He Goes Above and Beyond

Yesterday, I spoke about the “exceeding abundantly” greatness of God. He goes above and beyond all we could ask or think – when we move out of the way – and let Him step into lives. I’ll tell you some more of those times in ours.

Our daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby after she had pneumonia many times. But then, God gave us above and beyond our prayers when she was completely healed. Now, I watch her in action every day – using her lungs – where the enemy messed with her – to sing and speak about the Good News of God everywhere she goes. I have a simple taste of what Mary, the Mother of our Lord, must have felt when her Baby Boy started setting the world on fire with His exploits.

Our son was born with club feet and today he’s run over 52 full marathons. But, beyond that, that little boy who had a spark of sales abilities from a young cub scout selling the most Scout-a-Rama tickets, took the “above and beyond” mentality to a whole new level as a man. He came up with ingenious ideas, aligned himself with those who have the ability to make those ideas become a reality. He recognizes “the God-factor” and if you were to ask him how he does it, he admits that the products/services he and his team deliver are simply the product of believing nothing is impossible with God.

And, me, a shy introverted girl, who had such low self-esteem in herself, met a multi-talented boy who already saw the “above and beyond” potential and brought out everything he saw in me and more. I’m here today to tell you – NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is impossible with God.

We were going down financially, but kept holding onto our faith and trust that God would turn it around for us. I’ll never forget the day when my husband boldly proclaimed: “I’m done with the lack mentality. It’s time for a kick-butt attitude. I’m going to speak to the developer and tell him I can help him get those properties sold. He audaciously asks for a 6,000 sqft home to market out of (and live) and BOOM – God did the above and beyond to take Ron’s faith and bold confidence to a BIG WIN for us and the developer. I wash you could see that gorgeous, thriving subdivision today.

I hope I don’t sound braggadocious about anything we did and do. I want the bragging-rights all spot-lighting the goodness and greatness of our God Who delivers on time – in His time and His ways if we let Him. Though we would like Him to more align Himself to our ways, when we let go and let God – He’ll do above and beyond in His time and His ways.

Why not let this be our year of boldly stepping out and taking some risks in order to go to a new level? What if we purposed to partner with God and His ability to go above and beyond with our thoughts and our prayers this year? To see the “above and beyond” made possible by a simple trust in God – the ONE Who with “Nothing is impossible”. Why not start now? Whatever it is you are believing for, take the limits off of our "above and beyond" God. Don't question Him or His timing. Be a risk taker - a true believer - you just might revolutionize and save a family, a business, a marriage, a project, a ministry, and a world!

Calling All Mountain Climbers and Mountain Movers!

It seems everywhere we look, there are unconquerable mountains in front of us – both in the natural and the spiritual. This photo prompted me to write this blog. Mountains symbolize obstacles, immovability, challenges -- and if it’s a mountain the size of Kilimanjaro -- maybe hopelessness. But mountains also symbolize conquering, overcoming obstacles, making progress and winning some really huge victories!

Mountain-moving faith is possible because Jesus said so: “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” (Mark 11:23). Jesus meant those words as a catalyst for us to get out of our hopeless mindset and into “Nothing is impossible with God", so, Lord, please give me that mountain-moving mindset!

We are meant to move mountains and see the impossible occur through faith in the unending promises of our sovereign Lord. Maybe there are some who are reading this blog and you have some personal mountains that need to be moved. God is in the mountain-moving business. Don’t doubt or underestimate what He wants to do in your life. You do your part in “climbing in faith” and He'll do His part in moving the mountain!

In spite of our own personal mountains, we are involved in conquering mountains of a different sort. We are no longer sitting silently about the mountains of negativity, evils, assaults on faith, respect for life and are climbing those mountains, too! We can no longer hide behind the excuse, "I don't want to get involved." Whether we like it or not, we are involved. The real question is "whose" morality will prevail. Whose mountains will crumble?

We’ve already seen the great outpouring of people who attended the movie “Unplanned”. This headline came out yesterday after the box office totals were revealed: “Breakout Box Office Hit: Pro-Life Film ‘Unplanned’ Edges Out ‘Captain Marvel’ in Key Screen Stat”. Despite opposition from so many media outlets and anti-Pro Life endorsers, it dominated in audience reviews, scoring a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning an A+ rating from CinemaScore. That’s what I call mountain-moving results because we wouldn’t keep silent.

We can't legislate morality, but we can restrain evil and deter wrongdoing. God doesn't need a super-majority, but He does need a humble minority that is willing to look at some mountains with audacious faith and say “Move. Get out of our way!” God's call is not to Washington or Hollywood, but to "if My people humble themselves" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

It's time for us to put on our mountain climbing gear and be willing to climb some mountains and expect to see change – with the common goal of brotherhood and respect for life and each other. Yes, it may seem mountains are looming before us and the sheer magnitude of the mountain makes us feel incapable of going over it, around it or through it. But we're not climbing without the support of unfailing support. God is on our side. As followers of Christ, while incredibly joy-filled and blessed, God clearly allows mountains in our lives – the difficult and narrow path, but He assures us He is walking side-by-side with us. Oh, but in the end, the rewards are so much more than the struggle. Ready to go mountain-climbing with me?

