Good Sense…..Makes Good Sense

My 5:45 am early morning walks are getting darker and darker. I thought, because it’s summer, that it would stay bright and light at least until September, but not so. I walk that early before it gets so hot outside. But this morning, it was pitch dark so I knew I needed to take my flashlight to brighten my way. I’m glad I did.

I had the good sense to know I made the right decision when I came across this handle that I could easily have tripped over. I’m still in recovery from the face plant that I encountered a few weeks ago, simply because my foot hit a heave in the street. Then, not much further down the road, this rag was in the street and I could have gotten tangled up in it.

I started singing that old African American spiritual song: “All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me!” Thank God for my guardian angels who I’m sure have double duty over me!

And, without that flashlight, I might have missed seeing this frog. I took the photo and bid him farewell and thought: “Could this be my Prince Charming and I should have kissed him?”

I don’t like to over-spiritualize everything in my life because God gave us “good sense”. But, still I believe that “good sense” really is the Holy Spirit Who Jesus said would be ours when He ascended to heaven. So, call it what you may, I still believe good sense, our conscience and Holy Spirit are one and the same when we acknowledge Him. The Bible teaches us that those who put their faith in Christ for salvation, receive the person of the Holy Spirit for indwelling. The Holy Spirit within us is the source of all knowledge and of all common sense.

Jesus said in John 14:15-17 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

Thanks, God, for the help AND the Helper! Thanks, God, for my angels! Thanks, God, for the good common sense you gave us. May we activate and appreciate all the gifts You have given us because You love us so much!

I Didn’t See That Coming

I just can’t make this stuff up. It’s Monday morning, 5:45 am. I am amped up and ready to attack this day with my ear buds in for my morning power walk I can see the sunrise barely peeking through. I walk on the street which is much kinder than some of the sidewalks that have little heaves in them. Out of nowhere, BAM, I go down like a wrecking ball! Nose, hands, knees bloodied with scrapes and contusions. I do a self-bone check. Thank God. No broken bones and no one seeing me cave!

My ear buds stayed securely in during the blow-out. The song, “Up Again” by Dan Bremnes, comes on with these chorus lyrics:
"Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win
You gotta get up, up again
Keep holding on, it's not the end
You gotta get up, up again. You can get up, up again!"

Laughing at God's sense of humor, I think, “I AM up again. Praise God. Nothing is broken so carry on!" But, reality sets in. I know I need to get home and assess the damages. I get almost home and realize, “Oh, no! I remember putting my glasses on my head because I didn’t need them to see. They must have gone flying when my nose hit the pavement.”

Oh me! The last place of remembrance before the fall was noticing a neighbor’s home under contract. I know beyond that is where the fall took place. I walked ever so slowly, scanning both sides of the street. Nothing. I walk back to the sold house and start over again. Nothing still. All the while, I am praying for my angels to guide me to my glasses. After all they are my ministering servants (Hebrews 1:14). I know I am partnered with my heavenly helpers.

Then, my lightning-fast-mind remembers. There had to have been a slight heave in the street that caught my foot that caused the stumble and fall. I scan the street up ahead and sure enough, there is an almost 3/4 inch heave. And just beyond it, are my glasses – unbroken, and so am I – slightly battered, but not broken. Thank God, no cars had come down that street.

The outcome. New rules for Donna. Eyes-wide-open to ensure stable footing. I didn’t realize that my blog, yesterday, would be Part 1 to this day's sequence of events. Bananas and a Good Idea, yesterday. Today’s Part 2 confirms again how Holy Spirit is with us -- bringing insight and wisdom when we need it.

There are just times when life happens, stuff happens, and inconveniences happen -- maybe from a lack of focus or simple carelessness or from not paying attention to God's Spirit in us. We could really get down on ourselves if we focused on the mistakes rather than the victories. I'm so glad that God forgives us time and time again. We should follow His lead and forgive ourselves for some of those crazy things we get ourselves into!

In times of uncertainty and literal up-heaval, we get up again and again, When I prayed and meditated, all that info about heaved places in the road came to mind. God is our all-sufficient One for everything we need. How could we NOT seek Him daily with our whole hearts? He isn’t a Holy slot machine that we put in a coin to get a win. But, He is a faithful, devoted Friend Who is always with us to help lead and guide us to what we need when we need it. The place to be to assure this kind of tight friendship is right here, right now. Thank goodness!

