He’s a Good, Good Father on this Good Friday!

I’m smiling because I posted this family photo on what is supposed to be a somber, serious day. But is it really? Were it not for THIS day, we wouldn’t have an Easter. This photo was taken at our church in Shawnee, OK. It was a big deal to dress up for Easter. Had to have new Easter outfits and an Easter bonnet. I had enough hair back then that served as all the hat I needed. After church, it was all about the Easter egg hunt. The kids would have a spirited time of finding them all.

Remembering that Easter fanfare, as sweet as those times were, doesn’t hold a candle to this year’s Easter experiences. It seems the frivolous things were, well, just frivolous. Oh, I’m sure many will still be having Easter egg hunts in their backyards, but because we’re nestled into our homes, it’s easier to hone into what Easter is really all about. Introspection of the holy of holiest times that goes from Friday's sorrows to Sunday's alleluias!

Did you sleep well last night? Jesus didn’t. He had not been to sleep! All night long and in this day, He was interrogated, lied about, beatened, tortured, suffered and died on a cross that was meant for murderers and thieves. Today is Good Friday! Good? How could this day be called GOOD?

I can’t help but consider all our world is going through right now. Maybe some “Good Friday” issues like the suffering, the dying, and so many unknowns. I get it. The struggles are real – lost jobs, financial insecurity, kids testing every nerve their parents have because they’re not used to isolation, the concerns for our medical field and essential services workers. It is truly a time like we could never imagine.

I titled this post “He’s a Good, Good Father on this Good Friday”. Really? How could a Dad be called a “good dad” when He allows His Son to die in such a horrific way? “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer …” (Isaiah 53:10). Of all the powerful verses in the Bible, this one brings me to my knees. How much does God the Father love us? Enough to sacrifice His only Son. Because the death of His Son would bring salvation to His children. That means salvation to you and to me and to all who know Him as Savior and Lord. Indeed, He is our good, good Father.

But, how could this day be called GOOD? Because out of the appallingly bad came what was inexpressibly good. And the good trumps the bad because the bad was temporary while the good is eternal. God’s love and grace came to us soaked in divine blood. The Cross is God’s answer to the question, “Why don’t you do something about evil?” “Why do You let bad things happen to good people?” God did do something. One look at His Son on the cross should silence the argument that God doesn't care about human suffering.

Without Jesus’ death, we could never know Him. We could never have eternal life. Our salvation cost a lot. And Jesus thought “they’re worth it”. And that is what’s so good about Good Friday. There is no such thing as a resurrection without a death. There is no such thing as an Easter without a Good Friday.

What is this message? For us, to never again wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, would never perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Now, we know why God is a good, good Father and why this day is called "Good Friday".

When Life is Sad – God is Good

I just can’t help myself. The inspirations at VBS keep coming so I must keep sharing! This has been a week of watching so many precious children get all caught up in God’s goodness and yesterday was off the charts. We had a departure of wandering in the wilderness with the Israelites to a day that was all about Jesus. Rather than the boisterous exclamation “God is good”, this day our theme was “When life is sad – God is good” so in our Faith Station, we whispered those words. It’s amazing how children respond to the atmosphere they’re in and this day, the atmosphere was created by the wooden cross in front of the sun (how appropriate – the sun was the spotlight for THE SON!), that was enhanced by the little strands of lights and ivy. We were amazed at the somber posture the kids took on as soon as they saw the cross. They respected it.

On a personal note, I came into yesterday’s VBS Faith Station in prayer for a dear cousin who was having serious brain surgery at the same time. I’ll be honest with you – though I was absolutely in a positive “Do not fear – only believe” mindset, still I thought about the theme “When life is sad – God is good” and wondered if God was giving me that theme just in case the surgery didn’t go as well as expected. But, thanks be to God, at 11:10 am, I heard from his sister who said all went well and heading to recovery..."Praise God!” But I wonder, had it been the other way, I think that I had been so immersed in the goodness of God this week – that I would have still exclaimed: “God is good”!

This day was all about Jesus Who was on the earth to show us God’s goodness and love. We talked to the kids about betrayal and how Jesus knew He was going to be betrayed. We asked them the question: “If you knew that something really bad was going to happen to you at a certain place, would you still go there? What would you do?” The common answer was “Stay at home!” From our script: “But, Jesus went to the garden even though He knew something terrible would happen. He was betrayed, arrested and He knew He’d be beaten and mocked and He knew that after all that, He’d be crucified – nailed to a cross to die. Jesus’ friends and family watched it happen. Can you imagine? They were so upset and sad. Have you ever been sad? We’ve all gone through sad times, but we’re learning about God’s goodness and we’re learning that when ‘Life is sad – God is good’. Jesus was willing to die to take the punishment for our sins, the wrong things we do.”

