All We Need To Know About 2020

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Have you ever heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, if I am honest that is how I might be feeling just a little bit about this new year. 2019 was a great year overall for me and my family. I have had years when I felt that I was trapped in a wilderness with no way out. In 2019, in many ways, after years of wandering from one trial to another, I came to a clearing in my wilderness.

My health was better than in past years. God closed the door on my previous business, and blessed me with the start of a new, less stressful business. My kids were all doing great. God brought my daughter in law and my father in law safely through health crises. There were two graduations in 2019 in our family. My husband and I got to spend quality time together in 2019 traveling and doing things we love. God healed a troubled relationship and answered more prayers for us than we can ever thank Him enough for.

The mountains God has moved in my life through the years have been huge. While I have not been surprised that He has done it, I am always amazed at the grandeur of the miracles He performs in my life. Life is so much more incredible than fiction ever could be, and that has certainly been true in my life.

Now to the new year … do I believe He sustains me and guides me, and that He will continue to do so? Absolutely. He always has. He always will. Let’s just say, I have been loving romping in the glory of this mountaintop that He has brought me to—the mountaintop that I have longed to be on for so many years. I am so thankful for it!

I also know that …”to whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) I owe God so much. He has brought me through so much and done so much for me. He is calling me to more, to do more, to be more for Him. Maybe you are hearing that same call.

I believe that we go through seasons in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” I have heard preachers say that we are either going into a storm, in the middle of a storm, or coming out of one.

Whether you had the best year ever in 2019, or your worst year yet, time has come to turn the page. No matter what our circumstances are, one thing is certain. They will change. We can embrace the changes, or we can go kicking and screaming. Either way, change will come.

I believe that God’s ultimate plan for His children is that we become more like Jesus. I want that for myself more than anything. And just because we cannot become exactly like Jesus, that doesn’t stop God from chipping away at anything in our lives that is not like Jesus. Boy, does that hurt because there is so much that’s not like Jesus still in me. Sometimes there are lessons that can only be learned through the trials of life. He loves us too much not to keep molding us into the image of His Son until the day that we go to meet Him in Heaven.

Sometimes trials come just because we live in a fallen world. Sometimes we bring hard times on ourselves through the choices we make. Life changes. Life changes us.

One thing never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” And no matter what comes, we can rely on Jesus to help us through it all. As Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” He is faithful, and He loves us more than we can ever imagine. He is more than able to carry us through any circumstance, good or bad. He is always working all things for the good of His children and for His glory.

Ready or not, here it comes.

It is time to take off the old year of 2019, and put on the new year of 2020. You might say, “Oh, no!” You might say, “Oh, yes, finally!” Whatever God has planned for us for 2020 will be perfect, simply because He is. Whatever we face, we can face with Him.

So take a deep breath. Head high. Chest out. Fully clothed in the armor of God, step out into the new year. We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.

… And that is all we need to know.

Dear Lord: Thank You for the blank slate of a new year, and that You are in charge of every day of it. With Your help, may we grow more like Jesus in generosity, kindness and forgiveness, hope, faith and love. May we leave the past behind us, and move toward and fully embrace Your plans for what lies ahead for us. Thank You that You will be beside us all the way no matter what.  Amen

We welcome your comments, thoughts and experiences. Please share encouragement, hope and prayer for our readers.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. May God bless you and your family with health, happiness and hope in 2020.

This Christmas Let Peace Do What Peace Does

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I love Christmas! If you are like me, every year you reflect on sweet memories of Christmases past. (Spoiler alert, I am about to show my age here.) One year when I was very young, Santa brought me a beautiful Sears record player. It had a beige cover, and the bottom was a pretty sea foam green. How I loved that record player! I remember sitting on my bed with it in my lap trying to be still so it wouldn’t skip while I played tune after tune. It opened up a whole new world for me, the world of music.

One of my records was a yellow 78, “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Roy and Dale Evans. Along with so many of my other records, I spent endless hours listening to it. I knew every word. It’s crazy that I can’t remember what I bought at the store yesterday, but I can remember a song I learned back in the late 60’s. 

I still know all the words. It ends with “…and let it begin with me.” While I can sing the words, it’s a bit harder to live them, to let peace on earth begin with me.

Let Peace Fill Your Heart This Christmas

How can we find peace during the Christmas season, especially if we are dealing with difficult family members, financial strain, the death of a loved one, or loneliness? During trials, our minds might find anything but rest at night as they are filled with hurt, sadness, worry, and thoughts of “what ifs” and uncertainty for the future.

