Trust Me -- I Have a Purpose Here!

I know that with all the “He said. She said. They said.” craziness in the news, and even with those folks close to us, it makes us wonder “Who CAN we trust these days?” We think, “If that reputable, above-reproach guy or gal that I held in such high esteem could be caught in an immoral or questionable situation, how can I trust anyone?”

But, just think about those we DO trust, without even giving it a second thought. We trust pharmacists to give us the right medication from a prescription. We trust pilots, we don't know, to safely take us to the right destination, believing that they know how to fly that big bird! While driving down the highway, we trust our lives to engineers and road construction crews, believing the bridges will hold. We trust when we make that deposit into our bank account, that those funds will be there when we need to use them. That’s a lot of trust in the unknown, on so many levels.

Of most concern is we even have trouble trusting God. People will say, "I can't see Him, so it’s hard for me to believe." Do we see the engineers who designed the bridge? Do we know the pilots? Do we really know what the pharmacist is putting into our medicine bottles? Do we know that the bank teller put our funds into the right account? Not usually. Yet God, our Creator and the One Who knows all about us (our past, our present and our future) and Who loves us so unconditionally, is often the One we trust the least. It just doesn't make sense to trust imperfect men and not to trust a perfect God.

I have several close friends who are toughing out some very difficult situations in their lives right now, and to say “Trust God. He has a purpose for what you’re going through” sounds almost trite, but it is the absolute truth of the matter. Trust believes that if we don’t get what we need or want, today, that God still is working out all the details of our lives for our good.

Case in point: my dear friend who was running for election to a public office, sincerely believed, with all her heart, that she was going to win the race. She trusted God for the outcome. The election took place and she fell short on the votes needed. Her reaction? “God is still on the throne and all things work together for good to those who love God." That’s bold, unconquerable, fearless TRUST. Trusting God when the outcome “isn’t as planned” in our eyes, but is “right on target” with God’s plans and purposes for us. God knows that if that door didn’t shut, we would never walk through the perfectly designed door that He has perfectly planned for us. His ways are so much higher than our ways!

Trust….when skies are blue and birds are singing. Trust….when ominous clouds loom and when storms are coming. Instead of hearing "You have such little faith." (Matthew 8:26) ....let's determine to hear "I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." (Matthew 8:10)

Audacious, Unwavering Trust! I Want to Live Like That!

We've all been part of coaxing our little one to take that first step "Trust me! I won't let you fall!" Or that little new swimmer-in-training "Let go of the wall! I've got you! Trust me!" Or that high flyer when Daddy says, “Jump! Trust me!” Those walk-of-faith, swim-of-faith and leap-of-faith times mean the child has to put aside all inhibitions and fears. But, no problem. She has child-like faith. That faith that shows all-out, undaunted trust that her mommy or daddy is going to catch her. And she takes that first step or dog paddles in that pool or jumps to her beloved daddy. No fear – only trust! And sure enough, she lands, safely in her father’s arms.

Remember that kind of trust? We had that trust because of the secure relationship we had with our parents. We completely trusted their words and promises. Did we ever think our father would miss us, and let us fall? Not hardly. We believed, and we had faith because we trusted in who he was to us.

I know there are those who didn't experience the love of a Godly father like this, but I know how we all can know this love. That’s the kind of faith we can, and should, have in our Heavenly Father. Having childlike faith isn’t perfect faith. There's room for doubt, but the doubt doesn’t win – hope, trust and faith prevails and wins! What pleases God the most is our heart of sincerity that says, “God, I know You have my best interests at heart. Please bolster my faith in You." He answers that kind of prayer. Bottom line, no matter how impossible our situations may seem, if we have that unwavering faith of a child, we believe and know He will catch us and put us on a straight path!

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him." Psalm 91:1,2

And, there is something so precious about the thought of getting to be a child again, and knowing we have a Father who will take care of us. He can bear the burdens of life while we can just enjoy ourselves, like we did when we were children, without having to worry about the nitty-gritty details. God will take care of all that. We don’t need to perform, we don’t need to be constantly striving for this or that; the burden is on God’s shoulders -- not ours. Audacious, unwavering child-like faith. I wanna' live like THAT!

