If you’re a regular follower of my blog, I’m assuming you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and have asked Him to forgive you of your sins.  You’ve received His free gift of salvation and thanked Him for dying in your place on the cross of Calvary.  Just as God raised Him from the dead and He now lives in heaven with God the Father, you know you’ll one day live in heaven as well when you die and pass on from this life to the next. In addition, you have the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Jesus) living inside of you.  If you’re a believer in Jesus, then the Holy Spirit literally resides in you. 

But what about the next step?

Have you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life? 

Right about now you might be saying, “What, Laura?”

You have your “ticket” to heaven, so to speak.  You know when you die, you’ll be spending eternity with God and Jesus. 

But, how are you living your life NOW?

Are you living for the world – or for God?

Is your goal to strive for intimacy with God, the Father?  Is your goal to look to Him and ask what HE wants of your life?  Or are you just content to live your life as YOU see fit?        

Have you SURRENDERED all your rights to King Jesus and said, “God and Jesus, I want YOU to control ALL my decisions.  I look to YOU to guide me and direct my path.  I trust YOU; I know YOUR WAY is better than mine.”  Have you prayed that?  Lived it?

There’s a huge chasm between Jesus being your Savior and Jesus being your LORD.

I was a little girl when I asked Jesus to come into my heart and life.  Oh, I was happy and had a wonderful family, but I knew something was missing in my life.  It was HIM.  He made THE difference.  There’s no doubt that Jesus came in.  He took up residency within me.

But equally as memorable, I distinctly recall when I was in college and realized I needed to surrender MY rights and ask God to be the captain of my ship. It was an intentional decision and deliberate prayer on my part.  I felt as if I was jumping off a cliff in a good way.  It was scary, thrilling and freeing all at the same time.  But I remember His peace that passes all understanding washing over me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 became my mantra and still is my life’s verse.  Why?  Because it sums up HOW you and I are supposed to live.  Not dependent on our own strength or logic, but on the God of the Universe. 

Here is the verse in various translations:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”  NIV

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”  MSG

I love the verse in The Message as this version gets the meaning into language we totally get.  Are you listening to His voice?  Everywhere and in every circumstance?  Are you just trying to figure it out on your own?

During those important college years, Jesus became my Lord but also my best friend.  I learned that HE was the ONLY one who could truly satisfy my soul.  “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”  Psalm 63.   Until I truly put Him first, no relationship was going to do it for me.

Jesus put in another way in Matthew 10:39 when He says to “find your life, you must lose it”.  Just as Jesus gave up His rights when He went to the cross and surrendered to God, the Father’s will, you and I must surrender to God as well.  Jesus set the example.  He doesn’t just want to save us from our sins (that’s huge and so freeing in and of itself), but He wants to be our Guide, our Counselor, our Purpose for being.  If we’re doing life on our own terms, that doesn’t line up with what being a disciple of Jesus is all about.

Not only that, but Jesus calls us to turn from the world…to be IN the world, but not OF the world.  That’s part of the surrendering process as well.

In I John 2:15-17 Jesus instructs us with some powerful words.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, love for the Father in not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

The first thought that comes to mind to exemplify what I’m talking about as far as surrender is the disciples.  All 12 of them gave up families, friends, careers and left their homes to follow Jesus.  Obviously, what happened to these 12 men was extreme. 

But what Jesus calls us to do, as He did with his disciples, is just to trust Him – trust that His way is better than our own. That, my friend, is extreme.  But what God did in giving up His Only Son on our behalf was extreme.  What Jesus did when He endured the wrath on the cross (and all the agony prior) was extreme!  That kind of love, sacrifice and dying to self, demands something in return!

In my view of things, that means to pray about every decision, every goal, every dream and see if it lines up with HIS PLAN for our life.  And to be obedient.  If we truly love God/Jesus, then we will obey (John 14:15), even if His plan runs counter to our own or doesn’t make sense. 

