💥💥💥💥 2,000 and Still Counting 💥💥💥💥

This day, July 11, 2019 -- is the BIG ONE! The BIG ONE as in posting my 2,000th blog. Pardon the personal high-fives! 🤚🤚 I’m beyond grateful for God's faithfulness to me to inspire, motivate, encourage, drop nuggets of His fresh Word, opened my eyes to see the beauty in each day and to savor the moments when I would get an “aha” lightning bolt revelation to share with you. Most of all, I am so thankful for those who commented or “secretly” sent me private messages about how one of my posts was “right-on” for what you needed for that day. Thank you to those who privately asked me for counsel and advice and to pray for you. The praise all goes to God! 🙏🙏

On April 26, 2010, I wrote my first-ever blog. It was the beginning of the faith journey of our lives and I knew God wanted me to live our journey out-loud to document the abiding and constant love that we knew that the Father would pour out on us. We wanted our light to brighten the way for others who may have been facing similar situations. We were embarking on travels that were not without God's oversight and provision. While we had always considered our walk with Christ to be an amazing faith journey, with its many twists and turns and ups and downs, we were always secure in knowing He was on board with us, come what may. But, this new road we were on, was one that came out of the clear blue, unexpected and we needed to put on our combat boots and gear to handle this one. We were so full of faith, determination and great expectancy. Here is that first blog, just in case you’re interested in reading it:
https://mypeacezone.com/our-great-faith-adventure-begins/

If you read it, I know you might think "Bless her heart, with all that faith, their prayers weren't answered.” Oh, contraire! They were answered when he survived the first surgery which the medical industry says is the most life-threatening surgery there is. They were answered when God gave us a first-class medical team -- second to none. They were answered when we laughed and celebrated in the midst of the pain. They were answered when God supplied our needs during the loss of income times. They were answered when friends and family co-partnered with us in prayer, providing meals, and support. They were answered when doctors, nurses, other patients and visitors were touched by the strong courage we maintained. They were answered when the most incredible peace that passed all understanding kept our hearts and minds throughout the journey. And they were answered as this widow still maintains that wholehearted trust in God's faithfulness.

At that time, I was randomly blogging about our faith journey and then in January of 2011, after he passed away, I asked God what my new mission would be for that year. It was as clear as any message I would hear from someone who was face-to-face with me. God nudged me to continue my blogging in my new season of widowhood – to keep letting His light shine in my every day musings. It was still random blogging until 2014 when I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I was to make blogging a life mission DAILY, posting before 6 am each day. Not just aimless blogging but mind-of-Christ blogging. Being a social media missionary. Consistently being a light in the darkness. Every day. To start the day. For those who needed some gas-in-their-tank, a fresh word of hope, a breath of fresh air, a reason to live, and the knowing – nothing is impossible with God.

Often, it's all about ME because I need those reasons to start my own day. I know I need to get out of bed on the RIGHT side of being a determined, strong, fearless and powerful woman who believes we were ALL created to make a difference in this world, in our workplaces, in our communities, our schools, our churches and our homes!

Here’s the deal. Aimless, selfish, my four-and-no-more thinking isn’t why God created us. He created us to be the ones to step up and out of our comfort zones and our comfortable homes and comfortable mindsets. Our world needs "behind the scenes prayer warriors", social media missionaries, powerful living-out-loud faith-filled, devil-chasing, armor-bearing believers who light up their corners, workplaces, homes, churches, schools, and even the marketplaces with God’s presence and light.

Maybe you are being nudged by God today – to begin blogging, or volunteering for your church or community center. Pay close attention. If God nudges, we best get after it! And, as we go, I'm quite sure when we open our mouths, it will be filled with God's wisdom, and the teaching of kindness will open doors to bring healing and wholeness to our world -- being peace-makers, joy-givers, hope-bringers, lovers, and compassionate healers!
See you tomorrow, for blog 2,001!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Day 336 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Lights and the Light of the World
Among Tulsa's great tourist attractions, one of my favorites at this time of the year, is Rhema Church's spectacular "Christmas Lights Extravaganza" -- thus my first photo inspiration. For over 30 years Rhema has provided the city with THE LIGHTS TO SEE. This year, the campus will be lit up with over two million lights.  It draws more the 200,000 visitors each year. There's a "Christmas Tree Forest" and park to walk through with beautiful music playing in the background.  It's really a sight to behold. It's a tradition for our family to take our annual drive through.

