Taking the Hide Road

Speaking as a gal whose done her share of travelling some high and low roads, I highly recommend the high roads. I've taken some perilous, torrential-rain, "low" roads that I had to turn around to take a higher road to travel. And, in the spiritual sense, I've taken some precarious "low" roads of doubt and fear and turned myself around to get back on the "high" roads of hope and faith.

There's some very angry, hurting people out there who are traveling some pretty low roads. Their hearts are broken for reasons only they know -- but most of all, they've never encountered love -- the true love of Jesus. Acting out and speaking vile and profane language is how they think they can make a difference in their world. I'm so sorry for them. If only they knew the freedom in taking the way of peace and joy that comes from our Savior. Oh, Lord, help us help them through our prayers and our living examples as Christ's followers. Here’s what God says:

~ Colossians 3:8 “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
~ Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up that it may give grace to those who hear.”
~ Matthew 12:37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
~ Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

So, how “different” are we from those who have no sense of "gracious, seasoned-with-salt" words? Some say that “It’s normal to vent and say it like you feel it. It’s normal to be angry and to speak hatefully. Normal to some is ranting and raving right along with everyone else who is travelling on those same low roads. But, those of us who take the "High Road" way, know that God called us to live a radical love-walk-and-talk life where kindness, love, joy and peace rules. There are many differences to be found in devoted God-followers.

~ We are LOVINGLY different -- extending His love freely and unconditionally to others.
~ We are TRUTHFULLY different -- believing the truth and loving the truth, speaking the truth and living the truth.
~ We are MERCIFULLY different -- knowing that God’s mercies are new every morning, we extend His mercies to those who have failed and disappointed us.
~ We are PRAYERFULLY different -- we pray in faith, we pray because of who God is and what He can do, we pray because of what God has said in His Word. We pray because we have the assurance that God hears us and answers our prayers.

We are DIFFERENT, and DIFFERENT never felt and looked so good! Being a difference maker to those on the low roads just might be the answer to this world's problems. I think I'll grab someone's hand on the low road and show them the way on the high road! How about you?

Untying the Apron Strings to Let it Go!

Usually untying the “apron strings” means someone is controlled or influenced too much by someone else who refuses to let them go! Today, I’m thinking beyond parents. "Letting go" can also be referring to “apron strings” tied so tight around a spouse, home, job, their identity and their stuff. To grow or to simply take the next step to leave the past behind and get a fresh new start, it is incumbent on us to untie those “apron strings” and let them go. It’s not just with our children or other people in our lives, we must continually be open to untying "apron strings" so that a new season can spring forth for us.

That was my dear mother-in-law – she held on to her home well into her 90s, but the time came, when physically, she had to let it go. And, when she did – the blessing came to my nephew and his wife to buy her beautiful home and make it their home. Letting go can mean many pay-it-forward blessings.

My sis-in-law told me about three huge sycamore trees in her front yard that seemed to be dying. She worried herself about them and tried many treatments to spark their growth. She finally “let them go” when she saw, in one of the sycamores, a nest and a mama hawk. Soon, she saw two baby hawks learning to fly. Peace consumed her about her sycamores as she watched the little birds. When she let go, the sycamores started budding.

I have a friend who had a tough time letting go of her past, but recently, she gave herself a “butterfly” themed birthday party. She not only let go of her past, but since then, she has sincerely developed her wings and is flying high.

As I’m writing this blog today, I’m writing to myself. I need “this word”, as recently someone made a false accusation about me that cut me to the core. My first response was to go into defense mode to clear my name. I thought: “If by now my ‘fruits and my integrity are not known, then what more can I do?” It is the enemy of our souls that ties us up with his apron strings to keep our minds held hostage on negativity instead of the freedom we have in Christ. My first impulse was to speak my mind, get my witnesses lined up and prove I am who I display that I am! But then, I hear the words “Let it go” in my spirit. As I read my devotion from “The Word Among Us” devotional booklet, I see how my holy Role Model demonstrated how to “Let it go!”

