I’m a Miracle – so Happy Birthday to Me!

Today my soliloquy goes like this: "It's my birthday! It's my birthday and it's a MIRACLE! In spite of all the odds, I am still here!" On this my B-day, I’m dog-sitting my children’s 85-pound, Australian Shepherd, Buddy, and their 5-pound Yorkie, Emma, while the fam is hanging out and enjoying the cool temps and fishing opportunities in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains this week. I’m on doggie and plant-duty and having a little vacay of my own at their home here in Frisco Square.

I’m hanging out where there are so many sights-to-see on a morning, noon, afternoon and evening walk with these two canines! Yesterday, in the cool of the early morning, we made our way to Frisco Square's historical area. Arriving there, I noticed this little house on a post, full of books with a sign that read: Little Free Library “Take a Book – Share a Book”. I did, and I'm sharing with you! "Miracles" is the book I chose. I didn't take time to see if it merited a read, but the title, alone, reminded me that I am a “Miracle” – my mama was never to have been able to give birth again after my sister was born, 12 years earlier. First miracle -- I was conceived. Second miracle -- I was born with a heart murmur. But – here I am -- alive and well!

Today, I hold my head up high and announce – I've turned 72. Does that alarm me? Am I sad? Do I feel old? Do I have regrets? Nope, nope, nope and nope! I'm a strong, vibrant, happy, very alive woman, lover of God and people, and ready to embrace another year. Bring it on! Thank you, Pastor Craig Groeschel for giving me this quote: “I’m still here – so I’m not done!” I'm living my passion daily – my mission, my family, my friends, my blog, and hopefully, letting my little light shine! I know what to value in this life and I know what matters. What matters are the blessings of family and friends and the “blessing of the LORD that makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22) And, indeed I am very rich in joy, peace, love, hope, and with the prospect of living forever and ever with my Lord. Oh how blessed I am.

Thanks to my sweet kids for the "birthday eve" gifts of love! By the way, that “Miracles” book I found – I read the foreword later in the day. This is an excerpt – how befitting for this day! “If your Christian life is boring, this book offers a cure. Disciples live on the edge, asking, “How can I serve you today, Lord? Who can I touch for you?” And at the end of the day, they can pray, “Thanks for using me, Jesus.” They don’t think about the day’s sacrifices. They think about the sheer joy of being used by God to touch the lives of others – to meet their needs, love them and share the truth about Jesus through their actions and their words. When Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,: he wasn’t kidding!” I'd say that sums up who I desire to be daily! Thanks, God, for the MIRACLE of life and the reminder that living for YOU is the best gift EVER!

The Twilight Zone on the Monday of Holy Week

Yesterday was a most unusual Palm Sunday and 25th birthday celebration with my grandson. I wasn’t at church and I wasn’t in Austin celebrating with my family. But, I was still present for both. I watched four beautiful church and mass celebrations via livestream and I was on FaceTime with my family. The day before, my Canadian cousin FaceTimed me so I could meet her two-year-old foster child. Tonight, and tomorrow night I will be on Zoom calls which provides for many of us to see each other, be together – while apart. Isn’t this something?

It is amazing to be in tumultuous yet tremendous times and be provided with far greater innovations than what any other generation has ever experienced when they encountered plagues, epidemics and pandemics. I’m providing a little motivation for us, lest we forget to be grateful for the blessings we have been afforded.

In the 60s there was a TV series called “The Twilight Zone”.Rod Serling welcomed us on a journey into the Twilight Zone. Each episode presented different stories where characters found themselves dealing with disturbing or unusual events, an experience described as "entering the Twilight Zone". It often had a surprise ending and a moral. Now, the phrase “twilight zone is used to describe surreal experiences -- like these surreal times we are in today.

Speaking of surreal, I think about Monday of this most blessed Holy Week of our Lord’s passion. The predominate happening on this day was Jesus chasing out the money changers from the temple. He was on purpose with every act, healing, and teaching. If we knew it was our final week of life, wouldn’t we be taking care of “loose ends”, like getting some things right that were very wrong? Wouldn’t we be giving family and friends some of our wisdom from life, encouraging and giving clear thought-out messages to help them carry on? If He knew He would soon lay down His life for us, then wouldn’t He make sure that everything He did was for our good to be used as visual references for us to follow?