HOPE is Great Expectation

My husband described HOPE as "Something good is about to happen to you!” He/We never gave up hope….even until his last breath, we stood by “Nothing is impossible with God so we will continue to HOPE that something good is about to happen." How beautiful to live with expectancy instead of living in hopelessness. Even though what we had “hoped for” – to see him healed and whole, God still didn’t fail us, because healing and wholeness are what he ultimately received.

I started this post yesterday morning. I knew HOPE would be my topic for today. My granddaughter’s phone call to come to pick her up so she could spend the day with me interrupted my train of thought. I was still in my gown, so I quickly ran into my closet, put on a top and pants, looked in the mirror and I saw HOPE! I had a “gotcha!” from God. He was confirming I needed this “word” today, and maybe so did you!

I never liked it when I heard someone say, "Don't get your hope up!" What a sad command! I think of those huddled masses yearning to be free who are hopeful that they may one day live in a country like ours. And, so many who are going about it the right and legal way keep their HOPE up, because they pray for the day when something really good happens for them.

I don't like movies that leave you hanging, or have a disappointing ending. I LOVE the happy ending ones! Hello, Hallmark movies! A real life, true story movie played out as our Lord lived on this earth and gave hope and great expectation that something good was about to happen to those He encountered. He always gave hope, yet this same Lord, as despicable as it was, was beaten, tormented and martyred. What a sad ending to all that He taught! OH, but we don’t stop there, because HOPE didn’t stop there. Such good news came on the 3rd day. It wasn’t the ending at all. Our Champion, Jesus Christ won on Resurrection Sunday aka Easter…so, we win and HOPE with great expectancy! Anything is possible with hope!

Right now, life may be tough for you. You might have some health issues, or experienced the recent loss of a loved one. There may be strife in your marriage. You might not have enough money to make ends meet. But, DON"T lose hope! Just when you think the "movie" could get no worse, our Champion will be there because HE LIVES!

Here's why we should ALWAYS have our hope up: Hope gives us confidence and assurance. Hope gives us the ability to trust, to have faith in the present moment, no matter how bleak it may be. Hope gives us peace in the midst of the storm. Hope brings us joy in times of sadness. All those things that give us strength and courage rest in hope. Hope is the prescription for a sleepless night. As long as we have hope, we won't give up, because once we choose "HOPE", anything is possible!

Happy Five Year Anniversary "No Limits Life Group"!

Who would have thought that when I felt God's nudge five years ago to start a Life Group in my home in Tulsa that I would have met some of the most remarkable women that sincerely realize, like Queen Esther, they are HERE on this earth, at this time, "for such a time as this". We named ourselves the “No Limits Life Group” because there should be “no limits” to our faith and trust that “Nothing is impossible with God”. These are ordinary women who have experienced some of the most difficult tests, trials, disappointments, losses, and painful circumstances., but with the help of our extraordinary God, today, they are feisty, undaunted women on purpose and on assignment and they are using their past experiences as testimonies of God's amazing grace. Only four of us could make this reunion last night, but it was a foursome that shook the gates of heaven in our praise and prayer time together.

This photo with Michael Jordan was the end-of-night comic relief. Michael was perfect in every photo – didn’t even flinch, but we were either too high, too low, too wide or too hidden. It made for hilarious antics and merry hearts that sure did us good like a medicine. What a joy it was to reminisce back to the early days of our group when we met for the first time. We were all newbies in our circle of friends, but we grew to not only love each other, but we also walked hand in hand with each other through some really serious and tough times and helped each other unpack some of that baggage that we had carried way too long.

These women's families and friends have been positively impacted by their incredible lives of faith-in-action. I have seen them step up in boldness and courage when it comes to facing life head-on -- relentless in their attitude to never give up.
These women were just what “the doctor” ordered for me. They pushed me to study more, pray more, be accountable more, give more, receive more, celebrate more and live out my faith with a fervor more -- so much so that week after week, we saw God's grace in action He answered our prayers.

Here we are five years later – still living the “no limits” life. I’m not sharing this to impress you, but I am sharing to impress upon you that we need strong, faith-filled believers in our lives to help us shoulder the responsibilities of motherhood, wives, singles,, widows, daughters, friends, businesswomen, students and everyone in between. Don’t go it alone. Traveling this journey of faith with other believers sure makes the journey oh, so sweet.
Indeed, there are NO LIMITS to what God can do with a little band of women (or men) who are completely surrendered to His will and ways. Oh, there is telling....the Samaritan woman at the well who ran to town to tell about Christ, and Mary Magdalene -- running to tell about the resurrection of the Lord -- both of them were women with "pasts". But, they, too, ran into an extraordinary God....yes, we are in mighty good company.

