Amping Up Gratitude Through Appreciation

Gratitude just can't be emphasized enough. Radical gratitude means we’re going to walk through life being grateful in every situation, no matter what — in times of plenty, when times are tight, when times are good, bad, right, or wrong. We can develop an attitude of gratitude by choosing to be grateful in every situation. The attitude of radical gratitude actually can become a ministry when we realize how well it serves others.

We know those clergy "ministers", but, you and I, as believers, are also ministers. When we minister to someone, we are serving them. The Latin word for minister is "servant". Every Christian is a minister, which means we serve others. And that ministry can be called the "ministry of appreciation".

Here's what I know about appreciation and depreciation. If you’ve ever bought a car, you know the meaning of depreciation. The moment you drive it off the lot, it’s worth less than what you paid for it, even if it’s a brand-new vehicle. Depreciation means to decrease in value. But, APPRECIATION means to raise in value. When we appreciate our spouse, we raise their value. When we appreciate our kids, we raise their value. When we appreciate our boss and co-workers, we raise their value to us and to the company. When we appreciate our friends and those who serve us at a store or business, we raise their value.

We can make a ministry out of raising the value of people simply by appreciating them. I’ve discovered that everyone needs massive doses of encouragement. I’ve never met anybody who’s said, “Oh no! I don’t need a compliment! I have too many. Please, stop! I’m too affirmed. Don’t give me any more.”

We ALL have a need to be affirmed, to be loved, to be appreciated — and so does everyone else. If we want to be used by God, here’s one way: Affirm everybody. Appreciate everybody. Show gratitude to everybody. BTW -- I sure do appreciate YOU, my beloved social media friends and family!

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

How Beautiful are the Hands and Feet of Caregivers

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of Aunt Iris Litke, my father-in-law’s sister. After 68 years of marriage, her husband, Uncle Hugo preceded her to heaven. Their son, Art, and wife, Sharon and their son, Michael, were her caregivers. I’ve admired their strength yet tenderness in the care of this precious woman who struggled with tremendous health issues up to her passing. Hearing about their tender love and care for her made me want to reach out to my social media friends who are caregivers today and encourage you as you carry on faithfully in this beautiful ministry of caregiving. I totally believe you have the Father's heart of love and compassion.

I recognize that ministry. I was the caregiver to my precious Mama for many years and into her later years, her 24-7 caregiver. Then during my Sweetheart's illness, being his 24-7 caregiver. I watch my dear sis-in-law and her husband who welcomed my mother-in-law into their home and have given her 24/7 care. What that means is they don’t take vacations or even spend very many hours away from her. Believe me I’ve tried to step up but Mom insists on Karen being there. I get it. Her trust and security is enveloped in the devotion of her beloved daughter. Mom can only deal with a few hours without Karen’s undivided attention. I assure you -- these beautiful caregivers are living with no regrets. I know. I have no regrets in the care of my mom and my husband.

Caregiving should never feel like it's merely a duty or obligation. Caregiving can be welcomed into our hearts as a God-given ministry. It may be a hidden ministry that goes unnoticed by many, but it is a ministry that God sees and one that pleases Him. Jesus recognized its importance when He said, “Whoever helps one of these little ones because they are my followers will truly get his reward. He will get his reward even if he only gave my follower a cup of cold water.” Matthew 10:42.

As a caregiver, God will use your hands as an extension of His hands -- to hold, to support, to embrace, to comfort, to bless, to help, to heal. He will use your words— to encourage, to build up, to speak hope, to convey truth, to strengthen faith, to deepen trust, to impart love. He will use your presence— to show care, to bring companionship, to wipe a tear, to soothe a pain, to dispel a fear, to rub a brow, to kiss a cheek, to hold a hand, to fluff a pillow, to reassure when there’s a setback, to celebrate when progress is made. Those actions certainly do sound like the actions and character of God. God with skin on.

As His servants, the ministry of caregiving means that whatever it is we do to help another, even if it means the simple act of giving a glass of water, the Lord receives it as a ministry done unto Him. How blessed we are to be able to make God's heart glad as we touch others with His love. I can imagine He is giving you applause and a standing ovation for a "job well done"! In fact, He’s saying “Well done, good and faithful servants. Enter into my joy. You earned it. Receive it.”

