It’s Okay to Call Out for Help

I was inquisitive enough to read “The Pilgrim’s Progress” over the last couple of days. Allegories aren’t my forte, but I did understand “Christian” was looking for the Celestial City throughout. I’m so visual that I needed technicolor and visual characters to help me grasp it. So, I rented the 2019 animated version on Amazon Prime. Aha! The lights in my brain flickered and brightened as I watched it. I was blessed.

I had heard others refer to the book by John Bunyan time and again. It was his greatest work and now, it has been a source of spiritual inspiration and help to countless readers. Translated into over 200 languages, it has never been out of print since the day it was first published in 1678. John Bunyan was arrested for preaching the gospel. His wife died leaving him with four children, one who was blind. Yet he refused to give up telling people the good news about Jesus. Certainly, out of his greatest tragedies, and while in prison, came a victory that still captures the hearts of millions – and better yet, many have come to see the Celestial City themselves – particularly by the way they live this life on this side of the Celestial City.

“The Pilgrim’s Progress” tells the story of a person called ‘Christian’ on a journey from his hometown to the Celestial City. On the way, he faces many strangers – some good for him and his faith and others that do their best to steal his faith and his life. He encounters incredible difficulties, challenges and obstacles, yet he perseveres faithfully to the end.

Honestly, as I read this book and saw the movie come to life, I was taken by the parallels of the times we are in today. We don’t need a book or movie to reveal that a Christian life is not always a piece-of-cake. I say a big "Amen!" to that! I’m so thankful that I was tight with Jesus and He guided and held me through some major tumultuous times. My life has been exciting AND perplexing enough that a book and movie could be written right alongside “The Pilgrim’s Progress”.

Truth is we all face many difficulties along life’s way. But, they don’t have to derail us. As I saw in this book/movie, if we go through difficult times while staying close to Jesus, we will emerge stronger, wiser, and even more Christ-like because of the trials, temptations, the tough times…..that don’t last, but tough people do. In fact they outlast all others, because if there’s one thing we know for sure – we live not just this life on earth….but those of us who follow the “Good Shepherd” and His paths, we’ll live forever and ever with Him. It’s a guarantee.

Throughout the Bible and in particular, the Psalm, we hear how David and others cried out to God for help. Have you ever poured out your complaints? I have. And, you know what? It’s okay. God has big shoulders. The truth is the sweet relationship we have with God isn’t always sweet. Sometimes we cry out for help and sometimes comfort just doesn’t come right away. I’ve been there and had some sleepless nights. “Christian” felt like God had rejected him and that he would never experience God’s favor again. So, it was with the psalmist. So, it was with John Bunyan. So, it was with Donna.

Here’s what I know. God is always there for us, telling us “Lay your burdens down at the feet of your King. Not one of the hairs on your head go unnoticed.” (That’s a line from the book, as well as scriptures in the Bible.) These photos show the heavy burden Christian carried until the closer he came to the cross – the more he was set free from his burden. Here is our consolation and assurance -- no matter how we feel and no matter what we say, when we are crying for help – we can be assured that God wants us to be real with Him. He doesn't want us to pretend that all is well. An earthly dad would want our truth. For sure, God wants to hear the cries of our heart. That draws us close to Him even in times of great distress.

Thank you, Lord, that you hear our cries for help. Thank you for not rejecting us, but holding us, taking our burdens from us and leading us closer to the cross where we are set free.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." (Psalm 23:4)

Faith Crisis? Don’t Stop Now. You’re Almost There.

I have many friends who are facing a faith crisis -- some in their health, their finances, their relationships and/or simply fear for what the future holds. After all, if we watched and listened to the news long enough, and believed it – we could all take a tail spin.
It's not that we don't believe in God or believe His Word. It is that our symptoms are speaking louder than our faith. Let's stop and consider that there is nothing too difficult for the great "I AM" Who is our Lord God. Let's strengthen our resolve to truly believe Him for complete restoration in His perfect timing. Let's be strong and immovable! Let's just BREATHE and have FAITH that God is working out everything for the best!

