Worth more than many sparrows ...

So, this morning after I had spent time with the Lord, praying, reading, and thinking, I went downstairs for another cup o’ Joe. I was thinking of my next task ... a scripture - picture, which I create quite often. In my head I asked the Lord what He wanted to create through me today. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to a single sparrow on a branch in my back yard. My mind was then drawn to a moment when I was in Australia.  My trip there was nothing short of miraculous. I had known for nearly 9 years that I was to go there. I hadn’t given up, but at times, I had grown a bit weary wondering if I had truly heard the Lord correctly in this … ya know in my human-ness! 

Well, last December, I was in my fourth month of living in California. The Lord had called me, much to my surprise, to an internship at a church in CA that then led to a Christian program where I assisted in teaching Afghan women refugees how to speak English. While I was there, I heard the announcement of a worship conference/gathering at HopeUC church on the CentralCoast in AU.  I began to pray about going.  Little did I know that in early February my husband of 27 years would call me to say he was divorcing me. I had wanted to go back to Arkansas.  I was all alone in CA … in the desert, so to speak. The Lord had said that I would be as certain as to the time to go back to Arkansas as I was when I went to California. Oh, how true that statement was!

I say all of this to brag on God.  Of course, He returned me safely back to Arkansas ... I was a wreck, and CA to AR is a long drive!

I made it back, and with no money and no job, He supplied every dime I needed for an attorney ... more than just a couple thousand dollars ... all within 4 weeks to the day I stepped back on Arkansas soil.  I was amazed!  I began to believe that I could actually attend the conference. I put my trust in Him, and sure enough He, again, supplied every dime I needed for that, as well.

I had planned my trip well, so I thought.  In my planning, I had mistakenly thought that I could walk to the church from my hotel.  Oh how wrong I was … and I think of myself as a pretty good planner!! :)  But again, there was God! He had seen my error in my planning ... and He was ready with a plan!  Sure, I could have taken a cab everywhere I went. That was my plan “B.”  God’s plan was better. He led me directly to a church member at HopeUC, seemingly randomly (of course, nothing is ever random) …  a little more than 24 hours after stepping on Aussie soil.  This kind elderly gentleman offered to “be a taxi” of sorts, kindly taking me to and from church and then also showing me some of the beautiful sights around the vicinity. Of course, I could have hired a driver, but God placed this gentleman in my path. He was/is a wonderful person whom I still communicate with. He’s like a father figure type of friend.  Isn’t God amazing?!?

So, the first day of the conference, I was moving a chair to sit with some incredibly friendly folks and a cute little sparrow flew right in front of me. It was like time stood still. In that seemingly long moment, that realistically lasted only a second, the Lord reminded me of how He takes care of the sparrow. He reminded me of my value and worth compared to it. My heart (and eyes) swelled as I was overwhelmed with His goodness.

God’s ways are not always our ways. If He’s said this once, He’s said it a couple hundred times in the past twenty months alone!! And, even when we pray, plan, and put things into His mighty hands, we do sometimes get it wrong. But God!  As long as we put our trust in Him and keep our hearts pure, He is there with a plan.  It may take longer than we expect, but God’s timing is perfect.  Habakkuk 2:3

So … as you continue on this journey of life, remember; “Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31 God is with us always and forever … for those who call on Him. Psalm 145:18

Be Thankful ...Deliberately!

Many years ago, around 2003-04, my life was an absolute mess. I didn't really know what was happening. I was depressed. I had terrible anxiety ... and I didn't even know why. All I could do was cry out to God. I didn't have the support of family. As far as friends were concerned, I didn't have any that really cared about what I was going through. I WAS ALONE ... as far as humans were concerned. God was always there ... even when He didn't seem near. 

As I sought the Lord and even some counseling, I began to realize what had happened in my childhood that God was healing me of. There were many things that I never even realized. My eyes were blinded to some things, and others I had deliberately buried. I had never been taught how to deal with things properly. BUT GOD!! He sees all. He knows all. He IS in control of all things. And, He chose this time in my life to reveal to me what had happened that I just didn't understand ... and began the healing process.

