I Noticed Him and He Made a Difference

On Sunday, I had a long-ago, precious memory of a man who attended our church in Shawnee, OK. What I remembered about him was that he was always in an electric wheelchair accompanied by his devoted mother. I remembered he was a “beamer”. You know -- a sunbeam that lit up the room. His quick wit made everyone laugh. We were magnetically drawn to him because he exuded a peace beyond description -- especially considering his circumstances. What stirred me most in this memory was that his hands were strapped to the arms of the wheelchair where he could use the controls to maneuver it. And, the most vivid remembrance I have of him was when we would sing, his eyes would close and he would lift his hands as much as he could, even though they were strapped down.

That memory comes from well over 40+ years ago. I noticed him and his joy and his peace and his humor and raising those hands from the wrist up. With what he had – he used it all. Amazingly, I remembered his name so I googled him – Larry Williams, Shawnee, OK. His obituary came up with his picture. He was 60 when he passed on. “Larry became a quadriplegic when he was 19 from an auto accident but still had high spirits and always could make people laugh. We know he is walking in heaven. Larry touched many lives in his lifetime.” So what I remembered about him, was true all his life.

I also remembered when the pastor asked people to raise their hands in worship to God, many people wouldn’t, but Larry always did what he could – he raised his hands. When people were urged to sing with all their hearts – many wouldn’t, but Larry did. He used what he had.

I called a friend who attended that church with us. I asked if he remembered Larry. He replied: “Oh, yes. He was in the same nursing home as my mom. Everyone adored him. He was friendly to everyone and always had a kind word to say to all. Why am I elaborating about a man from so many years ago and who is no longer living on this side of heaven? Because he made a difference. He made such an impression on me that here I am 40+ years later, remembering the strong and mighty man that he was. Oh, no – I’m not talking about his physical abilities because those were very few. But, I am talking about a man that rose up higher and spoke louder and appreciated life greater than anyone I think I have ever known. He took what he had and made a difference.

I appreciate the quote: “Who you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift back to God!" I think that’s what Larry did and that’s what I am determined to do, too. If Larry could make a difference in this world from where he sat – then with my two good legs and arms and hands and a voice, I can make a difference too. I can spread the Good News in my actions, in what I say and what I do. I can “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words". (Thanks, St. Francis, for that quote.) Would you consider what you could do to make a difference to those in your corner of the world, too?

I want to be noticed as a joy, peace and hope pusher like Larry. I want to be noticed and remembered for what I had been given that made a difference in this world. I know I can because if Larry could – so can I! And, so can you!

Service With a Smile and Excellence

It’s Saturday and Mom, Karen and I meet at i-Hop for breakfast. This is our annual go-to birthday celebration place and since I’m in Tulsa town this weekend and my birthday is next week – they jump on it. I love these two women so much. They have been sources of anchoring me for so many years -- since I fell in love with Karen’s big brother and Mom’s son when I was 12. We have many precious and cherished memories together.

What makes this celebration even sweeter is this beaming waitress. Just look at her sweet shining light! This is Jacquie! Karen is taking a phone call so I roll Mom in her wheel chair to the booth. I get her settled in and take her wheelchair to a corner out of the way. When I return, this precious girl is bent over helping Mom get out of her sweater. That’s when I am first attracted to her serving beyond her call-of-duty.

I spot her almost ear-to-ear smile. I am drawn to her radiance -- her countenance. I tell her so. She graciously accepts my compliment with an even bigger smile. I'm reminded of Proverbs 15:13 "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face..." She asks if she can get us coffee and within seconds, she returns. Karen joins us and our “shining” waitress is ready to take our order. I ask: “What’s that big smile about? Is it because you love God?” And, instantly, she replies, “Oh, yes. Very, very much!” I say: “Keep shining because this world needs to see what God looks like and how He serves.”

