Enough is Enough

Ever said those words? We've prayed for changes to the point of exhaustion, but it seems our prayers are only hitting the ceiling. We feel hopeless and disappointed. The sheer monotony of it all is tiring! Maybe your "enough" is one more day of isolation or home-schooling or face-mask wearing. I noticed that the quarantine is far more stringent in Austin than has been in Frisco where I live. Any stores opened, required face masks. I had never worn a mask until I saw this "must wear a mask" sign. I wore the "eye" mask in my car that I keep on hand in case I need to pull off the road for a little R&R! And what about the quarantine frontliners? I saw the marks on their faces. They might be saying "enough is enough"!

Then there's the enemy of our souls who taunts us with "You’re not good enough, young enough, smart enough”. You’re NOT enough”. I get that. Praying, giving and caring for others just doesn't seem enough. Doing the right thing doesn’t seem to be enough. We take it as long as we can then we declare: "ENOUGH already!"

Truthfully, those thoughts are likely right on. We aren’t enough and we don’t have to feel guilty for the frustration. Even Jesus admitted in the Garden that He would rather have the cup pass from Him. He understands us and, mercifully, we don’t have to be enough because He IS enough! His love for us is inexhaustible. No matter how much of God’s generous love we experience, there is always more available for the asking. St. Paul, instead of declaring "enough", gave us the key to survival: "He (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

I was a co-narrator for a Jewish Seder Passover Meal at my church. A beautiful prayer recited during the meal, included the refrain “Dayenu” which translates to “It would have been ENOUGH for us.” Here is an excerpt from that prayer:

“God, if You had only created us, it would have been enough for us. If You had only freed us from slavery in Egypt, it would have been enough for us. If You had only given us your wise Law, it would have been enough for us. If You had only fed us with manna, it would have been enough for us. If You had only brought us into the Promise Land, it would have been enough."

The prayer lists many more of God's blessings that were poured out on His people. It concludes: “How much more do we have to be thankful for the manifold and unbounded blessings of our All-Present God!” That is a prayer for us today! No matter how much we realize the goodness and mercy of our God, there is always more. I'm sure we have been blessed in ways that we haven’t even noticed. There is never a reason to doubt that God wants to give us more, and in fact, is likely orchestrating the presentation of that MORE right now!

Maybe we should come up with our own "Dayenu" list. We should think of the ways our Heavenly Father has provided for us, blessed us, and revealed His love to us.

“Lord, if you had only forgiven my sins and removed my guilt, it would have been enough. But You have done so much more. All praise to You, my God of MORE THAN ENOUGH!”

Being Persistent Takes Persistence

Here’s another day of coming out from under my “mighty woman of God” rock and I'm going to boast about some of my weaknesses. I’m following St. Paul’s lead with his powerful words of advice. He said: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sometimes I don’t want to answer my phone, so I let the call go to my voice mail. And, sometimes, I don’t feel like doing the unselfish thing. I want to just sit in my cozy chair and take a power nap, or watch TV. I don’t want to do one more thing today. I don’t want to respond to someone asking for advice. But just because I don’t feel like it, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do it.

This might really shock you. Sometimes I don’t feel like praying or reading my Bible or going to my Bible Study group. But I do it. I’ve found that if the only time I pray or read my Bible is when I feel like it, Satan makes sure I never feel like it. I’ve been in this “mature” relationship with God long enough that I know I must live my life by my commitments, not by my feelings.

The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful people don’t feel like doing. They develop habits. They stay committed. They don’t get to the Olympics because they feel like it. They get to the Olympics by hours and hours of training that they didn’t feel like doing. In the same way, we don’t become godly men or women by simply doing what we feel like doing. Godly men and women choose to develop the habits that produce godliness in their lives. It’s not any easier than working out or rehearsing or anything else that may be good for us but we don’t feel like doing.

Probably the greatest example in the Bible of persistence is Moses. For 40 years, he led whining, complaining, immature people around the desert while they questioned his leadership the entire time. Yet he never gave up. Hebrews 11:27 says, “It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king’s anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back..” Moses saw the invisible God. He kept his eyes on God. So, rather than retreating – we carry on and we keep our eyes on God, too! We continue our persistence to win the battle by being God’s devoted, persistent followers and by doing the uncomfortable. Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will make it worth it all.