I had closed myself off from everyone. I would literally strengthen myself to pick Nicholas up from school. I would do everything I could to be a loving, caring, and nurturing mom. There was no reason for my son to suffer for my own misfortune as a child. I wouldn't have it! 

The summer before his 4th grade year, I felt led of the Lord to begin selling my pepper jelly at the Farmer's Market in Bentonville. I went to the market, found a place to set up, and found myself next to the loveliest of couples ... Tom and Mary. This too, was their first time at selling things at the Farmer's Market. Instantly, we became the best of friends. They were wonderful Christians who loved me for who I was. Long before I ever confessed to them how I felt, they were like the mom and dad that I needed in my life. Eventually, they would tell people that I was their "adopted daughter." (They actually have five daughters of their own!) 

Fast forward to 2017 ... a few years ago, Tom went on to be with the Lord. Mary and I still talk. She is like a mom to me. I love her dearly. She has been a rock to me over the past several months, but especially the past couple of weeks.

I say all of this, not to place Tom and Mary on a pedestal, but to give God praise! He knew that I needed them in my life and they needed me. Sometimes I don't really "feel" like I do as much for Mary as she does for me, but somehow it all works out. God crosses the paths of people to help each other out as He works out His purposes in our lives. We may or may not see it at the time ... or even later. But, He works all things for the good for those who love Him. 

I can say that I'm grateful for the things that God worked out in my life at that time, as difficult as it was. Those things He brought to light and healed me of has enabled me to help many others since then. And, although I am going through a difficult time now, I can say that I am grateful for it ... because I know that He will bring good from it ... and eventually bring me to a point of helping others in my same situation. 

This Thanksgiving Eve, I just ended a call with my spiritual mom, Mary, whom I am eternally grateful for. Her 88 years on this earth has given her much wisdom. I am grateful to be someone who is able to glean wisdom from her life.

What or whom are you grateful for this holiday season? Don't overlook the small details. I assure you, if you look closely, you'll see the fingerprint of God on it. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone ... God bless!  :)

Listen Well

I sat in Starbucks today ... I thought I was going to do some writing. But, after a few minutes, a young woman sat down next to me. She was dressed in gym clothes so I asked her where she works out. She began talking and 90 or so minutes later, I felt like I now know most of her life's story.

I didn't do a lot of talking in this conversation ... and I'm ok with that.  Because of the outcome, which includes her making a note of where I go to church so that she and her family might visit, I'm reminded of the importance of simply listening.

For several years now, I've expressed, many times, about the importance of listening to others and not just slinging out our opinions. This isn't new thinking for me.  And, now that I'm in the midst of another challenging time in my life, I'm even more aware of how much listening and not speaking is needed.

Although I'm sure people don't intend to hurt with their words, I believe they're very much unaware of just how much they do just that by speaking when they really just need to listen.

It's important to remember that no matter how long we've been a Christian, we're no better than the person standing next to us. Maybe you've been a Christian for a long time and you have all the 'Christianese' down.  Maybe you think you have answers for everyone because of your vast number of years as a Christian. Well, I encourage us all to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.  And, age doesn't always mean that wisdom is present in the words that we speak.  We need to think before we speak.

Being a good listener takes patience.  I'll also throw out this reminder that I've heard Joyce Meyer say many, many times: 'You're not Holy Ghost, Jr.'  Haha ... that still makes me laugh, even though there is an abundance of truth to that statement.

Look, we're all flawed people. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23 Of course we’re here to help others.  But, I also believe that we need to be good listeners.  If we’re always concerned about what our response is going to be, we are not truly listening to what the other person is saying.