Here, we gave each child a stone which represented their sins, and said, “You know, this stone kind of reminds me of sin. Stones are usually kind of dirty, aren’t they? That’s like sin. Sin makes our hearts dirty, and if our hearts are dirty, we can’t be close to God. Sin separates us from God. Another thing about a stone is that it’s hard. Is anyone’s stone soft? No? That’s like sin, too. Sin can make our hearts hard. It can make us turn away from God. Remember Pharaoh? His heart was hard, and he turned away from God. What if you had to carry the weight of every sin, every day of your life? Imagine how heavy that would get. But Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins. When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment for our sins. We don’t have to carry them anymore. Jesus overcame the world! Let’s ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins.” Then we invited the children to place their stone in the basket in front of the cross as a symbol of their being forgiven.

The simple message of the cross. In children’s language – young and old. It is the same message no matter what age we are. This blog today is even longer than my usual lengthy blog, but perhaps there are those that need to see how simple it is to turn over a new leaf by receiving Christ into your heart. We walked the children over to the chapel where they sat in adoration of our Savior. I was amazed at the reverence and tenderness of each child. Yesterday, my blog was about the open arms of Jesus to children when He said, “Let the little children come to me and forbid them not,” and I believe He has His arms open wide for you today. Our chapel speaker said these words: “Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to be nailed to a cross so He could forgive our heavy sins. What amazing love! Remember what amazing love He has for you. It was a sad, sad day when Jesus died. But we know that when life is sad…..God is good! And God was very good because that wasn’t the end of the story. On the third day after Jesus died a few of His friends went to the tomb and were amazed. There was an angel in the tomb who said, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead.” Luke 24:5-7

Because of Jesus, we can remember that God is good, even when life is sad. Jesus gives us a reason to celebrate every day! And, that, my friends, is the Gospel message that is as fresh today as it was on the day of Christ’s resurrection. It is so fresh that it is a brand new day that affords a brand new start for children of all ages. If this blog is nudging you toward the cross, you can thank all these precious children for it as scriptures says: “A little child shall lead them…….” Isaiah 11:6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Last Word: “And Many More.....”

Are you one of those who has to have the last word? If so, then at the conclusion of singing "Happy Birthday" to someone, you probably added the big finish: “and mannny more!!" I always sing “and many more” under my breath in hopes that my quiet wish might help to safeguard the birthday boy or girl’s longevity. I know it’s not a sure-fire-guarantee because life has taught me we can never be sure of “many more”. So, each and every birthday we have with our loved ones is a gift. I realized this when my sweetheart received the diagnosis that changed his “many mores” to only “one more.”

“No more” is a sad thought, and I suspect if you’re reading this, you understand what I mean. Even though their passing means our loved ones never grow a year older, to those of us who are still here on this side of heaven, their birthday continues, for us, year after year. Though they’re gone, their birthday still belongs to them. And, to us, there’s no such thing as “no more”. We’re still here on this earth to REMEMBER there will be “many mores”. I’m here to tell you – significant days like birthdays, anniversaries and other special celebrations mean we still love our loved ones despite their absence. That’s one of the things I love about FB and seeing posts about loved ones, years past their “going home” date. We are fondly remembering.

All of that explanation is to give justification for celebrating my one man: the one love of my life once again on this, his birthday. Our family celebrates each other’s birthdays by pulling out the “Special Plate” and telling the honoree what they mean to us. I have it out this morning with biscuits, chocolate gravy, bacon, and eggs made for the boys and I. We'll be celebrating Papa and sharing what he meant to us. We're keeping his memory alive. As for me, I’m looking up to heaven and singing "Happy B/D and many more" to my Sweetheart! I'll let you listen in as I say to him:

“My Sweetheart, you are still so loved, honored, respected, and admired by me and all those who knew you. I’m celebrating you and the mark you made on so many lives, the least of whom is ME! I am more today than I could have ever dreamed possible because of you.....your relentless urging, pushing, prodding, and encouraging me to be all I could be. You always made me feel beautiful -- especially when I didn't feel it. When I didn't believe in myself, you believed in me! I am so thankful for the amazing husband, father, and grandfather that you were. You always gave yourself so freely to so many. I will never forget the precious, caring and giving way you treated others. You not only opened the door to them, but you fed them and clothed them and tolerated them and truly gave them the Father's love. You really were a "life enhancer" and a beautiful example, on earth, of Christ's love. There's not enough room here to tell you how much you meant to me, but one thing's for sure, you received your ultimate reward by getting to go on the fast track to heaven. My greatest determination is to be there with you someday and have the ultimate in birthday bashes with you there! And, to all my FB friends and family -- YOU ARE ALL INVITED!!!

