From Surviving to Thriving

We have sure had the opportunity to be tested, tried and sentenced over the last few months. How is it looking for you? Would you have been convicted of giving up, throwing in the towel, quitting, sulking, murmuring and complaining about it all? Or would you receive glowing testimonials from your family and friends about being tenacious, relentless, determined, staying optimistic and being grateful for the blessings in your life?

No one is judging – certainly not me! I’ve come to realize that I don’t want to have gone through these times with an attitude of regret and remorse because I couldn’t take the heat. No one should blame anyone who got a little cranky over the last few months. And, for good reasons. But, wait just minute, Mr. Postman! We have so many reasons to be thankful and be boasting about our God Who has kept us, protected us and provided for us. We’re still here! We have survived! Psalm 27:13-14 says “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait on Him and take courage.”

I AM living in this land of God’s goodness and mercy following me (Psalm 23:6). I believe it and speak it. My daughter runs a non-profit outreach called EMwomen that exists to rescue and restore women who have suffered through some of life's most difficult challenges – many of whom were homeless, jobless and hopeless. But, what does God do right in the midst of this pandemic? Every single one of those women now have homes, great jobs and are “living in the land of the living”. Because they had an attitude of gratitude, God’s goodness was magnetically drawn to them. Maya Angelou said: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

I have seen men and women rise and shine, accelerate, and go to a whole new level in their faith, confidence and trust in God during these times. They say with all-out fervor: "Bring on the heat! I was made for this. God power-packed me to win. I will come out of this heat and not even smell like smoke!”

The three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, not only survived the fiery furnace, but they weren't even singed and their clothing wasn't scorched. They didn't even smell like smoke! And that will be our story, too! As we praise and trust God Who causes us to triumph, we will come out of our “furnace situations”, alive and well. So what can we do to turn it all around from just surviving to thriving? Praise God. Our praise will jack up our faith. It’s time to step into the thriving circle of praise. Let's have some flash backs about what God has already done. When our hearts focus on the right place, we will more than survive – we will thrive!

This is the surviving to thriving scripture proof: "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." Ephesians 3:20
That power working in us is the Holy Spirit and His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." THAT is thriving!

When You’re a Hugger AND Encourager

That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. So, throw me into a world of social distancing and stay-at-home orders and I’m really uncomfortable. Actually, my heart aches for our world that needs a good dose of love, compassion, understanding and HUGS. Let’s get the truth out there. God, the greatest of all lovers everywhere, didn’t cause this world to be locked up. Not our God Who “reached out and touched” the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It was our Lord’s mode of operation that He modeled for us from the feet of His disciples as He washed them as the greatest Servant of all. Our Lord was the One that crowds thronged around Him. He was the One Who called the little children to Him. He was the One who fed the thousands in a crowded situation. So, who is responsible?

It is the enemy of our souls – the greatest hater of all – the one who locks us up to keep us from loving, the one who would rather kill, steal and destroy our peace, our joy, our hope and our love. He is the one who tried to take our Lord out, once and for all, by crucifying him. He failed. It is he that has us locked up and away from others. But, he will not win. He is a loser in every way because we have read the end of The Book, the Bible, AND, we win!

A friend of mine posted on Facebook: “I hate Facebook”. I commented: “Oh please don’t hate it. It’s my mission field. We just have to let our little lights shine brighter so the darkness gets lit up with God’s love. I’ve learned to avoid the negative in every way. You have too many blessings to not share them. Love you so much sweet girl.” The truth is if we’re not the light and the encouragers, who will be? Sure I might need to stave off my hugging for the time being, but I can still encourage in word through social media, email, and when I am at church (yes, my church is following the 50% rule – sitting in every other pew and 6 feet apart). I can wave and blow kisses through my facemask. Encouragers just have to encourage.

Country Living magazine came out with more scriptures. I posted their encouragement in uncertain times' scriptures a few weeks ago). Now they posted scriptures about encouraging others to brighten their day. I love this so much and I’m passing on excerpts from their article and scripture verses for you to use to encourage yourself and others.

“Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates' work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!”

** Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”
** Psalm 31:24 -- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
** Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
** 1 Corinthians 16:13 -- "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
** Romans 8:31 -- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
** 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
** Romans 15:5 -- "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** 1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
** Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
** Joshua 1:9 -- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
** 2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
** John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
** Philippians 1:6 -- "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
** John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
** 1 Corinthians 10:13 -- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
** Galatians 6:2 -- "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Thank you, Country Living magazine, for giving us exactly what we need to be encouraged and be encouragers!

