Too Much Noise -- Too Little Hearing God's Voice

Back to reality from being away in our favorite fishing location. Wifi is spotty there – so not the place to be for being entertained by current world events. But, who cared? We were immersed in the beauty and sounds of creation. It just seemed God’s quiet voice could be heard there so much easier.

So, back to my routine here at home. Instead of choosing the silence to hear His voice, I put in my new cordless ear buds, silenced the sounds of the great outdoors and let my upbeat Christian music blare in my ears. The first song was too loud. I turned the volume down. Second song was too slow and I got the message from Heaven Central. I could sense God wanted my undivided attention. As soon as I “unplugged” while walking westward at 5:55 am – the most incredible view of the moon going down came into vision. It was like the Man in the Moon was winking at me – all bright with his orange glow. Then I looked eastward, and there was God showing off His artistry with an incredible sky painting. It took my breath away.

I posted those two heaven-sent views yesterday with the confession that I almost missed it all because of the noise. I posted: “I think God is saying something to me and you. Let’s shut out the noise and listen and watch for Him in the middle of it all.” I sincerely got the message: “less noise – more Him”.

I’ve come to terms with God being a quiet God. Yes, He speaks, but He seems to say it best when He chooses to communicate through His creation. I know He is free to speak loud and boisterous like when He blasted out: “I Am that I Am” to Moses, but He most often chooses to speak in quiet ways. Though He wows our eyes with His masterpieces, He usually reveals Himself to our ears -- quietly.

All around us, humanity is shouting and screaming about something they agree or disagree with -- while God whispers His presence and reveals His character through the brother and sisterhood we are witnessing as well. This noisy world, and our quiet God, are a reason so many people don't believe God is real or loving. Having not heard from Him, they assume He doesn’t exist. But He does…He just speaks with a softer voice than the crass, loud voices.

If ever humanity needs to pay attention to hear God speaking, it is today. If we aren’t intentional in seeking to hear His voice, we will likely never hear Him. Not in this culture. Not in the noisyness of our times. I am convinced that our gracious heavenly Father speaks to every one of His children constantly, giving us all the information and guidance we need to be total overcomers. There isn’t a problem with His transmitter; it’s our receiver that needs help.

Most people are imploring God to speak, when it’s our hearing that needs to be adjusted. Taking this faith-stance that God is speaking and then learning to listen and obey will transform our relationship with the Lord. It could save our lives.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27

God Only Knows What You’ve Been Through

I've had many eye-opening moments during the last couple of weeks, trying to analyze all that has happened since the grave injustice that most of us have witnessed on media by now. It’s the middle of the afternoon and I’m just now writing this blog unlike those I typically comprise earlier in the day. Not this day. I am soul-searching. My own soul-searching.

I hear this song by For King and Country during my walk this morning. It kick-offs my soul-search. I think about those over many years who have been mistreated, abused, mocked, and rejected – simply because they are of another race, color, or nationality – and they’ve held it in. This song's words may define those with built-up emotions of pain, fear and anger and they believe no one understands, but God does:

God only knows what you've been through.
God only knows what they say about you.
God only knows how it's killing you.
But there's a kind of love that God only knows.
God only knows what you've been through.
God only knows what they say about you.
God only knows the real you.
There's a kind of love that God only knows.

To a diverse group of women on a Zoom-cast call Tuesday night, I asked for forgiveness for my naivety as to think because there are so many black entertainers, sports figures, pastors, politicians and high-profile leaders that prejudice and racism must be a thing of the past. The past that I knew as a child and teenager when we rode the bus at the front instead of the back where the black folk sat. The past when we whispered “Look, black people are trying to eat here” at Kip’s Big Boy Restaurant. The past when my South Oak Cliff High School was segregated until my 1966 senior year when the Dallas ISD was forced to desegregate its high schools. I remember hearing the “n” word way too many times. The fact is – many of those young people in major cities rioting and looting are the children and grandchildren of generations of suffering and injustice. Tuesday night, I openly repented to God and my sisters for the past and the present. I committed to having more empathy, mercy and love for all my brothers and sisters.

