What Once Was Lost, Now Is Found

It was my son, Larry’s birthday on Sunday and it was a packed-full day. That’s just the way we roll around here on birthdays! After church, it was to his favorite Mexican food restaurant for birthday lunch, opening gifts. Mine were the things I heard him say he needed during our fishing trip, including walkie-talkies (we were in a no-cell-coverage area). His next request -- an afternoon nap. Whoohoo for all of us! I headed to my home and all of us enjoyed sweet rest and relaxation. Before long, their call came for me to come back for the celebrations to continue. It started with more of Larry’s favorites: nachos (obviously this family can’t get enough of Mexican food), watermelon, and my famous chocolate cake – followed by Larry’s favorite family games. Mind you – everything in this day was Larry’s choices and desires, except for the "must wear" sombrero by Staci. He is always such a good sport. It was all on course for the best birthday ever, but, THEN...

I received the call at about 10 pm from Staci: “Mom, pray! We can’t find Emma (their 4-pound Yorkie). We’ve looked all over, called her name, shouted “Treat! Car ride!”, but she’s not here. We’ve driven around, calling her name, but we haven't found her. We prayed for her protection and that someone would find her.” Larry’s birthday didn’t end as planned, for sure. Staci recalled how she and Larry laid in bed staring at the ceiling – feeling helpless, yet hopeful and prayerful.

From my end, I couldn’t sleep thinking about sweet, literally God-given Emma who had brought such joy to this family for so many years. Staci and I text messaged throughout the night because she was on our heart and in our prayers, with words like: "Believing someone will turn her in tomorrow safe and sound, in Jesus' name." "God knows where she is and I pray for her protection." No doubt. No words of unbelief. Only the assurance that God is all-knowing and she'll be home soon!

We refused unbelief and thought God's thoughts: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) As strange as it sounds -- we were all at peace, yet hoping we would hear good news. No mourning or anxiety at all. Emma is actually Alexia's dog, Staci asked her: "Are you okay?" Alexia responded "Yes, Mom! She's coming back!" I loved her faith and certainty.

We kept those positive thoughts throughout the day. THEN, around 6 pm, Monday night, almost 24-hours later, Larry received a phone call from a lady whose daughter had been over at her friend’s house and saw the cutest little, dressed-in-pink Yorkie. The girl went home, told her mother and because she had seen the Nextdoor app message and photo, she gave Larry the phone number of the people. He called and they went to pick Emma up – who had been loved and cared for and protected for those 24-hours, just as we had prayed. Whether they planned on keeping her or eventually look for her owners, we don’t know, but God knew all along and it all worked out for good. Emma is safely home where she belongs.

I couldn’t help but sing: “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God." That is the same God Who loves Emma and you and me.

And, I sang “Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.” Again, the same love of God.

I shared this long, exhaustive story with you today because I know there is a clear message here for you and me. The same God Who cares so much about a little 4-pound Yorkie cares about your 110 to 350-pound self today. He doesn’t give up until you are in the fold with His other sheep. His love, so far beyond any love we could have for our pets or our children or loved ones, is reaching out to you today – to feed you, give you nourishment, speak peace and rest to your weary body and soul, answer even your smallest to largest prayers and concerns. Won’t you come home where you belong?

This Guy AND I Came to Live Out Loud!

Yesterday morning, I was on the road again! Thanks, Willie Nelson, for the song to accompany my travels to here, there and back again. I really am so grateful that I can hit the road at any given time to be a part of special occasions, get caught up with dear friends and family members and take in some of my favorite places. This time will be a real joy as I stay at my BFFs’ lovely home and then have a special package delivered to me by his grandpa who lives further south in Oklahoma, my 11-year-old, Bryson. He’s going to be my buddy for the next several days here in Tulsa and back home in Frisco. And the finale of this trip will be attending the confirmation of a precious young woman I have sponsored into the family of God.

I'm taking it all in as I get to bask in these precious moments, events, celebrations and accomplishments of my precious family and friends around me. 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.”

I'm certainly not a "rocking chair" grandmother. No offense, if that's your gig -- rock on, Baby! But, for me, I've set big goals for my life and I won't accomplish them if I take a laid-back approach. 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 living, laughing, and loving unashamedly. 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. See this guy with the sign "Honk if you love Jesus!" He was standing outside of the service station where I filled my car up with gas. In this Texas heat, one could say "He fell off the turnip truck -- to stand out there with one of "those" crazee signs -- it's obvious there's something wrong with him!" Nope. He is merely living OUT LOUD, because he can. I pulled over and asked "Why do you do this?" He said "Well because I can. On January 9th, after being told I wouldn't live beyond a few months, I was totally healed. I had told the Lord that if He'd heal me I'd declare His love and healing power every chance I could. So here I am -- keeping my promise." He is really living out loud -- so loud that I noticed him. He is using his gratitude, zest-for-life and enthusiasm to make a difference. What if we did the same?

Here's how I live out loud: I purpose to 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. I take time to enjoy and appreciate family, friends, food, music, children, blue skies, sunshine and ordinary moments. I invest time in my relationships, put the “good” china on when I have friends and family over. I light up the candles for ambiance. I know that giving and doing my best is the most important thing I can do to show the love of life and of those who I value so much in my life. I take a deep breath and express my gratitude for being alive. And, while I’m at it, I observe the sights and sounds and smiles around me. I am so thankful I can see and hear!

I just may not pass this way again, so I'm making the moments count. I’m going to LIVE OUT LOUD with every moment that I can! Why don't you join me? It will be worth the trip! <3

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!