What to Do When We Don’t Know What to Do

I know so many of us have been in a quandary during these many months of the pandemic. “What do I do next?” “How can we make it?” “What can I do to make ends meet?” “Who can I go to for help?” Those questions were even more emphasized when my niece’s daughter broke the news to us that her mom had several strokes last week, with an emergency brain surgery yesterday. Bless her young heart – she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders for her mom. She said: “Tbh, I am very scared. I am scared for my mom’s well-being. I am scared about finances. I am scared about her future. I just feel like I don’t know what to do. So please pray, light candles, send good vibes, or whatever you do to cultivate positive energy, because she needs it, my brother needs it, and I need it."

I reposted her words, contacted our closest family members and, oh my, my beautiful social media friends and family went into immediate prayer-mode for her. I was so blessed to see the way-over-one-hundred messages telling me that they were praying. What a comfort that brought us – to know when the battle is raging, there are troops of prayer warriors who pick up their swords and shields for us.

I loved Roxie’s honesty about her fears AND her resolve. She knew what to do – call in prayer partners and prayer warriors – anyone who would stand in the gap with her. My memory kicked in when a similar message came to my own family years ago. We received the call from my husband’s doctor with the diagnosis from the tests: “You have Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma that has metastasized to a tumor that is impinging on your spinal cord. It’s a life or death matter. You must have immediate surgery or you could be paralyzed.” The doctor was insistent on aggressively moving forward. So what do you do when you don’t know what to do? The answer is: PRAY. We prayed for God’s wisdom, His strength, His guidance, and most of all, His peace.

At the same time, we were making faith declarations: "Our God, our Healer. You are our Prince of Peace. By Your stripes, we are healed. We trust in you, Father God. We will not be afraid.” Each of us expressed our confidence in God as the Great Physician. It was apparent that we should move forward as was instructed by the doctor. The surgery was a success.

Over the next 7 months, when the questions came again, “What do we do?” we repeated the same steps: Pray, speak God’s Word, seek Godly counsel, pray some more. We found that we were closer to God during this time of crisis because we were acutely aware of our desperate need for Him. And quite frankly, that’s a great place to be. In Him, we found the answers to our questions and peace in our hearts because we sensed His presence with us.

So back to the question: “What do we do when we don’t know what to do?" or “Where can I turn when there's no one else I can turn to?” or “Who can I lean on when there’s no one to lean on?” or “Where can I hide until the storms pass over?” The answer to all of these questions is clear. It is found in ONE simple truth. We go to Him who is our solid rock, our refuge, our shelter, our friend. That’s WHO, WHAT, WHEN and WHERE to ALL questions we have for our today and our tomorrows.

The prayer warriors and praisers showed up for our Ruth just like King Jehosophat’s praisers came through for him. May our battle cry be like those who find their voices in complete surrender to He Who knows what to do when we say with King Jehosophat: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you, Lord!” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

I’m Ashamed of Us

Not my usual “raindrops on roses" blog title, is it? There’s a reason. My blog on Monday, and blogs since then, have been very family-and-self-minded. My motives were pure in that I hoped to exemplify the blessings of enjoying God’s creation, family and family fun. As well, desiring to encourage others to slow down or to stop and be still so we can hear and see God’s goodness and mercy in full array. Seriously, our family uses that time to shut out the world and focus on us and Him.

But, that’s part of why I’m ashamed. My granddaughter, an avid Instagram follower and poster, on Wednesday, asked: “Nana, did you hear about the man that was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis?” I hadn’t. She proceeded to tell me the back-story to George Floyd’s death, perpetrated by the officer who had his knee on his neck and wouldn’t release him even when he was saying he couldn’t breathe. Maybe I expressed some sadness, but certainly not to the measure that this incident deserved. I casually dismissed it from my mind. I’m so ashamed.

I’m back home and the visibility of what happened is on all media. I watched three black ministers and one white minister detailing the incident and the shame of it all on a Christian talk show. The black host, Clifton Davis, former “Amen” actor, was compelling in leading the discussion. The white minister, Rich Wilkerson Sr., had little to say. He just cried and expressed, like I am, shame. The panel each spoke to the options we have as Christians, which includes operating in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. One of the black ministers encouraged white ministers to start speaking up more about respect, honor, and dignity of the human race at large.

And, I agree. This is a human race issue. It is a “kindness” issue. It is a “love others” issue. It is a deep-look-inside-ourselves issue. We cannot just sit back, close our eyes and hope that everything’s gonna’ be alright. We can’t just let others “fight the good fight” or to offer a mediocre prayer. It's about all of us speaking up and out about daily choices.