A dear black sister-in-Christ and I have texted and encouraged each other daily for the last two months. Not once did I think of her as having been one who might have been the object of racism. But I asked her: “Has your family suffered prejudice and discrimination?” I was taken back when she shared that her family has been threatened, disrespected, physically abused, and many other instances of mistreatment that she refuses to dwell on. This gentle and kind woman said, “I just say in my heart: ‘I forgive you; you know not what you are doing. I compare with back home (another country), we never treat people this way; we embrace; we wholeheartedly accept other people of other nationalities. Why is it different here? Why can’t people just accept one another? Why can’t genuine love exist between all human beings as God intended it to be? It isn’t fair to hate anyone. The person you hate today, may be the one to save your life tomorrow or be a blessing to you tomorrow as God wills it."

I’ve read posts of many other friends of color who have opened up and described their realities and their children's realities. I believe it’s a time of reckoning; a time of true repentence by all God’s children to ask for forgiveness of passivity, of closing our eyes, of sweeping racism and prejudice under the rug. It is truly time to humble ourselves and pray and ask God to forgive us for carelessness, thoughtlessness and blindness to humanity.

Jesus was anything but racist. He went out of His way to minister to a woman from Samaria (the outcast group of the times). He loved her so completely, that she ran to her town and told everyone about this Man – and the whole town came to believe in Him. Maybe that is what God is placing on our shoulders – to go out of our way to make amends, to love the hurting, take up for anyone who is marginalized and misused in any way AND to humbly pray for each other. Love is the answer. Following the example of Jesus -- to love as He loved and His bold example of being a difference maker.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

No Man is an Island....or is He?

As we made our drive to church on Sunday, I asked my two young grandsons random questions. I asked Brennan, "If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things or people would you want with you?" He quickly replied "My dad, Bryson (his younger brother) and a knife." I loved that he wanted others with him on his island.

I love my independence, and, particularly, this sweet season of life that I'm in – to go and come or go and stay. I may be alone, but I'm never lonely. Though I still miss my sweetheart beyond words, there are still perks to being a widow or being single. No one tells me what to do; I go to bed when I want to; I get up when I want to; I eat what I want to, and spend my time the way I want to – well, except when I’m managed by my grands – like the last couple of weeks. It's okay. I love that management.

English poet John Donne penned the words: "No man is an island", which paved the way for this beautiful song:
"No man is an island, no man stands alone.
Each man's joy is joy to me. Each man's grief is my own.
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother, each man as my friend."

Independence isn't what God called us to. We need each other. And, bottom line -- I don't want to be so independent that I withdraw from the assignment God called me to, and has for me to do. He didn't call us to live on islands by ourselves. We are here on this earth, at this time, and this place, to touch others, and affect others by our actions and our words. We should be intentional with our daily interactions. Every time we walk out our door to this world, we are carrying the LIGHT to brighten our world and other people's lives with God's love and peace.

We can leave an imprint on every person we meet -- even in a small way -- but, nothing is small in God's sight when we allow His light to shine in and through us. We just might be a difference maker for someone today! So, let's get out of that "island mentality", and get on the "crowded places mentality" -- where we get to rub shoulders with others, and perhaps our "light" will rub off on them and they will start "shining", too!

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:8-10

Who is YOUR Someone?

President Ronald Reagan coined the phrase: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” That quote speaks volumes to me when I think about the "someones" that might have passed my way, literally....passed, without me giving them a second thought. I might have been so caught up in my own little world, I didn't even notice the "neon sign" that God was flashing or maybe it wasn't flashing -- it was the face of a lonely or hurting "someone", and I missed them.

God sends "someones" to us as the answer to their prayers and because we have prayed to be the answer to someone's prayer. We pray or sing: "Make me more like You, Jesus, make me more like You. Give me a heart that's filled with love and make me more like You." And, though we mean well as we pray and sing those words....we are so distracted by this and that, that we miss the opportunities to be His hands extended. Shouldn't we slow down and be intentional and focused to be that difference maker to a "someone"?

We can't be an encourager to everyone but we can be an encourager to someone. We can create our own version of that sentence, too: "I can’t be a ___________ to everyone but I can be a ___________ to someone. What would you write there—friend, leader, mentor, counselor, teacher?

