Being a DIY Underachiever.....or Not

Let’s be honest – we’d all like to be that husband/dad/man who can build or fix just about anything. And, in the female species, the gal who is incessantly on FB or Instagram touting their latest, successful DIY project. I’m Joanna Gaines in my dream world. My daughter and her husband amazed me when their DIY project at their townhome became a complete success. Go here to see the video! https://rvepiphany.com/f/building-a-courtyard

I put some DIY action to my dreams during quarantine – after all, there was plenty of time to DIY something – anything! Mind you – I am NOT Joanna Gaines in any way, but I am pleased with my meager efforts. I planted some perennials. Whoohoo! And, that empty Texas planter on my front porch now has some beautiful succulents added to it. It’s nice to see something growing in it. I tried cooking some new recipes and I have a freezer full to choose from! Does that score any points at all? I bought a ring light for all these Zoom meetings I attend – and set it up myself! I made a door wreath for Easter! I cut my hair and colored it. Hmm! Maybe I’m not a DIY want-to-be after all!

My latest projects include the facemasks I made for myself. Thanks to the internet for the “how-to’s”! AND, after a 36" x 24" outdoor wood hanging (left from the previous owners) became weather-worn and lost its hold to the bricks it was adhered to, I took some decals from my after-Christmas buys, stained the wall-hanging and whoa-la – my Christmas DIY project success! I was giving myself some kudos for my minuscule efforts.

I love the words “Joy to the World – the Lord is come”! What a wonderful reminder, right here still in precarious times and still six months from Christmas, that no matter the time of year – we can find joy right in the midst of it all – because our Lord came to bring us His peace and joy all the time.

Maybe you’d like to be a DIY kind-of-gal or guy, too! Take it from me – we don’t really have to feel the peer pressure because God made us all individually with abilities and creative “bents” – you know bent on gardening, bent on cooking, bent on reading, bent on creating, etc. I’m learning to celebrate anyone with those artistic and creative bents.

Maybe, instead of wishing for more talent, more-craftiness, being more creative and artistic, we should be grateful for who God made us to be right here, in this place. We can be grateful AND we can be determined to learn something new. We really have no excuses to wish and pine away because we’re not “all that and a bag of chips”. We can learn something new from a world of YouTube videos that show us just about any and everything we want to do. As a matter of fact, I was watching YouTube videos this week to find out the best bait to use, and how to use it, for catching trout in Red River, NM waters we’re headed to next month! No excuses! No wishing-upon-a-star! No defeatist attitude! We can start by saying “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ Who gives me strength!” (Philippians 4:13) That means WE CAN do ALL THINGS – because we’re BENT on being DIY people that can do all things through Him!

All Tied Up in Knots

Here I am again with inspiration-overload from my youngest grandson, Bryson. This time it comes from his wall climbing lesson at Crux Climbing Center (indoor wall climbing of gigantic proportions). He has moved on up (literally) in his skills to the “advanced” level – going 30 feet up -- climbing with the safety of a rope held by his instructor while Bryson uses his legs and arms to grab hold of the strategically placed holds. He grabs the rope, brings it up and hooks it into a clip. I am so impressed. His birthday is next week and all he has asked for is to go with his instructor to scale a nearby mountain.

Yesterday I noticed that his instructor checked how he had knotted his safety rope. Bryson thought he was good to go, but he had missed one of the ties. Yikes! That was a KNOT – he couldn’t get wrong. It was a life-saving knot. There really are times when a knot is essential – like “tying the marriage knot” – that we hope it lasts a lifetime. Tight knots in the rope are absolutely necessary in wall or rock climbing, at the end of a fishing line with a hook and lure on it to catch a fish, or a knot that holds an anchor to the rope to keep that boat or ship from drifting. There are knots we need and those we don’t. What about those knots in our lives that we don’t need – like the two knots I have in one of my favorite necklaces or the knot that was in Bryson’s yo-yo yesterday that kept him from a good spin!

Or what about the "knots" we get in our stomachs that represent a concern or worry? Sometimes we need to untie some of the “knots” that keep our minds and our hearts in bondage. Often, they are “knots” of our own wrong thinking, “knots” that we’ve allowed to burrow deep into our souls and become permanent residents there.

I'm going to use a "play on words" to encourage us to let go of some KNOTS – the have-nots, the can-nots, and the am-nots. All of these nots are legitimately knots that keep us tangled up in woe is me, poor me, and not me. For example, we can get all tied up in the "have nots" when we focus on what we don’t have instead of being thankful for what we do have. A post of mine from 2016 showed up in my memories timeline and I saw the homes of people in Mexico who truly have almost nothing of this world’s goods, but I was again amazed at their contentment, their joy in the midst of what we would call deep poverty. We classify them as the have nots of this world, and yet they displayed more contentment and purpose in life than lots of us do here where our lives are crowded with stuff. We can untie ourselves from the have-nots by developing a thankful attitude. To start each day with a focus on being gratefu by saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” at every point in our day—for the sunshine, for safety, for good health, for friends. Being thankful will set us free from the have-nots!