Kanye's Thirst Was Quenched

I've been following the faith journey of Kanye West. I watched him respond to Joel Osteen’s questions at Houston’s Lakewood Church last Sunday morning before his Sunday night’s free, 3-hour gospel concert. Kanye’s responses to Joel’s questions, his lifestyle change, and the concert depict a very changed man. He is consistently giving testimony to his new life in Christ. He told ABC News “People are giving their life to God, He’s using me to point to Him. More are going to Him since I’ve been here -- more people from my generation and the next and the next generation. So it’s working." Thanks be to God!

A few days ago, Franklin Graham said: “Kanye is doing what he believes, even if there are skeptics and even though it goes against the liberal beliefs of most in the entertainment industry. Pray for Kanye. There will be many temptations.The devil will try to discourage, distract, and even destroy him. Pray that he will keep his eyes focused on Jesus, and that God would guide and protect him. God bless you, Kanye. We’re praying for you.”

Thanks, Franklin, for your heart for the lost…..and the found. You remind me of what a devoted follower of Christ looks like. Honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to Kanye’s life, his lifestyle, his wife (Kim Kardashian), his rap music AND neither did I EVER pray for him! I just didn’t give him the time of day in my thoughts. I assumed he was a lost soul with morals and beliefs that were so far removed from being one of God’s children whose life could be redeemed and make it count for God. Shame on me. I should have been praying and believing for a miracle turnaround in his life.

It is the same with others who seem too far gone to ever see them changed. Why haven’t I prayed for those in the entertainment industry, in politics, in sports, those with high profiles who could have an “amazing grace” turnaround in their lives? We keep trying to convince others of what morality looks like, what the dignity of life looks like, what faith looks like, what being in “God’s camp” looks like, instead of displaying what God’s redeeming grace looks like. Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. Instead of turning my back on those who don’t know you and who seem to be acting on behalf of the enemy of our souls, help me, by your grace and mercy, to have a tender heart to pray and believe for their souls.

In the Bible, is the story of a Samaritan woman at the well who had “issues”, too. She was thirsty and didn’t even know why. God placed the desire for something more in every one us. Until we meet Jesus, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it’s just that … temporary. Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). This woman became so radical in her new faith, that she ran to town to tell everyone about her encounter. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony" (John 4:39). I like to think that is what Kanye is doing too, and that is what we should be doing as well.

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what we’re all truly longing for. Jesus offers us what He offered her – what He offered Kanye – what He offers you and me: freely flowing, refreshing water from the indwelling Holy Spirit Who quenches every thirst, washes away every sin and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings. How can we keep it to ourselves?

The first photo here is of a cherished figurine of Jesus and the woman at the well, along with a water pot that signifies that I need to return to the well daily to fill up with His Living Water. Today, I’m honored to sit by the well and not only draw water for myself, but to pray for you and others who are thirsty and don’t even realize it yet. I pray today for us to be bearers of the water we drink and the water that we give to others through our prayers and belief that WHOEVER comes to this Living Water will never thirst again.

“Jesus said, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” John 7:37-38
I've been following the faith journey of Kanye West. I watched him respond to Joel Osteen’s questions at Houston’s Lakewood Church last Sunday morning before his Sunday night’s free, 3-hour gospel concert. Kanye’s responses to Joel’s questions, his lifestyle change, and the concert depict a very changed man. He is consistently giving testimony to his new life in Christ. He told ABC News “People are giving their life to God, He’s using me to point to Him. More are going to Him since I’ve been here -- more people from my generation and the next and the next generation. So it’s working." Thanks be to God!

A few days ago, Franklin Graham said: “Kanye is doing what he believes, even if there are sceptics and even though it goes against the liberal beliefs of most in the entertainment industry. Pray for Kanye. There will be many temptations.The devil will try to discourage, distract, and even destroy him. Pray that he will keep his eyes focused on Jesus, and that God would guide and protect him. God bless you, Kanye. We’re praying for you.”

Thanks, Franklin, for your heart for the lost…..and the found. You remind me of what a devoted follower of Christ looks like. Honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention to Kanye’s life, his lifestyle, his wife (Kim Kardashian), his rap music AND neither did I EVER pray for him! I just didn’t give him the time of day in my thoughts. I assumed he was a lost soul with morals and beliefs that were so far removed from being one of God’s children whose life could be redeemed and make it count for God. Shame on me. I should have been praying and believing for a miracle turnaround in his life.

