Lessons From the Nest (Part Two)

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This blogpost is written by my good friend, Kathy Elrod. She is writing a follow up to the wonderful blog she wrote for us last Spring.

“Last Spring, I opened my front door one day to find that a Cardinal had built a nest in my wreath. As a bird lover, I took a lot of joy in discovering that nest. We’ve lived here for almost 35 years, and I always keep a wreath on my door. This had never happened before.  

I had grown up watching Cardinals with my Daddy. In 2013, we lost our precious son, Brent Elrod, in a hiking accident, at the age of 20. I began to see Cardinals more often. They are reminders from God that He is with me. 

Four birds hatched from that first nest. We got to see them spread their wings, as their Momma gave them flying lessons. 

A couple of months later, a second bird saw what she thought was a safe place and built her nest in the same wreath, but in a different location. Three little birds hatched from that nest. More joy!

We find JOY IN JESUS.  It comes often in our lives, if we just look for it. I would have never seen these nests, if I had not been looking. 

Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago, when I saw two birds flying around my wreath. I wondered if they would build again.  Would there be three families within 10 months?

I watched for a few days and found five little eggs in the SAME nest that the first Cardinal used! That nest was perfectly designed, well-woven, and tucked ­­inside, away from the rain and storms. Momma knew that if she sheltered there, she and her family would be safe from all the elements that might possibly come. I wasn’t even aware that birds reuse old nests, but after some reading, I realized that some species do recycle a nest for their “brood-to-be.”

This reminds me that there is renewal in life. God doesn’t waste an opportunity with us, just as this bird didn’t pass up this nest. There is purpose in everything. Sometimes we just can’t see it.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

These nests also remind me that we should seek secure SHELTER IN JESUS. With all of this pandemic, most of us are scared, anxious, maybe even distraught. There’s so much that is unknown, and we can’t see an end in sight. We must continue to TRUST and keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge, his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalms 91:4

This virus has taken away all things familiar to us: Our jobs, restaurants, schools, appointments, sports, and even our buildings where we worship. I truly believe that God has allowed all of these things to cease for a reason. We can’t see this enemy, but we can SEE Jesus through our faith.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

God’s love for us hasn’t changed. He isn’t willing that any should perish. Perhaps, He is allowing this slowdown, so that we will see that HE is the only way to Heaven. We need to get our focus on Him. We are no longer busy in this circle that we call “life.” Perhaps it’s time to reexamine our priorities.

This “stop sign” has given us time to slow down and savor important moments with our Heavenly Father and time to read our Bibles, time to be with our families, and time to enjoy His creation and be kind to others.

When they were seeking, all three of these birds saw something that was appealing. Perhaps this is the time that the “church” (not the building) will be appealing to others. There has never been a greater time to BE THE CHURCH!  The doors are closed, but our hearts are open, and we have been DEPLOYED!

As I write this, those birds haven’t hatched yet. That Momma continues to sit on her nest and care for those eggs, in anticipation of what is to come. There will be a grand day soon, when they will break out of their shells, spread their wings, and join the others.

This reminds me of several things:

1) GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE, just like that Momma bird is on her nest. As world events seem to spin out of control and storms rage around us, we can remain calm and steady. We have a Sovereign Lord Who has not surrendered His authority.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

2) When those eggs hatch, the babies won’t be worried about where their next meal is coming from. Their Momma gets them food each time they need it, JUST AS OUR FATHER PROVIDES FOR AND TAKES CARE OF US. We don’t need to worry and fret about tomorrow.

“Consider the ravens: They neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds.” Luke 12:24

3) We can wait in anticipation of what is to come. This virus will end one day, and we will then know that it was GOD AND ONLY GOD who saw us through and brought us out.

4) Just as those birds will fly one day, so will we. Jesus is coming back for His children to take us to Heaven. I pray that He finds us ready and that He will be able to say this to each of us:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little. I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21

As we anticipate the future, may God find us faithful in what He has called us to do and who He has called us to be. Even though we can’t meet in buildings right now, Christ dwells within us. We are the church, and our mission field has never before been “so ripe unto harvest” (John 4:35).