On this day of Holy Week, Jesus returned to Jerusalem and came upon the shameful, greedy practices at the Temple. He was so passionate about His Father’s House of Prayer being abused. Formerly, it had been where the blind and lame came when they heard Jesus was in the Temple. As the children saw Jesus standing there and teaching, they began to shout again, “Hosanna, to the Son of David.”

On this Holy Monday, He cleansed the temple. Back to the “surreal” time we are in right now. The churches, temples, and synagogues have been cleansed, so to speak. Not only are the stores inside many of the mega churches closed, but so are the places of worship – everywhere. My take on this season that we’re in – is God is setting things straight – setting His people straight – getting His house in order. That the principal thing isn’t really about the church building. It is about His Body – THE CHURCH – being set right. Getting down to the nitty gritty of what really is most important to Him. Jesus will soon come back for His bride without a spot or wrinkle or blemish. He cares more about us than He does brick and mortar.

Today He desires to cleanse us and purify our hearts and minds so that we are more like Him – in our thoughts, our words and our actions. Maybe, this surreal time is about our Sovereign Lord getting His Body in shape for bringing the family home – sooner than later. Today I take this message personally. It is taking this cleansing of the temple as cleansing of my temple. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 10:19) The Lord cares more about the “stuff” that has cluttered up Who we are and Whose we are. It’s time to get the temple squeaky clean! This Monday of Holy Week is a really good day for cleaning house!

The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr

I'm old enough to remember when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 – 52 years ago. That date gives me pause. It did then when I was holding my one-year-old baby boy in my arms and hearing the horrendous news of the assassination of this passionate, honorable man who endeavored to make a difference in this world of anger and hate. It was only five years previously, sitting in my 10th Grade Geometry class, that the news came over the loud speaker that President Kennedy had been shot. We “paused” to pray, and later found out that he had passed away. Today, I “pause” again to pray earnestly for our country, our leaders and for an outbreak of a love revolution. As Dr. King said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” And as Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. (Matthew 5:43-44)

The night before he was killed, Dr. King spoke at a church in Memphis. He had been receiving death threats for over 10 years but never shied away from public appearances. "We've got some difficult days ahead, but it doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now, I just want to do God's will."

And isn’t that what we all should be saying and living out in our lives – “I just want to do God’s will.” Dr. King was right: God calls us to stand for what is right because it is right. Whatever the cost, whatever it takes, wherever He leads.

I know of no better way to honor Dr. King than to mimic him in and his memory by beginning each day with the strong desire to do God's will and to serve his God.

What does doing God’s will look like? I think it looks like Martin Luther King’s relentless pursuit of peace, goodwill to all men (and women). It is putting aside “anything goes” and living with zeal and determination to make a difference in this world. This isn't a day and time to muddle through and hide in a crowd or a cubicle or a boardroom or classroom. If I’ve come to know about those who have given their lives for our country and those who lived lives of relentless passion for others – it is what I desire my life to look like. So much good has come from the dreams and passion of Martin Luther King Jr. What will be said of our dreams and passion in 52 years?

I Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda
You know those words: “I should have done that but", “I would have been been that but" or “I could have gone there but…..” Should -- Would -- Could are words I’ve determined to get out of my vocabulary this year because they represent the past and that past is behind me. Or they represent hesitation to move forward.

I posted that I chose the word “contentment” this year as my word of the year to focus on and maintain. But yesterday a new thought occurred to me: What word am I not going to choose this year? I’m going to take the “shoulds” off the table because I want to wake up each morning and have a true purpose in this new day. I want to take on projects and activities and be able to say “yes” to opportunities that open the door to new friendships and new adventures. That’s why I’m volunteering at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children where I meet precious children, families, co-volunteers, and medical personnel. In fact, I met a co-volunteer yesterday that inspired me with her energy and zeal. I could be saying, I shoulda volunteered, but instead, I’m saying “I’m sure glad I did.”

I’ve also signed up for a couple of “field trips” to historical places to visit here in the Dallas area. I remember a friend of mine coming to Dallas last year with a group and her describing the interesting places that I had never visited in my city and I thought -- “I should have gone to those places by now!” No more “shoulds”. I don’t know anyone going on these upcoming field trips, but I’m going to get out and about and meet new friends and make the most out of it.