We know that this isn’t the end of our story. It’s a chapter in our story, and there are other chapters to write after this one. Our Savior isn’t a cold-hearted cosmic judge disconnected from our pain. He’s a loving Father and Friend who is walking with us and even carrying us through life’s most difficult times. Jesus said, “Never will I leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

On this side of eternity, we don’t always see how God takes the broken pieces and creates something beautiful with them, but we can have the assurance in knowing that He will redeem the circumstances somehow in His perfect timing. Perhaps some of the good He'll bring is using the pain to bring us closer to Him. At the end of each day, we can still proclaim: "God is good. All the time. And, all the time, God is good!" So don't stop now. Just breathe. Keep having strong FAITH that everything will work out for the best. You're almost to your miracle!

Psalm 107:19-21 "Then they cried out to the Lord because of their problems. And He saved them from their troubles. He gave His command and healed them. He saved them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love. Let them give thanks for the miracles He does for his people."

A Fire. A Journal. A Blessing

A few days ago, my daughter sent me this text message: “Do you know when the fire in our home was?” Of course, she could ask me that because she knows about my daily journal writing. It’s a routine that I’ve been quite consistent with for decades. I write about significant details of my day, notable happenings of my family and little nuggets from God in our time together during my devotions. Staci was asking that question because a couple who was at their church the next Sunday after the fire and heard their “victory” testimony of God’s amazing grace, asked for the date. It was a pivotal story for that couple. It touched their lives so much that they starting looking at life differently – with gratitude in the midst of chaos and disappointment.

On this day, when Staci asked about that specific horrific, yet victorious day, I was able to go right to my 2002 journal because I remembered it was when Payton was two years old and Alexia was 9 months old. We received the call that their garage and home in Prosper, TX were on fire. It was a 4-alarm fire caused by a squirrel eating through electrical wires and when they switched on their lights, it ignited the fire. Their home was unliveable because of so major damage.

We lived in Tulsa and we headed right out to retrieve the little ones. My husband and I kept them for two months while the home was being restored. That, of itself, made many pages in my journal! Over and over I’d comment how exhausted we were at the end of each day, but most precious to me were the words I wrote about how helpful Ron (Papa) was with the kiddos. It made me love him even more. One of these days – I’ll just sit, reminisce and re-read all my entries – but there’s no sitting for this gal right now. Too much to do and accomplish before “sitting days” set in!

Here’s the blessings that came out of what could have been a tragic day of monumental proportions. No one suffered physical harm. They were able to retrieve important original music and speaking tracks from Staci’s recordings, Larry’s college rings, Staci’s jewelry, her scrap books and treasured pictures. They ended up getting enough back from their insurance to do some major remodeling in the home that they had been wanting to do. Things that mattered were saved and other things were replaceable.

But here is the ultimate, best news. People were watching them and how they handled a crisis. God gave Staci a song as she sat on the curb while watching her home burning. She experienced the peace of God that passed understanding. I called her and asked her to give me those words for this blog and she sang them to me. With holy chills, I share them with you of what peace looks like in the midst of a fire or any storm:

“Thanks for the joy that You’ve given to me.
Thanks for Your love -- unconditionally.
Oh, thanks for peace in the midst of the storms.
Lord, I thank you. I thank you.
Because, You’ve been faithful, faithful to me.
Lord, You’re faithful. Your mercies I see.
And when I look back on my life,
The message is clear, You’ve been so faithful to me.”

People are watching us every day. What do we look and act like in times of crisis? How do we live our faith out loud? How do we display our faith and character when we’re pinned up against a wall? Who do we turn to in times of tribulation? I don’t know about you – but I like to think that I go to the Rock of my salvation. When all the earth around me is sinking sand, on Christ the solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter; when I need a friend – I go to the Rock! I just couldn’t help myself. I broke into song when I was typing this! God is faithful and as we stay faith-FULL in the ups and downs of our lives – may we find the blessings in the midst of the fires, the storms, the winds and the waves -- because -- God is faithful!

A Year of GREAT Expectations!

