Bam Wham Computer Down!

Nothing like starting the day with great expectancy and promise. Then all it takes is one major kink in the hose, so to speak, to stop the flow. And, in my case, it was bam, wham and my computer was down. That means a call for 911 computer help! Fortunately, that day last week happened after I posted my early morning blog. And, thankfully, I have a 24/7 repair guy. Well, he may not agree with that all-day-and-night hours of business, but he was there when I needed him that early morning. Twenty-four hours later (he pulled an all-nighter – well, actually, the computer pulled an all-nighter getting all my files and programs restored). BTW, if you’re local to me, I’ve got the whiz-older-kid repair guy for you! Reasonable, fast and efficient!

We know how productive we can be when our computers AND our lives are operating at top performance. And we also know how counter-productive we can be when our computers crash or we crash. Our computers are of such importance to us that we use security, filters, and firewalls to help protect them and we do regular back-up of our information. But what about us? We are like a sophisticated, advanced, powerful, intricate, masterfully designed and crafted, highly intelligent, capable of so much input AND output computer -- created by God. Nothing like starting the day with great expectancy and promise and then all it takes is one major kink in the hose, so to speak, to stop the flow. And, in my case, it was bam, wham -- computer down! That means a 911 computer tech call for help! Fortunately, that pivotal calamity unfolded after I posted my early morning blog. Thankfully, I have a 24/7 repair guy. Well, he may not agree with that all-day-and-night hours of business, but he was there when I needed him that early morning. Twenty-four hours later (he pulled an all-nighter – actually, the computer pulled an all-nighter getting all my files and programs restored). BTW, if you’re local to me, I’ve got the older-whiz-kid repair guy for you! Reasonable, fast and efficient!

We know how productive we can be when our computers AND our lives are operating at top performance. And we also know how counter-productive we can be when our computers crash or we crash. Our computers are of such importance to us that we use security, filters, and firewalls to help protect them and we do regular back-up of our information. But what about us? We are like a sophisticated, advanced, powerful, intricate, masterfully designed and crafted, highly intelligent, capable of so much input AND output computer -- created by God.

Our minds are really like a computer, and how we program them and what we input into them determines our output. Negative thinking and speaking is like a corrupted program or virus that comes from an external source (i.e., the enemy of our souls) that can make its way in and infects our thinking. That's when we need to use the DELETE button and reprogram ourselves with software that says "I am more than a conqueror"; "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me", "Greater is He Who is in me than he that is in the world", "If God be for me, who can be against me?" That is the input we need and then the output will be conquering, winning and being blessed.

It's time we get really good at hitting the DELETE button and then say, "I am who God says I am. My mind is alert and my heart is receptive to only God's voice. No one can make me feel inferior without my permission. Voices from the past are no longer a stronghold over me." When voices say, "You'll never get ahead." DELETE. "You're stupid." DELETE. "You're defective." DELETE. Say, "I am equipped, well able, I will fulfill my destiny. God says I am His masterpiece. I am not defective or flawed. God has crowned me with his favor. I am the apple of His eye, and one of His prized possessions. I am accepted, approved, and I am valuable."

Maybe, it's time to reboot, reprogram, re-input, and renew your mind (your computer). And, for goodness sake, we MUST keep our computer CLEAN, free from viruses of hate, anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, worry, and defeat. We must make sure our FIREWALL is working well -- the FIREWALL of God's Word that protects against the adversary's voice and his devices and tactics. And, remember to DELETE when necessary!

Life is Often Like a Wild Water Ride

Aw! Water! Refreshing, cool, thirst-quenching water. I’ve been packing a lot of water over the last week or so. The warmer weather and being outdoors requires it.