It is the same with others who seem too far gone to ever see them changed. Why haven’t I prayed for those in the entertainment industry, in politics, in sports, those with high profiles who could have an “amazing grace” turnaround in their lives? We keep trying to convince others of what morality looks like, what the dignity of life looks like, what faith looks like, what being in “God’s camp” looks like, instead of displaying what God’s redeeming grace looks like. Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. Instead of turning my back on those who don’t know you and who seem to be acting on behalf of the enemy of our souls, help me, by your grace and mercy, to have a tender heart to pray and believe for their souls.

In the Bible, is the story of a Samaritan woman at the well who had “issues”, too. She was thirsty and didn’t even know why. God placed the desire for something more in every one us. Until we meet Jesus, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it’s just that … temporary. Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) This woman became so radical in her new faith, that she ran to town to tell everyone about her encounter. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony." (John 4:39) I like to think that is what Kanye is doing too, and that is what we should be doing as well.

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what we’re all truly longing for. Jesus offers us what He offered her – what He offered Kanye – what He offers you and me: freely flowing, refreshing water from the indwelling Holy Spirit Who quenches every thirst, washes away every sin and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings. How can we keep it to ourselves?

The first photo here is of a cherished figurine of Jesus and the woman at the well, along with a water pot that signifies that I need to return to the well daily to fill up with His Living Water. Today, I’m honored to sit by the well and not only draw water for myself, but to pray for you and others who are thirsty and don’t even realize it yet. I pray today for us to be bearers of the water we drink and the water that we give to others through our prayers and belief that WHOEVER comes to this Living Water will never thirst again.

“Jesus said, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” John 7:37-38

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?

Are You Praying for your Children’s Future Husband or Wife?

I did. And God answered my prayers. Today, I am celebrating the birthday of my daughter’s husband, Larry, who I call “my son”. God gave us YOU, Larry Wallace!

I’m sharing this birthday wish to not just my son, Larry, but to all who follow me. I want you to know this man changed my mind about "jocks", but most importantly, God clarified for me what our roles as parents should be in believing God’s very best for our children. When we pray and trust God with our heart’s desires for our children's future spouse, and then turn over the reins to Him, the Master Designer and Orchestrator, will most certainly bring together a “perfect match made in heaven”!

For many years, the perfect man for our daughter, in my mind, was a man devoted to full time ministry, because, after all, she had vowed to be the next "Mother Teresa" who was all about making a difference in this world and going to the world to share God's good news. At that time, Larry was a true jock. He had been recruited and played for four years for Texas A&M's championship football team. Then he became a bodybuilder and was working towards becoming Mr. Oklahoma. He was, no doubt, a beautiful specimen of a man. What I saw on the outside was FINE, but this guy, in my books, was all brawn and not what I had envisioned for my girl. I had about four guys who I had deemed to be in the running for Mr. Staci! LOL! Thank you, God, for saying "NO" to those prayers!

Right here is where the story in 1 Samuel 16 is a great parallel. God had told Samuel to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be the king that would succeed Saul. All of his sons were paraded before Samuel, and Samuel thought that surely Eliab was the chosen one because he saw something in the tall and stately presence of the eldest born of Jesse which reminded the old man of the splendid attributes of Saul. Eliab seemed to Samuel, in all respects, a fit successor to the great warrior whom the Lord rejected. But the Lord said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” That's when Samuel asked Jesse "Are these all of your sons?" And we all remember that there was one more -- an athletic, strong, kind, tenderhearted, with a "heart after God's own heart", ruddy warrior, and beautiful son who was a shepherd, David.