Living With Expectancy

My friend and I were talking yesterday about the choices we make every day. It starts the minute we wake up. We can hit the alarm over and over again and wish for a day of just sleeping. Or, we can CHOOSE to wake with great EXPECTANCY of what this day can hold in special favors, little kisses from heaven – like green lights, a great parking place, a sale on the item we're getting ready to buy (yesterday, it was a sale on grapes and clementines) – and even greater EXPECTANCY that a miracle we’ve been hoping for – shows up!

EXPECTANCY -- the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially pleasant, will happen; anticipation, excitement.

My dear husband spoke often about HOPE which he defined as “The great expectation that something good is about to happen.” Those folks who say “Don’t get your hope up”, have it all wrong – getting our hope UP is EXPECTING something good is coming our way.

Maybe this post should also include the word, CHOOSE, because every day we choose to be joyful or sorrowful; to EXPECT good things coming our way or CHOOSE to dwell on the negative circumstances of our lives and when we do….you better believe – we’ll get more of what we're EXPECTING. “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all!” Really? Is that really the EXPECTATION that we want to put out there? No, thank you! I choose daily to “Expect a Miracle”! Maybe those are three words we need to write on little sticky notes and place them all over our homes – so that we are in the attitude of expectancy. Just think about that EXPECTANT mom-to-be. I assure you, she is definitely living in the attitude of expectancy. But, why not us? Every day holds the possibility of a miracle and so why shouldn’t we expect it in our lives?

Years ago, my husband and I were going through one of the toughest seasons of our lives and our daughter placed sticky notes on our bathroom mirrors, on the refrigerator door, the coffee pot, our computers, doors, our Bibles, the treadmill, and many other places with the words “Expect a Miracle” on them. And, the more we saw those words -- the more we believed in the possibility of the miracle we needed. Those words were imprinted on our hearts and our minds and our lips. We didn't let our words or actions go rogue, because that could have aborted our miracle. Besides, we had planted tons of seeds in our church, in ministries, in charities, in good works and good deeds. So we sure didn’t want our harvest to be stolen by negative attitudes, speaking and thinking. We put a guard up against negativity and doubt. Before long, we DID receive the miracle we needed and it came in such an amazing, over-the-top way!

That's what I believe for you today -- that you begin to live in EXPECTANCY for good things and even miracles coming your way in the form of brilliant ideas, witty inventions, right people, right places, right timing in your life. Let's start picturing in our minds what that "baby" is going to look like -- that job, that financial breakthrough, that healing, that relationship restoration, that promotion, that brainwave idea that makes a total difference in our lives! "Nothing is impossible with God" -- so live with GREAT EXPECTATIONS!

Psalm 77:14 "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people".

Audacious Living, With Audacious Faith

Big Audacious Living With Audacious Faith
AUDACIOUS -- showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks; daring, fearless, brave, courageous, valiant, venturesome

Brilliant author and speaker, Erwin McManus, was speaking on TV a few days ago. I was immensely inspired. Less than a year ago, he was dying from cancer, and now he is cancer-free and living AUDACIOUSLY. Erwin had simply gone in for an “insurance exam” for a life insurance policy and cancer was found throughout his body. It was then that he realized he had been taking “living” for granted. He said, “I’m dying, but so are you. We live our lives as though there is no end and so we live it as though it has no value. If we understood our life is time-dated and when we took our first breath, we were moving toward our last breath, then maybe we would live our life AUDACIOUSLY. We get so complacent in our lives – so comfortable. We think ‘Don’t rock the boat. Don’t take me out of my comfort zone.’” Then he spoke about how he now looks at each day as one to take on AUDACIOUSLY. First day of surgery, he forced himself to get up and walk. Painful? He said, “Tremendous pain, but pain meant I was alive to feel it.” Three weeks after his cancer surgery, though still in tremendous pain, he played two hours of basketball with his buddies. He said, “Cancer may determine how I die, but it cannot determine how I live. I will live out my life AUDACIOUSLY!”

AUDACIOUSLY living each day. I held a Life Group at my home in Tulsa. It was called the “The 50s+ No Limits Life Group" and we described it this way: “Are you ready to live a life of audacious, “no limits” faith? Are you tired of the bench, and you're ready to play the game? Then "The 50s+ No Limits” Life Group is for you. We are all about believing God for the impossible and helping others do the same. If you’re not dead, you’re not done! We will dream big, take action with passion, make new friends, have extreme fun and fellowship, and be an encouragement and support to each other on this exciting journey of faith!” And, we did. That little band of women recognized that AUDACIOUS faith produced AUDACIOUS results. We witnessed marriages being restored, physical healings, new jobs being given, babies being born, and oh, so many more answers to prayer.