Let me give you a few examples.  This past weekend, I attended an inspirational women’s event at my church.  Melinda, the speaker, shared with us that she and her husband of numerous years had been going through many struggles.  They had been working through their differences and difficulties, but one day, he just gave up and walked out.   She was devastated.  As she picked up the pieces of her life, she cried out to God – for herself and her children.  Shortly after her hubby left, she was praying for God to give her direction and guidance.  She got away with some girlfriends for a weekend trip.  A few of the friends were co-workers.  As a matter of encouragement, knowing what she was going through, they had “spilled the beans” and blurted out a huge surprise that her boss was going to offer her a full-time position, allow her to be part of the 401K plan and provide her with better benefits. You would think Melinda would be jumping up and down; she was now a single mother raising two children and God had provided!  She would be moving from being a part-time employee to a full-time employee with countless benefits!   This news was incredible, coming on the heels of her divorce. It was obvious her boss was being so supportive and generous.  But even before she heard this news from her co-workers, God had already told her to decrease her hours. She was conflicted and in turmoil.

Needless to say, she agonized in prayer and sought God’s will again.  She went to the Lord repeatedly, making sure she had heard correctly.  After all, she was a scared single mom, raising two kids, without a husband.  She needed MORE income and MORE stability.

When she returned home and went to work that Monday, sure enough, her boss immediately called her in and presented this very generous offer.  Not only that, but the boss was verbally encouraging and offered her support in this difficult time and expressed openly to Melinda how she hoped this tangible package would help.

Melinda was shaking as she was so nervous.  Of course, she knew it was a generous and wonderful offer.  She was humbled by her boss’ compassion and benevolence.  And she didn’t want to come across as an ungrateful employee. 

What did she do?  She listened and obeyed God.  It wasn’t easy, but she asked her boss for a DECREASE in her hours.

Needless to say, her boss was stunned and somewhat speechless. 

And the boss did revisit her deal and offer her a plan with decreased hours, just as God had advised her.

Melinda didn’t really share “the rest of the story” except to say that God birthed a ministry in the next few years.  She had women over to her house and God’s Hand was so in that.  It helped her heal, built a support system, but it also built a ministry for other women who were going through similar circumstances.

Fast forward to today…her first husband that left and divorced her passed away.  He had cancer, and she was actually one of his caregivers and became friends with him. She remarried and is currently a nationally known speaker.

But, pause for a minute.  What would YOU have done if you have been in Melinda’s shoes?  Just gone by logic and instinct and what YOU thought was best or trusted the God of the Universe that gave up His best when He sent Jesus?  I asked myself that question during the time she shared and afterwards.

Fear can overtake us.  Fear can cause us to be paralyzed.  Or fear can cause us to panic and be impulsive. 

Are you living life out of fear or having fearless faith?

That’s just one story of how following God doesn’t always make sense to the world or even us as believers.

There have been numerous times in my life when following God didn’t always make sense.  One such time was when I was about to graduate from college and was looking for a job. 

I was doing my student teaching in Milledgeville, GA, where I attended college.  I was on track to graduate in May.  During my spring break in March, I went home and spent several days interviewing at 5 different elementary schools in my home county.  I had prayed and asked God to make His will very evident.  When I went to the last school, Mt. Zion Elementary, I opened the door and walked in. There was a sign painted on the wall to my left in big bold blue letters.  It simply read, “Parents Welcome Here”.  As I turned to read that sign, the Lord spoke to me and said, “This is where I want you to be.” There was no doubt in my mind; I had heard HIS voice.  It was a HUGE confirmation, and I was thanking the Lord as I walked in to the office to begin my interview.

