Persevere AND Stand Firm

The World Needs a STABLE Influence

In June, an item on my bucket list, “Take a trip to the Holy Lands” was checked off. It was a trip of a lifetime and during this wonderful time of the year, the memories of so many holy places are stirred up within me. On the bus, as we made our way to Bethlehem, we sang "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem". The "littleness" was made real to us as. Bethlehem really is a very small town. We celebrated "Christmas" in the Church of the Nativity. How meaningful it was to sing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" there. Christmas Carols, Communion, and worshiping the King in the actual cave of Christ's birth -- made for a heavenly Christmas in June! By the way, it was a cave – not a stable. That's where most animals were kept back then.

Just think of it -- God, from the beginning of time Who created everything, was born in that cave. We were among many Christian pilgrims from around the world who come to pay tribute and honor to God for the birth of His Son there. Truly a STAR was born when Christ was born, and we made our way down to the grotto via narrow stairs to get inside the quiet cave where a star is embedded in the floor that recognizes the actual place of the birth of our Savior. In our deepest humility and thanksgiving for the Star of all Stars, we had to bend low to touch or kiss that star. "Bending low" seems the operative word for bowing before our Creator to give Him our worship and praise. It was a profoundly emotional and spiritual experience, to say the least -- the birthplace of our Savior over 2000 years ago. Our guide said, "Say thank You, Jesus, for my salvation!" We did.

I started this post today with "The World Needs a Stable Influence". "Under the influence" is a phrase that is typically used in defining someone's mental or physical faculties that are impaired because they are intoxicated or on drugs. That phrase can also be used to describe those of us who are "high" on the Christmas spirit. We are "under the influence" of He Who is the originator of joy, peace, and love, so, of course, we are "high" on all that this beautiful season holds.

No one has influenced and changed the world the way Jesus has. And UNDER HIS INFLUENCE, more lives have been positively changed than by anything or anyone else in history. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires -- all because of Christ's influence on them.

At the announcement of Jesus' birth, the shepherds were under the influence of the angels. The magi were under the influence of HOPE and the Star they saw in the East. I, too, am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of this beautiful season where I hear God's voice in the music and in the squeals and delights of children. I see Him in in the lights shining so brightly and in my friends and family as we open our hearts to His love. I smell Him in the sweet aromas of holly, evergreen, cinnamon and spice. I taste Him in the yummy delicacies of fresh baked cookies and treats. I am under the influence of the REASON for this beautiful season when I hold a friend's hand, when I touch a pine cone or garland or tinsel or wrapping paper, when I write a love note to a friend or when I send them a Christmas card.

Not in the Christmas spirit this year? Then, better check out what, or WHO, is influencing you. AND, what does YOUR influence look like in impacting others in a positive way? Perhaps it's time we all took a trip to the cave or stable -- it just might be that we'll be influenced by the precious baby in the manger and we'll have a "STABLE" influence, not just in our own lives, but all those we influence, too.

He’s Rock Solid

I had written this post and then in my City of Frisco "Waterwise" email for yesterday was this paragraph: "Solid as a Rock". The long, hot, dog days of summer are upon us! Rain is less frequent and the high temperatures are taking their toll on our landscape. For many people not familiar with life in North Texas, the sight of their clay soil developing cracks is cause for concern and they start to wonder, “how will this affect my foundation?”

I love how God gives me a "thumbs up" to let me know I'm hearing from Him. But "He's Rock Solid" is a statement I've heard made about someone who is stable, reliable, confident, unlikely to change or fail. They have a moral compass that keeps them grounded with doing what's right and you know you can count on them -- at a moment's notice.

In the real estate business for years, we would confidently say about a property's foundation "The foundation on this house is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar", and about a man, we might say, "Joe is such a dependable guy. His word is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.”

You may be scratching your head to try to think of who those people may be in your life. But my point is -- not WHO those people are, but are WE considered to be "rock solid" when others are asked that question about us?

If not, and if they see us as temperamental, moody, indecisive, unpredictable, and we shift from sad to glad and grumpy to happy like the changing of the wind, we can change that. Yes, we can!

We can be determined to be "rock solid" in our faith, our commitment to love others, our determination to be trustworthy and being reliable and unwavering in our attitude of who a true friend is -- and then being that friend who others can count on -- at a moment's notice. Every day is a new day to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, for ourselves and for others.

The best news ever, there is One who IS not just "rock solid", but He is THE SOLID ROCK that we can always count on . He is “the ROCK that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). He is reliable, strong, immovable, eternal and unchanging. In Him, we can find that place of comfort, shelter, peace and, above all.....the faith and strength we need to carry on -- strong and determined and with great expectation for joy and victory in our todays and our tomorrows!

Psalm 62:5-8 "But I stand silently before the Lord, waiting for Him to rescue me. For salvation comes from Him alone. Yes, HE ALONE IS MY ROCK, my rescuer, defense, and fortress—why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come? My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, A ROCK where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust Him all the time. Pour out your longings before Him, for He can help!"

This photo of my two little guys and me in Cabo San Lucas was taken just a week after my sweetheart went to heaven. I can't begin to tell you, from personal experience, how much God was my ROCK then, and continues to be my ROCK today.