“Jesus came and revealed a new way of living. In the face of the selfish grasping at the heart of Satan’s rule, Jesus followed the rule of self-sacrificing love. While Satan urged vengeance, Jesus preached mercy and forgiveness. While Satan preferred pride and arrogance, Jesus taught humility and service. Again and again, Jesus showed that the devil had no power over Him (John 14:30). No amount of lying, cajoling, or tempting could convince Him to swerve from His path. He followed the law of love all the way to His death and resurrection. And, because Jesus’ faithfulness unto death, the iron grip of Satan’s rule was broken. Today Jesus is telling you that He is on your side. He has overcome the ruler of this world. You are no longer under the devil’s thumb. You can share in Jesus’ victory. You have options that our ancestors never had – you have the Holy Spirit, always ready to help you follow in the way of Christ. So whose rule will you follow today?”

Thanks for the uplifting reminder, “The Word Among Us”, and for showing us how to let go of all those things the enemy uses to encumber, stifle, demean and hinder us from God’s good work that He does in us and through us. I let go and I let God be my strong defender.

As I type this blog, as much as I need these words myself, I’m sure there are at least two or three of you who need it too. Let’s join forces – the forces of our Power Team: the Father – the Son – and the Holy Spirit -- Who fight our battles for us. We can throw down our weapons and let the battle be won by our Super Hero Power Team. I’m letting go – how about you?

He's a Good Shepherd

Here I go again with more inspiration from "the tales of Bryson". My youngest grandson’s life is consumed with the great outdoors and his animals, so of course, his live-stock causes my mind's "ticker tape" to keep rolling!

His priority is his animals' care and he loves it when I help him feed them at the corral or when he moves his goats and donkeys over to the pasture area that has plenty of “greens” for them to consume during the day. It’s a hoot to watch the goats, even with so much grass around to eat – that they still stand on their hind legs to get to the tastiest treats from the trees.

Those animals know their master. When he calls – even the donkeys, go running to him. Of course they do, they live the high life. Even neighboring families will stop by the fences and bring food to them. They are so well cared for and so well-protected. At evening time, Bryson brings them back from the pasture to the corral because predators can show up over there at nighttime. They are pampered and well fed, even if they don’t go over to the green pastures. They are protected and out of danger. Their shepherd, Bryson, is good and loves them all.

My scripture readings lately have referenced the Shepherd and His sheep, so with the inspirations of these chickens, longhorn, goats and donkeys, plus these scriptures, I can’t help but want to hang as close as I can to MY Shepherd.

Those of us who know our Good Shepherd – are like those animals in Bryson's loving care. When we are hanging close to our Shepherd – we can rest in knowing – even in storms – He is right there with us -- tenderly loving and guiding us.

But, then what about the sheep and other animals who have no shepherd and are in places that are open-prey to ravenous creatures and deadly storms? How do they come into the fold?
It's so simple -- surrender to the care of THE Good Shepherd Who lovingly welcomes them into His watchful care. Jesus does. He shares something central to a life of peace and contentment. He says, "I am the Good Shepherd." (John 10:11) Like a shepherd, He leads, feeds, protects and saves His sheep. How can He be so unrelenting in love for us?

And the answer has always been the same -- simple, yet profound -- God IS love. It is Who He is. He can't stop loving us. We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pasture.

As, one of those well-fed, cared for, protected and pampered sheep, I delightfully proclaim: "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me. His rod and His staff -- they comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23.

And, He welcomes you to be loved and cared for in His green pastures, too!

Kanye's Thirst Was Quenched

I've been following the faith journey of Kanye West. I watched him respond to Joel Osteen’s questions at Houston’s Lakewood Church last Sunday morning before his Sunday night’s free, 3-hour gospel concert. Kanye’s responses to Joel’s questions, his lifestyle change, and the concert depict a very changed man. He is consistently giving testimony to his new life in Christ. He told ABC News “People are giving their life to God, He’s using me to point to Him. More are going to Him since I’ve been here -- more people from my generation and the next and the next generation. So it’s working." Thanks be to God!

