Sharing a Sweet Homeward-Bound Moment

I share this homeward-bound moment to tell you that God is looking for messengers who are willing to be on assignment for Him. He is looking for the "whoevers" to step up and say "Pick me to help You carry out Your divine plans for this world. His plans for us were given to us by Jesus "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." (Mark 16:15) And, what is that Good News? John told us in his exhortation from John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him, would not perish but have everlasting life." Now, that's Good News and it's also a homeward-bound reality!

Once upon a time, I felt pressured to share my faith. We handed out gospel tracts at events, street corners and even went door-to-door sharing the Good News. Though many were pros at it, It sure wasn’t my comfort zone. Now, my way is to be in the moment, being relaxed and waiting for the heaven-to-earth obvious timing -- an open door or an unquestionable nudge -- to be a light – God’s light to others.

Last week in Red River, NM, I blogged that a store owner had her Bible underneath a basket of crosses. She was overtly displaying her faith. Another store in that town was called “The Way” with a scripture message posted on their front window. They were overtly sharing their faith. I often wear a cross necklace or a t-shirt with a gospel message on it. Now, I wear my "Faith over Fear" face mask. It opened the door for conversation when someone said, "I like your face mask!" BTW, I got mine at Sam Moon's! Those are ways that we can plant a seed into someone’s life. I guarantee you – though many shun the Christian faith and Christian people, if those same folks come against hard times or illness – they search us out because they sense the God-factor in our lives.

What the world needs now is God’s love. How will others know unless they see or hear or feel that love from us? What if a grocery line, a doctor's office a nail or hair appointment became meeting places for divine appointments? I’ve become a listener to that “still small voice” for the opportunity to show God’s love or to speak of God's love. You see, I am overtly sharing the Good News every day in these blogs. I see many of you overtly sharing your faith, too, through your uplifting messages.

Did you know that we have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's prayer daily by simply staying aware of God's little nudges -- and being His voice and His hands extended to a hurting world that needs His love and peace?

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8.

United We Stand – Divided We Fall

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor, our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

Those words seem almost impossible, don’t they? But, not so, “with God – ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). He has brought America from worse times than these. Maybe, you and I were set apart to be here during this time for God’s divine purpose that is renewed every day that we remain on the planet. Part of that purpose involves our place in the world.

It’s time to declare our dependence on God and each other like never before. Only HE can UNITE us in love and peace. Our Founding Fathers came seeking a new life but faced horrendous challenges. America's beginning was turbulent with economic pressures, wars, diversity, cultural challenges and crime. But God sees the end from the beginning. He knew the strength of the people who would become part of this land. They risked their lives and shed their blood for our future.

Though these are also turbulent times, I contend that our United States of America is still the greatest nation in the world. Whether we agree with each other or not, it still stands. I believe it is so because it still has a divine purpose. God is not through with America. As the "land of the free and the home of the brave," it's time to look beyond our own little circles and expand our vision toward the bigger picture. It's not just about "me and mine" anymore. It must be a UNITED effort at home and abroad.
We read in Scripture that "God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Jesus did not stay in the security of His Father's house, but left it to fulfill His home and global mandate. He expects us to do the same. He said: "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:18-20).

God's kingdom is made up of all peoples and so is our nation. Our nation has a unique purpose, and you and I have a purpose in it. As people of God, we have a responsibility to fulfill that purpose. We are a melting-pot of many nations, peoples, tribes, colors, languages and creeds. We are not blind to these challenging times, but most encouraging is the opportunity to share God's great love to all mankind. The gospel is a unifier and is a catalyst for love, understanding, and harmony. We can reach out with the love of God, carry His presence and be used to heal, deliver, set people free and bring the good news of His forgiveness and eternal life.

The mission has come to our doorsteps. We must stand in the gap and pray for our nation to be all it can be and for our leaders, whether we like them or not. The Bible doesn't tell us to pray for the leaders we like, but for all those who have authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-3). May we continue to celebrate our freedoms and thank God that we can fulfill His purpose in this "land of the free and home of the brave." Right here. Right now.

We're Everywhere and We will Change the World

Today is called “Ascension Sunday” in commemoration of Jesus "moving on up" to Glory! Well, the actual 40-days was last Thursday -- but it takes a glorious Sunday to join in a throng together (well, maybe not a throng in body, but in spirit) to rejoice -- not only that Jesus was raised from the dead, but eye witnesses saw Him showing up and speaking up to give them "famous last words" of teaching on how to be great witnesses for Him. Acts 1:3 verifies it: "After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." I love that -- convincing proofs -- no fake news there! Hallelujah!

On the 40th day, Jesus took His apostles with Him to the Mount of Olives where they watched as He ascended to heaven. Oh, to have been an eyewitness! But, thank goodness, Jesus said in John 20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We believe! It gives me holy chills to think about it.

The last words of someone we love are typically the most important words because we hold them as a treasure. Listen to Jesus' parting words. "Go into all the world and preach the good news!" (Mark 16:15). Honestly, I've reconsidered what that looks like. Once upon a time, it was missionaries who were "sent out". But, here we are, still in the throes of the pandemic, and if ever Jesus words resound louder than ever -- it is during this time. Churches were closed but it didn't stop Christ's message from "going into all the world". We witnessed it via satellite, Zoom, social media, and many other ways.

Those who opposed and killed Jesus hoped it was a "done-deal". But, oh, contrare! Agnostics, atheists, and unbelievers -- then AND now -- must be surely disappointed. We are not hiding. We are EVERYWHERE! We need to keep reminding ourselves of that, especially when the negative voices, quarreling factions, undermining and dissentious groups try to convince us that we're a minority and on the losing team. It looked that way in Jesus' time on this earth. But, like the disciples who went on to change the world, we, too are commissioned to change our world and share the good news of love and hope -- everywhere!