Those big AUDACIOUS prayers are what Jesus had in mind when He gave us the Lord’s Prayer for our model. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” God is for us. If we don't believe that, then we'll pray small timid prayers. If we do believe it, then we'll pray big AUDACIOUS prayers. And one way or another, our small timid prayers, or big AUDACIOUS prayers will change our lives. WOW! I've witnessed it. When I’ve prayed with bold, AUDACIOUS, unwavering faith, I've seen God move enormous mountains. Father knew best, but my complete trust in Him, brought the answer to those prayers in ways I couldn't have even conceived.

To me, AUDACIOUS living means living life with passion, being open to possibilities, and reaching for the stars.....well, at least the top of trees! It’s responding to a grandchild with “YES!” when they ask if we’ll go fishing or shopping or play another game with them, when we sure would rather take a nap. It’s having the freedom to live, laugh, and love. It means deliberately choosing to be inspired and motivated enough to live without limits -- or just getting off the couch and doing something! It means letting go of fear, getting gutsy and getting going. AUDACIOUS living is using our talents, enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in our day and our world. Since “Nothing is impossible with our God”, maybe it’s time for us to get up, get moving, and live every day with AUDACIOUS faith and actions!

Do Your Faith Roots Run Deep?

After living in Oklahoma for 40+ years, I know what winds, lightning, and even ice can do to a tree. Those strong winds threaten to uproot the tree and carry it away. The lightning and ice breaks off branches. And when the summer storm or winter ice storm is over, it can look quite hopeless for that tree.

If we look closer; however, the same storm that opened crevices in the earth around the trunk of the tree helped the roots go deeper. And now, the tree has access to new, deeper sources of nutrition and water. And it's been purged of all its dead branches. We witnessed that with a tall tree in our own back yard. One winter, an ice storm stripped the tree of so many of its largest branches. Our next door neighbor asked if we were going to take that tree down. It looked as if it would surely die, but we waited and the next summer, that tree returned to full foliage and even more beautiful than before.

Now, let's compare those trees to our "faith" trees. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

I know about storms – both with the weather storms and those that come to devastate our lives spiritually, mentally and physically. My husband and I went through some intense “faith challenging” storms. Seven years ago at this time, my husband, Ron, had been in and out of the hospital five times, had five surgeries, and other complications that had to be dealt with. The winds were blowing hard, shaking us violently, and making us wonder if we were going to make it. But, no matter the storm on any particular day, we always remembered our confessions of faith from the onset of that faith journey. We kept speaking “We know that Ron is healed! Just like the tree whose roots run deep….we’re determined to stand strong during these winds that have come to destroy us.” And with that statement of faith, we would rebound, be nourished and strengthened to carry on. In spite of the pain, we’d take Ron for another medical treatment, but not before he’d ask me to wheel him over to the beautiful Steinway piano that was in the atrium of the medical facility. How beautiful it was to hear him play “Amazing Grace” and “Count Your Blessings” on that piano, in those incredible acoustics. It was always the sweetest reminder of how good God was to us! Ron’s positive attitude generated so much faith, even with the tremendous amount of pain that he lived with for so many months.

We were very specific with our prayers. ”Dear Lord, we ask that these treatments and medications provide nourishment to Ron’s body – that they do the good things that they are intended to do – that every sick cell be gone and only healthy cells remain, that the tumors shrink and die, that his bones be strong and blood be resilient, and any and all side effects be neutralized and rendered null and void. We expect a miracle as You have said, “Nothing is impossible with God!” May we continue to be firm in our belief that a miracle is on its way. Help us to stand strong upon your Word knowing that it is true. Thank you that our hope is in You.” Amen.

We were literally bathed in Christ’s love by His hand extended to us through so many sweet blessings -- even that he never suffered any side effects from all his treatments. We had loving and devoted friends and family during that time that showed Christ's love to us in the middle of our storm. Here’s the fine print of this post today: "Faith – Love – Hope" had their perfect work in us. Everyday was energized by our hope and expectation that a miracle was on its way. He wasn't healed on this side of heaven but our prayers were answered for him to be healed, and he is healed and whole on the other side in heaven. The scripture I started with. in this post, is the greatest indicator of our prayers being answered for me: “But blessed is the man (WOMAN) who trusts in the LORD, (We did!) whose confidence is in Him (It was). He (She) will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream (My tree was planted there, and it’s still on THAT SPOT). It does not fear when heat comes (No fear here); its leaves are always green (my best color). It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (That’s ME!) ." Jeremiah 17:7-8 The answer to that question, “Does faith really work?” -- I guarantee it does – I'm proof positive. I guarantee it for you, too!