By the way, maybe it's time you and your family have special plate days, too. It is sure a confidence builder to those we love! And, maybe it's time to get out the special plate for your loved ones in heaven and reminisce and celebrate how they made a difference in your life. It will keep their memory alive, and bring gratitude back to those who helped make you who you are today!

What Storms Threaten Your Life Today? Praise Him in the Storm!

Here I am – comfy, cozy, warm, dry, safe and sound – while so many people on the East coast are reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. More tornadoes, more surges of over 9 feet, power lines down and no power for hundreds of thousands of people. And then seeing the thousands of people in Haiti, who had so little in shelter and comfort anyway, who lost what little they had.

Living in Oklahoma, where tornadoes can be abundant and seeing the loss of homes, precious loved ones lost, and then the thought of rebuilding in those areas brings trepidation – “What if it comes again?”

Sincerely, our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone in harm’s way today – whether here, there, or in places and countries of turmoil and risking their lives on a daily basis. Our awareness of hurting people becomes even stronger in times like this. And our need to pray for their peace, comfort and resilience becomes heightened.

There will always be storms in our lives. It’s predictable – whether they are from the forces of natural disasters, those that come from raging battles and wars, or from those that come from the pain of broken relationships, disappointments or the discomfort of illness and loss of loved ones. But 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 THE SON, Who is always shining in our lives.

Last night I watched a news report where a group of people in Nassau, Bahamas, with their church destroyed, still praising God in the middle of the storm. In my own life and those who put their trust in The Almighty…..know that homes can be rebuilt, healing will come to families and life will carry on once again, because we KNOW the Prince of Peace, who brings peace and comfort and joy once again. We will carry on -- and we'll even find the beauty that is found, even in tragedy. Yes, we may not know what our future holds.....but we do know, WHO holds our future.

Maybe life seems overwhelming to you today in the storms you may be in. I've been there..... and each time that I found myself in places like that, I found my answers, my peace and my comfort in the One who is the Rock, and I realize those overwhelming circumstances were ultimately for my good....because they drew me to the Source of answers, the stable foundation, my shelter and my SOLID ROCK. I urge you to go there for your place of refuge today In Jesus' words to the tremendous storm where the disciples were reeling in fear and despair, we pray He speaks to the storms in our world today "Peace, be still". In the meantime, let's PRAISE HIM in the storm!

Web Worms or Heart Worms

Day 250 of Photo Inspirations -- Web Worms or Heart Worms
While we were walking this week, my friends and I were surprised at the web worms that were consuming gorgeous trees outside our community.    Those web worms are uninvited guests and have invaded and taken over those trees.  They  are attacking and defoliating trees, often eating every leaf a tree has to offer before deserting it to crawl off and build their cocoons, leaving the tree looking lifeless as a bug in a spider’s web.

As I understand it, web worms are having a really good year because of all the rain we had in the Spring.  The Fall web worm, despite its name, makes its first appearance in Spring. The hatch starts in mid-May or mid-June.  Most people don’t notice the Fall web worms’ webs in Spring, because of the season’s lush tree foliage, but now, that first generation’s activities are becoming increasingly evident as you drive along city streets and country roads.  A sudden awareness like that can make you think some kind of overnight event has occurred. But, these Fall webworms hatched weeks ago. Their webs are noticeable now because the larvae are getting big, too.  Those worms were subtle, but now they’ve taken over. I sound quite learned about web worms, but once again, thanks to the internet for my brilliance!  LOL!

I was thinking about those uninvited guests who came in with such subtlety – unbeknownst to us, but today they have ravaged those trees. Entomologists give options, and one of which is cut the limbs off and destroy the webs and the worms.  Another way is to burn them off  and then there’s treatments available in earliest Spring.

As I thought about these web worms and their sly strategies to take over a tree.  I thought about the little subtle ways the enemy of our souls strategizes and manipulates and does tactical warfare to take us out.  Just think about those annoyances that we encounter:  those  nagging, annoying, ugly and even destroying circumstances and challenges that we face, and even take to heart.  Those things that come in which such subtlety that we make no big deal about them, yet they are still "bugging" (no pun intended) us.  But, we just casually allow them to remain.  And, in the meantime, the enemy uses all of those "issues" to eventually take us – our families, our marriages, our businesses, our relationships, and our children down.  Those are the matters-of-the-heart "worms", that left to themselves…..can ultimately consume us.

But here’s the triple threat, counter attack way to be sure we have the heart “worm” killer applied right in the places it needs to be.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the TRIPLE THREAT -- are our DEFENDERS and trusting in their SUPER POWERS -- will cause us to be immune to the attacks of any enemy.
 
Psalm 63:4-8 says "I will bless you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. At last I shall be fully satisfied; I will praise you with great joy. I lie awake at night thinking of you -- of how much you have helped me—and how I rejoice through the night beneath the protecting shadow of your wings. I follow close behind you, protected by your strong right arm.”