On the other hand, lists to make, treats to bake, cards to send, events to plan, shopping to do and gifts to wrap can take our minds off the real reason for the season. The noise, the busyness, the hustle, the bustle, and the stress can push us to the point of near exhaustion. We have so much to do before Christmas day arrives.

How silent and peaceful are our nights lately as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world?

To find peace, we have to find a way in the hectic and in the hurt to “…be still and know that He is God…” Psalm 46:10

We long for peace for ourselves, for our families, for the world. In reality, the only way to find true peace is by knowing Jesus Christ because He is peace, the Prince of Peace. He came to earth in the most peaceful way, as a tiny baby born in a humble stable on a silent night to save us from our sins. He made a way for us through His death on the cross to have eternal life by accepting Him as our Savior. He made a way for us to live our lives in peace by trusting Him and being thankful for His gifts to us.  

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The Prince of Peace never promised life would be easy for us, but that He would help us through it.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Let God’s Peace Overflow to Others.

Once we are able to grab hold of peace for ourselves, God expects us to do like the shepherds did with the news of Baby Jesus’ birth, and spread the Word far and wide.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

May others look forward to being around us because they know we have that peace that passes all understanding overflowing in our hearts that only comes from God. God comforts us through all our troubles so we can comfort others, and what better time to live that out than here at Christmas.

Christmas is about sharing love with others who need it. After all, isn’t that what God did for us all those years ago on that silent night when Jesus was born?

Peace … receive it and pass it on this Christmas. Only then, can we … “sleep in Heavenly peace.”

Dear Lord: Thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son Jesus. Help us to remember to be thankful and obedient to Your will always. Bring a peace to our souls, and help us be a light to show others Your strength and love during this season as we celebrate Christ’s birth. Be with those who have lost loved ones, who face financial hardship and homelessness, and who struggle from loneliness and with difficult relationships. Give them Your healing, Your provision, Your shelter through difficult days. Help us all to look to You for our peace, not just today but every day to come. Amen

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. I welcome your comments, experiences and encouragement for our readers.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God bless you always. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with each of us.

Thankful … For What?

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Let’s face it. When the trials of life come, it is not always easy to be thankful for them. We were not born into this world with a grateful nature. As babies, we cried when we needed something. It was all about us. At times, it still is.

But as a child of God, we can find comfort knowing that He always has a plan, and He never wastes a single thing that we go through. He is constantly working toward fulfilling His perfect plan in our lives.

Maybe He is growing your endurance.

James 1:2 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

Maybe He is preparing you to help others.

“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

Certainly the plan is for your good.

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

Certainly the plan is for His glory.

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

There have definitely been times in my life when I have struggled to be grateful. Maybe that is true for you too. Finding out about a cancer diagnosis. Losing a job. Losing a loved one.

The list seems endless and, at times, unbearable. But God is always there through it all.

I read an article recently about Thanksgiving that said there is a difference between thankfulness and thanksgiving. Thankfulness is felt in our hearts. It is not given until it is spoken. Not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day, we should tell our friends and family that we are grateful for them and why. Most importantly, we should thank the Lord from Whom ALL blessings flow…

Psalm 103:1-5 is a perfect passage to show our gratitude to the God who created us and gets us through every trial of this life one day at a time.

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

We have so much to be thankful for. I love the last part of that passage that says He satisfies our desires with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Life is hard all the time, but God is good all the time too, and there is nothing too hard for Him to get us through.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in 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. strength. and not be faint.”

Never give up no matter what comes. Never quit being thankful. God will renew your strength if you will hope and trust in Him.

Please share your comments, experiences and encouragement for our readers. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today.

Hope you and your family had a Happy Thanksgiving! May God bless you and your family through this holiday season and into the new year to come!

Baah!!

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The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want. 

When I was a little girl, I used to think that meant that because the Lord is My Shepherd, that I was wrong to want anything–that I should have no need to want anything.  But like most little girls I wanted everything I saw on TV and everything in the store front windows.  I later learned that this verse meant as His sheep, I would not go without things that I needed, that I would not be in want.

As an adult, years ago I bought a checkbook cover that had a slot for a small photo. A friend had given me a small card that said these words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” I decided to slip this card into the picture slot on my checkbook and I have carried it that way for years. Every time I use my checkbook, I am reminded that my provision comes from God and not from man. He has always provided what I needed. I will not be in want … if only I’ll be His sheep.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.  He restoreth my soul. 

