Little Ways Pay Off in Big Dividends

After months of what seems to be "little" accomplishments, part of me longs to hear about some of God’s BIG ways – BIG wins – BIG worthwhile news – BIG discoveries like a cure for Covid. But, from so many biblical indicators – God seems to work best in the “littles”.

Just think about the “littles” that God used to make something big. Like, making the first man out of LITTLE dust. Like the LITTLE boy with the LITTLE lunch that fed over 5,000. Like the LITTLE shepherd boy, David, who slew the giant with a stone and sling and conquered the Philistine army. And, then there’s Gideon who was the "smallest" in the "least" clan who saved an entire nation. He started with an army of 24,000 and God required him to reduce it to a LITTLE army of 300. God likes LITTLE.

Saint Thérèse de Lisieux said: "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” She was known for serving God in such beautiful, “little ways”. In this “3rd act of my play”, I find myself doing many “little things” in “little ways” to serve God. It’s a sweet way to live one day at a time and serving in the process.

One of my “little ways” is this blog each day, desiring to spread good news. I am very aware that when I point one finger out to my readers, there are four pointing back at me, so I better practice what I preach! Yesterday, LITTLE was my goal. I’m not tooting my own horn or seeking an “atta girl”! But, how can I give action words without action on my part? So, these were my "little ways". I sent words of encouragement to some friends via text messages and messenger. Went grocery shopping for my friends. And, the gal I helped a couple of weeks ago who fell on the walking path? I give her Jesus in daily text messages and, yesterday, gave her and her daughter cards that express my love and God's love to them.

Here’s my motive for today's blog. We need to take the lid off of LITTLE. Yes, God likes LITTLE. In fact, He sent His beloved Son to earth as a LITTLE baby and changed everything about life, death, eternity and giving the hope for mankind of never perishing and living with Him forever and ever if we believe in Him. Now, that’s what I call BIG! And, that little baby boy grew up and said, “All it takes is a LITTLE mustard seed of faith to move mountains.” Yes, God specializes in making BIG out of LITTLES. He told the “little children” to come to Him. He directed the disciples to get a "little" coin out of a fish's mouth to pay their taxes. Quite frankly, LITTLE is MUCH when God is in it. Yes, LITTLE is much when we follow Christ’s example. We’ll find that LITTLE ways pay off in BIG dividends. What will be your LITTLE today?

Happy Mother’s Day to the Sisterhood!

And that is YOU even if you’ve never borne down in the battle cry of birth or not! Of course, I honor my own precious mother today because if it weren’t for her – I wouldn’t be and neither would these children and grandchildren of mine. The best of me came from her. I thank God for that precious saint that I’ll throw my arms around one day and thank her again and again for giving me -- ME!

I believe that all of us are called to mother another – whether we call it mothering or not. We mother because we’re called to it. We are the ones who reach out to a struggling sister, child, college student, teenager, grandmother or couple. We mother the one who shows up at our doorstep to hear a positive word that she can make it one more day of home-schooling her children. We mother whether we’re married or not, and have a slew of kids or not.

We mother because we can’t not mother. We can't help ourselves, because there is a friend who has been hurt and needs a soft, safe place to land. We mother because we’ve watched our mothers make TLC soup for the sick. We mother because the older woman at the mall locked her keys in her car and we call for help for her and we wait and encourage her until help comes (true story). Because, we mother.

We love with genuine affection in our hearts. We delight in honoring each other. We give ourselves away — little bits and pieces of who we are, of our courage, of our deep faith, of our hope and peace. We bear down and we find ways to bring life to people desperate for air. Because it’s what we do – we mother.

Every single woman who loves, sacrifices, encourages, tends, cares, raises, praises, shapes, forms, nurtures, and cheers on others, no matter how you came to be connected with them, is doing an amazing, mothering work. And today -- as we celebrate our earthly (or heavenly) mothers, we celebrate you, too.

I honor you, believe in you and champion you! Happy Mother’s Day to my Sisterhood! Thank you for all you are and all you do!