But, today, I’m talking about the beautiful water features that I’ve been enjoying. My Austin family and I spent the last week at the Gulf of Texas’ Port Aransas. The ocean, pictured here, was like I had never seen. Multiple waves were always billowing in. It was easy to stand in it and get cooled off. But in the early morning, it was always high tide which meant it billowed way into land. See this lovely sand castle being carved? I left the beach before this expert sand castle sculptor finished it. The next morning when I walked the beach, it had been consumed by the high tide.

Now, back at home, I enjoy my community's lake views -- still waters with a backdrop of magnificent sunrises. Over the years, our family has enjoyed every water feature you could imagine. We frequented lakes and rivers all over the U.S. and Canada where we camped, fished, skied, fished, river rafted and kayaked. And there are no adequate words to convey the beauty of the majestic oceans and seas that we cruised. I recall my sweetheart sitting back, delighting in the stillness and beauty of those moments in all of those water places. He loved taking it all in. He was "home" by the water. I'm quite sure he's made sure that our mansion in heaven is right by the River of Life.

What if life was like living by a pond or lake that represents stability and tranquility? It doesn't change much. With the exception of a severe storm (like the tornados we encountered many times), a lake is a secure place with clear boundaries, stable waters, and a quiet shore. There is a sense of order, control, and safe predictability about a lake, with few major surprises from day to day.

I have found life to be more like traveling down a river. It's extremely unpredictable and filled with many twists and turns, highs and lows, rapids and calms, unseen obstacles and unexpected objects. It can also be filled with exhilarating experiences that are packed full of adventure. You can ride the currents of a fast flowing river in a raft or kayak, but you have to avoid the potential dangers that can be devastating to a rider. We know that for a fact. When our kayaks tipped over, we were pulled into the rapids. But for the grace of God, we could have lost our lives. Our kayaks went on down the river….without us in them. Thank God, we had on life preservers.

As we journey on, we want life to be safe and secure for us and our loved ones, like my subdivision's lakes with borders -- no big changes or surprises. But, in reality, life is more like a river as it is continually moving in ways that we cannot control, predict, or expect. Doesn’t it feel like that’s exactly where we’re at right now? Every day is unpredictable – well, in our eyes – certainly not God’s. He is always in control.

The good news for us is that our security, stability, AND sanity are not found on the rivers of our lives, but in the Lord of our lives. Our hope is in Him who knows the way through the obstacles and the twists and turns. Our peace is found in the One who directs our course. Our hope is fixed upon the One Whose hands not only created the waters, but calms them, and He is THE ONE Who causes the unpredictability of the waters to work things together for our good. (Romans 8:28). I’m so certain – that all we have encountered in the last few months is a part of God's providence in our lives and through it all, we are secure in God's sovereign hands.
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you....."

High Tech Versus High Discernment

I heard about a GPS app where parents can know where their kids (who have a cell phone) are at – at any given time. But, beware, parents! I also heard about an app that is called GPS Spoofing where the kid, or anyone, can make it look like they’re somewhere, but in reality, they’re not there at all.

My #2 grandson (in age) is 24. While I was in Austin, he told me that his mom and dad have that GPS app on their phones. I burst out laughing when he said, “I asked them to download that app because I want them to know if I’m stuck out in the middle of an ocean! It gives me security for many reasons.”

But, there are reasons for paring back on high-tech to going after low-or-no-tech that slows us down to draw upon our Most High God's HIGH abilities. Back to the GPS app that identifies where our kids are at any given moment. My mama made it without high tech. She had a “discerner” that knew what I was up to at any given time. My daughter has that “discerner” also because her kids say “Mom has eyes in the back of her head!” It’s true – those eyes are her discerner.

That sounds like the HIGHEST ability of our Heavenly Father Who offers us the Gifts of the Spirit, found in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and one of those Gifts is discernment. I’ve used that Gift for years when it comes to my children, my grandchildren, my friends and my husband. Discernment is being able to distinguish, discern, judge or assess a person, statement, situation or environment. Hebrews 5:14 it tells us it helps us discern good and evil. Oh how we need this low-tech, but high ability in our lives today – for so many reasons. We need to make decisions on family matters, political matters, employment, change of locations, and even giving wise counsel to friends. Discernment is a Gift from God and we need to have a heart-to-heart chat with God – asking Him daily for this Gift.

