You Have Permission....to be Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so thankful for you! I can't overstate how much my social media family means to me. I am so grateful that you read my blogs. I know that God gave me this platform to celebrate Him and all that knowing Him affords: peace, comfort, joy, zest for life, faith, hope, and untold blessings. I'm glad we're a part of God's great, big family. And, now for what my heart is leading me to say……

I love this day so much -- the fall weather, the yummy food, warm smells coming from the kitchen and the house bustling with my people. Still, I can’t ignore the quiet rumblings of hearts on days like today. Maybe that’s you. You may feel overwhelmed. Or forgotten. You may feel out of place. You may feel stressed and frustrated. You may feel disappointed or anxious with worry. Or just incredibly lonely.

In a world filled with social media posts with “perfect families” as the featured photo, it can feel like an empty place for hurting hearts. But, let's not go there. Let's flip that nagging heart around, because of Who we are and Whose we are! Today is about giving thanks. It is a day for us to give thanks for the things that really matter: the inner peace that settles us when we are afraid. The inner calm that rises above obstacles and calls us to be brave. The inner voice that steadies us when the world crashes around us. We give thanks for the countless blessings we receive in spite of the odds against us. We give thanks for a Creator who sees us, knows us and accepts us just as we are – even when we feel lost on days like today.

That is the beauty of today. I hope you are at a table with those you are proud to call your own. But, if you find yourself at a table that isn’t a “comfort zone” – embrace the opportunity that you are there – making a difference because you are loved by God and you get to be His representative at that table. Smile and breathe. Connect with that inner voice of God that says “You are enough! You are so very loved. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are brave!” Remind yourself of the ONE Who is right there with you and Who makes your family of plenty or your family of one, so very loved.

You have permission to be exactly who you are and to be reminded that that is enough. Allow the servant part of you to open your arms and serve. Hmmm! I wonder who that sounds like – it was Jesus Who sat in a room of lovers and haters, some deniers, some rejecters. Serving doesn’t feel like a burden at all – instead it’s something we naturally long to do, where the act of giving becomes a natural expression of our heart.

Whatever your table looks like, I promise there is no obligation greater than the one you have to yourself: to be sure you realize how loved you are. You are worthy of being seen and known. You are worthy of being fought for. Be thankful you are loved by the One Who loves you most. I love you and I pray this is a Thanksgiving in your heart and soul – like none ever before.

My Rolling in the Hay Adventures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy

God REST You Merry Gentlemen. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy! For this Nana, "rest" hasn't been the operative word this week, but comfort and joy are abounding. Being here with my “Austin” grandchildren this week has been filled with non-stop activity. I love that the grown-up ones enjoy coming over to the house to hang with us, given their busy schedules. Last night I made “comfort" food -- pot roast and all the trimmings. Of course, I wanted to throw out the bait for another time together before I go back home on Friday. I treasure these times that I’ll never get back, so "Make the moments count!" is my aim!

There is never “slow motion” at this home. But it’s still comfort and joy to me. The younger two boys have busy, full schedules. Even being here for my grandson’s “out of his COMFORT zone” first solo music performance at his school’s Christmas Festival, brought ME “comfort and joy”! And he did a great job.

You can see that I make it my number one priority to embrace those who are still with me on this side of heaven. I’m running my race with theirs and oh, the comfort and joy it brings me. This time of the year brings additional times of joy and celebration, but, if we’re not bent toward finding the good and beautiful in the little things and the little people and the little moments, it can be a very somber and painful time. I know that feeling. My daddy passed away on December 17th when I was just 15-years-old. I remember my mother’s tears as she unwrapped his presents from under the tree. My own precious husband passed away on November 16th and Christmas has never been the same because Papa isn't here to read his hilarious version of the “Nativity Christmas Story” to the grandkids, who adored when he changed his accents for the characters and the animals. Most recently, a dear friend’s husband passed away, and another friend’s wife passed away, and another’s father passed away. I understand when people’s yuletide cheer doesn’t measure up because they’re hurting so much.