My next photo inspirations are mini-displays in my Hyde Park community.  Really not much to bring in the crowds for, but we are still expressing our Christmas spirit. I like to think that these lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Over the years, we'd find neighborhoods that went all out for Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and and we'd ooh and ahh at the workmanship of that homeowner. Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them.  Talk about LIGHT SHOW!   And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness.  But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks.  Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event.  In that case, "YOU light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.


"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12.   And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14.   WOW!!  How's that for a standard to live up to?  It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us.  I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world.

We Rejoiced BIG Time on This Day That the Lord Made

Day 299 of Photo Inspirations -- We Rejoiced BIG Time on This Day That the Lord Made!
Yesterday was packed full of Girl time, Granny time and Nana time.  These photos are from a fun packed day that started with my girls coming in on Friday night (the boys were hanging out in College Station for the Texas A&M game -- Go Aggies!).  Then the first thing Saturday morning, we headed to Mom's (Granny's) to give her a birthday surprise of the girls being in town to celebrate her birthday with her.  After hugs and kisses, then Staci took the opportunity to share Granny's birthday with the world as she interviewed her on "Periscope" (another new technology app where you can do a live feed that is seen worldwide if viewers have that app and are online at the time).  Staci videoed Granny and interviewed her for the viewers. Here is excerpts:

Staci:  As a Pastor's wife for over 50+ years, on this your 93rd birthday, can you give us your top 3 leadership tips?
Granny:  #1 --It's very simple.  Do not be selfish and think about yourself all the time.  It's about helping the woman and man and children who have no one to encourage them and praise them and lift them up.  I love to help people.  #2 -- Say to yourself -- "me, myself and I have to go back here (she pointed backwards) -- there's too many out there that need attention".   I'm going to encourage them.  #3  I say, "Lord, I don't have time for myself like I should because I'm too busy helping others.  So I say "Lord, you're gonna' have to help me, because I'm too busy helping others to take care of me!"

She had people from Turkey, Brazil, India, Russia, Argentina, and all over the U.S. -- over 150 more viewers -- many that gave comments that we saw on-screen.  And many others giving "heart likes".   They all loved her and were so inspired by her zest for life. A 16 year old posted, "I wish people my age could hear your wisdom today." Staci and Granny continued:

Staci:  Someone wants to know what you think about rap music?
Granny:  It's not my favorite.  I love worship.  I love to sing to the Lord.

Staci:  Someone is asking what your favorite memory is.
Granny:  We were 12 kids in the family.  We played together.  We worshipped together.  Our mom and dad read the Bible to us.  We were happy.  We didn't have much, but we didn't need much. It's not about things.
Staci:  Granny, people are being so blessed to see you today.
Granny:  I am having a worldwide revival.

Staci:  Someone is asking you how you feel.
Granny:  (Jumping up to her feet and exclaimed) Great.  Yay!

Staci:  What is the last thing you want to say today?
Granny:  We must keep our eyes on God.  People are too busy today.  The Bible says that God says "Be still and know that I am God.  I want to talk to you.  Slow down so you can hear me."

While the rest of our day was spent having fun girl time -- shopping, eating out, going to the Pumpkin Patch (my special request) -- nothing compared to this little precious, keepsake memory of a sweet saint's birthday that was shared with the world.  We thought about how she and Dad pastored for many years, and today, she carried on "preaching the good news".  While the day for some was about all the ghosts and goblins.......she got to spread THE LIGHT.  No wonder she's been such a LIGHT to so many for so many yea

rs.