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:10)

Love and Death are Delicately Intertwined

Along with me, my son, and three of my grandsons are in the kitchen and dining area, having great conversation and, of course, silliness abounds with the two younger ones. I speak: “Alexa, play Michael Buble”, and “I’m Going Home” starts to play. My son says “I love that song!” The next song is “You Don’t Know Me” and I grab the youngest grandson and we start to dance, then the 15-year-old cuts in and wants to show me his box step, but then, big 27-year-old brother (my first-born grandson) cuts in and draws me in close – really close. His cologne smells so good, and with his arms wrapped around me, my brain suddenly connects to my sweetheart’s cologne and feeling his arms around me ever so tight and us in a romantic couple’s dance. I start to cry – I mean really, really ugly cry and my grandson pulls me tighter to him and he brings his head in closer to mine. It was if I had time traveled and was again with my Sweetheart cheek-to-cheek, so in love, and showing it on the dance floor. I remember.

Though death pierces our hearts, I am consoled that we will dance again in heaven one day. What is abundantly clear to me is that, more than anything, I am deeply satisfied to have had the opportunity to know and love my husband for so many years. And, his absence makes my love for him even more real. I sent my grandson a text message thanking him for giving me that moment of remembrance which made me think: “I wish we had danced more”. I urged my grandson to dance more with his sweet wife. I think I took too much for granted when my sweetheart was alive. I urge my married friends: “Don’t do that! Don’t take your love for each other – for granted.”

And now, I segue to this day, Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent – the 40 days (46-days period with Sundays) that precede Resurrection Sunday. Remembering. As real as it felt for me to be dancing with my husband again and cherishing the memories we had is what it feels like during these 40 days. Yes, it’s about fasting and drawing closer to God, but, one of my personal favorites is “dancing” with my Savior. I mean placing myself in the moments of my Savior’s life – hearing scriptures that come alive, seeing Jesus as God and Man, reliving His touch to the many who were healed and restored, taking in the moments of awe and wonder as He was interrupted over and over again, but never said “No. I’m too busy” or “I’m too tired”.

I take in His great sacrifice as my Lord in heaven Who came to earth to show us what sacrifice and love is all about. I will spend the next 40 days dancing with Him daily – in my thoughts and actions. The effort and soul-searching is worth it. I will do my best to comprehend how beautiful and precious life truly is. Love is the picture of the whole. In life, we love. In death, we love. Whether we live or die, we forever belong to each other. My Lord and me. My husband and me. And, forever is a long, long time! Oh the delicately intertwined love of lovers.

It's Just a Matter of Time

I preplanned taking my watch in for repair while I was in Tulsa last week. My jeweler recognized me, and my watch, though it’s been years since going in to see him. As a matter of time AND fact, 13 years. He keeps good records. This 18 kt gold watch is a treasured possession that my sweetheart gave me on my 50th birthday. He planned that occasion in meticulous ways. First, his quest was to find a watch that would be lasting and meaningful. He found this one in a small jewelry store and had it engraved "Donna, with all my love, Ron '98". It was a "matter of time" and effort to find this special gift for me.

Because this birthday wasn’t just a milestone – but a many-mile-stone, he went to the nth degree of sacrifice and love to make this birthday memory lasting. He made a big deal of that 50th birthday. First, he took me out to dinner and when we made it home, there were many friends and family to surprise me with their love. All these memories flooded my heart when I went into that clock/watch repair store. I've always been a sap for sweet mementos. In fact, I still have the first charm bracelet and charm he gave me on my 13th birthday, the small diamond pendant from my 16th birthday and our love letters to each other.

One of our favorite songs was "Unchained Melody" sung by the Righteous Brothers and the words went like this: "Time goes by so slowly, and time can do so much, are you still mine? I need your love. I need your love. God speed your love to me!" Those words amuse me now, because no longer does time go by slowly. But back when we were engaged – time was as slow as molasses and then after we married, waiting for our baby boy to be born – seemed like forever. But now, goodness gracious, the old saying, “Time flies”, is truer than ever for me.

That’s why I purposely make the most of my time. Writing this daily blog, sending text messages to those I love and those who could use an encouraging word. That’s why I went to Tulsa last week to make my time count with family and friends. And, that’s why I’ll be going to Austin next week to spend precious TIME with my family there!

