He’s the God of Time & the God of Timing

My two mini-me’s and I planned all week for this day. It is girls-day-out. The husband/dad is out of town, so it is a perfect set-up. But, first order of the day is taking Emma (their Yorkie) to the vet to see after a little health issue. That sets us back on getting to Neiman’s Mariposa for our favorite chicken broth and popovers by 11 am. We arrive in the Neiman’s parking garage, park, and an older woman is waving for our help. She has locked her keys in her car, her cell phone is dead and she is distraught about getting to her daughter to go school-shopping with her. She is in tears, apologizes for being so emotional, and taking up our girl-time. She asks to use our cell phone.

We accommodate her and because she is a bundle-of-nerves, Staci takes over making calls to her car dealership down the road for coming to help her. I go into my comforting mode and assure her that it is God’s perfect timing that we show up at the time she needs us. It is by no accident that we get to be the ones to assist her. We know that. We calm her by praying with her. I tell her we are thrilled to be Good Samaritans to her. She says, “Oh, I must not be a Good Samaritan because I don’t think I could do what you are doing. I’m not as kind as you are. I wouldn’t stop to help someone, but I am a Christian.” She tells me where she goes to church. I reply: “You will be a Good Samaritan, too, because the example is set for you today by our getting to help you."

It is piping hot outside. We are all “glistening” from the heat. She continues to try to persuade us to go inside and get out of the heat. We refuse to leave her alone. She is immensely concerned that she is spoiling our day – especially for Alexia. We assure her she is not. Soon her daughter shows up, along with the locksmith. As we are handing her over to the others, she pulls out $100 and asks Staci to give it to Alexia. We refuse to take it but she is insistent with tears in her eyes. Staci explains to her that last night they prayed that Alexia would be blessed today with extra money for some great deals we’ll find “thrift store shopping” (Alexia's absolute love as she gets name-brand items, redesigns them, using the sewing machine I bought her for her birthday last year). I'm so proud of her skills and wise-spending.

After a delicious lunch, we head to The Star (the Dallas Cowboys headquarters), where Payton works as a real estate associate at Monarch Realty. We took him soup and popovers. He gives us a grand tour – perfect for photo opportunities. After that, we head to the thrift stores and Alexia is delighted with her finds. She’s not ashamed at all of thrift sale buying – she knows a deal when she finds it. It was a God-perfect-timing day.

I share this exhaustive story with you today because I want to emphasize that God is not just the God of time and eternity…He is the God of timing. When we take on our daily roles as His servants on a mission each time we step out of our homes, we are clocking in to God’s assignments, set-ups, not only getting to give and be His hands and feet extended, but we are positioned for His blessings to land on us when we least expect it. Maybe it's time to clock-in to His schedule -- get in-sync with God's perfect timing. It’s a great place to live, walk, talk, and be His ambassadors.

Is There a Rainbow Yet?

We’ve all been watching with concern as Hurricane Harvey and its flood waters ravage the countless communities and cities in Texas, and now Louisiana. I haven’t been able to blog about “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, blue satin sashes, and warm woolen mittens” when our precious brothers and sisters (we're all God's children) have been suffering so much. I pray that we all continue praying faithfully for those impacted and for those who are bravely serving.

Yesterday I saw heart wrenching stories of nursing homes being evacuated, apartments with people being trapped inside but being rescued, and people holding onto trees in the wake of rushing waters being rescued, because there are heroes who are risking their own health and well-being to do so. A pregnant woman in labor was helped to an emergency vehicle by a human chain getting her across the waters. So many people with such tremendous losses are experiencing hope because of “Good Samaritans” who just couldn’t stand by or walk by or ride their boat by those in such need.

This picture of an older couple being rescued on jet skis drew me in yesterday, especially when I saw their stately home (obvious from the beautiful furniture inside – the grandfather clock being almost completely covered) with waters. The man, J.C., said they knew they had to evacuate. He said “It may sound funny but I called Chick-Fil-A and ordered two grilled chicken burritos with extra eggs AND a boat. Can you believe one of the managers of Chick-Fil-A sent her husband to pick us up on his jet skis. We are so grateful and so thankful.” The reporter said, “I know you had possessions that you loaded up on that jet ski so there was no room for you, and then other jet skis showed up.” J.C. said, “Karen got on one and I got on the other one. They evacuated us to higher ground and we are ever so grateful." Then this optimistic man went on to say "The future of Houston is indeed very, very bright -- the medical capital of the world; the space capital of the world;the energy capital of the world, and about to be the port capital of the world.” The reporter replied “Well, J.C. and Karen, the world is certainly a brighter place with both of you in it.” The rescuers even took J.C. back to his house later because he had forgotten his wedding ring and his wallet. He said, “I couldn’t save my house, but I could save my marriage.” The reporter said, “I love his sense of humor and he even killed a snake on his way back to his home.”

Having been in Oklahoma for the last 40 years, I know what disaster looks like from the destruction that tornadoes bring. More and more people are taking precaution and buying steel storm shelters for their homes. But what good would steel storm shelters be in South Texas? How can we be disaster proof wherever we are? What is our back-up plan in case of an emergency? What safety measures can we take to be protected no matter where we live? It’s a wake-up call, for sure. But more important than all the extra groceries and water in a cellar somewhere or valuables placed in a safety deposit box, or knowing what roads to take in case of evacuation, what would be our attitude as followers of Christ? Would we be fear-driven, have feelings of hopelessness or would we dig deep into our hearts -- where Christ lives -- with faith and hope and be like J.C. and Karen and be thinking and declaring "something good is going to come out of this”.

This is what I know about God. Our concerns are not a surprise to Him. Turning over our cares and worries to Him, is how we show Him that we truly trust Him, and His unwavering love for us. When we bring Him our attitude of praise and thanksgiving – regardless of the circumstance we're in, He gives us peace to take us to the other side -- whether it's by car, plane, bicycle or boat. And in that case, we can sincerely believe EVERY cloud really does have a silver lining” and “every flood has a rainbow”. Just check in with Noah. The grace of God carried Him, his family and tons of animals through to dry land. We pray that dry land quickly comes for our brothers and sisters in the South, and the rainbow shows up once again......very soon.