Discernment is not something we have apart from God. It is something we acquire as we walk closely with Him. If you’re in a struggle with one of your children or your spouse or your employer, it’s time to ask God for discernment – the wisdom and perspective for that situation. God knows exactly what’s going on. He is the Giver of wisdom. Instead of facing all the challenges and changes of life on our own, we have the Creator Himself walking alongside us. Want to know what is going on in a situation that is challenging you? Spend some alone time with God. Ask Him. Wait for His guidance. Freely He gives.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9

The Security of a Teddy Bear

On February 15, 1903, Toy store owner and inventor Morris Michtom placed two stuffed bears in his shop window, and advertised them as Teddy bears. Michtom had earlier petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname, Teddy. The president agreed and, before long, Teddy bears were being made by toy manufacturers everywhere.

I read that in “Vintage” Magazine. Since I’m “vintage”, I thought about the stuffed bears that I have. When my husband was travelling a lot, he gave me a 5-ft, stuffed, grizzly bear "Buxley" to keep me company while he was away. He also gave this adorable Teddy girl for Valentine’s. She sings: “L” is for the way you look at me. “O” is for the only one I see. “V” is very, very, extraordinary. “E” is even more than anyone that you adore. Love is all that I can give to you........"

Be still my heart. And, my little white bear was a gift from my granddaughter. There is a science behind a “Teddy bear”. Yes, it’s a stuffed bear with fur, a sweet face and has sentimental value for us for a long time (i.e., ME!) But, it is much more. It is also a transitional object that provides a sense of security when a baby is separated from his/her mom when she goes to work or takes the baby to a daycare or has a baby sitter. Science has proven that children who have a transitional object, like in the case of my grandchildren who needed their “blankies”. They always handled those moments easier than those without it. The theory is like a mother holding and caring for her baby, the baby cuddles his/her Teddy bear or soft item and associates it with his/her mother. The bear or blankie becomes the security and comfort needed when mother isn't present.

It makes sense, but where am I going with this blog today? Seems like a far-fetched stretch of the imagination to segue to OUR need for a sense of security, no matter how old or how young we are. Everyone experiences insecurity at times. I know what's it's like to feel insecure about myself. I grew up as that girl who was shy and not really feeling safe and secure throughout my childhood. My daddy was very sick and I was a latch-key kid. That's why it's very important for me to feel safe and secure in my life now. The good news is, I learned how NOT to live an insecure life. I know it’s God's will for us to be very secure and not to live in fear. He created us to feel safe, secure, and confident. It's part of our spiritual DNA as believers in Christ. The key to living a secure life is knowing who we are in Him, receiving God's love for us, and basing our worth and value on who God says we are, not on what we do.

I define self esteem as having confidence that I am who God says I am. It’s not dependent on my own abilities, but on knowing that God will equip me for the work He has set out for me to do. I was having one of those “I’m not enough” moments a few days ago, when lo and behold, a friend sent me this text message: “I want you to know how much I love you and am so grateful for the beauty of who God made you to be and all the gifts and talents He has given you. Thank you for loving God the Father so much.” WHAT? How did she know I was having feelings of inadequacy? Oh, I know the answer. She knows my Father and He knows me and her. He nudged her to extend her love to me that was just what I needed that day.

I’m long past having the need to have Teddy bears, though I still love them as mementos. But I’ll never outgrow my need for my Father God Who daily assures me “Donna, you are enough for me and I am enough for you." Maybe today you need to hear those words, too. YOU ARE ENOUGH! God said so!

"And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security." Job 11:18

My First Line of Defense

Part of my training at Children's Hospital included knowing the “first line of defense” in case of fire or other emergencies. Knowing where the fire pulls and extinguishers are, as well as knowing the color codes and alerts in case of security issues.