To Mom and Karen, I say: “A blog is on its way!” And here it is for you today! Now you know what Jesus in human flesh looks like. It’s a look of joy, love and kindness. It is excellence in attitude and service. We can’t help but give her an extra good tip because she is all about “service with a smile”. She makes this little birthday celebration so pleasant with responding to our every request without delay, including allowing me to get a photo of her and her taking a photo of us.

I could go on about being a bright light to our world and if ever our world needed more smiles and service like this, it does today! How much more would we want to “bless” those who come with a heart of a servant in excellence and quality customer service? St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words." The beautiful young woman is preaching the good news every day with her happy heart and encouraging smile.

Whether in the service industry or the servant-of-God-ministry (and we should always be in the latter as devoted followers of Christ), we should always be practicing the Golden Rule -- putting ourselves in other people’s chairs and treating them the way we would want to be treated in any given situation.

Service with a smile should be more than a catchy phrase. It should be a heartfelt, everyday commitment to exit the doors of our homes as people-pleasers, people-lovers, people-servers, and people who exemplify the good works of Jesus by bearing His fruit to a world that needs role models who make a difference.

I’ll Admit It. I’m a Jesus Freak!

While in the waiting room of my doctor’s office, I noticed these first three photos of wall-hangings and plaques AND Christian music was playing in the background. What a comfort it was to know he is a man of faith. Then, on Saturday, I went for a haircut and I noticed, right away, these next wall hangings that surely indicated this gal’s faith. I said, kiddingly to her: “You are definitely a Jesus freak!” She admitted she is, and so am I.

The term "Jesus freak" was originally used to demean or insult Christians involved with the Jesus Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. It was primarily directed towards those who were especially aggressive in their evangelistic efforts. The core meaning of Jesus freak was a person who is so dedicated to following Jesus that it seemed there was nothing else the person could talk about. A Jesus freak is basically a person who is obsessed with Jesus.

Yep. That was my husband and me back in those days, and that is still me today. My hair stylist told me that people will come into her shop and right away, they’ll start their conversations with her by saying “I love your wall hangings. You are definitely a Christian aren’t you?” And she said other people will come in and they’ll notice the hangings and not speak of them or they don’t even notice them at all. I’m proud of her. What a great way to say “I believe”.

Sometimes it’s NOT a piece of cake to start talking about our love for God. We want to share about that love and oftentimes it feels awkward or pushy and even, Jesus freakish, but just because we possess more enthusiasm, passion, and excitement about a certain thing, in this case, a certain SOMEONE named "Jesus" doesn't automatically make us "freaks" does it? Why is loving someone so unconditionally as we do our Savior has to be something society is threatened by? We're simply passionate about someone. It would be like calling an aspiring actress an acting freak. Or someone who really loves the products they sell a "selling freak"? It's simply our overwhelming love for THE ONE Who gave His only Son to us that we would have life now and forever. We are often embarrassed to talk about the One who lives in us and who has given us so much. I am a “Jesus freak” because I can’t help myself. There aren't many conversations that I have with anyone that God’s name isn’t mentioned. If you knew where I came from and what I’ve been through, you’d know the reason why I love Him so.

Not long ago, the kindest man who was formerly the mastermind behind the City of Frisco's Water Wise program and who is now retired but does sprinkler system repairs, repaired mine. He was diligent, efficient and low-priced so I just had to tell others in my community about him on our NextDoor app. He got lots of new business from my recommendation. Why would I not share something good so others can be blessed? If I knew the cure for cancer, why would I withhold it from others?

That’s how I feel about God. I sing because I’m happy. I’ve been blessed way more than I deserve. I live in peace because He walks and talks with me each day. He comforts me when I’m sad. He nudges me when He wants me to be better and do better. He is my best friend and confidante. He lives in my heart and is my ever-present help in trouble. How could I NOT share Him with others? I have scriptures, crosses, plaques and statutes and all kinds of symbols in my home. You would know who I hold in greatest esteem and honor. I wear a cross necklace. I listen to Christian music. I pray in restaurants, and if I’m with people who I don’t know if they know Him, I still ask if I can pray over our meal. I'm not ashamed. Yep. I’m a Jesus freak!