For doubling up the protection, apply Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sits in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose LEAF DOES NOT WITHER. Whatever he does prospers.”

Yes, those who have those beautiful trees who want to be rid of web worms, must go to drastic measures to see them destroyed.  And, those of us who desire to be rid of those things in our lives -- the heart worms -- that have tried to destroy us….we  generously applying God’s Word to our TREES……and to our lives and hearts.

Then Came the Morning -- He is Risen

HE IS RISEN!! ALLELUIA!! Happy Resurrection Morning!!!
2,000+ years ago -- there was tremendous fear in the Jesus' followers because of such diabolical evil that had been rendered against the Son of God. They lost their dearest friend. How could they go on? But, THEN CAME THE MORNING!!! The stone was rolled away AND Christ rose from the grave. Night turned into day. Death had lost, and LIFE had won.

And, it's a new dawn and a new morning for us, too! The stones of fear, rejection, disappointment, worry, doubt and heartache are being rolled away. We can choose for the darkness to be gone, and to allow THE LIGHT to break forth as Jesus, our HOPE, stands in the doorway! He triumphed over ALL the powers of darkness and, by faith, His victory is ours, too! May His resurrection power flow through us and may it bring us healing, renewal, strength, and life. Since Jesus' resurrection was for our resurrection from death to life, too, why don't we start LIVING, today? Yes, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, and I'm feeling good!

PLEASE, PLEASE watch & listen to this gorgeous, amazing 5-minute video. Your heart and soul will be so lifted!! May HIS resurrection life be yours today!
http://www.ultimatetube.com/videos/12634/then-came-the-morning

How BIG is Easter?

Tomorrow is Easter! And, of course, the reason Easter is the most important day on the Christian calendar is because of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, from the dead. It is the most important event in the history of this world and the entire universe. True HOPE was established by the resurrection and it wasn't just some hocus-pocus magic trick or exercise in wishful thinking. If it were, then the whole thing would have fizzled out, but here we are 2,000+ years later celebrating that incredible day of all days. The resurrection of Christ is so big that it's the answer to everything that was, and is and is to come. I can vouch for it -- it is MY EVERYTHING. I'm already getting giddy about tomorrow morning -- for it's not just about another sunrise, but it's about the rising of the LIGHT of all LIGHTS, and that LIGHT brings with Him, mercies and hope and love EVERY morning -- not just Easter morning! So how BIG is Easter? Oh, it's only the answer to EVERYTHING!

Good Friday? or, Black Friday?

Shouldn't "Good Friday" be called "Black Friday"? After all, on this day, the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. He wasn’t guilty of any crime or sin. After the illegal trials, this loving, compassionate, giving, caring, innocent Man was stripped and tied to a post. He was whipped and beatened -- too horrible to even imagine. He was betrayed by His friends,and spit on by countless people, some of whom, just a few days before, treated Him as royalty as He entered the city. He was forced to carry a wooden cross to Calvary where nails were driven through his wrists and ankles and He was left to die. And, bottom line, He could have called ten thousand angels to his side, but He refused. Instead, He died there for you and me.

What is this message? For us, to never again wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, would never perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) NOW, we know why it's called "GOOD FRIDAY".

Someone asked Jesus, "How much do You love me?" He answered, "This much," as He spread out his arms and died. This is a TRUE love story written with you and me in mind. Isn't that enough reason for us to slow down and literally put on the brakes, today, to REMEMBER and GIVE THANKS for this GOOD Friday when HE loved us -- TO INFINITY and BEYOND!

Your Greatest ASK; His Greatest YES

Wednesday of Holy Week: The disciples must have been awestruck when Jesus said, "One of YOU will betray me." Except for Judas, the eleven must have each thought, "Not me! I would never betray, deny or leave you." But as we all know, their loyalty to Jesus was short-lived.

And that scene is one that impacted me the most when I saw the movie, "Son of God" a few weeks ago. As I watched the amazing actor who played Jesus in the movie -- I was reminded how great Jesus loved and defended the one that was the underdog, the one that failed, the one that sinned, the one who denied Him and lied about Him. That was a movie that told MY story ~ and YOUR story! It is a TRUE story. That story is not about religion, it is about Jesus ~ His unconditional love and forgiveness. In spite of our disloyalty to Him, He is so quick to forgive, when we are ready for HIM ~ to give Him our lives just as they are ~ our past, our present and our future! May we realize this incredible love that He has for us right now ~ today! Jesus loves you ~ just as you are. He sees your "heart!" I promise you, He will take special notice of you ~ He can "make all things new" for you. Just ask Him! It will be the greatest ASK, and the greatest "YES", you will EVER receive. After all, HE is the greatest GIVER!!
#SonOfGod