While that precious, treasured watch is dear to me, I know "It's just a matter of time" that I'll get to go to heaven. I know it will not go with me. No earthly treasures will. But, I am absolutely certain that the TIME I spend on this earth, if I make my TIME count for God, there will be unimaginable treasures that await me. The precious treasures that matter are His kids and if I am spending TIME pursuing them and loving them and showing them the way to heaven, my treasure chest in heaven will be full. It really is "just a matter of time" before we'll be there in all of heaven's splendor and glory -- where REAL TIME only begins.....AND never ends. Let's make this time here count for eternity!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Take Up Arms and Be Hope Bearers

I’m wide awake at 2:00 am. I determine it’s a gentle call from my Father. He is wanting my undivided attention. It’s the perfect time for us to collaborate. He speaks to my heart through His Word and as I prepare my blog to post in a few hours, I see my dear friend’s post which includes her beloved mother’s words about this day – 9/11. How could this day have slipped my mind when it was such a pivotal day in America’s history? This is the day to never be forgotten because of the lives that were lost and the heroes who did what no one thought possible. We remember sacrifice. We remember courage. We remember greatness. And, following in our Master’s footsteps, we choose to love our neighbor, to love our enemies, and to forgive. C.S. Lewis put it beautifully. “To be a Christian,” he wrote, “is to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven it in us.” We hold forgiveness in our hearts, as we remember that love is greater than hate; that hope is stronger than despair; that vengeance is no match for forgiveness.

Rather than posting the blog that I prepared yesterday, I am encouraged to re-post these compelling words written by my dear friend’s (Sheila Michie) mom, Kathryn Grant. She wrote this on 9/11/2003 – two years after the horrific event. Sheila was led to share it with us today. Kathryn's still relevant words are a “call to arms and I am led to share them, too, because the call remains to ‘take up arms’ and to be hope bearers in this world.

"The heart of our nation has not fully healed since the tragedy of 9/11. The grief of the victims' families has not been assuaged, nor has the magnitude of their loss been minimized by the passage of time. Indeed, the intervening months have brought more violence and death around the globe, in spite of enormous outlays of money and arms at the disposal of those who seek peace and do not find it.

Meanwhile, there is an opportunity that begs the attention of we older citizens to 'take up arms'-, our own -, that is, to put our arms around the children and young people of this nation. We have lived through a succession of wars and civil upheavals; we have seen the fall of Communism and Fascism; we have seen an earlier culture turned upside down by radical changes of every kind. We have lost loved ones, family and peers. By virtue of age and experience, we are singularly qualified to be hope bearers. Like the canaries sent down into the mine shafts to test for any toxicity, we bring good news that all is well. Not even the monstrous blow of 9/11 can bring us to our knees, except in prayer.

So, my, dear brothers and sisters of faith, we are called to a challenging "war effort." Our weapons are our collective voices of reassurance to our children, grandchildren, all who have lost hope for the future of our beloved country which we have historically called 'invincible.' One of us repeating Jesus' words, 'Be not afraid' is good, but when we collaborate, the collective power of our voices can turn the tide of events as they unfold. We are people of prayer. How else does one survive what we have been through in our long lives? And prayer will be our greatest weapon in bringing hope to the hopeless. The dues in our organization will be steep requiring millions of prayers for the balance of our lives for our loved ones, and others all over the world who yearn for peace and security. We will be one voice for one people!"

Thank you, Lord, for waking me up this morning to be fine-tuned to your voice through Sheila's and Kathryn’s voices. May we be people of faith and prayer – one voice for one people! We will heed the call to take up arms and be hope bearers!

That Filet Knife Can Sure Slice and Dice

All that blood! On our fishing trips, I am the designated cook. It’s my pleasure. I love rustling in all the fisher-people for their next chow-down. My son, Larry, is the fish-filet-er. He uses the sharpest filet knife to get the perfect, boneless filets for our big fish-fry. It was that knife that was laying on the counter when I needed something sharp to open a plastic bag. I grabbed it and sliced open the bag AND the palm of my hand. All that blood! Fortunately, it wasn’t a deep cut, but still in an area where a band-aid just couldn’t keep the blood from flowing.