This school would be my last interview. As with any interview, I was nervous.  In addition, the principal was a big presence, 6’ 4” tall and had a deep, gruff voice.  He was personable and friendly, but to say he could be slightly intimidating would be a huge understatement.  Even so, since the Lord had spoken to me about THIS SCHOOL being the one, that word from Him gave me great confidence and assurance.  But at the end of the interview, Mr. McLeod, the principal, said, “I’d love to hire you, but I have no openings at this time.”  Of course, he told me contracts hadn’t been signed yet and various other things. He also added that he had very little turnover at his school.  I thanked him, shook his hand and left.

As I walked to my car, I remember thanking God for helping me during the process and also speaking to me so clearly that this school was where he wanted me to teach.  But also, I was discouraged as I wanted to know NOW that I had a job lined up for the new school year.  And it didn’t look too promising, based on Mr. McLeod’s comments about minimal turnover.

But, here’s what I also knew.  I wasn’t to keep pursuing a job.  God had told me very plainly what His will was.

In addition, as I relayed this story to my parents, my mom caught his last name.  My mom realized that she had worked with Mr. McLeod’s wife at Delta Air Lines several years prior.  She wanted to reach out to Louise, his wife, and put in a good word for me.  But I wouldn’t let her.  As much as I wanted the job, I wanted to get it on my own merits…not because mom knew someone.  So, Mom honored my wishes and didn’t contact her.

I went back to college and continued with my student teaching.  I put my future career in His Hands.  During that interim period, I had two other job offers, one in my home county and one in a neighboring county where I had interviewed months prior.  I turned both of these offers down.  Some would think that decision was foolish.  But God had made it clear where he wanted me to be; I had to trust and wait on Him.

Needless to say, the WAITING was the most difficult part.

One day in April, I was in the middle of instructing my 5^th graders when the office secretary interrupted and came over the loud speaker.  I had an emergency phone call in the office!!  Remember, I graduated college in 1984 so there were no cell phones back then!  I ran to the office as fast as I could with every awful and horrible scenario racing through my head of some tragic event in my family!

As I picked up the phone, I heard a deep and gruff voice on the other end.  “Miss Watson, this is George McLeod at Mt. Zion Elementary.  I have a 4^th grade and 6^th grade position open.  Which one do you want?”  I was flabbergasted!!  Speechless!  It took me a minute to regain my composure.  I finally responded and said, “6^th” and did manage to get out “thank you for the call and the job”.  The rest is a blur.

I was overjoyed!!  God had been faithful to make His will evident, but He had followed through in the details. 

I did start teaching in the fall at Mt. Zion Elementary.  Side note – Mr. McLeod gave me 4^th grade vs. 6^th.  His decision was a blessing in disguise.  I think those 6^th graders would’ve eaten me alive as a new 21-year old fresh out of college!  But I digress.

My point:  By following, listening and WAITING on God, He orchestrated it all to work for my good.  He opened the door for the job; I asked Him to lead, guide and direct.  He did that and more!  I had the peace of knowing I would be working where HE wanted me to be.  That is truly the best job satisfaction!

There are many other stories I could relay of how God’s plan is always best.  And trusting your own logic, or that of others, is not what is wise.

I could share many other scenarios of how God proved to me that His way is best vs. my own logic.  My story just happens to be job-related in this case, as Melinda’s was. 

At 61 years of age, I can look back over my life and it’s so evident when I surrendered and followed God’s plan, the details and events just lined up and went smoother.  When I didn’t and tried to do it MY way, I made a mess of things.  I can’t help but think of Jonah in the Bible.  His running from God went from bad to worse.  When he finally relinquished control, God used him mightily to draw others to the Lord and Jonah eventually had peace.

How about you?  Have you surrendered?

Tune in again on this same “channel” for more on surrender.  Until then, I’m praying for YOU!

  I plan on eventually sharing the story of how Norman (my hubby) and I came together.  It’s definitely a God-story.  But part of our saga is that I waited for over 2 years for him to ask me out on a date.  Family, close friends and even acquaintances that knew I liked him kept encouraging me and begging me to ask him out on a date.  But as I prayed, I knew this strategy wasn’t what God wanted me to do.  It was excruciating.  But I waited.  I waited on God’s timing, and it paid off.  Psalm 27:14 ***  We’ve been married for 34 years and been together for over 35.  Norman still claims that if I had pursued him and asked him out, it would’ve messed everything up!