I assure you, however, there is sweet comfort and joy to be found when we determine to look for it and find it, then capitalize it and make a celebration of it! It is such a better alternative for discomfort and sadness.

Don’t give up, dear ones who are hurting. You may not want to sing about decked halls or jingling bells, but there is greater news worth singing. Don’t let your sorrow steal you away from Him who brings tidings of comfort and joy. The same little Lord Jesus away in the manger is the mighty King Jesus and Savior who came to give you abundant life. (John 10:10). This pain won’t last forever if our hope is in the ONE who holds our todays and tomorrows. May we remember the angel's words on the night when Christ was born. “Fear not for I bring you GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY which shall be for all people." Luke 2:10. During this beautiful time of the year…we can still sing the words “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let NOTHING you dismay, remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!”

If we are among those who are on the side of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", maybe it's time for us to add some of that cheer to those around us who could use a smile, a hug, a warm embrace of Jesus in the flesh -- Jesus as Emmanuel -- God with us -- God in us -- reaching out and loving others -- to help bring them GOOD TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY.

Little Bands of Women are EVERYWHERE!

Payton, my 16-year-old grandson, is going on a missions trip to Guatemala in June, so in efforts to raise the monies to go, he posted in a neighborhood community app that he would do odd jobs for people. So when a lady called and asked him to get some things down from her attic, as well as to put together some boxes for her upcoming move, he earned some nice cash to put towards his trip. When she mentioned that she was going to have an estate sale, he told her about his Nana who once had an estate sale business. She wanted to meet me so Payton called and asked me to come over. I did. We had several things in common. She was moving to the same community where I'll be moving to in a few weeks, she has a Buick Enclave – just like me….and she loves the Lord – just like me. She invited me to her home for her Life Group for single women that meets every Saturday night. Once again, I sensed God smiling at me and throwing me a kiss!

I attended that Life Group last night where 18 women came together for a great pot luck (blessing) meal and then we sat in a big circle and each of us had the opportunity to share a praise report or request prayer for something or someone, or both. There was much laughter, tears of gratitude and tears of heartfelt desire for God to intervene in areas of their lives, and sweet support on so many levels. When it came around to me, I told the ladies that I’m looking up to heaven and saying “Thanks God, because I know it was You that brought me here tonight! He showed me that He has little bands of women everywhere, just like when Jesus walked this earth, He always had a band of women that loved and served Him. God must be smiling big and sending lots of kisses to this group!” Like my home in Tulsa where the precious sisters in my Life Group met, this home, last night, was a safe place and you could tell all of these women were fully devoted followers of Christ who live believing there are NO LIMITS to what God can do in and through us.

In so many places in this world, women are so marginalized and ostracized – simply because they are women. If only our world used the example of Jesus and how He loved and respected us. He really "upset the apple cart" in His culture in the way He related to women. In Luke 8 we see there was a band of women followers who traveled with Jesus and His 12 motley crew of men disciples as He ministered all around Galilee. Those women came from all walks of life, they were single, married, and some had questionable backgrounds, but here’s the common thread – each of them experienced healing through their encounter with Christ. He loved them, taught them and could have cared less about what the pious religious folk thought.

The little bands of women that Jesus touched and loved is a mighty indicator of His love for us. The women at the foot of the cross and at the tomb held a tiny flame of faith that He would rise as He promised. That flame of faith may have burned high, and it may have burned low, but the flame never went out, and their faith was rewarded. Like the women of the Bible, our flame of faith may burn high and it may burn low, but our flame never goes out and because we have faith in His Word that “nothing is impossible with Him”, He rewards us.
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God didn’t waste any time showing me that He is leading me every step of the way on my journey of faith. I’ve said it before, “If you want to have friends, show yourself friendly.” It took getting out of my comfort zone to go to that Life Group last night. I didn’t know those ladies – even the gal that invited me except for a simple conversation a couple of weeks ago. If we want friends, it means we just might have to be willing to get out of our comfort zone. We may find it by joining a community group or small group at our church. We may want to volunteer to facilitate a Bible Study or join a Sunday School Class or a Choir or another group where they're living a life of purpose and destiny. As we trust God with every area of our lives, He will open doors of blessing to us. Perhaps there's a little band of women OR, if you're a man or a couple, a band of believers who are just waiting for you to show up and be a blessing to you, and you, to them.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