I thought about that "bloody" scene when I read my devotion scripture from Exodus. Imagining my scene with the filet knife was minor compared to all the bloodshed in those sacrificial offerings. It makes me squirm a bit, but I get it. Blood played such an important role in the everyday life of the Israelites. When Moses splashed the blood of animals on the altar and sprinkled it on the people, everyone saw it as a beautiful, moving gesture. Can you even imagine – ALL THAT blood? But, that blood, the substance that gave life, sealed their covenant with God. It connected them with the altar of His presence.

We know the rest of the story. God lived up to his part of the covenant by making the Israelites His special people and by giving them the Law. But they didn’t always live up to their part. Sure, they promised to obey God’s commandments, but they often failed. Nevertheless, in the face of their failures, God remained faithful to them. He wouldn't give up on his beloved people! But that just wasn't good enough to God. Over time, He prepared for them AND us a new, better covenant, one that would be sealed not with the blood of animals but with the blood of his own Son, Jesus. Now, Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, has the power not only to cleanse us from our sins but to give us the grace to live in holiness and blessing. Through His blood, we are forgiven, healed, and protected. Thank you, Lord, for YOUR blood sacrifice for us.

Jesus initiated this new covenant at the Last Supper when He said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which will be shed for you” (Luke 22:20). Every time we receive communion, we relive the Last Supper. God reminds us: “I have made an eternal covenant with you. I have given myself to you, all of myself, so that you can live with me forever.” What a GIFT!

This is our God, a God who continues to pursue His people, even when we stray. This is our God, who renews His covenant with us every time we receive the Body and Blood of His Son. What a gracious Father we have!

This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you. (Exodus 24:8)

Happy Memorial Day!

I live in a 55+ community of almost 3,000 homes and I've noticed incredible patriotism throughout on this Memorial Day. American flags are lining the main roadways and most homes have a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who gave their lives or are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

Even though we know that Memorial Day was originally created to help us remember the sacrifices of brave heroes who fought for our freedoms, it has become an event built around a 3-day holiday that kicks off the summer season. Today, millions of people will head outdoors to dust off their patio furniture, fire up the barbecue and welcome the sun-filled, fun-filled days of summer. Goodness gracious, the heat came with this Memorial Day as it welcomed 3-digit weather to Texas. It's supposed to hit 105 this week! My family always cherished this 3-day weekend when we'd gather together with friends and family, either for a family reunion or a well-planned camping trip. Such sweet memories! But, over the years, I've come to realize the real meaning of Memorial Day. Oh, yes, there's a wonderful connection between good food and friends that nurture our relationships with each other. But, Memorial Day is REMEMBERING our veterans and missing the ones who are gone, and it's "remembering" our loved ones who laid the foundations for our lives, prayed for us, for our families, our country AND for our armed forces.

I give thanks for the sacrifices my grandparents and my parents made for me, especially for my Mama who left me her strong faith and joy in life. Today, I continue her mission. And, thanks to my precious husband who seemed to have left this earth way too soon, but left behind a most grateful wife that is a strong overcomer and resilient woman of faith, because of his example. I am so grateful.

And, above all.....to focus with heartfelt gratitude.....

** To all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard servicemen and women. You are selflessly giving and devoted, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are so deeply appreciated.

** To the families of our military members, know you have our sincerest thanks. You are generous and brave behind the scenes, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

** And to those families of the fallen, may you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you.

With tender hearts we lift you all up today, and we say "Thank you for everything, including this 3-day holiday where we are free to sing: "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me!"

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!
I live in a 55+ community of 2,000+ homes, and this Memorial Day, I am recognizing incredible patriotism as American flags are lining the main roadways and nearly every home has a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

There was a news story on NBC in which some high school students (as it happened, they were all African Americans with a patriotic teacher), rode a bus to put flowers on the grave sites of fallen soldiers. An elderly Korean War vet and his wife watched from a distance, then approached the kids. He tearfully thanked them for their gesture and shared a bit of his story. The students (boys and girls) were soon in tears, too. His service and that of all who had been laid to rest around them became very real. That story should make us all think about the men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day. At this moment, none of us should take their sacrifice for granted.

