Is There a Red Sea Between You and Your Miracle?

After my "animal patrol" duty for nearly three weeks, my family finally made it back home from their summer vacay! I was headed back home when my two youngest grandsons asked to go home with me. I loved it! Sweet words to my ears.

Those two boys have had quite the full summer which started with church youth camp where there is always the opportunity to learn more about God's love, get closer to Him, and, many times, have a radical life change. It happened to me in my youth.. And, it happened to these two. So much so, that 15-years-old Brennan seems like a brand new young man.

In order for them to go home with me, Brennan had one more day of football camp before he could leave, so I hung back for the extra day. Usually, I depart for home from Austin at 6 am to avoid the traffic, but this day, waiting to 2 pm to leave raised concern about the traffic leaving Austin, the Temple and Waco traffic and then arriving at rush-hour-traffic in Dallas. We were all packed up and after praying a short, journey-mercies prayer, we were on our way when Brennan said, "Nana, pull over and close your eyes. I want to pray." I did. He prayed "Lord, I ask you, like with Moses, to please part the Red Sea of traffic that faces us. Thank you. We love you. Amen" He was serious. Serious business with God.

I'm completely honest here. In my many travels to and from Austin, I have never seen so little traffic. We breezed through Temple (after stopping at Buc-ees), sailed through Waco. We kept thanking God. Of course, the Big Kahuna Dallas traffic awaited us. But even there, as we made it into downtown Dallas at 5:30-ish -- mild traffic, but I could see it was picking up toward the Dallas North Tollway. Brennan said, "Let's pray!" And again he prayed the same "Red Sea" prayer. I quickly hit my Waze app and it redirected me from the usual way home. I trusted it and followed that direction to the 35-N Express Lane which I had never seen before. It zoomed us by dead-stopped traffic to a less-driven road but virtually no traffic on it. We made it home in the same amount of time that it takes me when I leave early-morning. We were high-5'ing and thanking God.

Imagine how this "small" yet so significant scenario meant in the life of a teenager in realizing "nothing is impossible" when it comes to asking and receiving from God. Yesterday, we went over to see Uncle Larry & Aunt Staci. We were telling them about his football camp and his hopes for being a receiver in this year's football season. We also told them about our "Red Sea-parting" story. Aunt Staci said, "Hey that might be a good prayer for you to pray when you're being faced with big defensive ends! I loved it. And, I love how God "practically" gives us illustrative stories that carry us through every challenge and situation we face. God never changes. He parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites. He parted the Red Sea for my grandsons and me. Maybe you have a "Red Sea" that you are facing. May I suggest that you turn to God in "child-like" faith and ask Him to part the waters for you today?

Exodus 14:13-22 -- "And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left."

Gridlock Traffic or the Autobahn?

Years ago, my husband won an 8-day, all expenses paid trip for us to Malmo, Sweden to attend the Solheim Cup with the LPGA women. It was one of the highlights of our lives and besides being there for the Europe/USA Solheim Cup, we were able to venture out on our own pre-tournament. One adventure was taking an overnight ferry to Riedstadt, Germany then taking a taxi that drove the Autobahn to get us to the train station to get to Berlin. What a wild and crazy ride that was, compared to the 3-wheel bike taxi we took in Berlin!

On the Autobahn, there are sections with no speed limit which means speeding cars can suddenly appear out of nowhere and zoom past you at speeds exceeding 100 mph. You may be doing the “recommended” speed of 80 mph and see German drivers passing you as if you were standing still. Oh. My. Goodness. Our driver was weaving around cars like a race car driver.

Fast forward to my living in the metropolitan area of Dallas tollways and highways, and besides the usual daily morning and evening traffic, you’ll find gridlock traffic (no vehicular movement possible).

