This is What a “Comeback” Story Looks Like

It’s one thing to get inspired by this wall hanging in my daughter’s home, but it’s a testament to the words when you have a live and in-person comeback story that walks in your front door. These are Christina’s beautiful two grandsons who she is raising to be mighty men of God. They surprised me with love and this yummy red velvet cake on my birthday. And, now, today, it’s Christina’s birthday. I get to reciprocate the love here.

First of all, happy birthday to this beautiful gal, Christina Willis, who is someone this world should know, then endeavor to emulate the tenacity and determination of what an overcomer looks and acts like. Christina, I pray you are blessed beyond words for your commitment to changing lives daily. As a devoted follower of Christ, you serve passionately and are relentless in helping others have a comeback story, too. Carry on, sweet girl! Your best is yet to be! I love you so much! <3 Christina is a bright light that has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. If ever there was a story of God’s amazing grace that took someone from the lowest lows to the highest highs – that’s this gal’s story. In August, 2017, Christina was homeless and living in a hotel with her daughter and her two sons. They were struggling financially -- evicted and homeless many times over the previous 20 years. Although she was attending church and Bible studies, she still felt lost and hopeless. She knew she needed someone to show her how to apply her faith and teach her life-skills to get her life turned around. Then she met my daughter, Staci. Christina started attending her “Mission Possible --Unlocking Your Full Potential” Bible study course that she had written. From that first night of attending the class, Christina’s world began to change. It was as if God gave her sight after being blind for so many years. During the Mission Possible study, she was delivered from a major paranormal addiction and deep-rooted shame. She found forgiveness and freedom and learned how to forgive others, despite the years of rejection, abuse and brokenness she had experienced. She then began a journey of learning how to apply biblical wisdom to practical life choices in the organization my daughter heads up, EMwomen, a non-profit organization that equips and empowers women by helping them learn life-skills to become stronger leaders in the marketplace, their homes and community. EMwomen’s motto “Every woman has a story and every story can change the world” certainly is true for Christina. There isn’t room here to share Christina’s full story, but suffice it to say, Christina’s life was radically and fully reversed (her COMEBACK). Christina shares: “My story began to transform when I began to make better choices. My alignment with EMwomen changed the trajectory of my life. The communication and life-skills I learned enabled me to get a job in the medical industry, making more money than I have ever made in my life.” Now she has a beautiful home and is raising her two beautiful grandsons.

Christina is now EMwomen’s Director of Outreach where she oversees programs that specifically reach single moms and girls who are running from domestic violence, struggling through abuse, homelessness or perhaps they have suffered from divorce or human trafficking or other areas that have held women from achieving God’s best.They are loved right where they are, but they are walked through spiritual deliverance, practical life-skills training and personal coaching to help them emerge from their past into quality jobs, better relationships and an abundant life in Christ.

Christina has found that rather than having been given just a fish, she was taught how to fish with the skills and spiritual fortitude necessary to thrive in life – and now she is paying it forward. Perhaps, it’s time to write your “comeback” story – where you rise out of the ashes and step up into the bright light of God’s mercy and love -- where you consider where you’ve been and where you are now, and become a blessing to those who need to hear your story for God’s glory. Christina had a major comeback. So can anyone who is living in hopelessness and who would welcome God to be the Lord of your life. Perhaps you’ll have a comeback story that will change the trajectory of your life, too!

Our Hearts have Eyes

New land-scape and ocean-scape to take in this week. My Austin family and friends are in Port Aransas taking in everything beach and ocean for Brennan’s 16th birthday celebration. I was the first one up and at ‘em at 5 am to post my blog. Then I made my way to the beach to take in the magnificent beauty of the sun coming up over the ocean. It was a sight to behold. And, of all things God-given, I saw this cross. It was then I realized my heart must also have eyes because I sensed God’s presence and realized I want my heart’s eyes to see what He sees. I just need to open them up.

That reminded me of a song: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You.” I want to see Him more than in my family and nature, the skies, and the oceans. I want my heart’s eyes to open up to all His wonders and grace. That song makes sense as I read this scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will SEE God.” Matthew 5:8. That "pure in heart’ must be the prescription for 20/20 vision for seeing God! I want that vision!

A pure heart doesn’t mean we are perfect people. If our purest intention is to see God, we will. I’ve said it in so many of my blogs that while I can’t see the Lord’s physical form, I do see evidence of Him all around me. So, in that case, we should always be asking God to open our eyes to the many things in our life that speak to His presence. We can keep our eyes wide open as we look for evidence of God around us. It’s amazing: The more we recognize even the smallest things as gifts from God, the more we start to realize how present He is in our lives.

If what I’m saying seems too difficult to understand – the part about being able to SEE God, then maybe there is something dividing your heart and distracting you from seeing Him. That’s when we ask God to help us SEE. It may be that it’s a simple distraction of our technology gadgets or people who come between us and God in nature, in daily potential encounters when we have an awareness of Him. And, maybe, we need to look closer at the people around us -- just maybe we’ll see God in them as they help someone with food or clothing or encouraging words. The truth is – the more we purpose to place our focus on Him – in scripture, in people, in our daily activities, the more we'll see Him.

I love you, my precious friends. I believe with all my heart God isn’t trying to hide from us. He’s everywhere. He’s just waiting for us to open our eyes to Him.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...was blind but now I see!”

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

The pandemic has kept me from my family and friends in Tulsa. I miss them all, including my "besties", Charles (Mick) & Sheila Michie. Usually, when I went to see them, I made sure it wasn't on Friday mornings because that's their day of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him so desperately as their Savior. They are passionate about their jail ministry. Before this pandemic, very little could dissuade them from their commitment to make an eternal impact on those they visit.

I remember Mick sharing with me about taking his computer in with him. He showed the inmates gorgeous videos of God’s creation -- waterfalls, mountains, etc. Most of those incarcerated have never seen or even imagined such magnificence. Beauty is definitely “in the eyes of the beholder”. Those of us who have visited those places have an appreciation for that beauty, but after visiting them many times, our out-take isn’t the same as those who can only imagine the beauty.

When we speak of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, we mean that it is a matter of our personal opinion. That is why we might see something that is so beautiful that it takes our breath away. But when we point it out to a friend, they might not appreciate it as much as we do. We can only imagine what beauty is to those who have never seen or known the beauty of God and His creation.