There are massive numbers of us who are followers of His message. We are EVERYWHERE! It's a message we stake our lives upon. It's a message of undaunted faith and determination to love unconditionally -- even to those who oppose us so drastically. This opposition we face is not new at all. The message of Jesus will not be destroyed, stamped out, or washed from the face of the earth. The Good News of Jesus Christ still stands and still goes into the world.

Indeed, we are everywhere, and it is up to us to change our world. The more we realize the mandate of our Lord to be His devoted followers -- living out His ministry in words, actions and deeds, the more His message of love will be perpetuated. In this photo, Jesus is pointing His followers and you and me to "GO"! We are replying to that POINT: We will go, and no matter where we are -- WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!

Letting the Whole World Know

We are seizing so many opportunities to share good news via technology. We sure need that good news! Facebook and FB Live, YouTube videos, teleconferencing, Instagram and other forms of communicating hope-filled messaging. Before the internet and social media, many of us Jesus followers were quite reclusive. Our faith stayed at home. Jesus “talk” was easy there. We’d pray around the dinner table or at bedtime for typical family needs. It was faith between us four and no more.

But, HELLO, 2020! Who would have thought, way back when, that we would, one day, be visually interacting with people around the world without leaving the comfort of our homes? We are seizing these opportunities to live our faith outloud online before countless numbers of people. Not to mention, when all doors closed for worship in our churches, that we could worship with our churches online. We are sharing great faith videos and images that encourage and build up each other. We've realized that we ARE the church to our world.

We have become evangelists and have been unleashed to spread the good news from behind a computer or a cell phone. I see you. You know who you are. You are the ones who share scriptures, prayers, quotes and videos bearing faith-filled and hope-filled messages.

When Jesus said in John 14:12, “And greater works than these (the works that He performed) will you do….”, He was foretelling about what we could accomplish. It is time for us to raise our voices even louder. As children of God, we are family! It’s time to keep putting faith-building, fear-destroying words out there. We never know whose life we might impact because of something we posted on social media. There is so much power in our words. When we change our words from complaining, whining, blaming or criticizing to faith-filled, encouraging, loving and caring words, we change our world.

Let’s be billboards that make God famous. We are missionaries because we are on a mission. We have been sent. We were sent the second the first spark of life flickered in our mother’s womb and now to wherever we are today and to whoever crosses our paths – via the street or the internet!

When we read Jesus words in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach the good news", little did we realize we could do it right from the comfort of our homes. So, let's preach that good news today! So many need to hear it!

Shhh! Please Don't Tell Me a Secret!

Please don't tell me a secret. It's just so hard to keep it to myself. I have been known to give away a surprise party before the party in a careless moment of unintentionality. I may have been the kid that went into stealth mode and opened all my Christmas presents and rewrapped them unbeknownst to my mom.

So, I'm in good company with those who couldn't keep it to themselves about Jesus healing a deaf man AFTER He told them to keep it quiet. I would have been one of those, I'm sure. So, while I hope I’d do better than the guys who were healed by Jesus if I were in their situation, I can surely relate. “He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.” (Mark 7:36)

There were times when it didn’t matter to Jesus if the news was publicized – all the better! But there were good reasons why He didn't want His miracles publicized some of the time. The leper couldn’t keep the good news to himself when Jesus healed him. Mark 1:45 says: “It was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places.” If the broadcast of the miracle would draw people in to hear His teaching, all to the good. If the broadcast of the miracle only caused a mob scene who misunderstood His mission and purpose, it was useless. (Mark 8:36).

Jesus didn’t come to be an earthly king. He knew that the more famous He became, the more jealous those in power would become. Jesus seemed to be good at "stealth-mode". He kept the full Truth of His divine identity mostly quiet (despite the bad secret-keepers) until God’s plan of Jesus’ passion and resurrection could be realized over the events of Holy Week. We're into week two of Lent -- and I can't keep it a secret about my Savior and the price He paid for me.

We awkward secret-keepers don’t have to worry anymore. With the resurrection, we are witnesses not to just a small piece, but to the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Secrecy is no longer needed. Now we can shout it from the rooftops how Jesus has healed us from our own blindness and deafness and invisible inner leprosies. It’s all too good to keep to ourselves. Whew! That’s good news for me…..and the good news I endeavor to shout from the rooftops (er…social media) every day!

At last…I don’t have to keep it a secret, but God bless those who still have to keep this Good News to themselves in many countries in our world. Lord, I pray for those in harms way because they don’t want to have to keep YOU a secret any longer!

See -- Hear -- Speak No Evil

It doesn't take stepping out of our homes, just reading or watching a flick on TV or our computer, listening to the news or saying what we really mean to someone to realize that there's a whole lotta darkness out there! But, see ye, hear ye and speak ye! We don't have to become part of the darkness but we can rather be a beacon of light and a source of truth and strength in our world. We can remember that light dispels darkness. "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:2)

I thought about those three wise monkeys. One covered his eyes who sees no evil, the other covered his ears who hears no evil and the third monkey covered his mouth so he would speak no evil – thus, they have a good mind, speech and action.

Seems like a good plan – especially in these days we are living in. But, the fact is – unless we lived in a cave 24/7, there is no way to avoid seeing and hearing about evil. If we paid attention only to the news or social media, we’d think there was only darkness in the world — only bad news. Only evil. But if we would meditate on the "best of times" in our lives as well as start our day reading the Good News, our mind would be filled with good and the bad news could not overcome it. Here's the promise we have from God: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4) We can be overcomers!

