us God takes it to a level beyond anything any parent has ever done for their children. After all, He has already been more generous toward us than we will ever deserve. To live daily practicing His presence creates plenty of opportunities for God to show up and show out. No, He's not a Genie or Fairy Godmother, but He is the God in WHOM all things are possible. What better place to be than in His presence?

Sure I'm Awake! I'm Having a Wide-Awake Party!

All my life I’ve known how incredibly important a good night’s sleep is for our health but getting that good night’s sleep is sometimes a major feat – especially when we do our best thinking in the night when it’s peaceful and quiet. My cousin mentioned she was struggling to sleep because she has so much on her mind. I understood her. Her precious husband of over 52 years passed away last week. I remember those sleep-deprived nights after my own husband passed away – “What do I need to do next? What will tomorrow hold? Will I go or will I stay? Why? When? Where? How?” The thoughts bombarded my mind and kept me wide awake.

My Mom was a light sleeper. There's plenty of traits my Mom had that I want, but not that one. Always a sound sleeper, now I've found myself waking up more often, and after only 5 or 6 hours of sleep, I'm wide awake. My dear mom-in-law at 96 boasts of falling asleep before her head hits her pillow and doesn't wake up until she's had a good 8 or 9 hours of sleep. With all the other physical issues she's had, I'm so thankful, sleep isn't one of them!

I'll pray and go through all kinds of mental exercises as I force my eyes to stay shut. My favorite shut-mind-down tactic is by thinking alphabet adjectives of God: "A = awesome, B = Bread of Life, C = Creator, etc. Often, I'll fall back asleep. But what if God has a reason for us to have an occasional party?

Sometimes, I just give it up and have a “wide-awake” party as I follow King David's lead. “I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 63:6-7. King David had significant reasons to stay awake. He penned those words in the wilderness, on the run from a vast army led by his own rebellious son. Yikes! He had every reason in the world to lie awake at night, but instead of fearing for his life or using those wide-awake hours to devise a brilliant plan of escape, he thought about God as his helper and joy-giver.

What if God's plans for us are nighttime meditations like King David? Our Creator just might want our undivided attention, and what better time to have that attention, than when we're not distracted by phone calls, social media, and "to do" lists?

So, I have come to this lightning-fast-mind conclusion. He "never slumbers or sleeps" (Psalm 121:4) and He promised "to give his beloved sweet sleep" (Psalm 127:2). I am His beloved, and if I’m wide-awake, then my Daddy God might be wanting one-on-one time with me. And if the best time for that intimate time together is in the middle of the night, then I’ll make the popcorn and ask the Lord to bring the “living water”. When I find myself tossing and turning, just maybe God is stirring my nest to teach me something. Instead of counting sheep, and saying alphabet acronyms, the best thing to do is count on God's faithfulness, His power and provision. It's humorous to consider that God is watching me toss and turn, trying so hard to fall asleep when He has nuggets of wisdom to share with me. Just maybe, instead of forcing ourselves to sleep, maybe we should plan a "Wide Awake" Party to "party" with our Creator!

The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord

I send an early morning text message to my children every day. Yesterday, I texted my son: “'The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23. I went on to say: "I love this scripture because it describes you and how God delights in the steps that you take daily. I am so thankful for you and the leadership you give to your company, your family and so many others. I sure do love you and I’m so thankful for you.”

Psalm 37 was written by King David in the twilight of his life. He was writing from his experience of knowing and walking with God. He was looking back at his life of great victories and great failures. I've heard it said that we never learn much about ourselves during our times of victory, but who we are and what we're really made of are in those times of failure when we're forced to look deep in our hearts.

In that scripture, I realized that the emphasis is on the GOOD man (or woman). When we give our heart to the Lord, we embark on a journey of a specific plan that God has willed for each one of His children. We didn’t come into the family of God to wander aimlessly in life, but to do and be what He has planned for us.

I love the analogy of Christ as our Good Shepherd and we are supposed to be His GOOD sheep. He desires to take care of us and protect us, but remember that little renegade sheep that left the fold and wanted to do his own thing? The Good Shepherd didn't let him stray too far. More than anything, He wants us to be His GOOD sheep so that we are out of harm's way -- the enemy's way!