Remember those words from the "Sound of Music"? When the Von Trapp family sang that song as their final number at the German festival, they escaped to freedom in Switzerland.

This morning, I, too, am singing that song, but it's not because I'm escaping a negative situation to find freedom. It's because I already live in freedom which is produced by walking day-to-day in the confidence of God and His desires for me to live an abundant life in Him. I know that good-byes are always just temporary absence because here, or there in heaven, we'll meet again.

Since last Saturday, I've been in Tulsa which was like my "Farewell Tour" as all my responsibilities here are completed and it's time to go beyond the comfort zone to unchartered waters, but no concern, because God is already there where I'll end up.

My sweet Life Group sisters met for the last time Thursday night, and while we shared such precious memories of answered prayers, victories won, and great expectations for our future, we talked again about those "signs" that God gives us to show us we're on track.

One of the conversations we had was about the movie my family and I saw on Thanksgiving weekend, "Moana". It is definitely the Polynesian islands equivalent to the "Frozen" movie. As one of the gals looked at the overview of the movie on her cell phone, she said, "Donna, Moana is you! It is definitely a SIGN." As I read what she had pulled up, I agreed. "Moana is an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. (Well, quite obviously, I'm not a teenager, but I do own the fact that I am adventurous. And I am inspired to leave the safety and security of my comfort zone -- Tulsa, OK. And, more than anything, I desire to be an ambassador for God who wants to lead as many people as I can to be fully devoted followers of Christ.) Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana convinces the mighty demigod Maui to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a WAYFINDER like her ancestors who sailed before her. Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: HER OWN IDENTITY. My sis-in-love reminded me that last year I ran my last Run-for-Ron marathon because I heard God say..."Donna, you've run-for-Ron long enough now (5 years to be exact), it's time to Run-for-Donna (my OWN identity).

Moana reminded me that, as a Christian, I should take my callings (my God assignments) seriously and pursue them with all my heart even if it is a journey with unknowns, maybe risks or costs. In other words, the selfless courage of Moana is something I want to emulate. "Moana” reminds me that I should let my mission in Christ and God’s calling in my life define my identity, not the easy peasy, comfortable circumstances or even the mistakes and disappointments along the way.

In parting, I say "Tulsa, and all my precious colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances -- THANKS for the memories. Thanks for the friendships. Thanks for making me better. Thanks for loving me, embracing me, helping me grow and BE who God destined me to be! I love you all so much. I'll see you later!"

Adventures Await Outside the Port

When you were a kid, did you play the “I Dare You” game? I did. I remember when friends would “dare me” to jump into the deep end of the pool or jump off the high diving board. They were trying to force me to do something that I was afraid to do, but I yielded to their "dare" and realized I had nothing to fear. In one sense, the word "daring" can seem reckless, but on the other hand, it also means being "bold". If we are inclined to stay within our "comfort zones".....or, as a ship, to safely stay in port, then we'll never enjoy the thrills of conquests and victories....just because we weren't willing to be "daring" and "bold".

