Living in the Peace Zone: emmanuel

Showing posts with label emmanuel. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas! God Showed Up!

“He was here! He was here!” Kids all over the world are waking up their families with shrills and abounding excitement! The “jolly old soul” made it to their homes last night. They are sure he was here because the cookie plate only has crumbs on it. Most importantly, stockings that were hung by the chimney with care are now bulging with gifts on the floor and around the tree. I can visualize all the celebrations going on. I remember those Christmas mornings with my young children and grandchildren.

My excitement is no less exuberate in my heart as I am nestled in my sweet, little, “alone” and quiet spot by my fireplace this morning. I woke up with overwhelming joy and started singing “Joy to the world. The Lord has come!” And exclaiming “He showed up! He showed up!” What proof do I have? After all, there were no presents from Him under the tree. I know, because His PRESENCE is in my heart today. I feel Him. I sense Emmanuel – GOD WITH US. God is with ME!

Shortly, I’ll be heading over to my children’s home for Christmas breakfast and lunch while continuing our Christmas celebrations of family joy and laughter. Last night we worshipped Christ at my church's Christmas Eve service and prepared Him a room in our hearts for this beautiful Christmas Day. We will celebrate the greatest gift conceivable. Actually, inconceivable that He Who sat on heaven’s throne showed up here on Planet Earth – all because His Dad came up with a grand idea of taking heaven to earth by sending His Son to show us the way! Before His Mama's "Yes", He said "Yes" -- I'll go and SHOW UP for them! It ALL happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man! Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious ONE in a human womb that brought Him to this side of heaven. How marvelous! How wonderful! EVERYTHING we would ever need or want, wrapped in one package.

It seems almost irreverent to think of the Son of God coming to earth. 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 the unlovely, forgiving in spite of rejection, understanding everything about us because He was one of us -- 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! Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 13, 2018

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.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Alone, Lonely or Solitude

My word(s) for today are ALONE, LONELY, SOLITUDE.

ALONE:   having no one else present; on one's own.  

LONELY:  sad because one has no friends or company; friendless, forsaken, inner emptiness

SOLITUDE:  withdrawal for privacy and peace

A few days ago I was in Austin with grandchildren, then I was back home in Frisco with my family plus I attended church and several meetings, and today, I'm in Tulsa to be with my family here and for a conference.  With all that “on the road again and busyness”, right now -- I don’t have time for being ALONE, LONELY or even finding SOLITUDE.  But, that’s okay!!	

Just a little “inside” information. Because of the 24/7 hours a day of living/working/playing together for most of our 44 years of marriage, I really never knew LONELINESS, or for that matter, being ALONE. But, seasons changed when my sweetheart graduated to heaven and I had the opportunity for being alone and lonely. I’m pleased to say “I chose neither.” I chose a sweet place of SOLITUDE. LONELINESS is inner emptiness and SOLITUDE is inner plenty especially when our inner plenty includes acknowledging our Plentiful Father is always with us.  I said it before, I say it again – Emmanuel – GOD WITH US!

Now don’t get me wrong. I love hanging out with my friends, attending church, shopping, playing games, traveling, socializing, being a part of women’s groups, prayer groups and spending as much time with my kids and grandkids as possible. But, right here at the front side of 2018, I'm embracing any time I can for SOLITUDE.  It’s a journey of choice -- from “It’s all about me and what I don’t have and what I need”, TO “It’s about personal maturity and communion with God Who assures me I am NEVER alone, that He has plans and a future for me and His plans for me far outweigh my plans for me.”

Jesus explained His SOLITUDE like this in Matthew 16:32 “The hour is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me ALONE. Yet I am not ALONE for the Father is with me."

I understand SOLITUDE is the opposite of companionship and both have their places. I love spending time with my besties and my family. But I also understand the importance of “being still and knowing He is God.” Psalm 46:10. That is where my strength for today and hope for tomorrow comes from. I know "The Way" I need to go, "The Truth" I need to know, and "The Life" I live is in Him alone. (John 14:6).