That is the picture of such great love that God has for us. Why wouldn't we desire to be a "good sheep", rather, a "good man or woman” who stays in right standing with his Father, his Good Shepherd, and whose faith is solely placed in He Who will go the nth degree to protect, love, and even die for Him?

Lord, may we bring you great joy and pleasure and may You delight in the ways we go daily so we can count on our steps and our ways being directed and ordered by You. Amen.

Are We Behaving Wisely?

Typically, we use the word, misbehaving, when it comes to the way our children act up. But, I'm sure you will agree that we have been inundated with "misbehaving" adults lately, particularly in the political arena. But, that's them, what about us? We faith-talking, Bible-toting, cross-wearing, Christ-following people are being watched by those in our sphere of influence. They scrutinize us and the life we live at home and outside the home is one we cannot afford to compromise or lose. Like David, we need to BEHAVE ourselves wisely. Take a look at his example:

We first hear about David` as a shepherd boy keeping watch over his father's sheep. Then we read about him being anointed by Samuel to become king one day. Soon he started serving King Saul in a musical capacity and though he still tended his sheep, when Saul called for him to play his music, he showed up. Not long after that, he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath.

That conquest was greater than only killing Goliath. When the Philistines saw that their leader was dead, they ran in terror. That's when the Israeli armies ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the goods and treasures with them.

The crowd's victory cheers went like this "Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands." From that point on, Saul's jealousy made him bound and determined to kill David, but all his attempts were foiled. This leads me back to my main point in today's post. In 1 Samuel 18:5, we read "So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he BEHAVED wisely." Verse 14: "And David BEHAVED in all his ways, and the Lord was with him." In Verse 30, "David BEHAVED more wisely than all the servants of Saul so that his name became highly esteemed."

David did the right thing when the wrong thing was done to him. He could have become arrogant and self-serving when he received all the acclaim, but he BEHAVED well. He could have taken revenge on Saul, but he BEHAVED well. He BEHAVED well even when he carried a lot of responsibilities. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. He served patiently and faithfully and he was noticed and respected for that.

Our country is in desperate need of Godly leadership. We need those who will live a life of integrity before God and others. Integrity is not just measured by who we are in public, but who we are in private when no one else is around. Integrity and character are doing the right thing when no one is watching. As followers of Christ, we should BEHAVE ourselves in such a way that it pleases and honors God. Shouldn't we, in every situation, be men and women of integrity? Shouldn't we consistently be asking ourselves: "Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me? Do we hear God saying about us "She/He behaved wisely." If not, shouldn't we make it a priority to start NOW?

Trusty Steed -- Trustworthy Men & Women of God

While having my morning devotion yesterday, my eyes became fixed on the painting across my living area from me. I remember when my husband and I purchased that painting decades ago. We bought it because we saw King David (thus, the small bust of David that sits below the painting) and his muscle-bound, trusty steed and his majestic power that is being harnessed by David’s power. Restrained horsepower!

I looked up horsepower to see where that word came from. I found that when the steam engine began to do the work of horses in mines in the 1800s, the mine owners asked how many horses an engine would replace. James Watt (that guy whose name appears on our lightbulbs – watt/wattage), who invented steam engines, found a way to equate horses to engine power. Thus the term, horsepower. Watt measured the capability of a big horse to pull a load and found it could pull a weight of 150 pounds while walking at 2.5 miles per hour. That works out to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute or 550 foot-pounds per second. There you go. Now you know, too. You’re welcome!

Back to the trusty steed's horsepower being harnessed by David’s power. Trust. Trustworthy. Steed (spirited and ready for war). The greatest use of the word, trust, is in this scripture. “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5. Don’t we want to TRUST in others with all our hearts? I learned from caring for my grandson’s animals that I needed to gain their trust. I needed to be trustworthy.