Our Angels Deserve So Much Credit

I am so grateful that God constantly doles out His mercies for giving me daily content for my blog. On Thursday, he doled out His mercies to me as I was making my way to Austin to spend a few days with my children. I try to leave by 6 am to beat the Dallas traffic but the rain, all the way to Austin, slowed me down. Thank God it did. As I arrived in Waco, the flow of traffic going southbound was at a stand-still. Eventually, I turned my engine off and waited. I googled the issue and found “Southbound lanes closed on I-35 due to muti-vehicle accident. Traffic could be stalled up to an hour until vehicles are removed." I prayed “Lord please help those involved.” And, as I prayed that simple prayer, I realized, that the rain had helped me to NOT be in that pile up. Thank God for His tender mercies AND, thank God for my angels and the many times that I know, without a doubt, that angels were on duty for me. So why haven’t I given them more attention AND shown more appreciation to them for taking such good care of me?

As I start to write this blog, I remember the old song: “All night, all day, Angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, Angels watching over me.” Wow! Appearances of angels in the Bible and even, today, we hear stories about the occurrence of angels in people’s lives. Why don’t we give them more attention, and for that matter, more gratitude for their presence in our lives? I have been reprimanded big-time as I write this blog. I am so sorry, my dear Guardian Angel. Now, I’m brought back to remembrance of those times when I know, without a shadow of doubt, my Guardian Angel was on duty for me.

It must have been my angel who came between the other car and mine when I was almost run into. I know it was my guardian angel keeping watch over me when I nearly drown at a young age. Or when an angel kept me from falling many times. And, the times that I did fall, my angel must have cushioned the fall because I have never had any broken body parts. I humbly ask for forgiveness for failing to express gratitude to my angels. Or when an angel, just recently, stood in the way of a semi-truck that almost, within inches, hit my children’s vehicle and RV.

I’ll never forget this story from my now 19-year-old grandson’s baby-sitter who fessed up about an angel showing up when she baby-sat Payton. She held the story in for so long. She shared: "When I was 11 years old, I was taking care of Payton who was only about one year old. I was feeding him goldfish crackers, when all of a sudden, he started choking. I patted him on his back, raised his hands in the air, but nothing seemed to help. He started turning blue. I was crying and so afraid, when all of a sudden someone burst into the room and stuck their finger into his throat and pulled out the cracker. Payton quickly recovered and was just fine.” She cried and cried as she told her Mom the story later that night. Her mom was with us the night she shared that story with us. She went on to share how sorry she had held that story in so long, but as she saw Payton serving God and being such an amazing servant that she knew God's hands were on him and just had to share the story.

I’m sharing this blog today, to voice my gratitude to my Guardian Angel and all other angels who have been assigned and on-duty for me far more than I can imagine, I’m sure. Their hands have been full as I’m not much of a sit-down-and-do-nothing kind-of-gal. Perhaps, I’m also writing this blog as a love-letter from God to remind YOU to give credit to where credit is due in your life, also. Maybe God is raising our spiritual antennas to recognize where thanksgiving and praise is due.

“For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11).
”For it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully.’” (Luke 4:10)
”The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)

Finding the Lost Diamond and the Lost Coin

I was inspired for this blog today by a friend’s good news yesterday. She posted: "Praise report... my engagement ring had lost the diamond about 2 weeks ago. Bruce and I tore apart the house and cars looking for it. No diamond. We pretty much chalked it up to being lost. We have had a lot of challenges financially and we felt Satan has just been testing our patience and pocketbooks lately. God says to stay strong in Him. He promises to always be with us. This has been our comfort. While cleaning the kitchen floor tonight, to get ready for an event tomorrow night, Bruce saw something sparkle and glitter. My diamond!!! How many times we have walked by here, including the dog who eats everything off the floor! We have been so busy that we had not vacuumed the floor the past 2 weeks. And it was by the trash can, but never in it! What a wonderful surprise! I truly believe it is a God thing. So, take that Satan! In your face👊🏻! 🙏

I loved that story. My comment to her: "Redemption story! So beautiful! My inspiration for an upcoming blog -- like the woman in the Bible searching for her lost coin! Thanks be to God! What the enemy meant for evil -- God turned it into a testimony for you and ME!"