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, I can’t think of a better time for you to trust Him. And if you do know Him, stay faithful in Him. HE IS FAITHFUL!”

Sharing Experience, Strength and Hope during the Coronavirus Pandemic

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My friend, Marie Koth, is sharing an encouraging word for the blog today.

“As I was reading comments on Facebook expressing anxiety and fear over this new coronavirus, I thanked God for all I have learned from years of recovery in Twelve-Step groups. The principles that help us addicts (no matter what our addiction is) recover and learn to deal with life in a healthier way are of benefit to anyone.  We are the fortunate ones who found our way into recovery. Here are some of the gems I’ve clung to in recovery:

In Step 1, we admit that we’re powerless over our addictive agent. What we’re powerless over in this pandemic is what other people do or don’t do, especially in social distancing. Getting angry at people who continue to gather in large groups only stresses us. It has no effect on them. We do, however, have control over our own actions and we can stay healthy if we follow the guidelines.

Step 2 calls us to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us. For me that Power is God, who sent his son, Jesus, to die on a cross to pay the price for my sin and yours, and then raised him from the grave to give us life forever with Him. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit who gives us comfort, wisdom and power to deal with whatever life throws at us.

In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  You might wonder how to be thankful in dealing with this pandemic. There is something to be learned from every difficulty in life. Hard times push us to grow emotionally and spiritually – for that we can be thankful. If we truly give our concerns to God and leave them with Him, we will have His peace that transcends all understanding, which leads to the next Step.

In Step 3 we make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.  That’s what Philippians 4:6-7 is all about. You see, God cares for us, about the big things and the small things – everything that we bring to Him. If we will trust Him with it all, we will have His peace, no matter how difficult the situation is.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” That’s a promise we can count on!

There are also some slogans that help keep us addicts on track:

Let Go and Let God – Give our cares to God and let Him handle them. He’s in control.

One Day at a Time – Deal with what today brings. Don’t start thinking what if this, what if that happens in the future. We only have today. Fretting about what might happen – worrying – wastes energy and causes unnecessary stress. If it’s hard to handle a whole day, deal with an hour at a time, or fifteen minutes.

Easy Does It – Staying home as much as possible to prevent spreading the coronavirus is an opportunity to slow down from the hectic pace of life and focus on what’s most important in life – our relationship with God and our loved ones. We can still communicate with our loved ones who don’t live with us. We are fortunate to live in the technology age, able to make video calls.

If you’re at home by yourself, check on others who are by themselves, especially the elderly. If you’re having a hard time dealing with all the uncertainty and beginning to stress, call a trusted friend (or sponsor).

This pandemic will end.  In the meantime, share your experience, strength and hope with those who are struggling. Helping others will also help you.”

When the Direction of the Wind Won’t Change, Adjust Your Sails

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Sometimes things happen to us that we cannot control any more than we can control the wind. This coronavirus is one of them. It has totally blindsided me. A month ago I couldn’t have imagined that life as we know it would shut down the way that it has. Unless you are a virologist or dooms day prepper, I bet you couldn’t have either. Yet, here we are.

So what are we going to do with this life interrupted? Are you like me, struggling to find your new normal?

We have two choices. We can go into it kicking and screaming or we can go into it trusting and resting. Either way we are going into it. Shoot, we are already there, neck deep into it trying to keep our hands clean and off of our faces and off of the people we love that we are dying to hug.

Attitude has everything to do with how we will weather this storm. One of my favorite quotes is by Chuck Swindoll about attitude.

ATTITUDE

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company… a church… a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes”

Keeping a positive mindset can go miles in getting through a difficult storm. What can we do?

Faith.

We are not in control of what is happening right now, but make no mistake God is. And He is faithful.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21

God is doing something. He will get us through this. Watch and see. We just have to trust Him and believe.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 

Connect to the Father. Pray. Read your bible. Play and sing praise music. If you fill your mind with the positivity of God and His promises, there is no room for the all negativity that the devil is throwing at you.