We have to be talking and looking for good news if we are going to find it. We must believe that God brings the best of times in the middle of the worst of times. It's easy to live in the darkness with anger and negativism,, pessimism and despair. We can look for the worst, and fail to believe the best. These are the words of our "BEST OF TIMES" Lord: “Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

Two teams are playing in this world. One is all about darkness, and the other is all about light. One is all about bad news, and the other is all about good news. We know which one will win -- let's join THAT one!

Joy to the Fishes in the Deep Blue Sea

Joy to the world – all the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me! Blast from the past. That’s a couple of lines from 1970’s, “Jeremiah was a Bull Frog” sung by the band, Three Dog Night! Has really nothing to do with Christmas but “Joy to the World” sure does.

What makes us all so much more joyful this time of year? Could it be that the angel's message to the shepherds holds true for us still today? "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY!" Christ is that good news that no matter how dismal everything around us might be, there is always GOOD NEWS of great joy that can change everything for us.

I took that "good news" personally for my daughter. December 8th was her big 5-0 birthday. Thanks to so many who joined me in wishing her a “Happy Birthday”. She was in Florida at a 7-day conference on her birthday, but she got the message from so many friends via social media and the surprise party we gave her before she left. You can see in these photos it was more than a birthday celebration -- it was a restitution celebration.

A few months back, Staci’s son’s car was stolen from a Dallas parking garage. Traumatic enough, but not as painful as when the car was found, it had been devoured like some kind of monster movie. Every part of the car had been removed, along with the precious treasures that were in the trunk. Payton kept those treasures close by in case he got the urge to go fishing, he was prepared. Those treasures were my husband’s beloved fishing equipment: rods, tackle, vest, etc. All had been passed onto their family because they are the avid fisher-people who learned their skills from my husband aka dad aka papa. All of it was stolen in that fiasco. So, what’s a mother to do? Carry on. That’s the way I roll and my family rolls. We don’t give the enemy the upper hand by bemoaning his tactics. We don’t give up. We get up and get over it because we are too blessed otherwise.

In this case, I asked Larry (Staci’s husband) to make a list of all that was in that trunk. He did and I got to be a restitution maker. It’s one thing to have things returned; it’s a another thing to get restitution. Staci explained it in her tears while opening each item I had wrapped in “fishing” fabric (couldn’t find fishing wrapping paper). The items stolen could have been returned in their original state (some items were worn and tattered). I was able to help bring about restitution -- making up for damages or harm. Brand new items that made up for the loss. What a JOY to see my girl so full of JOY!

“The Bible tells us in Psalm 16:11 that ‘In His presence is fullness of joy.’ If we want joy in our life, we need to revisit the Nativity scene and realize that's where God's presence was experienced in the form of that tiny baby boy. That baby boy grew up and is our living King of Kings! Daily, we can experience His presence and know that GREAT JOY! We can experience it at a birthday party or a busy restaurant. We can experience it when facing a crisis or a disappointment. Joy isn't the same as happiness. Happiness is based on those ooey, gooey feelings when everything is going right. But JOY is based on the CONSTANT of He Who lives big within us. He is that GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY so we can belt out singing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room......" That's the key....preparing room for Him inside to be our joy-giver, and peace-maker no matter the circumstances.

Sincerely, God wants us to GET IT – about why He sent His Son Jesus -- the good tidings of great joy which is for all people. “So, here -- take that good news of great joy with you today!” And, all you little fishes in the deep blue sea, better watch out, Staci and all her fishing gear are coming to town!

Fast Forward -- It's "R" Rated

I’m in "search and let-it-go" mode. My community is having its bi-annual garage sale this weekend. It’s a great way to purge and get rid of junk which may very well be someone else’s treasure. I always loved going to garage and estate sales. I think that’s what led my sis-in-law and I to start the estate sale business years ago. It’s a lot of work – but oh the fun we had with our niche -- we marketed the home and its contents. That’s all behind me, but I’ve had lots of sweet memories hit me as I went through closets, cabinets, drawers and an attic of “stuff” that needed to be purged.

My best find was my old VCR. I thought I had discarded it long ago. I have many VHS tapes that hold fond memories on them and couldn't watch them. But when this search and rescue began, who knew I'd run into it? Since Payton, my grandson, was over helping me get down some items from my attic, I asked him to set up the VCR for me. A couple of connections and whoa-la -- I had a working VCR. The VHS tape I most wanted to see was the video of my husband and I resaying our wedding vows on our 35th anniversary. Payton put in the tape and it started playing at the end when Bishop Jacob said "Now, you may kiss your bride!" And if that wasn't enough, he continued, "You can do better than that. You've had plenty of practice by now!" And, my husband went in for the full-in lock and load! My grandson said, "Nana, this should be R-Rated!" I'm still smiling!

I love Payton's love for his Papa and this VHS tape showed him alive and well again. I don’t push memories or thoughts of my husband to the side because the best of him is in me, my children and my grandchildren. Often, we’ll talk about him and remember one of his stories or jokes or funny ways of doing things. He was a perfectionist who insisted: "Do it right or don't do it at all!"

Here’s the really good news. It’s okay to miss Papa (my Sweetheart) and still fully live the life God has created for me. The missing reminds me this world is not my home and that life is precious and short. Whether I live thirty more days or thirty more years, this life will be over sooner than I think. Knowing this reminds me to slow down, to live generously, to forgive often, and to love deeply – to cuddle with those who lean into me and want to talk and share about the best of times.