I’m showing my age here but two of my favorite TV shows were Roy Rogers and The Lone Ranger. Roy Rogers trusty steed, Trigger”, would come to him when he whistled. He performed and showed up because he trusted Roy. The Lone Ranger saved his horse, Silver's life from an enraged buffalo and, in gratitude, Silver chose to give up his wild life to carry him. We had a huge quarter horse “Brave” to help rustle up our cattle (We had 75 head of cattle. That story is for another day) and it took a little time to gain his trust but before long our little 5-year old daughter could ride him fearlessly.

Trust is a really big deal. We’ve heard it said, “They have ‘trust’ issues”. That’s because someone was untrustworthy. We’ve seen how marriages, partnerships, and friendships have been destroyed because someone proved they couldn’t be trusted.

Trust is defined as “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.” In these days, our core values need to be redefined. A relationship with a horse or another animal, and most importantly, with those people in our lives that we hold near and dear to our hearts, isn’t based on snuggles and hugs and kisses. It’s based upon trust. Not so much ours of them, though that is important. But more important is the horse’s trust, the loved one’s trust… in us. The horse can’t be talked into trust. Trust has to be proven to him. It is the same for us. Trust is proven over and over, day by day, lifetime by lifetime. “Trust the Lord with all your heart” is possible because time and again, God proves Himself trustworthy to us. Shouldn’t the words “Trust Donna or John or Cathy or Sam with all your heart” be the same because WE are trustworthy? If a horse can become a trusty steed to take into battle and be assured of victory, shouldn’t we be trusty/trustworthy men and women of God that are linked arm and arm with brothers and sisters to wage war on the enemy of our souls and WIN big? Shouldn't trustworthiness be a priceless treasure and one of our top core values?

RESTORE – All Things New

My word for today is RESTORE: return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position. One of my all-time favorite reality shows is HGTV's "Fixer Upper", not just because I love the hands-on builder and interior designers, Chip & Joanna Gaines, a delightful couple with their four young kids (soon to be five), who live their personal lives in a raw, oftentimes hilarious, and authentic way, but also because I love seeing them RESTORE a dated or dilapidated, hopeless house and property into a gorgeous family home.

We hear about RESTORING a relationship, a house, an old car, and antique furniture. These all demonstrate RESTORATION. No question -- the most beautiful use of the word, is when someone turns from being a lost soul, without hope for today and tomorrow, to becoming a brand new man or woman as they become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. To receive salvation means that we have experienced the miraculous RESTORING power of God Who makes all things new in our lives – spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally.

AAll throughout the Bible, we see that God is in the RESTORING business. King David made some huge mistakes that really damaged his relationship with God. He needed and received RESTORATION when he prayed in Psalm 51:12 “RESTORE to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” God promises “I will RESTORE you to health and heal your wounds.” (Jeremiah 30:12). Paul the Apostle declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold, all things are new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

As we surrender our mistakes, failures, problems and challenges to our Master Restorer, our Heavenly Father, in prayer, He will make all things new for us. Our Master RESTORER, will heal our brokenness, RESTORE our lives with His unconditional love and mercy. The scars that came from the hurts and pains of our life's experiences, will be RESTORED to beauty as we place ourselves in the Master RESTORER’S hands -- even more beautiful than we were before. And, even beyond the beauty of the NEW you and me, is helping others to be RESTORED also. They can learn how we, through God's help, were able to turn our scars into stars, our tests became our testimony, our messes became our message to a world that needs RESTORATION so much.

Why Are We Poor Little Lambs Who Have Lost Our Way?

Remember singing "We're poor little lambs who have lost our way. Baa, baa, baa"? That little song represents many of us who wander off from their shepherd.
The cartoon here is funny but, the message is clear and VERY real to our lives. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27. Wonder if He had in mind how difficult "listening for His voice" would be in 2017, and especially at this time of the year? More than ever, we really need to hear His voice. We need His wisdom, comfort, guidance, peace, and direction. Of course, we long to hear His voice, but in the busy-ness, the clamor and the many activities and distractions of everyday life, we may often, be hard-pressed to find that quiet PLACE to hear the voice of our Shepherd. Even when we manage to find that place, "noise" -- our cell phones, emails (so many advertisements that beckon us to call now, buy now, order now), radios, computers, TV, etc. -- keep us distracted from hearing our Shepherd's voice.