And then there are the can-nots where we talk ourselves out of stepping out and doing something because we tell ourselves we can-not do it? Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength." That means that everything God intends for us to do, we can do it in His ability and strength in us!

And, finally, one more “knot” that has many of us tangled up is the am-not. How often we focus on all our am-nots instead of focusing on the WHO we are in Jesus Christ. For example, the times when we think or declare “I am not qualified,” “I am not good enough,” “I am not as good as others”? Oh, how the enemy of our soul loves to keep us looking at ourselves instead of looking at the child of God, royal heir, who was purchased with a great price. When God sees us in Christ, He doesn’t see our mistakes of the past; He sees the righteousness of His Son. God never compares us with others; He takes us where we are, gives us hope for the future, and assures us that nothing can separate us from His love.

It's time for us, by God’s grace, to get rid of the have-nots, can-nots and am-nots that we’ve harbored far too long. Don’t believe the enemy’s lies any longer. When you get all tied up in KNOTS, just quote this scripture from Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Want Inspiration? Spend Time With Animals AND Kids!

Since a little girl, one of my goals in life was to be a mommy. I spent hours playing and being a mommy to my baby dolls. At 12, I started babysitting and my love for children became even greater. Later, my husband and I managed a daycare of 85 children. You must love children to run a daycare. We did!

My love for children is one of the reasons that I work at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I thoroughly enjoy serving in Radiology where I can love on those with broken or fractured bones. Other kids have much more serious orthopedic issues. The love and care they receive are second to none. I feel like, in some way, I’m brightening their day and helping to dispel any fears that might have. So, of course, when asked if I’d help with the hospital’s Farm and Ranch Day on Saturday – I did.

I felt at home with all the farm animals. After all, I’m quite the ranch-hand, especially after my husband and I had 75-head of cattle and a horse on our 150-acre Oklahoma tract of land and helping out with my Austin family's many farm animals, including chickens. So, I was amused I was assigned to show the week-old baby chicks and the sweet children fascinated by them.

Most all the children have been or are patients of the hospital where they receive such amazing care. This day was, of itself, therapy. Children were able to learn so much about what farms bring us. A dairy farmer demonstrated how cows are milked these days – certainly not “old school” as he attached the devices that milk them. There was a western group there that showed kids how to ride and rope mock horses, get their photos taken on the stagecoach (me, too). There were grown egg-laying hens, pigs, goats, and a pool stocked with huge catfish where kids could fish and catch the fish. Miniature therapy horses were there that inspire and soothe patients who are learning how to use adaptive equipment like walkers and prostheses. It was an overall great day of family fun.

I was especially touched by this sweet boy on the tractor in the photo. Earlier, I saw him with his running blades prosthetics on getting knocked down accidentally by a little girl. He looked up at the little girl and said: “I’m so sorry!” As if, it was his fault. "What a little gentleman. You have taught him well. It wasn't even his fault!" I said to his mother. He was a champion and one of the children so blessed to have been cared for by this wonderful hospital of dedicated medical staff.

see hope and vision in these precious children. They are made to feel nothing is impossible in their lives. They can overcome any obstacle that they are facing. I’m reminded of a sweet song the children’s choir that I directed years ago sang. “I am a promise - I am a possibility - I am a promise with a capital - I am a great big bundle of potentiality - And I am learning to hear God’s voice - And I am trying to make the right choices - I’m a promise to be - anything He wants me to be!""

We can learn a lot from these kids. Many folks have grown bitter and disappointed through their years and have lost their hope and vision, so they want us to lose ours as well. They don’t feel like a bundle of potentiality, so they don’t want anyone else to feel like one either! This post today is to tell you “Don’t listen to naysayers. Listen to God. If He has called you to climb a mountain, cross a sea, teach a class, sing a song, make a speech, build a bridge, write a book, fly a plane, land a plane and even jump out of a plane -- then JUST DO IT. Make this your personal slogan: “I CAN DO all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. You are a possibility!

Point and Ye Shall Receive

I’m back in Austin -- called in for “Nana Patrol”. Ryan is running his 52nd full marathon in the Boston Marathon today. He runs this one to raise funds for the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, a place that provides emotional and physical support for those with disabilities and their families.

While on Nana Patrol, I get to be a part of Brennan's baseball tournaments. This weekend's games were at the “Field of Dreams” (I love that name!) baseball fields in Dripping Springs, 40 minutes away – practice warm-up at 7:15 am! Because we had time between games, Brennan and some buddies chose Crazy Crepes for breakfast. What an eye-opener I had!

The aromas are heavenly at this small town, crepe eatery that is packed full of guests. There are just a few tables indoors and an attached covered outdoor area. A sign reads “Point and Ye Shall Receive,” the simplest way for customers to order a meal from the all-deaf staff. At a small counter, a lovely woman takes our orders as we point to the items we want.