The woman in Luke 15:8-10 was determined, surely not a quitter – and she found the coin, she was relentless in sharing her good news. Bonus for her – she got her exercise by running around, and I got a blog! Jesus taught this parable, sandwiched between the Prodigal Son story and the lost sheep story. He describes the length He will go to find us. The story doesn't talk about how the coin got lost but instead talks about the delight in the woman when she found the coin.

We are all lost coins (and diamonds). We all have parts in our life that God is desperate to get into and change it for the better if we let Him. Jesus used that story to describe us. The coins must have been very precious, probably worth the daily wage of a worker in today’s times. If she had a hundred coins, maybe she wouldn’t have noticed, but one out of ten, she was ready to go all the way to search for it. Fortunately, we have a Father that notices everything that gets lost. God goes all the way out to search for the one coin that goes missing.

It describes how vauable we are to Him. We are precious to God. He sees us and loves us and wants each of us in the fold. The end of that parable, Jesus said in verse 10: "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Maybe you’re locked in -- tight and secure – loving, living, resting in God’s Kingdom. On the other hand, maybe you’re hiding out somewhere in a nook or cranny – holding out a little longer, wanting it your way a little longer. But, you matter. God wants you in His family. He won’t give up searching for you. And for those already in the family of God, the Lord seeks the lost coin through you and me. He constantly seeks sinners through the people of God and through the Church.

The Lord is merciful and loving and He places a high value on us, not wishing that any of His kids get lost forever. He loves us with a love that's hard to understand. God paid the ultimate price to find the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost prodigal son. He gave His beloved, one and only Son, to take our place and die for us. Redemption is ours. We can be found!

My prayer is, by God’s grace, that we partner with Him to be that woman who searched and found the diamond in her ring and to be that woman who searched and found her coin. May we become so compassionate towards all those who are lost in this world, that we may find grace to keep our eyes and hearts wide open to find them and bring them home.

We Have a Treasure Inside

I have been known for notorious treasure hunts for years -- since my oldest grandchildren were too young to read the clues. We had to read for them and then they’d run to the location. It was always Nana and Papa's way of spicing up birthday fun. It’s a work out to get the rhyming clues together then hiding them at specific locations. Then it’s the birthday boy or girl running to all the locations for the next clue until it concludes with the grand finale treasure found. I have loved making those memories.

But my two children never experienced treasure hunts – it started with the grands. So, I did something about that for my son’s birthday yesterday. It was hilarious for us to follow him around to each of nine locations. I made it so easy for him – NOT hard-to-find locations by any means. As Braden, his oldest son said, “Good thing you did it that way, Nana! He doesn't have to overwork his mind!" Clear, concise clues out-in-the-open and obvious next-clues. For example: The first clue sent him to their fitness room. A box of popcorn was found with a note that read: “Our heart pops for pop-u-lar YOU! The clue read: “Go to the billiard room and find your next clue!” There he found a plastic lion and note that said “You are the King of our jungle!” The next clue was “Go to the patio. Under a chair, you’ll find your next clue there!” There he found a light bulb and highlighting markers with a note that said: “You light up our lives!”

There were several more “love you” items and clue locations that led to the finale treasure: lots of Braum’s chocolate almond ice cream quarts and cones that should last him for several months. A true treasure indeed when there are no Braums here in Austin, and for a guy whose favorite ice cream is that one. He was hilarious and a good sport going here and there like my grandchildren have done for years.

This “treasure hunt” led me to consider the scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay that the excellency of the power may be of God and not out of us.” This verse not only says we’re jars of clay. Perhaps we’d rather be heavenly angels, not earthly jars made out of clay. Why did God make us as clay jars, so easily broken and seemingly not worth so much?

Oh, but that's not how God sees it. He made no mistake when He created us. He already had myriads of angels. He wanted something new and even more special. He made man of the dust of the ground to be on the earth, not as angelic beings in the heavens. He had a plan and a special purpose for us, even in our earthen-clay-jars. In that state – we don’t get the credit. We aren’t the treasure. Christ is. He is the treasure within us that shines out of us. Instead of creating us as strong, independent creatures to express our own glory, God created us clay jars, desiring that we would express His remarkable glory.

Now we can see the preciousness of being jars of clay. We can do this because we’re containers of the greatest treasure that empowers us, fills us to overflowing measures of love and grace, expressing Him to the world around us. So, in reality we are “Treasure" chests that carry the precious treasure of Him and overflow with Him to express Him to a world that needs Him as their greatest treasure, too!