St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times……and sometimes use words.” Maybe it’s time we all should strive to make God famous through our example and our love for Him that cannot be suppressed…..because we just can’t help ourselves. We’re just so in love and we know He is the cure for loneliness, depression, sadness, fear, worry, and anxiety….we can’t hide it!

Merry Christmas!

Day 312 of Photo Inspirations -- MERRY CHRISTMAS
Just look at this sweet sunbeam!  Yesterday, I walked into Reasor's Grocery Store in Jenks, the cafe side. The cashier at that side of the store, Beverly, was beaming from ear-to-ear and greeted me, "Good Morning!  It's a great day for sweaters, isn't it (I had on a sweater)?"  I have never been into that store that Beverly wasn't cheery with that delightful smile.

With my shopping done, I headed to Beverly's register. I told her "What a blessing it is to see you....always so full of joy.  You are the PERFECT one to be here at the entrance."  She promptly said, "Oh, I'm sure not perfect, but I sure try to be the best I can be!"  I replied, "There's no one perfect but Jesus.....right?"  She agreed.  Then, I whispered....."Merry Christmas", and she quickly replied, "Merry Christmas to you.  Mr. Reasor says it's okay for us to say 'Merry Christmas'.  In fact, he let's me put my NOEL sign up here at my register."  I told her that makes me want to buy my groceries there even more now.  I headed out the door and it hit me, "I know what my photo inspiration will be for tomorrow!"  I asked Beverly if I could take her photo for my blog today. Now.....you know what a sunbeam looks like.

I could go on about being a bright light to our world and if ever our world needed more Beverlys in it, it does today!   St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words." Beverly is preaching the good news every day with her happy heart and encouraging smile.

My Starbucks Coffee Cup photo here was inspired by the recent "red cup without snowflakes or representation of Christmas on it" issue.  Someone got uptight about it.  Seriously?  I think that guy hangs out at Starbucks too much and too much time on his hands.  But, his uptightness (Is that a word?) has sure given Starbucks a boatload of free marketing. They've gotta love it.  But, I'm sure not going to get on that band wagon.  The cup is bright red like bright red Christmas lights and ornaments. Oh, and here's really good news for that uptight guy.  They still sell their "Christmas" Blend Coffee.  

Back to the conversation that Beverly and I had -- I won't let anyone keep me from declaring in my greetings and my spirit and my outward joy...."Merry Christmas".  I agree with columnist Rachel Held Evans when she said,  "The whole story of Advent is the story of how God CAN'T be kept out. God IS present.  God IS with us. God shows up — not with a parade but with the whimper of a baby, not among the powerful, but among the marginalized, not to the demanding, but to the humble."

Yes, it's more important than ever that Christians stand courageously and boldly for Jesus.  But it's also crucial that we do so with a positive, joyful spirit.....like Beverly's.  We know how the story ends.  We know that the Bible is true, and heaven is real. We know that the One, Jesus Christ, who came as a baby will come again as a King. And we know that one day, we will be celebrating Christmas eternally with Him!  

Merry Christmas to all.....and to all....a really GOOD Saturday!

You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field

Day 244 of Photo Inspirations -- You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field
I was ALMOST booked to go on a missions trip to Korea and China in November with an amazing organization called Voice of China & Asia that is doing such an incredible work through their Bible ministry to the poorest of rural believers. Bibles are being legally printed in China but there is no Bible distribution system for over half of China’s population (600+ million) who live in rural areas. Here upwards of 14,000 new believers per day are professing Jesus Christ as Savior. But, they don’t have access to Bibles. Voice of China and Asia is filling this need by providing hundreds of thousands of Bibles for them.  That's what I'll be a part of, hopefully, in April, next year.

But not going with the team in November, doesn't mean that I, daily, don't have a mission to fulfill. In fact, when I leave my home and when I walk through my door, I'm entering my mission field. Missions:  an important assignment carried out for going out into the world and spreading faith and good news. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." And I love St. Francis' words "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words".

