His Heart Went Out to Her

I scroll through my FB timeline. I see a post that stops me in my tracks. It features a photo of a beautiful, toddler boy. His eyes of an angel draw me in. So does his name. Bryson. The same name as my youngest grandson. I read further. My heart aches. He has been diagnosed with a rare cancer. His life expectancy is no more than 2-1/2 years. Per the medical team. I take time with this one. I look up scriptures which promise God's faithfulness and His miracle-working power. I share them with the family.

I really do want to be an imitator of Christ. He certainly talked the talk AND walked the walk to show us how to live. Take this one as an example: "As He approached the town gate, a dead man was being carried out — the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord SAW HER, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” (Luke 7:11-14). HE SAW HER. He didn't just see her. He didn't just give her a "comment" or a "pat on the back" or "I hope you'll get better." He went over to the funeral procession and said "Get up" to the boy and he came back to life. Jesus was a do-something-about-it-kind-of-Savior.

The day before I see this "Bryson" photo, I receive a call from my daughter who is suffering from an extreme migraine headache. One that makes her retreat to her bed in a dark room. Now, please understand this is a powerful woman who just doesn't yield to pain -- not even with natural childbirth two times. I know this calls for a warrior mama's intercessory prayer. I go to my "war room" and am in full-on warfare prayer mode. I'm pleased to say that while we pray, my daughter's pain decreases and eventually goes away! Thanks be to God!

What an intenseness I have for praying for MY child. In that "Jesus" story above, it says "His heart went out to her". His heart joined hers. He felt her grief. He met her emotions with kindness, gentleness and mercy. He went to work to show His power and healing. I desire a heart like His.

What part of this blog speaks to you the most today? Bryson? The death of a child? A grieving widow? Or, the heart of Jesus? Put it altogether, God is there -- right in the middle of our lives. He shows up because His heart goes out to those who need a miracle. He shows up for me today. I want to be more like Him. But, I know there are many who need a miracle today. I can't help but think that I am writing this blog to remind YOU that He is the ONE whose heart goes out to you. Jesus can and will work a miracle in your situation. Why? Because He loves you and His heart goes out to you. You may feel that you are going to drown in your own tears, but hear the voice of our Savior. He is whispering to your heart, “Don’t cry.”

Whatever the circumstances of your life, hear this widow tell you: Jesus has a heart for you and He is ready to perform a miracle in your life today. Dry your tears, hold your head up and trust in the Miracle Maker. For all of us, may our hearts go out to others -- just like Jesus.

What You Say on Social Media and Everywhere Else Matters

Day 33 of Photo Inspirations
I had a Facebook "Friend Request" from one of my grandson's friends.  Before I ever accept FB Friend Requests, I always go to their page to see if they're legit and reputable,  and I make sure that we have some mutual friends.  What I noticed, first, that this is the profile picture on this young man's page.  It is an encouraging and motivational photo with recommendations for resolutions this year.  In fact, when I saw the photo, I was prompted to see the entire article that this photo was from.  (In case you're interested, this is the article:  http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/46933-new-year-resolutions-pope-francis-quotes

And, this young man's timeline revealed that he is a strong, optimistic, positive and moral guy.  In fact, it shows that he really does care about what matters most.  Of course, I accepted his Friend Request.

That led me to remembering a training I heard about Facebook "Do's & Don'ts".  In particular, the instructor said that when we post on Facebook we actually become published authors. Did you know that every time we post something on Facebook that we are publishing who we are?  In fact, it's like posting our resume.  If a human resources director for a job that you've interviewed for, or a club that you want to get into, or a position at your church or charitable organization goes to check you out on your Facebook timeline, what will they see?  Will they see one who whines or complains about the weather or the TV show they missed, or their kids, or their spouse or the traffic?  Will they see one who uses profanity?  And in seeing those posts, does it make them want you to be a part of their organization? 

OR, will they see a strong, yet compassionate leader?  Will they see one who reaches out to their friends with words of hope and encouragement.  Will they see one who consistently posts about their blessings, their gratitude for life and friends and family, for their home and food.  And, don't you think that an employer or director or manager would want you to be on their team if they saw that? 
Wouldn't this be a better place if we realize that what we say really, really matters?  I know that's what I want others to see in me.  Who we are on Facebook or any other social media, as well as with our family or friends or public settings -- in just about any situation  -- really, really matters.

It's a New Dawn, a New Day, a New Life & I'm Feeling Good!

Okay, I admit it.....I AM a morning person. When I wake up, I don’t feel the need to pull the blanket over my head and long for just a few more minutes in bed. In fact, I don't even need an alarm clock -- mine is built-in -- usually, right on time between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. I like to get up, get my thermal mug of coffee, post my morning FB message, and enjoy a few precious quiet moments at the beginning of the day before the phone starts ringing and my daily responsibilities begin.

And, also, (most of the time) I start my day in a state of joy and happiness. I love the feel of a new day, with all the potential of new opportunities and moments to enjoy. I love Michael Buble's rendition of this song: “It’s a new dawn; It’s a new day; It’s a new life, for me, and I’m feeling good!”

Here's the Bible's take on that: "Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 These verses say it's possible to start each new day with a fresh beginning -- clean slate. God promises that His great love for us and unfailing compassion (or mercies, as some translations put it) are new every morning. So, whether we are a morning songbird, or a night owl, the point is that everyday is a brand new day with God. So, say: "Good-bye YESTERDAY, with all your mistakes and worries and fears, and good morning, TODAY, with the opportunity for NEW LIFE!"