In my personal life, I’ve also come to learn my absolute first line of defense when I’m faced with words that shake me to my core. I’ve heard: “Your daughter is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis!“ “Our house is on fire!” “Your mother only has hours to live!” “He was in a car accident!” "Your husband has Stage 4 cancer!” I wish that my first line of defense in all those instances had been “I will not be afraid. I believe that God has me and He will work all things for good!”

A great lesson came from one of my favorite Bible stories from Mark 5:35-36. It speaks of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who came to Jesus begging him to go with him to heal his daughter who was dying. As Jesus was going with him, some people from Jairus' house came saying “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any more?” Here’s my favorite line (the first line of defense) from Jesus to Jairus when He overheard their words: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” I can even visualize that setting -- Jesus putting one hand up (“STOP -- don’t think!”) and the other hand with a finger up to his lips (“Shush -- don’t speak!”)

“Why bother?” Isn’t that what the naysayers and doubters say and isn’t that what the enemy of our souls wants us to say? It’s the whisper we hear when the bad news comes. "Give up. It’s Hopeless. I’m afraid. I can’t take this. I can't handle it alone."

Two little words change everything. “But Jesus.” He has a different message, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Don’t give up or let go of hope. Jesus is the Giver of life and it’s not finished until He says so. He took her by the hand and said: "Little girl, I say to you, get up!”. The girl stood up and began to walk around” (Mark 5:41-42).

Above, I quoted lines from “my story”. “Your daughter has cystic fibrosis!“ But Jesus -- that little girl was dramatically healed, has a 5-½ octave vocal range and daily lives to give the good news of Jesus. “Our house is on fire!” But Jesus -- those were words our daughter cried out to us when their home was burning. They were all safe, their insurance more than covered their losses, and rebuilt the home and have shared God's goodness to others. “Your mother only has hours to live!” But Jesus -- Mom recovered and lived a full life for another eight years. “He was in a car accident!” But Jesus -- our son survived what could have easily been a fatal car crash. “Your husband has Stage 4 cancer!” But Jesus -- gave him and me such peace that passed understanding throughout the journey, and he WAS healed when he graduated to heaven.

Jairus’ “little girl” was his “But Jesus” moment. What is your “little girl” today? What is your first line of defense when those riveting times come? My first line of defense is Jesus’ words “Do not be afraid. Only believe.” It's not over until He says "It's over!"

Our Secret Place

I receive daily emails from a ministry that sincerely seeks God for His daily thoughts. These were the words God gave them for us yesterday that really resonated within my heart: “When you feel vulnerable, make a concerted effort to do what it takes to be as safe as possible. However, you must not forget that abiding in Me is your ultimate security. I am your safe harbor in the midst of a storm. Come and hide yourself in Me, says the Lord." ~~ Psalm 27:5 “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”

Like me, do you ever feel vulnerable – even just a little bit? My vulnerable times are when I come home late at night and have that initial eerie feeling of walking into my dark home; driving in torrential rain; waiting for a doctor’s diagnosis; when I’m speaking up in a meeting; or the times when I’m about to go on stage to speak for an event. And, what I do to be and feel as safe as possible, is to pull out the “big girl antidote” of praying for the sense of peace that comes from He Who is our peace.

God really is our safe place and when we abide in Him, He does bring us ultimate security. I love that line “Come and hide yourself in Me!” I was with my computer technician yesterday and while he was explaining new features he had added to my computer, I was explaining my 911 emergency number to him. It’s Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” When I need peace and a sense of safety, I quickly resort to my Secret Place – to the place and to the One who quickly restores my peace.