What is our mission field?  I believe it is to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis.  The clerk at the store, little children, the homebound, the family next door, the yard man, our own families & friends, our neighbors -- just anyone we have the opportunity to BE A BLESSING to and share the LIGHT of Christ with.

Perhaps, we need to develop a Mission Statement for our lives that keeps us focused on our calling to missions.  In Genesis 12, where God makes His covenant with Abram. God tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation and that He will bless him. And then, what God says to him in the last part of verse 2 just may be our Mission Statement, too.  "You will be a blessing."

That's it -- whatever we do, wherever we go, whoever we encounter -- our mission is "TO BE A BLESSING".  Isn't that a great way to live?  On purpose, outside of us 4, and no more -- TO BE A BLESSING here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or there in your school or office building or community club or PTA or YMCA -- BE A BLESSING, and in doing that.....we will be IN OUR MISSION FIELD!!!

What I'm Learning From My Garden

Day 130 of Photo Inspirations -- What I'm Learning From My Garden
Yesterday, right at dawn, I already had my day planned for planting the begonias and caladiums I bought the day before -- my annual early May ritual.  With my yard tools, wheelbarrow, planting soil, plant food, flowers and mulch, I began my handiwork. How beautiful it is, even with the hard work (my hand is bandaged from the blister I gave myself from digging the holes with my shovel), to see my finished product (and notice in the photo -- the little rabbit that was admiring my work)!  LOL!

I have two inside plants:  one (a Peace Lily) which I received for my husband's funeral 4-1/2 years ago, and the other plant was a gift I received for speaking at a Christmas event (Ivy with

Red Poinsettias -- they're still alive -- see photo).  Those plants are the only living/breathing things that represent responsibility to me.  When I was away for 3 weeks,  I took them over to a neighbor to baby-sit them for me.

Then there's my yellow and peach rose bushes that require consistent "dead-heading" (pinching off the already "spent" flowers) -- so that they'll continue to reproduce more flowers.

Planting New Flowers -- represent new birth -- new life -- and watching it grow.  Isn't that what we do when we plant into people's lives the Good News of God's love for them?   Often it's continuous "hard work", but when they "get it" and receive that new life, we get to be a part of nurturing them and watching them grow and flourish.

Responsibility -- as long as we are still here on this side of heaven, we have the responsibility of living a life of example.  St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times.....and sometimes use words."  Yes, our lives, like these flowers, are on display, and the fragrance we exude speaks volumes of WHO we are and WHOSE we are.  If that fragrance is sweet.....it will draw others to WHOSE we are.

Dead-Heading or Pruning -- that doesn't sound inviting, does it?   Yet the more God tweaks us, prunes us or "dead-heads" us (removes those things that could stunt  our growth) -- though painful or uncomfortable, the more we'll be beautiful flowers in His garden. Our Master Gardener know just what's best for us and what causes us to fulfill His perfect plan in our lives.   So......how does YOUR garden grow?

Lean on ME

Yesterday, I posted about getting ourselves off our minds, and to understand why God placed us here -- at this time and this place. What if He has us here for a bigger-than-life purpose -- to be here as His messengers and His hands and heart extended to others?

A year ago, this week, devastating tornadoes hit Moore, OK and hundreds of homes and lives were taken. As tragic as it was, the outpouring of love and the real tangible ways that communities, organizations and people stepped up to make a difference in those hurting people's lives -- displayed the beauty that comes when we care and take action beyond our own circumstances. Not just in the most crtical times, but everyday, people are experiencing tremendous pain and hurt in ways beyond what we can imagine, and I think about those who step up to help in untold ways that express God's hands extended to them.

If you are one of those messengers who heed the call of God's dispatcher, I just want to say "THANK YOU" for being, doing, and living St. Francis' words "Preach the Gospel at all times.....and sometimes, use words!" May God bless you for loving and caring and BEING that Good Samaritan and that friend, brother, and sister to those who need you. I'm thanking God for your heart of compassion. You know why you are here, and you're making the world a better place.