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

Jesus’ life matters…

My women’s group just wrapped the Bible study Trustworthy by Lysa Terkeurst, where we spent six weeks studying the Kings of Israel noted in 1 and 2 Kings of the Bible. The fact that a global pandemic was the back drop for this study was not a coincidence. Nor was it a coincidence that during the last part of the study, we experienced a tragedy as a nation and an outpouring of chaos and hurt. Much like the Israelites, we find ourselves with a desperate need for God’s truth, healing, grace, love and a Savior. We have all of that and more in Jesus and His life matters. And because of His life, every single one of our lives matter too.

Jesus is no stranger to chaos, injustice, or political unrest. He is no stranger to hurt, slander, or prejudice. He is no stranger to sickness, disease or death. He is no stranger to communities divided and lines drawn. His time on earth was filled with all of these things. He chose to walk in truth, love, compassion and justice. He chose to walk in obedience to His Father and His Father’s will for His life. Oh yes my friends, Jesus’ life mattered then and it matters now.

Jesus taught us how to handle ourselves during conflict, division, troubled times, pandemics and chaos. He is quite clear in scripture on exactly what to do.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30‭-‬31 ESV

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5‭-‬7 ESV

And he answered, “You shall 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 your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 ESV

Jesus didn’t just choose words. His actions backed up His words when He was stripped and beaten; when His flesh was torn and He was spit upon; when He wore a crown of thorns and carried a cross; when He was nailed to that cross and was left hanging to die. All the while, Jesus was teaching us how to handle ourselves when everything and everyone seems to be against us. His words from the cross mattered.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 ESV

Jesus died and three days later rose again. He now sits at the right hand of God the Father and He will return again someday to judge both the living and the dead. His kingdom will have absolutely no end. And because Jesus’ life matters and he laid that life down for us, we stand in perfect love, grace, forgiveness and unity. Our victory is secure. The battle has been won!

Jesus provided the perfect example of how to handle pandemics, tragedy, hate and injustice then and now. We must put our hope in Him. We must allow His perfect life and example to change us. And we must put His life in proper perspective to our own lives. Oh yes, Jesus’ life matters. I can’t think of a life that matters more.

Choose Him!

Peaceful slumber….

My 14 week old grandson fell asleep this morning on his back with arms stretched wide open across my bed. We had been playing with rattles, cooing and giggling when his eyes grew sleepy and he nodded off. I was struck by his complete innocence and open-armed trust. He doesn’t have a care in this world. There it is…complete peace.

Oh how I would love to join you grandson in your sweet slumber; but the corona virus still looms, face masks and social distancing keep us apart and my very own church decides whether it is safe to gather or not with precautions. Not to mention the dryer just beeped, my floors need mopping and I haven’t even worked out yet today. No, I simply can not join you grandson, I have too many things to do and so many things to worry about!

How many times have I allowed the world, all the fear and all the trouble, keep me from that peaceful slumber? I focus on the sickness, the distance, the unkowns, the trouble, the to-do list, and forget about the precious face of my Savior.

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

My focus each morning should be more like my grandson: complete surrender to the goodness that God provides. I should giggle more, worry less and allow that peaceful slumber to come. In fact, I should find more time to stretch out my arms and relax into the goodness of my Father’s arms. Jesus demonstrated trust in His Father when He stretched out His own arms on a cross. His sacrifice overcame this world and all of its trouble when He rose victorious!

You know, I think I will join my grandson in a peaceful nap. I am confident that God is in control of this crazy world. He is in control of the trouble in my life. I will stand firm on the solid ground of His truth, His grace and His love. I will focus on that precious face of Jesus and find peace! Wanna join me? 😉

Be joyful!

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIV

The Future…

My daughter had a baby. Yes, a perfect baby boy who has changed my life significantly in the last two months. He was born on January 30 and I was the second one to hold him. The miracle of this tiny addition to our family is nothing short of extraordinary. God breathed out and this life began. I marvel daily at his beautiful face, his tiny hands and his feet. Where will those feet take him? How will God use those hands to serve others? What kind of God sightings will take place through his eyes?

Six weeks after he was born, COVID-19 changed our world. What a juxtaposition. The innocence and calm of this little life against the calamity and panic of a nation. Tender mercies and quiet snuggles wrapped against the back drop of social distancing and hoarding. A precious life given, while others battle a virus. I watch my grandson grow while the death toll rises.

I find myself thinking quite a bit about the future. What will the world look like as he grows up? I know that the current life of “stay at home” will soon pass. But, in the reality of today what things will I choose not to go back to doing? Could we emerge from this time apart better? A little more kind? A little more generous? More God-centered? More thankful? For my grandson’s sake, I sure do hope so!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

What good are we going to allow God to work through this season? We were absolutely called to this time for a purpose. We need to love and trust God. We need to lean into His teachings and allow Him to refine us. We need to rest in His hope and in His peace that surpasses all human understanding.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved 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. Romans 8:37‭-‬39 NIV

Oh yes, grandson, we are more than conquerors. Jesus loves you so much. The victory is yours. And the victory is mine. And the future is bright!