As His child, God knows what is best for me.  He knows spiritually, emotionally and physically when I’ve had enough. He knows when I need to rest in His deepest provisions—to have them where I can receive them just by opening my eyes, mouth and heart. He has carried me more times than I can count when I could not go on. He knows what’s best for me, and He will provide it … if only I’ll be His sheep.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

If I will follow Him, He will keep me on a path that is right, and I’ll avoid a lot of heartache, pain and trouble.  His way may not seem the easiest but in the end it is the one that offers the most protection, the straight and narrow way.  Jesus is the way. He will show me the way … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

All of us will one day have to face death unless the Lord returns for us first.  I don’t have to be afraid because I know where I am going.  Even in the dark uncertainty of death, I will be able to feel the rod of His Shepherd’s crook against my side to guide me and the staff of the crook nudging me forward to the unimaginable eternity that He has planned for me … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. 

Even if I’m betrayed by those closest to me and they want to harm me, He offers me safety even in their presence.  I know what betrayal by a close friend feels like. He took care of me through the worst heartache imaginable. He has and He will continue to feed me and protect me even as much as preparing a full table for me in front of my enemies, but where they can’t approach the table or me … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

He promises that as long as I live on this earth that all things are working together for the good of those who love the Lord. His favor is mine … if only I’ll be His sheep.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Everlasting life is mine if I have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior. I can live with Him forever … if only I’ll be His sheep.

So let me get this straight … He will provide all my needs, restore my soul, guide me on my way, comfort me in death, protect me from my enemies, lavish me with His goodness and mercy as long as I live, and then give me everlasting life with Him … if only I’ll be His sheep.

And it’s all free to me because He’s already paid the price by shedding His blood for me.

Who wouldn’t want that?  Sounds pretty simple to me. I say, “Yes, Lord, I’m your sheep…. Baah!  Baah! Baah!!”

Dear Lord: Thank you for providing for Your children always. Please lead others to know that they can have Your wonderful provision too if only they will surrender their lives to Christ, and accept Him as their personal Savior. Jesus in the Great Shepherd, and He layed down His life for His sheep. There is no greater love than that. Oh, what a Savior! Amen

How about you? Are you His sheep? If not, isn’t it time you became one? If you would like to know more about how to receive Christ as Your Savior, just reach out to me. I would love to talk with you.

As always, I welcome your experiences, thoughts and comments to encourage our readers. Please share them with us.

May you find goodness and mercy always abiding in the greenest of pastures with our Great Shepherd.

How To Find Strength After A Cancer Diagnosis

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a breast cancer survivor, I could not pass up a chance to share about it before the month ends. On Halloween, I am sharing about one of the scariest possible topics–cancer.

In June of 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, then in November of 2011, I was diagnosed with melanoma. Nothing prepares you to hear the word cancer, does it? Even with the best possible outcome, you don’t hear that part first. That’s not how it works. You hear, “You have cancer.” It’s like that word echos across a thousand mountain tops. Your mind instantly rushes to the worst conclusions. Will I survive? Will I have to have chemo, radiation, surgeries? Will I be able to work? Who will take care of me? The human response is panic. We think the worst before we can hear anything else.

  • About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.
  • In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S.
  • Breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. began decreasing in the year 2000, after increasing for the previous two decades.
  • For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
  • Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2019, it’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
  • The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Limit alcohol. Don’t smoke. Control your weight. Be physically active. Breast feed when you have your babies. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Do monthly self checks. Have annual mammograms starting at age 45 or 50.

I was blessed, my breast cancer was stage 1 so I didn’t need chemo or radiation. Because of family histories on both sides of my family, I opted for radical bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. I am glad I did because they found precancerous cells in my other breast too.

I began having intense pain immediately following my first surgery. My body rejected the expanders and then, after the second surgery, my body rejected the silicone implants. I then opted for natural reconstruction. I was left with constant sympathetic nerve pain after my 22 hours of surgeries in 2011. I was told to never have surgery again except to save my life. I was diagnosed with melanoma right in the middle of all the surgeries to make matters worse. I was devastated.

My faith in God has carried me through, one day at a time. If you don’t know Him as your personal Savior, you are missing out on the best hope and help you could ever receive in your trials, and an awesome eternity in Heaven too. I would love to talk with you about coming to know Him. Contact me if you would like to learn more. There is nothing too big for God. Nothing He cannot carry us through, if we will trust Him.

As devastating as cancer can be, there are things it cannot do.

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited…It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace. It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot reduce eternal life. It cannot quench the Spirit. Author: Dr. Robert L. Lynn

When bad things happen to us, we can let them make us be bitter, or we can let them make us be better. We can choose to be pitiful, or we can choose to be powerful, but we cannot be both as the same time.

I choose to be powerful. I can only do this with the help of the Lord. I have learned to set aside my pain, and live life to the fullest. I am currently taking a Livestrong class at the YMCA and it has been life changing. I am stronger than I have probably ever been in my life.