I said “Yes” to being on an advisory group at my church. Instead of being a “shrinking violet” I’m going to use my skills and talents to hopefully benefit this group with my knowledge and training.

When we take the ‘shoulds’ off the table, we find out why we’re really waking up in the morning with a true purpose and intent on forgetting the past and making the most of each new day. Instead of saying I should do this. I should do that. I shouldn’t feel this way, I'm going to make statements like “I will do this. I will do that. I will not have those feelings.”

I thought “What can replace the ‘shoulds’ in my life?” It came to me that gratitude is what belongs in my heart and on my lips. For example, I took a nap the other day and when I woke up I thought “I should have finished inputting those records.” Then I came to myself and whispered, “Thank you, God, for that nap gift. I must have really needed it.” I got up and finished my work.

‘Should, would, could in my life are trickster and fibber words. I have decided that I won’t be speaking their names this year. Instead, I’m choosing, “I will, I can, I am”. I choose to live with no regrets because there isn’t a thing we can do about the past. We can lament a missed opportunity for years that can weigh down our hearts like a steel anchor. “If I had only…” has nothing to do with talent; it is simply the result of courage or procrastination.”

Those people – the shoulda coulda woulda folks – are not you and me. We are destined to leave an indelible mark on the world, as long as we have the will to make it happen. We’ll never know what we are truly capable of until we unleash our passion and give ourselves permission to go, do, be creators. I don’t know about you, but when I get to the end, I hope I’ll have more battle scars and fewer regrets. May we seize the day and never, never, ever be a shoulda, coulda, woulda.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

What Are You Passionate About?

After our Walk for Life yesterday morning, I made it home in time to hear the announcement that Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed as Supreme Court Justice. I thought about the passion that had been displayed during this process by the opposing sides, the media, the senators, the activists that pounded their way into the chambers; incredibly emotional and convinced people on both sides. Then I saw emotions rise even higher as angry protesters passionately chanted on the steps of the supreme court. One thing’s for sure: They ARE passionate. I’ll be honest with you – I sensed my passion needed a pick-me-up in comparison to those highly passionate men and women I saw standing up for what they believe in – right or wrong.

Yesterday morning, some of our EMwomen joined other passionate people in the Walk/Hike for Life in McKinney, TX. There were booths set up with passionate representatives from homes for pregnant, homeless women that provide hope and help to them. Centers were represented for women who need healing after choosing abortion and for helping women to choose life. There are many people who are passionate about “choosing life” and who devote themselves to many volunteer hours to help make a difference. What is it that drives these people to give of their time to causes like this? What drove our little band of women and one strong man to raise funds and to show up to walk for life? It was the passion to make a difference.

It's time we all become passionate people -- to be those who put our lives on the line for a cause that radically changes the face of our country. Nothing great is ever accomplished in life without passion. Nothing great is ever sustained in life without passion. Passion is what energizes revolutions and mobilizes armies into action. Passion is what causes explorers to boldly go where no man's gone before. Passion is what causes scientists to spend late night hours trying to find the cure to a dreaded disease. Passion makes the impossible possible. Passion gives us a reason to get up in the morning and say, "I’m going to do something with my life today." Who wants a boring, monotonous, routine life? God created us with the emotions to have passion in our lives and He wants us to live a passionate life.

Today, I ask, “What are you passionate about?” Are you passionate enough to give your all to a cause that could change the world? That kind of passion changed the U.S. when the Roe vs Wade decision was made 45 years ago. Since 1973, as of 5 am today, there have been 60,780,461 abortions; murders of precious babies (the ticker went up one by one as I watched online). What kind of passion drove prayer out of our schools and the 10 commandments from public spaces? What kind of passion was changed the definition of marriage between a man and a woman? My fellow believers in God’s Word, IT IS TIME to wake up and be heard with our passion for life, for morality, for righteousness and the truth of God’s Word. We must not be silent and nonchalant any longer. It's time we stir up our passion and register to vote in the November 6th election.

The passion of Jesus led to the redemption of man. We can model His passion. The Bible tells us that we’re to seek God passionately. We’re to love God passionately. The Bible says that we’re to serve and obey God passionately. We’re to trust God passionately. Then as if we didn’t get the message, in Colossians 3:23 He says "Whatever you do, do it with all of your heart as unto the Lord and not unto men." He says I want you to do everything passionately when it comes to loving Me, serving Me, living for Me.