Matthew 18:3 "And Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

This Just Wasn’t MY Plan

Plan: strategy, intention, aim, intent, objective, goal, ambition

I remember thinking and saying those words so many times in my life “This isn’t what I (or we) planned!” How well I remember that place of feeling stuck. Our lives were just not going the way we had planned and although it was always the greatest desire of our hearts to trust the Father completely, trusting wasn't easy when our plans were wrecked and our dreams were relinquished to a divine design that we didn't understand.

We knew plenty of scriptures and quotes well that helped us to stay the course. We had "Expect a miracle" signs all over our home. We believed and spoke out “He did it before. He’ll do it again!” “Hold on, my child. Joy comes in the morning!” “When you’ve done all to stand, keep standing!” And I could hear those stories, coming from everywhere, of a plan that isn’t ours, of a God who knows so much better than we do.

Right now, you may be in the middle of trying to figure out what in the world is going on with the plans you made, too. You may be thousands of dollars in debt for a degree that you’re not sure you want any more or for that business start-up investment and “trends” aren’t on your side. You may look over at the empty space next to you in bed, aching for it to be filled with the spouse you thought would be here by now or for the one whose life was cut short. Or maybe your life is everything you hoped it would be, but there’s profound emptiness where contentment should be.

Best laid plans sometimes go awry! How many times do we make a plan, chart a course, set goals, cast vision, and even set out on a long-awaited dream-come-true adventure and it went all wrong? Most of those times, there are logical reasons beyond our control that keep us from our plans. Other times, it’s simply a matter of readjusting a schedule, and the plan can proceed. Changing the course or our mind isn't a bad thing. Having to reconfigure doesn’t make us a flip-flopper. In fact, accepting that God could be planning an even better outcome than what we had planned makes us flexible.

I know how hard it is to be grateful in the midst of uncertainty. It is much easier to look at where we are, line it up with where we thought we would be, and become fearful and frustrated about the differences. But our Heavenly Father knows exactly where we are and exactly where He desires us to be. God is not deaf to our prayers nor blind to our place. His ways are simply better.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

We can be angry that our lives have been disrupted, or we can trust that God is crafting a life for us that is far better than we could ever imagine. One of my favorite lines from the “God’s Not Dead” movie was “It’s not easy, but it’s simple.” I love this quote. It tells us a simple but profound message. Living the life is not always easy, but Christ’s message is simple “Trust me. I’ve got this. I am the way. I am the truth. I am the life.” Our plans may go awry, and tough times may come unexpectedly, but we can be grateful for a God who loves us enough to wreck our plans when it is for our good and for His glory.

Maybe today you are smack dab in the middle of a story you would NEVER have chosen for yourself. I know I was supposed to share these words and this post today because God nudged me to tell you “You’re on the brink of a miracle. TRUST ME!" He asks us to have the courage to find the beauty in these times. We may not know what He’s doing, but because we love Him, we can trust that it’s good. He's a good, good Father and so are His best plans for us!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear?

The second verse of this wonderful Christmas carol is:

"Said the little lamb to the Shepard boy,

Do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky Shepard boy

Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song, high above the trees,

With a voice as big as the sea. With a voice as big as the sea."

What is that song the little lamb was referring to? The song of of God made flesh as a heaven-sent baby that brought hope, peace, joy and love to this world. Yesterday, I wrote about “seeing” the Conductor of our orchestra – removing any distractions that would hinder our view of Him. Today, I take it a step further and ask “What is keeping you from HEARING the voice of our Shepherd?

"Can you hear me?" "Are you listening to me?" Those are words that I know our Heavenly Father must say to us time and time again, but we're so caught up in the "noise" going on in our lives -- the TV, telephone, radio, computer, social media, overburdened with to do's, and thinking about everything except for tuning in to the "Shepherd" frequency in our lives.