Support system.

If you don’t have one, get one. If you are not already closely connected, it is time to get reconnected to family and friends. My husband and I are loving online Sunday School Class zoom chats, phone calls with his parents, and facetime and texting with our kids. Thank God for technology and that the phone and the computer work without contaminating anyone with the virus. Use them as often as you need to. Everybody is needing contact right now. Don’t be afraid to reach out. We need each other.

Gratefulness.

Nothing will lift you out of the dumps like counting your blessings. If you still have a job, be grateful. If you don’t, be grateful that help is on the way and that it is most certainly temporary. Are you well? Be grateful. If you’re not, be thankful for those who will help to care for you. Start a Thankful Journal and write 5 things a day that you are grateful for. Be creative. Put some thought into it. An attitude of gratitude keeps you moving forward and lifts your chin up to keep you out of the dumps. My thankful journal definitely helped get me through my fight with cancer. 

Structure.  

Routine and as much normalcy as possible can help you keep a good attitude. Accomplishing tasks and being able to control the things you can in chaos helps keep you encouraged.

Enjoying Creation. 

My son, Bradley, and I hiked a beautiful 8.5 mile mountain trail yesterday. Just me and my boy and God. Wild flowers blooming everywhere. Birds singing. A cool breeze in the morning. A 400-foot waterfall. Lunch on a huge rock in the shade by a raging river. God’s cathedral. So what we both needed!

Would a walk in the woods or the yard help you? Turn off the TV. The outside is exploding with the beauty of Spring. God is saying He wants life to go on. He wants you to go on. Let’s embrace that.

Helping Someone Else.

When I feel the lowest, helping someone else always makes me feel better. Look around. There is always someone worse off. Helping others boosts your health, your happiness, and your feelings of well-being. There are needs all around us right now. You don’t have to look hard to find one that you can meet while still social distancing.

Dear Lord: Thank You that You are protecting us through this storm, that You are doing a new thing, and that You will bring us safely to the other side. Please touch this virus and diminish its effects. Protect those on the front lines of health care, of essential services, first responders, those who cannot quarantine because of their job. Please be with the students and their families and teachers as they try to adjust to at-home learning. Help us keep a positive attitude while we wait through this storm. In advance, we thank you and we look forward to seeing the miracles and blessings that You are going to work during this time. Amen

Are you feeling the pressure? How are you dealing with it? Is it time to adjust your sails. Please share your thoughts, experiences and comments to encourage our group.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May you and your family stay well and safe during this virus outbreak. Lean into God. He will carry you safely through. Hold on to your positive attitude and to your hope. Things are going to get better. 

Spring 101: 5 Lessons in Surviving the Coronavirus

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As the kids are out of school and taking to at-home learning, perhaps it is time for us adults to see what we can learn in the midst of this coronavirus outbreak. There are lessons all around us—lessons that God is eager to teach us.

During my walk this morning, I saw robins everywhere. They were scurrying around, stirring the leaves, trying to catch unsuspecting earthworms. For me, robins are a harbinger of Spring—a sign of new life after a long, harsh Winter.

The yellow bell bushes are blooming. The trees are filled with new buds, and their beautiful, delicate pastel petals are beginning to jut in all directions. Tender grassy, woody and leafy plants are breaking through the earth all around. Soon all of our gray surroundings will be bursting with every shade of green and splashings of vivid colors that only our Creator possesses in His pallet of paints. The air has that crisp coolness and earthy smell of early Spring. I suspect with all the rain we have had, that it is going to be one of the most beautiful Springs we have experienced in quite a few years.

If you saw a video of my walk today, you would never know that the world is under attack by this invisible enemy called coronavirus, or that our economy is plummeting out of control, or that our world is seemingly grinding to a screeching halt. But it is…

Yet in the midst of it all, God is working in our lives and speaking to us.

God will take care of you.

Don’t worry. Those robins and plants I saw didn’t look worried this morning. Like them, no matter what comes, you are held safely within the Creator’s hands.