I am grateful for knowing that Papa really does have an afterlife. It’s the real life he was destined for – where there is freedom from pain and sorrow and there's eternal praises and joys forevermore. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) And, Papa loved Him so much. I can only imagine the afterlife he is getting to live!

So for now, I will embrace the memories, the sweet kisses from heaven and those on the VHS tape that remind me he is probably leaning over heaven’s balconies cheering us on -- like he did on this earth when he tried to "sell" us on something: "Ya’ gotta’ see this. Ya’ gotta’ be here. Ya' gotta' do this! It is worth the journey…..it is worth it all."

What Wattage is Your Light?

Let’s sing it together….one more time! "This little light of mine...I'm gonna' let it shine!" What a great old song we learned as kids. "This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel song written for children in the 1920s by Harry Loes. Obviously, its message was as needed in the 1920s as it is now almost 100 years later in the 2020s. It was a dark time in the 1920s with the stock market crashing. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression.

And here we are in the almost 2020’s where our world is still filled with darkness and so many people choose to live in the dark. Those lost souls may never find the light anywhere in the world except from you and me and the gospel that we live in front of them -- not so much by what we say....but how we demonstrate God's love in our actions to them. People are watching us. And it is our light that draws them in to ask: "Why is your life so peaceful and full of joy?” And we can boldly reply "It's God's love!" St. Paul reminds us, "You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8).

I had an aha moment about the variations of light that we should consider as LIGHT bearers. There are times when we need to let our light shine as a soft, calming, sensitive and tender candlelight to those around us. Other times, our wattage needs to be amped up boldly and brightly to bring about clarity and illumination so that those who see us, see the truth of God's love and Word. Then there are times when we need the high beams of flood and spot lights -- that dispel the darkness as we lift up He Who is the One deserving to be in the spotlight -- after all HE IS THAT LIGHT.

I know I need to wisely discern which light wattage I should be using at any given time. My “little light” needs to be regulated in those moments so that it is Jesus’ light – not MY light that makes the difference in their lives -- especially when sharing about Him. As I sing "This little light of mine, I'm gonna' let it shine" -- I'm considering: "Do I need to turn up the dimmer switch or turn it down?" Do I put away the harsh, cold light that is insensitive and makes others just want to stay away from my light? Those decisions are best accomplished by checking in with THE LIGHT SOURCE -- He Who knows everything about everything will guide us and help us light the way for others to come to Him.

So, let's "let it shine, let it shine....all the time", being God’s light that dispels darkness in the faces and places that need His loving light the most. It’s about shining our lights for Him Whose light is bearable, lovable, healing, and draws people to Him. Shining Jesus to this world is the way to go and if people around us can’t handle it, then let’s give them some shades!

Want Something to Celebrate? Celebrate YOU!

I love the saying “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” When we were kids, we couldn’t count the months and days fast enough until another birthday rolled around. But, the older we get we’d just as soon let the next birthday roll around unnoticed – that is unless you’re my dear friend, Peggy Boerner. This birthday was a milestone one and she owned it because she’s the pilot of her “plane”. She’s a “can-do” gal who takes matters into her own hands and makes what matters – matter.

These photos show a group of Hyde Park friends (where I lived in Tulsa) who were invited by Peggy to celebrate and enjoy an evening out together. Riding in a limo bus to a wonderful restaurant and then to the historic Mayo Hotel for great views of Tulsa and more fun times together. I was honored to be among the invitees!

Proverbs 18:24 says “To have friends, show yourself friendly.” The Proverbs contain much wisdom about being a friend and how to find a friend. Peggy has been a dear friend to me in so many ways, the most of which is her "welcome mat". She always has “my room” ready for me in her beautiful, peaceful home and makes me feel so loved and welcomed.

I’ve heard adults and children say that they didn’t have any friends or that they had trouble finding friends. And there's probably a reason for it. There is a key to having loyal friends or making friends in the first place. We have to show ourselves friendly. And Peggy is outstanding at that – so friendly that she has her birthday celebration with her pals.

May I suggest that we all become better friends – having celebrations of life and living. We can’t do anything about the past, but we can sure do things differently now and in the future. We can enjoy the ride much more. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, it is like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more. It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make moments, minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most.

I speak a lot about it, but I repeat: Treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship.

The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT Who holds our future in the palm of His hands! And, I assure you, if indeed “time flies when you’re having fun”, then Peggy and I are having a blast!

The Good Guys Wear White Hats

Lately I've been honing in on being a Good Samaritan or in Texas, we would say "being one of the good guys that wear white hats”. My Texas nephew is one of those good guys. This is Robert and Becky Wheat. I stay amused with following him on Facebook. He proudly wears his white hat most all the time except when he’s in church – and he’s in church a lot, as a beloved Texas Baptist pastor. And, he is always finding great photo opportunities to spot the hat in a location that makes for a hilarious and/or meaningful FB post. I had a great time scrolling through his FB timeline to snatch some of his photos. You’ll see wit and his passion for Christ in them. He is definitely one of those good guys that wears a white hat -- he is compassionate, kind, sensitive and is quick to meet the needs of others. I’m so proud of him and his love for Christ, his heart for sharing the Good News, as well as being an incredible role model for others. He makes me want to get a white hat – if that could help!

I remember the good ole' days when good manners, courtesy, politeness, compassion, concern for each other, patriotism, kindness, respectfulness, graciousness, consideration, and thoughtfulness were the norm. In reality, all those qualities are still right here. It's easy to recognize those who have those qualities. They may not (literally) wear white hats, but they are those white-hat-kind-of-people out there. Let's face it -- times really haven't changed that much because there were always those who leaned toward the wild side -- the mean, ornery, and disrespectful side -- those who could find something negative in every situation, instead of looking for, finding the good and even BEING the good..