We can live with the chaos and negativity and assaults on our brothers and sisters OR we can treat God’s children as the absolute priceless treasures that they are by speaking up and out for them. Enough is enough. We can be Good Samaritans. We can be good neighbors. We can be the peacemaker in the midst of family disagreements. We can walk away from a group that is telling inappropriate jokes and stories. Violence in movies, video-games, and tv shows we watch, the music we listen to, and the sensitive or insensitive conversations we have with others all determine which side of the camp we'll be on. Peace or anger. Love or hate. Philippians 4:8 says it best: "Keep practicing those things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. THEN, the God of peace will be with you."

And, finally, back to this scripture which is for the pandemic, the chaos in politics, in conditions of the heart and soul, and conflict in our society and in our homes, please heed these words: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Lord, please forgive us. Please forgive me for my lack of concern, my lack of compassion, my lack of speaking up for my fellow man and woman. Tenderize my heart to be as loving, caring and tender-hearted as Your heart. We pray for a uniting of our hearts as Your children – as brothers and sisters in the Family of God. In Mandisa’s song, she sings: “We all bleed the same. We're more beautiful when we come together. We all bleed the same. So tell me why, tell me why, we're divided. If we're gonna’ fight, let's fight for each other. If we're gonna’ shout, let love be the cry.”
Hear our cry to love, oh Lord, we pray. Amen.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

The pandemic has kept me from my family and friends in Tulsa. I miss them all, including my "besties", Charles (Mick) & Sheila Michie. Usually, when I went to see them, I made sure it wasn't on Friday mornings because that's their day of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him so desperately as their Savior. They are passionate about their jail ministry. Before this pandemic, very little could dissuade them from their commitment to make an eternal impact on those they visit.

I remember Mick sharing with me about taking his computer in with him. He showed the inmates gorgeous videos of God’s creation -- waterfalls, mountains, etc. Most of those incarcerated have never seen or even imagined such magnificence. Beauty is definitely “in the eyes of the beholder”. Those of us who have visited those places have an appreciation for that beauty, but after visiting them many times, our out-take isn’t the same as those who can only imagine the beauty.

When we speak of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, we mean that it is a matter of our personal opinion. That is why we might see something that is so beautiful that it takes our breath away. But when we point it out to a friend, they might not appreciate it as much as we do. We can only imagine what beauty is to those who have never seen or known the beauty of God and His creation.

Can we even imagine what it must be like for a blind person who never saw color, objects, people, creation -- anything – but, suddenly sees for the first time? I read a story of a young man who had only known darkness and with an innovative and life-changing surgery, he could see. He woke up and saw a young nurse who was looking after him; he thought she must be the most beautiful girl in the whole world. Then another nurse walked in asking how he feels, and he thought that she was even more beautiful. Soon he was taken outside, and he saw the trees, the flowers, the blue sky, people with smiling faces, and he felt like he had died and gone to Heaven. He even asked the nurse, “Am I in Heaven?” All had been dark, but now he could see the light and everything was so beautiful!

As I pondered about “beauty in the eyes of the beholder”, I thought about the old hymn “Amazing Grace” -- how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now, I’m found, was BLIND, but now I see.” Oh, the grace that opened our eyes to the beauty of the redeeming grace of Jesus. Those prisoners, those living without hope and purpose and destiny, those who live in darkness and unbelief -- but then one day -- they meet Jesus and everything changes. They suddenly know beauty beyond description.

I’m still thinking about my friend’s dad who went to heaven on Thursday. If the beauty of God’s creation here on this earth is beyond compare, and coming to know the beauty of His redeeming grace – we cannot even fathom the beauty to looking on our Lord’s face and His redeeming grace for all eternity.

“As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen and no ear has heard and no human mind has conceived— that is what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Being a Soul Searcher

I’ve been doing some soul-searching – especially about my attitude during this quarantine. Honestly, not too much in my life changed. Yes, I've missed my Austin and Tulsa family and I was sad about the retreat that was cancelled that we had been working on for months, but I had no special occasions or vacations planned, a job that I depended on, children who were missing their senior year activities, or the loss of a loved one.

Of course I can have a sunny disposition – I haven’t personally been touched with emotional or physical pain as some of you have. But today, I am a Soul Searcher. I think, maybe, my happy-sing-along-with-Donna attitude may have come across as insensitive. So, please, forgive me -- especially to those of you who have suffered loss and are still in a grieving mode. I sincerely mean it. To love you is to help bear your burdens.To love you is to wrap my arms around you (virtually) so you know how much I care and am praying that you will weather this storm with strength and resolve.

