Because I Can – Because We Can

It was cold enough for gloves and warm jacket, but I went for an early morning long walk, with earbuds in my ears and praise and worship music kicked up in high gear. I was flailing my arms and high-stepping it. Why would I do that? Because I can.

I was listening to the song “Where the Spirit of the Lord is” and I couldn’t help myself. His Spirit lives in me. Wherever I am, He is. Why wouldn’t I get myself moving and dancing and going outdoors and celebrating life? Quite frankly, outdoors seems to be the closest place to be near Him. After all, everywhere we look – the skies, the trees, the birds, the sun – AND people walking by -- He is there – and I think to myself what a wonderful world!

Why wouldn’t I dance? What wouldn’t I walk or run or jog? Why wouldn’t I stretch out my arms to the heavens in praise and worship to my Lord? Why wouldn’t I – when there are others on ventilators and they can’t, who are confined in bed and they can’t, who are isolated in a prison cell and they can’t, who are in a third world country and they are too afraid leave their shelter, so they can’t.

Because YOU can. We have seen you. You’re the ones holding up signs and balloons out of car windows, honking your car horn to celebrate someone’s birthday – apart, but together in spirit! We have seen you. You are the one who stands on your porch or balcony and you sing or play an instrument to brighten the world. You are the family that gets all together outside an elderly parent’s nursing home window to cheer them up. We have seen you. You are the devoted followers of Christ who are not missing a beat of your time to worship and praise Him in online services from home. We have seen you. You are the ones collecting food for the those who lost their jobs and they need help. We have seen you. You are the ever-faithful medical, emergency, and essential services warriors that have been relentless in life better for us. We have seen you.

And, what you see here is a most precious gift from a dear friend who is so multi-talented and uses her gifts to bless others. Because she can. She’s not one that likes to be on stage or to be the grandiose out-loud-pray-er – but, oh, the blessing she is to many. Because she can. On Tuesday, with her son as her chauffeur and her dogs as her body guards – she brought me this lovely encouragement. She blessed me so much. She handcrafted and painted half of the heart with these words:
“2020 started strong and tall. Who’d have thought that we’d end up with social distancing for all?
For now, my heart is hurting and broken right in two,
So, here’s a piece for me and here’s a piece for you.
But when this crazy time is through,
And we won’t have to be apart,
We’ll get together, have some fun
And mend this broken heart.”

Precious brothers and sisters-in-Christ – get out and do something that you can do, explore and do more for each other AND lift your praises to God – BECAUSE YOU CAN!

Watch for the Signs -- Give Some Signs

Today I’ve got my eyes wide open for “signs” – you know, those sweet reminders of loved-ones passed or the Christmas card or phone call or text messages from friends and loved ones, but mostly, the “signs” of Emmanuel – God with us. Tonight, we’ll attend Christmas Eve mass at my church and “signs” will be everywhere – the hundreds of gorgeous poinsettias, the ginormous Christmas trees that don the altar area will now be lit for the announcement of Jesus’ birth and Baby Jesus, whose manger was empty on Sunday, will show up in the manger. We’ll attend the 5:00 pm one where the children will sing. It will be packed because all the parents and family members want to be there to celebrate their children. And, isn’t that what makes Christmas so special – the Baby in the manger and all the children who grasp the WHO and WHY behind Christmas?