It's time to find that place where His voice comes through loud and clear to us. He has that place -- and we can find it, but it's up to us, to disregard the distractions to "Be still -- to hear and know our God." I'm not referring to a far off 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"!

What if everything we're needing -- the decisions we need to make, what job we should take; what school our kids should go to; what diet or fitness routine we should be on; what part of town we should live in, etc. All of these answers, and more, are found and answered by our Shepherd. If "The Lord is my Shepherd, He promised, I would never want." so maybe we need to "tune-in" to our Shepherd, and "tune-out" what's NOT!

Before the little shepherd boy David became King David, he wrote Psalm 23. He was where there were no distractions, other than the lion and the bear, but because he had been in the quiet green pastures with HIS Shepherd, he could take on the distractions with a fervor and defeat them. What if we hung out in the "green pastures" of our Good Shepherd? If we did, the distractions and the opposing forces that come to defeat us, would be silenced and rendered "null and void". We would sing with David "The Lord is MY Shepherd. There is NOTHING that I want."

Embrace the Place

Because my car had hit the 90,000 mile point, my car dealership rep advised me that I would soon need to have my transmission flushed to keep it running smoothly. That service would be $180. I thought I might go to a nearby service shop that I had used for a front light replacement. Their price to flush the transmission was only $99. Great savings, but I changed my mind because that “Inner Voice” prompted me to take my car to the dealership for the service. I’m so glad I listened and obeyed that Voice, because they found a greater issue that, if not repaired, would have created a serious problem for me. The other issue repairs were $1700, but my extended warranty took care of it. Whew! Thanks be to God for His still small voice that I've come to know so well.

I remembered hearing a speaker who gave a talk about “Embracing the place where we are today. God knows where we're at and He has a plan for us to fulfill IN THAT PLACE, so we shouldn’t get stressed out if that place is an uncomfortable place. When I thought about the cost of the repairs, first I thought "I can save $81 if I use that service shop – besides it’s much closer to get to than my dealership. Then I thought about that “Embrace the place" message, and realized God knew about the other “issue” before my dealership did, and that prompting I had to take my car to the dealership for the service, was His best idea. He was protecting me from having to deal with a greater challenge. Father really knows best, so I settle in and "embrace this place".

Remember the shepherd boy, David, who eventually became King David? Jesse brought all his sons, except for David, to parade in front of Samuel because he thought one of them would be chosen the next king. After all David was JUST a shepherd boy taking care of sheep. But God knew where David was all the time, and he was the ONE being prepared to lead God's people. We all know David's story -- he was being prepared for royalty while he was embracing his place as he tended his sheep.

Could it be that you're ready to take a job outside the home instead of having to balance all the mommy duties that you have to tackle every day? On the other hand, you know that where you're at right now is part of God's plan for you in this season? Embrace the place. God knows right where you are.

Could it be you're ready and capable to be in a higher profile position at your church, but you're hid as you teach the little children? Embrace the place. God knows where you are.

Could it be that the job promotion you didn't get is part of God's plan today? Embrace the place. He knows.

Could it be that you've been overlooked, like David, for a leadership position, but it's part of God's plan for you to stay right there a little longer? Embrace the place. God has the best plan carved out for you. He sees.

Could it be that the loan that fell through on your dream home was a part of God's plan? Embrace the place. He has just the perfect home in His plans and it will show up right on time.

Yes, our God who knows everything about everything – our past, our present and our future -- has THE PLANS to prosper us, and not harm us. He has plans to give us hope and a great future (Jeremiah 29:11). So let’s “embrace the place” we’re in right now. Embracing the place is being faithful in this place that He's designed for us today. God knows where we're at, and at the RIGHT time and RIGHT place, He will reposition us. In the meantime, we TRUST HIM in the smack dab place He has us in right now and the place in our future. By the way – wherever those places are – He’s already there waiting for us to arrive. So, let’s embrace this place AND that place!

Do You Have "Wide Awake" Parties at Night?