Feeling lonely?  Need love? Seek Him. You're not alone.  God's arms are open wide and when you hug Him?   No contest. He will always be hugging you way longer than you could ever hold Him. After all, He’s our “Good, Good Father” and He knows what’s best for us and He loves to embrace and tell us "I love you and you are mine!  

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

I Waved Farewell to the Past

The Word of the Day:  PAST -- no longer existing.  Remember the Von Trapp Family in the "Sound of Music" singing "So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, good-bye"? That's what I did on New Year's Eve."  The PAST is now the PAST.  And, what a way to say farewell than in a predominately African American crowd at Potter's House - North Dallas!    I'm talking "HIGH PRAISES" as we lifted our voices, hands, hearts and even our bodies in joy and gratitude for God's amazing grace that brought us through another year and now a new year of great HOPE (that was the word spoken) for the GOOD things that our God has for us.  

We bid a fond farewell to the PAST and we closed the door to its many ups and downs.  The door burst wide open to 2018. Isaiah 43:18 says  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the PAST."  

I want MORE than ever before in 2018. I'm not talking about things, but as I live in the "God with us" mode, at any time and place, He may come with expectations OF me and surprises FOR me.  2018 will bring a milestone birthday to me, so rather than looking at the PAST, I’m looking ahead.   I’m very aware, by now, that life is short.  I know that I have less time ahead of me than behind me, so each day I will purpose to live with an eternal perspective. The things that once “bugged” me have very little import to me now.  Some quirky people with quirky little ways that annoyed me before, don’t bother me as much now.  I can zip my lip instead of needing to have the last word -- so much more intentional than I was before.  Now, I’ve reversed that “easily-bugged-mentality” to “In the light of eternity, does it really matter?” Maybe it’s because I’m becoming less attached to this side of heaven than ever before. The Apostle Paul said, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind (the PAST) and straining toward what is ahead. I PRESS ON toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.”  Phil 3:14 

As I pondered 2018, these words came to me:  multiply, enlarge, maximize, escalate, magnify, stretch, increase, press.  All those words express my desire in knowing God more – experiencing His presence more – taking on His character more.  I’ve been harping on “God with us” – Emmanuel -- in several of my posts lately.  I think I’m getting it. I desire my love for Him to multiply, to enlarge, escalate and maximize.  I want to magnify (make larger) His presence.   I want my faith to stretch and increase. I want the PAST to be the PAST and, like St. Paul,  I want to PRESS toward the goal for which God has called me.

Whether you are someone who thinks you have more years before you than behind you, or you are like me and you know you have more years behind you than before, maybe it’s time to consider “What if 2018 is my LAST YEAR, here?”  

Before we declare this is the year we climb Mount Everest, ride an elephant on a safari or become gluten-free, let’s pause.  Maybe our desires for this new year should trump all the rest – to be aware of God’s grace and presence with us than ever before.   So, "Farewell, PAST!"  Seeing the UNSEEN in 2018 -- in every facet of life -- just may bring us the best year and YEARS EVER!

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Bright Light of Christmas is With Us

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While "The Wallace's" and I were driving home from Austin yesterday, I was already thinking "I'm going to take down my Christmas decor' as soon as possible since I'll be going out of town next week and I want to come back home to a fresh clean slate in the new year of new beginnings and new conquests." 

But, when I drove down my street -- the Christmas lights were still glowing on my neighbors' homes, and my home.  I walked into my home and I started putting on the Christmas lights because I wanted "that atmosphere" to linger a little longer.  Yes, all the anticipation and excitement of the Christmas season is rapidly coming to a close, but the joy and peace of Christmas is still very present.  I’m still captivated by the Christmas lights that are still glowing brightly and and the sweet and tender Christmas atmosphere. The reality is the reassurance we have that the atmosphere of Christmas will remain if we continue to  acknowledge that the babe in the manger is no longer a baby.  He is here with us because He is Emmanuel, “God with us”!   