Can we even imagine what it must be like for a blind person who never saw color, objects, people, creation -- anything – but, suddenly sees for the first time? I read a story of a young man who had only known darkness and with an innovative and life-changing surgery, he could see. He woke up and saw a young nurse who was looking after him; he thought she must be the most beautiful girl in the whole world. Then another nurse walked in asking how he feels, and he thought that she was even more beautiful. Soon he was taken outside, and he saw the trees, the flowers, the blue sky, people with smiling faces, and he felt like he had died and gone to Heaven. He even asked the nurse, “Am I in Heaven?” All had been dark, but now he could see the light and everything was so beautiful!

As I pondered about “beauty in the eyes of the beholder”, I thought about the old hymn “Amazing Grace” -- how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now, I’m found, was BLIND, but now I see.” Oh, the grace that opened our eyes to the beauty of the redeeming grace of Jesus. Those prisoners, those living without hope and purpose and destiny, those who live in darkness and unbelief -- but then one day -- they meet Jesus and everything changes. They suddenly know beauty beyond description.

I’m still thinking about my friend’s dad who went to heaven on Thursday. If the beauty of God’s creation here on this earth is beyond compare, and coming to know the beauty of His redeeming grace – we cannot even fathom the beauty to looking on our Lord’s face and His redeeming grace for all eternity.

“As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen and no ear has heard and no human mind has conceived— that is what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger

Yesterday, we had another wonderful sing-a-long at the front yard of Tim and LaDonna Gatlin Johnson. Still assembled in our 6-foot rule spacing, we clapped and sang together to some of the best old hymns. Tim, an incredible pianist, gave us a concert in "Liberace" style!

Most beautiful were the testimonies of God’s amazing grace. Tim touched us with his story of surviving cancer in all of his lymph nodes many years ago. Tim and LaDonna became stronger in their faith and trust in God’s faithfulness more than ever before. What didn’t kill Tim, made him stronger.

I can speak a similar story – through the illnesses of my children, myself, and my husband’s illnesses and passing – I became stronger than I ever thought possible.

Pictured again here is the after-shot of the tornado that my father and mother-in-law went through. What didn’t kill them made them stronger and even greater good did God do through them. That property was sold to a young couple. She saw my blog and commented: “Thanks for sharing the pictures. I especially recognized the after-tornado picture. Since then, that property has been home to over 100 foster children in DHS, home to 7 different family groupings needing a safe place for a season, home to International Bible University, Westport Gathering and our home where we have raised our family including two grandchildren now. So appreciate and love the history your family established here. Love all of you.”

The quote: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" dates back over 100 years ago to Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher. He believed that if one can persevere through the difficult times and trials of life, the end result can often be a strengthening of character and endurance.

But I think it goes back even further. The Apostle Paul explained it well after he and his friends had endured horrible events like being whipped 29 times, beaten with rods, and left for dead after being buried under a pile of rocks: "We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don't know what to do, but we don't give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

The people I respect most have not had easy lives. They are the people who faced adversity and didn't give up. They were transformed by grace. It's really not what doesn’t kill us that makes us stronger, but God’s grace in the face of our struggles that makes us stronger. And through that grace, in the most difficult of times, we find endurance. And in that endurance, we find character. And it is that character that gives us hope.

This unparalleled COVID-19 season has been a rough time for so many, but those of us who are resilient in these times will come out stronger than we’ve ever been before. I’m counting on hearing story after story of the determination of those who kept their faith intact and the grace of God that made them stronger, wiser and more grateful than ever before.

To Be Thankful is to Be Peaceful

Back in the day, my husband, his sister, a friend, and myself made up the Masters IV Quartet. We were known for our renditions of Andrae Crouch’s beautiful songs. Andrae was a well-known gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor. He penned these words that were our testimony and I’m sure you might call them yours, too:

“I've had many tears and sorrows / I've had questions for tomorrow / There's been times I didn't know right from wrong / But in every situation / God gave me blessed consolation / that my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all / through it all / I've learned to trust in Jesus / I've learned to trust in God. / Through it all / through it all / I've learned to depend upon His Word.”

Andrae wrote that song based on the struggles and wins in his own life. John Newton wrote “Amazing Grace” based on his spiritual conversion after having been a slave trader. And, Horatio Spafford wrote “It is Well with My Soul” after the death of his son and subsequently the loss of his four daughters when their ship sank. Horrific struggles in life often produce some of the greatest masterpieces of our lives. As I think about my own life’s struggles – there is an unexplainable thread of peace woven throughout my story and I’m sure, if alive, those authors of some of the most renown songs ever written would tell us the same thing. A powerful peace was prevalent that centered them in the awareness of God’s presence.

The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person – no matter what! Thankful people have created a habit of noticing, pausing and choosing. Noticing “something” to be thankful about no matter the circumstance. Pausing to acknowledge this “something” as a reminder of God’s presence. Choosing to focus on God’s presence until His powerful peace consumes us. I know this “season” has given us plenty of reasons to be in fear, concern, disappointment and angst about what the future holds. But, will we come through this time unscathed because we’ve been noticers? Pausers? Choosers? Were we people of thanksgiving no matter what the circumstances were?

The greatest examples of the power of thanksgiving are found in sacred scriptures. What was the prayer of Daniel right before being thrown into the lions’ den and witnessing God miraculously shutting the lion’s mouths? Thanksgiving. After three days in the belly of a fish, what was the cry of Jonah’s heart right before he was finally delivered onto dry land? Thanksgiving. What was St. Paul’s mode of operation in the prison cell and how did he instruct us to pray in Philippians 4:6? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God."

And what was the outcome of each of these situations where thanksgiving was proclaimed? Peace -- powerful, unexplainable, uncontainable peace. Paul went on to write: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

I wonder what might happen if we decide in the midst of our circumstances to notice, pause and choose something to be thankful about today. Let’s pray about it!

Dear Lord, will You help me notice things that I can be thankful for in each circumstance I face today? To remember to pause and acknowledge it as evidence of Your presence? And please help me choose to focus on Your presence until Your powerful peace rushes into my heart and helps me see everything more clearly. Thank You for the reality that being thankful changes everything. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

She Saw Me and My Life Was Changed Forever

This world is filled with those who are looking everywhere to find something or someone to satisfy their emptiness inside. It makes sense because inside of everyone is a God-shaped place that only He can satisfy. That void was filled in my life many years ago when I ran into His arms that were open wide to me. Arms that were replicated by a sweet camp counselor who wrapped her arms around me and told me how much God loves me and invited me to ask Jesus to come into my heart and life. She saw me and my life was changed forever.