Among the recommendations for keeping us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic was to gargle with warm salt water. But, I thought about salt in a different way when I considered where some of my friends are at. I realized that my sunny disposition may not appeal to those who are in misery right now. Lots of disappointments, financial setbacks, dreams squelched, and really severe depression. That is not something to be “sunny” about. The saying goes “It’s like rubbing salt in a wound.

I do know that grief can slip in quietly behind our best defenses. I do know what it is to force thinking about good and hopeful things, but still the darkness won’t go. I also know more about strength and determination in God's timing that sure helps. I think King Solomon understood it when he told us “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

I’m sure there are those who know that scripture and how seasons like this come and go. But, I also know weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing can all occur in one “up-and-down” day. I've learned it’s okay to have a good cry (like when I was going through old photos of my husband and I last week). I also know "Don't stay there!" I know to move on is to appreciate the beauty of the present. Grief-triggers used to be unwelcome visitors for me. I would refuse to allow myself to go there. But, I’ve learned that it’s okay to grieve -- temporarily – because to those who loved much – miss their loved one much. I embrace those memories as a chance to give thanks for God’s past gifts and to expect His work now and in the future.

Here’s my heart -- I’m so sorry for giving the impression that I don't care about my friends’ needs. I assure you I do care and I want to help you out of despair. Christ is alive so that we don’t have to mourn or grieve as those without Him do. He brings us beauty right in the middle of our hardest days and saddest seasons. And even though His work isn't always an immediate song and dance, He always presents us the opportunity to change: "He grants to those who mourn in Zion -- beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3).

We don’t have to force the joy or avoid the pain. But we do entrust our sorrow and hurts to Jesus because He is a compassionate Savior who knows grief and understands sadness. He cradles us, He heals our brokenness, and He transforms the ashes we bring Him into a crown of beauty that only He can create. The "corona-virus" starts with corona (crown). Let's change clothes, put on the garment of praise and thanksgiving, our crown of beauty and expect the best is yet to come! I love you so much and I'm praying for your change of seasons and that your BEST days are ahead!!

There’s a Whole Lotta Shaking Going On

Have you seen "The Chosen", a new series about the life of Jesus released during Holy Week? Oh my! It started out as a media project to raise the funding to create it, but as it turned out, it has become the largest crowdfunding project after 16,000 people invested over $10 million into it. The first season of eight episodes is available now online. I promise you, your eyes will be shifted from the brief explanations of Christ’s journeys in the Bible to expanded thought-provoking scenarios. The Chosen has an authenticity to the biblical narrative like nothing I’ve ever witnessed in faith-based media. The Bible's brief picture of Jesus’ first public miracle at the wedding of Cana is expanded to a beautiful story of what it might have really looked like then.

Director Dallas Jenkins told Fox News that now it’s been viewed by over 20 million people around the world — and that's when they knew it was a project of biblical proportions. Seriously, you MUST watch this first series. This SHIFT and this SUCCESS has happened during this pandemic. Just type: The Chosen Episode 1 in your address bar, and then, for the next seven episodes, type Episode 2, etc. The Director will give you a lot of supporting info, but you can fast-forward through that part.

My title for today’s blog is “There’s a Whole Lotta Shaking Going On”. This pandemic has certainly shaken things up in our world. You don’t need me to detail it – the changes are everywhere. It's easy to get discouraged and wonder why it happened. I believe the shaking isn’t to stop us but to shift us into a new way of thinking and living. In fact, with the right attitude it might be the trajectory for success that we've been hoping for. Like “The Chosen” project – we’ll shift into a greater awareness of creativity. God works all these shakings for our good -- IF we but believe in our DIVINE Shaker!

Let’s not go back to the same ways we used to do things. I think the reason God allowed the shaking is to shift us into something better. None of this has been a surprise to God. He’s the DIVINE Shaker-Upper. Maybe He shook things up so He could give you a better position with better benefits in a better environment. It looks like a setback, but really it's a setup.

God is still on the throne. The shaking going on isn’t to defeat us but to promote us. We might be on the brink of a miracle -- better than what we could have ever imagined. So, don’t listen to the voices that tell you your child will never get back on course or that you’re not going to get well or this virus is ruining you financially. On the contrary, let's SHAKE-UP the enemy by choosing to look at the exceeding abundance that is up ahead – that is if our Source is God! Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us," It's time to POWER UP and kick our praise into high gear! We shall overcome!

Did God Put His Kids in Time Out?

I watched Andrea Pacelli’s awe-inspiring Easter concert online on Sunday from the Cathedral of Milan. As magnifico as it was, I couldn’t help but think about the thousands who would usually attend one of his concerts. But this day, the Cathedral was empty, save Andrea and the organist. I noticed the empty streets in that bustling city where crowds come to visit the magnificent architecture and art everywhere. My husband and I were among the thousands there, entralled by this city's beauty, on our 40th anniversary cruise.