On December 24th, 2010, just a little over a month after the passing of my husband, I spent days rummaging through his treasures and items that represented who he was. I gathered the items together and strategically placed them in six very fine treasure boxes for our grandchildren. We had always been Christmas Eve gift exchangers with our kids and grandkids. So, after all the exchanges of gifts with each other, I presented each one with their treasure box. Of course, I was sentimental. I wanted to continue giving “signs” of their Papa’s love and life. In the oldest grandson’s box, was Papa’s wallet that held his pilot’s license (Braden had just completed his first “solo” flight.). In the second oldest grandson’s box, was Papa’s sports pins from the 2000 Super Bowl that he attended, as well as his OU Sooner lighter (Bear was the avid sports fan with lots of sports memorabilia). In 10-year old Payton’s box was Papa’s fishing knot tying book (Payton is the fisherman – following in Papa’s footsteps); in Alexia’s box was a little stuffed animal that I gave Papa many years ago and she always loved it. And in all of their boxes were other symbolic items that spoke of the Papa they knew and loved: his favorite gum – Trident Citrus Flavored; Smarties candies – Papa would always have some hidden in his desk drawer for them; Breath Freshener Strips – he always made sure his breath smelled good; a measuring tape – represented Papa’s ability to build, restore, and remodel; one of his hankies; one of his pocket knives; some of pins from the many organizations he belonged to; one of Papa’s crosses and religious coins; a pair of his glasses and one of his watches.

Nothing in those boxes represented much monetarily – but each item symbolized the Papa they knew and loved. They took those boxes home and they wtreasure them and open them again and recall the joyful times they had with Papa. They are all SIGNS of a precious and loving Papa. Then, I gave an envelope to each one of the children, grandchildren and Ron’s Mom. Those envelopes contained photos of Papa with that person. Each of us told about those photos -- what we were doing with him and what we felt during that time. A range of emotions followed. It was a celebratory time – time filled with tears and laughter – but special in that each of us, individually, and collectively, were able to release our emotions and tell about the love we had for Papa, recall the special man of God he was, the special Papa he was, and the dad and husband that laid a sure foundation of faith, hope and love in our lives. We shared those precious memories together and all agreed that we will get busy with doing what he taught us with actions and words to do – to be a family that bases our lives on trusting in God, sharing the good news of great joy everywhere we go.

SIGNS are everywhere at this time of year for us to remember WHO made this such a big, lit-up, joy-filled and hope-filled season. A star or an angel tops our Christmas tree. The tree, itself, is a SIGN that reminds us that the babe in the manger was also the great Creator of everything. A nativity scene reminds us of our Lord’s humble birth. Gift-giving reminds us of the most treasured gift of all given by God when He gave us only begotten Son! The carols and songs we sing are SIGNS of the angelic chorus announcing His birth.

Look for the signs this Christmas. Believe in miracles. Believe that love is stronger than that which separates us. Remember no matter how hard this day is, know you are loved beyond words – because LOVE broke through the sound barriers and showed up for us. Find your Christmas miracle. You might be surprised when you open your eyes to all that Is possible. I believe they are never far.

“And this will be a SIGN for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

The Joy of a Hope and Faith-Filled Child

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday the theme was HOPE, and today, the second lit candle on the Advent Wreath represents FAITH! And for a little personal emphasis, those hope and faith themes are so appropriate today because it's my hope-filled and faith-filled daughter's birthday!

Oh how thrilled I was 50 years ago today to welcome my baby girl, Staci Michelle, into this world. To this day, this baby girl who grew up physically and spiritually into a powerful, faith-filled woman of God, is still a little girl in so many ways. I’m quite sure the enemy runs in terror, while her Heavenly Father does a high-five to His heavenly team, when she wakes up each morning. She has spring in her step, joy in her soul, faith in believing nothing is impossible with God (NOTHING), dreaming what would seem impossible dreams, and dancing to the tune of a different Drummer.

And, we called her Staci Michelle (resurrection life; like God). We were definitely connected to heaven when that name was given to us. She has proven both names in the way she is consistently bringing Christ’s resurrection life to others and, on so many levels, is like God in her love for people and love for seeing them come to know His Son and experience His abundant life.