Today, my life gives testament to the fact that God's amazing grace can fill every nook and cranny of our lives. That's how I can celebrate each day with joy and peace. I am never alone because He is with me wherever I go. He sees me. Like my camp counselor, the Apostle Paul also knew the power of seeing others — not just who they were, but who they could be. Paul understood the transforming power of Jesus, which made him the perfect ambassador to share God’s love and light everywhere he went.

My mother-in-law's name is Lydia which means "worshipper of God". Mom and I read the "Lydia" story in the Bible on her birthday last week. As Paul passed through Macedonia, he took time to SEE Lydia and her friends sitting by the river. Lydia was a successful business owner, selling purple cloth. But it didn’t fill the void she had in her life as she searched for spiritual purpose and potential. All the connections and money couldn’t satisfy her need for love and belonging.

That day on the riverbank everything changed. Paul, Silas and Luke, three ambassadors of God cared about His lost children. I expect they were kind and gentle in their demeanor. I can imagine they smiled and made eye contact that said: “I see you. You matter. You are not alone.” They stopped. Sat. Shared. Unintimidated by the fact that not one single person for miles around believed in Jesus Christ. Not one. One of God’s lost girls was found! “… the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). She listened, and her heart was opened to the Good News of Jesus. Just like me!

Because Paul and his friends looked outward from their busy lives and really saw Lydia, she received a new life in Christ. In fact, she was the first European convert in all of history. Today, all over Europe, Lydia’s spiritual descendants praise the name of the ONE who notices every lost daughter and son.

What about you and me? How often do we look up and really notice the people God places in our lives? How might we break out of our comfort zone and SEE others? We might be the difference between someone being lost and being found.

Dear God, please give us Your eyes and heart to SEE the lost and show them Jesus and His love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God’s Grace. My Grace.

Maybe, like me, you’ve heard countless sermons and read books about grace. Maybe you know some of the “grace” scriptures by heart and can quote them to others. But my prayer is that we’ll see this word again for the first time. I think grace is most fully understood through our own experiences. Otherwise, it is just a beautiful and powerful word that describes God's unmerited favor on us. But it doesn’t have much effect unless we acknowledge that it was grace that saved the day for us. And, then, in turn, to pay that grace forward to others.

I’ve heard those grace messages and I’ve even memorized many of those grace scriptures. But what has taught me the most? My own story and the stories of others who have fully experienced grace. Grace – given to us when we deserved a failing grade; grace that opened up career doors for us; the grace of blessing us with our spouse and children. It was grace that we were spared from in that "almost" auto accident or that horrific storm. It was grace that the police officer gave us a warning ticket instead of the $250 ticket we deserved. Or it was grace that we got a $250 ticket that cured the need to speed and risk our life and others’ lives.

Think about God’s GRACE in some of our Bible heroes. Moses, whose hot temper led to murder and rebellion against God, and David, who committed adultery and murder. Then turn to the New Testament where a former traitor, SAINT Peter, leads the Church, and a former “human rights abuser”, SAINT Paul, who became the author of one third of the New Testament. Indeed, God’s grace is amazing. We can never sink so far that God’s grace will not reach us. At the same time, GRACE does not leave us there. It raises us to new heights, causes us to demonstrate that grace to others in words and actions, and that "grace that brought us safe thus far? THAT "grace will lead us home"! THAT GRACE, my friends, really is AMAZING!

It’s my prayer for you and I not to miss grace, but rather will powerfully experience the grace effect in our lives so much so that no matter what has been done to us, that we will choose grace for others. Making daily decisions of pouring out grace to others as grace has been poured out to us. Those of us who know grace, also know we need to be grateful for God’s grace in our lives and in turn, to offer His grace that is in us to others.

May this be our prayer today: Lord, I am amazed by Your grace in my life. Help me see, understand, and be overwhelmed by Your grace again, as I was the first time. Help me to no t simply comprehend Your grace, but live it and give it to others. Help me even today to extend grace to those around me at work, school, home, church, and throughout my community. Lord, Your grace is greater than my hurts, mistakes and circumstances. I am so grateful. May I be as free with grace to others – as you are to me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Jesus Take the Wheel -- Please!!!

I'm home from a quick trip to Tulsa to attend a celebration of a dear 90-year-old friend's life. I thought I knew this man who had blessed me with such kindness over the years, but not until I saw his talents all around the halls and chapel did I come to know I had not delved into WHO he really was. Little did I know he was a renown jazz musician, talented artist, and pioneer in the frozen food business. I only knew him as the developer of the beautiful 55+ Hyde Park community in Tulsa. I loved hearing the speaker say that God had "taken the wheel of his life". I learned that I need to be a friend who cares enough to want to know more about my friends before it's too late.

It was pouring rain most all the way back home yesterday. My sis-in-law, Karen, called and we talked as I drove. She prayed for me: "Jesus, please take the wheel for Donna as she drives home!" I embraced those words because the drive could have been daunting in that pouring-down-rain, but I was completely at peace as I knew Jesus was taking the wheel.

Karen is an amazing and loving care-giver of my almost 97-year-old mother-in-law who can be a hand-full. In addition to the responsibility of mom, Karen and her husband own a highly demanding business that consumes an enormous amount of their time. She remarked: "You know, I often pray 'Jesus take the wheel.'" And I reply: "Oh, yes, I do, too!" I love our relationship because we have each other to vent to when we need a listening ear. We know we are never alone and can talk to God Who is always on our side to give us the super-powers we need to carry on but sometimes we just need Jesus in the "flesh and blood" in our lives. I'm thrilled when we can be that for each other.

At the funeral, I notice a young woman standing off to herself, obviously brokenhearted and weeping. I leave my conversation with friends and go to her, put my arms around her and ask: "Are you okay?" She replies, "He was like a father to me. He always let me sit at his feet and he'd tell me stories. He was so kind to me." I remember how Jesus always had women surrounding Him. He was as a beloved father, brother, friend and great storyteller. Of course they wept when He was no longer with them. This young woman needed Jesus "in the flesh". I was able to be Him in the flesh to her. I say: "Jesus must love you so much -- that out of all the people here today, a gal from Texas shows up, sees you and is nudged by God to come and give you a hug." I ask: "Do you know Him?" She does. I tell her: "Jesus is loving you through me." We sit together at lunch and I see her eyes grow brighter and she is calm and grateful. I tell her to pay it forward now and be the hands and feet of Jesus to others.