Expanding Our Horizons

Yesterday morning, my daughter and I reminisced as we took a road trip to Tulsa, which included spending time with Mom (aka Granny). The highlight of visiting 96-year-old Granny was when she suddenly started speaking words of great wisdom into Staci for her life and ministry -- treasured words that will be forever imprinted in Staci's heart. That of itself made the trip worth it.

Back in the 90s, I was Staci’s travel companion. Often, we traveled by air and other times, we traveled in our high top van all over the country and Canada. She would take the wheel and I would sleep on the bed in the back and vice versa when it was my turn to drive. We covered a lot of territory in that van and touched many lives at the ministry and motivational events where she sang, spoke and shared Christ's Good News.

Our lives together have never been stuck in a rut. This girl has kept me on-the-go, even to today as I am still greatly involved in her ministry which has continued on in so many ways.

Yesterday, as we reminisced about so many lives that were changed by God’s wonder-working power, I recalled an old song we sang that reminded us to remember God's faithfulness:
"He’ll do it again. Just take a look at where you are now
And where you have been.
Hasn’t He always come through for you,
He’s the same now as then,
You may not know how. You may not know when.
He’ll do it again.

To look back at some of those “where you have been” and “He’ll do it again” blessings, I took along the newsletters (way before social media) that we distributed, far and wide, from our make-shift offices in our garage. Oh, the places we went; oh, the lives of so many people that were radically transformed; oh, the lessons we learned and oh the joys of serving God.

Many seeds were planted in those days, months and years. We also experienced the joys of harvest time. We've come a long way, Baby! Now so many of those transformed lives are making a difference in the world. Staci and her precious husband, Larry, are 100% focused on changing lives. That little ministry that started in a renovated garage has expanded to nations today.

My post today isn’t about a focus on my girl or her love for God, serving Him and helping people to know Him more, though it’s worthy of focus. I wanted to impress upon you to reminisce about the goodness of God in your life. We don’t look back with wishing we could go back. We look back to count our blessings. So many seemingly impossible situations became possible. We realize there are possibilities available to us when we reach beyond where we are and allow inspiration to move to the forefront again. Who wants to be stodgy, dull and uninspired? Not me!

Matthew 13:15 says “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed." Maybe it’s time for you to take a road trip and reminisce about the drive and determination you once had and ask God to light a fire under you again. We’re still here so we’re not done running our races with zeal and making sure we impact many along the way!

Are You a Caregiver? Then You Are His Hands Extended.

When I moved from Tulsa a year ago, I knew God was directing me back to my home state of Texas – closer to my children and grandchildren, yet still close enough to get back to Tulsa should I be needed by my sister-in-law in the care of Mom (my mother-in-law). I have felt like I abandoned ship because not long after I moved away, Mom needed more care. Fortunately, Karen and George have run their business out of Mom's home so Mom isn't alone very much. Also, they live only five minutes away from Mom. Of late, however, Mom has needed extra care which has put greater demands on my dear sis and bro.

I’m so thankful that God has given "super powers" to Karen and George -- His strength, patience, and guidance along the way. When Mom became nervous about driving, on her own, years ago, gave her car keys to Karen and said “I’m through with driving.” What a wonderful announcement that was. We didn’t have to make that decision for her. And, Karen told her years ago that when she’s ready to move from her home to theirs, she should just tell them and they’ll welcome her there. Sure enough, Mom recently declared “I’m ready to move to your house!” What a sweet relief to know she made that decision herself instead of being forced to move.

Since then, Karen and George have been making room for Mom by painting rooms, moving furniture out to make room for Mom's furniture, and adding fixtures to accommodate Mom's needs. Over the last several days, Karen and I have been cleaning out closets and storage spaces for Mom and decorating her beautiful, spacious room at their home.