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30

Be still and know that He is God.

He has a plan. Never doubt that the Lord is working in the midst of this crisis. He is bringing families back together at the dinner table. Hopefully, He will bring some unity back to our divided nation through this common threat. He is calling on Christians now more than ever to step up to show we are the church no matter where we are or what we are doing. He is calling people everywhere to trust Him during these difficult times in every way—physically, financially, and emotionally.

This crisis is not a surprise for Him. He never wastes an opportunity to draw people to Him, or to make His children more like Jesus. We may not understand it all, but rest assured, He is doing something, and He will make a way for us through it.

 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

God is unchanging.

He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. The world looks just like it does every Spring. We can see this only if we are able to take our eyes off of the coronavirus long enough to look around. He has the whole world in His hands. That has not changed, nor will it ever change.

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

God is calling us to action.

Just as He will soon call people to work the land that is revived by Spring, the Lord is calling His children to be His hands and feet during this time.

But what can you do while you have to be socially distant?

Draw near from afar.

Make a call to encourage someone. Check on an elderly neighbor. Bake them a cake, and take them some groceries and leave on the porch. Support local businesses as best as you can while staying safe. Post encouragement on social media. Babysit for a working single mom.

Be sensitive to Divine Appointments. God is making lots of them for His children right now.  Get creative with outreach. Send a card. Do skype groups. Reach the lonely. Comfort the discouraged. Help the sick. Cyber hugs are great hugs too.

Shine the Light. When the world is dark, that is when the Light is most apparent. Tell people about the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Hold onto hope.

God will see us through. Spring is just around the corner. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

…Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

Take a walk. May your soul be revived by God’s beautiful nature coming back to life, and may we not miss it entirely by focusing on our fears about the coronavirus. Don’t miss the miracle that is all around us. God is speaking. Be still and know that He is God. Nothing is impossible with Him. And His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Rely on Him. He can and will carry us through.

“The beautiful Spring came, and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” Harriet Ann Jacobs

Dear Lord: Thank You for Your great love for us, and for taking care of us through this virus. You are the Great Physician. Please touch this virus and diminish its strength. Protect us, especially the most vulnerable and those on the front lines of fighting this illness. Bring it to a close quickly if it is Your will. Hold us close and accomplish Your great plans for all of us in the midst of it. Thank You in advance for all You are going to do to show Your great power and glory. We need You to defeat this enemy. We trust in You as You hold the whole world in Your hands. Amen

“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12

I welcome your comments and experiences to encourage our group.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God keep you and your family safe, and revive your soul with the coming Spring.

The Nest of Perhaps

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This week’s blog is written by my precious daughter in law, Reid Hawkins. Enjoy!

As I sat on my porch, I watched two finches, one red and one brown, sporadically build a nest in the top corner of my porch ceiling at the top of a column. The column is covered with ceiling except for one tiny, small corner of it that extends out like a small diving board onto the porch. Back and forth, back and forth they take turns bringing twigs, hair, moss, and leaves to build this dainty yet structural nest. I have Edison bulb lights hung around the edge of the ceiling of our porch. One of the bulbs will be nestled right up to the momma finch and soon to be babies’ bed. So, when I think it’s a little cool out, I can cut the lights on and warm them up. How sweet!

This little corner on top of the column is so small though. Almost half of the nest is hanging off the edge. No wonder this is their third attempt at making this nest. I’ve watched them relentlessly choose this space. I’m thinking… “C’mon now. Is the third time really a charm? It’s gonna fall again!”

I’ve heard that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. These birds were insane. At least I thought they were at first. Although they were choosing the same place to build their family a home, they used different materials each time. Also, it wasn’t as windy the third time around. Maybe they allowed less time in between each placement of material to allow the nest to become stronger quicker. I’m not too sure what it was that made the nest stick in that small little corner on top of the column that third time, but it stuck.

