My Perspective Changed and So Did I

We’ve all seen that FedEx logo. And, often we are excited to see it because an important package finally arrived. My perspective of express is getting to a destination quickly. I think of an express train or bus that has little to no stops before reaching its destination and then there's the express elevator that goes straight to the top instead of stopping on other floors.

My perspective changed when the FedEx logo was put up on the screen during a speaker's talk. He said: "Look between the E and the X and see if you can see the white arrow.” And, with a little intentional focus, it was easy to see. Since then, when I see that FedEx logo, whether it's on a truck, an airplane, or a box being delivered to me, I see that arrow!

Maybe you wouldn't have given a second thought to that FedEx logo including a right-arrow. Or maybe you've always seen it. That's because we're ALL different. We all have a different way of viewing things. We often hear sayings such as: “different strokes for different folks", "let's agree to disagree", or "couldn't see the forest for the trees," These expressions verify that we all have different perspectives.

My "God" perspective certainly changed over the years. As a child, I viewed God as a hard taskmaster. I saw Him as the authority figure that would "get me" if I didn't act or perform to please Him. I lived in fear of what He would do to me. My perspective changed when I came to know God's love and grace. I came to know Him as my “Abba Father” -- a Daddy that I can literally "blow it", but with arms open wide, He beckons me to Him, forgives me and gives me mercy. Romans 8:15 says: “The Spirit you received doesn’t make you slaves. Otherwise you would live in fear again. Instead, the Holy Spirit you received made you God’s adopted child. By the Spirit’s power we call God Abba. Abba means Father.”

The key to knowing what's best for my life, is KNOWING GOD!" And that's why my perspective has changed -- because the more time I spend in His Word, in fellowship with His people, in communication with Him, in trusting Him with my whole heart, in wanting with all my heart to please Him.....I've come to know HIM…..REALLY know Him. My perspective changed.....and I could never see Him in any other way again.

Now, with the Apostle Paul, I really do have a perspective of God that causes me to love Him more. And the better I understand His nature and ways, the more I understand how very much He loves me. Paul prayed "May you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is" (Ephesians 3:18). Take that to heart, and you'll never see God the same way again either.

Before You Were Born, You Were Set Apart

On Fridays, I attend a Book of Galatians Bible Study. During the week before, we complete the homework of the session and during class, we go around our table and provide our answers to the questions. Yesterday, at my turn, the question was: “In verse 15 (of Galatians 1), Paul says "God chose me before I was born”. What does this teach us about the call of God?”

I was excited to respond to this question because, when I first read it, I knew the answer. Those “before I was born” words gave it away. I knew Paul often referred, in his writings, to scriptures from the Old Testament. I remembered Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Paul knew that he had been called from his mother’s womb – which meant that Paul was PRO-LIFE! I am PRO-LIFE because I believe that I, too, was called from my mother’s womb, and, so were you! My mom wasn’t excited when she heard that she was pregnant (12 years after having my sister). She thought she was done with child-bearing and could have been one of those who chose death over life. But, thank God, she chose life and not only was I her “baby” all 94 years of her life, but she was my ministry "baby" after my dad passed away. God set me apart to be her caregiver, and I thank God for that privilege.

I thought back to the National Pro-Life Prayer Luncheon that I attended on Monday. I was there to support LIFE and help provide God-given options to those who were making the decision to bring (or not bring) their baby full term to life. To say that I was proud to be counted among those men and women who are for life from conception puts it mildly. It is heart-wrenching to think that anyone could believe otherwise, especially when we read Paul’s and Jeremiah’s words that speak of the calling of God on our lives BEFORE we were we were even formed in our mothers' wombs.

A beautiful man, who is a stay-at-home dad for his family, sits next to me with his two-month-old baby girl. I chose that seat from the outset of the study. He gives me the joy of cuddling his little angel during the study. Be still, my heart! He commented after the response to my question: “Just think about the babies who have been killed by abortion whose lives were stolen from being prophets to our nation!”