We may be clay jars, but we’re something so special to God. We’re the center of His plan, His heart’s desire, and we fulfill our purpose by being continually open to His filling so He can overflow from within us. The clues to this "Treasure Hunt" are simple. The Apostle Paul said it this way in 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?”

Keeping My Eyes Directly Forward

Twice now, I have gone to my mailbox and while walking back to the house and looking at the mail, my feet hit where the curb declines for the driveway and twice I have hit the ground hard – lacerations on my hands and knees and this last time, hit my forehead hard. Thank God, other than the scrapes, I was okay. Thankfully, twice fallen and twice no one saw me fall! Whew!

On this day, May 6, 2012, I ran the Vancouver, Canada Half Marathon. I finished in 2:29. It would have been faster except a little lady carrying groceries stepped off the curb right in front of me and tripped me. I went tumbling. Scrapes and cuts on elbows, knees, hands. I survived to tell this story.

I was recalling all these falls (and, oh, I could tell you more), and feeling so grateful that I have never had a broken or fractured bone. I know my angels must get "time and a half" for their duty with me. Simply distracted, not being cautious and aware of my surroundings. It almost sounds like I’m prone to accidents but more than anything, I think I’m prone to not paying attention to where I am and what I’m doing.

This scripture inspired this blog: “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” (Proverbs 4:25-26) Well, if that doesn’t explain my “Case of the Falls”, I don’t know what does.

I hear God speaking. “Focus, Donna, focus! Look forward. Fix your eyes on Me!" I knew what He meant. It’s so easy and not just in the physical sense to get distracted, but also in the spiritual and emotional. We can be distracted by concern, worry, doubt, unbelief and when we do – we’ll stumble with the weight of the world on our shoulders. I was truly focused on that half marathon and at Mile 3, was in turbo mode and feeling good. Then that little lady caused me to fall. It wasn’t anything I did. She wasn't looking.

It was like those things that the enemy uses to trip us up when we are making great progress. Something we say or do or someone else says or does or something that takes our focus off the goal that is set before us. About FACE! I get it. Do you get it, too? We must keep our eyes looking directly forward at Him!

Father God, please help us keep focused on the path you have set before us. Please keep us from the distractions the enemy uses to take our eyes off of You and your promises. Please give us the wisdom to discern the enemy's ploys and keep our eyes focused on You Whose plans for us are good and not evil; a straight path and a perfect time and finish. No more looking back or down or sideways -- only forward. Keep reminding us, O Lord, that You are in control of everything and as long as we keep our eyes on You and walk in Your ways, everything will work out according to your perfect will. Thank You for your faithfulness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Write the Vision and Make it Plain

When my daughter was single, she made quite the list (100 items to be exact) of all the qualities she was hoping for in a future husband. She wrote out her vision and she made it VERY plain. When Larry came along, initially, he was about 95 out of the 100. But, the longer they knew each other and fell in love, every single one of those items was checked off her list and he measured up to her greatest desires. I thank God every day for my amazing son!

Monday night I was visiting with a successful young woman. She has a good – no, great job with a title of influence plus the salary to match, but she is dissatisfied and completely unfulfilled. Her greatest desire is to be in a third world country, defending marginalized people, bringing aid and assistance to them and making a real difference in their lives. Not only her job, but she also desires a husband, a family and to personally fill cared for and loved. Seems like a tall order, right?

But, not so when the Bible gives us many promises to hold near and dear to our hearts. I gave her this scripture that has served our family well. Habakkuk 2:2 “Write the vision. Make it plain so that he who reads it, can run with it.” It’s writing out a vision (making a list) and giving it in prayer to God.

That scripture partly explains how to get into position for the vision to become reality. I told that young woman to write down every single desire she has for her future: her job and ministry, a husband, children, satisfaction, peace, security, etc. Then I went on to explain, “When we write our vision down, making it precise and plain, our angels who accompany us 24/7 can read it and run after it. Hebrews 1:14 says “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Our angels are dispatched to bring about the reality of that vision. The caveat is “your positioning”. Here is how to get into position for your dream job, your dream husband or wife, your dream children, and your peace and satisfaction. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: 1) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; 2) Lean not to your own understanding; 3) Acknowledge Him, and then, He will direct your paths.”