The Crazy Crepes story is of a family of immigrants struggling to bring a dream to life in America. It is the story of a deaf-owned business, which discovered taste as a universal language that transcends barriers to communication. Vladimir and Inna Giterman came from Russia to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1990 with their son and six years later they arrived in Austin, where they had their first American-born daughter, Michelle.

Vladimir and Inna had business ideas in America, where there was a possibility for deaf people to start their own companies. They hosted parties with friends and cooked their beloved crepes, a time-honored recipe from Vladimir’s mother. Their original flavors were ham and cheese, and Nutella and banana (my grandsons’ favorite), which they sold out of a small food truck downtown Austin in 2007. Their son found a Craigslist posting for a site in Dripping Springs, and the family opened their first brick-and-mortar location there in 2014. They opened a second store in Austin just a few months ago.

They strongly believe in supporting the local deaf community. All of their contractors, electricians, chefs, and staff are deaf. “We hire deaf people because they have a hard time getting a job out there,” Michelle Giterman writes. “We know they are as talented as anyone. And it’s really nice for us to be able to communicate with our workers without worrying about any communication barriers. “It’s a win-win situation for all of us.”

My grandsons could see I was enamored with this place and this family. They asked, “Why are you taking pictures?” I explained: “I have a blog coming and it’s going to be about those who say 'I can’t do that because I’m not smart enough. I can’t do that because I’m too old. I can’t do that because I’m not talented enough. I can’t do that because I’m a girl. I can’t do that because I’m overweight. I can’t do that because I don’t have enough money. I can’t do that because I have a handicap." Etc. Etc. Etc. And, I’d like to say, “Oh yes, you can do anything because Philippians 4:13 says, " I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me." NO excuses!

When someone says, “I can’t do it” . . . I say to myself, “What do you mean you can’t do it?” Maybe you don’t want to do it, but saying you “can’t” do it is a completely different story. With the right mindset, positive attitude, and a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, the only thing that is holding you back is yourself. These wonderful Russian immigrants proved it. They brought a blessing to the U.S. They showed us there is nothing we can’t do when we start saying "I CAN do this!".

She Needed a Hero So She Became One

A dear friend who is going through some really tough times sent me a private message after I had said to her “You are your own hero -- you + God = courageous and strong, mighty woman of God!” She replied: Is that ok, to be your own hero?” The following helps explain my response to her:.

If ever we needed our sisterhood, we need it today. To have friends that encourage us, cry with us, rejoice with us and pray for us is worth more than silver and gold. I do that a lot on Facebook. When I see friends’ photos of their child’s wedding, I rejoice with them. I celebrate with my friends when they celebrate the accomplishments of their family – the school wins, graduations, awards, baby births, and anniversaries. I also love it when friends are bold enough to ask for prayer.

This photo says “She Needed a Hero, So She Became One!” I’m so proud of my friends and those women I don’t know, who aspire to be strong, resilient, determined, tenacious women and who say “I can do this. I can survive this. I am an overcomer. I am powerful – not because of my own abilities and my own self-talk – but I am powerful because the Greater One lives in me. (1 John 4:4) I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)”

I learned very quickly, after I became a widow, that I had a choice to make. I could whine and I could wallow in self-pity because I didn’t have my hero to lean on or give me advice on important decisions, or to repair something around the house. I could have thought “I need a hero to see after me!” If I stayed in that mindset, I would have never realized all I could do on my own. Now I know I am a woman of wisdom. I daily purpose to be powerful, passionate, positive, and, above all – peaceful. Rarely do I call out for help from anyone, but I also know my limitations. So when my daughter asked what I’d like for my birthday and since they live nearby, I was quick to say “Coupons for around-the-house jobs” (see photo). And, that's what they gave me. Yay!! I'll definitely use those coupons!

Honestly, there are times I think about how awesome it would be to have a hero again who I could go to for support and who would give me that extra hug, soothe my troubled soul, and boost me up with encouragement and compliments. But, I know I have God Who is more than enough. He is faithful to me. "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5. He lifts me up with His love. I may be alone, but I’m not lonely. He is for me and encourages me daily with His Word.

Still, there are times when it's up to ME to set me free. It's up to me to apply the band-aids to my body and my spirit. It's up to me to change the channel of "pitiful me" to "powerful me". It's up to me to do what King David did. "When King David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or mother or friend and it’s ME. I never leave me. I never forsake me. I don’t EVER let me beat ME up and I don't let me pity me. I put on my armor, pick up my sword and raise it high. I have come to realize I am my own HERO. Yes…..there are times when we need a HERO......and that's when it's up to us to BECOME ONE

I Am a Promise and a Possibility!

I directed a Children’s Choir many years ago, and I’ll never forget the joy of teaching them songs that not only spoke of God’s love for them but those that caused them, when they sang the words, to be speaking great affirmations over themselves. My own two children, at ages around 10 and 8, were in that choir. Not only did we sing in church, but we were invited to sing for community events. I like to think we were THAT GOOD, but more than likely, we were a novelty – adorable kids singing their little hearts out about God and His love.

