Being on Assignment -- Joyfully

I drive into Kroger's Food Store parking lot, eyeing the aisles for a parking space. As a prayer team member, I’m in a hurry to get to our Praise and Healing Night at my church. I signed up to have the pre-meeting meal ready for the team. No time to waste! Aw! I see a space and as I turn in, lo and behold, I see broken glass, a windowless car, and lots of stuff all over the ground in the spot next to mine. I don’t have the time to deal with this. But, as I make my way to get a grocery cart, a little voice says “Donna, be Me!” Thank you for the reminder, God! I head to customer service and wait for the store manager. We go to the car, take photos and we see a State Trooper entering the store. We tell him about the break-in and he calls the police. Then, I hasten to get the items on my grocery list.

I pay my bill and head to my car. The State Trooper's car is parked behind mine, the police officer is there, and I see a distraught woman (the owner of the car) and her two teenage sons. I can tell the angst she feels as the police officer is asking her all kinds of questions. The State Trooper kindly moves his car so I can get on about my "God" business.

God had other plans; He tugged. Listening, I reluctantly shushed my inner voice of rushing (now I was way behind schedule) to hear God’s inner voice of selflessness. “She’s distressed, Donna. She needs peace and comfort.” Clarity struck. Rather than seeing this whole debacle as a deterrent from my schedule and my plans, I can choose to be the compassionate one. Rather than seeing things from my limited view, I can see from God’s caring view. Rather than keeping my pace, I can offer her, through Christ, access to a better place. I breathed deep. I was about to do something, I really didn’t want to do. “Now God? Bad timing, God.” But, with Christ, you suddenly do what you thought you couldn’t. It’s a typical thing in a Christian’s life. I signaled for her to step away from the officer and I asked her if I could pray for her (a not-pray-for-you-later-prayer, but a now- prayer). Without hesitation, she said “Yes!”

God never leads wrong. I prayed for her wisdom and peace right then and there, in the parking lot of Kroger’s Food Store, with people gawking. She expressed gratitude. I made it to church in plenty of time to set up the meal for our team.

I’m done holding back God’s unlimited power because of my limited mind. I am pulling the leash off my being bold. I’m going to be eyes-wide-open to God’s nudges. I just may be the answer to someone’s prayer today. I’m going to rush to God, full-throttle, with being His daughter-on-assignment, and who is willing to offer the biggest, boldest prayers for others that I can. What's the worst-case scenario? Embarrassed? Feeling awkward? What's the best case scenario? Someone’s life is changed forever. They see the actual power of Jesus. They are left never the same for it. Care to join me? What we don’t believe by faith, we won’t see by faith. What we cannot imagine and cannot fathom, won’t happen. What we don’t give a chance, remains unchanged. Yet, what we believe in, God works in.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)

Oh, To Have My Father’s Eyes and Heart

A few days ago in my post, I said “Nothing is impossible with God. What’s going on in politics and our world doesn’t define our happiness. Those thoughts pale in contrast to those of us who rise to the 30,000 feet view that our Father has when He looks at us and this world."

The meaning of that “30,000 feet view” is best explained by looking out the window of an airplane. We see puffy, white clouds that look like cotton and we may be inside those clouds and see nothing but white matter all around us. Down below there could be fires raging, traffic jams, floods taking over lands and lives, and chaos of wars and conflict.....but we can’t see it because we’re tucked away inside a protective cloud that blocks our view. It’s like a state of peace and contentment -- flying high above it all and not seeing what is “earth-bound”.

When there are no clouds that block our view, all we can see is methodical organization of fields and lands marked by dividers (roads), gorgeous mountain ranges, valleys and hills, rivers and lakes, towns and cities with spectacular skylines, neighborhoods that are perfectly aligned. We can even see little cars. We don’t see the chaos that's going on in those homes, cars or buildings. Oh to have that 30,000 feet view of life. It sounds heavenly, doesn't it? Oftentimes, that's the way we live. When it comes to living in God's peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) -- it's a great way TO live. The eagle stories we hear about how they can fly above storms is a great analogy for us.

As peaceful the thought of not knowing about what's going on down below the clouds, or the thought of eagles being able to fly above it all, that wasn't God's life plan for us. He orchestrated our debut ON this earth and brought us to this place, at this time, to be right smack dab in the middle of LIFE and all that it holds. People are hurting. They are in need. Their world is falling apart. They need someone who SEES them and wants to do something to help them. We've heard the saying "They're so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good!" We're here to be earthly minded to LOOK and SEE -- SEE and BE the answer to someone's prayers, needs, heart cries, because we are servant minded -- like our Father and heavenly minded enough to want to take them to heaven with us!

We are here on assignment. When we make the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives, we are given an assignment by Him to BE His disciples and His light to shine brightly in this hurting and cynical world. We see and hear those who claim to be Christians, but it’s hard to identify them because of their anger issues, the backstabbing, and word-slinging that accompany their talk and walk and their positions that oppose God’s Word. It’s up to us to be the beacons of light that “preach a sermon” every day – not so much by what we say, but how we live, how we talk, and how we walk. Not only having our Father's eyes to see those around us in need but to be His hands that hold the hands of those who are hurting, touching the untouchable and reaching out to the unlovable. To be His feet that travels to the captives and the outcast and free them. To have His heart full of compassion that SEES others as valuable brothers and sisters in need of a role model. Matthew 9:36 "But when He SAW the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them......"

When people look inside our lives.....don't we want to hear them say "They've got their Father's eyes, His hands, His feet.....AND His heart?"

Forward....MARCH!