With the Christmas season and story still resonating in my heart -- of a baby in a manger Who became our Savior, I am starting this new year of 2020 on a " great expectation” high. Certainly not expecting a Disney World kind-of-magical-year, but simple confidence in “He Who began a good work in me (and you), is faithful to complete it!” (Philippians 1:6) He Who promised that if I put my faith and trust in Him, will show me where to go and how to get there! “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)

As I said in my blog yesterday, the number 20 symbolizes expectancy. My “expectors” are on high alert for a 2020 year and a decade of blessings! I plan to wake up each day with expecting the best out of this day – this moment. No doubt, there will be some highs and lows – but it doesn’t matter, because I plan to view each day as a gift and how I tackle it with my attitude AND fortitude will either make it or break it for me – and even others in my sphere of influence.

My husband and I, for years, made it an annual tradition to meet with our children and we’d write out our goals for the next year. We made dream boards that made our visions very plain (Habakkuk 2:2) like this one of mine and Payton’s. BTW – most all of the pictures and the dreams behind them came true in some way. There’s just something to be said for goal-setting and vision-casting. Goals create a road map for success. They are the targets that we point our lives to – with a starting point and a destination to reach. They help us clarify what we desire to do, understanding the importance of pursuing them and committing ourselves to making them happen.

My vision casting, today, isn’t so much about the things to attain since I’ve been there and have been so blessed. I’m in this sweet season of purposely laying up my treasures in heaven far more. That’s not to say we shouldn’t set goals spiritually AND naturally that include dreams and desires. But, for me, my goals are so simple – spending time with my family, some travelling, but most of all, serving God. I’m intent on leaving a legacy of faith. I sincerely believe this 2020 year will be marked by opportunities to share God’s good news everywhere I go. My “YES” is big when it comes to being a devoted follower of Christ. I’m keeping my eyes and ears wide open with great expectations for a harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God and seeing radical life transformations in those God places in my pathway. I’m purposing to find things that I can take delight in so that I always dwell on goodness and not sorrow. I know I can trust God to bring me through every circumstance in peace.

I am looking to the future and not the past. I know WHO holds my future so I have no reason to fear or doubt. I refuse to allow discouragement to take me off course. I intend to embrace what God is doing in each situation and circumstance of my life because, by now, I’ve learned “ALL things work together for good” because I love God with all my heart and I know I’m called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28)

This is my "Great Expectation" declaration! Could I please urge you to begin this year with a Great Expectation declaration, too? Great Expections that something good is about to happen to you and yours each day. Great expectations that God is for you. Great expectations for a great hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). Great expectations for living in hope, love, joy and peace – every single day of this new year! Let's get our "expectors" expecting!

🎈🎈🎈🎈 A Tribute to my Beloved Sister 🎈🎈🎈🎈

Because she's alive and well and it's her birthday!
Tributes to those we love generally come after they have passed on. I can’t wait to give that tribute because, quite frankly, I may get my heavenly-orders before she gets hers. One advantage of marrying young has been that I have had many years, not only to grow up together with my husband, Ron, but also his sister, Karen. I had no younger siblings, but Ron’s 4-years younger sister, became my sister and dear friend.

Karen was the giggling little 9-year-old sister that got to see her 13-year old brother and 12-year-old ME holding hands under the table at Kip’s Big Boy Restaurant in South Oak Cliff Dallas after Sunday night church services. She adored her big brother and believed anything he told her. She would gladly trade her dime for his penny or nickel because “Sis, I’m happy to give you this big coin for your little one.” Allies, the two of them, who could conjure up some brilliant child-versions of mighty exploits.

Years later, Karen and I had a niche-market estate sales business. We marketed the home and its contents. Our merry hearts, sense of humor and out-spoken faith opened the doors for us to have a thriving, successful business of which people would tell us “You're the BEST!" The estate sale business is a work-out, but loving and helping people in time of need became not just a business, but our mission field.

It was at about the same time that Ron became very ill with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. Karen and I were close but never closer than this season. She went with us to almost every doctor appointment. She provided a shoulder to cry on during some of our toughest times and a merry heart to laugh with us during hilarious times. Karen and I were Ron’s prayer team. We would go for walks during “stressful times’ at the hospital. Worry could have consumed us, but we turned those times into stretching-our-faith-muscles times.