And, here is my departure from that story to this man, Larry Wallace, who, indeed was God's chosen one for my Staci, the exact opposite in nature to hers, but the perfect match for her strong will, drive, and determination. And, as the photos below indicate -- he keeps a watchful eye out for his children and prays diligently for them. Larry and Staci both desire, more than anything, to make a difference in this world....and they both are driven to do so every day. If you aren’t a follower of Staci and Larry, please take this opportunity to follow them on YouTube.com/emnationtv . Here is a sneak peek at the words in Larry's birthday card:

"Happy Birthday to My Son, Larry! God made our prayers and dreams come true when He gave us You! This is one of my favorite photos because it is typical of you...side-by-side with Staci and always being there for the kids and me. You are the anchor, the team captain, and the warrior with the peaceful, calm, strong and patient qualities that makes you -- YOU! Those are just a few of the many reasons to thank God for the gift of you to this world, but, even greater reasons for thanksgiving for me are because God blessed me with having you as my son. What a love God had for Staci, Payton, Alexia and all who know you -- to bless us with YOU! I’m so glad it’s your birthday, because we get to celebrate the mainstay, the pillar of strength, the man of God, the amazing father, husband, son, and friend that you are! I celebrate you! Happy Birthday, my wonderful son, Larry! I love you so much and thank God for giving us -- YOU!
Mom XOXOXO

Tactical Warfare – Defensively and Offensively

Yesterday I posted that our “First Line of Defense”, when a negative surprise comes to take us out, should be Jesus’ words to Jairus when he was told his daughter was dead: “Do not be afraid. Only believe!” Counterattack the negative by refusing to be afraid and to believe that the story is not ending. It is just beginning and God has a plan of how the story will end.

Life can often feel like a raging battle is going on as soon as we wake up. We robotically take whatever on, doing our best to be brave, determined to trust God, read His Word, and pray, but sometimes it’s hard to create a battle plan. That's when we turn the defensive stance, to a daily faith on the offense that is:

~ Waking and proclaiming God’s truths over our lives (“God is with me, for me, above me, before me…”)
~ Moving God’s Word from our head to our heart by dwelling on it throughout the day.
~ Praying habitually -- in the car, in our home, in our free time.
~ Having a team of people to support our faith walk.
~ Praising God as we see His handiwork throughout our day.
~ Thanking God continually for all we have.

A Christian on offense moves into the battlefield not only able to withstand war but ready to win. They see not only what is coming against them, but they are prepared with a tactical plan to love when usually they’d be prone to fear. Rather than being a Chess piece, they know they are sons and daughters of the King, loved, provided for and helped along the way. They are an active force of good on the spiritual game board of good and evil. God sees their faith and willingness to prepare. He rewards them for seeking Him diligently.

This person understands it is not their own willpower that wins, it is not their mindset that overcomes, but it is the blood of Jesus that won for them. In humility, they stand under God so that He can move over their lives and into the lives of others.

My posture today is that of offense. I’m suited up and ready to go. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells me how: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Welcome to my Wild Frontier!

Maybe not the frontier, but it’s sure been wild at my place. I have felt like Annie Oakley in my determination to rid my home of an outlaw squirrel. This wildlife adventure began several weeks ago when I heard scratching outside my window. I went out to my patio and saw all kinds of wood shavings on the ground. I spied the evil varmint who was cozy in-between my pergola and roof eaves. I shewed him away using a can of bug spray (not harmful to animals) to deter him and he was gone for a week. The next week he returned. I shot my spray and he left again. This went on for a few weeks but no more wood shred because of my keen eagle eyes and ears. But when I went to Austin for a week and returned home, that critter had succeeded in chewing out a 6” x 3” hole, quite adequate for his home in my attic! His tactics were made clear when I heard rustling above my bedroom."Vengeance is mine" saith Donna (rather Annie!).

I sought Dr. Google's advice and found others who had squirrel invasions and how they rid themselves of the nuisance and destruction they can cause. They said, "Use mothballs, fox urine (gasp), animal deterrent spray, a cage trap or get a remove-a-pest company (and plan to pay $250 to $500)." A friend told me I should be glad that I only have one squirrel. He had two squirrels and a possum in his attic! WHAT???

My accomplice, Denise Gerrich, and I went to Lowe’s and found an animal deterrent spray. When an animal smells it, it triggers their natural instinct to escape. When we got to my home, we made sure the rascal wasn't in the attic and then in my best Annie Oakley sharpshooter form, I proceeded to spray the animal deterrent all over the eaves and pergola. The smell was ghastly. I can see why it makes an animal run in terror!