Our gratitude seems insignificant in comparison to their storming the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, freezing in Korea, wading through rice paddies of Vietnam, braving the heat of Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. What if we intentionally showed our appreciation to our military heroes? Here's some ways we can:

1. Fly Old Glory (there's one on my home)! Fly the flag in your yard, or display it in a prominent place where passersby can easily notice it. If veterans driving by your residence see the stars and stripes proudly waving in the breeze, they will be reminded of the patriotism that citizens harbor in their heart.

2. Say “Thank You” -- If you personally know any veterans and want to make their day, call them on the phone and thank them for their service to our country. If you see a soldier in uniform, thank him/her. Pay for their meal. This simple action on your part will be long remembered, and hearing and seeing your appreciation can make all their sacrifices seem worthwhile.

3. Write a Letter to a Soldier -- Any letter a soldier receives from their homeland is precious to them. There are wonderful organizations that help with that endeavor. The whole family could get involved.

4. Help the Family of a Serviceperson -- The family of a serviceperson is often overlooked, but their loved one’s active duty in the military involves plenty of sacrifices on their part, too. Help them by offering to do yard work or make home repairs or give them a restaurant gift certificate.

5. Pray -- We can petition God for the safety of our military who are in harm’s way, along with asking Him to comfort the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

6. Donate to Charities That Help Veterans -- We can make a monetary contribution to one of the charities that help veterans and their families.

Throughout his eight years in the Oval Office, President Ronald Reagan brought a renewed sense of optimism to a weary nation disillusioned by war and scandal. He repeatedly described America as the “shining city upon a hill.” Were it not for the work of our veterans down through history, America wouldn’t shine as brightly or perhaps would have ceased to shine at all. Because of them, the glow of democracy still beams out for all the world to see.

On this Memorial Day, may we put aside all the petty things we complain about, and sincerely be a people who humble ourselves and pray and offer thanksgiving to God Almighty for our great country and for those who served and continue to serve us so unselfishly! God bless America! And, God bless our service men and women from yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Change My Heart, Oh God -- Make It Ever New -- To Be Like You!

Today (Ash Wednesday) starts the season of Lent. It continues...40 days... through Holy Thursday just before Easter. It's the time when we begin preparing our hearts and minds for Easter. It's a time of intentional laser focus on HIM.

Often we hear the word "Lent" and we think "lint" -- those little fibers that get on our clothes from other fabrics and we use a little sticky lint remover tool to get it off. And Lent means sort of the same thing -- taking the time to "come clean" -- to rid ourselves of the funk and junk that has settled in our hearts. It's remembering the undescribable sacrifice of love that causes us to want to have hearts "swept clean" for His place of residence in us.

During this time, people fast and abstain from things that seem to have control over their lives, and it's also, rather than restraining ourselves, it's the "get ready, get set and go" time when we give to others....very purposefully. Random acts of kindness, being generous, etc. It's all about HEART CHANGE -- from the "It's all about me" to the "It's all about YOU, God!"

Lent is a time to remember, to recall, and to renew our love and commitment to Him. We spend a lot of time REMEMBERING the LOVE God had for us in giving us His one and only SON. We remember the LOVE He demonstrated by coming to this earth, becoming a man (like you and me), living a life of servitude and then was willing to die, be buried, and rise from the grave and lives today to draw us to Himself. Lent is about being fully ATTRACTED to Him WHO is ATTRACTED to us on a daily basis.

Typically, our thoughts are more on what our next meal will be, or the next TV show to watch, or the next assignment we'll be on to, or the plans for the weekend or the next trip or vacation we'll take. Many times, we simply go about our routines without really ever giving God a second thought.

So, what if, for the next 40 days, we were able to be less distracted by making a few changes to our routine? Maybe we give up our "must have" coffee in the morning, or the favorite reality show that "we just can't miss", or turn off our cell phones during meal times with family. Maybe we forego taking a nap, and, instead, we take a walk. And for everything we give up, maybe, instead, we spend time focusing our thoughts and hearts on Christ.