You’ve probably heard about the “Unplanned” movie coming out on March 29th which reveals the story of former Planned Parenthood Clinic Director, Abby Johnson, who was responsible for convincing 22,000+ women to have abortions. She had never seen an abortion from an ultrasound until her clinic was short a staff member and needed her to hold the scope for the abortionist. She was devastated at what she saw, went on to resign, became a Pro-Life advocate, wrote a book that fully disclosed the horror and was later approached by movie directors to produce the movie. She, and the actress, Ashley Bratcher, who plays her in the movie, gave their stories at the luncheon. Most compelling was hearing Ashley tell her mother's story. She knew that her mother had an abortion at age 16, but her mother also revealed that she almost had an abortion at 19 when she was pregnant with Ashley. She said her mom was at the abortion clinic in the examination room, but changed her mind when a pregnant nurse entered the room. "I got up and I walked out and I chose you," Bratcher recalled her mom saying, "And I never knew that. It blows my mind."

I share this story with you today because my heart is so torn to know we live in a city, a state, a country where abortion is just casual conversation. It is a birth-control measure, instead of being a people who are responsible, caring about God’s Word, His words of life – like Jeremiah 1:5. "Before I formed YOU -- I set you apart......to be LIFE-GIVERS!

Let’s Eliminate “Just a” From Our Vocabulary!

I asked a young woman what she did for a living and she responded: “Oh, I’m just a stay-at-home Mom.” I quickly corrected her “You are NOT “just an” anything. You are so blessed to be able to be in a position of the highest honor and status. You are the royal queen of your household, and your subjects are indeed so fortunate to live in your kingdom." The truth is I have yet to meet a mother who is “just a mother.” The mothers I know are teachers, confidantes, entrepreneurs, designers, chauffeurs, administrative geniuses, counselors, domestic engineers and so many other titles. The mothers I know are brilliant, strong, gifted, artistic, wisdom-filled, optimistic, forward-thinking, and can-do-anything women.

These photos today are of my 11-year-old grandson that I captured yesterday here in Austin. Some would say “he’s just a kid”! But I’d beg to differ with that opinion. Yes, he IS an 11-year-old kid that loves adventure and climbing trees but he has more skills and loves than most teenagers – and shall I say, even some adults! He is responsible for 32 animals – their feeding and watering, cleaning their barns, yards, pens, and coops and he responds to his duties and responsibilities with absolute vigor and delight. He isn’t “JUST A…..”.

And here’s some additional truth….no matter what our age, title, our role, or what our job description says, there is no such thing as “just a yard man, or just a store cashier or just a volunteer or just an anything. As a matter of fact, I think “I am just a…..” is a phrase we need to eliminate from our vocabulary altogether. As part of God’s family, there is no such thing as “just a.” Let’s look at some of our ancestors:

~ David could have said he was “just a shepherd boy.” But he didn’t. He grabbed five smooth stones and slew a giant.
~ Paul could have said he was “just a tentmaker.” But he didn’t. He carried the gospel into the world, spreading it like wildfire and writing nearly 30% of the New Testament.
~ Mary could have said she was “just a teenage girl” from the wrong side of the tracks. But she didn’t. Nine months later, she gave birth to our Savior.

God could have said He was “just a creator”. But He didn’t. He could have carelessly thrown the stars into place and tossed the world into space, but He didn’t. Our God created, designed and purposefully placed you and me here on this earth, at this time for purposes beyond what our eyes can see or our minds can conceive.

God had such detailed plans for our existence that He gave us His best GIFT, His Son, and with His Son, He gave us everything we need to be people of the highest status. We are royalty and “our kind” raise our heads up high, put our shoulders back and stand tall. We are blood-bought Children of Almighty God, and I suggest that’s way more than a “just a”!

Lord, Have Mercy!

I’ve heard people say “Lorrrd, have mercy!” as a quick retort when yet another “I can’t believe it” circumstance happens. In reality, that is what we should say, rather pray, anytime we encounter a roadblock, a rock landslide, “rocked my world” or rock crazy situations going on in our world. God is our ROCK in all of life's ups and downs and His DIVINE MERCY is at our beckoned call when tough times come or when we are the ones who made a huge mistake and created the tough times.

DIVINE MERCY: God's mercy was given in His covenant as He promised protection, provision, guidance, and His constant presence to His children. Because God is the initiator, the mercy He gives is gracious, unmerited, undeserved, is compassionate and leads to forgiveness, and to the steadfast love that God sustains – in our relationship with Him.

