Beryl….

We are located off the coast of Texas, meaning that we have spent the last couple of days preparing for the storm. Our preparations started on Saturday: checking supplies, grocery shopping, moving in outdoor items, filling up gas tanks, and boarding up windows. This extended to helping my mom in law get her house ready, too. We have been checking weather updates, checking on friends, and monitoring every movement of the pending storm.

We have also spent time asking God for His mercy on our family and community as the storm moved through during the early morning hours. Ultimately, we placed our trust in God’s Sovereign plan when we went to bed last night. There has been so much thoughtful preparation in an attempt to stay safe during this storm.

The truth is that storms are around us every day: sickness, accidents, weather, financial struggles, death, strained relationships, arguments, anger, disappointments, depression, anxiety… the list goes on and on. John 10:10 tells us that the thief (the devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. And he seeks to devour our lives, families, and friends.

Our best defense to those daily storms is Jesus! We should take the same thoughtful approach when preparing for the storms of this life.

How are my spiritual supplies looking? Have I put on the full armor of God each day? Did I do a little shopping? Spending time in His Word and hiding His words in my heart? Have I moved items around in my mind, placing all thoughts under His full authority? Have I taken refuge in the shelter of His wings?

Have a filled up my gas tank with His mighty Word? Have I spent time reflecting on what God has to say to me by spending time with Him? Have I protected the windows to my heart and mind by considering what I watch, read, and listen to? Have I considered the company that I keep and who I allow into my inner circle?

Have I looked around to see who God has placed in my life and made sure that they are ready and equipped for the storms, too? Have I checked in with family and loved ones? Have I spent time discussing my life with my Father, asking Him to guide my daily steps, and sought-after Him for updates? Have I thanked Him for His tender mercies and faithfulness and placed my full trust in His Sovereign goodness?

John 10:10 also tells us that Jesus came so that we may have life and have it in full! The time and attention that was spent getting ready for Beryl is the perfect example of how God implores us to approach our everyday lives. He is ready to give us life and life in full. Don’t get me wrong, our salvation has nothing to do with our daily preparations; but it has everything to do with the hope and peace that we have access to through the storms of this life, simply because of Jesus’ sacrifice. And because of Jesus, there will be a day when there are no more storms! Hallelujah!

Stay safe. Get ready. This crazy world is not our home. The best is yet to come!

“‭Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1

It may look a little different…

There are times in my life when I have whispered, “What if,” and God whispers back, “Watch this.”

The picture above is an example of how God meets needs and works beauty out of ashes. You will see me gazing at my two grandsons. The thing you do not see behind the photo is that those two grandsons made their way to me through God-led circumstances. My involvement in their lives is an absolute tribute to the goodness of God.

The handsome one on the left has inspired many blogs. He is my everyday side kick, who keeps this MiMi on his toes and fulfilled needs in my heart that only God knew still needed filling. I watched as he entered this world, I was the second set of arms that held him, and I have been an active, daily part of his life and development. You see, I missed the first few years of my own daughter’s life. God brought her to me when she was 7 years old, which fulfilled a deep desire to be a mom. Three years later, at the age of 40, I had a miscarriage and we decided to just move forward, raising our daughter, Faith.

And then came Levi. Opening up my heart to those tender years that I never even knew I needed. Isn’t that just like our God? He is masterful in His attention to detail and has access to those deeply hidden parts of our hearts and desires. He takes a teenage pregnancy and flips it on its head, allowing opportunities for fulfillment. Under no other circumstances would I have a front row seat to the daily life of Levi. God’s goodness and kindness are simply breathtaking.

The handsome one on the right is William. A couple of years ago, God brought a precious family into our church, and I connected so deeply with William’s mom, Kelsey, and sister, Eloise, that they feel like daughter and granddaughter. Kelsey has a wonderful momma who she is very close to; but, the move that brought her into my life moved her away from her own family. Again, we watch as God meets needs.

Since the birth of Levi, I have lamented not having a bigger family of my own. I have lamented not trying again after that painful miscarriage. God hears our lamenting.