Life is really a journey, isn’t it? From the fast lanes to the gridlock traffic. On one hand, we are moving about at breakneck speed – connecting all the dots with no interference, getting our to-do lists and our daily routines done and out of the way. We are in robotic mode of getting up, getting on with our day with no surprises and no mammoth undertakings to handle. Sometimes the scenery changes and we might ride with someone new, having fun, enjoying the people and the ride, but sometimes, in retrospect, it may feel like being in the fast lane keeps us from really enjoying the scenery, the beauty of the moments, the kiss that is more than a peck, the hug that lasts more than a moment, the deep breaths and exhaling all the concerns and worries of each day. Today I want you to know that God is calling us to park the car for a few moments and turn off the noise, escape the crowds, and listen to His gentle voice beckoning us to a life filled with joy and great purpose. If we were riding along on the Autobahn this morning and we suddenly realized that it’s not getting us where we need to go, then we know we need to do something. If we are hearing God’s voice calling us to a journey that “notices, embraces and treasures” the moments of the journey, then we need to slow down.

When God is made part of our daily “rides”, whether there is smooth sailing and, in fact, making progress in every area of life, or whether our “rides” turn up with gridlock traffic that halts our best-laid-plans and gives us heart-breaking surprises – it is still a vital part of our life journey. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, we never learn much about ourselves during our times of victory (the times of Autobahn speed and getting to our destination way ahead of schedule), but who we are and what we're really made of are in those gridlock traffic times of challenge when we're forced to slow down and look deep in our hearts and look to God for His support, guidance, and wisdom.

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon 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."

God is Always Reminding Me That He’s Got the Wheel 🚗

God is Always Reminding Me That He’s Got the Wheel 🚗
On Sunday, I made my trek back home to Frisco from Austin. I thought it would be smooth sailing all the way since the traffic would be less on a weekend. I was making good time when passing through Temple, then the traffic came to a snail’s pace as we inched along for miles because of more road construction. That construction has been going on for months, but this day it seemed worse than ever. Occasionally, we were dead stopped. I must look like a race car driver (an impatient one, at that), as I change lanes often to hopefully gain at least a car’s length ahead of the next guy. That delay put me back over 30 minutes on my usual 4-hour trip. After getting back on pace for about 45 minutes to Waco, dear me, there was more stalled traffic backed-up for miles because of an automobile accident up ahead.

An hour later than expected, I made it to my home-sweet-home. As I was unpacking my car, weariness set in. Then, it occurred to me that I had only had four hours of sleep the night before. AND, I never felt any drowsiness or fatigue during that five-hour drive. I know it was the intenseness of navigating through the traffic for that hour that kept me alert and wide awake. I never thought for a minute about that lack of sleep the night before.

Thank you, God, for reminding me, once again, that You’ve Got the wheel – not just of my car, but of my life. I know that God has a plan and if we would just settle in and enjoy the ride, we’ll get to where we need to be in His perfect timing. What if we started analyzing those seemingly annoying times, as being little messages from God that He is working out some things for our good? You know the traffic, the flat tire, misplacing our car keys, left our phone at home and had to turn around, or our child forgot his baseball glove and we had to return home to get it.

How well I remember the stories of people who were delayed going to work at the Twin Towers on the 9/11 bombing that saved their lives and the ones who missed their flight and their life was saved from the airplane crash later.

Maybe today you are experiencing some delays – like a house closing or a medical report or that check-in-the-mail. What if we take a deep breath, turn the wheel over to God and TRUST that “ALL THINGS (literally, ALL THINGS – the good, the bad and the ugly things, including the traffic), are being used by God for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28). God's timing is ALWAYS perfect.

On the Road Again -- Back to My Traveling Sacred Space

I headed out for my 4-hour trek from Austin to home in Frisco yesterday afternoon. I'm strategic about my travels. I left in the afternoon, since it was a Sunday and less traffic, but usually, on a week day, I'll leave at 6 am -- early enough to get ahead of Austin morning traffic and being sandwiched between what seems to be an endless number of cars going an average of 10 mph. The same thing when I leave Frisco to go to Austin -- I usually leave at 6 am to get ahead of the Dallas morning traffic.