A couple of weeks ago, right in the middle of this shelter-in-place, I went to a doctor appointment and noticed how empty the streets were here. I thought to myself “It seems like a Sunday when so many folks stay home.” Then I started thinking about the Sabbath day that God specifically called for in the Ten Commandments #4 to be exact: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy." Have we kept this day holy? My musings continued: "What if God allowed this pandemic to get us shaped up and back to the main thing of being His devoted and consecrated people?" Like any good parent who loves their kids too much to let them keep on disobeying, maybe He was put out with our disobedience and slack in our observance of the Ten Commandments. And, He called for a “time-out” for us to reconsider our ways.

So, let’s just say that’s a truth – then what do good kids do while they’re in time out? I remember my daughter put her kids in time out, with an added-on discipline of writing a scripture verse at least ten times that represented their “infraction”. I also remember the necessity of apologizing to the one (usually her brother and vice versa) who had been the recipient of the naughtiness.

So what are we doing in this time-out? Especially, if we sensed in any way, that our Heavenly Father might be disciplining His kids? Proverbs 3:11-12 says “My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the LORD reproves Him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

I'm sure God wants us to get along better. Maybe He wants us to “lie down in green pastures so He could restore our souls” (Psalm 23:4). Maybe He wants us to use our minds for creativity and ingenuity. Maybe He wants us to seek Him more. And so many of us have done that – we’ve been on daily prayer regimens, been a part of encouragement to others via Zoom-type meetings, and not missing a beat on attending church because we’ve watched on-line church.

As parents, we want our kids to learn from their mistakes, and when they do, there are so many rewards for those kiddos. I really think God nudged St. Paul’s writings with these words: “ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28) Our good, good Father knows best. He IS working out these times for our good. I just know it.

I’m doing my best to be my most faith-filled daughter to Him during my time out! I want to make my Father proud that I’ve learned my lessons well. How about you?

He’s a Good, Good Father on this Good Friday!

I’m smiling because I posted this family photo on what is supposed to be a somber, serious day. But is it really? Were it not for THIS day, we wouldn’t have an Easter. This photo was taken at our church in Shawnee, OK. It was a big deal to dress up for Easter. Had to have new Easter outfits and an Easter bonnet. I had enough hair back then that served as all the hat I needed. After church, it was all about the Easter egg hunt. The kids would have a spirited time of finding them all.

Remembering that Easter fanfare, as sweet as those times were, doesn’t hold a candle to this year’s Easter experiences. It seems the frivolous things were, well, just frivolous. Oh, I’m sure many will still be having Easter egg hunts in their backyards, but because we’re nestled into our homes, it’s easier to hone into what Easter is really all about. Introspection of the holy of holiest times that goes from Friday's sorrows to Sunday's alleluias!

Did you sleep well last night? Jesus didn’t. He had not been to sleep! All night long and in this day, He was interrogated, lied about, beatened, tortured, suffered and died on a cross that was meant for murderers and thieves. Today is Good Friday! Good? How could this day be called GOOD?

I can’t help but consider all our world is going through right now. Maybe some “Good Friday” issues like the suffering, the dying, and so many unknowns. I get it. The struggles are real – lost jobs, financial insecurity, kids testing every nerve their parents have because they’re not used to isolation, the concerns for our medical field and essential services workers. It is truly a time like we could never imagine.

I titled this post “He’s a Good, Good Father on this Good Friday”. Really? How could a Dad be called a “good dad” when He allows His Son to die in such a horrific way? “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer …” (Isaiah 53:10). Of all the powerful verses in the Bible, this one brings me to my knees. How much does God the Father love us? Enough to sacrifice His only Son. Because the death of His Son would bring salvation to His children. That means salvation to you and to me and to all who know Him as Savior and Lord. Indeed, He is our good, good Father.

But, how could this day be called GOOD? Because out of the appallingly bad came what was inexpressibly good. And the good trumps the bad because the bad was temporary while the good is eternal. God’s love and grace came to us soaked in divine blood. The Cross is God’s answer to the question, “Why don’t you do something about evil?” “Why do You let bad things happen to good people?” God did do something. One look at His Son on the cross should silence the argument that God doesn't care about human suffering.

Without Jesus’ death, we could never know Him. We could never have eternal life. Our salvation cost a lot. And Jesus thought “they’re worth it”. And that is what’s so good about Good Friday. There is no such thing as a resurrection without a death. There is no such thing as an Easter without a Good Friday.

What is this message? For us, to never again wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, would never perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Now, we know why God is a good, good Father and why this day is called "Good Friday".