We’re so thankful we have the privilege of treating Mom with so much dignity that she is in the driver’s seat, so to speak – getting to select the day and time for the move. But this dignity and care, has been ongoing for many years. My sis, Karen, truly has a servant's heart. She is so devoted to Mom, being on-call 24/7 to her call and so very patient, loving and kind. She takes her to many doctor's appointments, gives her daily care (and that's a lot) and shows her such unconditional love.

Witnessing these tender moments, made me want to reach out to my FB friends who are caregivers and encourage you with this beautiful ministry of care-giving. I believe you have the Father's heart of love and compassion.

I recognize that ministry. I was the caregiver to my precious Mama for many years and into her later years, her 24-7 caregiver. Then during my Sweetheart's illness, being his 24-7 caregiver.

Caregiving should never feel like it's merely a duty or obligation. Caregiving can be welcomed into our hearts as a God-given ministry. It may be a hidden ministry that goes unnoticed by many, but it is a ministry that God sees and one that pleases Him. Jesus recognized its importance when He said, “Whoever helps one of these little ones because they are my followers will truly get his reward. He will get his reward even if he only gave my follower a cup of cold water.” Matthew 10:42.

As a caregiver, God will use your hands as an extension of His hands—to hold, to support, to embrace, to comfort, to bless, to help, to heal; He will use your words— to encourage, to build up, to speak hope, to convey truth, to strengthen faith, to deepen trust, to impart love; He will use your presence— to show care, to bring companionship, to wipe a tear, to soothe a pain, to dispel a fear, to rub a brow, to kiss a check, to hold a hand, to fluff a pillow, to reassure when there’s a setback, to celebrate when progress is made. Those actions certainly do sound like the actions and character of God.

As His servants, the ministry of caregiving means that whatever it is we do to help another, even if it means the simple act of giving a glass of water, the Lord receives it as a ministry done unto Him. How blessed we are to be able to make God's heart glad as we touch others with His love. I can imagine He is giving you applause and a standing ovation for a "job well done"!

This Season May Be About "Ministry"

Following God's lead, looks like this for me for a few days (see photos). I’m here in Austin on a “ministry” call to see after my youngest grandson for a couple of days before his big brother gets home from camp up in Seattle, and then we’ll have Nana/Bryson/Brennan fun for a couple of days before their Mom and Dad get back home.

I don’t call it a “duty” call, because a “duty” call sounds like an obligation. A “ministry” call is an honor and an important mission to serve. I know that “ministry” typically has a vocational meaning (pastors, ministers, missionaries, priests, etc.). But out of all of our devotion to Christ and our love for others, He asked us to serve alongside Him. “Ministry" comes from the Greek word diakoneo, which means "to serve”. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

We know, intuitively, that we are to love and serve. That’s what Mark 10:45 is all about. Jesus did not merely come as another prophet or teacher or philosopher. He came to do two things. One: to give His life as a ransom for many. And He came, secondly, to serve His disciples so that His disciples will serve others.

As a young Mom and wife, my early-on “ministry” was to tend to my family's needs, raising them up in a Godly and loving home. My family was my first “ministry”. “Ministry” was my mission for many years as I was the caregiver for my precious mother. She lived with us for many years, and after that, she lived in a Senior Apartment Complex where I visited and/or called her daily, took care of her in sickness and in health, and helped her make life decisions. “Ministry” was my mission when my precious husband became seriously ill and I was his 24/7 nurse and caregiver. I never assumed those roles as obligations or duties – it was a season of “following God’s lead” and responding with “Here am I. Send me. Use me.”

This present season has afforded me the rich rewards of serving and praying for my family -- supporting them and when asked, give my advice and wisdom. It’s also a season of loving and supporting my friends and others who need an encouraging word and even practical servitude. I find that Facebook is another area of “ministry” to be on the daily assignment of giving fresh words from God’s heart to mine, to yours. I don’t take my assignments or opportunities to serve, lightly. And, I don’t do what I do in my own strength because as I said yesterday and re-emphasize today….I’m following my LEADER. He leads. I follow. He serves. I serve. How about you?