The shepherd boy, David, and later, King David, knew that peace from an early age. And so did I. I don’t know what’s going on in your world today, but I’m quite sure I know that there will be times when you feel vulnerable and afraid. But, rather than staying there, we quickly realize those feelings don’t come from God, and we, assertively demobilize them by placing them in God’s hands in the Secret Place and sweet peace comes. It’s not a mind-over-matter moment. It’s a God-over-matter moment.

At my church, we say “The peace of the Lord be with you” and in reply we say, “and with your Spirit”. That is – God’s peace be with you – spirit, soul and body! That’s the full meal deal God gives us – without measure when we go to His “secret place”.

Goodness and Mercy in the Storm

Goodness and Mercy in the Storm
I love to share about God’s goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6) but then comes along another storm or battle that rocks and reels our world again. So many people in the Florida Panhandle are facing “life AFTER the devastation from Hurricane Michael”. The National Weather Service reported it to have been the third-strongest storm ever to strike the U.S., calling it a catastrophic and unprecedented event.

It's a cinch to speak "goodness and mercy" from my place of comfort, security, and safety this morning. I could go on my merry way and not give a second thought to those precious people who are suffering and are reeling from this disaster. But I can’t. How could I be so callous to not consider those whose homes are destroyed or at the very least are dealing with damages that will take a long time to restore. Our awareness of hurting people should be even stronger in times like this as well as the urgency to pray for their peace, comfort, and resilience. We should also be praying for first responders, emergency relief organizations and those who are providing love and support in tangible ways.

I don't take my comfort for granted because I’ve been through some mighty serious storms in life, and in weather. In fact, I could be right here in the comfort of my home and still be reeling from storms that could be in and around me. I could be completely lost and hopeless -- longing for inner peace and rest in my soul. How grateful I am that I found that God's goodness and mercy did follow me in those times because I found that safe place in the person of Jesus Christ, and what a difference it has made in the many storms I’ve encountered.

There will always be storms in our lives. It’s predictable whether they are from the forces of natural disasters or those from the pain of broken relationships, disappointments, discomfort from illness or loss of loved ones. In all those storms, no matter what comes our way, there is only one Constant that can carry us through each and every storm. We can be hope-filled conquerors because our trust is in God, our Good Shepherd Who promised His goodness and mercy to be with us.

Maybe life seems overwhelming from the storms you may be in today. I've been there and each time I found my answers, my peace and my comfort in the One who is our Good Shepherd. I realize those overwhelming circumstances drew me to the Source of answers, the stable foundation, and my shelter in the storm. I urge you to go there for your place of refuge today. I pray that Jesus' words to the disciples as they were reeling in fear and despair are His words to calm you today: "Peace, be still". In the meantime, let's PRAISE HIM in the storm! And, may His goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life.

I Am My Beloved’s and He Is Mine

Please indulge me as I’m still living in the precious moments of my recent Holy Lands' trip. I spent most of yesterday going through my journal and taking note of God's special blessings. Needless to say, I felt so wrapped up in God’s love because of so many incidents that brought heaven to earth to me. I read the words just before I left on the trip: "I know You are with me -- guiding, directing, keeping my feet on the pathways you are leading me on -- safe and protected! I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE!" Just look at how those words played out!

First of all – just being able to go on this trip with my dear friends, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, who were my loving guardian angels – yes, I need double-duty from angels (those in the spirit realm and in the natural). LOL! Because they had flown out a couple of days earlier to Rome, I went it alone until I flew into Houston to meet the other travelers. Of course, God, in His loving kindness, provided me with angels there – dear Tony & Ruby Urbina. There was a divine connection the moment we met. It sincerely seemed like a “match made in heaven” for us. They were my Houston to Rome angels. They wouldn’t leave me for a minute. Tony would lead the way and say "Come on, Babies!" What a blessing they were to me, and then we met up with Mick and Sheila in Rome. They looked out for me in so many ways! We had so many laughs -- especially when we decided to go it alone in Rome, apart from our tour group. When Mick told Sheila and I to hide our name tags because we didn't want others to think we were tourists, Sheila and I fell apart laughing so hard. We had our cameras, our handbags and we were looking at a map -- so do you think we DIDN"T look like tourists without those name tags? LOL!