In this instance, I believe this young woman needed to tell her story to someone.  As I listened, I found out that she is a mother to six children in a blended family, the youngest being less than a year old.  Her husband is in Afghanistan and she is here handling this rather large family nearly on her own.  She needed to get a few things off of her chest.  And, towards the end of the nearly two hour chat we had, she actually asked me my opinion on a couple of things.  Now, had I injected my opinions on her while she was “venting”…telling her story, I’m not so sure that she would have even wanted my opinion, let alone asked for it.

A couple of days after this, I found myself at a church service on a Saturday night where I had attended several years ago.  I don’t attend church there now, but felt drawn there by the Holy Spirit.  As I walked in, I had decided to sit completely in the back simply because I truly wanted to be by myself in the Lord’s presence.  I said, “Lord, please don’t let me see anyone that I know…but, not my will, but, Yours.”  I sat down on the very last row of a section.  This sanctuary holds between 1800-2000 people and was filling up.  There had been a young couple with a baby sitting a few chairs down from me.  During the beginning of the worship, they left.  A few moments later a man walked in and sat down in their place.  I looked over and I knew exactly who this person was.  He is someone that I have met at the Starbucks where I go to write my book.  He and his wife have been praying for me since I left to go to California.  This was not a coincidence.  I got his attention and waved.  He smiled.

After the church service was over, he asked if I was back from California for good.  I explained my situation to him.  In this instance, he was the one doing the listening and I was the one doing most of the talking…even though it was only for a few minutes.  He said that he and his wife had been praying for me and that I had come across his thoughts many times over the past few months.  Now he understood why.

You see, I feel “safe” being transparent with this person.  And, that’s the type of person I want to be with others.  I believe this is the mark of a mature Christian.  It’s not our job to go around “fixing” others.  It’s our job to love others, which may include words of wisdom.  But, I believe that more often than not, we need to simply listen to others without an agenda of any type.

For myself, I process when I share situations with others.  And, through that processing, I usually find the answers that I need for myself without the unwanted or unneeded input and/or interruption from others.  Now, let me just say that I certainly am open to hear what others have to say.  I’m not closed off to healthy dialogue.  What I am saying is that many have an agenda to “fix” others and that’s what is a definite turnoff.

Learn to listen to what others are saying.  Like I said before, it takes patience.  But, I believe it will pay of for our relationships in the long run.

Think before you speak because it’s not all about you.  Being a good listener to someone who is speaking is serving them well.  We are all called to be servants to others.  Let’s serve well.

The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest!

I’m practically laughing at myself because I didn’t realize that it was Valentine’s Day today when I woke up.  My initial plans were to simply read my Bible, (get caught up on my daily reading, as I’m a few days behind!) head to the gym and begin the process of packing my things to return to Arkansas.  But then, the idea of going up to the Big Trees State Park here in California ran across my mind.  I looked at the clock and decided to make a go of it.

 

I enjoy the drive to Calaveras County as it is a beautiful drive in many ways.  Much of the drive is through farm land which consists mainly of orchards, quite unlike the farmland I’m used to in the Midwest.  And, it looks as if I’m just shy of missing the full on beautiful blooms on the thousands upon thousands of trees that I passed today.  Passing through the farmland then gives way to hills, big beautiful hills that then grow into mountains.  I just LOVE the mountains.  As the numbers for elevation grow larger, the numbers for the temperature drop.  This is one of my fave places as this is the third time I’ve visited there in the nearly 6 months I’ve been here. The air is crisp and has the wonderful aroma of cedar.  Trust me; my words don’t come close to describing the actual experience!

Anyway, I was able to trot through a small portion of the park.  Silly me, I forgot about just how much snow had been on the mountain and it IS still winter!  It was very muddy and there was a lot of running water due to the melting snow.  I didn’t stay long.  Just being there one last time before I head home was sufficient for me.  It’s not just about the destination, but the journey.  And, God’s beauty is amazing … that is all!!