To write a vision without the counsel and wisdom of God is just an exercise of wants and wishes. It’s like treating God as a genie in a lamp or treating Him like a slot machine. But, to write a vision and make it plain while acknowledging the presence, the wisdom and the counsel of God and trusting Him in His perfect timing puts our angels on dispatch for bringing about what our list entails.

So make that list…..in pencil and then give God the pen to ensure the BEST-LAID plans are His plans!

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All

I've witnessed so much peace and goodwill over the last several days since the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Many accolades and gracious editorials, social media posts and televised stories of this very praiseworthy American statesman were seen and heard almost non-stop. His funeral, yesterday, was beautiful and inspiring even though the tension on that first row of presidents and first ladies was sure obvious. It took the passing of a peace-filled former president for them to be together. But, bipartisanship has been sensed from all sides, except for the “slanted” commentators who used their segments to talk about the “stark contrast” of his presidency to our current president with disparaging remarks. What a shame! My two cents worth here: Every president elected to the highest office of this land, deserves to be respected and honored for the price they pay to lead and protect our country, regardless of their leadership style! Okay, enough of my rant! Back to peace and goodwill!

The words, “Peace, goodwill toward men”, keeps echoing in my heart. No doubt, peace and goodwill have often been missing this year. They’ve gotten lost somewhere in the hate-filled mobs, politics, Hollywood, news media, and even our relationships with each other. Oh, but there's good news!

I segue to another story and another scene. The weary shepherds keeping watch over their flock of sheep. The shock and awe of angels declaring the good news. The star and the manger. The Baby and the hope.

God could have chosen a lot to say that night. He could have dealt with politics (which had their troubles then too). He could have lauded verbose words to proclaim the need for morality and civility. He could have taken a tone like a ruler-tapping teacher and told us all to get our act together. But instead, He blessed us. He spoke words of encouragement and hope.

What if the whole world did the same this Christmas? What if in this season we all put down our opinions and picked up grace? What if we shut our mouths and opened our doors; pulled back our judgments and reached out our hands? What if our angry words were buried and we brought out the welcome mat for kindness and mercy?

Sometimes we forget that Someone already came to save the world. That job has been taken. That box has been checked and the task has been marked complete. It is not on our shoulders. And this is what Jesus told us will continue that mission: “A new commandment I give to you, love one another” (John 13:34).

Peace on earth, goodwill toward men! It’s the good news of the first Christmas. It’s what we need so much more than the doomsday speakers out there. So much more than another television tirade. More than fists and voices raised. And this good news hasn’t changed. I suggest that it's time to spread the GOOD NEWS of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”! We need to turn up the volume of our peace-filled voices and turn up the amps of our “lights”! Let’s make this Christmas all about love. Which is really just another way of saying let’s make it all about Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

God Showed Up

As we get closer and closer to Christmas Eve, I think about the most remarkable moment when God showed up on this earth as a precious, perfect little baby boy -- who just "laid in a manger". Hmm. I don't think I ever saw him crying and Mary needing to hold him to soothe him. How perfect that little man was.

That "picture" is vivid for us -- after all, we've witnessed it in movies, nativity sets, dramatic productions and heard detailed stories and songs about the "Sweet little Jesus boy. They made you be born in a manger. Sweet little holy child. We didn't know who you were." That cold, dark night is conveyed as sweet and mild with angels looking down and the earth standing still to welcome the King. But in reality, Mary, nine months pregnant and Joseph had toiled to make their way for miles and miles for many days to arrive at the lowliest place possible – the place where the animals bedded down and were fed. Today, we are advised to stay close to home -- "no traveling after 7 months -- even in an airplane or car".

Can you imagine that Joseph – he who was not even the birth father of this baby -- more than likely, was the mid-wife for Mary? Can you imagine the weight on his shoulders? Can you imagine the thoughts of Mary – from the announcement by the angel that she was favored and would give birth to the Son of God, would lead to this place and in these circumstances? Mary was a woman who experienced the pains of birth. There were no epidurals back then -- no monitors that kept track of the baby's heartbeat. There were no incubators in that cave. The Son of God wasn’t placed in a sterile, comfortable cradle. He was placed in the animals' feed trough. And, to Mary, her newborn baby probably looked like anything but a king. His face was probably prunish and red just like every other newborn baby. His cry was as shrill and helpless as our newborn babies are. And He was absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being. Can you imagine the weight of being responsible for raising a king – never mind, the Son of God?