This blog came to me when several of us took evangelizing to a whole new level by taking to the streets of Frisco on Main. This will be our third week, carrying signs that say “God loves you”, “Need prayer?”, “Honk if you love Jesus!”, “Be the Light”, etc. Staci was the one hopping and dancing around with her sign which was a magnet for those who needed and wanted prayer. She posted herself at the entrance of a store or gas station that gave the drivers the ability to pull over and ask. One lady, in tears, said “If only my mom would have seen your signs, she might be alive today.” She went on to tell Staci – her mother, father and sibling all committed suicide. Another asked for prayer for her family and, after two miscarriages, another asked for prayer to have a baby. People need hope and my girl (she's still my baby) is up to the task of giving it to them.

I could tell you so many other things about my girl, but I’ll segue to my scripture readings in Isaiah recently that spoke of a little child leading them. And then in Luke 10, Jesus spoke of being childlike. I think about this time of the year and what being childlike looks like. They’re excited for the Christmas programs they may be performing at school. They may be excited about seeing Santa Claus at the mall but most of all, they’re excited about Christmas Eve and Christmas morning when all kinds of gifts await them. They can hardly wait.

This beautiful season of Advent is the opportunity for us to be childlike too. For us to anticipate the joy of our Savior who was born for us and for our salvation. We can get excited as we ponder and prepare for the coming of our Lord -- both in the remembrance of His coming to earth as a baby and for His return to this earth someday soon. Let’s be full of the abundant life Christ came to give us and let’s be full of resurrection life that draws others to Christ and His goodness and mercy.

“And if the Spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He Who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit Who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

You’re welcome, world! I was blessed to be the bearer of this fruit of my womb. And, now we all can enjoy the benefits of knowing a gal who walks, talks and lives the resurrection life that Christ came to give all of us! Happy Birthday, my precious, full-of-resurrection-life, childlike CHILD! I love you so so much!
If you'd like to follow her on FB, go to: https://www.facebook.com/staciwallace

She's a Looney-Toon

Remember those wacky, wild, half-witted Looney Tunes characters? We laughed at their shenanigans. They gave us plenty of comedy relief. We often think the same thing about overzealous Christians. They are the ones who stand on a street corner waving some kind of "Jesus" sign and yelling “Do you love Jesus?” They are the ones who call attending church, small groups and Bible studies as a fun night out!

I saw a man joyfully dancing down the street and waving a sign that said, "TRUST GOD" on it. The first impression of those passing by was probably "That guy's a 'looney-tune’!" But, he inspired me. I gave him a big thumbs up as I passed him. I recognized his joy. Maybe he was deliriously happy because of an answered prayer and he wanted everyone to experience his joy, too! On the other hand, maybe he was acting in faith, simply trusting God for something that seemed almost impossible in the natural. Either way, he had the "goods" on trusting.

My own daughter can be seen as a Looney Tune because her eyes are always open for someone to encourage and bring hope to their life. Her line is usually “Is there something I can pray with you about?” And, most people are quick to say "yes". On our recent trip to Tulsa, I had to hold her at bey because we were on a time crunch for an appointment, so she kept her head down when we stopped at a service station. Seriously, I want to be more like her – bold, unafraid and unashamed of what people think, and letting my little light shine.

What causes some folks to live with such unabandoned devotion to God? I'd like to suggest that they are the ones who once were lost and now they’re found; they were on their death bed and now they’re healed and whole; they were once lonely, but now they are secure in knowing how loved and cared for by God they are; they were once an alcoholic or drug addict and now they’re free; they were once homeless and now they have a home, a job, and a family and friends.

Think about what a "looney-tune" Noah must have been to those who watched him building the ark when it had never rained before. And, here we are living in this 21st Century and many of us have become bold and fanatical in our faith and devotion to God, so much so that we wear "Victory in Jesus" t-shirts or other slogans that reference God and other branded items that makes others refer to “those Looney-Tune people”. We’re those people who are radical enough to defend the unborn; who love our Country, and those who believe nothing is impossible with God. We're those Looney Tunes who attend church regularly, read our Bibles, and share God’s good news wherever we go.