Those are times that I know that Jesus takes the wheel from me. When I step away from my agenda and surrender to His plans, He takes control of what matters most. The nudge from God to make this trip was confirmed by so many "Jesus taking the wheel" moments. What an amazing ride it is -- when Jesus takes over and takes the wheel from us. We'll arrive safe and sound......and even have a story to tell of His amazing grace time and time again!

Living With an All-You-Can-Eat Mindset

What happened to all those all-you-can-eat buffets like Furr's, Luby's, and Golden Corral where we could indulge in every variety and choice of meats, veggies, salads and desserts? Maybe it's the health conscious living that we have these days, but I loved the whole notion of paying a nominal price for any and everything that laid before us. The whole thing was ours for the taking, after paying a nominal price for all that food. We could go back as many times as we wanted – even if we only ate one bite of any one item.

An old gospel song I remember well goes: “Jesus has a table spread / Where the saints of God are fed / He invites his chosen people, come and dine.” Somehow, I think the “table spread” doesn’t mean a petite size portion. Since God’s storehouse is overflowing with abundance, why would we settle for a snack? GOD lays out in front of us a buffet line of blessings. He gives us unconditional love, amazing grace, everlasting peace. He is so creative, loving and generous. Imagine how many beautiful fruit trees must have been in the Garden of Eden! He said “No” to only one tree in the entire orchard. All the other trees were “Yes” options. Simple obedience is the nominal price for enjoying all the blessings we could ever hope for.

God has a Blessing Buffet just waiting for us to enjoy. He makes it so easy to love Him, draw close to Him and please Him. We forget that the very God who created this entire universe, Who holds the stars in place, and knows the exact number of hairs on our head, also knows our way. His favor rests on us as we seek after Him with our whole hearts. He holds the power to cause things to happen in just a moment that would take us years to do. He can line up our pathways to cross with others He wants us to meet. He can open doors that leave us surprised at how they open. He can close doors that He knows are not the best for us. He has a plan, in the good and every hard thing we face. And often the greatest blessings come after the greatest times of testing.

God will not allow any circumstance, or any person, to hold
us back from His blessing, favor, and purpose for our lives. We don't have to worry because we belong to Him. He is more than able to turn the toughest, darkest times, around for good. He will not waste our pain, but will use the difficulty of what we walk through for good and to bring blessing and freedom to others. His presence is with us and we can be assured in whatever we face, His plans for us are good. I'm taking all-I-can-get AND eat at this table spread with so many blessings! How about you?

What Once Was Lost, Now Is Found

It was my son, Larry’s birthday on Sunday and it was a packed-full day. That’s just the way we roll around here on birthdays! After church, it was to his favorite Mexican food restaurant for birthday lunch, opening gifts. Mine were the things I heard him say he needed during our fishing trip, including walkie-talkies (we were in a no-cell-coverage area). His next request -- an afternoon nap. Whoohoo for all of us! I headed to my home and all of us enjoyed sweet rest and relaxation. Before long, their call came for me to come back for the celebrations to continue. It started with more of Larry’s favorites: nachos (obviously this family can’t get enough of Mexican food), watermelon, and my famous chocolate cake – followed by Larry’s favorite family games. Mind you – everything in this day was Larry’s choices and desires, except for the "must wear" sombrero by Staci. He is always such a good sport. It was all on course for the best birthday ever, but, THEN...

I received the call at about 10 pm from Staci: “Mom, pray! We can’t find Emma (their 4-pound Yorkie). We’ve looked all over, called her name, shouted “Treat! Car ride!”, but she’s not here. We’ve driven around, calling her name, but we haven't found her. We prayed for her protection and that someone would find her.” Larry’s birthday didn’t end as planned, for sure. Staci recalled how she and Larry laid in bed staring at the ceiling – feeling helpless, yet hopeful and prayerful.

From my end, I couldn’t sleep thinking about sweet, literally God-given Emma who had brought such joy to this family for so many years. Staci and I text messaged throughout the night because she was on our heart and in our prayers, with words like: "Believing someone will turn her in tomorrow safe and sound, in Jesus' name." "God knows where she is and I pray for her protection." No doubt. No words of unbelief. Only the assurance that God is all-knowing and she'll be home soon!

We refused unbelief and thought God's thoughts: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) As strange as it sounds -- we were all at peace, yet hoping we would hear good news. No mourning or anxiety at all. Emma is actually Alexia's dog, Staci asked her: "Are you okay?" Alexia responded "Yes, Mom! She's coming back!" I loved her faith and certainty.

We kept those positive thoughts throughout the day. THEN, around 6 pm, Monday night, almost 24-hours later, Larry received a phone call from a lady whose daughter had been over at her friend’s house and saw the cutest little, dressed-in-pink Yorkie. The girl went home, told her mother and because she had seen the Nextdoor app message and photo, she gave Larry the phone number of the people. He called and they went to pick Emma up – who had been loved and cared for and protected for those 24-hours, just as we had prayed. Whether they planned on keeping her or eventually look for her owners, we don’t know, but God knew all along and it all worked out for good. Emma is safely home where she belongs.

I couldn’t help but sing: “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God." That is the same God Who loves Emma and you and me.

And, I sang “Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.” Again, the same love of God.

I shared this long, exhaustive story with you today because I know there is a clear message here for you and me. The same God Who cares so much about a little 4-pound Yorkie cares about your 110 to 350-pound self today. He doesn’t give up until you are in the fold with His other sheep. His love, so far beyond any love we could have for our pets or our children or loved ones, is reaching out to you today – to feed you, give you nourishment, speak peace and rest to your weary body and soul, answer even your smallest to largest prayers and concerns. Won’t you come home where you belong?

Thank God for His Amazing Grace

As I sit at my computer for hours editing the final manuscript of a soon-to-be-released book, I start to think “Thank You, God, for your amazing grace!" The author, young wife and mom of two young children, not only survived breast cancer but is knocking the ball out of the park with her story of overcoming faith in the worst season of her life. At the beginning of her journey, when the dreaded words came, "You have breast cancer”, her world came to a screeching halt and she wondered how she could make it through. That’s what we all think when we’re hit with a mind-blowing, earth-shattering, shaken-to-the-core, unwelcomed surprise of mammoth proportions. If I only read the first couple of chapters of her book and put it down, I’d be left with concern and disappointment for this young woman. Oh, but, hold on! The story didn’t stop at Chapter 2. It went on to Chapter 40 and continues on today. Thank God for His amazing grace.