Oh, how I aspire to be those finches. To be so determined and steadfast in making something to be successful. But to also know that it may take more than one try to receive what you’ve been working towards. It’s oddly comforting to know that no matter how hard you try or what tactics you use to achieve a goal, it just simply may not be your time.

But nothing catches God by surprise. He knows when your days will be “windy” or that you may not have the right tools you need now to get the results you want. You could be so sure that something is supposed to happen but God hasn’t brought it to fruition quite yet.

Think about this. What if those birds absolutely knew that the nest would eventually happen? What if those birds had some crazy futuristic vision that showed them the success of their hard work? Do you think they would have given up? Of course not! Because they would then have a solidified hope. What’s crazy is those birds continued fighting for their nest despite the repetitive failures and not knowing if it was going to work out.

Well, I have some exciting news! God is our solidified hope. He knows how your life story will work out, and He holds the future. God truly orchestrates nature, life, and relationships to create a story with disappointments, climaxes, victories, and silence in the most perfect way. Better than any story we could write for ourselves.

This reminds me of a story in 1 Samuel 14 that I must mention where Saul and his son Jonathan were in battle. Saul was a man who doubted. He doubted the outcome of this battle. I mean you can’t blame the guy. They were fighting against the Philistines. (insert emoji with sweat running down forehead here). Jonathan on the other hand approached the battle with a “perhaps” mentality.

… “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 1 Samuel 14:6

Perhaps we win. Perhaps we miraculously defeat them. Let’s just go for it! We discover that Jonathan and his armor bearer killed the first 20 and when the other Philistines saw the damage, they were intimidated and fled.

That “perhaps” mentality that Jonathon had was faith and trust. Knowing that despite how unlikely that victory looked, he went for it anyway.

I’m not saying that every time you fight for something that it will work out. I am saying that when something looks impossible remember God is in control, and His plan is perfect despite the outcome. That “perhaps” mentality is saying, “Perhaps we win and, if we don’t, it’s okay.”

I’d rather give it my all and it not work out than to not try at all. Fear stifles action, love drives action. After all, those birds gave it their all, and how much more important are you to God than birds?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

Dear Lord: Thank You for the lessons in nature that are all around us if we will just look for them. Thank You for speaking to Reid’s heart through these little birds who have something to teach us all. Help us to remember that it is our job to be obedient, and the results are up to you. When the world says, “Give up,” You often whisper, “Try it one more time. ” Give us the strength and courage to be faithful and to persevere in the face of adversity, to follow the example of our Savior Who never gave up. He carried that cross for us all the way up that hill, and He willingly laid down His life to save us from our sins. Thank You for the unspeakable gift of Your Son Jesus and for Your great love for us. Amen

Are you tired and weary? Have you wanted to give up? Try it one more time.

“Don’t give up before the miracle happens.” –Fannie Flagg

We welcome your comments and experiences to encourage our readers.

Thank you for reading and sharing our blogpost. Today, may God give you the courage and strength to not give up. Fear stifles action. Love drives action. Let’s do this thing!

When God Calls You Out Of Your Comfort Zone

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“There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.” — Carl Sandburg 

Who doesn’t love their comfort zone? Well, what’s not to love? It’s C-O-M-F-O-R-T-A-B-L-E, kind of like a warm mud hole.

But what happens when God calls you out of your comfort zone? What if He means for you to soar like an eagle, but you’d rather wallow in the mud like a hippo? When He calls, do you pretend you don’t hear Him?  Maybe He will give up and move on to someone else.

“Ask someone else, Lord. Please don’t ask me to do that one thing that I don’t want to do. Let me serve You my way.” There is only one problem with serving Him my way. He is God, and I am not. Because He loves me, He simply will not give up.

The God of More has been calling me out to More in my ministry, Grace In The Wilderness, for a while now. He has been saying, “Go.” I have given Him every excuse I could think of not to move. I have reasoned it away. “But, Lord, you are using me where I am. If it’s not broken, let’s not fix it. Okay? Besides, ’go’ where?”