Deep inside of most everyone is a "white-hat-wearing" loving and kind somebody. They came into this world "wearing a white hat" -- well, sort of. They were pure and precious. I often wonder what happened to those pure and precious babies who eventually lost their "white hats"? What is in their past that created someone so opposite -- their upbringing, their loss of a value system, their choice of friends? What was it that changed them from "loving God, respectfully loving others and living with kindness and honor"? It’s hard to believe how polar opposite we can be. Upbeat, celebratory and happy or rivalry, nasty, and bitter. I get that people are afraid, angered, upset, and confused about this world we live in, but we can change "our little world" if we want to.

We can lean in closer to God Who can change us and make us new. He is delighted to give out "white hats" to His kids. We can be devoted followers of Christ Who replace our meanness for kindness and our ugly talk to love talk. My Mama said it best, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"

My Mama and Mother Teresa had a lot in common when it comes to loving and caring. Here's the way Mother Teresa put it:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa

You, know, I think Mother Teresa must have owned a white cowgirl hat because she sure did talk the talk and walk the walk that most of those folks in white hats seem to do. I'm thinking I need to go on a shopping spree for a white hat!

These Shoes Feel Like Slippers

DSW Shoes sent me an email with the subject line: “These Shoes Feel Like Slippers!” I know advertising ploys and that one was supposed to entice me to check out that ad, but sorry, DSW! I wasn’t tempted. But, thank you, DSW, because you gave me food for thought for this blog today.

Pictured here are a gal’s absolute verification that “these shoes feel like slippers”. Several pairs seem to be worn out. The top two pair are newer – barely worn at all. The “worn-out” ones are symbols of guaranteed comfort and healing to my feet. From the wear and tear, you can see that I live in them when I’m not out and about. I know this brand of shoes was God's provision for healing as an answer to my prayers. And, though many of them look quite shabby, they still have the structure that keeps my feet supported. I can't bring myself to throw any away.

In the words of the great philosopher, Marilyn Monroe: "Give a gal the right shoes and she can conquer the world". That quote, and, especially that adorable little girl prancing around in her mama's shoes brings a smile to my face. Little girls just want to be like their mamas. But, there's something about us BIG girls who want to be like someone else, too! We want to “feel” like we’re wearing slippers – perhaps Cinderella’s glass slippers. Maybe it's because of who they're married to, or how wealthy they are, or how beautiful they are, or how smart they are, or what a bubbly, outgoing personality they have.

But, RIP, Marilyn Monroe, who didn't realize that God did GIVE us gals the RIGHT shoes, and we, not only CAN, but we ARE conquering the world. The RIGHT shoes to be in, are the ones that God created just for us to wear.

You and I are unique, one-of-a-kind, specially handcrafted originals. Before we were ever conceived, God had a plan and purpose that only we can fulfill (Jeremiah 1:5). We don’t have to try to fit into someone else’s shoes (or try to be like them or look like them). Remember the wicked stepsisters of Cinderella trying to fit into Cinderella's shoes, and they just couldn't? That's because they were trying to BE Cinderella. It didn't work for them and it doesn't work for us either.

We just simply must walk in the “designer” shoes that God made just for us. That’s what I do with my comfy, cozy, healing slippers. Once, I wore 3” heels – had every color and style imaginable. Oh, yes – I can verify that I had plenty of shoes – so much so that I received the Imelda Marcus Shoe Award (note the hair and shoe award photo here)! I no longer wear those shoes. It was a season. I’m in a new season now with different slippers – ones that God gave me to wear – and I own it. I was conquering the world in those 3” heels in MY season and now I’m conquering the world in these built-for-me slippers today.

Actually, it’s not at all about the shoes but about the men and women that God destined us to be, to show up when He calls us for duty – and whether that duty is on a computer writing a blog to encourage and motivate someone to live in audacious faith, behind a receptionist desk being a light to all she or he encounters, a nurse with loving hands and heart ministering to those in her or his care, those on a telephone bringing awesomeness to someone who needs an uplifting word, one on an airplane telling someone about God’s great love, or in front of a kitchen stove preparing a meal based on love and devotion to their family, or walking outside and embracing the One Who created it all – let’s go right on today, in our specially designed – one-of-a-kind shoes and conquer and change the world.

“Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.” Ephesians 6:15

Just a Jesus Follower

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
-- The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1)

I was one of those non-conversational, shy, withdrawn, and lacking self-confidence, kind-of-girl. I had big faith, but little output. I kept my faith to myself. The main reason? The fear of rejection. Sure, I’d invite friends to church with me, but I’d leave the Jesus-talk to the minister. I knew the “Good News” of Jesus, but I was afraid to share it. I worried my friends would reject me because they thought I was a Jesus fanatic.

I overcame those fears when I got me out of my “first place” priority and moved God up to "Numero Uno"! That helped me understand my place in God’s family and allowed me to view the opinions of others with an eternal perspective. That eternal perspective of being a leader who others follow right on to eternity with me!

I’m quite in-your-face when it comes to my blogging. I know it. You don’t have to tell me. I don’t want to impress you, but I do want to impress upon my followers that FIRST PLACE priority. My point isn’t to get more followers. I am just a follower of Jesus. I am just a gal who found out where the living water is and I am trying to share it with others. I am not the source of it, Jesus is. Follow Him.