That night, as extraordinary as it was with shepherds being startled and amazed by the host of angels that announced a king was born, it was still an ordinary birth. And for the next thirty-three years Jesus would feel everything you and I have ever felt. Weak, weary, hungry, thirsty, and broken-hearted. His feelings got hurt. His back and feet ached from the uneven and rocky roads he would travel. He suffered heat exhaustion in those dry, desert places. He felt alone when his so-called friends abandoned Him. He was misunderstood and his best intentions were ridiculed. He eventually died a death of thieves and murderers with very few of His followers standing by Him.

To think of Jesus in such a light seems almost irreverent. There’s something about keeping Him divine that keeps Him distant and predictable. BUT DON"T DO IT! For heaven’s sake, DON'T! It was a Master Plan for Him to be human so that you and I have someone who gets us -- who gets our needs -- who understands our pains -- who SHOWS UP for us when we need Him most. Let Him be as human as He intended to be. Let His human example of loving in spite of pain, refusing to sin in spite of temptation, forgiving in spite of rejection -- be our example to others, too. Let Him into the mire and muck of our world. That's how He showed up and that's how He "finished up". Only if we let Him in -- can He pull us out! Let Him be God with us for in letting Him be God with us -- we are never alone and never without a Savior. Let Him SHOW UP in you and your world today!.

An Explosion of Worship

Last Sunday, some friends in Tulsa invited me to join them for their weekly Sunday night singing group at Christ the King Church. These are folks that love singing and worshipping God -- but, not just singing, they are a musical ensemble of singers that CAN really sing. Four-part harmonies par excellence! Not only was I awe-struck at their love for singing, but they welcomed me in to sing with them, and then they had me stand in the center of them while they placed their hands on me and prayed for God's leading and guidance in my life. I was so touched by their love and kindness.

But when I first arrived at the church, the doors that I thought I should go in, were all locked. I tried them all. I thought that just maybe they had canceled their meeting, but I pursued my quest and as I drove around the church, I saw my friend's parked car and then I saw a brightly lit front porch at the church and it invited me in. As I walked through that door, I heard a magnificent sound of a Gregorian chant being sung by a melodious choir of singers coming from down the hall. But what struck me as I walked through that door was this Manger Scene that was beckoning me to it. In fact, I turned on a brighter light in that room so I could get this photo. The music I was hearing in the background, combined with the beauty of this manger scene caused me to pause and worship. I recognized the manger scene isn't just a display of what we know as the "Christmas Story", but that scene before me was an explosion of worship and adoration. Notice that each character, whether it be the shepherds, the wise men with their offerings of gold, frankincense and myrhh, the angels -- even the animals that God created, were worshipping this newborn King. Advent and Christmas are about worship. Worshipping He who left the glories of heaven to take on human flesh to be one of us, to be acquainted with our frailities, our needs, our challenges and our concerns. In fact, even more so does He relate to us and says "I understand, and I came to bring you hope and assurance that you will conquer!"

As I finally made it past that gorgeous manger scene, I followed the singing, passed a magnificent dining room, and entered the room that the music was coming from -- it was a living room....with no choir ensemble. I realized that I might just be in someone's home instead of the room the musical group was meeting in, when I turned the corner and there was a kitchen where Monsignor Dan Mueggenburg was at his kitchen table, meeting with another priest. He looked up, shocked to see me, and my quick hand to my opened mouth, certainly revealed my shock. I was in the rectory -- not the church! Msgr Dan was gracious in escorting me to the front door and pointing the way where the church's small chapel was and where the group was actually meeting. I even smile big now as I recollect that night. An "oops" accident? No, for me, it was one of those divine encounters with God's perfect orchestration of putting me at the right place at the right time to know, just a little more clearly, that "There are no accidents with God, and even the smallest coincidences and signs are part of His love, His divine plan for us, and even opportunities to worship Him!"