Not the usual Pomp on this Palm Sunday

Growing up, I was always so thrilled for the start of Holy Week on Palm Sunday. The readings, the story of the shouts of praise and hosannas, the palms, and the pomp. I loved it because Palm Sunday led to Easter Sunday when I would get to wear my new Easter ensemble. attend the Easter egg hunt in the afternoon and amidst it all -- be overjoyed because of the resurrection of Jesus. Up from the grave He arose!

Then, enters 2020’s Palm Sunday – one like we would have never imagined. We are confined to our homes. No way we could be a thronging crowd waving our palm branches today! We don’t have a choice. My pastor sent out a message to us that recalled Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem where people cut branches from palm trees, laid them across Jesus’ path and waved them in the air as he entered Jerusalem the week before his death. He went on to tell us that in ancient times palms symbolized goodness, well-being, grandeur, and victory. I like to think they still mean that to us today. My pastor went on to ask us to hang some greenery or a drawing of a palm on the doors of our homes in celebration of this Palm Sunday because we are still proclaiming God’s goodness and victory.

I had already hung my Easter wreath. This year, I included the picture of Jesus – Divine Mercy – that represents the blood and water poured out for us on Calvary – with the words: “Jesus, I trust in You”. That is my way of applying the blood of Jesus on the doorposts of my home for protection as the Israelites did the night the death angel struck all the Egyptians’ homes. I profess that “I am covered by the blood of Jesus, and "no evil shall befall me or plague come near my dwelling.” (Psalm 91:10).

Here we are in a set of entirely new circumstances. Today, the crowds were thronging and their cheers were proclaiming “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.” BTW, “hosanna” means “Save us now!” Doesn’t that make us want to raise our praises today and shout “Hosanna in the highest?” If ever we needed saving -- it is today. Not just from this pandemic but saving us from our failures, our doubts, fears, and unbelief.

It doesn’t matter if we’re in our churches this Palm Sunday – processing in and waving our palm branches, or we have a palm branch likeness on our front doors or if we are confined to a prison cell, a hospital room, a tent or a palace, we can stand silent with depths of emotion or shout it from our rooftops -- "We praise You and thank You, our Savior and Lord!" I rejoice today because of such love from my Savior. Our Lord is no longer riding a donkey facing a horrific death. He is our risen Lord and Savior, soon coming on a white horse as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16)

Let's symbolically wave our palm branches today -- right in the midst of this pandemic crisis -- knowing that God is in control. He knows all the things that concern us, disturb us and have disrupted our plans. God knows the things we have dreamed about and are now grieving about as we let them go. He takes all of that into account as He executes His plan in the present moment. All we need to do about it today is proclaim: "Hosanna in the Highest, blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord." Lord, save us!

HELP! I Need Hand & Heart Sanitizer

I was talking to my sis-in-law last night. They are in the professional, large-buildings (mostly banks) cleaning business with over a hundred employees working for them. Bless their hearts. They are also an “essential” business on the front lines. Because sanitizing standards are amped up, their employees are working double and triple the hours to get their jobs done as banks are requiring sanitizing three times a day.

She also told me about how God had given her the wisdom, even before the pandemic hit us here in the U.S., to order large quantities of toilet paper and disinfectant for their buildings. Wonder why I didn’t get that memo from God? I know He must be amused at us – panicking over not enough T.P., disinfectant and hand sanitizers. Among the items my cousins needed as I shopped for them yesterday, were disinfectant wipes and napkins. Nowhere to be found. I chuckled with another shopper as we viewed the paper goods aisle with no toilet paper, paper towels, or napkins. But, rest assured, if you want an Easter basket full of goodies for your kiddos, just go to the paper goods aisle and you’ll find plenty there!

I was needing hand sanitizer myself. I've had one tiny bottle that I've used faithfully when going outside my home. I’ve shopped online and store after store, but none is available. But, what a difference Spring-cleaning makes. I’ve been on a mission to get cabinets and closets cleaned out – endeavoring to make my “retreat” a successful venture of getting things done that I’ve put off as long as I could. In that quest, lo and behold, you can see in the picture here – a larger hand sanitizer bottle and several little ones. Up from the grave they arose! Hallelujah!

I know I'm wordy. I said all this to get to the point of today’s blog. See that big bottle. It is left over from an ACTS retreat that I served on a couple of years ago. We printed the labels for the hand sanitizers to be placed on our tables. The label included our retreat theme scripture: “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Psalm 24:3-4. And St. Teresa of Calcutta’s quote: “A clean heart can see God, can speak to God, and can see the love of God in others.”

