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.

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.

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!

More Jesus…

I sing pretty regularly to my grandson. He has heard some of the classics since he was born: Jesus Loves Me, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, the Butterfly Song to name a few. The other night, I was putting him to bed by singing Jesus Loves Me. When I finished, I heard his precious 2-year-old voice whisper, “More Jesus”. So, I sang it again to hear him say, “More Jesus”. After a third time and adding the song Jesus Loves the Little Children, he rolled over and happily went to sleep. What a blessing!

Since, I have been pondering my own need for “more Jesus”. If my voice would whisper those simple two words regularly during the day, my thoughts, actions and responses to the demands of daily life would be met with more love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, gentleness and self control (Galations 5:23-25). And just think, if those were the last words I uttered before going to sleep each night, what a wonderful night’s sleep there would be!

We are heading into the holiday season. What if my attitude were one of seeking more Jesus? Maybe I would pause amongst the chaos and give thanks for my crazy, beautiful family this Thanksgiving, with all of our flaws. Maybe I would focus less on the things wrong with my house and just be thankful that I have a house. Maybe I would care more about the conversations and laughter at the table than a perfectly set and decorated table. Maybe I would choose to see my loved ones through Jesus’ eyes and be thankful that God sees me through His Son’s precious blood. Maybe I would talk more about our greatest gift, Jesus instead of focusing on the perfect gift for my daughter and grandson. Maybe I would sing more songs about Jesus. You see, seeking more Jesus would change everything!

More Jesus means less worry, anxiety, fear and stress. More Jesus means freedom. More Jesus means having a servant’s heart, humbled by His sacrifice for me. (Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 3:17, John 13:14, John 3:16) Yep, more Jesus is definitely for me!

Thank you Father for using my grandson to show me the way. And please help me seek more Jesus every day!

Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Be joyful as you seek more Jesus!

Laundry Room…

Today I lingered in the laundry room….for much longer than I ever intended. It is not a glamorous space. In fact, quite the opposite. It is too small, hot and crammed full of stuff that we can’t find any other place for in the house. Yet, there I was. Hiding really.

You see the laundry room door closes and has one of the only child protective knobs on it in the house. So, I was safe and alone…for just a few minutes. Unreachable by little hands and clamoring little feet.

I could hear my grandson out there running after our dog, Baby. Screaming (no screeching is a better word) along the way. He is a wild boy mid-mornings, demanding ever bit of his MiMi’s attention and seemingly moments away from the next tantrum. At nearly twenty months, he has mastered the word “no” and has opinions about what he will and will not do. And most of the time what he will do is NOT what he needs to do or even is allowed to do.

So, there I was in the laundry room, wondering how many times a person can say, “no” in an hour. Or minute for that matter. And thinking about my poor dog. Baby who undoubtedly wishes she had thumbs and could hideaway in the laundry room too.

Again, God steps in and whispers, “look again child.” You see, it is a perfect illustration of what I do everyday to my Father. Run wild, get into things I shouldn’t, and screech while emphatically proclaiming “no” and exercising my own free will.

Yet, my Father doesn’t require a time out in the laundry room. Nope. He sent His Son, Jesus to stand in the gap for me. Jesus’ blood covers all my running, defiance, testing and offenses. I get to hear a resounding “yes” over and over again. Yes to forgiveness! Yes to grace! Yes to everlasting life! Yes to complete victory!

Thank you God for daily reminders of your goodness. Oh and thank you for my laundry room!

Choose Joy!

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
2 Corinthians 1:20‭-‬22 MSG

A Morning Bath…

Yesterday morning, my now 18 month old grandson took a morning bath. He loves to play in the tub and has an assortment of pitchers, cups and measuring cups that he uses to pour the water. I was sitting and watching him, when I noticed that his play became much more focused and intense. You see, where I was sitting was about an arms length back from the tub, meaning I could not see the water.

When his demeanor changed, I stood up to realize that he had pooped in the tub and was now using said pitchers, cups, and measuring cups to play with this new found substance in the water. Yes, I hope you are laughing. These things happen in the life of a toddler. Needless to say, we had to clean things up and start over again.

I couldn’t help but think about what a picture that is of our daily lives too. How many times have we started our day, enjoying the blessings God has provided for us. Then, suddenly that sin creeps in, soiling our environment and robbing our joy. Often, we may even play with the sin before we realize that it is not good for us.

The beauty is that just like my grandson help is within easy reach. God is right there and wants to pull us out of that sin, cleanse us and renew a right Spirit within us. He sent his Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins to make this kind of forgiveness possible. Perfect love displayed on a cross. Sin no longer has a final say for those of us in Christ.