Whatever and whoever it is, I’m convinced it matters. So, let's ask: “Who is my someone?” In other words, who do I know that God has asked me to serve today? It’s another version of the parable Jesus told of the shepherd who left the ninety-nine to go look for the one. I don’t think this literally means we’re only to serve one person. I think it’s more about understanding that we’re not called to anonymous crowds. We are called to relationships and connecting with each other in meaningful ways that heal and restore.

Jesus didn't heal everyone in Israel while He was here. Instead He lived with focus and intention, only doing what His Father asked Him to do. Aw! FOCUS and INTENTION! Following His example means we don't have to be that "someone" that EVERYONE needs. We can let go of that guilt that we are not doing more. But, we sure can love well the people right in front of us with focus and intention, and trust God is the One taking care of the whole big, wide world. We can’t be all things to everyone but we can be something to someone today.

Tenderize My Heart, Lord

While writing in my journal, I wrote: "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." Tenderize? Where did that come from? Suddenly, I went "nostalgic" and saw my mom holding a meat tenderizer hammer beating the tar out of a piece of meat. She was beating it to make the meat more tender. And, of course, that went along with chicken fried steak and cream gravy. Yum! And, chicken fried chicken! Lord, have mercy! How have we lasted so long since we grew up eating all that fried food? Oops! I took a rabbit trail!

Back to "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." I'm sure it came from my earlier newsfeed scrolling when I saw many of my friends having a really tough start to this new year -- illnesses, automobile and falling accidents. Others were raising funds for their family members who were in desperate need of finances to help cover their medical expenses and another gal was raising support for surgery for her dog. Each one of those needs God sees and isn't surprised at all by the calamities and distresses, but His heart is tenderized. Shouldn't mine be, too? Shouldn't we be touched by those around us who are in pain because of something gone wrong in their lives? Isn't that what Jesus meant when He said: "Love your neighbor as you love yourselves". How can I love my neighbor if I'm not loving myself? And if I'm loving myself, shouldn't I be loving others to help relieve their pains as I endeavor to relieve my own. And, demonstrating God's love to those we call family and friends is often the easiest to respond to their needs. But what about those we don't know and those who aren't the easiest to even consider wanting to love them in any way?

A friend commented on my "Time Maker; Time Waster" post: "My biggest time waster is Facebook! A bad habit I need to break" My comment back to her was "Instead of it being a time waster, make it a time maker by praying for those who need prayer there and encouraging those who need encouragement. That way, you are making a difference in their lives and yours!" That option is having a tenderized heart.

Jesus was the ULTIMATE example of a tenderized heart. He loved by sacrificing his life. His death on the cross made atonement for sin which humanity couldn’t make. Its power brings about forgiveness of sins and allows humans to have a personal relationship with God: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). My weak and flaw-filled attempts to love as He loves seems like an insurmountable mountain to climb. But, doing my best to follow His "love" lead, is a good start.

Oh, my pen was in the hand of God yesterday morning as I wrote those words. He was nudging me, awakening me to "beat the tar out of the enemy" with a love hammer. And, as the message became crystal clear, I asked Him again: "Tenderize my heart, Lord. Help me to feel as you feel, love as you love, see as You see, speak as You speak. Come and tenderize my heart, Lord. Let me see You as You are and as You want me to be."

Where Empathy Makes a Difference

Yesterday, Buddy and I started out on our usual walk when we came upon this adorable little girl, who, from a distance, I could hear shouting "Look, a puppy!" She was so excited to express her joy to Buddy, and he was for her, that we stopped for this sweet exchange.

We made it back home just in time for the family's morning training and devotion that pivots around the current events of the home: a praise or motivational moment, a discipline moment, or moments of exchanging creative ideas on a project or activity. Yesterday's was so stirring that tears began to flow when I started sharing. On point, Buddy came and laid his head in my lap. I get that not everyone believes that dogs have the ability to "empathize", but I sensed it. Many years ago, Staci's dog, a Cocker Spaniel named Desi, was with us during some times when it seemed I often shed bucket-loads of tears. Inevitably, Desi would crawl up in my lap to comfort me.

Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, like putting ourselves into the mental shoes of someone to understand and even share their emotions and feelings. Though our furry friends may give us a measure of comfort, there is truly something to be said for others who understand us because "they have walked in our shoes", but even more so, when those friends give us hope. Here's what I know from experience. I don't need someone to say "Bless your heart. I know how you feel -- I've been there." Those words say to me "Go ahead. Wallow in all that pain. Go ahead and take your time in getting over it." PLEASE....give us more than that! Please give us hope!

St. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:4 "That you may be comforted with the same comfort that I've been comforted with by our God of comfort ." Like Paul, in his many testings and trials, we are encouraged to come boldly to God's throne of grace, where His mercy and grace are free-flowing in our times of need. The Lord is able to give peace to our troubled souls and says "Let not your heart be troubled." Our sweetest comforts are in Him. He speaks peace to us and He binds us up when we are broken-hearted. He gives hope and joy during our times of greatest need.....so much so that not only are we comforted -- we have enough comfort left over to encourage and comfort others.

Our story and how we made it through those times is what they need. That brings me to three words we can use to help encourage others. Feel. Felt. Found. For example, it goes like this when I am epathizing with a new widow(er): "I know how you FEEL. I FELT the same way, too, when my husband passed away. But, let me tell you what I FOUND. I FOUND that God is so ever-present to us in times of sadness, loneliness, pain and heartache. I FOUND that He is my best friend that has stayed closer to me than my husband ever could. He is always with me. I'm never alone. He gives me peace when I stop thinking about what I don't have any longer, and I start thinking about God Who has given me so much: the breath in my body to live another day, the strength to continue to run my race because I'm still here to complete the assignments God gave me." Now, that's what I call true empathy -- true understanding of how it feels, but true love that gives them cause to live another day with hope and great expectation for this day and tomorrow. That's what I call being a "Difference Maker"!

Time to Register for Cross Training

On New Year's Day, I heard this said:: "This is going to be your best year ever, but keep in mind, though you may be going in with a clean slate, you're still taking some of the "old" in with you. You still take YOU!"

That's a wake-up call, isn't it? It's awe-inspiring to think that the old stuff -- the negative circumstances, the mistakes and failures, the overwhelming and the underwhelming situations are over with, because we think "2017 is going to be different. Good things are coming my way this year! 2017 is going to be MY greatest year EVER!" But, once again, what has changed in you AND me, that guarantees a better year?

Bottom line...we probably need to undergo some tweaking with our attitudes, our outlooks, our overspending, our carelessness, our tempers, our giving (or the lack thereof), and our heartfelt appreciation for how blessed we really are.

The way for the most guaranteed-for-success-outcome, is to lean into the ONE who will make the most significant difference in our 2017. Rather than God being simply a casual acquaintance to us and only when we need Him that we call on Him, we should make Him the CENTER of everything...our finances, our relationships, our health, our character, and our devotion. To be fully devoted followers of Christ, makes the difference. How often do we just "sprinkle" a little Jesus into our day by a mere glance at Him. But when we understand that He is the difference maker in everything about our lives. When it really dawns on us that He lives inside us and, when we rely on Him for the best decisions to make, the kindest attitude to others, the character that does the right thing when no one is looking, and seriously consider our actions by submitting our emotions to Him, saying "I'm not responding that way any more.

Luke 2:52 says that the young Jesus "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Now that's what I'm talking about. Though we leave the past mistakes and all the negatives in the past, because we bring ME, MYSELF and I into the new year, wouldn't it be a great idea to determine that "THIS YEAR, I will do some CROSS TRAINING and grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man." We do that -- not just by sprinkling a little Jesus on our lives....but all out making Him the Lord of our lives and purposing to surrender our "old" selves to Him, obey Him and His Word, and live with all out gusto of being, not sprinkled, but FLOODED with the Great I AM!!!

Living OUT LOUD

I'm taking it all in -- that is -- applauding, giving high 5s and standing ovations to those moments, events, accomplishments and celebrations of my precious friends and family. In the words of Émile Zola, French Nobel Prize winner in 1901, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I will tell you, I came to live out LOUD.” This LOL is Living Out Loud AND Laughing Out Loud!!