Yes, we are doing our best to have clean hands in these times. I wear gloves when I go to the grocery store and use hand sanitizer after. It’s an absolute must for us. But even more critical are those words on the bottle. "Clean hands and pure hearts." Those are the hands and hearts who know better than to only think about the purity of our external selves. Far greater – in the light of eternity – and in the light of letting our lights shine brighter than ever before, is what is in us that might "soil" the relationship we have with God. We do our best to keep our hands and hearts pure and clean because we want to please our Father so much. I’m thinking that we may need to apply some of His Holy sanitizer to our hearts that removes the bitterness, strife, anger, resentment, worry, fear. God's holy sanitizer cleans all those things away when we pray along with King David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!” Psalm 51:10

Clean hands. Pure heart. Dear Lord, please apply your Holy sanitizer to my life – inside and out, today!

Making the Most of this Day

I burst out of my cocoon to fly a little today. It feels so good. I am on a mission. Get toilet paper. I have inside info. Walmart’s truck will be here at 10 am. I am in line for my one-only big package of TP and paper towels. Mission accomplished! Woohoo! Next, I go to my church’s smaller chapel to pray. Oh, the sweet peace that welcomes me. I am all by myself with Jesus. How sweet it is. Soon others join me from a distance. Notice the “social distancing” we are provided – numbered locations on the pews. I listen for God’s voice. I write in my journal what I hear. It’s His still small voice. I am in the temple like Hannah in the Bible was -- crying out to God for a son and a son was born to her. I am in the temple crying out for healing for our world. The same God who answered Hannah’s prayers, is He Who will answer our prayers too.

After prayer time, I head over to the beautiful cemetery behind my church. No problem with social distancing there. Lots of folks “in” there (literally) and no pandemic worries there! A friend told me she goes there often for a walk. And as she said, it makes for some eye-opening and heart-stirring moments for me. Many subtle reminders that this life is just temporary, so we best be making the most of every day. What takes me by surprise are the beautiful engraved stoned edifices of the mausoleums. PEACE is the theme on the four sides of one: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank” and “May the love of friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.” How’s that for hearing from God? PEACE – that is what we need most during these times. I breathed in that peace.

Lastly, I make my way to another Walmart to buy groceries for my cousins who are a few years older than me and are staying homebound. What a delight that I can serve them. And, bonus, while I am there, I hear “Our truck has arrived. Get in line at Aisle 31. We will hand-out one toilet paper package and one paper towel package!” SCORE!

It’s been a great day because I determined it to be one. Who would have thought I would recommend a cemetery for a nice walk and inspiration? The part of that cemetery that touches me the most are the tombstones of lives once lived: Older Pop-Pop and MiMaw gravesites, young soldiers and oh, the heart tugs I see, the one-year, six-year, and 19-year old sites. God gets my attention today. I’m living with as much gusto as I can – until my body joins them there and my spirit is with God eternally.

Today holds as much mystery as it did yesterday. We don’t know what tomorrow holds no more than we know what this hour will hold. And that’s true whether the C-virus is here or not. But we do know the One Who does know. And He promises that He is right here with us. That He will not leave us or forsake us. And right here, right now, is where we are supposed to be – secure in His everlasting, unfailing love.

As I text my kids this morning and say this to them, I say it to you today: "It’s a perfect time for embracing each other. Maybe God called for this for all of us. To focus on what is most important in our lives.” I love you all so much. You are so important to me. I lift you, your loved ones and all that is important to you today to our loving Father. He sees. He knows. He cares. He has great plans for your lives. Hold on tightly to His unchanging hands. And, maybe go for a stroll in your nearby cemetery. You might find peace and inspiration waiting for you there like I did.

No Fear Here!

I stumbled across this little doll girl on Facebook while scrolling through my timeline. It was a video of her jabbering away as she turned the pages of her book. She had her own joy-filled language – free of any worry or fear. What drew me in even more was the music playing in the background, Josh Baldwin’s “Stand in Your Love” : “My fear doesn't stand a chance when I stand in Your love....."

How befitting to hear a song that spoke volumes to my heart in the wake of this, may I say, crazy crazy time we’re living in. It would be one thing if it was in only China. We’d cast a look, and maybe a prayer said to help them through their troubles, then be on with our lives. But here we are experiencing a worldwide pandemic that crosses borders and invades our lives.

Here’s what I commented on this mama’s post: “Oh I love this so much. That little angel knows no fear! I love that you are making your home a sanctuary of praise and worship where you have no fear either. She sees it and feels it. Oh, that other families would embrace making our domestic homes a place where Jesus abides. “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in your love.” You blessed me so much in actions and not just words!"

