Mary’s Assignment – My Assignment

I’ve received many assignments from God in my life – many that involved the care for those closest to me, several in my places of employment, others that took us from one state to another, to another country and back to the U.S., missions’ assignments and other assignments that focused on me.

This week, of all times of the year, I am on an assignment to help my Frisco children get packed up and moved from their home that sold at a surprising time-of-the-year (right here at Christmas) and then helping them move and unpack at their new home – just a few miles away. The timing wasn’t exactly according to our plans. It could have easily come in the warmer, less busy time of the year! But God knew and He is the way-maker -- and His ways are higher and better than our ways! God is the Master of assigning and giving sweet assurances along the way -- and even many little miracles come that assures us “this is God’s perfect timing”.

My kids aren't the first to have received an assignment that wasn’t planned or expected. Just look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her change of plans was much greater than a few-miles- down-the-road move. Let’s picture her -- engaged to a great guy. Wedding plans in motion. Excitement is building about "the day"! But, then, her dreams are interrupted: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.’” (Luke 1:30-31) When Mary received this news, she didn’t react in fear or doubt. Instead her reaction was grounded in faith: “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38)

Mary responded with confidence because her confidence began with her relationship with God. She built her confidence in Him, not on something that was outside her control. Not on someone, like Joseph. For all she knew, he would leave her once he learned she was pregnant. Did Mary understand everything God was doing? Unlikely. Or resent what He was doing? Doesn’t appear so. Would others judge her? No doubt they would, but Mary didn’t allow people’s opinions to prevent her from embracing God’s calling, even if she didn’t understand it. The lack of details didn’t impact her confidence in His plans for her life, nor her trust in Him to take care of her.

I’m desperately trying to follow Mary’s lead. I’m learning that confidence built on people or positions is a confidence built on unsolid ground. Someone, something or some place will let us all down at some point. When we build our confidence on Christ when difficult times come, our foundation will be firm in Him. The Lord uses changes and moves to faithfully bring us to a place where our gifts will grow. We should always know, just like He was to Mary, the Lord is always faithful.

Hebrews 10:35-36, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”.

And You Will Call Her Name.....Staci Michelle

When December rolls around, I go into nostalgic-mode because it holds so many treasured memories from years past. Other than the unparalleled birth-day of Jesus, was the birth of my precious girl, Staci Wallace.

Back in those days, they put most of us to sleep to have our babies, and we didn't know whether we were having a girl or boy. I just remember waking up and hearing my sweet husband whispering in my ear “Your prayers were answered. You got your girl!” Indeed my prayers were answered – above and beyond what I could have ever hoped for. This girl has always shocked me with her bold and audacious way of doing things. She was on the stage at our church at four years old – belting out songs with a “no fear” attitude. God gave her a gift of faith that has always been a constant source of inspiration and strength to us. When we would go through a challenging time, she would post “Expect a Miracle” signs all over our home. The “miracles” would come. Her energy and talents gave us years of excitement and entertainment as we watched her excel in sports and music – winning music competitions, singing before presidents and celebrities and speaking on stages with confidence before 10s of thousands -- a message that always motivated and encouraged her audiences. Her drive and determination caused her to be relentless in pursuing whatever task or goal that God gave her.

Above all, she’s been my precious daughter, best friend, confidant, encourager, mentor and in-house stand-up comedian -- especially when I needed to laugh the most. She has been a woman of honor, integrity and character and when up against the wall, she always figured out how to tear the wall down, or karate kick a hole in it to get through (yes, she's also a Black Belt in Karate).

Of all the names we thought of if we had a girl, we chose Staci Michelle. Staci means "resurrection life" and Michelle means "close to God". No doubt, God guided us to that name, because she has been true to those definitions. In so many ways, she brings resurrection life to everyone she encounters -- helping people find a new life from one of rejection, defeat, depression, darkness, and pain -- because the closeness she has with God magnetically draws them closer to HIM.

I don't tell you all this to impress you, but to impress upon you how important it is to ponder, pray for and get God's vision for your children, AND the name you give them. He had that vision for His Son that gives us a perfect example to follow. Staci, being born in December, draws my attention to Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:30 "And, behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you will CALL HIS NAME, JESUS.” I love that Isaiah 9:6 even gave definition to His name before He was born, "And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

What we name our children shouldn't be a mere conglomeration of letters that we put together as a convenient way to refer to them. God proved that when He named His son Jesus -- that name that is ABOVE all other names, that describes His personality and gives interpretation of His character traits. He has lived up to His name and it gives us hope, life, and blessing. Indeed, names are important!

So, to my precious girl STACI MICHELLE WALLACE -- today is YOUR day -- and I honor you, esteem you and I call myself "Blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of my womb!" I love you so much and thank God for the gift of you to me! Happy, happy birthday, my sweet girl! <3 span="">