A few days ago, Franklin Graham said: “Kanye is doing what he believes, even if there are skeptics and even though it goes against the liberal beliefs of most in the entertainment industry. Pray for Kanye. There will be many temptations.The devil will try to discourage, distract, and even destroy him. Pray that he will keep his eyes focused on Jesus, and that God would guide and protect him. God bless you, Kanye. We’re praying for you.”

Thanks, Franklin, for your heart for the lost…..and the found. You remind me of what a devoted follower of Christ looks like. Honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to Kanye’s life, his lifestyle, his wife (Kim Kardashian), his rap music AND neither did I EVER pray for him! I just didn’t give him the time of day in my thoughts. I assumed he was a lost soul with morals and beliefs that were so far removed from being one of God’s children whose life could be redeemed and make it count for God. Shame on me. I should have been praying and believing for a miracle turnaround in his life.

It is the same with others who seem too far gone to ever see them changed. Why haven’t I prayed for those in the entertainment industry, in politics, in sports, those with high profiles who could have an “amazing grace” turnaround in their lives? We keep trying to convince others of what morality looks like, what the dignity of life looks like, what faith looks like, what being in “God’s camp” looks like, instead of displaying what God’s redeeming grace looks like. Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. Instead of turning my back on those who don’t know you and who seem to be acting on behalf of the enemy of our souls, help me, by your grace and mercy, to have a tender heart to pray and believe for their souls.

In the Bible, is the story of a Samaritan woman at the well who had “issues”, too. She was thirsty and didn’t even know why. God placed the desire for something more in every one us. Until we meet Jesus, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it’s just that … temporary. Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). This woman became so radical in her new faith, that she ran to town to tell everyone about her encounter. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony" (John 4:39). I like to think that is what Kanye is doing too, and that is what we should be doing as well.

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what we’re all truly longing for. Jesus offers us what He offered her – what He offered Kanye – what He offers you and me: freely flowing, refreshing water from the indwelling Holy Spirit Who quenches every thirst, washes away every sin and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings. How can we keep it to ourselves?

The first photo here is of a cherished figurine of Jesus and the woman at the well, along with a water pot that signifies that I need to return to the well daily to fill up with His Living Water. Today, I’m honored to sit by the well and not only draw water for myself, but to pray for you and others who are thirsty and don’t even realize it yet. I pray today for us to be bearers of the water we drink and the water that we give to others through our prayers and belief that WHOEVER comes to this Living Water will never thirst again.

“Jesus said, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” John 7:37-38
I've been following the faith journey of Kanye West. I watched him respond to Joel Osteen’s questions at Houston’s Lakewood Church last Sunday morning before his Sunday night’s free, 3-hour gospel concert. Kanye’s responses to Joel’s questions, his lifestyle change, and the concert depict a very changed man. He is consistently giving testimony to his new life in Christ. He told ABC News “People are giving their life to God, He’s using me to point to Him. More are going to Him since I’ve been here -- more people from my generation and the next and the next generation. So it’s working." Thanks be to God!

A few days ago, Franklin Graham said: “Kanye is doing what he believes, even if there are sceptics and even though it goes against the liberal beliefs of most in the entertainment industry. Pray for Kanye. There will be many temptations.The devil will try to discourage, distract, and even destroy him. Pray that he will keep his eyes focused on Jesus, and that God would guide and protect him. God bless you, Kanye. We’re praying for you.”

Thanks, Franklin, for your heart for the lost…..and the found. You remind me of what a devoted follower of Christ looks like. Honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to Kanye’s life, his lifestyle, his wife (Kim Kardashian), his rap music AND neither did I EVER pray for him! I just didn’t give him the time of day in my thoughts. I assumed he was a lost soul with morals and beliefs that were so far removed from being one of God’s children whose life could be redeemed and make it count for God. Shame on me. I should have been praying and believing for a miracle turnaround in his life.

It is the same with others who seem too far gone to ever see them changed. Why haven’t I prayed for those in the entertainment industry, in politics, in sports, those with high profiles who could have an “amazing grace” turnaround in their lives? We keep trying to convince others of what morality looks like, what the dignity of life looks like, what faith looks like, what being in “God’s camp” looks like, instead of displaying what God’s redeeming grace looks like. Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. Instead of turning my back on those who don’t know you and who seem to be acting on behalf of the enemy of our souls, help me, by your grace and mercy, to have a tender heart to pray and believe for their souls.