As I read her story, I remembered times when I could hardly take a deep breath because of the utter pain and fear of what tomorrow would hold – never mind even making it through this day when time stood still. I have seen and endured things I would have never expected, and at the time, I wondered how I would make it. But, thank God for His amazing grace.

There is so much uncertainty in this world. So much heartache. So much disappointment. So many struggles. But thank God for His amazing grace. We know He is with us and is Who helps us hold it all together. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We don’t have to know or understand everything at the starting gate of our life journey. It is certainly not easy not knowing, but it is a part of our story that God will use. What gets us through, is knowing we don’t go it alone or carry the weight of it all on our own. Thank God, Who gives us the strength to carry on. When we feel we can no longer stand, He carries us. We have all we need in Him and He is faithful.

This young woman is cancer-free today. Thanks be to God. But if you knew how God brought her through it all to today, you would understand the reasons why she is so grateful and loves Him so much. The same is true for me, and I suspect, it's probably true for you, too. We've come a long way, Baby! And, it's because of God's amazing grace. Our fears don't stand a chance when we stand in God's love. Our doubts don't stand a chance when we stand in God's grace. Our concerns don't stand a chance when we stand in God's faithfulness. Whatever you're facing today, it's just temporary. God makes sure of that so stay close to Him. Rest in Him. Trust Him. In His hands, all things are possible. So let's introduce our fears, doubts, and concerns to our Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness. "Nothing is impossible with our God!"

When We Allow God to Fill in the Blanks

One of my friends recently posted that she was well underway with filling in the blanks on her 2019 calendar. She must accomplish this feat because she has three children and with getting them to school and to their music and voice lessons, sports practices and games, as well as her own responsibilities as a wife, businesswoman, and mother, it is essential. I recall those times with my children and though I'm distant from those schedules now, I know them when I’m caring for my grandsons in Austin. Their mother is so on-point for me. She provides me with their full-of-activities calendars and she includes phone numbers of teachers, coaches, and friends that I can call if something’s just not right.

I'm thankful for my iPhone calendar that I've learned to make an entry for important dates and appointments. Then there are blanks to be filled in on forms. Who really enjoys going to a medical appointment and having to fill in all those questions? We like it when we've completed forms, outlines, and calendars. It feels so good once all those blanks are filled in. All the gaps closed. All the details disclosed. And all the why questions answered to our satisfaction.

But that’s not the way life is. Some questions should be blank. They just don't have a right or wrong answer. That’s the way God wants it. Our all-knowing God not only allows us to NOT know all the answers but He actually designed life to be that way.

Without blanks in our lives, we would have no room for Him to enter in and write His answers. For Him to become the WAY when there is no way. For Him to be the TRUTH when lies are consuming our thoughts. For Him to be the LIFE He’s designed for us to have on the other side of our insistence to control our stories and be the author of them. Our God is not forgetful. He doesn't make mistakes. He allows spaces and blank places. He leaves room for providential circumstances and surprises and His perfect plan to be working in our lives. If we had all the blanks filled in, we would explain away God’s part in our story. God doesn’t want to be explained away. He wants to be invited in. He wants us to make room for His additions to our story.

Remember just a few days ago when we heard the “No room” part of the Christmas Story? God was told, “There is no room,” and He turned an ordinary stable into an extraordinary place of worship. "No room” became a message for us to take to heart daily. When there is “No room” for God’s intervention, then we fill our rooms and spaces with stuff. But when we allow Him to step in, He creates “moments of amazing grace”, divine interventions and makes circumstances be certain God-winks.

Are the blanks and unanswered questions of your life providing space for God, the way-maker, the chain-breaker, pain-taker, the soul-saver, sin-forgiver, hope-giver Who provide the answers?

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps (will fill in the blanks).”

Do You Feel Like Quitting -- Already?

It’s just day three of 2019 and maybe you’re already feeling like quitting before you ever really get started on your New Year's resolutions. I plan on spending more time with the Lord in the mornings, but “This morning I need to shorten it up because I have a funeral to go to!" I plan on being more active physically, but “This fireplace feels so good and it's so cold outside! " I plan on starting a Bible Study or Life Group in my home this year, “But I need to really think that through because I know my schedule is so full already and besides my friends are all so busy. Who can add one more thing to their "plates"?”

And, so goes the aspirations and really good intentions. Each January I’m hit with the recognition of how utterly human I am. I become an idealist, I set a goal (or ten), and then I fail. I become disappointed, and then I give up. Take my journaling, for example. I’m on point for several days and then I go for days before I come back and squinch my brain to remember those days and what God and I did together.

It’s true that January can act as a clean slate. A fresh new start. A new beginning. Old things are passed away and behold, all things are brand spanking new! That’s what we love about it, isn’t it? We’re all longing to be made new. But Jesus is teaching me that, with Him, each day — each moment — is a clean slate. We don’t have to force ourselves into a rigid routine, but instead, start to recognize His gentle and loving rhythms of grace.

I am certain that this year I will have intentional sweet times of fellowship with my Lord and He will reveal sweet nuggets of gold from His Word to me. I am also certain there will be days when there is so much on my mind that I won’t give Him my best attention and I’ll miss some of those nuggets. I also know I won’t suddenly become an avid-never-missing-a-day of work-outs in the gym or the pool. And, that Bible Study…..I will not get all stressed out about when I’ll start it, but I plan on seeking God for His wisdom and for divine inspirations that will motivate me to “Start NOW!”.

Recognizing that my life doesn’t need to be a structured, rigid routine (although there is a time and place for that) but instead a rhythmic journey set to the tune of God’s grace, provides me with so much freedom.
I set a goal. There is His grace.
I fail. There is His grace.
I try again. There is His grace.

Tomorrow I’ll wake up and my goal will be to spend quality time with my Lord. I might even get so caught up in my time with Him, I’ll forget about my “To Do” list that can be done later or even tomorrow. Tomorrow I will go back to the pool or gym and, eventually, I’ll become more absolute in the importance of my health and strength and energy. Eventually, I will be so full of God’s Word in me, that I won’t be able to contain it all and I MUST do more than my blogging to get it all out of me and I’ll start that Bible Study even if it’s only me that shows up.

