Temple Tuesday Was Just That

Tuesday of Holy Week could be called "Temple Tuesday," because in Matthew 21 we read how Jesus spent this day of Holy Week at the temple -- teaching and using parables to make his points. He was constantly confronted by religious leaders. They challenged his authority to teach the people, and lamblasted him with unreasonable theological questions. He answered them so successfully that "no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions".

I had a sweet Temple Tuesday day because 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" Nancy Crow and I enjoyed a birthday lunch celebrating a dear friend, Sharon Ray at Wild Fork. We talked a lot about the faithfulness of God, the many ways He has blessed us and how we are here on this earth -- not to be a part of the naysayers, the cynics and those who seem compelled to live on the side of frustration, anger, and fear, but to be a part of the solution -- living lives of complete trust in God because FATHER knows best! I loved it when our waiter, gave a private birthday concert to Sharon. He said we "made his day" when we were leaving, and He made ours.

Then tonight, my Life Group (12 of us) went to see "Miracles From Heaven". Yesterday, I posted that I would give my review of the film. Let's just say....it would be well worth it to see it sometime during this Holy Week. For sure you will see our God Who is alive and well in the lives and hearts of His people, and how He is still in the miracle working business. In contrast to all the "noise" and "violence" in this world, as I watched that movie, I thought about the "safe place" we are in when we are in the presence of God.

A friend in my community went to see it earlier today. She called me to say "This movie should be seen be everyone in the world. There is no way they won't believe in God and His miracles if they see it. But be sure to bring tissues." And I wholeheartedly agree. Whether you’re a believer, non-believer, or agnostic, you will find it hard to hold back some tears at various points throughout the story. The fact that it's a true story heightens those emotions.

Much of what draws out the emotion in us is Jennifer Garner's character, the mother of the little girl. She revealed such warmth and vulnerability and determination. Her faith and her family's faith was tested to the core. Faith was the most crucial component of the movie -- the need for it and the validation of it, but most of all the "stuff" we go through....could very well be for changing lives around us.

Our Life Group came out of the movie, exhilarated, emotionally drained by the ups and downs of the story line, and praising God for yet another affirmation that "Nothing is Impossible With God". Do yourself a favor -- see this movie. It could easily have been one of those illustrated sermons that Jesus gave in the temple in explaining what trust in God can do. Aren't you so glad you get to be alive to see the visuals played out in movies and real life of God's wonder-working power? I know I am.

Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers

Day 141 of Photo Inspirations -- Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers
Yesterday was Payton's birthday party -- he had planned it for weeks -- pool party, pool games, outdoor fun.  But then we had to think about Plan B -- the forecast was 92% chance of rain.

Yesterday, I posted about how I am honing in on taking my prayer life to another level -- drawing circles around my prayers and instead of timid prayers, praying faith-filled, walking-on-water prayers.    So during our morning devotion and prayer around the breakfast table -- we prayed for a beautiful day that gave opportunity to the fun and games at the pool, as well as the Plan B games we had ready to go.

The party was set for Noon to 6 pm.  During those six hours, we had completely clear, warm and beautiful weather.  The party was a complete success.  It started with music by Payton and Chris, then ping pong  and pizza....and then, as Payton had believed.....pool games (in and out of the water), one of which included a stick of gum covered with whipped cream in a plate.  With hands behind their backs, they had to go face-first into the whipped cream to get the gum in their mouth.  The first one to get their gum and blow a bubble was the winner.  And, there they enjoyed their chocolate chip cookie dessert.  Smart idea to have the messiest part of the party at the pool!

It was brilliant of us to have a Plan B -- that added to the fun of our Birthday Olympics.  Back at the house, we had all kinds of "Minute to Win It" games:  Moving Skittles with straws, Stack Attack (stacking cups and taking down); Cookie Eater (Forehead to mouth -- no hands); Defy Gravity -- keeping 3 balloons up with one hand the longest; Rapid Fire -- using rubber bands to knock 3 cups off the table.

Here's the REAL deal:  we prayed an audacious prayer for a beautiful rain-less day, and we received it.  We celebrated the faithfulness of God.  But what if it had rained out the pool party?  No BIG deal -- sometimes it's the rain that causes us to dance and party in the rain.  The joys in life are making the plans.....and allowing God to direct our paths.  That way....it's a WIN - WIN -- however it turns out.  "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9