One of my favorites and the crowd’s favorite was the fun, cheery and affirming children’s song, “I Am a Promise.” With that catchy tune and lyrics, we just couldn’t go wrong – especially with the cuteness of children – waving at their moms and dads, swaying and twisting and using hand gestures as they sang. "I am a promise/I am a possibility/I am a promise with a capital P/I am a great big bundle of potentiality/And I am learning to hear God’s voice/And I am trying to make the right choices/I’m a promise to be/Anything He wants me to be……./I can go anywhere that He wants me to go/I can be anything that He wants me to be/I can climb the high mountains/I can cross the wide sea/I’m a great big promise, you see!”

As those sweet kids belted out those lyrics about how they can do anything, they were feeding their little souls and spirits with words that ignited a flame inside them. I just know it. Today those kids are in their 40s and 50s. I suspect that most of those kids have kids of their own, and I also suspect that they may be teaching that song to their kids -- at least I hope, and if it's not that song, other songs and words about how they have so much potential to accomplish anything they set their hearts to.

My children, as well as many friends of mine, pray for their children’s future spouses from an early age. Is that a waste of time and effort – after all, they may be very young children? Or is it the absolute, most ROCK-solid thing to be doing -- instilling faith into our kids and guaranteeing that our children's choices will be God's choices?

It's a new school year and it is our responsibility as parents and grandparents to input potential and possibility into our children as they embark on another year of being influenced by other children, teachers, and others who catch their eyes and hearts.
Throughout life, they will encounter people who will tell our kids AND us that we can’t do things. Many folks have grown so bitter and disappointed through the years, and they have lost their hope and vision, so they want us to lose ours as well. They don’t feel like a bundle of potentiality, so they don’t want anyone else to feel like one either!

This post today is to inspire you “Don’t listen to naysayers. Listen to God. If He has called you to climb a mountain, cross a sea, teach a class, sing a song, make a speech, build a bridge, write a book, fly a plane, land a plane and even jump out of a plane -- then JUST DO IT. Make this your personal slogan: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Be “I CAN” and “YOU CAN” do anything kind-of-parents and grandparents and friends. After all, we are all “great big bundles of potentiality”!

Hang On!! Help is Coming!!

Yesterday morning was wonderfully cooler and cloudy so Bentley (the family dog) and I embraced the opportunity to just bathe in God’s creative beauty from the patio. As I looked out at the hills of Austin, immediately the scripture in Psalm 121:1,2 came to mind: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” THAT’S the answer yesterday, today and forever to our plea for help in the moment of distress, worry, concern, fear, and pain. That scripture is our emergency 911 call number 24/7. It should be our first line-of-defense – NOT when all else fails. We are reminded many times in God’s Word to “Seek FIRST….the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (finances, healing of relationships, physical healing, decision-making), will be added to us.

I know there are those of us who have a built-in positive attitude. We are like the little engine that pushed up THAT hill saying “I think I can. I think I can.” And, indeed a positive attitude is what we achieve when we get the right order: First God, in first place in all matters of our lives. Not just "I think I can", I KNOW "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. My HELP comes from the Lord.

My "teacher" instincts drive me to know more about scriptures and their meaning. I checked out this one from a Bible commentary. This chapter was called the Song of Ascents as Jews made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual feast days. With that in mind, it is plain to see that this is a pilgrim's song that speaks of the dangers of the journey, and of the help, God provides along the way. This verse is first a cry of despair. "Where does my help come from?" Obviously, there is danger lurking in the hills above and is waiting for an opportunity to pounce upon the weary traveler. When that happens, where can the pilgrim turn to for help? The psalmist answers his own question by reminding us that "the Lord is our help"!

Yesterday morning, I wasn’t worshipping the hills I saw, but I was certainly appreciating their beauty as I worshipped my Father Who created them. Here’s the value of looking to God for help. Like I said earlier, He is available to us 24/7. He is always with us. Relying on friends for advice and comfort can be a problem. They are not always there when we need them. But, God is!

We are all pilgrims on our own pilgrimage that began the very moment that we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior and it will continue until we step out of this life and into eternity. In the meantime, we're still here and no doubt there are dangers lurking all around. There are enemies that desire to rob us of peace, joy, and victory. There are problems that try to strip us of trusting in God’s power. I've been through those difficult times myself. Times when dangers surrounded my life and I wondered where my help would come from. You might be there right now! If so, maybe you're the reason for God giving me these words today. Please take them to heart. The HELP the Psalmist is referring to is the source of help Who is greater than any problem we can imagine. The HELP is our friend, our ally, our Father AND the Creator of the hills and the universe. If God can make this world, then surely, He has the power to take care of me! Our Helper is none other than the very One who stood on the edge of nothing and made everything with His words. Hang On. Our HELP comes from the Lord and HELP is coming!none other than the very One who stood on the edge of nothing and made everything with His words. Hang On. Our HELP comes from the Lord and HELP is coming!