It's Mother's Day Weekend -- Time to Reminisce!

Of course I'm reminiscing. I get to celebrate motherhood. Of all the joys that this life has afforded me, being a mother is right at the top of the list. Did I make mistakes? Whew! The fact that my kids survived being raised by two inexperienced, novice "kid" parents, is remarkable! But, by God's grace, they survived. It's really quite a miracle:
• that they survived a mother that drank coffee and tea while she was pregnant;
• that I put them to sleep on their tummy in a baby crib that was covered with white lead-based paint;
• that they made it without having childproof medicine bottles, lids, doors and cabinets
• that they rode their bicycles, with no helmets; not to mention that they stood up by me in the car with no seat belt on;
• that I let them drink water from the garden hose.
• that I let them eat cupcakes, white bread, and drink Kool-Aid made with sugar, and they weren't overweight because they played outside all the time;
• that we couldn't send them to ivy-league universities, but we taught them "hard work, a never quit attitude and tenacity" and that seems to have worked out just fine for them.
• that they didn't have a Playstation or X-Box or 150 channels on TV to watch or an I-pod or a computer or internet.

In retrospect, I guess I shouldn't apologize, because their dad and I must have done something right. We watched them, over the years, become great risk-takers and problem solvers. Oh, they had some setbacks.....but they never failed to have tremendous comebacks. It must have been a "God" thing.....that He used us, with all of our inexperience to be a part of this successful, motivated, optimistic, incredible man and woman who possess such creativity and bulldog tenacity in everything they do today.

My nephew, a Baptist pastor in Vernon, Texas, sent me a private Facebook message a few days ago asking me "Besides teaching your children faith, what would you consider being the most important task of a mother? Bonus: What do you want your children to remember you by?"

And my response was: " The 'I can' attitude! "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Every thing, every dream, every hope, every prayer is possible because "NOTHING is impossible with our God." Basically, the Zig Ziglar mentality of being the best, being a WWJD kind of devoted follower of Christ. Never giving up -- like the little engine that could....ALWAYS, "I think I can. I think I can!" Negative thinking NOT ALLOWED in this house. Wimpy attitudes NOT ALLOWED in this house. I Can't NOT ALLOWED in this house. We create the atmosphere around us. Either we're the light that comes in or the dark that comes in! Whew! You didn't ask for all that, but it's sincerely the basis for the success of our family and it's God's Word, so, yes, faith is the crux of it all, but faith is boosted when we live in an attitude of gratitude and optimism." Whew -- my words are never FEW!

If I had further words of wisdom to offer to young moms and dads today, I'd say "Cherish the moments...every one of them!" I read this not too long ago, and I pass it along to encourage each and everyone to "take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. Your kids will make it, too, but, take it from me.....treasure the moments!"

If I Had My Child To Raise All Over Again
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point my finger less.
I would do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, (my add, "I'd take my eyes off my phone") and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I'd see the Oak Tree in the acorn more often.
I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more.
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd model less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!

I'm so grateful these two made me such a proud, happy blessed Mom and Nana!

Happy Mother's Day to all my sweet mothers, sisters and friends out there. After all, God gave us all the opportunity to "mother". Some of us, naturally, and all of us the ability to share God's love by mothering through hugs, encouragement and prayers to all those who need that mother's love all around us!

I Am A Promise and I'm Something Special

Day 277 of Photo Inspirations -- I Am A Promise & I'm Something Special
#TBT  When my children were little, we always had them singing  little Gospel songs that had such great messages in them. But there were none greater than two of Bill Gaither's songs:  "I Am A Promise" and "I'm Something Special".

Both songs were so self affirming that spoke of the potential and possibilities that God had for them. Honestly, that's where it started with our children.  We taught them how precious and valuable they were.  We taught them that with God's help, they could do anything that they wanted to.  We taught them to speak positive.  "I can't" words weren't allowed.  "I can" words were God's words and we insisted they be our words.

And that affirmative atmosphere was a core value in how we lived our lives, and those two children carried on in this mindset and those core values continue in their families today.  These two children were our greatest assets and investing in them by purposefully speaking into them the possibilities that God had for them was our mandate from God .   We spoke God's Word to them: "Nothing is impossible with God" and "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you" and "You are more than conquerors".  They believed it and it was settled in their hearts.  

My FB friends and families, I implore you to invest in your God-given, precious assets.  Don't leave it for them to figure out.  Cultivate their abilities.  Strengthen and encourage them, and keep reminding them how beautiful, how smart, how gifted and talented they are.  Before long, it will be ingrained in them and they will be the remarkable and brilliant world changers that you hoped they would be.