Last week I hiked Table Rock Mountain with my son, Bradley. We went 9 miles, 19,000 steps and up to 3,124 feet above sea level and even a bit on the other side. That’s all God! I prayed for supernatural strength, and He gave it to me. I am choosing to live strong for myself and for my family. Thanks for cheering me on, Bradley!

They say no one can understand what you go through until they walk in your shoes, and, my, don’t our shoes get heavy sometimes. Countless people have struggled with cancer. Some have been healed here. Some are still fighting. Some were healed in Heaven, like my mom. No matter the circumstances, if we will trust God, He will help us along our journey one step at a time.

He promises His children in Deuteronomy 33:25, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” In God’s infinite wisdom, mercy and love, He strengthens us through our trials! It is those trials that make us the strongest. He grows us if we’ll let Him. He comforts us so we can comfort others.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Bible says His strength is made perfect in our weakness. As we take one step at a time, even when we don’t feel like we can, we realize and experience that what we cannot do, He can and does do through us! We can do ALL things through Him who strengthens us!

We have just got to remember to take it one step at a time…

Habakkuk 3:19—The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

He is the reason I could hike Table Rock Mountain, and He is the reason I was led to this class at the Y. He is the reason I live and breathe, and I am now 8 years cancer free. That’s all my Big, Big God!

To those dealing with cancer now. I leave you with one thing.

Never forget: cancer starts with little c and Christ starts with Big C.

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox: A Journey of Hope

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My sweetie and I went to North Carolina beaches for a getaway, and were gone for eleven glorious days. The weather was fabulous, the seafood was great (well, except for that one meal when I had an allergic reaction), the beaches were beautiful, and our time away was restful and restorative. 

We actually planned this trip last September. We had never been to the area when we went to Ocean Isle Beach last September. Within a few days, Hurricane Florence chased us away along with all the residents on the NC coast. The hurricane hit land about 30 miles from where we were staying. We left ahead of the storm and drove all the way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to finish out the week. It was a memorable vacation to say the least. Seeing the vast ocean with a Cat 4 hurricane approaching and the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway all in the same day was an overwhelming reminder of God’s majesty and power. It spoke such peace to my heart to know He holds it ALL in His hands, including me.

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand…” Isaiah 40:12a

“In whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also.” Psalms 95:4

We promised ourselves and the owner of the house where we stayed at Ocean Isle Beach last year that we would be back to finish the trip. One of the things I was so looking forward to last year was a walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island.

The story goes that back years ago, a lady named Claudia saw a mirage in her head of a mailbox on the beach. She couldn’t get it off of her mind and a few years later, in the 70’s, she placed a mailbox on the spit of sand on Tubbs Inlet between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Visitors would walk (or swim if the tide was up) to the remote area and place letters in the box. Letters vary—those to loved ones who had passed away, apologies to a loved one for a fight they had had, outpourings to a father they never knew. One woman left a picture of a sonogram of her baby on the day she found out she was pregnant. Others have written confessions. Some have written letters to God.

Sometimes people return year after year on an anniversary of the loss of a loved one, or to celebrate beating cancer. The letters vary, but the common desire is the same—to fill the box with whatever is on the writer’s heart.

Frank Nesmith, once a sweetheart of Claudia’s, has taken care of the mailbox for many years. In 1983, the mailbox was moved to Bird Island after the little island was washed away by time and the changing tides. Claudia wanted to remain anonymous until she died in 2013. A romance novelist from the area, Jacqueline McGroot had a friendship with her for years and has shared about the mailbox in her writings. Ms. McGroot now helps Frank with the mailbox as he is 88 years old and the 1.4 mile walk up the remote island to the box is difficult for him.

Past journals are stored in Wilmington at a library/museum. Nicholas Sparks wrote about this mailbox in his last novel, Every Breath, which has made the trip even more popular. It is said that over 100,000 people have walked to this mailbox over the years. I wanted to be one of them.

Last Thursday was the perfect day for the trip. It was a high of 80 degrees and the sky was absolutely gorgeous. The trees along the wooden path to the beach were decorated with sand dollars, each with writing on them. Some were painted. One of the first things I noticed on our walk was the butterflies. I have never noticed butterflies on the beach before, but there were tons of them crossing our path again and again as we walked up the beach.

The crowd got lighter and lighter as we walked farther and farther up the isolated beach. We talked, we watched the birds. I rescued a dragon fly that had gotten his wings caught in the sand upside down. He was kicking his legs as hard as he could, but he couldn’t turn over. I rescued him before the next wave could drown him. I had done my good deed for the day; possibly just in time for one of the birds from the island preserve to snatch him up for lunch. Oh well, I tried. 