In the Bible, is the story of a Samaritan woman at the well who had “issues”, too. She was thirsty and didn’t even know why. God placed the desire for something more in every one us. Until we meet Jesus, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it’s just that … temporary. Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) This woman became so radical in her new faith, that she ran to town to tell everyone about her encounter. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony." (John 4:39) I like to think that is what Kanye is doing too, and that is what we should be doing as well.

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what we’re all truly longing for. Jesus offers us what He offered her – what He offered Kanye – what He offers you and me: freely flowing, refreshing water from the indwelling Holy Spirit Who quenches every thirst, washes away every sin and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings. How can we keep it to ourselves?

The first photo here is of a cherished figurine of Jesus and the woman at the well, along with a water pot that signifies that I need to return to the well daily to fill up with His Living Water. Today, I’m honored to sit by the well and not only draw water for myself, but to pray for you and others who are thirsty and don’t even realize it yet. I pray today for us to be bearers of the water we drink and the water that we give to others through our prayers and belief that WHOEVER comes to this Living Water will never thirst again.

“Jesus said, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” John 7:37-38

MY Mercies are New Every Morning

I wish that those words were my words. I mean MY mercies. I read this scripture: “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23. I know those words are so true. I know His faithful love, His fresh mercy each morning. But, then there’s ME! What about my love, my faithfulness, my mercy to others? I want MY faithful love, MY faithfulness and MY mercies for others to never end.

I’ll admit it. My love, faithfulness and mercies falter. Sometimes I’ll get bugged because there are no cashiers in all those cashier lines and I’m standing in a long line at the only one line that is open. Then there's the lawn sprinklers that are aimed at the street more than their lawn and my clean car gets hit. And, the McDonald's drive-thru leaves out the fork and napkin for my pancakes as I drive home from Tulsa and I have to use my fingers! Argh! Sometimes I’ll get aggravated at a driver who cuts in between me and another car and I almost hit him. And, then yesterday, the engine light came on my car again, after it was in the shop all day, the day before. I had to take it in again -- another day for not getting all my errands done. To top it off, I need MY mercies for me, who is oftentimes my biggest challenge. Oh that MY mercies were new every morning!

I sincerely desire to be like Jesus. He set the example for us in the love, faithfulness and mercy departments. Clearly, that’s why God set Him as our role model. He modeled how to do it. God daily invites us to come and sit with Him and His Word (His "how to" manual) to learn about His Son’s countless ways of never-ending love, faithfulness, and mercies.

Sometimes we’re overridden with guilt about our lack of performance. We turn down His invitation to meet Him at the watering (Living Water) well. Maybe you’re familiar with some of these thoughts: “It’s been so long since I’ve sat down with my Bible. I can’t remember the last time I prayed for more than a few hurried minutes. Who am I to ask God to speak to me?”

But how wrong to think those thoughts. God isn’t keeping a spiritual scorecard to see when we deserve the right to sit in His presence and feast on His Word. His invitation has nothing to do with our performance and everything to do with His mercies and desire to fill us with His wisdom and encouragement.

My heart is overwhelmed by the example that God gives to us. His mercies are unending. And He extends a fresh, grace-filled invitation for us to draw close to Him each and every morning. His eyes are brimming with hope that we’ll accept His invitation afresh today. He knows the more we lean in closer to Him, the more we’ll become like Him. That’s my prayer today.

Make me more like You, Jesus. Give me a heart that’s filled with love AND mercy, and make me more like You! A merciful heart like yours each and every morning. Lord, have MERCY!

Oh, But for the Mercy of God!

I’ve heard people say “Lorrrd, have mercy!” as a quick retort when yet another “I can’t believe it” circumstance happens. In reality, that is what we should say, rather pray, anytime we encounter a roadblock, a rock landslide, “rocked my world” or rock crazy situations going on in our world. God is our ROCK in all of life's ups and downs and His DIVINE MERCY is at our beckoned call when tough times come or when we are the ones who made a huge mistake and created the tough times.