At what age do you start?  When they are in your womb.  Speak God's words into them. At what age is it too late to start?  Never is it too late.  I still speak into my two children on a daily basis. "You are a mighty woman of God/man of God.  You are blessed and highly favored.  If God be for you, who can be against you.  You are a chamption and a winner. For such a time as this, God called you to this place."

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 says: "Remember my words in your hearts and souls. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them on your foreheads to remind you. Teach them well to your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up."

Here's the words of those two great songs:

I'M SOMETHING SPECIAL

Ryan sang this verse:
"I have a little sister who’s not at all like me.
She can write a lovely poem, but I can climb a tree."

Then Staci sang this:
"My brother though is different, with freckles on his nose,
When my questions need answers, he’s the one who knows."

They both sang this verse:
That's why I'm something special.  I'm the only one of my kind.
God gave me a body and a bright healthy mind.
He had a special purpose that He wanted me to find.
That's why I'm something special.  I'm the only one of my kind.

I AM A PROMISE

I am a promise, I am a possibility
I am a promise with a capital “P,”
I am a great big bundle of potentiality
And I am learning to hear God’s voice,
And I am trying to make the right choice
I’m a promise to be anything God wants me to be.

I can go anywhere that He wants me to go
I can be anything that He wants me to be
I can climb the high mountains
I can cross the wide sea
I’m a great big promise you see!

The Battle Difference Maker? A War Room

Day 248 of Photo Inspirations -- The Battle Difference Maker?  A War Room
Last night our Life Group went to see War Room.  It was so worth being out in the pouring rain to make the trek across Tulsa. Big bonus for us -- recliner seats -- would have been way too comfy if it had been a slow and boring movie.  But, not THIS movie.
 
War Room is a MUST SEE!  I can't emphasize it enough.  I once had a “war room” – in the early years of our marriage when finances were slim and the challenges we faced seemed insurmountable, but going into my closet (my war room), I was able to not only pray about being able to stand in the midst of the battle, but I received strategies straight from heaven to come out winning.
 
Years later and having my entire home as my war room, I am still a part of strategic planning and persevering to win in the battles I, and others, may face.  Do you ever wonder if prayer really works? You may be praying about something and the enemy (Satan) whispers “This is a waste of time. Forget it!  Who do you think you are?  What do you think you're doing?  God is not listening. Don't waste your time."

I know that prayer works because God is in control, and because He’s in control, we can trust His wisdom and His goodness.  I have seen the results of prayer in ways beyond being conceivable.

Ephesians 3:20 says, "God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes."  Just think about that – if we can think it, we have to go bigger and greater – because that’s where God lives.  Over twenty times in the New Testament it says, "Ask."  It's encouraging to know that things that are out of my control are not out of God's.  I may not be able to change a situation but I can pray and God can change it.

In this movie, clearly we see the results of believing in God, especially knowing that “NOTHING is impossible for Him”.  He is not a genie in a bottle that we just rub and whoa-la we get what we ask for.  But He is FATHER GOD and He knows what’s best for us.  War Room is a movie that will not only entertain you with lots of comedic relief, provide you with real life situations that make you think someone peeked in on your life, but give you the motivation to create a War Room for your strategic planning sessions with God.

War Room is a fantastic film!!!  In addition to making you a better leader, it is one of the few movies which can truly change your life and your family's lives FOREVER.

A 2+ Ton Birthday Surprise

Day 234 of Photo Inspirations -- A 2+ Ton Birthday Surprise!!
Five years ago today, I and my sweet husband, who had just been in the hospital for several days, were getting to go home.  It was my birthday and it would be my sweetheart’s birthday in two weeks. Lots of reasons to celebrate.  He made it through 5 surgeries and lots of complications, but this day he was still here to celebrate another one of my birthdays and here to celebrate another one of his birthdays.   God was so good to us. We knew that a little birthday/coming home party awaited us at home.  Ron’s sister and brother-in-law and our dearest friends, “The Michie’s”, had dinner and the party waiting for us there.  But we weren't aware of the 2+ ton gift that awaited us.

We packed up everything out of the hospital room and we headed out of the hospital -- the nurse wheeled Ron down to the vehicle waiting area where we thought Ron's sister and brother-in-law were picking us up.  But what to our wandering eyes should appear but a gorgeous silver Buick Enclave – with a big red bow on top.  It was a magnanimous birthday gift for both of us from Ryan and Shawntel.    We were overwhelmed to say the least.  It was our dream-come-true car and it was incomprehensible that a gift of this magnitude was given to us by our kids.  I can't begin to explain how, even though my sweetheart could not drive then because of the high dosage of pain meds, he could sure sit in the driver’s seat and play with all the incredible high tech "bells and whistles" of the car.  Of all the surgeries, treatments, and other intervention methods to bring him to a place of comfort during the last 8 months, there was none like the mental and emotional therapy he received with this gift.  No words could have adequately expressed our gratitude.