On the way home on Saturday, in the Frankfurt airport, our time was short, considering the long security checks at several different areas. When our last check came up, my carry-ons were held up. One, because I left a water bottle in one bag, and my computer in the other. Oh me. That delay certainly created some anxiety because our flight departure was soon. Mick and Sheila wouldn’t leave me. I told them to go ahead but they refused. They said “If you’re missing your flight – so will we!” Now that’s love. My bags were checked, and of all things, both were detected for explosives! Here came the police with their firearms. This cute policewoman (pictured below) sure eased my concern with her smiles and good English. Eventually I was released with time to spare and my buddies were there to hustle through with me.

Early on in our journeys, I told about the sweet couple that gave me a necklace "from my husband". That was special enough, but "the love" just kept coming. When I walked into a store just outside our hotel in Jerusalem, one of my fellow travelers called me over to look at a necklace he'd found for his wife who had to stay at home. They both are doctors. I was giving him my “two thumbs up” agreement with his decision, when the shopkeeper asked me for my ring size. He came back with this ring, pictured here. It is inscribed, in Hebrew, “I am my beloved’s and he is mine” – the scripture from Song of Solomon 6:3, and the words I wrote in my journal BEFORE leaving home. Of course, the tears flowed like a fountain because my Lord came through for me as I reminded Him in the beginning "I AM YOURS and YOU ARE MINE" and I knew, both He AND my sweetheart were with me on this journey. There were just too many set-ups. Indeed my Father does love the widows so much, that He continues to pour out blessings I can hardly contain. While I thought of the sweet love I had with my husband, I know that this ring represents the many ways that I belong to Jesus. I am my beloved’s by the gift of His purchase of me, paid by His own life; I am His by surrender, because I gave myself to Him. I am His and He is mine now and for all eternity.

You, too, are His beloved and He is yours. Just believe it, give Him your life and receive His love. I promise you, THAT love doesn't disappoint!

Keep the Bouncer at the Door

Day 311 of Photo Inspirations -- Keep the Bouncer at the Door
Yesterday, as I was having my morning devotion,  two different friends came to my mind. I try to live "in the zone" so that when a name pops in my head,  then I pray for them.  And there are times when I not only pray for them, but a particular encouraging word or scripture comes to mind that I text it or email or call them.  I did that yesterday.  That scripture had a lot to do with "fixing our thoughts on good things".  In the face of adversity, that's not easy to do, especially when those circumstances are staring us down.  But, from my own experience, I know it works, because it's replacing negative thoughts with God's Word which always brings light to the darkness.

Later in the morning, I was on a conference call and the guest speaker was giving us incredible words of wisdom.  He said, "You've got to get your thinking right.  You become what you think about. Be mentally strong.  Stop negative thoughts."  I've never heard it put this way before, but he also said, "Keep the bouncer at the door of your mind."  

It sure does make sense to have "security" on guard for our minds.    You know a bouncer is the beefy, muscular guy employed by a nightclub or similar establishment to prevent troublemakers from entering or to eject them from the premises.  Well, that's what the speaker meant about protecting our minds.  Keep the bouncer there to eject those negative thoughts from entering and kick them out if they do slip in through the back door.  I like to say "Change the channel" when negativity, worry, concern, depression, tries to creep in.  A better station to listen to is one that speaks optimism and can-do-anything.....Channel WWHB (World Wide Holy Bible).  Hmm -- maybe that really should be a TV Station.

I knew, as I was listening to this conference call, I had been on the right track when I sent words to my friends about guarding their thoughts.  This is that scripture and today, I urge you to change the channel or if this illustration makes more sense to you, make friends with the bouncer so you and him can "clean house" of those troublemakers!

Philippians 4:6-8  "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. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."