Today is “Divine Mercy” Sunday – a time that is specifically dedicated to the great gift of the Lord’s mercy and love. God's “Divine Mercy” was given in His covenant as He promised protection, provision, guidance, and His constant presence to His children. Because God is the initiator, the mercy He gives is gracious, unmerited, undeserved, is compassionate and leads to forgiveness, and to the steadfast love that God sustains in our relationship with Him.

Thank God, we are no longer defined by our past because God's mercy is real and available. Of course, we celebrate His mercy every time we cry out to Him for mercy when we have failed Him. And, mercy should be a part of every Christian's life when we have been hurt by someone. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).

Think about it – after Jesus rose from the dead, He went to His disciples where they were huddled in fear. He could have gone in and started in a rant about their weaknesses and their failures. He could have displayed His disappointment in their betrayal and denial of Him. His first words could have been, “Thanks…. for NOTHING! What were you thinking? Where were you when I needed you?” He had every right to unload His righteous indignation on them. But, no, His first words to them were “Peace be with you”. Isn’t that the way He continues to speak to us – in spite of our mistakes & failures? He loves us unconditionally and speaks “Peace be with you.” Yes, He is a God of divine mercy!

None of us need to be defined by our past because Divine Mercy is open to us all. Whether our sins are small or great, the mercy of God is available to all of us. The mercy of God is real! The mercy of God is His love! The mercy of God is the power of the resurrection still working today. You are not your past. Believe in it! Embrace it! God’s Divine Mercy forgives, forgets and even forges the way to becoming all God destined for us in the first place. So, shouldn't His example cause us to be His people of mercy, too -- forgiving and loving others with mercy? Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

What If Blessings Come From Raindrops?

If we could measure our blessings by raindrops that have come to Frisco for the last week and, now, it shows rain every day through Sunday, then we would be overwhelmed with blessings. On Monday, I returned home from Austin in unceasing, torrential rain most all the way in which driving was extremely intense. My plan for a 4-hour trip was dashed because of the necessary slower driving. Somehow, rain doesn't seem to be a blessing during that time. But I’ve found out, and you probably have, too, that many times in life, blessings do come from raindrops.

Laura Story wrote a song entitled “What If Blessings Come From Raindrops?” based on the incredible blessings she had as a Grammy award-winning songwriter and recording artist. The faith Laura sang about was put to the test when her husband was on breathing machines after brain tumor surgery. He also had significant post-operative vision and memory loss. She said, "I spent my whole life singing, 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,' but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn't really know that sweetness. It's hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good. When He leads us through valleys, we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I've doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He's remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope."

She went on: "I'd like to tell those going through tough times, 'God will fix your situation', but He just may not fix it. Scripture doesn't promise we'll understand everything while we're on this side of heaven, but it does tell us the broken things in this life will find their greater purpose in His redemption story. God promises there is a purpose for the pain we're going through. He promises He's doing something greater when we don't understand it.

I can vouch for what Laura said. I had to give reasons for the hope and peace that I had during my husband's illness and his graduation to heaven. People asked me, "How can you have so much joy?" Like Laura, I said, "My joy is found in Jesus. It's not found in my circumstances. I can't guarantee things will get better. But I can guarantee I'm going to get better. Life isn't all good, but God promises He will work it ALL together FOR GOOD for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28).

I urge you to listen to this beautiful song, written and sung by Laura. Perhaps it's a "rainy" season in your world today. This song may give you the encouragement you need to realize that though it might be raining, God's plans include the SUN shining again and you will come back stronger, wiser, and more joy-filled if you let Him fill you up with His goodness and mercy. What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

Predictable or Unpredictable

Ever since my grandson, Payton (now 18), was just a little guy he’s loved playing the piano. It started with my husband who could play anything but loved Christian music and jazz. "Little" Payton jumped on the piano bench to plunk out notes while Papa played. The first song Papa taught him was “Chopsticks”. He learned those one-finger-at-a-time-notes that were easy-peasy and Papa would play the full chords that were in-sync with Payton’s one-finger notes. "Chopsticks" was called “Chopsticks” for a reason. It was choppy and predictable.