I’m Growing….On Purpose

Who knew that when I headed for Austin on Saturday to be at my grandson’s baseball tournament and celebrate Father’s day with my son and his family, that I just might be growing more than I had planned on in this season of my life. But, I’ve learned that if we don’t want to grow stale, become dormant and start withering up like a plant, we need to KEEP GROWING on purpose.

The family was getting ready to go away a few days and were about to hire a couple of people to attend to Bryson’s animal kingdom while they were away. Since my time is flexible right now, I boldly exclaimed: “Let me do it!” So here I am – attending to 32 animals. Bryson, my 11-year-old trainer set out to model every detail of his animal responsibilities so that I would acquire his skills. Some say “It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks" and I’ll admit – it’s taken some tough encounters with these animal friends that almost convinced me to quit and call in the REAL pros for the job.

Not being on high alert to an enormous longhorn, I got too close to his 6-feet horns wing-span and got whacked in the face. Then, not being the pro that Bryson is, I let the goats overpower me when I was taking their feed bowls out to them and got tangled up and fell. Then there are the chickens that a new brood of seven that has been added to the already 9-chickens. The nine are quite accommodating at night when they go into the chicken coop, but the seven haven’t adapted just yet to the nine and they have to be rustled up and individually caught and put into the coop. Needless to say, I thought this is too much for this gal to take on during this "mature" season of life.

BUT, then, as I always do when life seems to get overwhelming, I muster up those spiritual muscles and apply scriptures that are indelibly imprinted in my heart to remind me WHO I AM and WHOSE I am and I begin to declare “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) And, “I am MORE than a conqueror through Him Who loves me.” (Romans 8:37) And new vitality and vigor come inside me. Yesterday, was VICTORY day as each task I was able to handle with confidence and competence – even gathering up each chicken and putting them into the coop! Whoop! Whoop!

We all have treasures inside of us -- there are skills, talents, and potential that God put there, and it's up to us to grow and develop them. If we don't, we'll find that rocking chair or recliner and just switching channels on the remote control, becoming "that's all there is" to us. We will have stopped growing and when we do, we'll start dying to ambition, risk-taking, living life large, and refusing adventure and excitement.

I'm going to keep learning new skills, reading books, taking internet courses, going to seminars, gleaning from mentors – like my 11-year old Bryson. I refuse to coast through life. I'm purposing to make the moments count -- I'm going to keep on KEEPING ON...I am going to live and grow on purpose and help a lot of other folks GROW ON PURPOSE with me!!!

YES -- Count Me In!

Yesterday I received an email asking me to be a "welcomer" at a 3-day Mission at my church this week. I'll admit I had thoughts of saying "No", because it meant I had to be at church an hour early each night and because I would just have returned home from Tulsa and, and, and (What other excuses could I think of?), but then I remembered what a YES means. I responded to that email: "YES. Count me in!"

My word for today is YES: an affirmative response; absolutely, agreed, okay, okey-dokey, absolutely, indeed, affirmative

There were many times when I was reluctant to say “Yes” to something or someone for fear it may cost me way too much in time, commitment, energy and strength. Maybe you’re right there, right now. Are you struggling with a “yes”? I was. I was just a youngster when my church’s youth choir leader asked me to sing a solo. With trepidation, I struggled with the response, but I said “yes”. When I was a little older and attending my future father-in-law’s church where he was the pastor, he asked me to play the piano for the worship service. Still I struggled with that “yes”, but, afraid, I said “yes” and I played on for years. My future mother-in-law asked me to play the lead role in a Christmas play as well as to play the piano for the church's worship service. My YES in those "younger years" took me out of my comfort zone.

The President at First City Bank on OK City urged me to get my securities brokers license so I could be a branch manager at a new branch that was being built. And another employer asked me to be the Assistant Director in Communications at the University of Manitoba. And my husband pushed me to get my airplane pilot's license, as well as my Real Estate Broker’s license. To every one of those “asks”, eventually, and sometimes, with apprehension and nerves peaking the highest levels possible, I did say “YES” and every time, I became more confident, more determined, more courageous, more accomplished, and more victorious over my anxieties and fears.

God wouldn’t have held a “NO” against me, but that “NO” would have continued to create inferiority and regret within me. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Christ we can say “Amen,” to the glory of God.“ Of course this verse is talking about our YES to those times when we are challenged in our faith. God looks at us to take that step of faith because he knows that we know we can accomplish ALL THINGS, through Christ Who strengthens us.” Philippians 4:13.

YES, it depends on the question being asked. A “no” to some questions is needed, but to those questions that stretch our faith and confidence, we should be bold enough to say “YES”. God is looking at us to take that step of faith. What does saying “Yes” look like for you. Maybe, it’s “Yes, I’ll forgive.” “Yes, I’ll trust you.” “Yes, I’ll share God’s love with others.” “Yes, I’ll volunteer for that charity.” “Yes, I’ll join that Bible study group.” “Yes, I’ll lead that Mom’s Group.” “Yes, God, I’ll open my eyes to your supernatural doors of opportunity today.”

Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” People and time and fear and nerves will keep us from our YES. It’s not our ability, but God’s ability in us that gives us the boldness and the courage to say YES!

Think about the YES of Noah. His family was spared. What about the YES of Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Her YES, her unwavering faith and her cooperation with the Holy Spirit, gave us the Messiah. Just think about what your “Yes” could produce!

I'll say yes, Lord, yes, to your will and to your way.
I'll say yes, Lord, yes. I will trust you and obey.
When your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree,
And my answer will be YES, Lord, YES!

I'm Making My Declaration of DEPENDENCE

DEPENDENCE: depending on or relying on others for support
INDEPENDENCE: not depending on or relying on others

We live in a culture that teaches us that it is possible, and in fact preferable to be “INDEPENDENT”… free from responsibility, accountability, and from moral and Godly values. A Declaration of Dependence makes an inspired biblical-based case that the opposite is true. Today I'm making my own definitive declaration that I am in fact “DEPENDENT” on God for everything of real value…my personal, material, physical, and spiritual well being.

We start with dependency on our parents for our daily needs. But, deep inside is that “independent” spirit that starts to demand its own way. Just watch a two-year old be possessive of his stuff and say “MINE” or they pull their hand out of our grasp because they want to be INDEPENDENT of our hold on them. Where do they learn that? Surely, we parents don’t act that way or do we?

As we continue to mature, we become more independent. I grew up dependent on my parents and then on my husband and when he graduated to heaven, I became INDEPENDENT. I only had me to take care of me now. My survival instincts kicked in, with a “CAN DO” mentality. Some of my friends are in awe as I drive alone for hours to get to my next destination. My friend called me a few days ago and I was getting my car serviced for my next trip. She said, “Oh, my husband is doing that right now, too.” I laughed and said, “See, if my husband were still here, he’d be doing this for me too. Welcome to my world!"

I like to pay my own way, live in my own home, make my own decisions, rely on no outside help. And, I’ve learned that if I face an unexpected DIY challenge, I just go to my dear friend, Mr. Google, and I get all the help I need from him. Believe me, he is very worthy of my praise. I can’t begin to tell you how many challenges he has helped me solve.

INDEPENDENCE is a blessing when it comes to domination from another country (i.e. the reason for our Country's Declaration of INDEPENDENCE). But when our Country AND we start to be INDEPENDENT of God and our trust in Him, then "Hello, Trouble!" It is trouble and struggle when my heart’s attitude is “I can do ALL things through ME who can do anything on my own” instead of the attitude that is most desirable to God, “I can do all things through CHRIST Who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). He wants us to be DEPENDENT on His all sufficiency. It’s what Jesus told His disciples: “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The fact is, we should never outgrow our dependence and our trust in God, and daily we should be making our Declaration of Dependence on Him Who made us and holds us in the palms of His mighty hands.

I often feel closest to God during times of weakness because I come to depend on Him more. I have a yearning in my heart for Him to transform every nook and cranny of my life. I want Him to be my all-consuming thought, desire and passion. Isaiah 30:15 says “This is what the Almighty LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “You can be saved by returning to me. You can have rest. You can be strong by being quiet and by trusting Me.”

Maybe someone reading this today is in a world of confusion and you want to independently take care of the challenges you face. Then this post is for you. Maybe you're feeling physically and mentality spent -- completely exhausted. Could THIS message be heaven-sent to you today? Could God be urging you to STOP for just a while to declare "In God I Trust" and DEPEND on Him?

Let's make our Declaration of DEPENDENCE on God and His wisdom for our lives. I'm convinced that grabbing hold of His mighty hand and DEPENDING on Him, will lead us where we need to go and what we need to do. He's our good, good Father and surely, Father knows best!

Crying Out for "HELP" in a DIY World

“Do It Yourself” is the trend these days – in home remodeling, crafty home décor’, door wreaths, jewelry and so much more. We don’t need anyone else’s help – we can do it ourselves.

DIY applies also to the independence we declare when we are faced with personal challenges and we also want to handle it all by ourselves. We think we don’t need anyone’s help in getting through life. I plead guilty on that as I’ve become quite independent – not wanting to “bother” anyone with my “stuff”. After all, we don't want to add our "stuff" to theirs. But that’s not how God programmed us. He made us to need Him and others.

My post today was inspired by my pastor’s message yesterday. He talked about calling out for HELP. The fact is that we have such a do-it-your-self mindset that we never call out for help. We go to church, sing and praise and pray and ask God for help, but deep inside we could sure use a friend. On the inside we’re crying out for help, but on the outside, we are wearing masks that make us look like we don't have a care in the world.

I love St. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13 “I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me.” It sure sounds like he was a DIY-er can of kind of guy, but he always relied on Christ's strength. In verse 14, he also said to the Philippians “It was good of you to share in my troubles.” Obviously he cried out for help to his fellow believers.