Perhaps as we acknowledge the little things that sometimes distract us from God, we become more aware of the weight of His sacrifice for us. And in turn, we might just be one step closer to fully embracing His grace and unfailing love for us this Easter. Maybe this Easter will be a REAL resurrection to celebrate -- the resurrection from our OLD selves to our NEW selves in Him.

LET IT BE

LET IT BE
And, Mary said "'Let it be'...unto me according to your word." In essence, she said "YES". Such a simple word -- only three little letters. but that "YES" changed everything for us. By her humble obedience to trust in what God was asking, the course of human history was changed. It wasn't just a simple request either. God was asking for her ALL. She said yes to the call God had for her life. She embraced His words and said yes to be a part of God's mission on earth.

Last Sunday, I heard Pastor Ryan Mauloff speak about Zechariah's hesitancy to believe the angel, Gabriel's, message that he and his wife (an old guy and gal) would conceive a son. His lack of belief caused him the inability to speak until their son, John (the Baptist), was born. He had been programmed to doubt. On the other hand, a very young (maybe only 13 years old) girl (child) Mary, was visited also by Gabriel but her response was in faith instead of doubt. I don’t know . . . if I were in her sandals, I probably would have been like, “What? Umm, just a minute here. I have a lot of questions!” But her beautiful and humble response . . was "LET IT BE to me according to your word.” {Luke 1:38}. This is a perfect example of why Jesus said we should be like little children. Little children just believe. Little children just say yes.

Remember that Paul McCartney song, "Let it Be"? Paul McCartney of The Beatles wrote that song about his own Mother Mary, and the comfort she brought him during his toughest times. Yesterday, while I was pondering the "Let it Be" mindset, I looked at the lyrics and I thought about Jesus' Mother Mary and how if we would apply her heart and wisdom to our lives, we may be used, also, in the comfort and strength of those around us:

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, LET IT BE.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, LET IT BE.
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, LET IT BE.

Wow. That is just so inspiring and encouraging to me. I want to respond to God's call with the same willingness and wisdom that Mary had! YES, LET IT BE unto me. It can be too easy to to come up with excuses or brush things off as being unimportant. But God can do anything with anyone who is willing. He is our strength. We need to remember that even one person can change history with one YES.

When we let God work in and through us, without questioning all the details and understanding everything, we are saying "LET IT BE". We don’t need to see what He is doing with our lives to know we are part of His plan. No list of excuses. No doubting. No thinking we aren’t important enough to make a difference.

Yes, in spite of our weaknesses. Yes with all the bumps and frustrations that might come along. Yes. LET IT BE!!

Holy Week -- a Time for Remembering

Just look at those amazing signs of Spring that celebrate this marvelous Holy Week aka Passion Week, the week just before Easter. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the sacred day that commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He rode into town on a donkey as crowds of people joyfully lauded him and spread out palm branches in his path to honor his kingship. Unfortunately, those same crowds would, later in this same week, cry out “Crucify Him!” This is the week of remembering His love and great sacrifice for you and me.

On Palm Sunday, our congregation, symbolic of those crowds in Jerusalem, meets together in our Fellowship Hall and then we all process into the sanctuary carrying our palm branches as we sing praises to our Lord. This day marked the start of Christ's journey to the cross, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection. The very least we can do this week, in the midst of our daily activities, routines and responsibilities, is to make room for the magnitude of what this week means to us.

We ponder with heart-felt gratitude He Who knew no sin, He Who loved so unconditionally, He who paid the price for our salvation and enable us to live a life of abundance, and He Who offers live-everlasting to each of us. Over 2000 years ago, He went the distance and finished what His Father set out for Him to do. His arms are still open wide for us to come to Him, to know Him, to receive Him and for us to live our lives in honor of such great sacrifice.

