No Matter What -- God's Got This School Year

In spite of the face masks, rules of hygiene, social distancing, on-line or in-person school – I’m asking God for His favor on this year with so many blessings and great accomplishments for our children AND even for you moms and dads. What a breath of fresh air it has been to see such optimism on my FB feed lately of photos of kids going back to school.

Those precious children make me smile with great hope for the beginners, the teenagers and college ones in their dorm rooms. Wide-eyed wonder and excitement about a new year of meeting new friends and having great adventures. No doubt, there will be certain challenges along the way, but I choose to believe it will open their minds to all the possibilities and rewards of being a winner and an overcomer.

I loved my dear friend’s comment to me that of all the concerns she had, her kids are so optimistic, contented and settled into their dorm or school already. Now, she’s optimistic, contented and grateful to God and expecting to be an overcoming mom! I’ve seen many optimistic parents making bold confessions of faith for their kiddos. I’m praying that the first of this school year reveals tremendous resolve and determination because of how last year’s school-year ended – with resolve and determination of you stay-at-home parents who CONQUERED! I loved one mom’s prayer: “My prayer tonight as my boy takes his first steps into high school -- above everything -- that being a Christ-follower is at the top of his desires."

That’s the attitude we should all have for our children and grandchildren. Of all the knowledge they acquire, all the common sense experiences that they will learn from -- the single most important achievement is to be devoted followers of Christ in their friendships, in the decisions they make and their problem-solving with God’s wisdom leading the way.

Luke 2:52 mentions four areas Jesus grew in as a young boy: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.” Our Lord grew wiser and He physically grew. His relationship with His Heavenly Father continuously grew and was strengthened. Jesus even gained favor with people who saw Him day to day. I love the simple sentence that precedes this: “His mother kept all these things in her heart.” We never see Mary worried and anxious. She pondered about her son, but she didn’t allow her heart to become rattled. And neither should we.

May we all strive to be like Mary, turning our anxious thoughts into treasured prayers, kept safe and held fast by our loving Father — the One who knows our hearts and loves our children even more than we do. When a concern pops up in our mind, we carry that concern to God. When we start to fear for our child’s future, we petition the One who knows what the future holds.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all these precious children that are starting a new school year. Protect them, encourage them and fill them with strong minds to learn and grow. Help them to be a great friend and to have great friends. I pray moms and dads can turn their concerns and worries into prayers, knowing You are in control. Please help them to treasure each moment with their children as they grow in wisdom and stature and favor with others and You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Faith Over Fear

I was a greeter at my church last weekend. Arrayed in my mask in keeping with CDC guidelines, as well as six-feet social distancing, I was game-on! I love being a greeter, from my own experience of being greeted by a friendly face. It’s heart-warming to notice being noticed. At my church, which holds 1,200 people, we are at 50% -- following all the rules with an empty pew between pews and at least six-feet apart in the pews. I’m still trying to get used to the masks – especially when my breath fogs up my glasses. 🤓

I amused myself in between greeting people to take a look at our weekend bulletin. The title on the front of it was “Faith Over Fear”. I stopped in my tracks. “Faith Over Fear” is the caption on my black face mask. I think: “God, you are doing your best to get us, ME, to get that message, aren’t You?”

Of course He is. Our Gospel reading that weekend, was about the storm – the winds and the waves -- that increased in hostility to the boat that was carrying the disciples to the other side of the sea. Jesus was exhausted after feeding the 5,000+, but He couldn’t help but notice them struggling from His peaceful place on the mountain. I have a clear visual of this scene because of my trip to Israel and on my favorite place -- the Sea of Galilee. It still amazes me that that relatively small body of water could blow up such a storm – but it did that day. Jesus walked to them on water and the disciples thought He was a ghost. But, like He said time and again – through the angels who said at His birth “Do not be afraid” and to His Mother when Gabriel appeared to tell her she would be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and bear a son, “Do not be afraid” and to us today and every day: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” -- Matthew 14:27

He is our same Lord and Savior today Who sees us -- right where we are and He knows our fears, concerns and anxieties. He speaks to us the same words of reassurance and hope that He spoke to His followers: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." May we rest in His promise that He is with us and will faithfully take us through the storms and to the other side.