I’ll admit it’s comfortable for life to be predictable. Every time Papa would sit down at the piano, it wasn’t long before Payton wanted to play more and learn more. It was such a beautiful tribute to my husband’s life as his mentor, teacher, and beloved “Papa” when Payton played “Fur Elise"at Papa’s funeral. All were in awe at that 10-year-old boy who was fearless and well-trained, to play for such a large crowd with absolute perfection.

Today, Payton not only loves to play the piano, he's a piano teacher. Yesterday I went to their home for lunch and as so often heard in their home, was music-to-my-ears as I walked to their front door. Payton was playing some jazz music – one of Papa’s favorites. I knew he was serenading me. Yesterday would have been our 52nd wedding anniversary. Jazz music is unlike the predictable notes of a memorized song like “Chopsticks” or "Fur Elise". Jazz music is unpredictable. A jazz pianist will just “flow”. Their emotions are translated into beautiful innovative riffs, cool tones, and complex rhythms.

Jazz is an effective way to describe discipleship. We like to know what's expected of us and we like to know the how-to's, the when-to's and where-to's -- like the notes and simplicity of a song like “Chopsticks”, but a jazz musician will just sit down at their instrument and play from their heart and soul. Life is so unpredictable and we want someone to teach us everything we need to know, but we simply can’t know everything. Our faith journey is about preparing for the unpredictable and then going with the flow of that beautiful music that is playing on the inside that comes from a heart full of faith and trust in God's flow.

I heard that listening to jazz music has benefits for our health. The rhythms can bring natural relief for mind and body. Studies show that just 45 minutes of soft, slow music like jazz before bedtime results in better and longer night-time sleep as well as less dysfunction during the day. It also reduces the intensity of migraine headaches and reduces chronic pain. No wonder that King Saul's tormented soul was soothed when David played his harp for him. "Whenever the spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." 1 Samuel 16:23.

In the atrium of the Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa was a beautiful grand piano. Even though in tremendous pain, before my sweetheart would go in for treatment, he would somehow muster up the strength, while sitting in his wheelchair, and draw a crowd as he played the piano which relaxed him for the treatment up ahead.

Honestly, this post is far more important than styles-of-music. Of course, we live our lives with necessary routines. But it is also about living our lives with an absolute abandonment of worry and stress and tension to free-flowing in God’s grace and mercy, knowing that whatever music we’re playing or life circumstances we’re living with, being completely aware that our great Teacher and Lord is sitting at the piano bench with us 24/7. Whatever song we’re playing, He’ll be in-sync with us – making our lives a symphony of harmony and beauty when we go with His flow!

Seen Any Rainbows Lately?

Seen Any Rainbows Lately?
This beautiful rainbow was over our subdivision after a recent rain. I grew up with only one thought about rainbows. I learned about it in my Sunday School class. You know....Noah, the ark, the animals, the rain, the flood, the promise. It is found in Genesis 9. And God said, “Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."

That's what I knew about a rainbow....it was the Promise of God. It is always like heaven touching earth whenever I see one. In the midst of life’s storms it is often hard to spot a rainbow, but I think the most important thing is to remember, these miracles of the sky only appear AFTER the storm. I'll never forget a really tough season in our lives and we were exhausted from fighting the good fight of faith and then we walked into our home and up on a large painting was a rainbow being reflected from the sun coming in the room and hitting a glass object. That was just the "sign" we needed to know we were coming out of the storm, and we did, in almost unimaginable ways.

Along the way, I heard more about rainbows from our Irish friends -- that, at the end of the rainbow is a pot of gold. Fun thought, however far fetched it may be. When I was in Ireland last year, I realized that what the Irish really believe is that rainbows symbolize blessings from heaven.

The rainbow took on another meaning when the Supreme Court’ made the decision on gay marriage. Social media and even the White House were lit up with the colors of the rainbow.

No matter what belief system people have, nothing changes the fact that God designed the rainbow to symbolize something far greater and far more glorious than pots of gold, little green leprechauns or diverse sexual orientations.

