Graduates – the World is Your Oyster!

You did it, Grads, and we’re so proud of you! I know it’s not a laughing matter because the pain is real, but this guy amused me with his sentiments about the graduation situation. The other photo here is of a virtual graduation where robots were used to represent the graduates. Can this be the Twilight Zone?

I've sent off dosh-loaded graduation cards to some of my beloved family members because -- well, there won't be graduations-as-usual. I’ve been entertained by the way some of you moms and dads are making sure your graduates are being applauded – signs in yards, drive-bys, photos, and expressions of love and support on social media. Congrats to all of you -- graduates AND parents! It's a great feat to have made it to this Rite of Passage even though all those 12 years (and more) have ended abruptly in a lack-luster way of celebrating you. But, the celebration isn’t the goal – the accomplishments, perseverance, tenacity, fortitude is what matters. So, well done! What a memory you'll tell your kids about one day!

Of course, you were supposed to have had a BIG graduation party to kick-start your accomplishments. But, instead, you’ve already been introduced to the world of complexities and challenges. In the commencement speeches, you were supposed to have heard “the world is your oyster” as you embark on your adult life. Everything is open to you like the metaphor of an oyster that there’s a chance it has a pearl in it. I’m believing that you will find MANY pearls!

Here’s some GOOD NEWS -- you’ve gained a head start on conquering. You’ve acquired a great start on mental toughness and being a winner and winners never quit and quitters never win. Go forth into this world declaring that “if God is for me, no one (or thing) can be against me!" (Romans 8:31) Run your race. You’re in it to win it – regardless of the way your graduation looked. I pray that all of you graduates pursue God's will first and foremost -- being a God-pursuer. Because as a God-pursurer, you'll land right where God intends you to land.

To all Graduates and Dreamers – “Before you ever came into being, God called your name. He formed you with love and intricately designed every part of who you would become. You truly are made "in an amazing and wonderful way" (Psalm 139:14). You are here because God looked out over all of time and space and chose you for this generation right here -- right now! There will never be another you or another opportunity to do what only you are chosen to complete.

So, go out there in boldness knowing that you don't have to be like anyone else. You are chosen for one life — yours. And the wonderful news? Whatever God chooses for you to do, He has equipped you for it. Being chosen means that success is simply obedience and trusting God will do the rest. Being chosen means that you have God as your partner every step of the way. We'll be cheering you on every step too! The best is yet to be for you and we can't wait to see it unfold. Now show off that life by making it the best life it could ever be for God, others and YOU!

Lots of Love in Pearls and a Locket

Day 150 of Photo Inspirations -- Lots of Love in Pearls and a Locket

This little cutie pie is the younger sister of my godson. She had these little pearls, with the locket, on at church on Sunday. I gave them to her on her birthday. Inside the locket is a photo of my husband and I holding her at her baby christening six years ago. The other photo is her with her siblings AND me.

It was a precious moment to see her wearing them. These children bless me so much. Since my own children and grandchildren live out of state, having these little sweethearts here with me in Tulsa, is such a blessing. The love they have for me, and me for them, is beyond explanation. I know it's heaven sent.

I love the special and intricate way God intertwines the details of our lives to bring about so many joys. If we live in awareness that "ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purposes" (Romans 8:28), then ALL THINGS -- those little incidental meetings and occasions, the providential circumstances, and the surprise encounters.....will play a significant role in our future. Who would have suspected that our prayers for this little baby boy, who was so ill at birth, would eventually lead to our being his godparents. And who would have thought that those times of embracing this precious family would lead to these days when I have them in my life today -- filling that empty seat by me at church. These two lock me in with hugs throughout the church service. They tell me how much they love me. They give me exactly what I need.

I think about that little pearl necklace that didn't come with a great price, unlike natural pearls that come with a great price. A natural pearl begins its life inside an oyster’s shell when an intruder like a grain of sand, slips in between one of the two shells. In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster will quickly begin covering the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre, the mineral substance that creates the mollusk’s shells. The nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.

In the same way, God creates a pearl out of every trial or struggle in our lives. I think about the trials and struggles our little godson went through, and those that my sweet husband and I went through.......but now I see how all of those times created pearls in our lives. God turned the tough times for good. God transformed them into pearls. Matthew 13:45 says, "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." I pray that you will find the pearls in your life -- perhaps, you already have, because you've learned how God has created something of great value in your life through the circumstances in your life.