Passion Week -- Holy Monday

At this time in March, last year, I was inquiring about a Holy Lands trip. The "inquiring" became a PASSIONATE “YES, I'm going!" and soon I made my full payment for the trip. That full payment changed my life forever. I was THERE where my Lord walked, taught, healed and most importantly became my Savior. He made full payment for me by sacrificing His life on Calvary. I believed that with all my heart, and I gave Him my heart when I was 8 years ago. He paid my debt that He did not even owe.

Passion: strong and barely controllable emotion; the suffering and death of Jesus.The focus of Passion Week is the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus and the events that led up to it.

The first day of my arrival to Israel, I posted this: "I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me". That trip created a real, live and in color “YOU ARE THERE” moments to that song “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” I believe I was there, because Jesus had you AND me in mind as He hung on the cross. From the moment I sat foot in Israel, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and awe that I was treading on the land of my Lord. My PASSION for Jesus was so enriched as I witnessed, through many tears, the awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes, breathtaking seas, opulent churches and holy sites where He had been. I know I didn’t have to go to Israel to know He lives in me, but there I felt a tangible connection with those women at His tomb -- "I know He lives!" My spiritual eyes saw Him there, but even better, I see Him every day, right here in Frisco, TX or wherever I am – in His creation, in His Word, in YOU. Holy Week, also known as Passion Week will never be the same for me.

Today is Holy Monday of Holy Week. At the heart of our faith is the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. This week, I'll be purposely posting to remind us of what this week looked like. We’ve read those stories in the Bible and. we’ve heard many sermons and messages about the events, but have we sincerely pondered and noticed ALL that Jesus accomplished in this one week? He was on purpose with every act, healing, and teaching. If we knew it was our final week of life, wouldn’t we be taking care of “loose ends”, giving family and friends some of our wisdom from life, encouraging and giving clear thought-out messages to encourage them to carry on? If He knew He would soon lay down His life for us, then wouldn’t He make sure that everything He did was for our good to be used as visual references for us to follow?

Holy Week began yesterday, Palm Sunday, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem, with crowds cheering for Him, but He already knew it would be the toughest week of His 33 years of life -- when the cheering crowds became jeering crowds.

According to Matthew 21, Mark 11 and Luke 19, Jesus had gone to Bethany and returned to Jerusalem today. Imagine his thoughts about what He was about to face and then, casually coming upon the shameful practices at the Temple. Greed had altered the character of the Temple. He was so passionate about His Father’s House of Prayer being abused. Cleansing the Temple was a scene of chaos, but those who had needs knew what the Temple was for. First, the blind and lame came when they heard Jesus was in the Temple. As the children saw Jesus standing there and teaching, they began to shout again, “Hosanna, to the Son of David.”

I mentioned about my Holy Lands trip and the full payment I made to ensure my trip was “locked and loaded”. I think about the full payment Christ made for you and me. “He paid a debt He did not owe. I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. Now I sing a brand new song “Amazing Grace”. Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.”

I pray that my words awaken you with the desire to consider Christ’s journey to Calvary throughout this week and mostly, I pray you open your heart and mind to THE ONE – who loved you enough to give His all for you. On this Holy Monday, He cleansed the temple. I pray that He cleanses and purifies our hearts and minds so that we are more like Him – in our thoughts, our words and our actions.

Does PASSION Drive You?

My Word of the Day – PASSION: more than just enthusiasm or excitement, PASSION is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind, body and soul into something as is possible.

What is it that drives you, motivates you and causes you to jump out of bed each morning with exuberance? Is it your family, your spouse, your hobby, or your job that you really don’t even consider it a J.O.B., because you love it so much? Based on the definition of PASSION and the questions I just asked, maybe you can’t think of anything that you are PASSIONATE about.

My youngest grandson, though he knows little about having to make ends meet or being responsible for a spouse or family, I’ve seen such PASSION in him for what he is responsible for – his animals. I’ve shared it before that he provides daily care of his 3 donkeys, 5 goats, a longhorn, his cat and dog. His PASSION for his responsibility doesn’t even seem like a chore to him. These recent photos (I’m here caring for these two boys for the week.) show a little boy that adores his animals. He bounces out of bed and heads to the barn and calls out “Where’s my girls? Where’s my boys?” What a PASSIONATE dad he will be one day.