It was a very spiritual experience on the beach that day. We were alone with no people either way as far as you could see, just us and the birds and the butterflies. The waves came in at an angle, rolling over and over kissing the white sands. There was something hypnotic and so peaceful in the crash of the waves. God had created this perfect day for our adventure. I felt so small, yet so important that God would set this stage just for me and my husband. I could feel His presence.

Finally, we saw the mailbox. There was a couple there, and the wife was writing in one of the journals. We chatted a bit and made their picture for them, and they made ours for us. Then they left.

I pulled some journals from the mailbox, and read of weary hearts, weary hearts seeking hope. I prayed for those who had written.

Then I sat to write. Beforehand, I had thought long and hard about what I wanted to write—a thank you letter to God. I thanked Him for getting me through so many trials and working so many miracles in my life—more than I could ever count. Certainly more than I could ever write in that journal.

I thanked Him for my family, my health, and my blessed life. I asked Him to continue to have His hand in our lives, and to guide our children to all He has planned for them. I asked that He would help our divided nation, that He would bring a revival to our nation and heal our land. I prayed He would start with revival in my heart.

I left information about Grace In The Wilderness Ministries and my blog. I hope someone who reads my entries will look me up. I could have written a lot more, but I knew it was time to head back.

We enjoyed a memory I will never forget that day—the day we went to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. I had something to say. I am so glad I got to say it.

Thank You, God, for the beauty of Your ocean, and for breaks where we can get away with family and recharge. Thank You for this special opportunity and for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Whether it was originally meant as a means of communication with You or not, I know You have used it and the walk down Your beautiful beach many times to help people find hope through You. I pray for all those weary hearts seeking answers and hope. I pray that they find the only real and lasting hope there is, and that is through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your love for each and every one of us. I am so thankful that what matters to us, matters to You. Amen

I welcome your comments and thoughts. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May you always find hope in our God who holds the whole world in His hands, and peace knowing He is holding you too. If you ever get the chance to go to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island in North Carolina, go…

One Moment in Time

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This week was the 18th anniversary of 9/11, one of the darkest days in America’s history when over 3,000 people were killed by brutal terrorists. I remember that morning clearly as my husband and I were at the adoption agency making plans for our trip to Ukraine in October to adopt our child. A lady at the agency came rushing into the room to tell us a plane had hit one of the World Trade Centers. We gathered around the TV as we, along with most of the country, watched the second plane hit. The horrific moments of that morning changed America forever.

Do you remember the next day, how the country came together? No politics, or gender, or race separated the country. We were all Americans, broken-hearted grieving Americans, holding our kids closer, thanking God for protecting our families, praying for those who had lost theirs. We were ready to take on the enemy TOGETHER.

Not since or before in my lifetime, can I remember the States of America being so United. Don’t we all long for the closeness of those days following 9/11 again in our country?

As days and years passed, the closeness faded, not just with fellow Americans but, once again, America’s closeness with God. How quickly we forget how much we need Him when things are good. How quickly we forget how much He is there for us when things are bad. We all experience the darkness. On the sunny days, as His children, we need to remember how He carried us through that long dark night, how He is always there for us. It is what gets us through some days.

We are not promised an easy life. The Bible speaks of this in Ecclesiastes 7:14, “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” All we have is this current moment, the moment we are in—this moment in time.

What if we each took one moment in time to do inventory, to reflect on our lives? What has God brought us through? How are things right now in our lives, in this moment of time?

If you got out of bed this morning, you are better off than many people in the world. If there is a roof over your head, food in our stomach and clothes on your back, you are so much richer than a large percentage of the world’s population.

What if we all took one moment in time just to remember? Just to express gratitude to the God who made us and gave us everything including the air that we breathe? 

Recently, I had an opportunity to have one of these moments in time that I am talking about. On the Saturday before Labor Day, I found myself with a little time to spend so I took myself and my little dog to Farm Days—just me and Toby. It is the year’s premier event in the little farming community I live in, Dacusville. Toby and I strolled across the rolling, hot field to the seller’s booths. There was everything from antiques, to handcrafted items, and homemade ice cream for sale. There were 1930’s license plates, handmade quilts, and old timey tools that I didn’t recognize, just to name a few of the items on the seemingly endless spread of tables. Every vendor was glad to chat, explaining their wares, and discussing the good old days.

Then, we checked out all of the tractors. Toby had to pose for a picture under each one, or was he just looking for shade? I couldn’t be certain. His tongue was hanging out even more than normal so we went in search of water. Soon we found a sweet family who offered us an ice cold water from the cooler—no charge. A little boy stopped to pose with Toby for a picture.