I have a case-in-point. I enjoy being a Resident Representative for my community, Hyde Park at Tulsa Hills. I meet potential homeowners and tell them what it’s like to live here. I’m qualified because I was one of the first residents to build a home here when there wasn’t anything but dirt and earth-moving equipment, back in November 2012. There were three of us who built our homes at the same time. It was a gutsy undertaking when we ventured out believing that what the developer was telling us would be reality. He said there would be streets and sidewalks, a beautiful clubhouse that would have all kinds of amenities: tennis, swimming pool, billiards’ room, dining area, library, work-out facility, dance studio, 6-hole putting green, and pickle ball courts. He said this community would be about lifestyle: right-sized homes, maintenance-free yards, gated entry, close to all kinds of shopping, restaurants, and services. AND, here’s the amazing, step-out-in-faith bottom line, WE BELIEVED HIM though we saw nothing but drawings of lots, their locations, as well as the location of the clubhouse. The perfect scripture for that kind of belief is "Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists." Hebrews 11:1

When I heard about this unique, first-of-its-kind 55+ community in Oklahoma, it was exactly what I was hoping for. So, I took the plunge to sell my home, but even before I sold it, I knew this place was for me, but it would take a leap of faith. In essence, I got out of the safe harbor and launched my ship to the open seas.

Now we have fifty homes in this community, a gorgeous clubhouse with all those amenities in it,, as well as wonderful neighbors who have become dear, life-long friends to me. I get amused when people come and are not willing to venture out of their comfort zones though they love what they see here. They see the finished homes, the clubhouse, hear the testimonies of residents, yet they aren’t willing to venture out, even though now there are so many “knowns”, unlike when I ventured out and there were so many “unknowns”.

I'm quite sure that God loves it when we rev up our engines and venture out into the oceans of discoveries and live life with no regrets. This move was definitely brave and bold, but as it turns out, it's given me adventures of a lifetime living here, travelling with neighbors, socializing and living an active, full and fun life with these neighbors. My faith really paid off.

I’d say, if you’re stuck in some rut and really desire change, then be willing to change, be willing to venture out into the seas and oceans of discoveries and adventures. God built us for bold living. Let’s be bold, brave AND beautiful and set sail for the awesome oceans and seas of life.

Changing is Possible

I know it’s hard to believe, but in all honesty, I was a shy,timid introvert as I grew up. I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that would cause me to HAVE to interact with people. So, obviously, I was not chosen to be “Most Popular”. And, I know it’s even harder to believe that I am still, not by nature, outgoing. I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation. BUT, I realized, long ago, that if I remained in that mind-set, I would never have friends. “If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly.” I had to be willing to get out of my comfort zone and be willing to change. I had to become "tweak-able"!

One of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, puts it this way: “Here’s some good news. You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You aren’t condemned to “grumpydom.” You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don’t have to die one. Where did we get the idea we can’t change? Where do statements come from such as, “It’s just my nature to worry,” or. . . “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way.” Or, “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react.” Who says? Would we say, “It’s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Can’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like His!”

And, I add to Max’s words, if we desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, we must purpose to live outside our comfort zones. We need to be the gal or guy that we want to hang with. When we're that gal or guy – others will gravitate to our "sunny" and even "funny" dispositions. They'll want to hang with us because we exude He Who lives BIG in us AND His personality ROCKS with joy, peace, abundance, patience, beauty and a merry heart!

I'm Going to Adventureland!

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

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

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

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

We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

Day 8 of 365 Photo Inspirations:
I have the joy of still being at my daughter's home in Texas for a few more days. until after our Leadership Summit in East Texas this weekend. What a priviIege it is to stay in their beautiful Guest Room. The first time I visited them here, Staci asked me to let her know if there was anything that was missing for a guest to have everything they need for a restful and peaceful experience. The only thing missing was a hair dryer. This time, it's there, as well as this stencil drawing just above the closet door, and directly across from the comfy and cozy bed. When I wake up, there it is....."We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7.

What perfect words to see, meditate on, and embrace throughout my day -- especially knowing, that "walking by faith" is a journey of tremendous blessing and reward. It is a journey that is exciting, often, life-altering, and mind-boggling.

Walking by faith and not by sight requires us to go to a place we don't know, but one that God will reveal as we walk in obedience to Him.