One Sunday night on my way to church before the end of 2019 after Scott and I had agreed we were prepared to follow God’s calling, I asked God to give me one more clear confirmation (Number 277, I think).  That night I know our Pastor was looking right at me when he said, “You have two choices. You can answer God’s call on Your life, or you can be disobedient.” A few weeks later, he preached about the parting of the Jordan River. He said, “Miracles happen, but you have to stick your foot into the water first.” Then in Sunday School, Priscilla Shirer started her video with “Faith without works is dead.” Okay, et tu, Priscilla? 

Then there was the tree guy who was cutting down trees in our yard after that terrible storm we had a few weeks back. I asked him if I would be safe working in my warehouse while he was cutting the trees. He said that if I heard a crack to run. I said, “Don’t worry. I will be in the warehouse praying.” He said, “You can pray all you want, but nothing will happen to get you out of the way if a tree falls in your direction unless you get up and move.”

Like Gideon in the Bible, I have questioned God. “Lord, I know You sent me a purple elephant through the room to confirm that it is You calling, but, if this is really, really, really what You want for us, could you please have him dance and wear a pink polka dotted tutu next time?” In whirls the dancing purple elephant. “Okay, Lord we hear you. We’re going. We’re going.”

He has given me and my husband confirmation more times than we can count. I’ve never been more sure about anything while feeling so reluctant at the same time. The internal battle has been fierce, but in the end, our King has spoken. He said, “Go”, and we must obey.

I am so glad He is patient and merciful. I would hate to end up like Jonah. He ran from God’s calling, then lived in a fish’s belly for 3 days and was thrown onto land in a pile of fish vomit. No thanks! Yuck!

If only my story could end up like Jonah’s. God used him to lead the 120,000 people of Ninevah to repentance and they were spared from destruction. But then again, after that Jonah pouted about it. Man, that story sounds so familiar. Like I said, He is God, and I am not.

God’s ultimate goal is to make His children more like Jesus. Because He loves us so much, He keeps chiseling away anything in our lives that is not like Jesus. And it hurts sometimes. Since we can never be fully like Jesus, the Sculptor just keeps chiseling. Servanthood is faith and submission. Often He calls us to do what we don’t want to do, but God blesses obedience. 

Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1 Kings 2:3

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

Perhaps you are hearing His call too. Is He asking you to step things up where you are? Is the God of More calling you to More? To a place of deeper surrender? Will you answer and soar or keep hanging out in that warm mud hole?

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

—”Oceans”, Hillsong

I would love to hear your experiences, thoughts and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May we each be found faithful when God calls us out of our comfort zone.

The God of More

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I have often said that we have a Big, Big God! He has done things in my life that could only be done by a Big, Big God! Lately He has been showing me glimpses of Himself that prove to me that He is so much bigger and so much more than I could have ever imagined Him to be.

I am learning that He is like a glacier. What we see of Him above the surface is breathtakingly amazing and beautiful. There is so much more that we cannot see, however, more than human words cannot describe.

He is answering prayers that I have prayed for 17 years in the life of my youngest son, Bradley. Then, He keeps doing more and more there. I have experienced many miracles in my life, but what He is doing in Bradley’s life is the greatest miracle I have ever personally experienced. The story is too long to share here, but one day I am going to write that book. I am blown away by God’s faithfulness, by God’s love.

We had our Grace In The Wilderness Empowered Jesus Girl Teen Conference last Friday night. Wow! We prayed and prayed. We made plans, but He did more. It was a night of incredible worship, and His presence filled the church. Hearts were touched. Lives were changed. 16 girls made decisions for Christ. Again, I am blown away by His faithfulness, by His love. He has the ability to take what we offer to Him, no matter how small, to breath life into it, to make it more. And He does it so beautifully, in ways that you know it can only be Him.

He is the God of MORE. Here is what the Bible tells us about God.

He is Spirit. His nature is not flesh and blood.

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

He is Light. His glory and majesty surpasses all others.

This is the message we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

He is like a fire. The analogy of fire refers to the holiness and absolute righteousness of God’s nature. 

For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). 