Here we are – well into this month of MARCH! Time is literally MARCH-ing forward, and so are we! An Army platoon marches FORWARD, not backward. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or are on the battlefield….they are on assignment and they will not cease until their mission has been accomplished. Paul said in Philippians 3:13,14: “…..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Forward: go forth, onward, progressive, ahead, leading, forth, forefront, to the fore, further, advancing.

For over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with a beautiful man and we accomplished a great deal during those years. Though Heaven called his name and his earth assignments ended, Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here!!!! And, because I’m still here, there’s work for me to do, places for me to go and assignments I must complete. I take my “single” life on with fervor and with great ambition. I embrace the life God has given me and I purpose to make the most of every day. That’s God’s gift to me, and my gift back to Him is my attitude of “winning, conquering, celebrating and overcoming”, because He promised that to me. Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it in abundance”. John 10:10

As Jesus once said to a man whom He was about to heal, “Step FORWARD.” (Mark 3:3), isn't it time we step forward in our belief and determination? Or will we hang back in the shadows afraid to move ahead, forgetting the destiny and purpose God has for us?

This day, month and year -- with all its surprises, joys, blessings, and, yes, even heartaches – lies ahead. Let's MARCH FORWARD to conquer whatever comes our way, hand in hand with the Joy-Bringer, the Deliverer, the Comforter, the Guide, the Peace-Giver.

No longer should we have rearview-mirror glimpses of regret, shame, or unforgiveness from the past. No longer marching backward. We have assignments to complete and accomplishments to fulfill. Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders because our MISSION is possible!

An Angel on Assignment

Day 358 of Photo Inspirations -- An Angel on Assignment

We hear a lot about angels at this time of the year -- the angel Gabriel's announcement to old Zechariah announcing that he and his old, barren wife, Elizabeth, were going to have a baby, then Gabriel appears to the virgin Mary and Joseph to announce the coming birth of Jesus, and then at the birth of Christ, angels appeared to the shepherds who were guarding their flock. So with that special awareness of angels at this time of year, to hear this sweet story a couple of nights ago, just compounded my belief that angels are really, for real and they are on assignment, even today, and at times when we least expect them.

At a dinner party on Monday night, precious Whitney Jones shared a story she had held in for fifteen years -- at least to the Wallace Family. She shared...."When I was 11 years old, I was taking care of Payton who was only about one year old. I was feeding him goldfish crackers, when all of a sudden he started choking. I patted him on his back, raised his hands in the air, but nothing seemed to help. He started turning blue. I was crying and so afraid, when all of a sudden someone burst into the room and stuck their finger into his throat and pulled out the cracker. Payton quickly recovered and was just fine. Later, I cried and cried as I told my Mom the story." Whitney went on to share how sorry she had held that story in so long, but as she sees Payton serving God and is such an amazing servant that she knows God's hands are on him. (Payton plays the piano and drums and is part of the stage crew at church. In fact, he'd live at the church if he could. He loves serving God that much.)

Indeed, an angel showed up that night for Whitney and Payton. In reality, did the angel show up for Payton's benefit, or for helping Whitney know, at that young age, that she's not alone and that she was just beginning to see God's hand of blessing on her life, and that, she too, was going to be used mightily by God? Whitney is a gifted vocalist. I heard her sing "Mary Did You Know?" in the church's Christmas program this week. There is no question that she sings from a heart that's being touched by God.

This is Whitney, her precious little one year old daughter, and Payton in my photo inspiration today. God's timing was perfect for her to share this story with us -- not only as a testimony to God's faithfulness then, but, like Mary, to know the significance of angels in her life. What a great Mom she'll be as she raises her little girl to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. Whitney learned from her experiences, just like all of us do. And those experiences are "those things that work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes". Romans 8:28.

How many times have we encountered angels and we didn't realize it? How many times have they protected us from accidents and harm? How many times did they warn us or make an announcement to us?

The angel speaking to the shepherds said, "FEAR NOT, for I bring you the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY." (Luke 2:10). And, I believe the angels are declaring those words to you and I today. It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

What is bringing you fear today? Christmas isn't a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. Listen once again to the angel's words...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news of great joy!" It is the same good news of great joy that the angels declared over 2000 years ago. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear Him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY! I give you JESUS."

FORWARD......March!

Day 60 of Photo Inspirations -- Forward.....MARCH!
Here we are – already into the month of March!   Time is literally MARCH-ing forward, and so are we!   This photo is of my grandson's Army platoon FORWARD marching for their Ft. Benning, GA Ranger graduation ceremonies. Notice they are FORWARD marching NOT backward marching.  Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or are on the battlefield….they are on assignment and they will not cease until their mission has been accomplished. Paul said in Philippians 3:13,14: “…..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

For over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with a beautiful man and we accomplished a great deal during those years. Though Heaven called his name and his earth assignments ended, Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here!!!! And, because I’m still here, there’s work for me to do, places for me to go and assignments I must complete. I take my “single” life on with fervor and with great ambition. I embrace the life God has given me and I purpose to make the most of every day. That’s God’s gift to me, and my gift back to Him is my attitude of “winning, conquering, celebrating and overcoming”, because He promised that to me. Jesus said, “I am come that you may have life, and have it in abundance”. (John 10:10).

Don’t think for a moment that I don’t appreciate the beautiful life that I shared with my Sweetheart. I often think about those sweet years. And, I could “sit there” in my thoughts for hours on end, and if I stayed “there”, momentum in accomplishing my assignments would be stalled.  But, I’ve determined to not “stay there”. It gets me nowhere! If I stayed there, I would be like a soldier gone AWOL (absent without leave). My precious Mom passed away at age 94. When she was still here, she would ask, “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And I would always tell her, “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!”   You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments.

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU?   Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders – our MISSION is possible!
#ForwardMarch #USArmy #FtBenning #PressTowardTheMark #Assignment