When You’re a Hugger AND Encourager

That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. So, throw me into a world of social distancing and stay-at-home orders and I’m really uncomfortable. Actually, my heart aches for our world that needs a good dose of love, compassion, understanding and HUGS. Let’s get the truth out there. God, the greatest of all lovers everywhere, didn’t cause this world to be locked up. Not our God Who “reached out and touched” the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It was our Lord’s mode of operation that He modeled for us from the feet of His disciples as He washed them as the greatest Servant of all. Our Lord was the One that crowds thronged around Him. He was the One Who called the little children to Him. He was the One who fed the thousands in a crowded situation. So, who is responsible?

It is the enemy of our souls – the greatest hater of all – the one who locks us up to keep us from loving, the one who would rather kill, steal and destroy our peace, our joy, our hope and our love. He is the one who tried to take our Lord out, once and for all, by crucifying him. He failed. It is he that has us locked up and away from others. But, he will not win. He is a loser in every way because we have read the end of The Book, the Bible, AND, we win!

A friend of mine posted on Facebook: “I hate Facebook”. I commented: “Oh please don’t hate it. It’s my mission field. We just have to let our little lights shine brighter so the darkness gets lit up with God’s love. I’ve learned to avoid the negative in every way. You have too many blessings to not share them. Love you so much sweet girl.” The truth is if we’re not the light and the encouragers, who will be? Sure I might need to stave off my hugging for the time being, but I can still encourage in word through social media, email, and when I am at church (yes, my church is following the 50% rule – sitting in every other pew and 6 feet apart). I can wave and blow kisses through my facemask. Encouragers just have to encourage.

Country Living magazine came out with more scriptures. I posted their encouragement in uncertain times' scriptures a few weeks ago). Now they posted scriptures about encouraging others to brighten their day. I love this so much and I’m passing on excerpts from their article and scripture verses for you to use to encourage yourself and others.

“Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates' work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!”

** Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”
** Psalm 31:24 -- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
** Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
** 1 Corinthians 16:13 -- "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
** Romans 8:31 -- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
** 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
** Romans 15:5 -- "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** 1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
** Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
** Joshua 1:9 -- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
** 2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
** John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
** Philippians 1:6 -- "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
** John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
** 1 Corinthians 10:13 -- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
** Galatians 6:2 -- "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Thank you, Country Living magazine, for giving us exactly what we need to be encouraged and be encouragers!

2020’s Silent Shifter

A “Silent Shifter” changed everything about the way we think. It was like an invisible force field swept over our world. The fight for life has been the #1 goal. Our world has been united in this fight. Our medical field and essential services' heroes put on their “superman/woman” capes, masks, gloves and have been relentless in their exploits as they help to rescue humanity. The word, hero, has forever changed the way we use that word.

On the positive side – the “silent shifter” caused gasoline prices to go down. Pollution has subsided, so much so, that it seems like wildlife came out of hiding and is celebrating. The sounds of nature are louder. The air seems clearer to breathe in deeply. We want to get outside more and walk or just stand in “social distancing” and talk to each other. We have more time for each other. Parents are spending time with their kids as a family and work, traveling and social life is no longer a priority.

Yesterday, I attended a “LIVE” outdoor concert along with others in my community at LaDonna Gatlin Johnson's and her husband, Tim's backyard. They had moved their grand piano to their dining room. Tim is a gifted pianist, and of course, LaDonna is equally gifted as a vocalist and the "baby" sister of the Gatlin Brothers. We sang along to several "heavenly" songs, but one if my favorites was “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. When she got to the line, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”, she teared up and so did we. Our Lord gives us the strength for this day and, PRAISE GOD, knowing Him gives us bright hope for tomorrow. On one of the songs, this cute couple couldn't resist getting out of their seats and dancing! I loved it!


As you can see from the photos, we sat “social distanced” in our lawn chairs. It was wonderful to sing, praise and make the most of celebrating God’s goodness. My dear cousins, Dr. Charles and Mary Ellen Snow, live here in my community. Dr. Snow, gave an inspiring talk about our Lord’s “Blessed Assurance” that He’s got this and He's got us! Oh, how sweet to know Him!