Walking by faith means that we continue to cling to the dreams God has planted in our heart, even though it seems those dreams are risky and it's taking a long time for them to come true.

Walking by faith requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless what life throws our way.

Walking by faith means we may have to do some pretty crazy things. Think about Noah building an ark for a flood when it had never even rained on earth. Think about Abraham clinging to the promise that he would be the father of many nations even though he was childless at the age of 100.

Choosing the "walking by faith" life, means we get out of our comfort zone, willing to let God take our world and turn it upside down, shake it up, and start all over again. And, in doing so, we let God out of the neat little box that we have put Him in, and let Him show up when He's good and ready -- with his PERFECT timing.

I don’t know where you are on this journey of walking by faith, but I encourage you to take the first step of the walk. That first step is the first step to success. It's a decision we'll never regret!

Life Can Be a Great Adventure....It's Up to You!

Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing!" Helen overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th century's leading humanitarians, ADVENTURING into life, and accomplishing great things.

That's what I love about little kids -- you'll find them climbing the shelves of a pantry or jumping from one bed to another bed -- they literally live "on the edge"! And, somehow, they survive their all out abandonment -- even though they'll get a few bumps and bruises along the way! They are secure in their risk taking. Where did that confidence come from? They went from crawling to being confident enough to walk because they had family members that coaxed them, trained them, and told them over and over "You can do this!" They got more and more confident, and now there's no end to their grand, daring adventures. The sky is the limit for what they believe they can do next.

How many of us live life day to day, not ever challenging ourselves, only seeking a comfort zone that makes us feel warm and fuzzy, but doesn’t help us make the changes we might need in order to move forward -- in a new job, learning a new skill, checking out an opportunity that came our way? Imagine what our life would be like if we chose to “live on the edge”.

We can know that kind of confidence -- whether we're taking a risk, or simply endeavoring to conquer a challenging situation that we may be in. Father God is coaxing us, telling us "You can do this!" I'm talking about putting our trust in God -- so much so -- that He becomes our safety harness and our security. Sure, some of those risks present some bumps and bruises, but when we are confident in His ability and His ever watchful eye on us, we will go at it again and risk living life to the fullest, becoming like little kids and having some grand adventures.

Go ahead, do one thing that will make you say: “I am living my life on the edge” and see what doors open for you.

“For the Lord will be your confidence…” - Proverbs 3:26

You Can't Cross the Ocean if You Don't Leave the Shore

Yesterday, I posted our "dead-in-the-water" ship experience. When we boarded that ship, our thoughts were for making yet another great memory, enjoy some needed rest and adventure. Our minds never gave way to "What if we meet with disaster?" We "trusted" that the Captain and his crew would steer us to the pre-planned ports and journey they advertised, and in several days, at the end of our trip, we'd go back home.

But, what about Christopher Columbus -- when he set sail -- not knowing what the future held for him and his crew? Chris was a dreamer and visionary who could see beyond the status quo. When brilliant minds were teaching that the earth was flat, good ole' Chris stretched his faith by leaving his comfort zone (the shore), and ventured out into the unknown. And, just think about it, he didn't have the leading edge technology that reports obstacles, weather, and other vessels, that mariners have today. And, athough he faced every adversity imaginable, he didn't give up until his dream was reality. Indeed, his faith and determination paid off. And Chris certainly gave us some valuable lessons to learn from:

1) We shouldn't play it safe by living in our comfort zone. There's some pretty exciting adventures out there -- so why live with regret?
2) We should ignore critics and seek God for wisdom to claim new territories.
3) We owe it to ourselves to set sail and discover God's will for our lives.
4) We must defeat our fears to be able to find the "treasures" that God has for us to discover.

Isn't it time for us to leave the shore.....and take on a great new adventure that just might be the discovery of a great new relationship, the dream job or opportunity we've been looking for, or the invention we believe could bring in a "boatload"??