I just want to write and to share out of the abundance of the life-giving water He gives me every day. I lean on the well and even hang out at the well. I try not to wander too far off from it. I know my track record and I don’t like the feeling of being so thirsty, lacking hope and joy, when I meander away from the well. I will tell you a secret. I don’t know all of the 4,193 friends on my Facebook page. And, all of them don’t really know me. I pray they are following me because they met Jesus face to face in something I blogged about. I am so thankful for that because it is the reason I began blogging in the first place.

It’s time to let God get the glory from what we do and what we say. It is so worthless to rant and rave about things that don't matter in the light of eternity. It is so worthwhile to spread the Good News that has a pay-off of eternal proportions. It’s time to Follow Him so He can say about us: “Hey, you know her/him. She/he started this blog/social media ministry, and now I HAVE ____ followers. Well done good and faithful servant.”

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) We are meant to catch them and teach them to follow Him not us. It is important to get the message out there, but it shouldn’t be our focus. He is our focus, and our message just keeps getting clearer and clearer!

Our Mission Field is Wherever We Are

All my life, literally, all my life, I have been encouraged to love God and share His good news. It started, early on, when I saw the flannel board images of Bible characters while my teacher shared the Gospel story. I was also taught little songs that emphasized the love God has for me. “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." I was raised in an evangelical home and church. Evangelical, in the sense, that my family was zealous in their faith and love for God and His children. Early on I became a devoted follower of Jesus.

But, I assure you, I wasn’t that girl that was very outspoken about my faith like others who went door-to-door giving out Gospel tracts or standing on a street corner shouting “You must be born again!” I was even quiet when it came to letting others know I was a Christian, in part, because I was shy and I lacked self-confidence. Yes, I took friends with me to church and I did my best to be an example to them of what a good Christian looks and acts like. But, I was not outspoken about it.

Later on, I became a Bible teacher, but even in that sense, my teaching was confined to “within-the-four-walls-of-the-church”. A safe place. People expected that “talk and walk” there.

Before the internet, many of us who were Jesus followers were pretty reclusive. Our faith was within our homes. Jesus “talk” was easy there. Prayers were welcomed there. We’d pray for a good grade on an upcoming test or for healing from an illness. You know the usual requests and petitions. It was faith that was between us four and no more – so to speak.
Who would have thought, way back then, that we would one day have the internet and social media that would open the doors for us to live out our faith online before countless numbers of people? We became evangelists and we were unleashed to spread the good news from behind a computer or a cell phone. I see you. You know who you are. You are the ones who post a scripture photo or you share a quote by Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. You are the ones who share an answer to prayer and also are the ones who ask for prayer.

So when Jesus said in John 14:12, “And greater works than these (the works that He performed) will you do….”, He was foretelling about what we could accomplish in our times. It is time for us to raise our voices even louder. We never know whose life we might impact because of something we posted or said on social media. There is so much power in our words. When we change our words from complaining, blaming or criticizing to faith-filled, loving and caring words, we change our world. Change your words. Change your world.

There will always be a reason to keep us from genuinely loving. But we can decide to be different. We can respond in love when someone hurts us or when it’s difficult to love them. This is what can make those who follow Christ look different from the rest of the world. Love that knows no bounds. Love wrapped in grace. Love that can get over our own insecurities, doubts, and fears. Love that doesn’t have conditions or rights. Love that doesn’t demand its own way. It’s the 1 Corinthians 13 way. May we not walk, talk or scroll right past the opportunities that God has placed in our paths to let His love flow through us. Let’s be billboards that make God famous. We are missionaries because we are on a mission. We have been sent. We were sent the second the first spark of life flickered in our mother’s womb to this earth and now to wherever we are today and to whoever crosses our paths – via the street or the internet!

Rejoice and Go Tell It On the Mountain

Yesterday was the third Sunday of Advent and we should be singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain"! Not necessarily from a mountain. That would mean we'd have to go climbing! Perhaps we can start right here at ground zero to be joyful and full of the good news of Christ's coming to this earth for you and me.

The pink, third candle on the Advent wreath was lit, The pink candle symbolizes JOY and REJOICE. The theme scripture that Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4 is “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice.” My pastor shared that the laughter statistics in a single day is 400 laughs a day for children versus 4 laughs a day for adults. Maybe we need to hang out with the kiddos more so our joy "bank" fills up! When St. Paul penned those words, he knew something about making it through tough times. Can you imagine that he wrote that scripture from a dark, cold and damp prison cell? 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.

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. 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. We saw that joy and jumping up and down by little children on Saturday at the Birthday Party for Jesus child at the prospect of something that excites them so much. (See my post from yesterday.) JOY is also that calm and peaceful experience of realizing God's faithfulness. It can be calm confidence in His sovereignty or pure delight as He expresses His love. I felt that peace and calm yesterday, as I watched my grandson, play the piano at their yesterday morning’s church service or when my granddaughter, asked to sit by me in church and proceeded to put her arm around me or lay her head on my shoulder. I felt that joy and I wanted to rejoice about it. has truly come to be linked with "Pink" in our culture.

Joy AND pink are also about survival. Oh, the sweet joy we feel when one of our friends expresses "I've just had my last treatment of chemo! I'm a survivor!" A celebration of survival has truly come to be linked with "Pink" in our culture.

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, PINK is also about rejoicing that our Savior, as a precious BABY BOY Who brought so much JOY to this world.