Every face on that hillside that day seemed to have a sweaty smile. Children were giggling as they rushed to pet my little Toby. Toby got tired and ended up riding in my purse with his head hanging out. Everyone loved that, including Toby. The more pets the better where he is concerned.

I got an ice cream. And Toby and I sat in the grass with his bowl of water and listened to the band sing “Honky Tonk Angel”. It was so hot that the ice cream dripped down my arm, but I didn’t care.

Tractors were chugging and sputtering as the parade began. One tractor had a steam engine and sounded like a train coming round the bend. 

I sat there for awhile and could hear families around me laughing and just genuinely enjoying the day and each other. Sweet music to my ears. My youngest son stopped by to hug me for a minute and to introduce me to his friends as they rushed off to find some food. I continued to sit and enjoy my rest and reflection.

I was thinking about my life, and how good it is. I thought of my precious family and how thankful I am that God gave them to me. I thought of what God has brought me through, and where I am now. I praised Him that I am not where I used to be–going through cancer, going through heartache, going through seemingly endless struggles. That day was a low pain day for me—sweet!  That moment in time was good and I was thankful, and it felt good!

For a moment in time, I drank life in. I praised God for His goodness. I couldn’t help but think of Heaven out sitting under that enormous oak tree in that field on that peaceful Summer day in Dacusville. And I wondered if that was just a little bit like Heaven would be.

No, not even close.

I do believe though that, no matter what we are going through, whether good or bad, if we will stop long enough to take a moment in time and be still with God, we can glimpse eternity.

And it is good! Yes, oh so good!

Dear Lord: Thank You for Your blessings on our country, so much more than we deserve. Please be with the families of those who lost loved ones on 9/11/01, including those heroes, the first responders who rushed up those buildings as they were coming down. There is no greater sacrifice than giving one’s life for a friend. That’s what Jesus did for us, and we are so thankful. Please remind us to take one moment in time to be still and know that You are God. You did not promise us an easy life, but that You will never leave us or forsake us. We are grateful that You are there for us in the dark days and the sunny days alike. Amen

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. Please share your comments, thoughts and experiences.

May you find time to take one moment today to breathe in life, to be still and know that He is God. No matter what you face, He is there with you, and life is always worth the living just because He lives.  

The Big, Big God of the Perfect Storm

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As hurricane season has begun and Hurricane Dorian barrels toward the coast of Florida, I am reminded of what a Big God we have. The power of His storm. The purpose of His storm. His provision for us during the storm. The peace He can bring in the midst of the storm and following the storm.

I pray that He will keep those in the path of Dorian safe, and that He will speak peace to the storm before it hits landfall. There is no question. He is in charge of the storm. He is a Big, Big God.

In 2000, a movie was made about an unusual storm that took place in 1991. It starred heartthrob, George Clooney. This storm was called “The Perfect Storm” and was about a confluence of two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane which caused, among other disasters, the sinking of a fishing boat, “The Andrea Gail.”  It is believed that the boat was literally swallowed by a giant, rogue wave in the midst of the storm. Rogue waves have been recorded as high as 10 stories (about 100 feet). The Andrea Gail was never to be heard from again.

From 2000 to 2010, two mega-storms were brewing in my life. These storms had been leading up to a perfect storm so huge that they threatened my livelihood, my life, and my faith. 

Storm Number 1:  On April 30, 2010, I discovered that I had an employee who had been stealing money from the company that I owned. Sounds terrible I know, but it’s sad to say that in our society today that’s just not that shocking as news goes.

What made it especially hard?   Well, she was one of my best friends, it was hundreds of thousands of dollars, and she had done it for over twelve years. “How does that happen?,” you’re probably wondering. To put it simply, she was in a position of trust. I trusted her with everything. I can’t even describe the hurt, the sleepless nights, the heartache I experienced for over 15 months waiting for the investigation to be complete and the case to be settled in Federal court.

Storm Number 2:  On June 5, 2011 as I drove to work from my son’s 5th grade awards ceremony, my phone rang. It was the breast imaging center and something didn’t look right on my mammogram. They wanted me to come back in. I remember so vividly calling my husband and saying, “Honey, I just can’t take one more thing!”  He said, “I know you can’t.”  But God had different plans, I did have to ‘take one more thing.’ 

On June 8, 2011, I learned I had breast cancer. The nurse told me that the cancer had been brewing for a long time as it takes 10 years for a 1 cm breast cancer tumor to form. Mine was a little bit larger than that, 1.8 cm.

I know that 1 out of 8 American women get breast cancer. You might think, “Well, that’s terrible, but not uncommon.” What made it harder was that my mom had breast cancer and I lost her to cancer on March 10, 2008. I now shared this disease with her, but I couldn’t share this with her. She wasn’t here.

