God Moments.....

Don't you just love it when you have a God moment! You are going about life and all of a sudden you have a chance to be used by God. The other day while out walking, I decided to stop and get ice-cream cone at an old fashion burger joint. As I waited in line there was an older lady with a white plastic garbage bag filled with a few clothes, as she chatted up the young man by her. I was pleased that he was polite and offered to give her the additional .09 cents she needed to get a root beer float with the $2 she had in hand. It was obvious by her size, clothes, teeth, and attempt at lipstick, that she had lack for a lot of things, but she was pretty excited to be getting her root beer float. It made me smile.

When I had left my apartment, I had put all of the cash I had in my pocket. While observing this interaction in front of me, the prompting to give what I had in my pocket was pressing, so when she passed I put the folded bill into her hand. Now I had just enough to get my cone with some change left over. I had not planned on giving, and not sure why I decided to take all my cash with me on my walk, but in hindsight, I better understand.

The truth of the matter is, I could have used that money on myself any number of times and did not for whatever reason, but there is nothing that would have brought me greater satisfaction than helping that little old lady.

May we all be blessed with those God moments and realize how blessed we truly are!

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXkK9PuhfAs

Holding On To Jesus....

As school starts back for the younger kids, and our older kids go off to college, as a parent it is hard to let go. I would encourage all moms out there to keep praying. Do not live in fear, but cover your children with God's blessings and trust him to care for their souls, as they venture into the world and learn things for themselves. To me this is the hardest part of parenting, but holding on to Jesus gives a peace this world does not give.

There are things I will never understand, but I do not have to worry, because I know who holds my hand! No matter your trial or hardship, God has you covered. He knows the beginning and the end. So hold on to Jesus, He's holding on to you. Be encouraged and keep the faith, it is when your hardest hit, that you must not quit!

May the peace of God that passes understanding keep our hearts and mind on the one true God, the author and finisher of our  faith, in Jesus name I pray.

                                             I include this song for all Mama's out there.

Erin O'Donnell, "Hold On To Jesus":  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe4ucy9c7rY

Brother Let Me Be Your Fortress

The other day my colleague in India sent me this picture below of an older Indian lady, whom his wife had bought some new slippers for with some funds we had sent. If you look closely at her picture you could perhaps see many reasons why she might be upset, but there is no mistaking the smile on her face, and her gratitude for the simplest of things.

Then I hear Kathie Gifford share her testimony about her husband Frank, and his gratitude and appreciation for life and everyone around him. His dependence on God, as modeled by his praying mom through the years.

At the new school where I teach I have morning duty at no less than McDonald's. My how things have changed.:-) Some of our students are dropped off there before school and our principal wants to make sure we maintain a positive relationship. There are also some homeless people that hang out there as well, and one morning I was reflecting to an adult that found himself in the midst of our students, that those homeless people could easily be one of us, and how grateful we would be to have facilities, air conditioning, access to water and perhaps even a little soda when no one was thought to be looking. The man reflected to me that not many people would feel that way. It caused me to pause.....

How about you? Maybe you haven't had lack, been on the street, abandoned as a child, or worked in a third world country. How can you relate? A simple prayer of Lord open my eyes to those around me who are hurting. Maybe it's just a hug, a warm smile, a helping hand. The bible puts it like this. Mark 9:41 "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Christ will certainly not lose their reward."

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCP8Zr9nZY

Anchor Of My Soul

 I remember growing up through hurricanes and not really understanding the devastation and loss that was associated with them, but rather my focus was on the comradery that occurred as a result of electricity being out, and having to cook over an open fire, food that was in everyone's freezer, namely seafood. It was a time of abundance and simplicity from my young view as a kid.

As an adult I also experienced hurricanes and had another perspective. I then witnessed the loss of lives, homes and personal destruction to family and friends. There was a sense of shock at the complete devastation and hopelessness that many felt, as I tried to help those who had lost everything!

Through the years of rebuilding it was interesting to me that a lot of the community as a whole did in fact bond together and become closer as a result of their devastation. Their values shifted to gratitude over rebuilding a home and restoring their communities. The local churches grew in attendance and there was a renewed since of one's need of Christ within the communities.

Over time though, it appears that most people have forgotten, and they have become less appreciative, as possessions are replaced and independence is once again regained, and God is put back on a shelf.

Can we not learn to stay appreciative and humble without lack, famine, hurt or destruction? The bible would say it like this. Matthew 19:23 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

When we forget where we came from, and lack understanding that all we have is God's and that he is the rewarder, then we become unprofitable as His servant. We use our acquisition on self, and not on enriching others along our path.

Luke 12: 16-21: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many good laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Lord help us today to become that grateful and humble servant, remembering all your compassion in saving our souls, and giving us a reason for our hope that is in you!

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYDcBfQEa64

Are You Being Distracted?

That sounds so obvious as I write, of course we are all distracted, by any number of things that we need, want, information, this thing we call life! So what's my point? Well if my mission on earth is "spiritual," yet I live in  a human body, then I have to find a way to stay on mission without all of the human distractions, or needs that will bombard me each day.