All thirteen of us, together, in Austin, made for lots of laughter and high energy that included all of us going to see a Christmas  movie, eating in and eating out, the children running around, lots of picture taking, sweet conversations and many hugs and kisses.  From all that activity to walking into my quiet, non-busy home could really be a downer if I dwelt on who and what I didn't have.  I could dwell on being alone or even lonely.  My main word of encouragement for many friends and ME, during this season  has been "Emmanuel" (God with us).  Many have been going through "stuff" and it is still my word for all of us.  We are never alone, because God is with us. He cares.  He loves.  He gives.  He holds.

Today, I will return to my daily routine of spending time with Jesus as I pray, praise, read His Word and take notes on what He's saying back to me.  Maybe I'll spend a few minutes or many minutes -- it doesn't matter to Him, but it does to me.  I need Him like I need breath to breathe.   When I breathe Him (His presence) in -- He brings me peace. He is with me during my everyday life. I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, so as anyone that would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table, I will talk to Him. I will talk to Him about any, and everything. I will thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find.  Because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away.  I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!

I desire to get so caught up in "God With Me" this year.   My main goal for 2018 is to become more desperate for God than I have ever been before -- not because I am in a crisis-or-needy-mode, but because I want more of Him, and less of me.   I desire Emmanuel -- God with me -- morning, noon and night.....and all the in-between time.  This is one of my favorite songs that describes breathing in the holy presence of God.  Please listen, soak it up and may it resonate with you and perhaps it will become your song too.  The bright LIGHT of Christmas is WITH US!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzXpzSXtdQ

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Today I celebrate the day my sweet Daddy, at age 64, graduated to heaven in 1964.  My Sweetheart was only 63.  I think God was giving out “Fast Passes” to heaven for two men that I loved so much.   Good for them.  They both earned those “Fast Passes”. I am not in sorrow today for either of them because there is just too much joy where they are, and so much joy for me here on this side of heaven.  Here’s why.  Today is the third Sunday of Advent and it's time we should be singing "Go Tell It on the Mountain"! Well -- not necessarily from a mountain -- that would mean we'd have to go climbing!   Perhaps we can start right here on level ground to experience the abundant JOY of Christ's coming to this earth for you and me.

On this third Sunday of Advent, in the Catholic Church, the priest wears a rose colored vestment and the third candle, which is pink, in the Advent wreath, is lit. That pink candle symbolizes JOY and St. Paul referenced that joy when he wrote in Philippians 4:4  “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice.”  Can you even imagine that he wrote those words from a dark, cold, damp prison cell?  Obviously, he was a great role model for us, because no matter where we are or what we're facing, we can find JOY in the good news of Emmanuel -- God with us -- right smack dab in the middle of our circumstances.  That’s why there is no sorrow found in me on this JOY-filled day.

Of course PINK would be the color of the day. Typically, PINK is girly -- we put our little girls in pink dresses or outfits with a pink bow in their hair to declare "It's a GIRL"! (In my case, my little Staci had NO hair so I scotch-taped a little bow on her head -- I know that's hard to believe when we see that massive head of hair she has today! LOL!). Sorry -- I took a rabbit trail from my train of thought about Advent. Back to my thought.....pink isn't just about girls. Hot pink, pale pink, rose pink are all shades of pink that God painted into a sunrise. And, like the various shades of pink, our expressions of joy can be so different. Joy can be exuberant – like that little child jumping up and down at the prospect of something that excites them so much.   JOY is also that calm and peaceful experience of God's faithfulness. It can be calm confidence in His sovereignty, or pure delight as He expresses His love. I felt that peace and calmness yesterday as I sat in front of my fireplace, reading my “The Word Among Us” devotional book.  I felt it when I wrapped some Christmas presents.  I felt it when I watched another sappy Hallmark Christmas movie while I wrapped those presents. 