I have made decisions in my life and traveled down roads that God did not intend for me to walk down. God rescues and restores.

I have pondered what my life might have looked like if I had walked more in obedience and aligned all my decisions to that obedience. God will not be shaken. He is never surprised. He is perfectly Sovereign.

He has demonstrated these qualities time and again in my life. He has demonstrated them in your life, too.

You see, it may look a little different; but God’s different is better than you could ever imagine! To Him be all the Glory!

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV

‭Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27 NIV

For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” Galations 4:27 NIV

Mom’s Potato Salad…

My husband makes the best ribs. On the way to church recently, he said that he wouldn’t mind making a slab or two. I immediately started thinking about my mom’s potato salad, which I haven’t made in quite a while. Her potato salad is full of carb and fat DELICIOUSNESS, and the cost to our 50-something waistlines must always be considered. This particular Sunday, we unequivocally decided the calories were worth it.

We stopped by the store after church and purchased all the items needed for ribs and potato salad. I was so excited! When we got home, I immediately got my potatoes in the pot to boil. When I went to drain the potatoes, I accidentally touched the inside of my forearm with the hot pot. It didn’t hurt too much at first, so I didn’t tend to the burn right away. I was distracted by the mouth-watering thought of the finished product that I needed to get into the fridge to chill asap. The cost of this minor accident surely paled in comparison to that creamy potato salad.

When I finally got around to tending to the burn, I realized that it was actually a significant burn. It really was painful and most likely would leave a scar. Boy, I sure wish I had considered the cost of not tending to the burn earlier at this point. Stupid potato salad, it probably won’t even taste like my mom’s!

The very next night, we studied the cost of the cross in our Monday Night Bible Study. You see, we tend to overlook the cost of the cross to Jesus and rarely even consider the cost to God himself.

‭‭”About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus, in that moment, felt the full weight of all of our sins, as His Father turned his back on His Son. Jesus then gave up His life for us.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” (Matthew 27:50)

As I look at my grandson snuggled up with me, I can’t imagine assigning the task of torture and death to him. I can’t fathom, then turning my back on him as he suffered under that torture and death. Yes, there was a moment in time when the cost was significant and a man lost His life. For us. Every single one of us. It is important that we consider the cost.

‭‭”After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. ‭‭There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7)

The cost was worth it to God. It was worth it to Jesus. God loves us so much that the sacrifice and pain were worth it. Jesus’ nail scarred hands remind us of our worth and the cost that He paid. God had given His one and only Son the most important job to do, and his focus was on accomplishing the task for His Dad. No discussion. No hesitation. And then, Jesus did more than endure it, He saw beyond the cross to the joy in His Father’s eyes.

‭‭“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father glorify your name.” (John 12:27-28)

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

This Lenten season, I am thankful for my Savior’s sacrifice and for an extra helping of ribs and potato salad, which actually did taste just like my Mom’s.

Be joyful and consider the cost.

But Why?

We have entered the stage of toddlerhood where the endless question “but why” flows freely from the lips of my four year old grandson. The funny thing is that more times than I’d like to admit, I find myself at a complete loss as to how to answer it.

We were playing in his room the other day, and I told my grandson not to do something, and he asked, “But why” MiMi”?” Every time I answered, he asked it again, “But why MiMi? ” And again, “But why, MiMi?” And again. No matter what I told him, he simply was not satisfied with the answer. Finally, after he asked it one more time, “But why MiMi?” I told him, “because I love you and I want the best for you.” He considered this response for a second and then said, “Okay.” And went back to playing.

Well, isn’t that a picture of my walk with God? Constantly questioning and forgetting to trust, especially when He tells me not to do something. Walking through scenarios with Him in fear until finally landing on that sweet assurance that He loves me and wants what is best for me. Shouting “why me” when faced with difficult seasons, forgetting that He is a good Father and is refining and transforming me in His very image, using everything for His glory. And unlike this MiMi, God always knows the answer to the why’s. There is such relief in that truth!