In Psalm 51:1-2, David cried out, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions…” A plea to God for mercy is asking Him to withhold the judgment we deserve and instead grant to us the forgiveness we, in no way, have earned. David encountered that mercy after he had relations with Bathsheba and had her husband, one of David's most honorable soldiers killed. God forgiving him, was truly Divine Mercy.

Yesterday was Divine Mercy Sunday and my assurance of God’s divine mercy was reinforced. Divine Mercy Sunday is a time that is specifically dedicated to the great gift of the Lord's mercy and love. We are NOT our past and God's mercy is real and available. Of course we celebrate His mercy every time we cry out to Him for mercy when we have failed Him, and every time we forgive another or someone forgives us. Mercy should be a part of the life of every Christian as sometimes we hurt others and sometimes others hurt us. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

When God forgives us, His ocean of mercy washes over us to wash us clean – through and through. That is Divine Mercy. Think of the mercy of God and Paul. We know Paul was a great evangelizer and wrote much of the New Testament. He led many to Christ, but think about his past. Before his conversion to Christ, he arrested, tortured and killed Christians. That was his job! (If you haven’t seen the new movie “Paul, the Apostle of Christ”, you really should. These words will come to life when you see it.) Paul was paid to gather up those who followed Christ. He participated in the killing of Stephen, the first martyr. He did that a lot. But God showed him mercy and with Paul's cooperation, Paul became one of the great saints of the church.

What could be worse than being a Roman soldier who helped facilitate the crucifixion of Jesus? Longinus was that solider, but during the last hours of Jesus' life He recognized Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus showed Longinus mercy and he, too, became a saint.

Perhaps you know someone who represents a living saint to you -- someone who turned from a life of self destruction or a hard-stoned criminal whose life was turned around because of God’s Divine Mercy. Maybe that is you. None of us need to be defined by our past because Divine Mercy is open to us all. Whether our sins are small or great, the mercy of God is available to all of us. The mercy of God is real! The mercy of God is His love! The mercy of God is the power of the resurrection still working today. You are not your past. Believe in it! Embrace it! God’s Divine Mercy forgives, forgets and even forges the way to becoming all God destined for us in the first place. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

My Faith Journey Pilgrimage Begins TODAY!

ucket list) trip. I’ve prayed that it would exceed being a tourist. I am purposefully seeking a spiritual experience and deepening of my faith that as I’ve heard others say “You’ll never be the same.”

Our first four days will be in Rome. Though my Sweetheart and I were there for our 40th anniversary, and had so many “God” moments, especially the opportunity to be on the fourth row, embracing the incredible opportunity of attending the ordination service for deacons and priests at St. Peter’s Basilica that was celebrated by Pope Benedict. We visited so many of Rome’s historical and holy treasures. But, on this trip, I’ve purposefully been studying the Apostle Paul, his missionary journey to Rome, his hardships, imprisonments for his faith, his accomplishments, his writings and staying steadfast in his faith. This time I expect a grace-filled and joyful experience of breathing in the spirit of Paul. He was a former persecutor and tormentor of Christians and through his conversion, became the greatest advocate for Christ, writing nearly 1/3 of the New Testament. BTW -- if Paul could become a stalwart and committed follower of Christ, don't give up on those you are praying for to become believers!!

I’m joining with my besties, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, and others on a pilgrimage, from our faith and for our faith – not for deepening of more theological insight or becoming more knowledgeable about the facts and beliefs of our Christian faith. Like Abraham (the Father of our Faith), who was the first to call the land “Holy” who was driven by his faith and “seeking the face of God”, I pray that for myself and our travel companions. More than anything, I know Jesus will be our companion on this pilgrimage to the places that were made holy by His life. He is the goal of my pilgrimage – a deeper and more faith-filled life as I walk where He walked, as I envision Him walking on the Sea of Galilee when we are there, and as my heart burns with passion for Him as I walk the Via Delarosa where He carried the cross for my sins and for my eternal life with Him.

I’ll be praying for you, my faithful and dear FB friends and family, and though I know Christ sent the Holy Spirit to live in us and it doesn't matter where we are, our prayers are as effective, I am still expecting that being where Jesus was on this earth, my faith will be “turbo-charged” to agree with you for answers to your prayers. My “expector” is off-the-charts, so I might as well EXPECT that since the Word declares it, I might as well believe it….”NOTHING is impossible with God”.