After Dad passed away, Karen assured Mom “You’ll always have a home with us when you're ready." George and Karen made sure that happened when Mom could no longer live alone. They have been hopelessly devoted to mom in every way. Karen has been relentless in her faith, determined in hope,and unparalled in her care for mom. I can’t begin to adequately explain the kindness in her heart or the depth of her love that even goes beyond mom and her immediate family. She has always had a one or two-at-a-time ministry to those who were mistreated or misguided in some way. She is not only beautiful on the outside, she has a beautiful soul. She sees the beauty in others. She is remarkable. She has become known for caring for the uncared for right until they pass onto heaven.

Truly, to convey all I want to say is inadequate in a mere blog, but I hope I've at least conveyed my deepest love and utmost respect for my sis. Karen, I was chosen by your brother and he chose me to be your sister. And I am the blessed one. Happy Birthday, my faithful and beloved sister. 🎈🎈🎈

When Mountains Don’t Move

I know mountains. I’ve gazed at their beauty from a distance. I’ve skied down them. I’ve driven the winding roads to the top of them and embraced the beauty from the top looking down. And I know MOUNTAINS -- those vast, enormous obstacles and circumstances that seem beyond overwhelming.

We think that if only these mountains were removed, our lives might be more peaceful. But, there must be mountains to appreciate the valleys. And perhaps, God, in all His wisdom, is wanting us to scale those mountains. He is wanting us to hike up those mountains for a “mountain-top experience” where we are refreshed, restored, nourished, and where we receive divine revelation. His revelation is always intended to grow our faith, strengthen our resolve, and equip us to take on any mountain that may be standing in our way.

I sang along as my car radio played Lauren Daigle's “I Will Trust in You” song. I meant the words as I belted them out with her:
“When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move; When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through;;
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You;
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You”

It’s difficult to trust someone when they’ve let us down by mistakes they made and we wonder if we can ever trust them again. Oh, but not so with our God. He is dependable, true, honest, unwavering, loving and faithful in all His ways. So when our mountains aren’t moving, we can do but one thing – trust in He Who knows best. Father knows best.

I speak from firsthand experience…..again. Through the heartaches, amazingly, I experienced more of God’s love. It’s unlike anything the world can offer. Sure, I’ve cried and even had some wailing times, but God extended strength, peace, and joy during the difficult times. Only God, the Creator of all good things, could have carried me through those times.

Do you ever stop to consider God’s point of view when you’re going through a hard time? He’s a good, loving Father. He could have changed circumstances with a snap of his holy fingers, but He decided on the slow – let her "trust in Me" grow-times. I can see clearly now. He wanted me to share my story with others who have experienced pain, loss and disappointment. Maybe He saw how it all would strengthen my faith and the faith of others. Maybe He saw how He would be glorified.

And, maybe, God intervenes more than I realize, maybe, more than we all realize, and maybe God might have prohibited a situation from happening that would have been even more difficult. I sure don’t know it all, but I do know I just need to trust my good, loving Father. Whether it seems big or small, God cares and desires to reveal His love for you. Let’s trust God, even when our plans don’t seem to align with His.

It's Not Easy – But It Is Sure Worth It

I’m here in Austin where we had a sweet Father’s Day with my son and family. My son is a terrific father and I like to think that he is because of his dad who loved him so much and modeled a loving father and mentor to him. Father’s Day prompted the memories of so many joys my husband and I had in welcoming him, our firstborn, to this world.

We were married for just three months when my bold and daring, young husband announced that we should start our family. “We want to be young parents and grandparents” was his rationale. Indeed, we were just babies when we had our babies (we were 18 & 19 with the first, and 20 & 21 with the second). What a contrast we were to how “on purpose” couples are in planning their families these days: finish college; secure a well-paying job with great benefits; plenty of savings and security -- then they're ready to start their family. Not so with us -- two kids that were inexperienced in life, child-rearing, business, and finances. But, we had plenty of faith, self-confidence, determination, ambition, and most of all, profound love for each other. We were flying by the seat of our pants……and what a flight it was!