Yesterday I was explaining to someone that I'm not a "rocking chair" grandmother. No offense, if that's your gig -- then rock on, Baby! But, for me, I'm setting some big goals for next year, and I won't accomplish them if I take a laid back approach. In fact, I told her that I just might renew my Private Pilot's License and get to all these travel locations much faster!

To me, living out loud means living life with passion, being open to possibilities, and reaching for the stars.....well, at least the top of trees! Living-Out-Loud is having the freedom to live, laugh, and love. It means deliberately choosing to be inspired and motivated enough to live without limits -- or just getting off the couch and doing something! It means letting go of fear, getting gutsy and getting going.

Living-out-loud is unique to everyone. The point is to use our talents, enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in our day and our world. Here's some "Living Out Loud" strategies that we can put to good use:

~ 1. To immediately upon waking up, think positive thoughts. Put yesterday behind us. Refuse to hit the snooze button.

~ 2. Take a deep breath and express our gratitude for being alive. Take long walks or runs and while we’re at it, observe the sights and sounds around us and be thankful we can see and hear.

~ 3. Be adventurous. This one I own -- especially in this season that I'm taking one day at a time and living it to its fullest -- and if I get asked to go on a hike or bike ride or a bungy jump or obstacle course -- I'll be in it to win it!

~ 4. Hang with difference makers -- those people who are optimistic and cause us to reach outside our comfort zone and help others get out of theirs. Bold, fun, audacious, silly, risk takers -- this crowd honestly believes the best is yet to come, and they do what they can to make it happen. Who wants to hang with those "gloom and doom and despair" folks that turns a perfectly beautiful, sunny day to a cloudy day?

~ 5. Be open to new opportunities. Social media -- blogging, Facebook, Twitter have allowed me to connect and know people from all over the planet. The world is changing faster than anyone can keep up. This is a time of rapid growth and opportunity. With today’s technology and information, we have the power and the tools to fill our days with delight, insight, knowledge and celebration.

~ 6. Be present to take in God's signs and wonders. This is one I cultivate daily. I purposely choose positive thoughts and intentions. If a stray negative thought creeps in, I quickly change the channel. Watch and listen for new ideas and creativity. Take time to enjoy and appreciate family, friends, food, music, children, blue skies, sunshine and ordinary moments. Invest time in our relationships, have dinner with the good china and even by candlelight. Nothing is more important than the love we regularly give and receive

~ 7. Choose positive intentions and thoughts. Do good, serve others. Don’t bother with judgment, gossip, or comparisons.

~ 8.. Fall in love with life. Give our lives everything we've got. Write that book, take that vacation or call that date. Dance in the rain. We just may not pass this way again, so let's make the moments count.

Once we stop just drifting through life or taking the easy way out or the 3rd row in the roller coaster.....we just might find a new zest for life that propels us to higher heights and deeper depths than we've ever now. I don't know about you, but I came to live OUT LOUD!

Be the Change

It's second nature to focus on everything that's wrong with others or what's wrong in politics or what's wrong with our places of business or churches or what's wrong in our nation. But, what about doing a "check up from our neck up" -- a self analysis about some of the areas we might just not have it altogether? If we did, then maybe some course corrections are called for that would result in us being the influencer for CHANGE that impacts our world in a positive way. That sounds like a lofty ambition. Me? Impact this world? After all, I'm just a Mom or I'm just a carpenter, or I'm just a housekeeper, or I'm just an artist.

When we think of world changers, we come up with the likes of Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, President Ronald Reagan, Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta), Mahatma Gandhi? They most certainly were world changers. But, let's give credit where credit is due. What about all you Moms & Dads who influence their kids everyday for greatness by your own examples of compassionate, caring, loving and giving leaders? What about you volunteers who tirelessly impact hungry, needy and loveless individuals as you give your time, talent and treasure at charitable organizations? What about those of you who daily touch people's lives just by your smile, a gentle touch or hug? And, what about you grandparents who never cease to pray for their family?

What about YOU and ME? What if we were willing to be the difference maker in someone who needs that extra word of encouragement and hope -- to not give up....TODAY!