My Mom was a light sleeper. I was a sound sleeper, but over the years, I've found myself waking up more often, and even after only about 6 hours of sleep at night, I'm wide awake. There's plenty of traits my Mom had that I want, but not that one. I was telling my mom-in-law about my sleep patterns and she boasted of falling asleep before her head even hits her pillow, and doesn't wake up until she's had a good 8 or 9 hours of sleep (except for the usual bathroom breaks in the night). With all the other physical issues she's had, I'm so thankful, sleep isn't one of them!

I'll force my eyes shut, try to shut down my mind, say my alphabet acronyms: "A = awesome God, B = beautiful Savior, C = Christ before me, etc., and often, I'll fall back asleep. But what if there's something more to consider? I really do want to follow King David's lead when he said “I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 63:6-7. King David penned those words in the wilderness, on the run from a vast army led by his own rebellious son. Yikes! If there were ever a moment to be up at night worrying, this would be it.

David did lie awake at night, but not for the reasons we’d expect. Instead of fearing for his life or devising a plan of escape, he couldn’t stop thinking about God.

What if God's plans for us are nighttime meditations, like King David experienced? The Creator of the universe, and the Creator of you and me, just might want our undivided attention, and what better time to have that attention, than when we're not distracted by phone calls and Instagram and Facebook and "to do" lists and emails?

I've made up my mind, if God is wanting one-on-one time with me and the best time is in the middle of the night, then so be it! When I find myself tossing and turning, just maybe God is stirring my nest to teach me something. Instead of counting sheep, and saying alphabet acronyms, the best thing to do is count on God's faithfulness, His power and provision. It's humorous to consider that God is watching me toss and turn, trying so hard to fall asleep, when He has nuggets of wisdom to share with me. Just maybe, instead of forcing myself to sleep, maybe I should plan a "Wide Awake" Party to "party" with my Creator!

Stay Out of the Shark's House!

By now, you've probably seen this video-gone-viral of Veronica Poleate. She's hilarious but still gives a very serious, truth-filled message. In this video, she describes her concern about yet another person being attacked by a shark. She is urging people to go to the beach, but to stay out of the ocean because the ocean is the shark's house. She says "Stay out of them oceans. The ocean is the shark's house. When chickens come in my house, they gonna' get ate; when pigs come in my house, they're on my plate!" I've enjoyed watching this video several times, but I never related it to a very important truth that we need to heed.

Pastor Craig Groeschel used trending videos yesterday to get across several truths from God's Word. This video was shared, and the message was clear "Stay out of the wrong places. It's impossible to live the right life when you're in the wrong place." He used the example of King David who was spoken of as a man after God's own heart, but his sins were compounded when he should have been on the battle field with his armies. The wrong place to be for him led him to committing adultery with Bathsheba, which led to lies and murder. Wrong places. He should have stayed out of the "shark's house".

Proverbs 4:14-15 says "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." In Veronica's words....."Stay out of the Shark's house....because you're gonna' get ate!"

We've seen and heard the back stories of politicians who violated honor codes in so many ways. Wonder if they were ever in the Boy or Girl Scouts? The downfalls of so many high profile and even common, everyday folks are being with people and in places where they should never be. They fall prey to temptation....and before they know it, they're caught in scandals and their "good name" is lost.

Living a purpose-filled life of character, honor, integrity, faithfulness and truthfulness is a high calling, but it's one that's attainable. When we respect others and ourselves, we'll always choose the High Road -- that PLACE where blessings overtake us.

Deuteronomy 28:1 "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God."

Let's go to the beach.....but let's stay out of the SHARK'S HOUSE!

Here's the link if you'd like to see Veronica's video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boV0t-riFuw

What Would You Request of Your Genie?

When driving my two youngest grandsons to school, the older one, Brennan, asked his younger brother, Bryson, "If you had a genie in a bottle, what would you wish for?" They certainly earned love tokens when they both replied "For Nana to live with us forever!" Of course they had some other outlandish wishes, but that one put a big smile on this Nana's face.

Now, how about you? What would YOU ask for if YOU had a genie in a bottle and he'd grant just one wish to you? What does YOUR heart long for the most? No doubt, our answers would vary. More time. A healed body. A restored relationship. A financial breakthrough. A child. A spouse. Passing the BIG test that enables a BIG promotion.