I’m convinced traffic can bring out the worst in drivers, so much so, that some folks avoid congested highways at all costs. If I did that, I wouldn't ever be driving because that traffic is a part of my life these days. I’m quite conscious of the need to let several car lengths go between my car and the next car, but then comes along a vehicle that squeezes in between me and my well-thought out distance. Honestly, the fact that I’m willing to tackle those congested highways may not impress you, but it sure impresses me. For that matter, maybe God is preparing me for becoming the oldest Nascar driver EVER!

I make the most of these travels. It’s just me in my Buick Enclave “home” for those several hours of driving. I have 240 precious minutes in my car before I arrive at my destination, and instead of getting frustrated by the feeling of my foot constantly hitting the brakes and looking over my shoulder to be sure there isn’t another vehicle in my blind spot, I use this time and my car as a “holy space”. It becomes my little sacred car chapel. I’ve learned I can get so much accomplished when I relish this time instead of suffering through it.

Here are my car chapel options: I can listen to uplifting music and let the words settle inside of my heart. I can praise and pray. I have plenty to praise God for and I have plenty to pray for. I can endeavor to be in the moment and listen for God’s brilliant ideas for my next blog and post. I can listen to inspiring faith and motivation CDs. I can make phone calls and encourage a friend or family member. I can pray for other drivers that are on the road with me. Who knows? They may be encountering overwhelming circumstances in their life and my prayers may help them face another day. Many times in those early morning hours, I can bask in the sun rising and witness, once again, God’s indescribable artistry and appreciate His mercies that are new every morning.

Here's some really good news. Establishing little "heaven on earth" moments can just as easily be done in an office at work, in a kitchen while cooking dinner, in a classroom or gym. I've come to realize that when we're "acknowledging God in ALL our ways (even those on the high-ways), we are relinquishing our ways to submit to His ways that direct our paths, streets and highways. As for me, I’ll keep taking to the road for these sweet travel journeys and I’ll keep singing with Willie Nelson, “On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again.” And I think I’ll keep on having church while I’m there!!

This Frisco/Dallas Traffic is MY Traffic -- Mine Versus Mind

Have you ever seen a baby that’s just beginning to talk, and one of the first words he speaks, especially if he has an older sibling, is “Mine”! The sibling or little friend may be trying to play with one of his toys, when the baby grabs it back and says “Mine!” Undoubtedly, the parent’s watchful eye will navigate the situation and endeavor to teach the little one to change his mind, “Yes, they’re your toys, but they are for you to share with your brother (sister or friend)!”

A couple of days ago I took Denise, Staci’s family’s valuable assistant/caregiver/BFF, to the airport for a trip home to see her family in Indiana for a few days. It was an early morning flight so the Dallas/Ft Worth traffic was less than other times going to the airport. But, on my return home, the traffic increased substantially. And I was starting my usual consternation about “all this traffic”.

Then I remembered a conversation my son told me that he had with Pastor Ryan Malouff when Ryan and Shawntel were contemplating a move to Austin. They were driving together and the traffic was heavy. Ryan W. asked Pastor Ryan “How in the world can you live here and deal with this Austin traffic?” Pastor Ryan’s response was “Because this is MY traffic and this is MY city that God has called me to, and this is MY opportunity to impact MY traffic and My city!”

That was a heaven-to-earth moment for me, because I could sense God “schooling me” about some poor attitudes I’ve had. Since I’ve moved to Frisco, people have asked me “How do you like Frisco?” And my common first response was “Well, it’s a big city with a lot of traffic -- after all Frisco is the 4th fastest growing city in the U.S., and I had a collision, and I’m still trying to find my rhythm.”

I had a personal epiphany and said to myself, “Donna, (I often speak to myself that way – please don’t judge me – LOL!), are you kidding me that you would lead any conversation with a negative? This is YOUR city now and this is YOUR traffic.” The lightning fast MIND of MINE suddenly thought “Rather than complaining and thinking negatively about this traffic, OWN the traffic and the people inside those vehicles and do what God has called you to – to be a difference maker and pray for those people to become followers of Christ; pray for their financial needs to be met, for their bodies to be healed and for their relationships to be restored.” So, I began to pray. My thoughts then turned to “assignment”. God told His disciples, and to us, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel message”. (Mark 16:15) Why wouldn’t I being speaking “good news” over all this traffic? God gave me an assignment to pray instead of being prey to the enemy’s tactics to bring me anxiety and stress.