Seems like a tall order to be a world changer....but when we consider the affect we can make on at least one person's life, we will most certainly be their WORLD changer!

Don't Be Normal. Be Different. Take the High Road.

How “different” are we from what is “normal” to others? Some say that “It’s NORMAL to be stressed, fearful, overwhelmed, exhausted, angry, sad, speaking hateful about people, and on and on. “Normal” to some is ranting and raving right along with all those who are dissatisfied with politics and politicians.

My contention is that “normal” isn’t where God called us to be. He called us to live a radically ABNORMAL life where kindness, love, joy and peace RULES. Believing that way, makes us not just different, but we are also DIFFERENCE MAKERS. We take the High Road.

In Matthew 5, Jesus told us to be so different that in the face of being treated unfairly and wrong, He told us to be glad. What? THAT’S just not normal. In Matthew 5:11-15 He gave us a completely DIFFERENT way to handle those normally cranky and grumpy folks. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

To live the life God wants us to live means we will be DIFFERENT. It will be different from the way the world and the enemy of our soul wants us to live. And it will be different from the way many of the people we know want us to live. It will be DIFFERENT when we don’t side in with hateful, mean and angry people.

There are many differences to be found in devoted God-followers. These differences are seen in our relationship with God, in our place in the world, in our purpose in life, in our personal goals, in our commitments, in our motives, in our values, in our choices, and in our beliefs. One of the greatest differences is found in the attitudes of our hearts:

~ We are LOVINGLY different -- extending His love freely and unconditionally to others.
~ We are TRUTHFULLY different -- believing the truth and loving the truth, we speak the truth and live the truth.
~ We are MERCIFULLY different -- knowing that God’s mercies are new every morning, we extend His mercies to those who have failed and disappointed us.
~ We are PRAYERFULLY different -- we pray in faith, we pray because of who God is and what He can do, we pray because of what God has said in His Word. We pray because we have the assurance that God hears us and answers our prayers.

We are NOT normal. We are DIFFERENT, and DIFFERENT never felt and looked so good! I think I'll cruise on over to the High Road. How about you?

Be Like Rudolph. Let Your Light Shine.

In just a few hours, I'll be heading to the airport to fly to Seattle to be with my Washington family. I'll be joining the multitudes that are crowding into airports, shopping malls, restaurants and onto the highways this week of Christmas.

Maybe people are crowding into your home, your schedule, and your plans.  What a great opportunity we have to STAND OUT in the crowds.  Every face in every crowd has either received the gift of "the light of the world" or they haven't. Jesus coming to this earth is that LIGHT. And,  we are that LIGHT, too!  That's what Jesus said, "You are the LIGHT of the world....."  the LIGHT that this world needs right now so very much.   We can be a LIGHT today to everyone we encounter. When the lines are long and the crowds are angry or frustrated, we can be different -- and we can be THE DIFFERENCE MAKER for others. Our smile will be noticed. Our joy will be contagious. Our peace will be coveted. Our kindness will be appreciated. And the Christ of Christmas will be glorified and revealed in our character and demeanor. Let's pray for the opportunity to be that LIGHT today.

Jesus is the light of the world, through us. Let's shine brightly today in every crowd.
#BeTheLight #ThisLightLightOfMine #LetItShine

Being Difference Makers

On the 2nd day of our missions’ trip, we were all about the business of reaching our hearts and hands out to the children. "Be A Miracle" - se un milagro - was our goal. On this day, we would meet up with the reality of what “behind the scenes” is all about. And, this day was about what we really wanted this trip to be about – helping, even in any way we could -- someway - somehow - to be difference makers.

We arrived at Perdon y Amistad Church and immediately received gifts from the children. Really? I knew it would be like this. We came to be a blessing, and before we could give, we received. The children had painted on paper bags that contained t-shirts for each of us.

At the church, we met the most beautiful servants of God who pour their lives, voluntarily, into the precious children. They sincerely know, and put to action – the importance of planting into the future generation – and making an indelible imprint on these young lives.
It was quite the adventure for our little missions’ team to be on a food preparation assembly line of breaking open the bread, spreading mayo in it, then adding a slice of cheese and meat, and all neatly bundled in a plastic bag with napkin for over 500 children. I loved the pride they had in the packaging.