My first pregnancy was beyond uncomfortable. I was an office receptionist, working to support my “college-man” husband AND we had a baby on the way. Morning sickness that came with nausea and hanging out in the ladies’ room, was no excuse at my job. I’d greet visitors as they entered the building and then I'd make a mad dash for the ladies room. There were the preparations for our little one, moving from a small one bedroom apartment to leasing a little 2-bedroom home, dreaming, and THEN, the labor and delivery….CRAZY pain that seemed to last forever (really, only hours), that eventually became CRAZY sweet. That baby boy, who we only dreamed of having one day, rushed in and stole our hearts. We were completely in love with that little man. My husband was the proudest dad and assumed his new dad role in life with fervor. But it wasn’t easy.

Why am I sharing this little excerpt from our life story with you? Because it’s a story of puppy love that turned into real, authentic love that knew no bound, child-like faith, dreams, taking risks, and making lots of mistakes. It’s a story of God loving us so much, that He even made our mistakes to prosper. It’s a story of believing that what God starts in our hearts….He is faithful to help us complete it. It’s the same story of anyone who starts out with a dream – perhaps a CRAZY idea that is driven by passion and determination. And, along the way, in an effort for the “birth” of that idea -- whether it’s a business, a ministry, an invention, or heart’s desire -- there is tremendously hard work, pain, waiting, dreaming, and struggle….but there’s no turning back. You’ve given your ALL for this “baby”, and though the months of preparation, dreaming, getting ready for the launch or the birth -- seems like it’s taking FOREVER…..in due season, when it seems it’s not going to happen, the greatest PUSH of your lifetime is required, and then that “baby” you’ve dreamed of having, will make its debut and your dream becomes reality.

Today, I urge you to keep pressing in, forging on, stretching greater, and “Be not weary in well-doing, for, in due season, you will reap if you faint not.” (Galatians 6:9). This "baby" you’re carrying will get here. Be faithful to the dream and vision. Do your part as God does His. Soon, your baby will rush in and, all you’ve worked so hard for will be here. The "baby" may not look anything like you thought he would, but he will be just the way God created him to be JUST FOR YOU! When it does, all the pain, all the sleepless nights, all the worry and anxiety, will be something of the past. I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy! I am telling you it’s ALL going to be worth it.

God Help Me! My Routine Went AWOL!

Routine: sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program, practice, pattern, regimen, plan, habits, schedule

My routine, first thing each morning, is to send a text message to my children, and my sister-in-law. Just a few love words to let them know that I was thinking about them and praying for them. My next morning routine is to go to my office and tap the SEND icon on my Facebook post and PUBLISH on my blog post. Then I quickly scan some of my friends’ activity on FB. Yesterday, I was shocked to see that my wonderful Tulsa dentist, Dr. Mark Tiernan, had passed away. Dr. Mark was a dear friend, amazing and fearless man of integrity and honor, missionary to nations to give his love away while providing his dental skills to those in need and precious man of God. Heaven just got sweeter.

My next routine is to make my way to the fitness center. I sat down at the stationary bike, inserted my ear plugs and turned on the TV. I should have avoided the news, the bickering and the sensational soundbites. I saw Mark Zuckerburg (Facebook’s creator) giving testimony to Congress about the data breaches that have made global headlines in recent weeks. I hope Congress and Mark can figure it all out and get their ROUTINES fixed, because whatever was wrong, FB is my mission field.

It doesn’t take long to deal with my own emotions, hear personal news from family and friends, along with the daily news, that the weight of the world invades my mind. I returned home from my work out and I was bombarded with those weights – not from the gym, but the world. I began to do the ugly cry – for my friends, my family, my world AND ME! I was having one of THOSE mornings. My upbeat, joy-filled, press-on, unwavering, tenacious attitude AND ROUTINE was interrupted with a wave of doubt, unbelief and concern. I was drenched in a puddle of self-pity.

I rushed to my journal, another routine, and I began to write: “My feelings hurt! I’m too sensitive. I’m too fleshly. I'm weary. I feel so weak. Restore my soul, oh Lord. Renew a right spirit within me. Lord, PLEASE HELP ME!” I quickly went to another of my morning routines, my Bible and my devotional booklet. Up popped these scriptures from Psalm 34, and, soon, all was well.
~ “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.”
~ "I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
~ “Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush with shame."
~ “Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in Him."