King David's wish (or ask) went like this: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” Psalm 27:4

When I read that scripture, I am drawn to the “one thing” David asked of God — to dwell in His house forever. How can we live in God's house while we're still here on this side of heaven? More than anything, David longed to be in God’s presence. No wonder he was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Though David experienced many highs and lows in his life, I think the one major theme in his life was a singular longing to be in God’s presence.

Psalm 16:11 speaks more to dwelling in God's presence and the greatest perk from doing so is joy! It goes like this: " In Your presence is fullness of joy." And that's my "wish" and my prayer today, that our hearts will be filled with this one thing . . . a desire to dwell in His presence. I’m pretty sure God delights in lavishing His love upon us. In fact, Jesus tells us God takes it to a level beyond anything any parent has ever done for their children. After all, He has already been more generous toward us than we will ever deserve. To live daily practicing His presence, creates plenty of opportunities for God to show up and show out. No, He's not a Genie or Fairy Godmother, but He is the God in WHOM all things are possible. What better place to be than in His presence?

A Bear, A Lion and a Big Dude

I posted about David and his giant, yesterdayt! Just wanted to add....a P.S. to that post!

David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities. David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. The sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!

I'm Going to Adventureland!

Ever felt like that little bird that was done with that not-so-cozy nest and was ready to take wing and fly away?  It may be called "restlessness".  My friend and I were visiting yesterday about willing to live out loud with no regrets -- ready to take on some adventures.  Quite frankly, I think I've become a little too comfortable where I'm at and that's why I'm saying "Yes, Lord" to wherever He wants me to go and to do whatever He wants me to do.   I know that sounds crazy -- especially since I just returned from three weeks away with my family.

In my prayer time this morning, I shared with the Lord how uncomfortable "my nest" seems to be these days. When I say "nest", I'm speaking about comfort zone -- complacency -- mediocrity -- status quo.  Each one of those words causes me to flinch.  I know that God has assignments for me to fulfill and "comfort zone" just won't cut it.  Yesterday, I spoke about Martin Luther King's undaunted determination to change his world.  "Comfort zone" wasn't even in his vocabulary.  To accomplish anything great, it shouldn't be in our vocabulary either.   Last night, Trainer Bob Harper, on The Biggest Loser show, said to the teams, "Not until you are the most uncomfortable and having to push out of your comfort zone, will you really see what you're made of."

And, don't we want to see what we are made of?  These thoughts have guided me to a new place in my prayer life.  A place where I not only ask for God's help with "life's stuff", but to focus more than ever before on my need for heavenly wisdom -- especially when I know how valuable each and every day must be.  So getting out of my comfort zone and going into my prayer zone is signficantly the best place to hang out during these times of question.

King David had such a way with words and his knack for early morning rising to seek God certainly helped him be his best.  And I've found those are my best times too -- those times when I ask my Father to speak to me, to help me, to listen, and give me insight as to what the day and the future will hold as I place my agenda into His hands.  When you and I do that, then He unfolds the plans, opens doors to spectacular adventures, and causes our steps to be on purpose.  Once we get that, then the restlessness will cease and the wide-eyed wonder of a child will run to ADVENTURELAND with all out abandonment for the thrilling rides that lie ahead!  Surely -- not a chance for boredom, complacency, or status quo there.

Serving God Right From the Start

Day 307 of Photo Inspirations -- Serving God Right From the Start
Of course my photo inspiration today is my precious godson's "first" time to serve at church.  I teared up as I witnessed this precious boy serving our Lord and His people.  This same boy that had such a rough start in life because of several health issues, is thriving in every way imaginable.  Way back in the beginning, we knew "what the enemy meant for evil, God would turn for good!"  We called him a champ.   He has so many abilities that cause us to know God's hand is mighty and strong upon him.

Being an altar server means helping the priest and deacon by carrying the candles and the cross and holding the prayer book.  But, it's even more than that. They're actually assisting in leading worship. For all of us, our worship on earth reflects the worship in heaven. What we do here in worshipping God, is sort of a distant echo of what goes on in heaven. There, the saints and angels worship around the throne of the Lamb.  And, we represent and reflect on earth the heavenly host as we worship God here.  That's a pretty hefty order to represent the saints and angels, but God has called us to be "holy people".   Okay, I know we're not saints OR angels, but we have a role to play in divine worship.  We are called to reflect something....or better yet....SOMEONE greater. He asks us to come and worship just as we are.