I snapped these photos as I left Inverness Village where a dear friend is in Skilled Nursing care there. I took her one of the palm branches from the service earlier, and I also took her communion. She cried when she saw the palm branch. I cried with her. Though she couldn’t be at the service, she remembered what this day meant, and humbly, she embraced receiving the Body of Christ in communion. As I left her and witnessed the beauty of this Spring day that represents newness of life, I also rejoiced because of such love from my Savior. Our Lord is no longer riding a donkey facing a horrific death. He is our risen Lord and Savior, soon coming on a white horse as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16).

"You were worth dying for." -- Jesus

LENT is About a Change of Heart

Day 10 of LOVE in this Love Month -- LENT is About a CHANGE of Heart
Today (Ash Wednesday) starts the season of Lent. It continues...40 days... through Holy Thursday just before Easter. It's the time when we begin preparing our hearts and minds for Easter. It's a time of intentional laser focus on HIM.

Often we hear the word "Lent" and we think "lint" -- those little fibers that get on our clothes from other fabrics and we use a little sticky lint remover tool to get it off. And Lent means sort of the same thing -- taking the time to "come clean" -- to rid ourselves of the funk and junk that has settled in our hearts. It's remembering the undescribable sacrifice of love that causes us to want to have hearts "swept clean" for His place of residence in us.

During this time people fast and abstain from things that seem to have control over their lives, and it's also, rather than restraining ourselves, it's the "get ready, get set and go" time when we give to others....very purposefully. Random acts of kindness, donate to charities, etc. It's all about HEART CHANGE -- from the "It's all about me" to the "It's all about YOU, God!"

Lent is a time to remember, to recall, and to renew our love and commitment to Him. We spend a lot of time REMEMBERING the LOVE God had for us in giving us His one and only SON. We remember the LOVE He demonstrated by coming to this earth, becoming a man (like you and me), living a life of servitude and then was willing to die, be buried, and rise from the grave and lives today to draw us to Himself. Lent is about being fully ATTRACTED to Him WHO is ATTRACTED to us on a daily basis.

Typically, our thoughts are more on what our next meal will be, or the next TV show to watch, or the next assignment we'll be on to, or the plans for the weekend or the next trip or vacation we'll take. Many times, we simply go about our routines without really ever giving God a second thought.

So, what if, for the next 40 days, we were able to be less distracted by making a few changes to our routine? Maybe we give up our "must have" coffee in the morning, or the favorite reality show that "we just can't miss", or turn off our cell phones during meal times with family. Maybe we forego taking a nap, and, instead, we take a walk. And for everything we give up, maybe, instead, we spend time focusing our thoughts and hearts on Christ.

Perhaps as we acknowledge the little things that sometimes distract us from God, we become more aware of the weight of His sacrifice for us. And in turn, we might just be one step closer to fully embracing His grace and unfailing love for us this Easter. Maybe this Easter will be a REAL resurrection to celebrate -- the resurrection from our OLD selves to our NEW selves in Him.

Role Model - Mentor - Women of Example

I have been blessed to have so many amazing female mentors in my life -- that started with my precious mother who showed me the power of profound faith -- in action. I don't remember ever hearing her complain about HAVING to work to bring in the needed income when my dad was so sick for many years, and eventually passed away. I don't ever remember her murmuring about being a widow and being lonely. I remember hearing her faith-filled prayers and singing about God's love while doing daily chores. I remember her having to go pawn her wedding band just to have the finances to make ends meet. I remember her heart of giving -- even with a small social security fixed income. She ALWAYS delighted in giving to her church and to others. She made so many sacrifices for me -- just so I could be dressed impeccably. I remember the sweet and tender heart she had for everyone. I don't remember her being fixated on how her body looked, but I do remember her caring about always dressing like queen. It was her example, as well as other wonderful Christian women who helped me gain a vision for what God desires from His daughters -- living strong, motivated, positive, determined, faith-filled, and energetic lives -- especially eager to make a difference in their world around them.

FB Girl Friends -- let's determine to carry the torch to be that light in the darkness to others, and we can not only be that role model and mentor they need, but will cause them to desire to leave their imprint on their next generation. Let's be those resilient, tenacious, can-do, strong, power-packed, all-out-hearts-for-God women that leave a legacy for others to follow.