Many times, like our children, we do hear, but we're just not obeying. In fact, we may be as guilty as our kids are when we've told them time and time again to do something.....and they become little "drama queens and kings" and totally act like they never heard us. And, so often, the things we say to our children are the very things God wants us — His children — to hear: “I’m the parent and you're the child -- that's why!" “If you had paid attention to me, you would have avoided that mess.” “Trust Me. I know what's best for you.”

I have some good tidings of great joy for us today. We CAN hear God's voice. The Bible, God's love letter to mankind, makes it clear that we were created with the ability to have two-way communication with Him. Jesus tells us in John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

I pray for us today: "Dear God, please help us to listen carefully to what You have to say to us. Please help us to be "first responders" to YOUR voice. Amid all the craziness of this big world and the busyness in our own little worlds, may we tune in to YOUR frequency, your voice -- whether it's your still, small voice or your obvious loud and clear voice.....not eventually, but immediately! Thank you for your patience as our loving Father! Amen.

The Show Must Go On -- Here, and Up There

Today, I’m back in Tulsa where so many memories always await me. Of course, I’m with Mom (aka Mom-in-Law) and Karen, which brings a flood of memories when we’re together, but today, November 16th is exceptionally special to each of us. Mom’s boy, Karen's big bro, and my Sweetheart, gets my FB marquee placement today.

Heaven is a wonderful place and every time I hear about someone's loved one getting to go there, it seems to get sweeter and sweeter. At least it sure does for me. This beautiful man went there ahead of me...seven years ago today. His Bucket List was completed, and he received his ticket for the ride he'd waited for, earned, deserved and was awarded. On the other hand, he was always ahead of me -- leading and guiding me, and always my cheerleader. I like to think that's part of his assignment in heaven -- to keep pushing me to be the best I can be, like he did when we were teenagers and during those 44 years we were together.

What would it be like if I just sat and pined away about “the way we were” or for wanting to "go home" too? What if I didn't celebrate my life today and all the joys it holds for me on this side of heaven because I'm still here?

Growing up, I heard a lot of songs about heaven: "Won't It Be Wonderful There", "When We All Get to Heaven", "Heaven is a Wonderful Place", "In the Sweet By and By", "Shall We Gather at the River?" And I agree with those songs and many sermons about the beauty and grandeur of heaven. It will be beyond our wildest dreams and imaginations. But if we're not doing what we are supposed to be doing in the right here and now, we'll be most miserable. Why be always thinking about our past and dreaming about the future, when God has called us to pick up our assignments for right here and now, and DO THEM to the best of our ability today? There are people to love and encourage. There are young people that need mentors. There are more lessons to learn. There are widows and widowers that need to know how to continue living strong. There are prayers to pray and seeds to plant. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

I keep remembering so many of my Sweetheart's quotes. "You can do this. Your best days are ahead. Have faith -- it's gonna' be alright. Throw your hands up in the air, and enjoy the ride. Finish strong. The show must go on." And during those times when I am challenged with life and the circumstances that sometime seem overwhelming….. like having to handle business affairs and financial challenges, home and car repairs, counseling friends and family members, and making so many life decisions on my own, and when I really would love to hear his sweet voice to tell me what to do, I compose myself and I sense the voice of my Heavenly Father saying, “Trust ME!” We have a resource that we can go to for the answers, Who gives us the strength, understanding, wisdom, and comfort we need.

Today, the 'SHOW" for me is my faith journey. And, on this faith journey, I’m always travelling on roads that take me to new places, new adventures, living large with my family, sharing God's "good news" and celebrating this “abundant life” Christ came to give us. You’ll recognize me on the road….I’ll be the one with lights blinking, horn honking and banners waving and shouting “Move out of my way…I’ve got a race to run and I’m going to finish strong!"

Happy Promotion Anniversary, Sweetheart! I love you FOREVER, and I’ll catch up with you soon! I’m not giving up – until I’m taken up! In the meantime, since you are so close to the throne of God, would you please nestle up close to Him and tell Him your adoring and loving wife could use some extra help down here? After all, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!”

Trust Me! I’ve Got This!