Thank you for driving my PASSION. I wake up with PASSION to provide yet another blog and FB post. I am relentless to seek God’s wisdom and words that might encourage someone each day. My PASSION for God tops everything else. There is nothing that takes the place of time with Him, knowing He was my FIRST love and will be my LAST love – pleasing Him drives my decisions and everything within my being.

Sometimes we can get so caught up in the act of living that we forget why we’re living. While it’s important to do what’s necessary; it’s also important to take time to reflect on the life we’re creating. When our last day arrives, don’t we want to look back and know our life mattered -- that it counted for something?

At the start of this new year, I want to close my eyes and feel my spirit excitingly begin its next journey without fear or regret. I want to live with a PASSIONATE heart. Here’s a few ways that remind me how to live with PASSION:

1. Take responsibility for my life and live every moment, every and every day like it could be my last.

2. Live every day with the expectancy, something good is going to happen in this day.

3. Turn negative thoughts and situations into gratitude by choosing to see what’s good in my life.

4. Love what I do. If I'm not PASSIONATE about what I'm doing, consider what I love to do and then start moving in that direction.

5. Take a honest look in the mirror. Michael Jackson’s lyrics to “Man in the Mirror” are a good way to start making changes that bring about PASSION for something other than myself: "I’m starting with the man in the mirror; I’m asking him to change his ways; And no message could have been any clearer; If you wanna make the world a better place; Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.” If what we see within our heart and attitude needs changing, then we start changing it right now.

6. Make time to follow my heart’s desire. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

7. Share my love and what is burning inside my heart with others who can encourage and inspire me.

8. Seek God for my PASSION: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make direct your paths.”

Let's start today to live our lives with PASSION and when we do, then every day of 2018 will start out with overflowing joy for what each new day holds!

Living OUT LOUD

I'm taking it all in -- that is -- applauding, giving high 5s and standing ovations to those moments, events, accomplishments and celebrations of my precious friends and family. In the words of Émile Zola, French Nobel Prize winner in 1901, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I will tell you, I came to live out LOUD.” This LOL is Living Out Loud AND Laughing Out Loud!!

Yesterday I was explaining to someone that I'm not a "rocking chair" grandmother. No offense, if that's your gig -- then rock on, Baby! But, for me, I'm setting some big goals for next year, and I won't accomplish them if I take a laid back approach. In fact, I told her that I just might renew my Private Pilot's License and get to all these travel locations much faster!

To me, living out loud means living life with passion, being open to possibilities, and reaching for the stars.....well, at least the top of trees! Living-Out-Loud is 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.

Living-out-loud is unique to everyone. The point is to use our talents, enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in our day and our world. Here's some "Living Out Loud" strategies that we can put to good use:

~ 1. To immediately upon waking up, think positive thoughts. Put yesterday behind us. Refuse to hit the snooze button.

~ 2. Take a deep breath and express our gratitude for being alive. Take long walks or runs and while we’re at it, observe the sights and sounds around us and be thankful we can see and hear.

~ 3. Be adventurous. This one I own -- especially in this season that I'm taking one day at a time and living it to its fullest -- and if I get asked to go on a hike or bike ride or a bungy jump or obstacle course -- I'll be in it to win it!

~ 4. Hang with difference makers -- those people who are optimistic and cause us to reach outside our comfort zone and help others get out of theirs. Bold, fun, audacious, silly, risk takers -- this crowd honestly believes the best is yet to come, and they do what they can to make it happen. Who wants to hang with those "gloom and doom and despair" folks that turns a perfectly beautiful, sunny day to a cloudy day?

~ 5. Be open to new opportunities. Social media -- blogging, Facebook, Twitter have allowed me to connect and know people from all over the planet. The world is changing faster than anyone can keep up. This is a time of rapid growth and opportunity. With today’s technology and information, we have the power and the tools to fill our days with delight, insight, knowledge and celebration.