Just a reminder to us all -- this beautiful season of Advent and Christmas is brought to us by the Creator of us -- Himself. Let's be sure to give Him the time and thanks for loving us so much that He decided to make this earth His home.....just long enough for us to relate to Him in His humanness, but then to give Him the worship and the praise and the honor for starting as a seed in a peasant girl then to a manger to a cross and dying for us....so that we can live with Him forever. I'd say that's the GREATEST GIFT given to us -- let's unwrap THE GIFT and share it everywhere we go!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Day 359 of Photo Inspirations -- Merry Christmas Eve!!
We're getting closer to "Silent Night -- Holy Night", but until then...this day is probably filled with lots of activity for us all -- last minute shopping, wrapping the final packages, and getting some of our Christmas meal ready to go for tomorrow.  As for us, after two more Christmas productions that the kids are in today, we'll settle down for our Christmas Eve traditions.  When these two grandkids wake up tomorrow morning, I will have arrived in Seattle after a early morning flight to celebrate Christmas Day with my family there.  I'll wave at Santa enroute, as we'll probably be crossing paths in the air.

What a treat it was last night, to see my sweet cousins, Mary Ellen Snow and Charles at the production.  Of course, I had to have a quick photo opt.  They just recently moved to Texas from OK and are loving being in Texas near their kids.

We came home and watched a sweet Christmas movie and then the kids got to open their gifts from Nana.   Sweet, hilarious time of making memories for another year.  By the way, notice a jigsaw puzzle that we're working on.  That's another annual tradition. Sweet, sweet times.

Yes, the traditions and festivities are so enjoyable, but rolling out the red carpet and recognizing the Guest of Honor is what this awe-inspiring season is all about. And.....it's up to us to ensure the Honoree is positioned in His rightful place of distinction.

I love the story of St. Nicholas. He was a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. And that story inspires us all with a heart of giving. St. Nicholas is where "Santa Claus" came from. But, as sweet as those "treasured" photos of Santa Claus with our little ones are, and seeing their little eyes sparkling with wonder, and putting cookies out for this jolly old soul to pay us a visit, Santa ISN'T the "Guest of Honor".

The leading characters of the Christmas Story are Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and, of course, the Headliner, the main attraction and the Star of the Show is Jesus Christ. He is the REASON for the celebrations and He should be the Guest of Honor at each one. I love that we have a role to play in this great story, too. Perhaps we can be one of the shepherds. We don't need eloquent words and we don't need a place of prominence or status. We just need to be bearers and sharers of "the good news of great joy".

People expect pastors and priests to talk about Christmas being about Christ. But what people need are shepherds of the world to teach and preach that message.

You and I have the ability to amaze someone today with the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world He GAVE His one and only Son."  (John 3:16)

Even Santa bows down to Him as the Guest of Honor.

I pray that the awesome richness of this gift is experienced in the lives of you and your precious families -- that makes this a Christmas to remember. Much love and MERRY CHRISTMAS, one and all!

The World Needs a STABLE Influence

Day 353 of Photo Inspirations -- The World Needs a STABLE Influence
The phrase, "under the influence",  is typically used in defining someone's mental or physical faculties that are impaired because they are intoxicated or on drugs.

But, I heard that phrase used yesterday to describe those of us who are "high" on the Christmas spirit.  I like that.  We are "under the influence" of He Who is the originator of joy, peace, and love so, of course, we are "high" on all that this beautiful season holds.

At the announcement of Jesus' birth, the shepherds were under the influence of the angels.  The magi were under the influence of HOPE and the Star they saw in the East.  I, too, am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of this beautiful season where I hear God's voice in the music, the bells ringing, and the squeals and delights of children.  I see Him in in the lights shining so brightly and in my friends and family as we open our hearts to His love.  I smell Him in the sweet aromas of holly, evergreen, cinnamon and spice.   I taste Him in the sweet and yummy delicacies of fresh baked cookies and treats.  I am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of the REASON for this beautiful SEASON, when I hold a friend's hand, when I touch a pine cone or garland or tinsel or wrapping paper, when I write a love note to a friend when I send them a Christmas card.

No one has influenced and changed the world the way Jesus has. And UNDER HIS INFLUENCE, more lives have been positively changed than   by anything or anyone else in history.   No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Staying true to their faith, they face hardship, persecution and even death with resilience and determination.  Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires -- all because of Christ's influence on them.

Not in the Christmas spirit this year?  Then, better check out what, or WHO, is influencing you. AND, what does YOUR influence look like in impacting others in a positive way?  Perhaps it's time we all took a trip to the stable -- it just might be that we'll be influenced by the precious baby in the manger and we'll have a "STABLE" influence, not just in our own lives, but all those we influence, too.