Because of our family history, it was determined that I would need to have both breasts removed. On July 5, 2011, I had radical, bilateral mastectomies and began reconstruction. My world came crashing down around me.

How could I endure these storms?  Again, here we go. The hurt, the sleepless nights, the heartache, this time with constant pain for weeks and weeks. Additional surgeries were added to the mix. Wow, unbelievable, I couldn’t even describe how overwhelmed I was!

Then, God did something amazing in a way that only He can. He converged my storms and brought good out of the most horrific of situations. I was already dealing with the embezzlement case when cancer hit. I knew I couldn’t deal with that storm on my own with the other storm raging. I just gave my cancer to God right from the first minute.

The cancer helped me realize what’s most important in my life—my walk with God, my health, my family and friends. Someone once said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die.” I had to forgive her. I already had enough poison in my body and I didn’t need any more.

I started praying and before long my heart changed toward her. At the sentencing before she left for federal prison, I was able to talk with her. I told her that I forgave her, I loved her and I would be praying for her. That was only possible because of God’s great love for me. Because of the work that He had been doing in my life through the storm.

Miracle Number 1:  I learned I wouldn’t have to have chemo or radiation. Once I got through the reconstruction journey, I could recover. I now have a new appreciation of my life. God has broken my heart for others dealing with pain, cancer and loss. I have a new passion to reach out to them.

Miracle Number 2: Behind us now is the sentencing and her time served. Perhaps, one of the greatest miracles in all of this is that the media didn’t do further harm to my business. They didn’t even mention it. Through the difficulty of those 15 months, our company became stronger. We made changes to insure such a problem could not occur again. She and I have since spoken, and much healing has taken place.

God is faithful!  He knows how to get us through a storm. He held me gently in His arms above the raging winds and sea. He slammed my two mega-storms together until they died to complete peace.

As my preacher says, “Peace is not the absence of the storm, it’s the presence of Jesus in your storms.”  Praise God, He rides in my boat through the storms of this life.  And that rogue wave, well, what I found out was that it was a wave of God’s grace and mercy as He washed His love and protection across my storms. I was swallowed up completely by it!  He held me tenderly and safely in His arms while He calmed the raging waters. What a Big, Big and Mighty God!

I promise you that He can handle the storms in your life too. He does it for me. He can do it for you too. Trust Him.

Dear Lord: Please protect those in the path of Hurricane Dorian. Let us never take for granted Your love and care for us that protects us through the weather storms, and all the storms of this life. We may not understand what You are doing, but we don’t have to because we can trust in Your great love for us. Show the world Your glory through the storms, and keep us nestled safely in Your arms as they rage. After the storms, may our lives show evidence of Your amazing power, purpose, provision and peace as You carried us through. We don’t have to worry because You are always faithful. You are who You say You are. You do what You say You will do. You are the Keeper of the storm. Amen

Is there a storm raging in your life? Jesus can carry you safely through, just trust in Him. Please share your comments, experiences, and encouragement with our group. Or reach out to me personally. I would love to pray for you.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God hold You safely through the storms of this life while He shows you and everyone around you His great power and faithfulness. What a Big, Big God!

Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior

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It seems like everybody I know has a child heading back to school around this time. Facebook and Instagram are covered with first day of school pictures. I am feeling a little bit of withdrawal considering this is the first year in 21 years that I don’t have a child heading back to class. (With the exception of my daughter-in-law who is doing her field work for her Masters. She will graduate in December. Go Reid!)

My son, Bradley, just graduated high school in June and he is taking a year to work full-time before stepping into the next adventure of his life—probably military or perhaps college. He is doing so well at Chick-Fil-A and was just recognized by management this Team Member Tuesday. You go, Bradley! I am one proud mom!

My son, Taylor, turns 25 today. Happy Birthday! Can you believe that much time has passed? I always joyfully celebrate our birthday, Honey, as it was mine too, so to speak! 

I remember all the years that starting my kids back to school was a big deal. Will they adjust well? Will they make the right friends? Will they make good students? 

My heart goes out to the moms of little ones who are sending their children off to school for the first time. Maybe you are one of the moms who could not keep her mind on her job this week because it was over at the elementary school.

Prayer may no longer be allowed at school, but there are sure a lot of moms praying on the drive there around this time of the year.  Somehow our children make it through that first day of the first year, then year after year after that.  Those early years we think our kids simply must have all new clothes. Those last years of high school we tell our kids surely you have something you can wear in your closet already.