Being over-zealous to find community when I first moved to Frisco, TX, I sought out ways to get involved at my church. I sent emails and made calls. I even sent a letter to the new pastor in hopes to meet with him for a few minutes to not only find out about him, but for him to know me and the great joy I have in serving God. Those efforts didn’t fall into place as I had expected, so I took matters in my own hands and started volunteering and getting involved in several ministry areas at the church. But, I never had the occasion to meet with Fr Rudy.

Here’s how God taught me yet another lesson – for my own good. At the retreat I attended this weekend, it was a joy to have our new pastor, Fr Rudy, with us much of the time. One of the sweetest moments, for me, was when Fr Rudy came into the dining room, got his food and set right beside me. It was just the two of us for a few minutes -- the minutes I had hoped to have had when I sent that first email. We found that we had places and friends in common, and such great conversation was had in those few minutes. When others joined us at the table, questions were asked of him, that we all gleaned from his responses. Once again, loud and clear, I could almost see God with his hands cupped around his mouth, and belting out to me….”Donna, trust ME. I’ve told you, time and again, ‘I’ve got this!’” I got His message. When will I stop trying to open doors that are unnecessary to open? God opens the right doors at the right time, when I let go and let God.

One of our mutual friends is Bishop Dan Mueggenborg (hereafter referred to as "M" for sake of brevity), who formerly pastored in Tulsa at Christ the King Church, but is now in Seattle. I shared this story with Fr Rudy. Bishop "M" holds a special place in my heart. Before his pastorate at CTK, he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. That's how Fr Rudy knew him as he attended North American College where Bishop "M" was on the faculty. So, when my husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary, Bishop "M" was so gracious to give us a grand tour of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants. Fr Rudy knew exactly which restaurant that was.

One of my fondest memories of Bishop "M" was his story about his visit with Mother Teresa. On one of her visits to Rome, he had a private breakfast with her. He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked: "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you. Would you please sign this prayer card for me?" And, she graciously did, and to push the envelope a little further, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries. She signed the second card. Bishop "M" framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other signed card to his priest friend. He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did. Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card. His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one." Bishop "M" asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "No, not an original. You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one." Bishop Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY? I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that treasure that you threw away!"

Bishop "M" went on to compare that precious treasure of being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and His trust-worthiness in our lives. We dismiss the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.

I remembered this story as I sat with Fr Rudy and when I heard God tell me “Trust Me!” I sincerely desire to live with all-out trust in Him and not take matters into my own hands. He's the REAL deal! I believe in Him. He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. And, the desire He has for our relationship? For me to trust Him more; to love Him more; to let go of my GOOD ideas and trust in His GOD ideas that are always on time – His time -- every time.

BE the EYE of the Storm

I remember my 7th grade science class enough to know about the "eye" of the storm -- that still, calm, quiet place in the middle of a storm. As I read the post I made 7 years ago during one of the greatest storms of our lives, I realized that God kept us in the "eye" of the storm throughout the storm. And that made me think about how we can actually BE the eye of the storm when we are present and in the middle of situations, conflicts, stresses, circumstances and controversies.

The closer we become to God, the more we'll take on His characteristics: peace, calm, love, joy, kindness, etc., and the more we'll be able to bring about all those characteristics in situations we may be in or encounter. So, if we represent His peace in the middle of chaos, then even our presence, can cause peace to come to the storm. The atmosphere of the storm can change simply because we are so calm and peaceful. I urge you to read this post that I made 7 years ago and see how He can make us the EYE of the storm around us.

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Dr. Whirlwind and Dr. Peace -- Relax. Trust Me. (July, 2010)
Seven years ago my sweetheart was taken to the hospital. We were in another "emergency" situation with his health.

We were faced with yet another major decision. Our primary Neurosurgeon (NS) was enjoying himself as he rode in the Tour de France. His partner was acting in his behalf -- handling our case. Unlike our Neurosurgeon, this NS was hyper, abrupt, negative, and sincerely lacked the "bedside manner" that we had been used to. When it appeared that Ron's kidneys were not functioning, when his legs were losing feeling, when a mileogram indicated that his spinal cord was being compressed, and when lab results were unfavorable, this NS said "I don't want to operate!!! I don't want to operate!!! But I will not have you go paralyzed under my watch, so I must operate! Tomorrow morning, we'll see what the lab reports say and then we'll operate if your kidney function numbers are better!! I'm posting NPO (no food or water) after midnight on your door! I'll see you in the morning" Whew!!! Whirlwind in……take a deep breath…..PEACE OUT!