Joy AND pink is also about survival. Oh, the joy we feel when one of our friends expresses "I've just had my last treatment of chemo!" I loved hearing how on this Sunday, when PINK is the color of the day, a church celebrates breast-cancer survivors and women in their parish are given a pink flower in honor of the women who survived and are reminded to be screened regularly.  (I just had my screening last week!)  That is a beautiful custom to have. Celebration of survival has truly come to be linked with "Pink" in our culture.

Bringing PINK back around to this 3rd Sunday of Advent, PINK is also about a BABY BOY that brought so much JOY to this world. That joy that should never be determined by how we feel, but on WHO God is. The joy of the Lord can thrill us AND it can make us steadfast in the secure knowledge of God's presence with us -- Emmanuel. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to be joyful always and Jesus tells us in Mark 9:24 "With God all things are possible." THAT combination of trust and joy should help us carry on from this 3rd Sunday of Advent to EVERYDAY being JOYFUL!

Saturday, December 16, 2017

God is Really, Really With Us

I've become an avid "noticer".  A noticer is one who observes, notices, and pays attention to details -- not one like my husband who would notice and identify flaws in home construction or a musical composition and performance (just ask my Staci about how he "noticed" everything -- like the sound quality, her word pronunciation, or the tempo of the music).  I became a "noticer" when I became a Technical Writer and Editor for various publications, but mostly of late I've become a "noticer of the most important things like one who recognizes God's nudges as well as His touches in the mainstream of life that point me in the direction I should go or tell me what to say.  I've sure been a noticer during this season of Advent and Christmas.   That word seems to be encased in the traditions of Christmas. 

I’ve noticed the words I wrote under some of my Christmas treasures that were purchased to “remember” special times.  I noticed my family in the many Christmas pictures I’ve scattered throughout my home.  Because of my precious mother-in-law’s distribution of so many of her treasures to me and others, I’ve prominently placed mine where I see them every day.  I notice them.  I notice words in scriptures that I never noticed before.   I'm in good company with my “noticing”. The shepherds were noticers of the angels who broke the news of their Savior's birth. The Wise Men were noticers of the star that led them to the Christ Child. And, Mary was a noticer and ponderer. Luke 2:19 says (after the shepherds departed): "And Mary pondered (noticed)  these things in her heart." I like that -- and I desire to follow Mary's lead, as well as the shepherds and Wise Men – to notice and ponder. 

I like to think that noticing is a part of seeing, hearing and sensing God WITH US.  Don’t you love the word “with”?   As I wrote that first paragraph, I sensed my husband “WITH” me when I remembered His noticing.  I remembered His many hours of coaching our daughter with her music and performances. “WITH” is a powerful word.  “Will you go WITH me?”  “Stay WITH me.”  Here’s the greatest news that Christmas brought us.  It brought us God in human flesh.  Isaiah 7:14 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel (God with us).  GOD WITH US!!   In Matthew 28:20 the man, Jesus, said before He ascended into heaven, “Surely I am WITH you always, to the very end of the age."  There were no caveats when He spoke those words.  He didn’t say, “If you do this or that, I’ll be with you.” “If you go to church or if you give to the poor, I’ll be with you.”   No, none of that.  There are no requirements given to us.  He is with us.  God is with us.

So, in my pondering and noticing and remembering……I realize GOD IS WITH ME.  In our times of fear, stress or worry – God is with us.  In times of feeling lonely or forsaken, we must not forget – God Who Knows all, sees all and even felt all -- is with us. We’re not alone.   When we understand and respect that Emmanuel is with us, then even the thoughts we think are what God is wanting us to think, ponder and notice.   Maybe they are just not random thoughts but bulls-eye-target thoughts where we are to be God’s representative to our world. We can be on purpose to be aware that God is with us and in us to be His "light" representative.  That means as His representative we convey His attitude, actions, and character in and through our lives.  God gave us more than miracles and messages.  He sent Himself; He sent His Son. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” John 1:14.  He wants us to NOTICE that He really is WITH US and be bold as His ambassadors to tell the world "God is with us"!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Do You See What I See?

