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?

Is There a Rainbow Yet?

We’ve all been watching with concern as Hurricane Harvey and its flood waters ravage the countless communities and cities in Texas, and now Louisiana. I haven’t been able to blog about “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, blue satin sashes, and warm woolen mittens” when our precious brothers and sisters (we're all God's children) have been suffering so much. I pray that we all continue praying faithfully for those impacted and for those who are bravely serving.

Yesterday I saw heart wrenching stories of nursing homes being evacuated, apartments with people being trapped inside but being rescued, and people holding onto trees in the wake of rushing waters being rescued, because there are heroes who are risking their own health and well-being to do so. A pregnant woman in labor was helped to an emergency vehicle by a human chain getting her across the waters. So many people with such tremendous losses are experiencing hope because of “Good Samaritans” who just couldn’t stand by or walk by or ride their boat by those in such need.

This picture of an older couple being rescued on jet skis drew me in yesterday, especially when I saw their stately home (obvious from the beautiful furniture inside – the grandfather clock being almost completely covered) with waters. The man, J.C., said they knew they had to evacuate. He said “It may sound funny but I called Chick-Fil-A and ordered two grilled chicken burritos with extra eggs AND a boat. Can you believe one of the managers of Chick-Fil-A sent her husband to pick us up on his jet skis. We are so grateful and so thankful.” The reporter said, “I know you had possessions that you loaded up on that jet ski so there was no room for you, and then other jet skis showed up.” J.C. said, “Karen got on one and I got on the other one. They evacuated us to higher ground and we are ever so grateful." Then this optimistic man went on to say "The future of Houston is indeed very, very bright -- the medical capital of the world; the space capital of the world;the energy capital of the world, and about to be the port capital of the world.” The reporter replied “Well, J.C. and Karen, the world is certainly a brighter place with both of you in it.” The rescuers even took J.C. back to his house later because he had forgotten his wedding ring and his wallet. He said, “I couldn’t save my house, but I could save my marriage.” The reporter said, “I love his sense of humor and he even killed a snake on his way back to his home.”

Having been in Oklahoma for the last 40 years, I know what disaster looks like from the destruction that tornadoes bring. More and more people are taking precaution and buying steel storm shelters for their homes. But what good would steel storm shelters be in South Texas? How can we be disaster proof wherever we are? What is our back-up plan in case of an emergency? What safety measures can we take to be protected no matter where we live? It’s a wake-up call, for sure. But more important than all the extra groceries and water in a cellar somewhere or valuables placed in a safety deposit box, or knowing what roads to take in case of evacuation, what would be our attitude as followers of Christ? Would we be fear-driven, have feelings of hopelessness or would we dig deep into our hearts -- where Christ lives -- with faith and hope and be like J.C. and Karen and be thinking and declaring "something good is going to come out of this”.

This is what I know about God. Our concerns are not a surprise to Him. Turning over our cares and worries to Him, is how we show Him that we truly trust Him, and His unwavering love for us. When we bring Him our attitude of praise and thanksgiving – regardless of the circumstance we're in, He gives us peace to take us to the other side -- whether it's by car, plane, bicycle or boat. And in that case, we can sincerely believe EVERY cloud really does have a silver lining” and “every flood has a rainbow”. Just check in with Noah. The grace of God carried Him, his family and tons of animals through to dry land. We pray that dry land quickly comes for our brothers and sisters in the South, and the rainbow shows up once again......very soon.

Having a Blast Until I Blast Out of Here!

48 years ago today, July 8, 1966 -- I married the love of my life, I was 17; he was 18 -- and that was after a LONG 5 years courtship -- since 12 & 13! And, if I had it to do over again, I’d do it ALL OVER AGAIN! Though many said “It will never last – you’re too young – don't get tied down yet -- you have so much life to live -- you’ll miss out on so much fun", I think "nanny, nanny, boo, boo" -- to all of those naysayers. NEVER did I think "tied down" -- we lived life to its fullest, and had SO MUCH FUN! Yes, we WERE young and immature. We made a LOT of mistakes – but we did so much that was right!! We had a blast living life, and a blast "overcoming" life, and its many surprises and challenges.

When my sweetheart graduated to heaven in 2010 -- I realized how blessed I was to have had him in my life for so many years. This precious man was my cheerleader, coach, counselor, confidante, caring and compassionate friend, and romantic lover. Most importantly, he brought out the best in me – literally, as I was a shy introvert, with so many insecurities, lacking in confidence, yet he saw so much more in me. He urged, coerced, and pushed me to be the best I could be. Because of him, I became a Mom to two truly great children, and also, an accomplished organist & pianist, a pilot, a real estate and securities broker, a fisherman (woman), a slalom water skier, a snow skier, a businesswoman, an administrator, a public speaker and, lover of God's Word and fully desiring to serve Him all the days of my life.

I miss him today – more than ever, but because I love him so much, I am overwhelmed with joy that he could be in heaven ahead of me -- he's on his heavenly assignment -- he earned and deserves this. And, of all the beautiful things he gave me, and urged me to become, I absolutely know that the peace, joy and happiness I’m experiencing today, is because of the impact he had on my life – to always look for the good in every circumstance, to be grateful for everything, to be determined to finish this race strong. Happy Anniversary, my Sweetheart! I'm having a blast here.....and I guarantee I'll keep your legacy strong until I BLAST OUT OF HERE to be THERE with you!

What's Your Excuse?

"All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming." -- Helen Keller

Those excuses..... "Just too tired", "Bad hair day", "Couldn't find a thing to wear", "It's just too hard", "I've tried that and it just doesn't work for me", "It's just too far to go", "I can't", "I'm too old", -- just don't seem too relevant now, do they? I can't think of one excuse that would keep me from digging deeper, running farther, climbing higher, or giving greater. How about you?