One last story, and I’ll move on.  I was teaching, living at home with my parents and involved at my local church.  I was in my late 20s and kept   having reoccurring dreams of black babies and children.  At the time, I was a school teacher, instructing in a predominantly white area.  I couldn’t figure out why I kept having these dreams.  Out of the blue, a dear friend from college contacted me and said God had put me on her heart.  She was headed to Liberia, West Africa with her pastor, his wife and a team from across GA and wanted to know if I’d be interested.  Needless to say, God made that abundantly clear to me as He had already prepared my heart.  I prayed, but His will was obvious.

But in the next few months of preparation for the trip (including planning of what we were to teach as well as 10 shots to go into the country, etc), God burdened my heart.  I felt He may be calling me into full-time mission work to Africa.  As I wrestled with this call, I was blessed that my former youth minister, Larry Lawrence, had come back to my home church to serve on staff again.  I spoke with Larry about this issue.  As always, Larry shed light on the situation.  He said, “Laura, God may or may not be calling you to Africa or elsewhere into full-time mission work.  But maybe He’s trying to test you and see if you’re willing.”  As I took those nuggets of wisdom and prayed, that’s exactly what God was doing.  He just wanted to get me to a point of surrender before I left.  A full-time call from Him never came.  But how He taught me on that mission trip that summer to West Africa was an experience that I carry with me to this day.  I learned from so many mentors about how to minister to others; I saw a full-time missionary, who was tired and weary, share Jesus with an 82-year old Muslim man in a village out in the bush…and saw that man transform when he came to know Jesus.   God used me to teach missionary kids as well as children in the bush, who had never seen crayons or didn’t even know what to do with a balloon! Most of all, He taught me that “apart from Him, I could not do anything”. 

I distinctly remember getting slightly homesick on that incredible trip, even though I was surrounded by loving and kind people. One day as I was missing my family and friends, I read Psalm 121 as I looked out at the mountains in West Africa “I lift my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.       “  God so spoke to me and drew me close as I gazed at the skyline of the mountains in the distance in West Africa.  I never read those verses without thinking back to that moment in time.

More than anything, God taught me to be used by Him, I needed to be surrendered to His will.  Life needed to be about trusting Him and looking to Him in all scenarios and situations.  It’s so easy to type, but difficult to live out.

I could share many other scenarios of how God proved to me that His way is best vs. my own logic.

At 61 years of age, I can look back over my life and it’s so evident when I surrendered and followed God’s plan, the details and events just lined up and went smoother.  When I didn’t and tried to do it MY way, I made a mess of things.  I can’t help but think of Jonah in the Bible.  His running from God went from bad to worse.  When he finally relinquished control, God used him mightily and Jonah eventually had peace.

Lately, God is showing me that it’s not in the BIG decisions of life that I need to surrender, but it’s in the everyday moments.  Do you know what I mean?

When I get up in the morning and immediately start in on a household chore or have MY OWN agenda instead of having time with Jesus first thing…reading my Bible, praying, etc.

When I hear His still, small voice whisper, “You need to write”, and I’m lazy or a disobedient child and watch that TV show or do something else.

When I’m in a restaurant or with a co-worker and know He’s calling me to speak up and witness or share some truth about Him and what He’s done in my life, it’s then He gives me a choice…to obey or be a disobedient child.

I may be cleaning a bathroom or preparing a dish in the kitchen when I hear Him say, “You need to stop and pray for ____”.

It’s in these slices of life that I have a choice:

Will I surrender MY rights and choose to obey the ONE who gave it ALL for me? 

Will I just ignore His promptings and carry on with what I think is best?