I think the bigger picture is understanding what our mission is. We've all heard the saying " Too soon we get old and too late we get wise." Well what if I understood my mission sooner instead of later, and was deliberate in fulfilling it with an understanding that my humanness is the distraction.

Yes I need food, water clothing etc. , but as the bible puts it we are not to be concerned about these "earthly" things that our heavenly Father knows we have need of them. We are called to set aside our earthly trappings and press towards the mark of our high calling. Matthew 6:31-33"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32"For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Is it really that easy, yet so hard to tap into that authentic understanding that we are spirits having a human experience? When we die, we leave these earthly bodies that are our temporary homes. The bible would say that bodily exercise profits little, storing up treasure on earth is a waste, then where is our eternity? 1st Timothy 4:8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

We seem dimly at first and then more clearly as we approach our destiny. First Corinthians 13:12

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

Lord give me eyes to see and grant me wisdom and understanding for today.... James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJsa6-y4sDs

Where Is Your Hope?

During times of uncertainty, joblessness, illness, financial struggles and the likes, where is your hope? Is it in temporal things that are fleeting, or is it in an unfailing God that says, "Where is your faith"? Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Trust, faith and hope, all easy to say, but what does our heart and our actions say about our beliefs? Do our lives reflect our trust in God, when things are bad and there is no way out?

Are you looking for God to open doors for you, as you continue to walk in faith? "The substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen".  Jeremiah 29:11. God's ways are higher than our ways and he has bigger plans for you and me than we can imagine.

Are you faced with uncertainty today about what tomorrow holds, where the finances are coming from, how the bills are going to be paid, etc.? My hope is to encourage you to look up, where your only true hope comes from, maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 33:20,"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."

Psalm 121: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPysbm6B92E

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RRZgr7wNDs

Enough?

Do you have enough for today? Remember Moses during the 40 years of wandering in the desert before entering the promise land, there was a daily provision, with enough for the day.

Could it be God is working in our lives, giving us enough for today, to trust him more. Are we delaying getting into our promised land because we are focused on getting more, instead of enjoying what we have and trusting God for our daily provision?

Are we like the life-guard that is waiting till we pass out before he can go in and save us? Are we through struggling, have we reached our point where we can't go on, and we have to rely on a higher power?

How long will your wandering in the desert last before entering God's best for you? "I know the plans I have for you to give you a hope and a future." Am I delaying God's best for me because of my attitude and actions?

Thought provoking questions for all of us this morning. Do I have food, clothing, shelter, enough money for today? Am I grateful, appreciative, and using what I have been given wisely, or am I stressing, worrying and storing up earthly treasure?

The bible has much to say about this:

Matthew 6: 33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Matthew 6:25
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:27
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Luke 10:41
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,

Luke 12:11
"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,

Luke 12:22
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 6:11,25 Give us this day our daily bread…
Exodus 16:18-20 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had …
Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 33:25 Your shoes shall be iron and brass; and as your days, so shall your strength be.
1 Kings 17:4-6,14-16 And it shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded …
2 Kings 7:1,2 Then Elisha said, Hear you the word of the LORD; Thus said the LORD…
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Hebrews 13:5,6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have.....

The beauty of God's grace is, it is never too late to start trusting him. Let today be the best of your life!

Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoOPsGDZdnM

Praying.....

I have recently started a new job in another state, and carry with me the lessons I learned while teaching overseas. As I start each day, during our minute of silence, I have the privilege to pray for the school, students, teachers and parents where I currently teach. What I have learned is that God hears our prayers, and wants to use us if we just ask.

I reflect on this past post below as I continue to support these young girls in India and ask for your continued prayers for their salvation as well. Latest update is that my colleague's wife is getting them all dewormed, and they are being encouraged to continue in school with additional support for food and clothing.

What a privilege to be God's child. We are blessed to be a blessing to those around us. Protected to do his work and rewarded for all we do. I cannot think of a better job, can you?

One morning while returning home from my walk, I had the privilege of praying for this family's grandmother that needed surgery, as I did not have sufficient funds to help with the operation needed. With the whole family present I bowed my head and folded my hands with them to pray. Now I do not know what they understood, but I know God can work a miracle and heal her body as a witness to him. As I continue to lift this family up in prayer, not only for their physical needs, but their spiritual needs, I am reminded once again of our role as Christians. Will you agree with me for healing for her? God's word says "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name I am with them and if ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what you will and it shall be done." Matthew 18:20 and John 15:7

We are indeed running a race and even though things look crazy around us, I am reminded of God's sovereignty each step of the way. Blessed to be a blessing, called to be his hands and feet, in my family, with my friends and those I meet along my path.

How about you? Are you aware of the gifts and talents that God has placed in your heart? Have you reflected on your role as a Christian, parent, employee, friend or spouse? Where is your hope, money and time being spent? Do your actions line up with your words? Thought provoking questions for us all along the way.

Psalm 34:1-3 " I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together."

Song by Matt Redmann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Holding Nothing Back!

At the beginning of each day a prayer that helps me to stay on God's path is a submission to his will, and a desire to be used of him this day. Dear Lord help me be a blessing to someone in my path. Open and close the doors where you would have me to go. A deliberate and intentional prayer with a desire to be God's hands and feet right where I am today, for it could very well be my last, or someone else's in my path. And if it was, would I do anything different, or have regrets?