Have you ever looked for something that was right in front of you all the time? I could be wearing my glasses, and be looking for my glasses. I could be looking for my keys and they could be right on the counter in front of me. We could be looking for the rain to stop, and miss the rainbow God sent. We could be taken with the brilliance of the star and miss the baby in the manger. We could be so focused on so many details and miss the ONE that is the guest of honor. Remember Martha in the Bible who was so busy with the details of entertaining, making sure the meal was fit for a king, but she missed the opportunity to sit at the feet of THE KING.

But, even more so, we could be missing God when He dwells right here inside us. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 He could be pointing out all kinds of wonders and miracles and glimpses of heaven to us and we’re so busy that we miss His signals. Think about it. This Christmas, we've heard and sung so many songs about Him being with us, and we've heard and read many scriptures about Him being with us, and we’ve seen so many evidences of His presence, yet, just maybe….we’re still NOT seeing Him.

What if we REALLY tuned into Emmanuel? What if we sincerely realized we are never alone, because God IS with us?

Let me share with you how I recognize Him in my daily walk. When I’m with my family, I see Him in the twinkling eyes of my grandchildren and in the tenderheartedness of my children as they patiently and devotedly train and instruct their children.

Yesterday, I saw God in my youngest grandson as he did his daily chores. I was so impressed with his attention to the details of being sure just the right amount of feed was in the feeders for his goats, and just the right amount of a different kind of feed for his horse and, and yet another kind for his donkey. I saw him give his horse a Pop Tart to hide the medicine he gave him. I saw him carefully pull out that big wheelbarrow to the barnyard and pick up all the animals’ droppings and then push that wheelbarrow all the way to the pasture. He was so attentive to his responsibilities.

I thought about God’s attention to the details of our lives. He is so a part of our lives that we can rest assured nothing goes unnoticed by Him. God is with us. Just like anyone who would be a passenger in our car, or a guest at our dinner table….. we can talk to Him. We can talk to Him about any, and everything. We can thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that we may find. I know He is with me, so I'm sensitive to wanting to please Him. And I’ve found that, because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away, and I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU! Do you see what I see?

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Greater Things Will You Do!

What a day to be alive!! I keep saying that when I see yet another new electronic game, toy, machine or gadget is introduced to the market. And, no sooner does it make its debut, that that item is sold out because we just can't wait to get our hands on it.
nds on it.

I am so amused as I watch my two youngest grandsons enjoy their high tech Christmas gifts. Of course, the 2017 Madden Football and the 2017 NBA video games were Brennan's attention getter, but the one that grabbed Bryson's attention the most was his remote controlled fishing boat.

Though he tried it out in the swimming pool first, he wouldn't settle until we took it down to the creek to try to catch a fish with it. With all his effort, those fish were just not attracted to a buzzing fishing boat with cheese on the hook to lure them in. LOL!

The other gimmick toy was the biggest bubble ever. Long gone are the days of those little bubbles we blew from the tubes and tiny straw. These giant bubbles are strong enough to sit and read on them! LOL!

My big boys enjoyed the video games and without much encouragement, they got some fresh air and exercise on the basketball court.

But, back to all this new technology and innovations. Wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do." John 14:12. Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need. He was multi-tasking all the time. What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways to do things.)

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7. How awesome is that? He is in us, and greater things, greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as the Baby in the Manger. Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do. After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us! EMMANUEL -- God with us!

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Cornish Hens, A Street Sign and Noticing and Pondering

Lately, I've seemed to be more of a noticer AND a ponderer than ever before. Both words seem to be encased in the traditions of Christmas. I'm in good company. The shepherds were noticers of the angels who broke the news of their Savior's birth. The Wise Men were noticers of the star that led them to the Christ Child. And, Mary was a ponderer. Luke 2:19 says (after the shepherds departed): "And Mary pondered these things in her heart." I like that -- and I sure desire to follow Mary's lead, as well as the shepherds and Wise Men -- pondering and noticing.