Eventually, maybe tomorrow, I’ll be that gal who is so on purpose that all those goals and aspirations I put out there for this year will be as rhythmic and routine in my life, as brushing my teeth. But, in the meantime, I’ll thank God for His grace in sticking with my consistency AND inconsistency. Here’s to His grace that bears with me. Here’s to today – Day Three and here’s to tomorrow – Day Four of a year that promises to be blessed and highly favored because of God’s amazing grace!

From Hyper-Space to Hyper-Grace

This post was inspired by a friend’s FB post a couple of weeks ago. She and her husband were at an arcade museum playing those good-old-days games. The museum gave them the opportunity to play the games as well as provided other media that traced the history of the games and their creators.

In my day, it was pinball machines that got our attention. Then fast forward to my children's era in the 70s & 80s when Atari was the latest craze. Video gaming was just getting its start. The screen resolution was so poor but we didn’t realize it was “poor”. It was the best we had seen in technology and we all had a blast playing. It was an exciting period of time when we had no idea how fast technology would accelerate. My son was an avid Atari player of the Asteroids and Space Invaders games. He got so excited when he pushed the HYPER-SPACE button to make his rocket ship disappear momentarily to escape being hit by asteroids or enemy spaceships.

Of course, I’m going to segue to a “God” comparison. Over the last few days, in light of the current political climate, my posts have been focused on getting our hearts in the right places, doing the right things, and being people of integrity and honor even when no one is looking. Yesterday, I referenced the mistakes we make even when we're purposing to do the right thing. We do our best and oftentimes our “best” falters. When it seems that our failures outweigh our successes, it could seem we are surely doomed for a life of hopelessness.

AW…but God’s amazing grace! I call it God's HYPER-GRACE that gave us His ONLY son to die in our place. The END was the beginning because He rose up out of that grave and today we have hope and life in abundance. The HYPER-Good News is His HYPER-GRACE is unlimited. When we are out-of-power and the enemy is targeting us to take us down and out, His HYPER-GRACE shows up to take us over or under or around or through the circumstances. And, the weaker we may feel, the stronger He gets. He comes in like a rocket ship with asteroids blazing and takes out the enemy altogether. One day, He’ll push the “HYPER-SPACE” button and we’ll escape and spend eternity with Him.

These scriptures assure us of God's amazing grace: "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

What Can We Do When This World Steals Our Peace?

My dentist sent me to an Endodontics Specialist for a consultation. BTW -- endodontics means dealing with the dental pulp AKA, in my case, a potential root canal. This was a new experience for me because my wonderful dentist in Tulsa was more than a general dentist -- he performed all the "specialist" procedures also and he had done a couple of "pain-free" root canals on me before. This post isn't to discuss the merits of general dentistry versus endodontics dentistry, but it's to convey my naiveness in this crazy world we live in.

My general dentist here in Frisco is great. The bonus is when I go see her, she has the "Fixer Upper" show playing on the TV in the procedure room. My Tulsa dentist always had Christian music playing in the background, and to top it off, he was a beautiful witness for Christ in his conversation and demeanor.

Now, back to my "specialist" visit. Nice office. Kind staff. Easy check-in. Comfortable dental chair. Then, settled in, I heard a loud headbanger, hard-rock singer and music playing on their music system. Initially, I thought, "Are you kidding me? Do I have to listen to this?" Maybe I'm old school when music was selected by businesses that would have wide-audience appeal but maybe this place appeals to the hard-rock-music-loving-dentist and his equally passionate hard-rock-loving-patients. I'll just suck it up go with the flow."

Then, I looked at the magazine rack that faced me with a May 14th issue of New York magazine. The bold headlines said "My Date With a Sex Robot" with a ghastly photo. I'll admit I am selective in where I go, what I do and who I am with. I've said it before, I say it again, there is nothing more important to me in my life than maintaining a state of peace. I live by St. Paul's words in Philippians 4:8-11 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—keep thinking about these things. Likewise, keep practicing these things: what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you." Did you hear that? "THEN, the God of peace will be with you."

So, what do I do when THAT peace is interrupted. I stand firm in my convictions and do something about it. I couldn't ignore it. The negativity was resounding in my ears AND in my eyes. I would have walked away or changed the channel if I could. But, I couldn't. The dental assistant came into the room and I told her "I've never been to a dentist where I felt so uncomfortable. In fact, my dentist in Tulsa plays Christian music. I'm listening to hard rock music and I'm seeing a magazine cover that faces me that says "My Date With a Sex Robot!" She was quick to apologize and removed the magazine saying "I don't know where that came from, and as for as the music goes, I put on Aerosmith this morning and didn't realize the playlist would be like this. We usually have Christian music playing. I'll change it!" Within seconds, I was taken back to my peace when I heard playing, "This is amazing grace. This is unfailing love. That You would take my place. That You would bear my cross. You lay down Your life. That I would be set free. Oh, Jesus, I sing for all that You've done for me."

It's about daily making choices. We can live with the chaos and negativity and obvious assaults on our peace OR we can treat our peace as the absolute priceless treasure that it is. We can be the peacemaker in the midst of family disagreements. We can walk away from a group that is telling inappropriate jokes and stories. Choices of movies and tv shows we watch, the music we listen to, and the conversations we have with others all determine which side of the camp we'll be on. Peace or anxiety. Peace or fear. Peace or distress. Peace or anger. Back to that scripture...."Keep practicing those things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. THEN, the God of peace will be with you."

GRACE…..so AMAZING!!

GRACE is a word I’ve heard all my life because I heard my sweet Mom singing “Amazing Grace” throughout our home and I heard it sung worldwide as an anthem of praise. Why would that old song still be relevant, especially when there are so many wonderful songs of praise that are written and sung today?

My word for today is GRACE. My godson’s 16-years-old, big sister's name is Grace. One of the definitions of grace is simple elegance with refined movement, which fits our tall, slender, elegant GRACE to a tee.

I remember when we had a loan due at the bank and they gave us a GRACE-period. Then there's the tabloid article about the politicians or actors who fell from GRACE. We’ll describe a dancer as GRACEFUL and people who devote their time to the needy as GRACIOUS. Then there’s that meal-time prayer when someone says “Who will say GRACE for us?" No wonder when a foreigner tries to learn our language, they are confused about so many definitions for one simple word GRACE. But, the greatest of all definitions is the one that speaks of "Amazing Grace"– the one, saved by GRACE. That is God’s amazing GRACE -- the free and unmerited favor of God, demonstrated by His great love for us in sending His Son to die for sinners (you and me) and pay the debt He did not owe. GRACE is getting what we do not deserve.