It was then that I grabbed Karen's hand (Ron's sister) and said "Let's go for a walk around the hospital!" As we did, we prayed for God to encamp His angels around the hospital, for God's healing touch to Ron, for wisdom and knowledge to our medical team, and then, God gave us a sincere desire to see our stand-in NS touched by God's love, to witness the Light of Jesus in us, and to experience the same peace that we were experiencing. As we made our 6th round, we noticed lying on the grass at the corner of the hospital grounds was a Mama cat and her baby. They watched us intently, and never flinched. Immediately, we could sense God saying to us "RELAX -- peace -- I am with you -- Trust Me!" We made our final and 7th round, and just as we had not seen the cats in rounds one to five, they were gone on the 7th, but those words resonated within us. We came back to the hospital room and Ron, Staci, our daughter and her husband, Larry, were singing and praising God for the answer we knew He would give us the next morning. We went to sleep that night, completely at peace, knowing that God would be orchestrating the plans for the next day.

Early, the next morning, we were awakened by the lab technicians to draw the blood for the lab tests. At 6:30 am, our stand-in NS (aka Dr. Whirlwind) came in the room exasperated, saying "I'm so upset! The labs are not in yet and I have a surgery at St. John's in 15 minutes. I have a full day of patients that I will have to reschedule. Let me check your legs. They appear stronger. I believe you're stable. So, are we going to operate or not?" Ron, so at peace, replied, "I don't think so; I think we'll wait until next week!" Then Ron shared about his Dad's healing of cancer and lived another 15 years. We watched Dr. Whirlwind calm down, relax and experience a few moments of peace -- even though he was late for his next surgery. I asked him if he liked his work. He said, "Yes, but I can't stop thinking about it -- at work or when not at work." I said, "Then you are a dedicated, gifted physician and, obviously, God called you to do what you do. We're going to pray that He gives you balance and that you find peace." To that, he let me hug him and, in a complete shift in demeanor, he gave us his best wishes, and peaceably removed the NPO sign off the door. Ron enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Later that day, the lab results came in. Ron's kidney functions were drastically improved, his legs were stronger and we relaxed in knowing that God would cradle us in His arms….until our primary NS would return to Tulsa.

When our NS, Dr. Tomacek aka Dr. "Peace", returned, he reviewed all the excitement we'd been through in his absence and gave us his optimistic expectations about the surgery he would do in a couple of days. He told us that while in France, he went to Notre Dame de Lourdes. He said he saw thousands of people coming there for healing, and he prayed for us. I told Ron, "I choose to believe that Doc received a healing touch so much so that when he operates on Thursday, that his hands which were touched by God, will impart that healing to you." I was bold enough to believe that God uses many different ways to bring healing to us.

The next night, my sister-in-law, Karen, and my dear friend, Sheila Michie, and I, took another march/walk around the hospital. With the same fervor, determination, and faith, we expected the same peace that carried us that far in our faith journey to carry us through that surgery and onto complete wholeness. We looked for the Mama Cat and her baby. They didn't show up, but we still heard the words "Relax. Trust Me." And we did.

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And, to you, today, my dear friends and family, I pray you not only encounter He who is our peace in the middle of the storms you are facing today, but that you BECOME the peace (the EYE of the storm) that settles the score.....John 14:27 “I’m leaving you at peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I’m not giving it to you as the world gives. So don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid."

Does Your Heart Need a Defibrillator (Your Spiritual Heart, that is)?

A few days ago I shared about the rhythms of our lives and if we trust God, He will set the tempo and even when there's ups and downs, we'll understand all the various rhythms can be by God's design. I knew I was supposed to move to Texas when my home in Tulsa sold with little effort. Maybe I was disillusioned into thinking I was moving to my Promised Land, to a "land flowing with milk and honey" instead of giants in the land. (Okay -- I'm thinking about Joshua and his spies checking out their Promised Land again.)