Thanks be to God. I could breathe again. I’m so thankful that the Bible goes to great lengths to show us that all the people on its pages were ordinary and average, doing one little thing after another, rooted in trust, grounded in good news, and drenched in fear or hopelessness. Even people like Moses, Noah, Abraham and Sarah had their weaknesses and made their missteps. The only one who rose above it all was Jesus. As for the rest of the people in all the stories of the Bible, God filled them up with His Holy Spirit and breathed life into their ROUTINES, their dreams and their plans, and God, through ordinary people who did ordinary things, made miracles happen that changed the world for good.

Maybe today, your ROUTINE is out of whack. You also long for the “all is well” state of being. Take heart, my friends. All IS well. We just need to keep breathing….deeply. We do our part. We fight the good fight. We keep looking up. We can count on God's ROUTINE...He is ALWAYS faithful.

Mary, Did You Know?

My claim to fame....if it weren't for me -- my children wouldn't be. And God needed a vessel -- one He favored above ALL women -- to be the Mother of Jesus. He chose Mary to BE the First Lady of our Faith. She was found faithful. And what faith she had! She was the first to believe in Jesus as her Savior and Lord -- while she still carried Him in her womb.

This photo is one of my Christmas favorites. It brings Mary right to where we are. It helps us to know she was one of us. She was a woman with real emotions, real challenges, and real love for her baby boy. "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) "Ponder" is a great word and a great idea for us, too! Christmas should be all about "pondering". Mary treasured the events of Jesus' birth. She thought deeply about all that took place. She would need to remember all that God had done, in order to trust what God would allow when Jesus grew to manhood. Can you just imagine the bedtime stories she told her boy?

My all-time favorite Christmas song is Mark Lowery’s “Mary Did You Know?” for many reasons. It momentarily shows Mary more than the lovely woman in blue and white clothing, radiant face, and a halo affixed perfectly above her head. She really was one of us. Like us, she held her baby, she cared for him, she thought about his future -- just like we do. I relate to her.

Mark wrote the lyrics in 1984 in response to his Pastor’s request to write the script for their church's Christmas production. Twelve years later, Buddy Greene put the script to music. When Mark was asked to write the script, little did he realize that little "seed" would bring about an abundant harvest. That script was one of those Jeremiah 29:11 moments “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Mark had no idea of the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was on him for that significant moment in time.

What do you think? DID MARY KNOW that He was her Creator, that He would walk on water, that He would heal the blind man, that He would raise the dead? Did she know that when she kissed her little baby boy that she was kissing the face of God?

We'll ask her that question one day, but one thing's for sure, she was the vessel God chose to bear His Son, and I believe she was chosen because He knew she would be the role model, the caregiver, the teacher/trainer, the spiritual director, and the guardian that caused her son to “grow in wisdom and stature with God and man" (Luke 2:52). I believe she recognized that her boy's talents would "take Him places" and that He would do great and mighty things, because she was "tight with God" and she held His promises close to her heart.

The question for us is "Do we believe as Mary did?" What God's Word says about Jesus is true. And her example for being that role model, caregiver, teacher/trainer, spiritual director and guardian, is one we should follow in raising our children and grandchildren to "grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man".

I love this beautiful song, and this amazing rendition by Pentatonix. I share it as a gift for you to realize that Mary's faith and reality is our faith and reality, too. "This little child that Mary delivered, delivered her and us!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

A Lion, A Bear, A Big Dude = Promotion

A couple of days ago, I shared about young David and his ability to withstand the taunts and threats of the giant, but all it took was confidence and knowing who he was as God's representative (That giant was messing with the wrong guy!), and he took down that giant in one fell swoop! That seemed to be his crowning moment, even though it wasn't his first encounter with the enemy.

I want to add a little P.S. to that post today. David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. We might say, it wasn't an overnight success story. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities while simply tending to his sheep -- certainly a menial task -- not star quality opportunities. But, David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. How's that for promotion?

And, like David, the sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!

Go Big or Go Home OR Little is Much When God is in it?