Back to that beloved hymn, "Amazing Grace", that was written by John Newton, a former slave trader in 1772. It is estimated to be performed over 10 million times annually and has appeared on over 11,000 albums. It has been an anthem of hope and faith for generations. Why does that hymn still have such an impact? What was it that John Newton pointed out about God’s GRACE that resonates with us so strongly? It probably has a lot to do with the truth that the Apostle James expresses here: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16). This hymn is a prayer! We pray together as we sing. We confess our need for God’s grace to one another, and look with eyes of faith to the glorious future for us who are "found". The power of this prayer-song transcends time, culture and place. I’m quite sure this song will last right on through eternity. The more we enter deeply into prayer, the more beautiful and stronger our soul becomes and we are able to resist evil and do good.

I attended a large dinner banquet at my church and one of the men at our table told how he knew he had been touched by God and received His "amazing grace" two years' ago in a dramatic way. Though he is still waiting for a liver transplant, he uses his story to speak out to young people of how he seriously abused his body with alcohol and medications. His story was amazing, but then we looked around our table, and we all realized we have our own AMAZING GRACE story of how God's grace kept us, delivered us, spared us, healed us and restored us. We are on the same road.....coming from all directions.....but we are all here to grab someone's hand and help them through because "we've been there, too". God's grace is given TO us, so it can flow THROUGH us to build others up in faith and trust in Him.

Think about God’s GRACE in some of the Bible character’s lives. Moses, whose hot temper led to murder and rebellion against God, and David, who committed adultery and murder. Then turn to the New Testament where a former traitor, SAINT Peter, leads the Church and a former “human rights abuser”, SAINT Paul was the author of one third of the New Testament. Indeed, God’s GRACE is amazing. We can never sink so far that God’s grace will not reach us. At the same time, GRACE does not leave us there. It raises us to new heights, causes us to demonstrate that grace to others in words and actions, and THAT "grace that brought us safe thus far? THAT "grace will lead us home"! THAT GRACE, my friends, really is AMAZING!

"Prepare for the Worst; Pray for the Best"

Those are words we've continued to hear during the anticipation and preparation for Hurricane Irma as it "barrels toward Florida". At 6:30 am, Florida time, I'm watching Fox News and I'm thankful to hear "we're praying" over and over. So many people huddled up in their homes, storm shelters, packed airports with all flights grounded, and many evacuated to safer places. Dear God, we pray for all those who don't know what today or tomorrow holds. May they call out to You, Who knows, for mercy and strength and may "It Be Well With Their Souls".

"It Is Well With My Soul" is a hymn written by Haratio Spafford, that I've sung during some of my own darkest hours. It tells me through my tears, God is the only ONE that sees the beginning from the end and that I must stand, though the pain seems unbearable. I know God will somehow make a blessing come out of any tragedy I might find myself in because out of the ashes and pain, I can say “Even so, it is well with my soul.”

Spafford a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a loving family — a wife, Anna, and five children, were no strangers to tears and tragedy. Their young son died from pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, in God's mercy, the business flourished.

On Nov. 21, 1873, the French ocean liner, Ville du Havre, was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford (Anna) and their four daughters. Haratio would be joining his family a few days later. Four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the ship collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship. Anna hurriedly brought her four children to the deck. She knelt there with them and prayed that God would spare them if that could be His will, or to make them willing to endure whatever awaited them. Within approximately 12 minutes, the ship slipped beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers, including the four Spafford children.

A sailor, rowing a small boat over the spot where the ship went down, spotted Anna floating on a piece of the wreckage. He pulled her into the boat and they were picked up by another large vessel which, nine days later, landed them in Cardiff, Wales. From there she wired her husband a message which began, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Horatio booked passage on the next available ship and sailed to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down.

According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born later after the tragedy, Spafford wrote this anthem ,“It Is Well With My Soul”, while on this journey. Can you imagine the broken heart of a loving father who found his solace and comfort in God and was able to pen it so that you and I can rise out of our darkest hours to sing along with him, "It is well with my soul."

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Chorus:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul

PSALM 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea."

We’ve heard the quote “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Tragedy can strike when we least expect it. Some crumble during suffering while others triumph over tragedy. Somehow they become better, not bitter; they rise to the occasion of hope and faith and without question, they recover much faster than others.

We’ve heard the quote “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” I'm praying for tough people this morning and I pray they triumph over whatever comes their way today. Oh how I pray that during these difficult times, God will draw especially close to them. May these experiences with our all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful Heavenly Father, teach us all that nothing is worth more than our relationship with Him. May God’s nearness be the most precious thing to them. Spafford knew this -- he knew soul-wellness—even in the midst of heartbreak. I pray that Floridians and all who face a crisis today come to know that Christ is WITH them and strengthens them. We we all sing the anthem of “It is Well With My Soul” today.

Amazing Grace -- How Sweet the Sound

I turned on my TV first thing yesterday morning and the top story was an 8.1 earthquake had struck Mexico in the night, leaving one million people without power. Mexico's president called it the strongest quake his country had seen in a century. Meanwhile, Hurricane Irma is coming -- the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. And to make matters worse, Hurricane Jose is strengthening and threatens islands devastated by Irma. LORD, HAVE MERCY!!!

Just after I had seen that news, I started my morning readings in Isaiah 43 and these words came alive. "Should you pass through the waters, I shall be with you." God is with us. It is His voice that I hear saying, "You need Me!" And Jeremiah 29:13 says "If you will seek Me, you will find Me."

Whoever you are, no matter what faith you have, or have not, you have undoubtedly heard the song, "Amazing Grace". You probably even know some of the words and can sing along.
The song was written by a former slave trader, John Newton. His early days as a philanderer in the British navy to his conversion of faith and taking up the abolitionist cause is the basis for the song.

While Newton was serving on a slave ship, the ship was caught in a horrendous storm off the coast of Ireland and almost sank. Newton awoke in the middle of the night and, as the ship filled with water, called out to God. The cargo shifted and stopped up the hole, and the ship drifted to safety. Newton took this as a sign from the Almighty and marked it as his conversion to Christianity. The date was March 10, 1748, an anniversary he celebrated for the rest of his life.