While I've had my share of "milk and honey", I've also run into some distractions (like the hail damage to my home, property insurance issues, a misjudgment on how close a car was in front of me that led to a collision, a flu bug that landed on me, indecisiveness about some other decisions, etc.), that my mind went into a "tilt" mode and I actually started thinking "Is this all because I moved to Texas?" Hmm! That also sounds like Joshua's crowd "Yes, there's milk and honey there, but we're like grasshoppers compared to them!" This "side" was supposed to have been the "greener" side. Wah! Wah! Wah! Doesn't that sound like Debbie "Downer"? LOL!

It wasn't long before I knew I was exactly in the place God wanted me to be OR the enemy wouldn't be nagging at me so much. I needed to heed my Father's words, from the outset, "Trust Me!" Those adversities had me out of rhythm. It occurred to me -- I wasn't handling the adversity the right way, because adversity can actually restore our prayer and praise rhythm and resurrect our relationship with our Father Who loves us, cares for us and knows what's best for us. When we apply the "defibrillator" of praying AND praising, those dead emotions and attitudes of defeat will be destroyed and replaced by unstoppable and audacious faith in God's Word and promises that we MUST HAVE in the days we're living in!

I shared that my car had to be towed into the Buick dealership because it wouldn't start. Of all things, it wouldn't start because the gas tank was empty, even though the indicator said there was gas in it. I was facing an $1100 repair. My heart got its heartbeat back when I started praying and praising AND when I was told "The $1100 will be taken care of by your extended warranty!" It was like the Jericho walls came tumbling down. Yes, I prayed, but I needed to praise after I prayed -- because I could trust in Him who said "Trust Me!" Prayer is asking God to do something (future tense) and praise is believing that God has already done it -- past tense -- just like when God told Joshua (before the walls came down) "“Look! I have given Jericho over to your control" (Joshua 6:2). The defibrillator of prayer and praise set Joshua and his troops to walking, and my feet dancing and my heart pumping strong on God's unfailing love and grace.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Trust Me -- I Have a Plan....God

My month-long hiatus ended yesterday, and today I’m moving over to the main house to reconnect with my family. What a great day to return to the real world – the newlyweds arrived (grandkids, Braden and Ruth) and oh how sweet it is to catch up with them. After all, I haven’t seen them since their wedding weekend. They are every bit as in love today (and more) than on that beautiful day in October. I know I’ve been immersed in this month of love with acknowledging God’s love for us and our love for Him, our love for our loved ones and our love for our babies……but I don’t think any love compares to that of finding that sweet romantic, everlasting love between a man and a woman. And, my grandson and his bride clearly demonstrate that sweet love.

Now I'm reflecting on the incredible opportunity to have spent an entire month of solitude -- really focusing on my relationship with God (with the exception of a few times when I needed to be on "Nana duty"). Did I get all the answers I was asking for during this sweet time? No, but something big changed inside me. Though I’m not so much a planner as I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of gal, I really did want to know where my journey, this year, was going to take me. A clear, defined destination would have been a wowzer result of my time alone with God. But I realized, God was offering me His hand instead of an itinerary and a map. I continue to hear His words: “Trust Me! Trust Me enough to know you don’t have to know the way ahead. I do. Hold onto Me. I’m holding onto you. Tomorrow will come and I will be there with you. I know where you’re headed and that’s what matters most."

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I’ve learned to practice more listening to God’s voice each day. Since this day is the one He made and I’m told to rejoice in it…..I’ve come to realize I don’t need to overthink my tomorrows. I know I need to be intentional to stop and listen to His voice. That Voice is calling me, and YOU, to stop worrying and planning for tomorrow as a way of distraction and procrastination — and listen to what He has to say to us today.

This Voice is kinder and more loving than all the voices that push us, rush us, and criticize us. This Voice wants to provide just what we need this very moment. And calls us to trust Him beyond what we can’t see ahead.