My son, Larry, was in Southern California for a leadership summit last week and one gorgeous morning, they all went to the beach. The waves were magnificent, about 8 feet, which made for great surfing – for those who knew how. Larry’s friend, who is in great shape, but is a novice surfer, headed out to surf. The waves were fierce and he began to get pounded and his surf board that had been attached to his ankle by a cord, broke loose and his board got away from him. Usually a surfer’s board acts as a buoy to keep them afloat, but when those waves pounded him every 8 secs, he had only enough time to grab a breath and try to get out of them.

Soon he realized he didn’t have the strength to get out of the waves and he knew he was in trouble. The waves were so loud that he knew those on shore wouldn’t hear him. But, one of the times when he came up, he saw two guys sitting on a nearby pier, drinking coffee, looking down at him. They had no idea he was in trouble. He looked like a professional surfer. Everything seemed normal. They didn’t know he was in chaos. He started thinking he wasn’t going to make it.

Meanwhile, all the guys on the beach were talking and laughing and shooting videos, while he was fighting for his life, as yet another wave came and pounded him. It was then that he began to yell to the two men on the pier “HELP. I’m in trouble. I need help!” And, he yelled again. Immediately those guys heard him, dropped their coffee and ran for help. At that beach, they fire off a siren and all lifeguards come running and they were able to get him and pull him to shore. Thanks be to God!

The point of this post today is to impress upon you, my FB friends, that if you need help today, cry for help – not only to God, but to those closest to you. They don’t know you’re in trouble. They don’t know the chaos you are in. It's time to take off the mask and ask for help. From the beach, Larry’s buddy looked okay. From the pier, he looked like he was having a great time – and everything was alright. But he needed help.

And, there are those around us who need OUR help. It’s time we “loved our neighbor” as ourselves. It’s time we reached out to friends and family and asked the question “Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help you? No surface answer accepted. No DIY mentality when it comes to reaching out for help and reaching out to others to help them.

Galatians 6:2 “HELP carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.”

What's Your True North?

This morning, as I make my way back to my home in Texas, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the last few days in Oklahoma --
most of which was spending quality time with my sweet mom-in-law. Serving her over the last couple of days has been such a joy, but along with the serving, came the thanksgiving for having a legacy of being part of a family that puts God first in everything. That legacy runs through my veins, so much so, that I know what my TRUE NORTH is.

Let me explain "TRUE NORTH". Our "true north" is our orienting point -- our fixed point in a spinning world -- that keeps us on track as a parent, a friend, a son or daughter, an employee or employer, and as a fully devoted follower of Christ, etc. It comes from our most deeply held beliefs, values and principles that we live by. It is our internal compass -- completely individual to each one of us. Our True North keeps us centered on what's most important to us....but, most of all -- to God.

Here's how it works for me. I must be myself -- with the gifts and abilities God has given to just me. I must own them all. When I am myself and not trying to be someone else, I feel so alive and confident knowing I am being the real me and that's when I know I'm in-sync with my True North.

I was a I was a little wimpy while I was here in Tulsa because I realized how much I missed it here. There are so many places, people and things that I hold dear because my sweetheart and I made this place our home, with so many memories and friendships for over 40 years. Initially, I felt a little guilty about having those feelings because I know, without a doubt, God called me to a new place. Then, I pulled myself together and owned those feelings without regret because they expressed ME! But here's what else I know about me, the best of me -- and that's accepting my new day, new life, new friends, new expectations, making new memories. Certainly not forgetting the past, but using it as fuel to propel me into my future.

The finale of my Oklahoma visit was spending precious time watching my godson with his mom and dad at his Swim Meet last night. This boy was a sick little baby when he was born, but here's his True North. His beginning and his past no longer defines him. He is defined now by how he finishes. Sure, he had some hearing loss, but he has a "pitch perfect" singing voice. Sure, he had a collapsed lung at birth, but today those lungs equip him to swim a mile in a triathalon, as well as swim in four heats last night. Owen's True North is no doubt, Philippians 4:13 "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Come to think of it, that's my TRUE NORTH, too. I also, can do all things through Christ Who strengthens ME! And, so can you!

What's Your Rhythm?

Rhythm -- a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
This morning I woke up, looked at the clock and first words out of my mouth were, "Thank you, Lord, for getting my sleep rhythm back to normal." For me, that is a regular, repeated pattern of at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep. Since moving from my home, I've slept in lots of different places, in different beds and getting only 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. But, now that I've been at my friend's home for several weeks now, and getting used to the bed here, I'm back to my normal 7 hours sleep a night. My sleep rhythm is back! Thanks be to God!

My mother-in-law has had a pacemaker for keeping her heart rhythm regular and constant for many years. She knows it when it's out of rhythm. She feels weak and dizzy.

Most importantly, God wants us to get into His rhythms -- those strong, regular, repeated patterns of love, kindness, forgiveness, tenderness, gentleness, giving, honoring, respecting. In all seriousness, there are just way too many people who are OUT OF GOD'S RHYTHM. They think it's okay to be nasty and hateful. That's certainly not His rhythm. I want to live on His side of the sweet music that He makes -- because when we are in tune with Him, we'll recognize all those folks, situations and circumstances that want to take us out of rhythm with Him and we'll resist that music with everything that's in us.