After returning to England, Newton and his wife, dramatically confronted the Prince of Wales and urged him to abolish the cruel slavery practice. In 1764, he was ordained as an Anglican priest and wrote 280 hymns to accompany his services. He wrote the words for “Amazing Grace” in 1772. He later went on to renounce his former slaving profession and wrote a pamphlet that described the horrific conditions on slave ships and apologized for waiting so long to stand up for what was right. Under the leadership of William Wilberforce, the English civil government outlawed slavery in Great Britain in 1807 and Newton lived to see it, dying in December of that year.

John Newton had some glitches in his life. He was a philanderer and a slave trader. St. Paul had some glitches. He was a Christian persecutor. King David was an adulterer and murderer. St. Peter was a coward and denied Christ. The Bible is full of those who had glitches. We all have glitches -- maybe that come from a dysfunctional family tree, but God uses those glitches to turn us into radical followers of Christ that when the storms come and the ships of our lives nearly sink, we STAND. And, we not only stand, but we become those who sing the loudest and most heartfelt -- "AMAZING GRACE, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind but NOW I SEE!" I pray for that AMAZING GRACE to all those facing storms of life and heart today.

Surprise! It Snowed Last Night!

I'm feelin' the love. God's love, that is, because yesterday morning, here in Tulsa, there was a "sprinkling" of snow everywhere. The morning welcomed me with such tenderness and peace. I just had to quickly grab a couple of photos. Though I find that peace here everytime I visit her, Mom still has her sweet little Christmas tree up, lights burning brightly, and over the fireplace is this "Peace" wreath and the manger scene that reminds me of God's amazing grace. Mom just walked into the room and said, "Look at my little deer -- they're still sleeping." I told her to look outside and she said, "Look what we gave you! (I knew she meant -- her AND God!) LOL! I told her I'd be glad to help her take her decorations down while I'm here and she said, "No, I'm having Helen over on Sunday for lunch and I want the Christmas cheer here still." Don't you love that? My 94-year old mother-in-law still loves to entertain and welcome friends to her home. I get inspired every time I come here.

I said "sprinkling" of snow earlier and that reminded me of a post I made a few days ago where I said "Oftentimes, we just want a "little sprinkling of Jesus" into our day, when, in reality we need a "whole lotta' Jesus in every moment of every day of our lives". That's God's grace.....we certainly need way more than just a "sprinkling" of His grace -- that amazing grace that forgives us and makes us white as snow. Isaiah 1:18 says: "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;"

That causes me to recall a beautiful song, "Somewhere It's Snowing" written by a dear friend, Stephanie Boosahda. I've been humming it now since I saw the snow this morning. It was also a song sung by another dear friend, Sharon Daugherty, at my daughter's "Winter Wonderland" Wedding.

Following are the lyrics -- but, please, as you read, click on this link so you can hear Stephanie sing it with her beautiful, God-given voice. I promise you -- it will bless you. In fact, why don't you join me in having a little talk with the SNOW-GIVER and ask Him for a good snow cover today to our hearts and soul?

http://stephanieboosahda.bandcamp.com/track/7-somewhere-its-snowing

I once read in a poem, when snow covers the earth,
That it hides the worlds scars, and gives nature new birth,
And they say when a man turns from sin to the Lord,
That forgiveness, like snow, covers him evermore!

And somewhere it’s snowing – see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus that now covers our sin,
In the kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

And it's told that the angels lift their hearts and rejoice,
When one traveler turns homeward from his way, to the Lord.
If somewhere someone’s turning, He’s giving His all,
Then God’s grace, like the snow, is beginning to fall!

And somewhere it’s snowing – see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus, that now covers our sin,
In the Kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

Because He Lives, I Can Face Today AND Tomorrow

The hullabaloo about New Year’s Eve celebrations has ended for another year….well, except for many of us who are still sharing how we commemorated 2017’s debut. Unlike so many that entered into 2017 with a gnarly hangover, I heard about New Year’s Eve church services where those in attendance heard messages about the possibilities that await us all in this new year, and then they celebrated the new year in by praying and praising God for the lessons of the past and the hopes for the future. Now, that's getting the new year off to a great start!

How beautiful that sounded compared to those who are still ranting in the news and social media about Mariah Carey’s performance (or the lack thereof) on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" It seems she was lip syncing her songs – which isn’t unusual because technical issues are an enormous challenge in an outdoor concert anyway, but the technical difficulties with her earpiece has now dubbed her performance as “disastrous”, “the diva strikes out again”, and so many other hurtful words spoken by folks who could stand some “oil of kindness” in their little light lanterns.

Honestly, my heart went out to Mariah, after all, she was one of my young daughter's voice role models. But more importantly, she is one of God's kids, who, like so many of us, have made some mistakes, and maybe it’s not always our fault, but we, too, get crushed for failing at something that we really hoped to have succeeded at.

Mariah can decide whether to let what now is her past, define her…..and so can we. It’s so easy to fixate on yesterdays and yesteryears and the guilts associated with mistakes we may have made. Mistakes can be as little as an “oopsie” or as big as a huge blunder -- an “ouchie" or a devastating "OMG" catastrophe that alters the course of our lives. No matter what kind of mistake we made or make, there is always a solution for restitution. It comes in the form of grace. God’s grace that heals and restores, and He exchanges our tarnished and warped slate, for a fresh, clean slate so we can begin again.

Mistakes are inevitable, but the good news, as God’s repentant kids, all our mistakes are forgiveable. That kind of grace is literally so amazing, that God can even turn those mistakes to something good. Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." Most importantly, it reminds me that my God is bigger than my faults and weaknesses and He can turn anything around for His glory!

Here’s the deal…..the past is gone and this day and this year are before us like the birth of a newborn baby with so much possibility and potential in his future.

I say this to you AND to Mariah today. Maybe all the stuff that is being thrown at you today from the media, your friends and family seem just too much to handle and it seems there's no hope for tomorrow. I have such good news for you. You are not alone. The ONE who created you and loves you and wants your life to be full of joy, peace and happiness.....HE LIVES. He holds your todays and tomorrows! That means, BECAUSE HE LIVES, your life is worth living!!! Go ahead -- tell tomorrow -- "I'm alive, I'm still here, God's not done with me -- and I'm going to be resilient, unstoppable and determined to MAKE IT!