He is Love. He is gracious, kind and merciful beyond any level man can ever attain.

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him (1 John 4:16).

Perhaps Paul describes God’s love best in His writings to the Church of Ephesus.

Ephesians 3:17-21 …I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

There is nothing too big or too hard for God. Never give up on God, and never give up on people. He can, and He does answer prayer. He has proven this time and time again in my life, and I am sure in your life too.

If you have a need, pray and give it to the God of More.  He can do above all that you could ever imagine, in His time and in His way. You can trust Him.

Dear Lord: Thank You for Your great faithfulness and love for us in that, while we were sinners, You sent Your Son Jesus to die for us. We praise You for who You are. Help us to always trust You with the needs of our hearts. You are the God of More who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. You do that every day for Your children. And because of that, we should long to give you more. Lead us in the paths You would have us to go. Thank You for answering our prayers. Amen

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.  Psalm 147:5

Has God worked miracles in your life? Has He shown you more of who He is as He has answered your prayers? Please feel free to share your comments, ideas, and experiences.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May our Big, Big God reveal more of Himself to you as He blesses you with His faithfulness and His love. 

Try A Little Tenderness

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Does it seem to you that people don’t show kindness like they used to? Do people hold the doors for you when you have your arms full? Will they yield to you when you are having to wait a long time to enter traffic? Do you get a “thank you” wave when you slow down to let someone enter your lane ahead of you? When you smile and speak to others, do they return the gesture?

Are we as kind as we were in years past? Have we become so absorbed in our own lives that we don’t have a minute to show a little kindness, a little tenderness? Or is it now just all about me? Me. Me. Me.

How much does it really cost to share a smile? You never know what someone around you is going through. Could a smile, a kind word, a helping hand make a difference in their day? What about in your day? Yes. And yes.

“Use your smile to change the world; don’t let the world change your smile.” – Unknown

Author Ron Gutman cites research that revealed that one single smile can provide the same level of brain stimulation as 2,000 chocolate candy bars. And who doesn’t love candy bars, right?!?

A Penn State University study determined that when we smile, others see us as more likeable, courteous and competent. In recent research, scientists concluded that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.

Kindness is contagious. When someone is kind to us, it makes us happier. And, like this plate I found thrifting last week says, “Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.” Simple, right? Try a little tenderness.

The Bible shares a wonderful story about kindness and tenderness in Luke 10:30-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

30 … Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Try a little tenderness.

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. –Jane Austen

In Luke 10:27, Jesus directs us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Next opportunity, and God gives us those all the time, show kindness, share a smile, try a little tenderness. You never know, you might just be the one who gets the greatest benefit from it. The blessing you receive could even be better than 2,000 candy bars and 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.

Dear Lord: Thank you for your loving kindness toward us, in that while we were still sinners, You sent Your Son Jesus to die for us. Help us to follow the example of Jesus by showing love and compassion to others. We never know what someone is going through and how the simplest act of kindness can be life-changing for them and for us. Thank You for divine appointments. Help us not to miss those, Lord. Use us to show Jesus to the World. Help us to remember that He works for whatever any of us are going through in every circumstance. Amen

Colossians 3:12-13-Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

I welcome your comments, experiences and encouragement for our readers. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May we help each other along this journey of life by showing a little loving kindness and tenderness today. 

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” -Amelia Earhardt

Be The One

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There are lots of sayings about the number one, some not so positive. “There’s one in every crowd!” “One is the loneliest number.” And, being “one of those people” is not always a good thing. The number one suggests seclusion, separation, maybe even being an outcast.

Don’t we all know about being “one of those people” and feeling like an outcast? And no matter how much we try to fit in, even in a crowd, aren’t there times when we can feel so lonely? Is it just me that feels this way? As a child of God, we shouldn’t feel lonely, because we are never alone.

Deuteronomy 31:8  promises, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” 

Each of us captures the attention of the Lord of the Universe, not because of who we are but because of Who He is. The power that draws Him to us is His great love for each and every one of us.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Each “one” matters to the Lord! In Luke 15:4-7, Jesus told this parable.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

In fact, Jesus the Great Shepherd loves us so much that He gave His life for each one of us and, as a result, everlasting life in Heaven with Him.