This day….we need to let go of some things that seem so pressing, so that we can be im-pressed by our loving Father that says “Peace be still” and “Be still and know that I am God” and “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Trust Me -- I Have a Purpose Here!

With all the “He said. She said” craziness in the news, it makes you wonder “Who CAN we trust these days?” How many times do we get sold a bill of goods and the goods are faulty, broken, or dysfunctional, yet we keep going back to the same merchant or using the same service provider? Before long, we could easily start to think "I just can't trust anyone!"

Think about all the people we DO trust, without even giving it a second thought. We trust pharmacists to give us the right medication from a prescription. We trust pilots, we don't know, to safely take us to the right destination, believing that they know how to fly that big bird! Driving our cars, we trust our lives to engineers and road construction crews, believing the bridges will hold. That’s a lot of trust in the unknown, on so many levels.

Here’s what’s most surprising. We, often, have trouble trusting God. People will say, "I can't see Him, so it’s hard for me to believe." Do we see the engineers who designed the bridge? Do we know the pilots? Do we really know what the pharmacist is putting into our medicine bottles? Not usually. Yet God, our Creator and the One Who knows all about us (our past, our present and our future) and Who loves us so unconditionally, is often the One we trust the least. It just doesn't make sense to trust imperfect men and not to trust a perfect God.

Trust is relinquishing our agenda to God's agenda. Trust is also believing that if we don’t get what we need or want, that God still is working out all the details of our lives for our good.

Case in point: My dear friend who was running for election to a public office, sincerely believed, with all her heart, that she was going to win this race. She trusted God for the outcome. The election took place and she fell short on the votes needed. Her reaction? “God is still on the throne and all things work together for good to those who love God." That’s bold, fearless, unconquerable TRUST. Trusting God when the outcome “isn’t as planned” in our eyes, but is “right on target” with God’s plans and purposes for us. God knows that if that door didn’t shut, we would never walk through the perfectly designed door that He has perfectly planned for us. His ways are so much higher than our ways!

Trust….when skies are blue and birds are singing. Trust….when the storms are prevailing and ominous clouds loom. Instead of hearing "You have such little faith." (Matthew 8:26) ....don't we want to hear "I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." (Matthew 8:10)

The Show Must Go On....Here & Up There

Day 314 of Photo Inspirations -- The Show Must Go On....Here & Up There
Of course this precious man's photo is my inspiration for today.  Heaven is a wonderful place and every time I hear about someone's loved one getting to go there, it seems to get sweeter and sweeter. At least it sure does for me.

My Sweetheart went there ahead of me...5 years ago today. His Bucket List was completed, and he got his ticket for the ride he'd waited for, earned, deserved and awarded.  On the other hand, he was always ahead of me -- leading and guiding me, and always my cheerleader.  I like to think that's part of his assignment in heaven -- to keep pushing me to be the best I can be, like he did during those 44 years we were together on this side of heaven.  

What would it be like if I just sat and pined away for wanting to "go home" too?  What if I didn't celebrate my life on this side of heaven because I'm still here?

Growing up, I heard a lot of songs and sermons about heaven:  "Won't It Be Wonderful There", "When We All Get to Heaven", "Heaven is a Wonderful Place", "In the Sweet By and By", "Shall We Gather at the River?"  And I agree with those songs and sermons.  It will be beyond our wildest dreams and imaginations.   But if we're not doing what we are supposed to be doing in the right here and now, we'll be most miserable.  Why be dreaming about the future, when God has called us to pick up our assignments and DO THEM today?   There's people to love, encourage, and strengthen. There's young people that need mentors.  There's more lessons to learn.  There's widows and widowers that need to know how to continue living strong.  There's prayers to pray and seeds to plant.  THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

I keep remembering so many of my Sweetheart's quotes.  "You can do this.  Your best days are ahead.  Have faith -- it's gonna' be alright. Throw your hands up in the air, and enjoy the ride.  Finish strong.  The show must go on."   And during those times when I am challenged with life and the situations and circumstances that sometime seem overwhelming….. like having to handle business affairs and financial challenges, home and car repairs, fire alarm batteries that go off in the middle of the night, drainage issues in my yard, the refrigerator and the photocopier and the computer breaking down, counseling friends and family members, and making so many life decisions on my own, and when I really would love to hear his sweet voice to tell me what to do, I compose myself and I sense the voice of my Heavenly Father saying, “Trust ME!”   We have a resource that we can go to for the answers, and Who gives us the strength, understanding, wisdom, and comfort we need……to keep this SHOW GOING ON and keep it going strong for a long run!!!