Today, BIG everything seems like such a BIG deal. Just go into a 7-Eleven store in Texas and they’ve got the Super "Big Gulp" Drinks, Oklahomans have Quik Trip where the drinks are the "BIG Q" drinks. Go into some fast food restaurant and we’re invited to SUPER SIZE our fries and drinks. There are those who drive a BIG hummer to let folks know who the BIG BOSS is. In all those cases, those folks believe “Bigger is better”.

There’s the BIG expression “Go Big or Go Home” – meaning “be extravagant or do whatever you are doing to its fullest!”

But this post isn’t about BIGGER being better….it’s about the LITTLE THINGS that really matter. Remember “little” David taking care of his sheep? All his BIG brothers – armored and trained for battle – couldn’t defeat the Philistines, but “little” David armored only with his faith and trust in God, his stones and a sling – took down the BIG GULP giant. That time “Bigger is Better” and “Go Big or Go Home” sure didn’t matter.

I heard about a major power outage that affected millions of people in Arizona, California and Mexico. Two nuclear reactors were temporarily shut down. Traffic backed up for miles all over the area. Cars collided as frustrated drivers navigated without traffic signals. Airports were shut down, stranding passengers. Happening on an incredibly hot, triple-digit-temperature September day, the power outage knocked out air conditioning. It left people stuck in elevators. San Diego beaches were closed when almost two million gallons of raw sewage spilled, a result of the water pumps failure at the regional station. The failure continued to wreak havoc days after it was resolved.

Why did all of this happen? It turns out that one person’s undeliberate actions somehow tripped a switch in southwest Arizona. One little thing that mattered. One person unintentionally caused chaos for millions of people. It had the ripple effect.

And what about that little "unintentional" remark we say carelessly to someone that causes their day to crash and causes them to implode because of rejection, misunderstanding and disappointment. We think it’s the BIG things that matter, but not so when it comes to what matters most. Our actions do make a difference. And, conversely, it is possible that the encouraging words we said to someone about a job well done made a difference in their day and their family’s day, because they came home feeling esteemed and valued and they, in turn, made their family feel esteemed and valued. Shoveling snow from a neighbor’s walkway may have started a “pay it forward” line of thinking. Even the smallest actions can cause unbelievable good or wreak havoc in unintended ways. Like that employee that caused all the havoc in Arizona, we can make havoc or make for peace and joy in someone’s life. We can make a difference.

Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.” The little things of life is where integrity shows up – often in the stuff that no one sees, in the stuff behind the scenes. In the small, unseen, unspectacular choies of life where we do the right thing even when no one ever sees it.

Big OR small.....may our hearts be opened to the potential to be used as a "ripple effect" of love, joy, peace, and comfort to our world.

JUST DO IT

Day 308 of Photo Inspirations -- JUST DO IT!
Yesterday's Bible Study was on the Fruit of the Spirit's quality of Faithfulness.   What does "faithfulness" look like to you?  If God is our standard for faithfulness, then we have a lot to measure up to.  Just the thought of His faithfulness, overwhelms me.  He never gives up on us.  He's ALWAYS there for us. We never have to question His fidelity, loyalty and integrity.  He just DOES IT!

Nike's slogan "Just Do It" is a good slogan for Faithfulness -- just doing it -- the right thing -- no matter what.  Doing it regardless of feelings, moods or desires.  

Of course, we look to God for His strength on a daily basis.  Every day we're tempted to give excuses for NOT DOING IT.  We're tired, so we say “I can’t do it.”  We're just plain lazy, so we say, "I don’t want to do it."  We're feeling hopeless, so we say, "It doesn’t matter if I do it.  Why try?"  We procrastinate, so we say, “I’ll do it later."  We rationalize that we don't need to do it, so we say, "Someone else will do it."  We're apathetic to it all, so we say, “I don’t care if I do it."   We're rebellious, so we say, "I won't do it!"
 
Let’s bring it home.  What are the true marks of faithfulness that we want to bear and emulate with a JUST DO IT attitude:

We follow through…on whatever we have to do and we finish it.
We come through….no matter what.
We deliver the goods…..a borrowed cup of sugar.or a finished project.
We show up…..even early so others won’t worry.
We keep our word….our 'yes' means yes and our 'no' means no
We keep our commitments and appointments….we don't cancel.
We are regular church attenders......we don’t neglect worshipping our FAITHFUL God.
We are devoted to fidelity, loyalty, integrity and honor in friendships and marriage.
We live by the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments.  