When I saw my godson yesterday, I thought about little Samuel, in the Bible (1 Samuel 3) who served in the temple of God.  As Owen processed down the aisle, I saw him as a young leader in the making.   All eyes were on him as he lit the candles.  His reverence and care and love for what he did was communicated to us and it caused me to rejoice. Throughout the service, he sat so reverently, listening to the scriptures and sermon so intently.  I couldn't help but think about his destiny. Yesterday, he started his leadership -- a servant of the King. Little David started as a shepherd boy, then served King Saul.  Eventually, he became King David. Isn't that how we should be envisioning our children?  Is it too far fetched to be vision-casting that our kids will be world changers?  I know anything is possible with God.  

I like to think my little, but mighty godson started his servant leadership yesterday, and  I pray that he will forever be God's servant leader.  Then, I know, that throughout his life, He'll be blessed.  And, so, as we become servants leaders.... regardless of our age or position, we, too, wiil be blessed!

Embrace the Place

I was going to be driving to Texas by 6 am. But last night I thought I should check the air in my tires. When I did, I saw a big nail in the last one. Now, I'll be going to the tire store at 8 am (when it opens) to have them change the tire for me.

Yesterday, I heard Christine Caine say: "Embrace the place" where you are today. God knows where we're at and He has a plan for us to fulfill IN THAT PLACE. When I saw that nail, at first I thought "That's going to delay me several hours from getting to Texas, but then I thought about the "Embrace the place" message, and realized God knew about the nail. He prompted me to check my tires. He is protecting me from having to deal with a flat." He knows best, so I "embrace this place".

Remember the little shepherd boy, David....who eventually became King David? Jesse brought all his sons to parade in front of Samuel because he thought one of them would be chosen the next king, except for his son, David. After all he was JUST a shepherd boy taking care of sheep. But God knew where David was -- and he was the ONE being prepared to lead God's people.

Could it be that you're ready to take a job outside the home instead of having to balance all the mommy duties, but where you're at right now is part of God's plan for you in this season? Embrace the place. Could it be you're so ready to be in a higher profile position at your church, but you're hid as you teach in Kids' Church? Embrace the place -- God knows where you are. Could it be that the promotion at work you didn't get is part of God's plan today? Embrace the place. Could it be that you've been overlooked, like David, for a speaking engagement or a leadership position, but it's part of God's plan? Embrace the place. Could it be that the loan that fell through on your dreamhouse was a part of God's plan? Embrace the place.

Yes, God has a great future for us. But part of the preparation is being faithful in this place He's designed for today. When we realize that God knows where we're at, and at the RIGHT time and RIGHT place, He will reposition us. In the meantime, we TRUST HIM -- we're in preparation.....so let's embrace THIS place!

Leaving Behind Faith Footprints

On Thursday, a dear uncle graduated to heaven and, of course, thoughts go to the precious memories we made together, as well as the legacy and the footprints he left for us to follow. He was a beautiful soul, but most impactful, was his last year and a half where he lovingly, tenderly and devotedly cared for his very ill wife. None of us thought he would graduate to heaven before she did, but God knew, as His plans always one-up any that we may have.

As, I drove to Dallas yesterday, and in my quiet space of thought and prayer, I started thinking about MY faith footprints -- the imprints and effect that my time on this earth might have. Surely, we should be working as diligently to make our faith footprints as large as we can, so we really do make a difference in as many lives as we possibly can, while we're still on this side of heaven. We may think "How can I make a footprint so large when I am just so ordinary?" But, God uses "ordinary" people to do extraordinary things. Sam Walton....was a very poor farm boy; Oprah Winfrey was born into poverty; King David....was just a shepherd boy; Jesus....was a carpenter. And you and I are on this earth, today, regardless of our background.....to leave behind faith footprints for others to follow.....I'm determined to make mine the biggest footprints that I can! How about you?