Happy Homegoing Day, PRECIOUS MAN!

TRUST ME in the Depths of Your Being

Day 209 of Photo Inspirations -- TRUST ME in the Depths of Your Being!
"I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight....." Isaiah 45:2  That was the scripture that came to me, on two separate occasions, in the last two days.  Coincidentally, two of my friends, on the same day, shared with me that their world was in a state of chaos and that they needed clarity on some very important decisions they were making.  As I prayed with each one, individually, those words in that scripture from Isaiah came to me.....that He would make the crooked places straight in our lives.  And, in return He asks that we TRUST HIM.

Yesterday morning, I opened up my "Jesus Calling" devotional and read that day's message.  I knew, emphatically, that those were words I needed to hear -- as well as my friends.  Perhaps these are words for you to hear too!  Just maybe, by happenstance, you saw my post pop up on your Facebook page.  And just maybe it was perfectly orchestrated by God to help you through this day, making those difficult decisions with God's peace abiding in you.  Perhaps, these words will be the difference-maker in situations you are dealing with today.  I sure hope so.  

July 31st --
"TRUST ME in the depths of your being.  It is there that I live in constant communion with you.  When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself.  You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming  Rather than scolding yourself for your humanness, remind yourself that I am both with you AND within you.

I am with you at ALL times,  encouraging and supportive rather than condemning.  I know that deep within you, where I live, My Peace is your continual experience.  Slow down your pace of living for a time.  Quiet your mind in My Presence.  Then you will be able to hear Me bestowing the resurrection blessing:  Peace be with you."

My favorite words in that devotional were:  "I am both with you AND within you."  Imagine that -- the God of the universe is not only hanging out with us -- He is smack dab right inside of us.  With all that knowledge; with all that power; with all that ability; with all that peace and love -- how can we possibly make the wrong decision?  How can we NOT be successful.  Let Him make the crooked places straight in your life today, and start with receiving His resurrection blessing of knowing His peace IS with us.

Opening Bell Rings Big on Nasdaq

Day 165 of Photo Inspirations -- Opening Bell Rings Big on NASDAQ
#TBT -- June 18, 2010 -- This was a day when a proud mama remembered her little Cub Scout selling all those Scout-A-Rama tickets. That was the start of his entrepreneurial endeavors.  Who would have thought that same little boy would be the CEO of a public traded company. At 8:30 a.m. this day, our son rang the Opening Bell on NASDAQ, and we were there to witness it.

What was equal to the experience, and the pride and joy we had in our son's undaunted determination for this day to happen, was my Sweetheart's undaunted determination, in spite of immense and excruciating pain to not let this moment escape him.  He was going to be a part of the celebration -- no matter how he felt or how ill he was.  Five months later he graduated to heaven for the biggest "I WIN" celebration of all.

I realized, as I remembered this day and so many other days and "firsts" that followed....there's one common word that explains this mode of operation.  We continue to be undaunted in our belief that "With God ALL things are possible!"  That's the message we cultivate into our children AND our grandchildren.  We may not come in first every time, but it's not because we lack determination and the will to win.

I'll be honest with you -- there were, and ARE, times when the temptation comes to slow down, take an easier road, and rest in green pastures a while, but once again, the voice of THE ONE Who knows no limits and knows no bounds, says "Trust Me!  Go ahead!  Walk on water!"  He calls us to new faith that overcomes fear and overcomes failure.  God always offers us the guarantee of His presence, and that’s enough to cast fears aside. The One who calls us has already won. We keep our eyes on Him.  He will carry us through. We are strong soldiers and we will continue to be undaunted in our faith and trust in HIM!