The Older Teach the Younger

Day 282 of Photo Inspirations -- The Older Teach the Younger
I'm sure we've all heard the scripture that references the older women teaching the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).  I'm so grateful for the older women who influenced my life -- my Mom, my mother-in-law, my Bible teachers like Joyce Meyer, Gloria Copeland, and so many more, but I am even more thrilled that I get to be an influencer to younger women in my own life.  I love it when a young mom calls and cries out "HELP!!!  What do I do?"   I really believe that God places us here at this time and this place to be mentored by those who've walked the walk and have proven success by the "fruit" we see in their lives, but I also believe.....we are being trained and prepared by God, as we go along in our lives, to be the mentor to those younger than us.  I know that, as a widow, I've been able to help other widows become warrior women who realize God still has them here for his plans and purposes even though their loved ones are in heaven.  They've turned their mourning into dancing.

Who qualifies to be the "older" or the "younger" women?  If someone is younger in their faith or in life.....we are the older.  I watched my granddaughter encouraging a younger friend -- perhaps not so much in age, as in her faith.  I've seen you sweet Moms, who've had the experience of nursing, of figuring out the ropes for getting your little sweethearts to sleep through the night, or just what method to use for teaching potty training.  You are being the "older" women to those who are "less traveled" on the "Mommy" road.

I think about some of you, my sweet sisters, that think you don't fit into either category.  You think what you do doesn't count because you're doing it at 2 am in the morning when no one is looking -- except for your sweet baby who has lost his pacificer....AGAIN.   Or because you think you need a podium for your voice to matter or make a difference.

But, I just want to take your sweet faces between my hands and tell you "You ARE making a difference."  Podiums and pulpits are not just found in churches.  Speeches do not just come from stages.  Microphones are just not necessary to be heard.  Don't for a second succumb to the false words you hear in your head that to make a difference, you have to be a theologian instead of changing yet another diaper.  I'm telling you diapers, laundry, and a sink full of dishes IS serious theology.  You are the Proverbs 31 woman who rises while it's still dark to provide for your family. You are the ones who are teaching your children and your daughters what it is to be a Godly woman in the midst of LIFE.  The hours that you sow juggling soccer practice, ballet and football games or between carefully maneuvering the selection of your daughter's prom dress so it's NOT the one that is too low cut in the front.  You're on a mission field of teaching and training and being the example of faithfulness and resilience and determination.  When you break up conflict between your kids, you are being the peacemaker that, one day, they'll remember how you resolved conflict when they're having to do that with their kids. You ARE in ministry.

To offer my life, my lessons learned and failed – so many broken bits and pieces of experience for my sisters who, on a daily basis maneuver your lives with precision, is an honor.  I get to be an "older" woman to you "younger" women.   And while you're getting up again and again for another glass of water or another story to tell, I'll be going through my routines.  You will benefit from my experience, and your mentorees will benefit from yours.

You are teaching the younger.  And while you're teaching the younger, those of us who passed that way long ago.....are engaged in our own battlefields:  taking care of elderly parents, coping with aging bodies, carrying on when a cherished loved one passes away.  But, all is well, because we have "older" teachers that are showing us the way.

We will survive because we know why we're here at this time and this place -- to grow and mature and train and teach and to walk hand in hand -- making our world a better place to be, because we cared AND shared and mentored and all became women worth following!

Sheltered in the Arms of God

Another thing to know about me....in the 70s, my husband, sister-in-law, a dear friend and I were The Master's 4 Quartet. We traveled the country in a 26' Winnebago (with our two kids pictured here) -- singing/playing Gospel songs in churches, camps, concerts and other venues. Those were great days of many and long road trips, rehearsals, performances and great ministry opportunities where we shared our life experiences and how God never failed to bring us through each one. The song, "Sheltered in the Arms of God" was one we were most often asked to sing. I think it was because it's a song of hope, encouragement and faith, but most of all the words spoke of the certainty of the arms of God that carried us each time we faced the uncertainties of life. If you're there -- faced with those uncertainties today, I encourage you to hold on and remember, you're not alone. So go ahead, praise Him in the storm because you're sheltered in the arms of God.
So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don't bother me;
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.