I am visiting my friend, Cathy, in Port Charlotte, Florida this week. We attended her church, New Day Christian Church, together this past Sunday. Pastor Russell gave a wonderful message on how children play a vital role in our disciple-making strategy. Enjoy Pastor Rusty Russell’s sermon here: https://ndcchurch.com/sermons/like-arrows-in-the-hands-of-a-warrior/

He said his biggest regret in raising his children was that he blinked. He blinked … and they were grown. I could not agree more. There are lots of country music songs written about this topic too. The days go slowly, but the years fly by.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” Psalm 127:3-4

Pastor Russell said our children are the best weapons we have to fight against Satan and evil. 

1. Aim Your Arrow.

2. Prepare Your Arrow.

3. Release Your Arrow and pray they pierce the darkness with Jesus Christ.

Aim, prepare, release. Sounds easy enough.

Just remember to keep praying in that car rider line. Never forget what a gift from God children are. Keep being that warrior and live that life in front of them. Day after day. Year after year.

All too soon they will be launched. The direction they fly will most certainly be influenced by you.

Dear Lord: Thank you for the gift of children. Please be with all the students returning to school right now. Keep them safe. Help them flourish and grow in knowledge and understanding, especially of You, and to be kind and loving to others. Help us to guide them in Your paths and in Your ways. May we be warriors for You who are unafraid to raise our children as warriors too. Keep our aim steady toward You, direct us as we prepare our children for life, and may we one day be able to release them to live the life You have planned for them, one that fights the enemy and most of all glorifies You.  Amen   

Do you have a story to share about your children going back to school? About how they are growing and the time is flying by? About how God is working in their lives and the lives of your family? We would love to hear your experiences, thoughts and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today.  May God bless this new school year, and watch over our students and teachers.

How to Get Through What You’re Going Through

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Have you ever been to the end of your rope? Maybe you are there right now, and you feel that you are dangling with no net to catch you, trying desperately just to hang on to that last little thread of hope.

I have been to that place. Through the years, God has brought me through so much—two kinds of cancer, surgeries and on-going health issues (specifically my chronic nerve pain illness), caring for my parents through terminal illnesses until their deaths, mourning their loss, the sale and painful transition of my business, the theft by my close friend from my business. The list goes on and on.

I am not saying my list compares to yours. We all have our own crosses to bear. There are much worse things that people I personally know have gone through than what I have experienced. But, some of things I have been through were unbearable to me. Unbearable—that is in my own strength.

Every single time, without exception, when hard times have come, I have questioned the Lord. “Why this?” “Why now?” “Why me?” After many times of dangling by that thread, I have come to learn the one simple truth He has been trying to teach me for years.

When I question Him, The Holy Spirit always whispers the same answer, “T-R-U-S-T  M-E.”

“Trust me, when your health is uncertain.” “I am the Great Physician …” (Luke 8:43-48)

“Trust me, when your loved ones are dying and when they leave this earth.” “I have prepared a place for my children and there where I am they may be also …” (John 14:2-3) and “I am close to the broken hearted, and I save those who are crushed in spirit …” (Psalm 43:18)

“Trust me, when your livelihood is being threatened.” “I feed the sparrow. Why don’t you think I will feed you? …” (Matthew 10:29)

“Trust me, when your closest friend turns their back on you.” “I am a Friend that sticks closer than a brother …” (Proverbs 18:24)

“Trust me, when your child turns their back on me.” “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Trust me, when your life seems impossible.” “What’s too hard for me? Nothing is impossible for me …” (Luke 1:37)

“Trust me, when your life is over.” “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25)

When you reach the end of the rope and that last thread is sliding through your fingers as you are about to slip into uncertainty, hopelessness, and desperation, just keep reaching. Try just one more time. What you will find is truly remarkable, substantial and miraculous.

It is the hem of His garment.

Matthew 9:20-22 says, “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.”

What healing do you need for Jesus to bring to your life today? Will you just trust Him with it?

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

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, I invite you to accept Him today, repent of your sins and rest in the arms of the Master who can and will carry you through anything. He can and He will comfort you with a peace that passes all understanding in the journey.

Dear Lord: Thank You for Your great love and faithfulness for us, and that You have plans to give each of us a hope and a future through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please guide us in Your paths, and help us to trust You no matter what. Sometimes we make it so much harder than it has to be when all we really need to do is trust You. Amen

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  Psalm 139:7-10

Have you experienced trials in your life when you knew God was asking you simply to trust Him?  Times when life seemed impossible but God made a way for you? We would love for you to share your experiences, comments and thoughts.

Or, please private message me if you would like to find out more about my Jesus and how to accept Him as your Savior.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God hold you closely through every trial and guide you always toward a brighter tomorrow.