~ 6. Be present to take in God's signs and wonders. This is one I cultivate daily. I purposely choose positive thoughts and intentions. If a stray negative thought creeps in, I quickly change the channel. Watch and listen for new ideas and creativity. Take time to enjoy and appreciate family, friends, food, music, children, blue skies, sunshine and ordinary moments. Invest time in our relationships, have dinner with the good china and even by candlelight. Nothing is more important than the love we regularly give and receive

~ 7. Choose positive intentions and thoughts. Do good, serve others. Don’t bother with judgment, gossip, or comparisons.

~ 8.. Fall in love with life. Give our lives everything we've got. Write that book, take that vacation or call that date. Dance in the rain. We just may not pass this way again, so let's make the moments count.

Once we stop just drifting through life or taking the easy way out or the 3rd row in the roller coaster.....we just might find a new zest for life that propels us to higher heights and deeper depths than we've ever now. I don't know about you, but I came to live OUT LOUD!

What Are You Passionate About?

Day 34 of Photo Inspirations -- What are YOU passionate about?
This is Super Bowl Sunday and if you're not a Seahawks or Patriots fan, you may not be inclined to feel "passionate" about today's game.  You probably don't care one way or the other who wins.  But if you are one of those teams' fans, you may be as passionate about the Seahawks as my Seattle family is. 

Not only do they have season tickets for the Seahawks, but their cars and homes bear Seahawks flags, they are decked out in full Seahawks apparel, they paint their faces, cut their hair (i.e., my youngest grandson's new "12th man" style), they promote it on social media and other public forums, and they have "watch" parties where you'd think they were at the live game.  I've been to a few Seattle Seahawks games, and it's true -- the "12th Man" are the loudest fans I've ever heard. 

And, to take it a step further, my son and his buddies rented one of the "Ride the Ducks", loaded it with Seahawks flags and banners, and rode through the City and Lake Washington screaming and hollering about their Seahawks.  Honestly, in my lifetime, they are the most relentless, passionate sports fans I've ever seen. 

Quite frankly, just about everything our family does -- whether it's a favorite football team, a business we believe in, a heart for missions, celebrating a birthday and/or a special event, remembering the sweet things about our past, and mostly, our faith --our heart for God and His Word.

What are you passionate about?  What gets you out of bed every morning?  When motivational speakers and vocational counselors ask this question, they're not looking for answers like "The baby was crying" or "My alarm rang."  They want to help you identify your "passion" -- something you love to be doing with your life, the purpose that fires you with energy.  Bottom line -- a personal encounter with God can be the X-Factor in your life.  Having Him at the center, causes life-at-large to become your passion.  Having Him as your greatest passion, will cause just about everything else in your life -- your job, your family, your hobby, your favorite team or favorite outreach to become your "Wake-Up-With-Passion" each and everyday!

Silver, Gold, Diamonds -- Nothing Compares to Him

Last week I was with my grandson, Payton, who, at age 14, is quite the entrepreneur -- selling and repairing mobile phones. He's also a certified phone doctor. His interest of late is collecting coins, and already has quite the collection. I went with him to a gold and silver store. The reps are always impressed with his eagerness for knowledge and that just feeds their desire to take the time to help him. Payton gave me a schooling about how much better it is to have gold and silver than currency. He has learned that the only currency that grows in value with inflation is precious metals, gold and silver. To purchase gold and silver creates a wealth insurance policy that provides protection against volatility and wild swings in the economy.

I'll admit, that experience to the gold and silver store had me yawning, but I loved seeing Payton's hunger for knowledge. In fact, this summer, he has been to many, many stores, gaining more and more knowledge......and coins. He loves to hear the store reps talk about each coin -- why it's so valuable, where it came from, and why the cost of it.

This experience reminded me of this beautiful song. And when I think about precious metals and gems, I think that none can compare to the love and beauty of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, our economy, our society, and our well-being can be in a volatile state......and we often experience swings in our emotions and our security......but if there is one constant, one stable, one unwavering and unshifting consolation...it is the everlasting, unchanging love of God. I think about Payton's quest for knowledge and how he is growing in his expertise and wisdom. I think if we all were on purpose to listen to God's "expert" voice with passion and determination to understand His ways, then, we, too, will be credible witnesses to others of the story of God's amazing grace -- not to mention the unquestionable insurance policy that protects and provides for us even in times of uncertainty! Yes, NOTHING compares to Him.