I Voted, and I'm Glad I Did!

I did it! I voted on the first day of early voting for the mid-term elections. By the way, Texans, you can early vote right through to November 2nd. Outside of Texas, check your state’s early voting times. I stood in line a while with this mama and her sweet baby until I went to the front of the line and asked if they'd let her cut-in. Those folks welcomed her. I was pleased to see the happy faces of so many voting early. I met some really fine people and none of us were discussing our political persuasions. We were all pleased with the opportunity to vote on a beautiful, sunshine-filled day. At least we were all united and in common on that!

I never know where I’m going to be in any given day, so why take the chance in missing out on my civic duty and my personal belief that when I vote I’m making a difference? Really? How can my one little vote make a difference in the grand scheme of things? Actually, voting can be a hassle. It takes time to register, learn about the candidates’ views, understand the questions and standing in a long line, knowing all the while that the chances my individual vote will make a difference among the thousands or millions cast are pretty much zero. So, why even bother?

I bother because my morals and values are so closely tied to my Christian faith and what God’s Word says. How can we not vote when there are such critical issues of life and death and of God’s Word taken seriously or not? Voting confirms my commitment to stand-up for those morals and values and in so doing I get to choose who aligns or comes the closest with those beliefs. It is a privilege to live in a democracy-led country which enables us to vote in or vote out candidates that align or don’t align with our principles. If I don’t vote I shouldn't complain or whine about anything that's going on in our country.

The fact is, I'm quite reserved when it comes to my political voice. I have my own opinions but I rarely voice them publicly. That could be seen as a wimpy way out of controversy, or it may mean that I choose to live "above the fray" by recalling my Mama's favorite quote "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!" Aligning myself with particular political figures has been a private matter for me, especially on social media. I am a professing Christian so my primary voting guide is the Bible. I do my best not to be driven by the media, politics, or personalities, but I carefully weigh out the "heart of the matter". I weigh out their stances, but I don't know the true hearts of candidates, so when the time comes to vote, I trust in my tightness with God and His Word: "My sheep know my voice", and that I'll hear THAT voice and vote according to what I hear.

I’m ready for this mid-term election to be over. According to the campaign signs I see in my neighborhood and on the streets, it looks pretty even. It would be wonderful if the election meant an end to the rancor and tackiness. No question, there is deep down angst about the result. What if THAT party takes over the House and/or Senate? When we wake up November 7th, post-election, when the election is finally over, what will we see?

I have a prediction. I know exactly what November 7th will bring. Another day of God’s perfect sovereignty. He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never EVER has His providence depended on a king, president, senator or ruler. “The LORD can control a king’s mind as He controls a river; He can direct it as He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). As followers of Jesus, we possess the power and comfort of God’s Promises as we face an unknown election and future for our country. We can ask a different set of questions because we are called to live by a different reality: hope, love, and peace. No matter what happens on November 6th, remember God’s words of encouragement. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Were You There When Donald Trump Became President?

Yes, I was there -- glued to the returns that came in. Even my young grandchildren stayed up for the big announcement. The history books will long declare "Donald Trump became the 45th President-Elect of the United States of America on November 9th, 2016". Who woulda' thought that a real estate mogul, New York businessman, and the "You are fired" guy would be elected our President? One news commentator said, "This was the most astonishing campaign by an outsider who had relatively no political experience, but the people's voice was heard." How does that sound -- "The people's voice was heard"?

I stood in line for an hour and fifty minutes to vote in this unprecedented election because I wanted my voice to be heard. I have never seen anything like it. Apparently, it was a record turnout. I've never seen lines like I saw. It was worth the wait, because I met some really great people that were optimistic, positive and not complaining about the long wait at all. I saw people being pushed in their wheelchairs. I saw young moms with babies in strollers and pouch slings. They had children in tow and many were not too thrilled to be there. My "line" friends held my place while I went and held those moms' places so they could go change their diapers or to let their little one run around some. Though those children will not remember this day, their mommas will no doubt remind them, for many years to come, that they were there on this historic day -- the day "The people's voice was heard."