That was a week ago. It's quiet now at Donna's wild frontier. When scurrying up trees, that cute, little furry guy was a friend, but when he started messing with my domain, my peace, my comfort, and MY frontier, he became my foe. Like that annoying squirrel -- so is the enemy of our souls. He pesters us and gnaws away at our hearts and minds trying to invade our thoughts with concerns, doubts, and worry. It can be incessant and troubling -- just like that pesky squirrel. We can let our concerns get to us or we can let go, and let God do what He is best at. What I’ve come to know is worrying gets us nowhere and gives us nothing but sleepless nights and destroys our peace of mind. God’s Word says: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our best defense against annoying intruders or circumstances that try to steal peace is doing what we can and get on the offense instead of letting the enemy take over. Seal up and fortify the weak places, like in my roof AND in our hearts. We apply covering to the vulnerable places to protect our roof and we apply prayer and God's Word to our heart. He will give us His peace that’s beyond anything we can understand. His peace will guard our hearts and minds against the anxieties that can be as persistent as that squirrel. I’m hopeful that the squirrel has moved on to another frontier. I'm also hopeful and determined to be on guard against the enemy of my soul! "Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

He Answered

Day 313 of Photo Inspirations -- He Answered
Of course these Baby Shower cookies, inscripted with "He Answered" would be my photo inspiration for today.  "He answered" doesn't mean the wife called and her husband answered.  It means they called on God and He answered.

The 2nd photo is of two precious women in my Life Group, Paula Hieronymus Vaughn​ and Shelly Been Summers​, best friends, and related by the fact that Paula's son, is married to Shelly's daughter. There is nothing like praying mamas and these two mamas, along with our Life Group, have been praying AND believing for their kids to conceive for quite some time.   We take our prayer requests/petitions very seriously in this group.

We come together weekly and are thrilled to hear praises of "Look what God has done", but we are also thrilled to provide a safe place to share each other's needs, prayer requests and what's on each other's hearts -- to pray and believe with each other for those things that are beyond human intervention.....they need divine intervention.

This 2nd photo, was taken at our Life Group meeting  when these two found out their kids were indeed expecting.  They came, with that yummy cake with pink & blue diaper pins on it, to surprise us and to celebrate their good news.  We kept it quiet (oh how we wanted to shout to the world on Facebook that "He Answered" then, but we were sworn to secrecy until the "All Systems Go" signal). After four years of trying to conceive, their kids were still cautious about broadcasting their exciting news to the world.

A precious little girl will make her debut in January and, yesterday, I was thrilled to help host the celebration shower at my Hyde Park clubhouse. I was so inspired by these cookies to say to you...."HE ANSWERS" for you, too!  God is no respector of persons so why not take this little blog as all you need to help you believe for your miracle....whether it's a baby, a new job, a financial blessing, a healing, or a breakthrough of any kind.

Yes, there were snags along the way and disappointment after disappointment, but these two women, and a lot of others who joined the ranks of praying for them, are seeing the rewards of those prayers today.  It doesn't matter whether you've been believing for 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years, our God's timeline is right on time.  He sees the beginning, the middle, and the ending.  He sees and knows the seed planting.....time.....then harvest.  Seed time and harvest.

I spoke to Paula after the shower today, and I reminded her that their victory is our victory, too. Today's declaration "He Answered" is way beyond their family.  It is for you AND me.  I take hold of it.  I know it's true, because "He Answered" for me time and time again.  Don't give up.

You're on the brink of your miracle, too!

Life = Risk

"If you've never failed.....you've never lived!" I'll never forget "the big one" that my husband and I "bet the farm" on. It was our BIG RISK -- we were going to become wealthy because of our investment in the drilling of an oil well. My husband and our young son, Ryan, stayed at the oil well -- all day and all night, watching and praying, for us to "strike it rich"! But that time -- it was not to be -- it was a DRY well. Disappointed? Yes! Was it a huge risk? Yes! Did it stop us? No! We never quit on taking risks, and I sincerely believe that is one of the reasons why our family has met with so much success. Plenty of failures along the way -- but it never stopped us from trying again.

Have you failed at something you so wanted to win at? Did others scorn you for taking a risk.....and, indeed, it was a loser? Have you wished you could step out in faith and become adventurous, but you kept hearing voices that said, "Give up!" "Throw in the towel!" "It's too risky!" "You could lose everything!" "Play it safe!" Well, we are in good company! Please watch this short, 1 minute video about some GREATS who became GREAT because they didn't listen to THOSE voices. I think you'll have a renewed sense of "I will not quit! I'm not giving up! I am unstoppable and I will win!