The really good news, for all of us, is the rainbow displays God’s grace towards all humanity. To this day, the rainbow symbolizes that promise. Back to Genesis 9 -- as long as the rainbow hangs in the sky, God will mercifully and graciously restrain his anger towards humanity, but I sure don't want to take chances on God's patience with me. Yes, He's so very patient with us and the fact that He hasn't sent another flood to destroy the world and all its craziness again, is certainly a ginormous display of His tolerance and patience. He is so merciful.

As I typed this last night, I thought about the Star in the East that led the Magi to the Christ Child. What if, no matter if the rainbow is in the sky, on a flag or a lapel pin that someone is wearing -- that our first thought would be "Lord, as we see this rainbow, may it point us and others to Your grace, Your love, Your forgiveness, and Your peace and that it would bring us to seeking and serving You with all our hearts.

Now, I give you one of those sweet Irish blessings:
” May God give you…for every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.”
~ Old Irish Blessing

Blessed are the Merciful

Day 344 of Photo Inspirations -- Blessed are the Merciful
We’re into the Advent/Christmas Season by a couple of weeks now, and though it's the most wonderful time of the year, we've all probably had an occasion to be unhappy and disgruntled with someone or something.  And, BIG surprise….. someone might even be unhappy with us. But thank goodness for God's mercy. His mercy embodies the great love and forgiveness that He extends to His children. Perhaps you remember a time when one of your children made a huge mistake and they were surprised when you showed them mercy. We love them and we knew they would grow up and do better. Why does God choose to be merciful?  Because He knows us, and He knows we’ll grow up and do better.

I was thrilled to hear Pope Francis declare that yesterday, December 8th as the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and runs all the way until next November.  He said, "We want to live this year in the light of the Lord’s words: ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful’ Luke 6:36).”    He went on to ask, "Is it naive to believe that this may change the world?" "Yes, humanly speaking it is a folly, but 'the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength,'" he responded, quoting from 1 Corinthians.

In this season of good will toward men and this Jubilee Year of Mercy, shouldn't we amp up the MERCY acts toward those around us?  Let’s face it -- someone is going to cut into our line, probably when we are late and holding something heavy.  Someone is going to be in a grumpy mood and snap at us. People might not welcome us onto the highway in front of them. Indeed…..this is a season for . . . mercy.  Since we receive God's mercy for our flaws, shouldn’t we have mercy for others’ flaws. There will be people that just don’t know God and His mercy, so they don't have any of His mercy to give. But we can share the gift of God's mercy over and over again, regardless of how we are treated. And it’s a good idea to pray for those folks that just don’t know how to receive God’s mercy – maybe the mercy we show them will draw them to our God and Father of mercy.

It makes me wonder "If we just amped up mercy and purposefully gave out more mercy in bolder and even more creative ways, things around us just might be different."   We'd see the beggar on the street corner, and instead of thinking "Get a job", we'd, at the very least, say a prayer for him.  We'd be more patient with the cashier.  We'd been more tender-hearted to the "Scrooges" around us.  We'd invite the lonely and family-less to join us for Christmas parties. Who knows?  It may be in our giving mercy, that we will receive even more of the abundance of God's mercy to us.   "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  Matthew 5:7

Don't we want to have the heart to live this holiday season and the year in the light of the Lord’s words: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful". Luke 6:36

Goodness & Mercy Following & Favor Chasing

Really? God's goodness and mercy are following us? His FAVOR is chasing us? Isn't that just like our Heavenly Father -- pursuing us and chasing us with His desire to bless us and do good things for us? It's not just enough to be followed by His goodness and mercy. No, He is relentless in pursuing us -- every single day, and He wants to catch us. So, let's look for Him. We'll surely find Him as we notice those times when God's goodness and mercy catch....like just feeling that kiss from heaven when a prayer has been answered, or being hugged (REALLY hugged) by someone that God used to do the hugging for Him, or getting a sweet surprise phone call, or winning an unexpected prize, or maybe it was the extra patience we were given when dealing with a difficult situation. Let's slow down enough today.....so goodness and mercy and God's favor can catch us.....and not let us go!