Our itinerary today is Dallas to Houston; Houston to Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt to Rome. I hope that I’ll be able to take you with me on this pilgrimage as I plan to journal my experience right here on my daily post. My posting time, most likely, will be random, unlike my 6 am (+/-) daily posting I make in the central time zone. Now, in the meantime.......
"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
XOXOXO

Let's Be Salt Sprinklers -- NOT Salt Dousers

While at my Austin family's home, twice, I intended to use this salt shaker to just sprinkle a little salt on the food, but twice the side which pours salt out, was open and twice -- the food was doused with salt!

We've heard the expression "That Rick is the "salt of the earth". What they were saying is Rick is reliable, dependable, trustworthy, honest and caring. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His followers, who were mainly fishermen and other simple people, “You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13. And God tells us that, too! Paul the Apostle described it like this: "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." - Colossians 4:6

What this scripture is saying -- when we share our faith with others, it's like seasoning with salt. If we sprinkle a little salt on our food, it adds to the flavor of the food and it makes the food taste good. We really appreciate that. But if we pour salt on our food, it's hard to swallow, difficult to digest, and most certainly not good for the heart.

So, what does the world think when we season our conversation with too much talk about church and God, and we never talk about things we might have in common with them? They just don't get us, and we don't relate to them. But what if we talked a little about sports, and a little about the weather, and a little about our family, and their family, and a little about the every day concerns that we all have......and, then when the right opportunity comes, we can sprinkle in a word about God's goodness, and how He answered a prayer or a special blessing we received and that He was the giver of the gift, or we mention an insight we gained from a sermon we heard? Or better yet, what if we went out of our way to share God's love with them in a tangible way, like taking them for dinner or offering to take care of their kids for them while that sweet couple gets to enjoy a date night? Their curiosity just may be aroused, and, then, just maybe the flavor of OUR salt sprinkles may cause a thirst for what we have? We can be the salt they need for zest and flavor in their life.

Let's be salt shakers that consistently sprinkle God's love wherever we go. Our flavoring just might be the difference maker in what and WHO they need!

Eliminate "I Am Just A....." From Our Vocabulary

I asked a young woman what she did for a living and she responded “Oh, I’m just a stay-at-home Mom.” I quickly corrected her. I said, “You are NOT “just a” anything. You are so blessed to be able to be in a position of the highest honor and status. You are the royal queen of your household, and your subjects are indeed so fortunate to live in your kingdom. The truth is I have yet to meet a mother who is “just a mother.” The mothers I know are teachers, confidantes, entrepreneurs, designers, chauffeurs, administrative geniuses, counselors, domestic engineers and so many other titles. The mothers I know are brilliant, strong, gifted, artistic, wisdom-filled, optimistic, forward-thinking, and can-do-anything women.

And here’s some additional truth….no matter what our title, our role, or what our job description says, there is no such thing as “just a yard man, or just a store cashier or just a volunteer or just a anything. As a matter of fact, I think “I am just a…..” is a phrase we need to eliminate from our vocabulary.

As part of God’s family, there is no such thing as “just a.” Let’s look at some of our ancestors:
~ David could have said he was “just a boy.” But he didn’t. He grabbed five smooth stones and slayed a giant.
~ Paul could have said he was “just a tentmaker.” But he didn’t. He carried the gospel into the world, spreading it like wildfire.
~ Mary could have said she was “just a teenage girl” from the wrong side of the tracks. But she didn’t. Nine months later, she gave birth to our Savior.

God could have said He was “just a creator”. But He didn’t. He could have carelessly thrown the stars into place and tossed the world into space, but He didn’t. Our God created, designed and purposefully placed you and I here on this earth, at this time for purposes beyond what our eyes can see or our minds can conceive.

God had such detailed plans for our existence that He gave us His best GIFT, His Son, and with His Son, He gave us everything we need to be people of the highest status. We are royalty and “our kind” raise our heads up, put our shoulders back and stand tall. We are blood-bought Children of Almighty God, and I suggest that’s way more than a “just a”!