We may stumble from time to time, but we don’t stay down for long -- for we are faithful and devoted followers of Christ.  One day we’ll be rewarded because of our FAITHFULNESS and we'll hear these beautiful words: ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant! You have been FAITHFUL with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

Choose FAITHFULNESS!

He Calls You To Be Faithful

Day 173 of Photo Inspirations -- God Called Us to Be Faithful
I just returned home from an amazing ACTS Retreat in Luther, OK.  No words can describe the undeniable presence of God that we experienced in all the intricacies of the retreat.  We just knew God's love, peace, and joy was all in each of us as "sisters" and in the one man that was there with us. Father Jack Gleason.  Words he spoke to us are still with me.

He shared, that has a young priest in Rome, he sensed God's desire was for him was the go to a small convent each day to celebrate mass for the nuns there.    Saying "yes" meant certain daily sacrifices. He was taken back when he heard that their masses were at 5:30 am in the morning.  In addition, he didn't have a car and it was a 45-minute walk to get there.  Morning after morning, he took that journey across Rome.  Did he ever wish that he hadn't made such a commitment?  Yes, he did.  But he faithfully continued on day after day.

Then, one day, he showed up at the convent, and there were many cars there.  He didn't know what that meant.  He went in and asked "What's going on?"  They said, "Oh, you didn't hear?  Mother Teresa is with us today."  She was there to serve her fellow sisters and to speak encouragement to them.  In Father Jack's brief conversation with her, she looked at him and said, "God doesn't call you to be successful.  He calls you to be faithful."

Those were words that affirmed Father Jack's commitment to these precious women of God who find ways to be faithful to their calling and to their God every single day.  Success to them is being faithful.   When Father Jack offered himself to serving, goodness was yielded and an exceptional gift was given to him.  We all should keep in mind this marvel.  Some folks think that faithfulness means being the next Mother Teresa in order to do anything for God.  But, they miss the simple openings of the heart that could be just what God is asking from them.  

The enormity of this unassuming nun from India was in her deeds. Everybody respected her persevering work in the restoration of poor people. Mother Teresa had tremendous affection and empathy for all living creatures. She was a lady of character that committed her life to help others.

Father Jack's faithfulness to his "call", opened the door for him to meet a living saint.  Hearing his story, made me very aware of the nudges I've received and let them go because of time restraints or busyness or attitude or "it's just too difficult".  On the other hand, I think about those times when I did say "YES", that I reaped incredible rewards that came as surprises or applause from heaven.  I can only imagine that God has a truckload of blessings ready to be dumped on our lives -- if but only we are FAITHFUL to His still small voice that says "Call that homebound friend; take a meal to a neighbor; take someone to a doctor appointment; volunteer at the Food Bank; start a Bible Study; pray; give out of your abundance."  God doesn't call us to be successful; He calls us to be faithful!

Lion + Bear + Big Dude = Promotion

I posted about David and his Giant, yesterday! Just wanted to add....a P.S. to that post!

David DID win that epic battle with Goliath, but God had prepared him in the trenches, in the “small” things. David was faithful to fulfill his responsibilities. David did anything God asked him to do. When he faced the lion and the bear, he didn’t cower in fear. He knew that God had called him to the sheep, and that God would be faithful to give him the victory. That's why his faith grew as he destroyed the lion and the bear. So when the BIG DUDE came along, David already knew HIS God would defeat that giant as well.

Moral of this story: "Be faithful in the little things (those seemingly insignificant responsibilities and jobs -- like David did as a shepherd boy), then God will make you ruler of much (PROMOTE YOU!)." Luke 16:10. David eventually became King David of Israel. The sheep we protect, lead and guide (you know.....those everyday duties and responsibilities); each lion and bear we slay (everyday issues, challenges and circumstances); and each giant we take down.....are ALL a part of God's Master Plan that leads us to our destiny and purpose! He's preparing us right now and fully equipping us to be the most epic GIANT SLAYER ever! So, BIG DUDE, move out of our way! We've got your number and you're going DOWN....and WE'RE MOVING ON UP!