Yes, I wonder how many versions of “But why” I have put God through. I guess it really doesn’t matter because he is always patiently answering me, nuturing me, encouraging me, and loving me. He knows me completely and wants a relationship with me. Little old me. And He wants a relationship with you too.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

So, ask your questions, seek Him in everything, and wait diligently for his response! Then, take a page from my grandson and trust when He tells you that He loves you and wants the best for you. And then get back to playing!

Choose joy!

Goodbye, Angel Dog…

I held my beloved Angel Dog as he took his last breath today. As ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ played, I stroked his head and whispered in his ear, “Good boy,” as he left this earth to run on streets of gold. He was a part of my family for 13 years and was a faithful companion who brought us great joy. I am enormously thankful for every minute that I had with him and will treasure so many memories, as well as many blogs that I wrote about him through the years. I saw God in so many of his shenanigans. I will miss him.

In his dying today, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness and goodness. I was reminded of how important it is to love the moments that we have with our loved ones, even those furry four-legged family members. As I explained to my 3-year-old grandson that God had entrusted Angel Dog to us for a short time and now was calling Him back home, I felt such comfort in knowing that he is truly in better hands.

I was also reminded of how important it is to show up for one another in times of loss and grief as the texts, phone calls, faces, and flowers brightened a sad day. Hugs, pictures, and memories were exchanged. Life was celebrated, and loss was embraced.

I love you, my Angel Dog. Rest in peace. Thank you for so many happy days! I can’t wait to see you again.

Help Me…

My now 3-year-old grandson is very busy, a bit bossy, and thwarting his independence on a daily basis. If you have seen the movie Boss Baby, you will have a good idea of what he looks and acts like.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Texas, and we spent the day enjoying our backyard and much needed fun in the sun. My dog, Baby, and my grandson both love to play in the sprinkler and with water hoses, which proved a bit muddy; but, oh, so worth the mess!

My grandson insisted that he could turn the hose on and off without the help of his overbearing MiMi, which proved unsuccessful much to his chagrin. After many failed attempts to get the water turned back on, he finally turned around, cocked his head, made eye contact with me and said, “MiMi help me?” I quickly told him “of course” and turned the water back on for him in a flash.

Last week, life definitely threw some curveballs. In fact, it seemed like every time I answered the phone, it was bad news. I spent the majority of the week, if I am honest, in fear and pleading off and on with God; playing the “what if” game and borrowing tomorrows troubles. The truth is I was trying to “turn the water back on” completely on my own. It truly wasn’t until my sweet grandson ernestly asked me,”MiMi help me,” that I realized that very question was the key and the exact one I should be asking my heavenly Father.

Our daily burdens, trials, and sorrows are simply too much for us to handle on our own. We are so limited in our own power, thinking, and best efforts. We need the power of a God who has the ability to “turn that water back on” in the blink of an eye; trusting that He has provided an advocate that gives us access to His infinite power every single day. (I John 2:1) The key is that I must humble myself to Him and invite Him to be a part of my everyday life, the highs and the lows. Yes, I need to learn to turn away from the problem, cock my head and let my eyes settle on His divine face, then ask, “Father, help me?”

I think God gives us some additional insight on how to handle trials and sufferings in 2 Corinthians through the apostle Paul, and it has to do with God’s grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakneness so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9‭-‬10 NIV

So, I ask you, is God’s grace sufficient for you? And is it sufficient for me? I want my answer to be a resounding yes! When the phone call reveals challenging news, I want my answer to be Your grace is sufficient. When a loved one is called home, I want my answer to be Your grace is sufficient. When I feel alone and misunderstood, I want my answer to be Your grace is sufficient. When that addiction comes knocking, I want my answer to be Your grace is sufficient. When I simply do not understand my circumstances, I want my answer to be Your grace is sufficient. And when I feel like the water has been turned off for good, I want to rest in the assurance that God will never leave me. He will never forsake me. He is faithful. He is true. His burden is light, and His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30). Yes, His grace is more than sufficient. Yesterday. Today. And tomorrow, too!