 

As I passed through one of the small towns on the way to the park, it crossed my mind to stop and eat at one of the local pizza places that I’ve eaten at both times I’ve been there previously.  Then I remembered a man who worked there.  I remembered him because he was sincerely friendly and the presence of the Lord was very strong on me when I had spoken to him.  As I came back down the mountain, I tried to talk myself into just heading home to save both time and money.  But then I realized that it was the Lord who wanted me to stop.  In my head, asked the Lord what the man’s name was.  I heard “Pete.”

 

So, I stopped at the restaurant.  I looked around for the man as I ordered my pizza.  Sure enough, there he was.  He came right up and greeted me.  I told him I was glad that I saw him on my last trip to the Big Trees because I was headed back to Arkansas next week.  And, guess what his name is?  That’s right, it’s Pete!!  Thank You, Holy Spirit!!

 

You see, the stop at the pizza place really wasn’t about me at all.  It was the Holy Spirit planting yet another seed to a lost soul.  In the flesh, I didn’t want to take the time, and, although I love pizza, I’m watching my girlish figure and thought that perhaps I should skip it.  This wasn’t about such superficial things and yet, even though the five minute chat with this man may have seemed superficial, the Lord was at work.  You see, I have prayed for Pete every time I’ve been to eat there.  They are very simple, but effective prayers.  And, I believe that one day I will see Pete in Heaven.  Today was Valentine’s Day and God wanted Pete to know that He is loved.  Now, I didn’t have to say those words.  That’s not how the Lord led.  I only had to be the vessel and allow Holy Spirit to work through me.  It really is just that simple.  1 Corinthians 3:6-7  He does the work.  We just need to be willing to follow Him, and His ways are not always like ours.  Isaiah 55:8

 

I just love when this happens.  Holy Spirit is amazing!  You see some people may never have darkened the door of a church and the only Jesus they ever see is through us, the followers of Christ that make up The Church.  That’s why it’s so very important that we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in spite of what we think in the “natural.” I almost chose to miss it today.

 

It’s God’s will that none should perish.  2 Peter 3:9   And, do you remember that the Good Shepherd will leave the 99 to look for the 1 lost sheep? Matthew 18:12 , Luke 15:4  We need to remember that we are not our own; we were bought at a price.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 You see, it would have been easy for me to simply hit the road for home in the name of saving time and money.  But I knew that this was more than a stop for food.

 

If you’re a follower of Christ, I urge you to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit for these opportunities.  I have to tell you, nothing else will make your day quite like being in the will of God like this.  And, if you’ve never experienced a moment like this, ask God to lead you in this way … because He will.  Trust Him.  He’ll give you the words you need to say.  Luke 12:12  Trust me, I pray Luke 12:12 over situations all the time!!

 

Remember that the fields are ripe for harvest.  John 4:35, Luke 10:2  Something else I’d like to throw out here is that we have to look at others through the eyes of God.  Yes, the fields are ripe for harvest, but remember, we don’t get to choose what the “harvest” looks or acts like.  We’re sent to do the work!  The “harvest” may be pierced, tattooed and with colored hair … or perhaps Muslim, or Buddhist, etc.  They are no less loved by God than you and I are.  He loves us all.  We all have the invitation to be in relationship with Him.

 

We, as followers of Christ, need to love more … and not just use the word love.  Love isn’t just a word.  Love is a Person.  That Person is Jesus.  Jesus is God.  He who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:8   If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, you have Love living inside of you.  Don’t block Love from flowing through you.  All too often I’ve experienced people using the word love when in reality the presence of love in their actions was no where to be found.  I get it.  We’re all human and we all have those moments.  But, let’s not make it a lifestyle.  Where does love begin and end in your world?  We need to make the conscience choice to let Love, God, flow through us.  We need to stretch ourselves to love more on a continual basis.  Don’t just reach a certain point and stop.

 

As followers of Christ, let’s purposefully be known for our love of others.  I challenge you to do that!  I believe it will make a difference in our world.

 

The fields are ripe for harvest...