Every single day is a learning experience for me. I get it. I know God is still working on me to be the best version of me so that He can use whatever I am and have for Him.

Maybe today there are negative situations that bug you. Maybe it’s the barking dog next door, or the grumpy boss, or the annoying co-worker, or the kids riding their bicycles across your grass, or the traffic you have to deal with on a daily basis. Why don’t we turn it all around and look for the opportunity to speak into those situations “good news” with good prayers? And in that case, “ALL THINGS (including morning and afternoon traffic), will be used by God for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28) Even traffic can be something that can be used by God to bless His children!!

Staying Positive in a Negative World

Day 217 of Photo Inspirations -- Staying Positive in a Negative World
Last stop after a busy, fun-packed day with my grandchildren was at Aldi's to pick up bread and milk. Walking back to the car after my purchase, a KOTV Channel 6 news reporter approached me for an interview about the added traffic in our area.  Initially, I was reluctant to comment, but I could see I needed to speak a positive word in what could be a negative news report.  She signaled her camera man and the interview began. (I sure wish I had freshened my lipstick before the camera started -- LOL!)

My subdivision is in West Tulsa, where it's been a relatively quiet area of town, but then, just North of us, two new shopping areas were built.  Now there's a vast array of restaurants, retail stores, large anchor stores, many services, financial and medical facilities.  A 12-screen theater is also being constructed, so, this little "sleepy hollow" is now hopping.....and so is the traffic.  It continues to increase with the popularity of all the many retail establishments that are available here.

This reporter was looking for negativity by the questions she asked, but she chose the wrong gal -- I'm from Dallas and this small amount of traffic is nothing in comparison.  I told her that indeed the traffic had increased, but no problem to us.  It's worth having all these amazing amenities so close by.
And, for us, it means the property value of our homes has increased and we're close to where our shopping needs are met in a few minutes.

I responded to the reporter's questions for about 5 minutes with only optimism and so when my grandkids and I watched the 10 pm news to see what was aired, they were jumping up and down and laughing so hard to see their Nana on TV (they had seen the whole interview come down as they watched it from our car).  And, we weren't surprised to only see a small snippet of what I said.  I get that a lot of folks watch the news for controversial stories -- but I sure wish they'd report the positive stuff rather than so much negative.

Negativity breeds negativity.  What should we do when we live in that world but want to stay positive?  I'm so thankful that I purpose to look for the good in just about everything and here's what I do:

1)  I protect myself from negative news.  While I want to stay up on the events occurring in the world, sometimes a headline is sufficient to grasp new developments. I limit the time I spend with TV, radio and the Internet, selecting only a few stories to read in full.

2. I control the number of negative people in my life. I do spend time counseling and hearing people's problems.  Some days are filled with more uplifting reports than others. However, I can carefully select how much time I spend with those who are intent on being negative.  My frame of mind and my attitude is dependent on what I allow into my mind -- good or bad.

3. I love to listen to uplifting Christian music in my car and home. With just a click on an app on my phone, I can be transported to a place of joy, peace, and thanksgiving.

4. I practice gratitude.  Appreciating life and its many blessings puts me in a cheery mood that really helps when I'm in traffic or standing in a long line at a store.  That gratitude makes me want to encourage others -- calling or emailing them with an encouraging word.  Random acts of kindess goes a long way in turning a negative world into a positive one.

5. I pray randomly all day: "Thank you, God, for that green light. Thank you, God for that parking space."  And whether it's in traffic or a line at the store -- I use that time as a reminder to have a little conversation with THE ONE who isn't surprised by the delays.  No doubt, it's a part of His Master Plan.

There's blessings and beauty everywhere -- it's possible to stay positive in a negative world when we look for it.