Now here is the best part of the story. In the afternoon, I was playing a DVD of VBS songs for my grandson and we were dancing, spinning and giggling in worship of our Father. His love, forgiveness and Son makes it possible for us to dance again even after all of life’s struggles and sin. God wants this for my Grandson, for me and for you!

So, the next time you find yourself in a tub full of sin, look up! God is ready and waiting to help!

Choose repentance, forgiveness and restored joy today!

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalms 51:10‭-‬12 NIV

I Get Knocked Down; But I Get Up Again….

We now have a 13 month old running around the house. He can be across the room in a blink of an eye and have his little hands in everything, especially if it is something that he is not supposed to have. He loves to play chase. And he loves to be wherever you are going. I can’t really count how many times a day my grandson falls down. This walking thing is tough.

The other night I came out of my bedroom with my dog, Baby in tow to find my grandson who was heading down the hall toward us. Baby ran past him and accidentally knocked him down. Before you could count to five, my grandson was up and in pursuit of Baby. Yes, my grandson gets knocked down; but he gets up again!

Walking through life is tough too. There are plenty of things that knock us down: pandemics, inclement weather, sickness, political unrest, family disputes, addiction, anxiety, depression and loss, just to name a few. But, let’s take a note from my grandson and be diligent and quick to get back up again! We have the ultimate example of this in Jesus.

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:14‭-‬16 MSG

Death on the cross couldn’t keep our Savior down! No! Jesus rose victorious and is seated at the right hand of God our Father, waiting to return again in final and absolute victory! Because of His outstretched hand, we can get back up, no matter who or what knocks us down. Walk right up to Him and get what He is ready to give! Get. Back. Up.

Thank you Jesus for walking through this life with us. And thank you for the lessons you continue to teach through my amazing grandson. Help us get back up again. And again. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Security Blanket….

Like many children, I carried a beloved “blankee” when I was growing up. In fact, I vividly remember packing for a weekend cheer tournament in the 8th grade and taking my torn and tattered blankee with me. That’s right folks, I was thirteen and still took my blankee with me. I also had a stuffed rabbit named Bobbi who currently resides in my Grandson’s room. I think we all have a need for security in our lives. We like to feel relaxed, peaceful, at home, familiar and secure.

Romans 8:38-39 tells us: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus is the ultimate security blanket! He humbled himself and entered this world as a baby. He walked in His Father’s perfect will amongst the poor, the prostitutes, the tax collectors and the broken sharing a message of truth, hope and love. Crowds flocked to Him because He was security, peace and light in the darkness.

He was persecuted, torn, tattered, and then put to death for us. He rose victorious, swallowing up death so that these beautiful words in Romans become a fresh breath of life for those who believe in Him.

Crowds still flock to Him, looking for their rightful home and eternal life. Eternal life begins the moment you proclaim Him Lord and Savior. Security, safety, protection and a purpose-driven life are given in grace to those who believe in Him.

Yes, He is the perfect security blanket and He wraps His loving arms around us in this deceptive world. Absolutely nothing can take that security away. Listen to His voice and rest in the comfort of His blessed assurance.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:14‭-‬16‭, ‬27‭-‬30 NIV

Choose security!

Learning to crawl…

My grandson is about to crawl. He wants it so badly. He pushes up on his knees and rocks his body back and forth, eyes focused on the toy just within arms reach. In those moments he is laser-focused on what lies ahead and what he wants to accomplish.

His attempts to crawl forward so far have resulted in a face down sprawl. Most of the time, he pushes back up and tries again. My grandson likes to babble and whine during the struggle. Often, instead of moving forward, he actually pushes himself backwards, away from his goal. And sometimes, he gives into frustration sprawled face down crying, looking for a hug and a pep talk.

Oh what a picture of our life in Christ!

Paul shares in Philippians 3, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Just like my grandson, I realize that I must take baby steps toward the call God has placed in my life. I must be diligent and laser-focused on what lies ahead and not let what lies behind be a stumbling block.

Some days, I persevere and I am able to push myself up and strain forward easily. Other days, instead of forward, I feel like I have taken two steps back away from my goal! Much like my grandson, I like to babble and whine to my Father during the struggle. And there are definitely days that I find myself in a face down sprawl needing a hug and a pep talk, which my Father readily provides!

My grandson doesn’t realize that he is training his muscles with each attempt to crawl. Soon and very soon, he will crawl, reach that toy and receive his reward! And he will eventually turn that crawl into a walk, a walk into a run, and a run into a sprint! Glory! You see, God will reward His obedience and training. God has so many things for my grandson to accomplish with the life He entrusted.

The same is true for you. And for me. Keep striving! Keep training! Keep straining! Press on toward the goal! Our prize is found in Christ Jesus. Our call is to glorify Him with everything He has given. He will take our attempts and turn them into victory! Oh yes, He is Worthy!

Run your race!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7‭-‬8 ESV