Lately, it’s all to real of a struggle.  I seem to fail more than I get it right.

Even today, I was reminded of Jesus’ words to his disciples right before he went to the cross.  In John 14, Jesus speaks words of comfort as he is trying to prepare his closest friends for his departure.  “I am going to a place where you can’t go

These loyal men had followed him everywhere so of course, they’re in shock.  They want to go – and don’t understand WHY they can’t follow.  But in this discourse he reminds them that he won’t leave them as orphans.

He’s explaining that he will go away and come back for them.  But in his absence, He will send an advocate.  The Holy Spirit will not just be a helper to them, as Jesus has been, but this third being of the Trinity will actually take up residence inside each of them.

Friend, if you’ve asked Jesus to be your Savior or Lord, then you have the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you.  Drumroll please.  The bottom line is…are you listening to His still, small voice — or are you doing life on your own terms?

I am reminded of this old hymn that we sang quite frequently when I was growing up.  The words are definitely fitting:

All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all.

All to thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

Friend, have you surrendered everything to Him?  Your plans?  Your dreams?  Your hopes?  Your career?  Your finances?  Your spouse?  Your family?

Is there one area where you’re struggling and wrestling to allow HIM control?  From my experience, He will definitely show you what that is.  As He wants ALL of you.

I’m beyond thankful to have the Holy Spirit living inside of me.  I WANT to be surrendered to His will.  I don’t want to do it MY way. 

I live you with one verse that should be our life’s mantra as well.  It’s my husband’s life verse, Galatians *****

I wish I could say that I ALWAYS heed his voice.  That’s not the case.  But I keep asking HIM to help me; I keep praying that I’ll improve in my obedience and “the Holy Spirit will increase, and I will decrease” (Matthew 

I’m thankful that He loves me, even when I am a disobedient or rebellious child.

          As I was unwrapping each piece of our family’s nativity set from the tissue paper and putting it out for display, God spoke to my heart.  I put baby Jesus in the middle.  All the other characters and creatures were around HIM.  The Lord quietly said, “That’s the way it should be always…Jesus as the focus”.  It was a simple message, but oh, the truth packed into that one statement.

          Is Jesus the focus of your Christmas season?  Your life?

          I’ll come back to that question in a minute.

          I apologize for not communicating for so long.  My hubby and I went to NYC the day after Thanksgiving.  We had a wonderful time – walked our legs off, but we went to Macy’s and shopped in the craziness on Black Friday.  We ate authentic NY pizza, dodged the crowds, went to two Broadway plays (get tickets back in August, and they are so much cheaper) and ended our trip seeing the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall.  The Rockettes never disappoint! 

          On the plane home, Norman started coughing.  I knew then it wasn’t good.  I slept in the guest room when we got home.  The next morning, he had it full blown. We didn’t know what “it” was until he took a Covid test the next day.  He was positive!!  I thought I dodged the bullet as I slept in the guest room, didn’t kiss him or get close and wiped everything down.  But in a couple of days, I had the same fever, chills, cough and fatigue.  Thankfully, we both got over it in 3-5 days.  Our coughs have lingered.

          All that to say, because of both of us being sick, the plans I had of being early with everything for Christmas slowly evaporated.  I was in the midst of doing a long-term substitute job at the elementary school where I work.  The teacher had major surgery, and when I was asked if I would consider working for her, I knew in my spirit God called me to do it.  I spent time praying about it, but there was no doubt.  He wanted to fulfill this role. 

          Working full-time the end of November and most of December certainly impacted my “to do” list.  How about you? 

  Are you experiencing the Christmas rush?  Are you so busy with making lists, trying to get your home “just so” with inside and outside decorations, shopping, baking and cooking that you’ve lost the real reason for the season?

          Is your mind so cluttered with thinking about gifts for everyone on your list – or you’re so busy scurrying around doing many “Christmas” things that there’s not much time for intimacy with the Savior?