It sure has been a wild and crazy several months -- so much nonsense in words, deeds and actions by, not just the candidates but by those of us that somehow forgot God's desire for us to be lights in the middle of it all. We've had opportunities to exercise our patience, temperance, gentleness, joy, kindness and, most of all, our love. The question isn't how the candidates fared through it all....but "How did we handle ourselves as Christs' followers during this process?" Regardless of the side we were on, was God's light shining through us? Though "the people's voice was heard" -- was it the voice of goodness and mercy"?

Whether you are sad or glad about the outcome of this election, here's what matters most: God wasn't surprised by the winner. He is, after all, a KNOW-IT-ALL. He knew Donald Trump would be "the last man standing" here today. The best news is -- God is already King and HE REIGNS supreme — and He will work with our fragile, imperfect ways and bring calm to the chaos of our lives and our world. Now, may our voices of compassion and sensitivity be heard to our fellow man. May our voices declare "We are the UNITED States of America and UNITED we stand!"

Lots of folks had talked about going to Canada should Donald Trump become President. WOW!! Wonder why they didn't decide to go to a warmer place like the Bahamas, the Fiji Islands or Tahiti? Be careful little mouth what you say.....you just may have to eat those words someday! May our voices be heard around the world that ROCKS this WORLD with love that knows no bounds and may we get behind our new president in support and prayer.

The Great Unknown But Great Friends Behind

So I’m in the final countdown to two big events next Tuesday, November 8th:
1) The election – I’ll be voting based on my conscience and aiming for the party and its candidate that aligns closest to my belief system. I sure don’t know what November 9th will hold, but I know that no matter which party is elected, God will still reign and He will be in control. What assurance that is!!

2) My saying “See ya’ later!” to Tulsa as I make my “pilgrimage” home to Texas. I’m leaving based on my conscience, God’s very obvious nudges, and aiming for the work God will have for me there. I sure don’t know what tomorrow will hold, but I know that no matter where God leads, I’ll follow; where He guides, He’ll provide. He is so trustworthy – of course I can place my confidence in Him.

Reality that I'm leaving really set in over the last couple of days with so much love shown me by dear friends. Precious giirl friends, my Hyde Park Family and my Church OfThe Madalene Women of the Madalene. I am indeed a most blessed gal that have walked and run this journey of faith with me and all are so valuable to me. I'm so thankful for the memories as an Oklahoman -- that started way back in 1971.....a 7-year stint in Canada in between but back here in Tulsa since 1993. I cherish that season and now a whole new adventure awaits me . My hope is built on the faithfulness of God. He's been with me every step of the way, so why would I expect that to change?

Maybe your focus isn’t on the election or a big move, but we are all in need of God’s guidance in our lives—when to move forward, when to slow down, when to wait, when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” The most important thing in knowing God’s guidance is not about knowing a formula, but knowing God; not about hearing opinions, but hearing God’s voice; not about striving, but resting in God’s wise and wonderful will.

Here are some affirmations of faith that we can ALL speak over our lives:
~ I don’t know the next step on the path, but I know the Guide. “ I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk; I will direct you with my eye.” Psalm 32:8
~ I don’t know the next chapter in the book of my journey of faith, but I know the Author and Finisher. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2
~ I don’t know the best decision to make, but I know the Counselor “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah 9:6
~ I don’t know how the need will be met, but I know the Provider. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

NO FEAR….only great hope and expectancy....SOMETHING GOOD is gonna happen for you and me!

Sweet "going away" photos of my dear friends attached!

It Starts With the Family

As part of the leadership team on retreat for an upcoming event next weekend, we were privileged to have Tulsa’s new Bishop, David Konderla, as our guest speaker. At the end of his talk, we had the opportunity to ask him questions. One of the questions asked was “What comments would you give regarding the upcoming election?” I liked his “straight to the point” approach. “Know the party’s candidate and platforms and vote for the one which aims you the closest to what you believe is God’s heart. Our role is to make the world a better place.” What he responded to in the next question made clear sense about what our roles should be. “As women, what can we do to support you?” His response was “You are women who are in charge of your families. Beat them every day, boys twice daily….just kidding.” LOL! Then he said, “Teach your children to love being a productive citizen – that will be the foundation for who they are and who they will become. The people we vote for in an election come from families. Home is their first training school.”