As I’ve stated many times over, our faith ALWAYS said, “Nothing is impossible with God”.  We fully expected that his healing would come and he'd be able to drive that car everywhere. We just believed he would.  But, he drove it only one time before his graduation to heaven.

That time was when I needed to run into the grocery store for a few items.  He waited in the car for me.  As I was checking out my groceries, I received a phone call from him.  He said,  “What are you doing?”  I said, “I’m just checking out!”  He said, “I just wanted you to know I’m driving around the parking lot and I’ll pick you up at the South door.”  He had always been the best of drivers, but I gulped because he hadn't been able to drive for obvious reasons, but this day, God protected him and everybody else in that parking lot so that he could have one chance to drive his dream car. It was so precious.  My BOY had a new TOY -- and he LOVED it.

A few months ago, when I was at the 62,000 mile warranty expiration on the car, I called Ryan and asked his opinion about me buying an Extended Warranty.  He said, “We may need to consider trading it in on a new car!”  And to that, I said, “Oh no – that car will continue with me as long as it can.  There are just too many sweet memories of dreams coming true and Dad's joy attached to it.”  I bought the Extended Warranty.

On this day, I'm celebrating another year of God's blessings to me.  I'm still here so I'm not done.  My sweet ride, "Silver",  is still here so it's not done either.  We have lots of assignments to take care of.....and we'll continue to go many more miles on this amazing journey toward heaven.....and, might I add.....the journey gets sweeter and sweeter every day!

Planting Seeds of Faith

Day 211 of Photo Inspirations -- Planting Seeds of Faith
My daughter went home yesterday, but left behind my sweet package of love, Alexia Wallace​.  I love these "Nana & Lexi" alone times together.

Reflecting on a sweet encounter we had Saturday, I knew this should be today's photo inspiration.  Lexi asked to go to the ORU Campus.and have photos taken at the Praying Hands.  While we were there, a man and woman drove up to look for a clue in a treasure hunt they were on.  We asked if he'd take our photo and he graciously did.  He asked if we were vision casting, and we told him we always plant "faith" seeds in prayer and visions for "what could be" into our children.  He proceeded to tell us that he and his wife had been pastors in Las Cruces, New Mexico for many years and had just recently moved here to be near their daughters.  All three girls had attended ORU, met their husbands there, and now, their youngest is going to be teaching there this year.  We loved his story.

We drove on through the campus and, Lexi saw some geese and wanted to get out and take photos of them.  So we sat in in the car while she pursued the "geese" for her photos. The man and woman, from our earlier photo opt at the Praying Hands, drove through the campus to find us.  The wife wanted to tell us more.  She felt strongly about what we were doing with Lexi. She proceeded to tell us how much they believed in prayer and believing and trusting God for what seems impossible.   Being pastors with a limited income, they needed funds to send all three girls to ORU and they had cast vision for them when they were very young.  So much so, that they brought them to the Praying Hands and, as a family, joined together, held hands, and prayed that they would ALL be able to attend there.  This precious woman was in tears as she shared her story with us.  While two of their daughters attended ORU, the 3rd daughter had a "miracle" faith story.  A man who didn't even know this family spoke to these parents when their 3rd daughter was only 12-years old and told them not to be concerned -- that she WOULD ALSO attend and they would not have to pay a cent for it themselves. A few days later, the family attended an event at ORU.  At the concert everyone was invited to write their names on offering envelopes if they were interested in attending ORU. A drawing would take place for a scholarship.  The young 12-year old daughter put her name on the envelope, and, yes, it was her name that was drawn.  Later, not only was she able to attend ORU because of that unlimited, full-ride scholarship, she met her future husband there, they graduated and married, and is now returning to ORU to teach this year.

Was it just  a coincidence that we arrived at the Praying Hands the same time that this couple did?  Or was it a divine appointment that they were there -- on assignment, as voices from heaven to encourage us with Lexi's future?   I love the scripture on the base of the Praying Hands:   "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man."  Luke 2:52.  I pray that prayer over all of my grandchildren.  

This post isn't about attending ORU, but I like to think that I'm passing along this story today for some of you who may have what seems to be some impossible dreams for yourselves and/or your children.  As this family cast vision and prayed in absolute faith for their children, and those prayers were answered exceedingly abundantly far above all they could have asked or thought, don't we have the same favor of God?  Do we trust in His unlimited resources and live a life that is so focused on Him -- that we can also say "NOTHING is impossible with God"?  Why NOT us?  Why NOT our family and our kids?  It's simply a matter of PLANTING those seeds.....and watching for the harvest to come up some day!

Partner, Do You Believe We Can Do This? Yes, Partner, I Believe We Can Do This.