Lord, here my ernest plea, help me, please! But, remind me daily that regardless of your answer, your grace is sufficient and enough!

Hiding and Seek

My grandson loves to play hide and seek. Although, he will ask you to play “hiding” and seek. The game typically looks a lot like this: he will hide (always in the same location) while MiMi covers her eyes and counts to ten. Then, MiMi will find him after looking in several locations. Press repeat. He can do this over and over again.

Now, you are probably thinking, when is it MiMi’s turn to hide? Well, that is an excellent question. Typically, my grandson prefers to be the one hiding. So, this MiMi does a lot of counting and a lot of pretending to not know exactly where my grandson hides.

Hmmm… does this sound familiar? It sounds a lot like my own life. There have been countless times that I have hidden from God, usually neck deep in the same old sin, waiting for Him to find me. But just like my grandson, I am never truly out of sight. Yes, my Father in heaven may pretend to not know where I am and allow me to hide in that same sin, bad relationship, addiction, anger, jealousy, comparison, or even grief. But, make no mistake, He knows exactly where to find me. And He will find and rescue me over and over again.

What if I decided to stop hiding in my sinful nature and instead decided to hide in Him? Well, I would then find protection and deliverance. Psalm 32:7 tells us, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Oh yes, the best hiding place is found in God himself, with his mighty arms wrapped around you tight.

The truth is that I should give seeking God a try. I should get out of my hiding place and seek Him. Open up the Bible, bend my knees in prayer, attend a Bible Study or Sunday School class, worship Him on Sundays, lean into Him with a daily devotion, have a conversation about Him with a friend or even a stranger. He will be found because He never hides from me. He never closes His eyes and counts to ten. No, He sent His Son so that He could see me, even in my sinful nature. He will always be found because He created me to worship Him, need Him, serve Him, love Him. And not just for me, for you too! What an awesome God! What a good Father!

Yes, let’s play a round of “hiding” and seek with God. We need His forgiveness and restoration in the hiding. And we need His love, peace, joy, gentleness, faithfulness, and grace in the seeking.

You go first….I’m counting to ten!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalms 27:8 NIV

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

Color within the lines….

One of my dearest friends shared a story about her 6-year-old granddaughter. They were coloring together. Her grand daughter looked up and said, “MaeMae, try to stay within the lines. But that’s okay if you can’t.” My friend shared that her mom is trying to work with her on perfectionism. Boy, can I relate. There have been so many times that I have tried so hard to stay within the lines in my own life, realizing that I was failing epicly.

As a Christ follower, wouldn’t it be so much easier if we could just follow a specific list of rules each day. You know, check the boxes as we go, stay within the lines, and win our way right into heaven. The delusion that we could accomplish this perfectly is the biggest indicator of our need for a Savior. The bottom line is that Jesus doesn’t need for us to color within the lines perfectly, nor does he need us to live perfect lives. He simply needs us to recognize His sacrifice for us as a perfect Savior and put our lives in His perfect hands. It has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Him! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 NIV

This precious 6-year-old’s statement wraps up grace perfectly. We can try; but, when (not if) we fail, it’s okay because we have a perfect Savior who loves us and gives us His grace, hope, joy, and forgiveness.

It also occurred to me that the wisdom imparted from these little lips didn’t tell her MaeMae to stop trying. No, in fact, she encouraged her to try to color within the lines with the security of knowing that it would be okay if she was not able to do so. And we should do exactly the same! We should get up every day with the focus and desire to serve our Lord obediently and to turn away from sin; to let Him guide our steps; and to love Him with all our heart, soul, and minds; and to extend that love to those around us. “Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 NIV

We should give God thanks every day for His sacrifice and for His blessings in our lives. As Christ followers, we should be in constant prayer and try to serve Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds. Why? Because that is exactly the example that was set when His Son Jesus spent time on earth. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NIV Did you catch it? Our very ability to try is found in Christ Jesus.