We headed out with the team over rocky, unpaved roads – many of which were washed out because of the torrential rains that come, which compounds the difficulty in getting the meals delivered. But, what we did in just one day, is done routinely, and daily, by this beautiful team of volunteers as they cater food & beverage, visiting two primary schools and a preschool in the morning and afternoon (two shifts). For over 15 years, they have focused on providing a meal and drink for every child. The main goal of this amazing program, “Breakfast for Children” is to combat malnutrition and is dedicated to feeding children in the most impoverished areas.

We loved being able to serve -- it was a team effort, and we got the big job done – but our contribution was mere, compared to what these volunteers do on a daily basis. Though it seemed like a small token of support, we understood St. Francis’ message….loud and clear – “Preach the gospel at all times…..and sometimes use words.”

I'd Rather Be Remembered for Standing Out Than Forgotten for Blending In

Yesterday morning I saw a Harley Davidson billboard that said, "Why fit in when you can stand out?" -- of course meaning that we would stand out if we drove a Harley. Indeed, that would definitely cause me to STAND-OUT! LOL! And that prompted me to post about the great STAND message I heard Sunday by Pastor Craig Groeschel. We all have that option of just blending in with the crowd and listen to, talk about, act like and participate in the things that the "crowd" does. When we're pushed to the limits in our faith, our values, and our beliefs, do we have the courage to take a STAND? If we're STAND-OUTERS, we can't live a life of passivity. We have to make life decisions based on our determination to never compromise our values, and our relationship with God. I loved this quote, "I'd rather be remembered for standing out than forgotten for blending in."

I want to be a difference maker that rises above the noise. I want to STAND OUT when others complain -- I want to steer them to their blessings. When others worry, I'll STAND OUT by giving my worries and cares to God. When others laugh at an off-colored joke, I'm going to STAND OUT by not laughing or walking away. I will FORGIVE in spite of who wronged me or spoke evil against me. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the Bible stood out in total abandonment to their God -- not compromising their belief and trust in Him. I want to be remembered for STANDING OUT, too!!! How about you?

Role Model - Mentor - Women of Example

I have been blessed to have so many amazing female mentors in my life -- that started with my precious mother who showed me the power of profound faith -- in action. I don't remember ever hearing her complain about HAVING to work to bring in the needed income when my dad was so sick for many years, and eventually passed away. I don't ever remember her murmuring about being a widow and being lonely. I remember hearing her faith-filled prayers and singing about God's love while doing daily chores. I remember her having to go pawn her wedding band just to have the finances to make ends meet. I remember her heart of giving -- even with a small social security fixed income. She ALWAYS delighted in giving to her church and to others. She made so many sacrifices for me -- just so I could be dressed impeccably. I remember the sweet and tender heart she had for everyone. I don't remember her being fixated on how her body looked, but I do remember her caring about always dressing like queen. It was her example, as well as other wonderful Christian women who helped me gain a vision for what God desires from His daughters -- living strong, motivated, positive, determined, faith-filled, and energetic lives -- especially eager to make a difference in their world around them.

FB Girl Friends -- let's determine to carry the torch to be that light in the darkness to others, and we can not only be that role model and mentor they need, but will cause them to desire to leave their imprint on their next generation. Let's be those resilient, tenacious, can-do, strong, power-packed, all-out-hearts-for-God women that leave a legacy for others to follow.

We Can Do This!

There's a lot of folks out there complaining about the weather, the economy, the government, their job, their co-workers, their spouses, their children or their neighbor. And, then there are folks who are always optimistic, "can-do", undaunted in their attitude to win, and whether the sun is out -- or hiding behind a cloud -- they always see it shining. They walk into a room and the sun comes in with them. When the worst of the worst happens -- the best of the best comes out of them. I'm just sayin' -- WE CAN DO THIS! We can be conquerors and overcomers and always see the glass FULL. You ask "HOW?" Let THE SON come into your heart -- then the GREATER ONE will live in you, and He will give you the confidence and strength to live above the fray....COME WHAT MAY!!
We really CAN be difference makers. Come on....WE CAN DO THIS!