I loved that. Think about it. Every one of our politicians came from families – either they were taught the Golden Rule or they weren’t. They were taught character, honor, respect, human dignity…..or they weren’t. Family values involve all those qualities of how we want to live our family life, and they are passed down from previous generations. They help define the way we behave in various situations, help us make right and good choices, and they solidify the bonds we have together. If our family members respect each other – chances are very good, they’ll respect others. If they live by “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” that’s how they’ll treat others. If they support each other, they’ll support their fellow man. If they respect their family’s lives, they’ll respect other lives.

I learned character from a young age. I remember when I was just a little tot finding some wrapped candy on the floor in the grocery store and slipping it in my pocket. My Mom marched me back to the store to apologize for the error of my ways. That day, I understood the value of honesty. So much so, that as a grown woman, I will still give back change if the cashier gives me too much.

VALUES are those specifics that define who we are and are the absolute non-negotiables in our lives. When God made us, He planted within us certain things that we value deeply. They’re hardwired in our heart. Through our life experiences – from the environment we are raised in, the schools we go to, the friends we associate with, and the religious foundation we receive, God made them clear to us. These are the things that we would be willing to die for. They explain how we come by our personal priorities. If our values are on the side of the 10 Commandments, God’s Word and God’s love….I’d say, like Bishop Konderla said, “We’re making this world a better place.” What if we could see into the future as to where our children would land? Would that vision help us with being the examples of strength, integrity and honor to them? What if we were the only measure of rule they knew? Perhaps it’s time for us to look inside our 4 walls instead of peeking into others and judging them.

Love begins at home. It's not how much we do, but how much love we put into that action. -- Mother Teresa

For Such a Time As This

Though I'm "out there" when it comes to social media, I'm quite reserved when it comes to my political voice. I have my own opinions but I rarely voice them publicly. That could be seen as a wimpy way out of controversy, or it may mean that I choose to live "above the fray" by recalling my Mama's favorite quote "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!" Aligning myself with particular political figures has been a private matter for me -- especially here on FB. I am a professing Christian, so my primary voting guide is the Bible. I do my best not to be driven by the media, politics, personalities, social issues or other perspectives, but I carefully weigh out the "heart of the matter". I weigh out their stances, but I don't know the true hearts of candidates, so when the time comes to vote, I trust that my tightness with God and His Word that says "My sheep know my voice", that I'll hear THAT voice and vote according to what I hear.

So, all that to say I've never "campaigned" for a candidate in a political race because I've never known anyone, that without a shadow of a doubt, was so completely dedicated and committed as a "servant of the people", and was also an individual of integrity, honesty and love for God like Nancy Rothman! Nancy is a trusted friend, confidant and truly compelled to serve God as she serves His people. That's why I've volunteered to be on her Rothman for Tulsa County Clerk campaign team. From my heart, I know it's time to elect the people WE KNOW represent us with Godly principles. Nancy has been serving in the Tulsa County Clerk's office as Chief Deputy County Clerk for the last 3-1/2 years. She knows the position inside and out. She has the experience and dedication to get the job done.

While Nancy and I were having some "campaign discussions" today, a Pastor from our community, that just happened to be there at the same time, told us that he, himself, was joining politics by taking a board position. Why? His comments were "For too long our voices have only been heard in church, and we've kept them there. Isn't it time that we take on positions where we can be the LIGHT that God calls us to?" Matthew 5:14 says "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." We are that light and we shouldn't hide our light. If we want change, shouldn't we step up and BE THE CHANGE?

We loved that our 2015 Miss Oklahoma, Georgia Frazier, was there in all her beauty and poise, and wearing her crown! Just so happens my sweet daughter-in-love is a former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America, so it was especially dear to me. Seeing that crown, I think of Nancy Rothman as a Queen Esther and Mordicai, her uncle saying to her "You have been called to this kingdom, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!" Maybe, WE ALL have been placed on this earth, at this time and this place, to impact our world FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

#VoteJune28th

#NancyRothmanforTulsaCountyClerk

#NancyforClerk