Years ago, when we lived in Canada, our daughter, a high school student at the time, had some Winnipeg Jets Hockey player friends, and one young man became very close to our family. Along with the friendship that Staci had with this young man, my husband and I enjoyed friendship with his parents. I know it was, in part, because of both families having German backgrounds. They were fluent in speaking German. We were not, but Staci and I took some German classes at the University of Manitoba to help us understand and speak some of the language. I'd like to say we became fluent but NOT, but I can tell you that we enjoyed sailing with them on their sail boat and visiting them at their lake home. What still stays with us today, is one of the meals that Renata (that's the young man's mom) made for us. Grilled cornish hens that were seasoned with Spike. We loved it so much that it became a meal I duplicated and to this day, Staci asks me to make that meal for her -- it's become a family tradition. Grilled, "Spiked" Cornish Hens and Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta. In fact she asked me to make it for her birthday dinner. I did. Every time I have made that meal, I think about Renata and how precious she was and how much she loved my Staci. Pondering.

I was running here in Frisco the day after I made that meal for Staci a couple of days ago, and I NOTICED a street sign with the name Reata Drive. I PONDERED Renata and that delicious cornish hen meal and quietly thanked God for that memory, but then when I pondered, I prayed a little prayer for Renata. Silly thought? Or divine thought where I was led to pray for a friend that it's been well over 30 years since we were together. I took it so seriously that I found the young man (now, mature man) on Facebook and recalled some of our great times together, along with asking for his Mom's phone number. He responded with it and expressed his gratitude for our "history" together. Though I still haven't been able to get in touch with his Mom, I left her a message of gratitude for the memories and I let her know I was praying for her.

I like to think that just maybe.....noticing and pondering are part of seeing, hearing and sensing God WITH US. Remember Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel (God with us)? The more I've thought about those cornish hens and the brief encounter with a street sign called Reata, the more I realized we should all think of ourselves as “God with us.” When we understand that Emmanuel is with us, then even the thoughts we think just might be exactly what and who He's wanting us to pray for and reach out to. Maybe they are just not random thoughts but bullseye target thoughts where we are to be God’s representative to our world. We can live to purposely be aware of God with us and in us to be His "light" representative which means to express the reality of His attitudes, actions, and character in and through our lives.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Do You See What I See?

Day 362 of Photo Inspirations -- Do You See What I See?
Though most of the festivities are over, the joy and peace of Christmas still lingers. I’m still captivated by the flickering lights that are still glowing brightly. I just love the sweet and tender atmosphere of Christmas. But, most of all, what reassurance it is, to know that the great gift of the babe in the manger is still here because He is Emmanuel......God with us.

Jesus Christ -- God, made flesh, wrapped Himself in a cloak of human flesh as a baby. Two bright eyes then, are the eyes that roam to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). One precious, sweet mouth was the mouth that breathed the breath of life into man, and the man became a living being. The only phrase that delights my soul more than "God WITH us" is "God IN us".

He came to be God WITH us. He died and rose again to be God IN us.

Have you ever looked for something that was right in front of you all the time? I could be wearing my glasses, and be looking for my glasses. I could be looking for my keys and they could be right on the counter in front of me. And we could be missing God when He is right in us. He could be speaking to us, and we're just not listening. Think about it. This Christmas, we've heard and sang lots of songs about Him and we've heard and read many scriptures about Him being with us, and seen so many evidences of His presence, yet we could just NOT be seeing Him.

What if we REALLY tuned into Emmanuel? What if we sincerely realized we are never alone, because God IS with us.

I DO recognize Him. I sense Him in the peaceful times in my mornings, as I read His Word and in times of prayer…..but, even more so, I know He is with me during my everyday life. I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, just like anyone who would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table…..I talk to Him. I talk to Him about any, and everything. I thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find. I know He is with me, so I'm sensitive to wanting to please Him. And I’ve found that, because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away, and I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Greater Things Shall You Do

Day 361 of Photo Inspirations -- Greater Things Shall You Do
I have to laugh out loud as I watch my two youngest grandsons enjoy their high tech Christmas gifts. The one that has grabbed the most attention is their hover board. For most of the day, they're counting the minutes until it's their turn to use it.