Since God, Himself, is the source of music, He wants us to get in His rhythm that dances, sings, lives and breathes His character and in His ways. His music sounds like this: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19) "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!" (Phiippians 4:13) "Greater is He Who lives in me than He who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Mark 12:31) "I have the peace of God that passes all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) Those are rhythms that make for really spectacular music.

So you ask me why my heart keeps singing,
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
Since I've found the Source of music
I just can't help it. God gave the song.....Yes, I'm dancing, singing, living in God's rhythm!

I am a Promise. I am a Possibility.

I directed a Children’s Choir many years ago and I’ll never forget the joy of teaching them songs that not only spoke of God’s love for them, but those that caused them, when they sang the words, to be speaking great affirmations over themselves. My own two children, at ages 10 and 8, were in that choir. Not only did we sing in church, but we were invited to sing for community events. I like to think we were THAT GOOD, but more than likely, we were a novelty – adorable kids singing their little hearts out about God and His love.

One of my favorites, and the crowd’s favorite, was the fun, cheery children’s song, “I Am a Promise”. With that catchy tune and lyrics, we just couldn’t go wrong – especially with the cuteness of children – waving at their moms and dads, swaying and twisting and using hand gestures as they sang. "I am a promise/I am a possibility/I am a promise with a capital P/I am a great big bundle of potentiality/And I am learning to hear God’s voice/And I am trying to make the right choices/I’m a promise to be/Anything He wants me to be……./I can go anywhere that He wants me to go/I can be anything that He wants me to be/I can climb the high mountains/I can cross the wide sea/I’m a great big promise, you see!”

As those sweet kids belted out those lyrics about how they can do anything, they were feeding their little souls and spirits with words that ignited a flame inside them. I just know it. Today those kids are in their 40s and 50s and I suspect that most of those kids have kids of their own, and I also suspect that they may be teaching that song to their kids -- at least I hope, and if it's not that song, other songs and words about how they have so much potential to accomplish anything they set their hearts to.

Yesterday, my post was about a Mama praying for her 6-year old’s future spouse. Is that a waste of time and effort – after all, she’s only six? Or is it the absolute, most ROCK-solid thing to be doing -- instilling faith into our kids and guaranteeing that our children's choices will be God's choices?

Throughout life, people will tell us AND our kids that we can’t do things. Many folks have grown so bitter and disappointed through the years and they have lost their hope and vision, so they want us to lose ours as well. They don’t feel like a bundle of potentiality, so they don’t want anyone else to feel like one either! This post today is to tell you “Don’t listen to naysayers. Listen to God. If He has called you to climb a mountain, cross a sea, teach a class, sing a song, make a speech, build a bridge, write a book, fly a plane, land a plane and even jump out of a plane -- then JUST DO IT. Make this your personal slogan: “I CAN DO all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

I Gave Up Too Soon!

Day 236 of Photo Inspirations -- I Gave Up Too Soon!
Ever try to solve a Rubik's Cube?  I'll admit it.  I did.....and I gave up. It just seemed way too complex for me.  I'd get one side all in order, but the other three sides were all mixed up.  I'd finally get two sides complete, but bottomed out on the other two sides.

I was amazed to see this teenager solve it in 5.25 seconds.  He broke the world record. See link below!  This kid was probably relentless in his pursuit and when he solved it....then it was about doing it better and faster than the last time.   He didn't give up until he knew all the algorithms in solving it.  (Algorithm -- a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations.)

The question is "How relentless are we?"   How willing are we to continue seeking God for the answers to our most complex problems?  How often do we throw in the towel and abort our dreams because we didn't find or follow the "algorithms" and gave up too soon?  Persistence in anything we're endeavoring to do or accomplish is key -- even if it's simply not quitting until our house is squeaky clean, or we've finished that remodeling project that we started or gave up on believing for a loved one's turn-around.

Bottom line -- we should never give up on our dreams or our projects or our tasks or our prayers -- no matter the situation, no matter the number of times we fail or "pause".  Our ability to get up and dust ourself off, then move on, is what determines if we are a success or a failure. Giving up should never be an option for us.

I love this Kevin Durant quote:  “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”.   Many people are talented and they have no problem solving a Rubik's cube or any other goal they have.  But, often there are those of us who feel that we weren't given that inate ability (or talent) to get 'er done.  But, instead of quitting, we put the pedal to the metal with diligence and a lot of hard work and, remarkably, we unlock the potential inside of us to accomplish whatever we set our hearts, hands and mind to.  That's when we'll succeed.  We determined that GIVING UP is NOT an option.

I'm thinking I need to go out a buy a Rubik's cube....and prove I can solve it. After all, it can't be much of a step for a stepper!  And, I'm a high steppin' stepper!  After all, "I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

http://time.com/3836341/rubiks-cube-record-5-25-seconds/