My pastor said in his message, “This has been a challenging year for me and when I start to feel sorry for myself, I remember Paul who knew suffering. Paul led a challenging life. Paul knew difficulty. Paul had people who hated him. But, Paul expressed the key to overcoming is in rejoicing. He urged us to rejoice and rejoice some more. 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 further 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 should help us.....carry on not just through Advent, but for the entire year to be rejoicing and rejoicing some more.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All

I've witnessed so much peace and goodwill over the last several days since the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Many accolades and gracious editorials, social media posts and televised stories of this very praiseworthy American statesman were seen and heard almost non-stop. His funeral, yesterday, was beautiful and inspiring even though the tension on that first row of presidents and first ladies was sure obvious. It took the passing of a peace-filled former president for them to be together. But, bipartisanship has been sensed from all sides, except for the “slanted” commentators who used their segments to talk about the “stark contrast” of his presidency to our current president with disparaging remarks. What a shame! My two cents worth here: Every president elected to the highest office of this land, deserves to be respected and honored for the price they pay to lead and protect our country, regardless of their leadership style! Okay, enough of my rant! Back to peace and goodwill!

The words, “Peace, goodwill toward men”, keeps echoing in my heart. No doubt, peace and goodwill have often been missing this year. They’ve gotten lost somewhere in the hate-filled mobs, politics, Hollywood, news media, and even our relationships with each other. Oh, but there's good news!

I segue to another story and another scene. The weary shepherds keeping watch over their flock of sheep. The shock and awe of angels declaring the good news. The star and the manger. The Baby and the hope.

God could have chosen a lot to say that night. He could have dealt with politics (which had their troubles then too). He could have lauded verbose words to proclaim the need for morality and civility. He could have taken a tone like a ruler-tapping teacher and told us all to get our act together. But instead, He blessed us. He spoke words of encouragement and hope.

What if the whole world did the same this Christmas? What if in this season we all put down our opinions and picked up grace? What if we shut our mouths and opened our doors; pulled back our judgments and reached out our hands? What if our angry words were buried and we brought out the welcome mat for kindness and mercy?

Sometimes we forget that Someone already came to save the world. That job has been taken. That box has been checked and the task has been marked complete. It is not on our shoulders. And this is what Jesus told us will continue that mission: “A new commandment I give to you, love one another” (John 13:34).

Peace on earth, goodwill toward men! It’s the good news of the first Christmas. It’s what we need so much more than the doomsday speakers out there. So much more than another television tirade. More than fists and voices raised. And this good news hasn’t changed. I suggest that it's time to spread the GOOD NEWS of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”! We need to turn up the volume of our peace-filled voices and turn up the amps of our “lights”! Let’s make this Christmas all about love. Which is really just another way of saying let’s make it all about Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Let’s Meet Him at the Well

Every morning, I’m up and at ‘em by 5:30 am to look over the text of my blog one more time before I hit the “post” button. Not long after that, I send my morning “I love you” text messages to my children. I’m like clock-work with my daily deliveries – on FB, my blogger page and those text messages. I always feel like I’m “reporting for duty” each morning. And, then, it’s checking in with Heaven Central as, while it’s still dark outside, I make a cup of flavored coffee, settle into my favorite chair and, now, for the last few chilly mornings – put on my fireplace. I grab my lightweight blanket and reach for my journal and devotional. It’s my morning ritual -- my time with Him. Our time to be together.

I get to be with Jesus. What will He show me today? How will today’s walk and talk with Him affect me and those I’ve been called to encourage? I don’t want to miss a single thing in God’s Word that could make a significant difference in my day. I don’t want the distractions of the clock or my cell phone or the weight of daily assignments to pull my thoughts away from His. I’ve come to meet with Jesus -- to gather with Him for a momentary time at the “well” to take in His “living water”. It’s the same “living water” that He gave to the Samaritan woman. (John 4:4–42) That water He offered her would cause her to never thirst again. I also meet Him at the "well", and each day I am filled with joy, peace, comfort, hope, and strength. Then, like the Samaritan woman, I go and tell via my daily posts. I share with others about this Man Who not only promised her and me that He would be our everything, He also said "I am that living water. I am that Spirit. that Truth, that Way, that Life.” “Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him because of the woman's testimony.

This is the Jesus that prompts me each morning to share His Good News. I like to think that I’m like that Samaritan woman as I pass along His “living water” to others, too. In those priceless moments that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the town well where she came to draw water, Jesus opened her eyes and heart to a love as she had never known before. She had a revelation of Jesus – the one who ignited a fire in her soul to go tell the townspeople about Jesus. In our special moments with God, let’s ask Him to open our hearts so wide that we long to know His love like we've never known before. Let’s yearn for a deeper understanding of His character. Let’s wake up every day saying, “Good Morning Jesus,” and embrace the desire to spend time with Him, discovering His truths, and rejoicing in His promises.

And in those quiet moments as we read through the pages of our Bible, may we pray that our eyes are opened to see Him more clearly and hear Him more distinctly. And when He does, let’s respond with a wellspring of joy and gratitude that will cause us to "go and tell" about this Man who quenched our thirst and made our spirits soar!

Time is Flying at Breakneck Speed

A full six months have raced by already this year -- only 5-1/2 months until Christmas. Whew! Just think about how slowly time went for us in our childhood when we said: "I can't wait until school is out for the summer". "How many more days until Christmas?" Or, when we were so in love and counted down the days until our wedding day and what about that nine long months for our baby to get here?

You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Well, I had a lot of fun as a kid and time sure didn’t fly for me. You remember the movie “Back to the Future” where a teenager (Michael J Fox) is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time machine invented by his friend? The reality is – we don’t get to hit a “reset button” or go back in a time machine, but here’s the really great thing…..we DO get to start each new day with the wisdom and knowledge we gained from the past.