In the Bible, there are many stories about God using just “one” person to change the world. He used one man, Noah, to save mankind from extinction. One man, Abraham, became the “father of a nation”. One woman, Esther, saved a nation. And He used one woman, Mary, to be the mother of Jesus.

What does He want to use you for? Maybe to change the world? Maybe to just take a cake and a smile to the widow next door? Changing the world can start with that first kind deed.  Be the one.

We see the world around us, the one we are trying to raise our children in. It is changing and often not for the better. Everywhere we turn, it seems there is more violence, more evil, more sickness, more sadness, more division, more brokenness and more heartache. Don’t we each long to make a difference in the world? But how can we? After all, we are just “one”. Be the one.

The good news is that’s all it takes—just ”one”. Andrew Jackson once said, “One man with courage makes a majority.” Be the one.

Could it be that God is looking for just “one”? One willing to do something in the face of adversity? One with courage? One to make a difference even if it’s only to one other person? One to stand up for what is right and true and just and pure? Be the one.

The Starfish Story by Loren Eisley is an example of the difference one person can make and the importance of helping just one. …One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Helen Keller once said, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Be the one.

1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

It’s about being cherished and sought after and saved by Christ; and the power of each of us to go out and cherish and seek and let Christ use us to save others. Each of us might not be able to do it all but each one of us can do something! Be the one.

Dear Lord: Thank You that if each of us were the only one, You would have still sent Your Son Jesus to die to us. Your Word says that The shepherd leaves the 99 in search of the 1. Help us to be courageous to take that step for You. Whatever Your purpose and calling for us, help us to be willing to be the one who is surrendered to Your plan for our lives. Help each one of us to reach one for You today. Amen

“In them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23 

I would love to hear from you. Please share your experiences, comments and thoughts.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God richly bless you and your family, and empower you to be the one.

The Anchor Holds

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As I wrote about in my blog last week, change is inevitable. I don’t know about you, but for me this year is already shaping up to be one of great change. Change can be scary. Change calls for faith. 

I think of Peter when he stepped out of the boat to walk on the water with Jesus. If you remember, Jesus didn’t calm the waters first before He invited Peter to come to Him. It was still stormy. Such are the ways with Jesus, His miracles are BIG so there is no doubt that it is all His work.

I imagine it would be hard enough for Peter to walk on water that was smooth for the first time, but the stormy waves added a whole new dimension for Peter. Obviously, Peter couldn’t walk on the water in his own strength much less on waves that were rapidly moving so He needed Jesus’ help.

Hope and faith are not about what we are able to rally within ourselves, but they are about our response to who God is. Simply it comes down to one thing. Either we trust in the steadfast quality of His faithfulness and love, or we don’t.

Thankfully, one thing never changes. God is constant and true, and because He is, we can trust Him.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 

He knows all. I envision Him as our Great Father who is watching our parade of life. He sees the start, the middle, and the end all at once. He knows what lies ahead for us, and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. He knows what direction we should go, and He knows His plans for us are to give us a hope and a future. Although He is watching over us, He is also walking beside us. Like Peter, if we start to fall, He is there to catch us.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

Jesus is the Anchor of our soul. An anchor rests in the lower part of the sea, in a place of calm, and attaches to the rocks and holds securely no matter what the wind and waves are doing on the surface. Our Anchor holds us safely no matter our journey or how rough the circumstances become. So we can rely on His love and faithfulness. The Anchor holds in spite of the storm.

Dear Lord: No matter what we face in the new year, we are thankful that You are already there. You hold us fast, tethering our future if we rely on You. When the waves get rough, help us to be still and know that You are God. You have everything under control at all times. Thank You for Your protection and guidance through our journey. Amen

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:2

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Please share your comments, experiences and thoughts to encourage our readers. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May we always trust the Anchor of our souls to keep and sustain us through the waves of life.