No wonder Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) That kingdom is here right now. “For the kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 4:17

What are we manifesting to our children and grandchildren right now? Children see and sense fear. Maybe it’s dispensed to them, unintentionally, but still our actions and the words we speak may expose them to real fear. Children absorb fear and anxiety just as much as they absorb courage, faith, love and peace. So, do they see us in a place of peace, courage, joy and faith by “Being still and knowing God” whose infinite love for us will not be shaken? (Psalm 46:10) Giving them fun, family times and the most they’ll remember is a crisis came but it was the best of times for us? Or do they see us overcome with fear and hustling around, standing in long lines for fear that toilet paper and paper towels are soon to be a thing of the past?” Do we fear and cower to the lies of the enemy who goes around seeking whom he may devour? Or, does our faith level cause the faith level in those in our sphere of influence to skyrocket?

I read an article by Dr. Abdhu Sharkawy, an Infectious Disease Specialist: “I’m scared about what message we are telling our kids when faced with a threat. Instead of reason, rationality, open-mindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested. Covid-19 is nowhere near over. It will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. Expect it. Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviors and “fight for yourself above all else” attitude could prove disastrous. I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let’s meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing. Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts. Our children will thank us for it.” -- Dr. Abdhu Sharkawy

And I concur. God isn’t surprised at any of this and if we know Him, He has brought us to THIS kingdom “for such a time as this”! May we prove to be the lighthouses that light the way for those who need to know the Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and the Light in the darkness. Our God – that is Who You are!

An Old Story That Can Bring Us Hope

It’s in almost every conversation. We can’t help it. The effects of the coronavirus are certainly beyond any plague or disease pandemic that I have seen or heard of in my life. I mean – a pandemic that is causing businesses to send their people home to work virtually; causing schools to shut down and children being homeschooled; causing families to store up extra food and supplies – just in case. In fact, in my own world, a group of 38 women are having to meet through teleconferencing. At the hospital where I volunteer, they’ve suspended volunteering until this crisis is over. In my morning text to my kids, I apprised them that the news says “the elderly (70 and above) should be checked on regularly to be sure we’re okay”. My reply to that is “Watch me defy the odds”. I have no fear.

This pandemic is nothing to make jokes about. People are alarmed and are filled with anxiety. Again, I look at scripture that shows us how to deal with the fear of impending danger. This is the perfect time for us to refresh our memory on how Scripture navigates perils, plagues and pandemics. My mind rushes back to serving at Vacation Bible School last summer.

The whole theme was around the exodus of God’s people from Egypt. But before the exodus, ten plagues were inflicted on Egypt by God to force wicked Pharaoh to let His people, the Israelites, go and be freed from slavery. I loved watching the VBS children acting out the various plagues. God answered Pharaoh’s taunts by saying “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 7:5) Eventually, the Israelites were released and started walking towards the Red Sea. If you saw “The Ten Commandments” movie, the scene that stands out the most is Charlton Heston as Moses, lifting his rod over the waters commanding them to open up. And open up, they did, enabling millions of Israelites to cross over on dry land – but closing up over the Egyptians and killing them all. God provided a way of escape. And He has a way of escape in mind for us in this crisis – those who are professed children of God who know Christ as our Lord and Savior.

What we can easily miss are the details of this story. What is it like to pack up everything you own – your children, your possessions, your livestock to go to an unknown land? What’s it like to wonder if you might lose it all? Sounds like a good parallel to this virus that is seeping across the world and has reached our shores, and we don’t know how treacherous it’s going to be. God is calling us to continue marching forward with a diligence of conquering and overcoming while being very health-smart – following all the rules of washing our hands and staying away from crowds as much as possible.

Waiting well in the face of our anxiety about a coming danger means taking seriously the reality of the danger. Our God takes our lives and our sufferings very seriously, and “He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone” because He cares for us and for the things we care for and He shows compassion – so great is His unfailing love (Lamentations 3:32-33).

In the midst of the clamor, may we pour out our anxieties to our Father in Heaven. May we not allow our hearts to panic over school closings, travel plans, economic downturns, or the potentially infected surfaces we’ve touched! When we are afraid, we turn to Him. We cast our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. In fact, we can allow handwashing or rubbing on hand sanitizer to become a moment we consciously entrust ourselves and the future of everyone we care about into His hands.

So we do wash our hands, and do what is wise about working from home, or calling our doctor. But we don’t let ourselves forget where our true safety lies. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know the One Who parts raging seas and blocks its flow with His blood-soaked cross!

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.“

(Thank you, CCEF -- Christian Counseling Educational Foundation for some of your excerpts included in this blog.)