It seems solidarity, hope and faith, as well as appreciation for each other, has risen to a new level. We’ve realized that we are all in the same boat; rich and poor. New cars and old cars are in garages. Small living spaces as well as mansions house families. Survival has become the most central theme.

We’re learning about each other during these times. I’m sorry for those who don’t have faith, because I know our best protection is GOD. Our best refuge is HOME. Our best company is FAMILY. Our best wealth is HEALTH. Our best time is TODAY. Our best attribute is PATIENCE.

What matters most is our HEART and our trust in God. The main thing is we are NOT God and only He is in MASTER control. We are having to be who He made us to be – human BEINGS – not human DOINGS. What if we just breathed in and out, BEING a child who awaits Daddy to get home and surprise us with something He’s bringing to us. What if we stop our narcissistic “It’s all about ME” and become “It’s all about YOU, God!” I will be patient, in the meantime, and be willing to go back to the basics, to the essentials of letting Your peace guide me as my Creator and I, Your Creation. I’m thinking I’m going to settle for that in my heart and soul!

What if we hold tight and watch God do what He does best? He is the Silent Shifter! Let’s be willing to be “shifted”!

Making the Most of this Day

I burst out of my cocoon to fly a little today. It feels so good. I am on a mission. Get toilet paper. I have inside info. Walmart’s truck will be here at 10 am. I am in line for my one-only big package of TP and paper towels. Mission accomplished! Woohoo! Next, I go to my church’s smaller chapel to pray. Oh, the sweet peace that welcomes me. I am all by myself with Jesus. How sweet it is. Soon others join me from a distance. Notice the “social distancing” we are provided – numbered locations on the pews. I listen for God’s voice. I write in my journal what I hear. It’s His still small voice. I am in the temple like Hannah in the Bible was -- crying out to God for a son and a son was born to her. I am in the temple crying out for healing for our world. The same God who answered Hannah’s prayers, is He Who will answer our prayers too.

After prayer time, I head over to the beautiful cemetery behind my church. No problem with social distancing there. Lots of folks “in” there (literally) and no pandemic worries there! A friend told me she goes there often for a walk. And as she said, it makes for some eye-opening and heart-stirring moments for me. Many subtle reminders that this life is just temporary, so we best be making the most of every day. What takes me by surprise are the beautiful engraved stoned edifices of the mausoleums. PEACE is the theme on the four sides of one: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank” and “May the love of friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.” How’s that for hearing from God? PEACE – that is what we need most during these times. I breathed in that peace.

Lastly, I make my way to another Walmart to buy groceries for my cousins who are a few years older than me and are staying homebound. What a delight that I can serve them. And, bonus, while I am there, I hear “Our truck has arrived. Get in line at Aisle 31. We will hand-out one toilet paper package and one paper towel package!” SCORE!

It’s been a great day because I determined it to be one. Who would have thought I would recommend a cemetery for a nice walk and inspiration? The part of that cemetery that touches me the most are the tombstones of lives once lived: Older Pop-Pop and MiMaw gravesites, young soldiers and oh, the heart tugs I see, the one-year, six-year, and 19-year old sites. God gets my attention today. I’m living with as much gusto as I can – until my body joins them there and my spirit is with God eternally.

Today holds as much mystery as it did yesterday. We don’t know what tomorrow holds no more than we know what this hour will hold. And that’s true whether the C-virus is here or not. But we do know the One Who does know. And He promises that He is right here with us. That He will not leave us or forsake us. And right here, right now, is where we are supposed to be – secure in His everlasting, unfailing love.

As I text my kids this morning and say this to them, I say it to you today: "It’s a perfect time for embracing each other. Maybe God called for this for all of us. To focus on what is most important in our lives.” I love you all so much. You are so important to me. I lift you, your loved ones and all that is important to you today to our loving Father. He sees. He knows. He cares. He has great plans for your lives. Hold on tightly to His unchanging hands. And, maybe go for a stroll in your nearby cemetery. You might find peace and inspiration waiting for you there like I did.