Last night, we went to the grocery store and as we exited the car, Brennan said, "Nana, can I take my hoverboard in?" I was surprised he brought it with us, and at first I said, "No", but then I thought that it may be a good way to keep them locked into me at the store. After all I needed to be their responsible grandmother. They took turns riding it up and down the aisles, following me closely. Several people stopped us to ask "Where did you get that?" Their reply? "Santa". A friend said, "Michael J Fox from Back to the Future!" Hilarious! When it was time to check out, we were warned by the cashier, "Better not bring that in with you next time. We've had to ban skateboards, skates, hoverboards and heelies from the store. The risk is too high!" I get that, but the boys sure were able to enjoy themselves going down those long stretches of "landing strips" before their fun came to an end. Leave it to Nana to stretch the limits. LOL!

My first photo inspiration today was catching Brennan -- not only on the hover board, but, as easy as walking, he had on his Beats headphones and using his iTouch -- operating 3 high tech items at the same time! Wonder Boy! LOL! First it occurred to me -- "Look at the coordination of that boy. He's just like his Nana........NOT!" I fell yesterday just going up the stairs while talking on the phone to Mom in Tulsa. Brennan came running to me. He and Mom, both, where shouting, "Are you okay?" I was.

All this technology -- wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do." John 14:12 -- Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need. He was multi-tasking all the time. Yes, we are in the age of the greatest advancements in technology and it is moving at warp speed. What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways ways to do things.)

We heard the song, "Mary, Did You Know?" so many times over the Christmas season, and I think about all the Mamas out there who could have been asked similar questions "Mrs. Ford, DID YOU KNOW that your son would invent the car?" "Mrs Wright, DID YOU KNOW your boys would invent the first airplane?" "Mrs. Gates, DID YOU KNOW your son, Bill, would be a world leader and innovator in computer technology?" Mrs. Zuckerberg, DID YOU KNOW your son, Mark, would create Facebook?"

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7. How awesome is that? He is in us, and greater things and greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as the Baby in the Manger. Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do. After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us! EMMANUEL -- God with us!

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Debt Paid In Full

Day 93 of Photo Inspirations -- Debt PAID in FULL
Two friends and I meet daily (M-F) at 6:30 am to walk the perimeter of our subdivision three times (3.3 miles). We walk, talk and pray. We're on purpose. We pray for divine intervention for our families, our community, city, state and world. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Because, we're "in the moment", we notice the "God" things all around us. As the sun rises, we recognize the LIGHT of God's creation and His "Good Morning" to us. We see the birds flying, and we hear "Don't concern yourselves with things that keep you earth-bound. Rise up to My view where I see the BIG PICTURE -- the BIG PLANS for your lives and those plans are in progress for your good."

Yesterday morning, we were walking in wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Whew! Acts 2:2 resonated in us ("....the rushing, mighty wind of God came in and filled the house where they were sitting"). We said, "Aw -- God's rushing, mighty wind is upon us and that wind pushes out anything contrary to God's Word in our community, our families' lives, our country and our world. We prayed for Israel.

But, it was "Good Friday", and we talked about what Christ did for us on Calvary. He paid a debt He didn't owe. He paid our debt. My friend mentioned a health issue, and right away we talked about the blood of Jesus that was shed for our sins AND for our healing. "He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24.

As we talked about the power of His blood, we looked down and saw this red paint mark on the concrete -- and we were impressed by the visual that God caused us to see...simply because we were "in the moment" seizing the moment. There is nothing to compare with the nudges, visuals, and sweet embraces we feel from God when we make Him the invited guest, the center of attention and the VIP of our day. Go ahead -- try it! I promise you many, many divine encounters when you do. Why wouldn't the ONE Who paid our debt, gave His life for us so that we would live, check in with us on a daily basis? That's Who He is. He is Emmanuel -- GOD WITH US!

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