But most importantly we enjoy being referred to as Looney Tunes. We've trusted God in the storms of life and we came through it all. Actually, maybe it’s the people who don’t trust in God that are the real "Looney Tunes". Maybe people who never take a risk, never face their fears, and those who don't know how to dance in the storms are the real "LooneyTunes".

Honestly, there are days that I am so profoundly overjoyed at the answers to prayer, the blessings that come my way, and sheer delight in my relationship with God -- that I could be that guy in my desire for others to see that TRUSTING GOD truly pays off! Yes, there are prayers that don't get answered the way we'd like them to. Often we get a "No" or a "Not yet" answer, and, even so, we learn that total TRUST with complete certainty that He will work it ALL for our good, just becomes our way of life. So when others point to us as Looney Tunes – let’s own up to it. After all, we're in good company with Jesus. No feedback necessary. No need to be concerned. God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good. Now from Looney Tunes' Porky Pig: "Th-Th-The, Th-Th-The, Th-Th... That's all, folks!"

Signs are Everywhere, But Do We See Them?

My relationship with God is by far my highest priority.. I purposely cultivate that relationship by spending time in His presence....I hear from Him quite regularly. Maybe that sounds like I pray for hours on end to be in His presence, but that's not the case. When I wake up, I know I'm in His presence. As I go through my day, I know I'm in His presence. When I'm sleeping, I know I'm in His presence. I don't have to find a secret place (though it's quite beneficial to have those places of complete focus). Being so "tight" with my Father God that I sense His nudges and His signs, is sincerely my goal.

I'd like to think that I am always on the same wavelength as God -- that His ebb and flow is my ebb and flow. But there are so many distractions that come my way, that very often I miss His whispers, His nudges and His signs. Paying attention is my aim.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've shared in my FB posts how I've recognized divine encounters, God's gentle nudges and other signs of His presence. When a cardinal showed up while I was praying, I sensed God's attention to the details of the talk I would soon be giving. And, Monday, His presence was made known to me again, confirming that I was on track.

Case in point: On Monday's FB post, I shared the gist of my talk at the Advent by Candlelight. "I understand" are Christ's words when it comes to all the challenges we may face because He experienced everything that we have. "I understand a baby's cry" because I was a baby." "I understand a teenager's struggles, because I was a teenager." "I understand the temptations of a young person, because I was tempted in all points as they are, yet I sinned not." Bottom line "I understand" are Jesus' words because He too knew the plight, the struggles, the pains and concerns of humanity, because He was human.

Getting everything together for the event, I realized I left my Bible in Frisco, so I asked Mom if I could borrow one of hers. She said, "Sure, there's an Oral Roberts Bible on the book shelf in my bedroom. I loved it -- red leather edition. As I opened to the scriptures I would be referring to at the event, a Gospel tract fell out of the pages. The tract was entitled "I Understand". God gave me a sweet assurance that I was on point with my talk because, of all the Bibles Mom has, it was the Oral Roberts Bible that she directed me to, and that tract was in that Bible. I shared this story at the event to assure the ladies of God's gentle nudges, signs and His desire to communicate truths with us through so many providential circumstances.

The next day, one of the attenders of the event, sent me an email asking for a copy of the tract "I Understand" to give to her mother in law. I found it online and sent it to her. But her words about "signs" are what blessed me. Here is what she said.......

"I just read my morning prayer and wouldn't you know it mentions signs! How about that? Here's the devotion prayer....
"Lord Jesus, may I never lose sight of the SIGNS of your presence in my life and the SIGNS of your action in the world today. Free me from spiritual dullness, indifference, and every distraction that would keep me from you. May I never tire of listening to your word, seeking you in prayer, and longing for your return in glory."

May we keep our eyes and ears open to His voice and His gentle nudges. He wants us to seek Him and know His heart, His longing to be our best friend that, more than anything, desires to see us blessed. If not, maybe now is a good time to start! I pray that you become a NOTICER -- watch for God's sweet confirming "signs" that will keep you moving in His direction!