Day 137 of Photo Inspirations -- Partner, Do You Believe We Can Do This?  Yes, Partner, I Believe We Can Do This!
Those are words the dad and son exchanged in the movie, "Little Boy" that our Life Group attended last night.   That little boy's daddy was teaching him, early on, that if you believe, anything is possible.   It was a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. Not long after his father leaves for war, Pepper, the little boy, hears the Bible verse, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move" (Matthew 17:20).  Then he becomes determined to get enough faith to bring his father home.

While his dad is away, Father Oliver, a good, wise and humble priest, became the little boy's confidant and he introduced a to-do list to Pepper, to get him started on his road of faith.  The "to do" list was:  Feed the hungry; Shelter the homeless; Visit those in prison; Clothe the naked; Visit the sick; Bury the dead.  We've heard those words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 25:35 and it sure made practical sense in this movie.  Oftentimes we think the way to obtain more faith is through praying more.  That "to do" list is OUR "to do" list as well.  That "To Do" List puts our faith to action.

The audacious faith of this little boy changed his world.  Oh, that our audacious faith would change our world, too!  People of faith, who have true, honest, child-like faith, make the people around them better, and it makes them better, too.  Childlike faith that moves mountains is faith that moves mountains in other people's lives, as well as their own.  There are no limits to what God can do when we sincerely believe "NOTHING is impossible with God".

Expect a Miracle

Day 36 of Photo Inspirations -- Expect a Miracle!
Yesterday I was sending my weekly update email to my Life Group gals and the first words I thought about were "Expect a Miracle".  That prompted what I should tell them in my email.

“Expect a Miracle  --  Maybe those are three words we need to write on little sticky notes and place them all over our homes – so that we are in the attitude of expectancy.  I have a friend who is 45 and her 5th child is due any day now.  She calls it her geriatric pregnancy – LOL!  I assure you, she is definitely living in the attitude of expectancy.  But, why not us?  Every day holds the possibility of a miracle and so why shouldn’t we expect it in our lives?  Years ago, my husband and I were going through one of the toughest seasons of our lives and our daughter placed sticky notes on our bathroom mirrors, on the refrigerator door, the coffee pot, our computers, doors, our Bibles, the treadmill, and many other places with the words “Expect a Miracle” on them.  And, the more we saw those words -- the more we believed in the possibility of the miracle we needed.  Those words were enblazed on our hearts and our minds and our lips.  We didn't let our words or actions go rogue, because that could have aborted our miracle.  Negativity ceased and desisted. Before long, we DID receive the miracle we needed and it came in such an amazing, over-the-top God way!"

And, that's what I believe for you and me  -- that we begin to live in  expectancy for miracles in our lives.  Let's start picturing in our minds what that "baby" is going to look like -- that job, that financial breakthrough, that healing, that relationship restoration, that promotion, that brainwave idea that makes a total difference in our lives!  "Nothing is impossible with God" -- so EXPECT A MIRACLE!!

Mary, Did You Know?

She's the First Lady of the Faith -- Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She was always found faithful. And what faith she had!  She was the first to believe in Jesus as her Savior and Lord -- while she carried Him in her womb.

In 1984 Mark Lowery wrote the lyrics to, “Mary Did You Know?” – in response to his Pastor’s request to write the script for their Christmas production. Not until 12 years later did Buddy Greene put the script to music. The play was one of those "Jeremiah 29:11" moments “For I know the plans I have for you – plans to prosper you – to give you hope and a future.” Little did Mark realize the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was on him for that significant moment in time. BTW -- "Mary, Did You Know?" is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs for so many reasons. It  shows Mary more than the lovely woman in blue and white clothing, radiant face, and a halo affixed perfectly above her head. This song made her one of us -- who hold our babies and think about their future.

And, what do you think? DID MARY KNOW? That He was her Creator, that He would walk on water, that He would heal the blind man, that He would raise the dead? Did she know that when she kissed her little baby boy that she was kissing the face of God?  I believe she did know, and I believe not only was she the vessel God chose to bear His Son, but I believe she was chosen because He knew she would be the role model, the caregiver, the trainer, the spiritual director, the guardian that her son “grew in wisdom and stature" from, after all, she sure knew scripture. Her magnificat (her song) was full of scripture. I believe she recognized that her boy's talents and abilities would "take Him places" and that He would do amazing things.  She was pretty tight with God and she held His promises closes to her heart.  She was there, and she could verify Gabriel's words to her "Nothing shall be impossible with God."

The question for us is "Do we believe as Mary did?" What God's Word says about Jesus is true. I love this beautiful song, and this amazing rendition by Pentonix. I share it as a gift for you to realize that Mary's faith and reality is our faith and reality, too. "This little child that Mary delivered, delivered her and us!"

http://faithtap.com/2089/pentatonix-mary-did-you-know/