Happiness is not found in material gain, but in being on "purpose". Using our gifts and talents to make the world a better place, being God's hands and feet.

May we live with that higher purpose in mind, through God's still small voice that lives inside of us each day.  A kind word, encouragement to a stranger, or colleague, parent or student, husband, or daughter. Lord help us today, right now, speak to our hearts, help us to move forward giving of ourselves, holding nothing back! John 4:35 "You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest."

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vzMyIzkyD4

You Don't Have to be Afraid!

Have you ever met an infant that wasn't full of joy and happiness? If you have ever worked with a Down's syndrome child or other handicaps like that, what most will say their happiness spills over in all they do. I loved my daughter's Grandpa's saying, as he was in his final days, "If I was any better I couldn't stand it!" I don't know about you, but I love being around appreciative people and desire to be more like them!

In a world that is fraught with death, destruction and the likes how is that possible to the "thinking " mind, as my husband would say? Faith as a child is what the bible says. Trusting in a living God that knows all of our needs and is directing our paths.

Where is your hope, focus and attention being paid? We are all filling our minds with something. What do you read, listen to or focus on? Philippians 4:8. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Ya think things have really changed?

We all have room to doubt and fear, but God's word promises a better life than that. Are we going to hold onto the known, or embrace the unknown, and trust God in his soverignty. Our choice.....

I don't have to be afraid, even though I walk through the valley of death, there may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning!

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24. God needs you on his scene everyday to spread his love! What are you waiting for?

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgQ6vWEhH5E

You Are Not Alone...

Remembering God's past provisions in my life gives strength for today. Reflect on your journey of God's  provision and be encouraged on your current path, knowing God will never leave or forsake you! Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

When we were relocating to India, from Istanbul, Turkey, we were told at the last minute that no pets were allowed in and we were forced to walk the walk of faith, if we were to get into India with our cat.

During our flight we befriended an Indian national who sat across from us, who was also a U.S. citizen and going back to Mumbai to visit family. He knew we had the cat, but we never mentioned the recent law change. During the early morning hours of the flight an elderly Indian gentleman went into cardiac arrest and my husband encouraged me to go help. So off I went and after about 15  minutes or so of intense resuscitation efforts, I began to lose hope and took the elderly gentleman's hand in mine and started praying, while others continued working on him. What happened next was an absolute miracle as his heart started beating again and he was talking coherently as we made our emergency landing in Pakistan. A God moment for me and this 81 year old Indian man.

Our emergency landing in Pakistan was a miracle as well, as you may know there is a strained relationship between India and Pakistan, but the olive branch was extended and the Indian gentleman and his family were allowed to get emergency visas to go to the hospital and stay, in addition to allowing our plane to refuel to continue our journey into India. This was so unprecedented that it even made headlines in the newspapers the following day in both countries!

Hours later we were back in the air on our way to Mumbai. Once we landed, we knew we would be faced with our biggest hurdle that would decide whether or not we would make it into India. After we said goodbye to the Indian passenger next to us we proceeded through the necessary customs and baggage claim. Since we had all of our bags with us, 6 to mention, we were the last to leave the baggage terminal. None other than the Indian national did we run into again. He offered his assistance since he was from there, and we gladly accepted.

As we approached the customs control, there was a scanner and I paused wondering how I was going to get the cat through, without them knowing, which was my only plan, since I could not place her bag in a scanner. The Indian gentleman then says to the guard, "Sir what do we do about "fluffy" in the bag", innocently enough because we had not shared the new law with him. The guard goes oh, "A cat in the bag"! I laughed nervously as I knew what was coming next. On cue he said, "We do not allow any pets in." I replied, oh....

At that point the Indian gentleman started speaking to the guard in their language, so I have no idea what he said to him, but I would bet it had something to do with the elderly Indian gentleman who went into cardiac arrest on the plane. The guard then asked me what I was doing and I explained I had been teaching in Istanbul and we were relocating to teach in India. He replied, "Can you show me papers to prove this?" As it turns out I did have a copy of my contract with the school as verification. As I was digging for it, the guard told the Indian, "If she can produce those papers we will let her go". About that time I found the copy and I handed it to them. The guards then waved us on along with cat and all 6 bags and didn't scan anything!

God continued to go before us and open doors that said there was no way! To say that the journey was smooth from that point on would not be honest, but each step I had the confidence of the previous step to encourage us to keep walking and trusting. We did in fact make it even after the cat had to go cargo for the last leg, but was then given a personal body guard to keep a watch over her!

As a result of that journey, I was strengthened to endure the hardships of everyday life that lay ahead, but I was also granted unprecedented favor and protection at each step during my stay.

What I learned through that journey is to trust God more. We are to look to him for our protection and strength during difficult times and draw closer to him as a result of those trials, that he alone sees us through.

Are you going through trials and wondering how you are going to make it? With God ALL things are possible! Mark 9:23. "'If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."

Listen to this song and be encouraged in your walk today, to trust God, no matter your circumstances!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMOKBki56k