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.

Hammer on Pause to Live With No Regrets

Some of life's greatest lessons come from first hand experience. And those experiences teach us the "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did" moments. You know those "living WITH regrets" or "living with NO regrets". The latter on both of those statements is truly the best way to go. Believe me, I've known both. Those times we "miss it" are surely those times we learn from the most. Life is so short and making the most of everything we can when the opportunities arise, not only gives us sweet memories, but it makes for deepening our relationships with each other.

A couple of days ago I divulged my news on FB that my home sold in Tulsa and I'll be moving to Texas. "Hammer down" was the term I used for the non-stop mode of getting my home all packed up before the movers get there next Tuesday. With limited sleep and many hours a day of relentless crunching the "have to's", it would have been easy and understandable by my granddaughter, to miss being with her this year on her birthday. Nevertheless, my motto "Live With No Regrets" kept me grounded on what's most important.

My granddaughter's 15th birthday was yesterday. It is rare that I/we ever missed one of our grandchildren's birthdays. I've told how our family always makes a big deal of each other's birthdays. Alexia knew my moving schedule, so she didn't expect me, but how could I NOT be there to celebrate my girl when she's only 3-1/2 hours away? So, at 5:20 am, I hit the road. While driving, I called to wish her happy birthday and I told her how much I wish I were there for her and that we would make up for the time lost. That was just before I arrived at her home. She came out of the room, and all cameras were on her as she saw me. Oh, sweet surprise. Not being one that can usually be surprised, I surprised her and said, "I surprised you. I surprised you. I wouldn't miss my girl's birthday. Are you kidding me?"

That effort enabled me to be a part of a day of fun surprises and adventures. First we headed to our 5th year in a row, lunch at Neiman Marcus' Mariposa Restaurant for her favorite broth soup and popovers with strawberry butter. Then after a little shopping at Willow Bend, it was off to Grapevine Mall, where another surprise awaited Alexia. She was just 5 years old the last time she went to one of her favorite restaurants, Rainforest Cafe. She "remembered" being so scared as a little girl when the lightning and thunder would come and the animals would roar. This time she treasured those memories then and the memories made yesterday.

It was topped off by Larry, Payton and Will surprising her by meeting us there. Then it was home with a house filled with kids from her church's youth group to surprise her. Laughing, running, playing music,going to the park, watching movies, playing games -- all a part of celebrating life. Wonderful gifts from her friends: money, new shoes from Payton, tickets to the Carrie Underwood Concert next Tuesday night. The biggest surprises of all were Larry & Staci's gift of tickets to "Phantom of the Opera" -- a dream she's had for a long time, and Will's gift of the Phantom mask pendant/necklace. With this outpouring of life, I know Alexia felt loved and celebrated. And, I was here to see it all and be a part of yet another year of thanksgiving and appreciation. Now, I'm hitting the road back to Tulsa -- hammer down -- finishing up this elephant with memories that will last my lifetime!