Oh yes, grab those crayons and try to color within the lines. But, let’s not linger there. Let’s put our final assurance in Christ. I say to you earnestly that He makes everything okay, indeed!

Color away!

Me okay…

My grandson loves to bounce, climb, jump, and fall. In fact, we kept an old mattress in our living room for the majority of the year so that he could do all of those things a little more safely on the mattress.

His favorite way to play on the mattress was to jump from the back of the couch to the mattress. Sometimes, he nailed his landing. Sometimes, not so much. When he didn’t nail it, he would pop right back up and exclaim, “Me okay!”, with an enormous grin on his face. He would then get right back on the couch and try again.

We are saying goodbye to 2022 today. 365 days that God gave us. 52 weeks of memories. Like my grandson, I often bounced, climbed, jumped, and fell during this past year. Sometimes, I nailed my landing. Sometimes, not so much.

And here is the thing, tomorrow begins a whole new cycle in 2023. A brand new year to bounce, climb, jump, and yes, even fall. I have no idea what the year will bring; but I know who is sifting this new year through His Sovereign hands. God knows exactly what I will face. He knows exactly which landings I will nail, and He knows exactly which landings I will not. It is because of Him that I have the ability to pop back up and exclaim, “Me okay!”, with a grin on my face. God provides a safe landing every time. He sent His own Son to conquer the cross just so that I would not feel the sting of death. Because of Jesus, I will not be defeated. I am victorious! Oh yes, “Me okay indeed!”.

I think our battle cry for the New Year should be just that: because of Jesus, we are okay! Because of Jesus, we are not afraid to get back up and try again, even after failure, disappointment, loss, rejection, or even sin. And especially when we don’t nail the landing.

So, what do you say? Will you claim it with me as we walk confidently into 2023? “Me okay!” Because of Jesus, “Me okay indeed!”

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”
Romans 8:31‭-‬39 MSG

The Polar Express….

We took my grandson to ride the Polar Express. He was so excited! From the moment he received his golden ticket to boarding the train, his enthusiasm was contagious. He loved the cookies, the hot cocoa, and he loved when Santa made his way down our passenger car. Our seats were the very last ones on the car; so when Santa stepped on board, my grandson stood up on his seat and started yelling, “Hey Santa! I’m right here! I need you!” It was hysterical! His anticipation of the moment that Santa would get to him was palpable. When Santa finally arrived at his seat, my grandson looked at him earnestly and answered all his questions. He even stood up for a picture with him.

The Advent season marks a time of anticipation for us as we wait for the miraculous birth of our Savior Jesus. I wonder if we are excited about this gift or if we have allowed the pressures of the season to distract us? Watching my grandson on the train was such an eye-opening moment! His little mouth cried out his biggest need in that moment. He needed Santa to see him!

I have a big need too, and so do you! We are in desperate need of a Savior! When I really think about it, I want to be just like my grandson this Christmas. standing up on my seat, joining the angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 NIV) I want to be calling out to Jesus, “Look at me Jesus! Here I am! I need you! I need Your light, Your hope, Your forgiveness, Your grace, Your sacrifice. Your joy!” As I look upon the face of that baby in the manger, I want to be filled with such excitement that I can not sit still. I want to look earnestly at His face and open my heart to His presence.

For me to proclaim my need for a Savior, it means that I have come face to face with my own sin and my inability to save myself. It means that I realize that my only hope is in that baby boy lying in a lowly manger that will grow up, stretch out His hands, and conquer death for me. It means that I am willing to place Him first in my life, trusting in His Sovereign will, his goodness and love, even when I don’t understand the circumstances that I am facing.

Yes, we are all in need of a Savior to see us. We are in need of a Savior to rescue us. We are in need of a Savior to love us without condition. And we receive this precious gift on Christmas. “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 NIV

So, grab some hot cocoa and get on the train. We truly have the one and only golden ticket in Jesus. It’s the only ticket that matters. Happy Birthday Jesus! We need you!