Instead of watching fireworks on the 4th, we decided to stay in, have popcorn, chocolate shakes and enjoy a movie in my children's theater room. We selected the sci-fi movie, “Arrival” in which linguistics specialist Dr. Louise Banks is brought in to decipher and communicate with aliens that have landed on earth. The most impactful line in the film to me was in a closing scene when Dr. Banks utters “If you could see your whole life laid out in front of you, would you change things?”

That question made me think about how I might have done things differently if I had known how things would turn out in my life beforehand. I might have withheld things I just felt like I HAD to say or did. I might have been kinder, less judgmental, made different decisions or reacted entirely differently to such incidental and did-it-really-matter situations.

We can’t do anything about the past, but we can sure do things differently now and in the future. We can take life less seriously and enjoy the ride much more. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, IT IS like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more. It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make moments, minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most.

I speak a lot about it, but I repeat: Treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship.

The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT Who holds our future in the palm of His hands! And, I assure you, if indeed “time flies when you’re having fun”, then I must be having a blast!

Spoiler Alert – He Lives!

I have two word phrases today:
~ Good News: Something or someone pleasant, fortunate, or otherwise positive. In Christianity, it is the message of Jesus Christ concerning the salvation of the faithful (as elaborated in the Gospels). I love that definition – that means we can wake up each day, and EVERYDAY, with GOOD NEWS!!

~ Spoiler Alert: In a discussion or review of a film, book, television, movie, drama, etc., it is a warning that an important detail of the plot development is about to be revealed.

This photo is of the front of a birthday card I received: "Spoiler alert -- the hero comes back to life". Hilarious! And that's the truth. The guy in the book store has the Bible in his hands -- and the message he's hearing is the Hero – Jesus, rose from the grave and LIVES! The inside of the card said, "Happy Birthday and many happy RETURNS! I loved it when I received it, and I still love the message today, this day after Easter. Spoiler Alert again....There's even more to this "happy ending". Those of us who claim Him as our Lord and Savior will really live forever and ever because our HERO paid the price for us to spend eternity with Him. Now, that's REALLY GOOD NEWS!

I felt that Easter Spirit in church with my Frisco family yesterday. We sang, raised our hearts and hands in joyous praise as we couldn't contain our gratitude for what this day brought us. It meant spending ETERNITY with our Savior. The diabolical plot against our Lord was spoiled by His resurrection and now we can look forward to this Easter joy FOREVER!

It really is a phenomenon that from 12 ragtag men: fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, and a doctor exponentially multiplied to billions of followers throughout the ages. How incredible it is that Jesus never wrote a book yet there are more books written about Him than any other subject in the world. He never composed a song, but there is more music written about Him than any other subject in history. Jesus never painted a picture or carved a sculpture, but there is more art paintings and sculptures made about Him than any other subject in history. Jesus never traveled more than 100 miles from where He was born, and yet, there are followers of Jesus in every nook and cranny of the planet.

The HERO mentioned on this card, really is about GREAT NEWS. It's great news because, when it's understood, we are radically transformed by such indescribable love, peace, joy and so many other benefits that cause us to have a full, vibrant, abundant life on this side of heaven......AND BEYOND!!! Jesus defeated death so we don't have to fear it. We can be certain of our future in heaven, but the best part is while we are still here, God gives so much purpose to our lives.

I don't know who your hero is, but mine still lives.....He walks with me and talks with and tells me I am His own. He lives. He lives. Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives......He lives within my heart!

Spread the Good News!

Everyday, we make choices -- to listen to negativity -- especially in the news and then pass that bad news along. We also have the option to do what Jesus said, "Go into all the world and spread the GOOD NEWS!"

I remember my early years as a Christian how difficult it was for me to share God's "Good News" to those around me. Sure, I did my best to be a reflection of Christ's likeness in my words and deeds, but I wasn't what I thought a disciple was supposed to be like -- the one who queried "Are you a Christian? Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?" Those words not only intimidated me, but they frightened me when I thought about what the response might be and how I would respond back to them. I remember my church sending us out door to door to hand out Gospel tracks and how difficult it was to engage in conversation with the people at their front doors.

I thought, "How in the world can I be a true follower of Christ if I don't share -- especially since He gave those words "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15

As I matured in my walk with Christ, I came to realize that when I wake up each day, I AM His disciple, His messenger, His ambassador and devoted follower as I ensure my words are kind, generous, loving, sincere and caring and my actions are those that do reflect God's love and mercy.

"Going into ALL the world" isn't just about across the oceans, or even knocking on someone's front door, but it's about the smile we offer to the cashier who passes along her smile to the weary wife who’s grabbing a quick lunch, that helps give her the strength to hold the hand of her husband when she gets home that's battling cancer.

We don’t know how the kind word we speak to a friend will give her the courage she needs when she goes to her workplace and has a chance to answer the question, “What’s so different about you?”

So if we aren't being nudged to go to Africa to serve in an orphanage, it doesn’t mean our reach is any less. It’s not any less spiritual. It’s not any less filled with potential and purpose.
We serve a God who is not boxed in by time, circumstances, or geography. He is everywhere, all the time, with everyone. His work in and through us is spontaneous, thrilling, sometimes crazy, and oftentimes the most joy-filled experience EVER. And in any given moment, if we want to know the best place to start sharing His love, all we need to do is look down at the ordinary, sacred ground right under our feet.

Everyday we have the opportunity to touch someone's heart who will in turn touch their family's hearts, who will touch their communities and who will touch the world. All God is really asking of us is our willing heart to be His hands extended to a hurting world that needs our words of encouragement and our hands of tender loving care. THAT is God's GOOD NEWS!