          The other week, I asked the Lord, “What’s wrong with me?”  I get up at 5 am so I can have time with the Lord, but it just wasn’t working.  Oh, I had my devotions, prayer time and read my Bible.  But I still felt, um… empty.  Does that ever happen to you?  I was going through the motions, but my mind was elsewhere.

          I prayed and asked the Lord to help me focus on HIM…His character, His faithfulness and who He is…not just what He does and gives me.  I also had to ask that He would help me take every thought captive.  It’s not that I was thinking on “bad things”.  It’s just that my mind was so preoccupied with my “to-do” list or “priorities” for that day.  I had to ask the Lord to reset my priorities.  Have you been there, my friend?

          I had to be intentional to get back that closeness with the Lord.  I lifted songs of praise to the Lord and confessed my need for Him.

          My pastor quite frequently will break into song during a sermon.  One of the songs he sings on a regular basis from the pulpit is “I Need Thee”.  During this time of feeling disconnected from the Lord, I sang this song every morning.  I was in the midst of this long-term substitute job during this time.  I loved the kids in the class, but a few children made this job extremely challenging.  So, the words of this familiar hymn were so true.

          “I Need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord.  No tender voice like thine can thee afford.  I need thee. Oh, I need thee.  Every hour I need thee.  Oh, bless me now, My Savior, I come to thee.”  Afterwards, I prayed and told God that I knew I couldn’t do anything meaningful “apart from Him”.  I couldn’t get through my day without Him.  I think that was one of the purposes of me taking this assignment.  God wanted to show me that even with years of experience under my belt, I still needed to rely on Him daily.  This ritual of singing and confessing helped bring me closer to the Father.

          But I think one of my “take aways” from this assignment was that the Lord reminded me I need to be fixated on Him daily.  My mindset needs to be “I Need Thee” every day, no matter what I’m doing. 

          Even today, I felt overwhelmed.  After being sick, I’m still playing catch up for Christmas.  The Holy Spirit reminded me this AM that I’ll continue to feel stressed and overwhelmed if I don’t rest in Him.  I need to make a conscious effort to “give all my cares to the Lord” (I Peter 5:7) and turn to Him as the Bread of Life.  Just as I need bread to physically thrive, I need the Lord Jesus to thrive spiritually.  There’s no substitute for Him. How are you doing in this area?  Are you trying to navigate life on your own?

          There’s something about our society that elevates or admires people who are self-sufficient.  But God calls us to be just the opposite.  To admit to Him that we can’t do life on our own…and more importantly, that we need Him.  I confessed that to the Lord again this morning.  His peace came over me.  This verse came to mind in Psalm 18:29-32.  “With your help, I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  As for God, his way is perfect:  The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in Him.”  The implication is WITHOUT the Lord, you can’t accomplish much of anything!

          I don’t know about you.  But I’ve been struggling lately to keep this mindset.  I want to constantly live in submission and reliance on the Lord.   

          Back to my original question from my nativity experience.  Is Jesus your focus this holiday season?

          Is Jesus your focus for life?  Are you making decisions, setting your priorities and scheduling events based on His desires/purposes or your own?

          At this time of the year, I think it’s of utmost importance to pause and think about these questions.  The older I get, the more I want to love Him, serve Him and my entire purpose for living to be to do His will and bring glory to Him.  I pray yours is the same.

          And I will add, I WANT to live for Him in theory.  But my follow-through is sometimes lacking.  I’m thankful for a God who convicts and redirects my steps.  He is ALWAYS that loving parent who shows me when I’m off course and need to get back in alignment.

          I’m all over the place with this Christmas post.  But this I know…all these random thoughts were for at least ONE person out there in blog land reading this.  God put you on my heart!

          I pray this Christmas season will be meaningful, and you and the Savior will have intimate fellowship.  Merry CHRISTmas!

          I still can’t believe we’re only a week away from Thanksgiving.  Where did the month of November go?  I distinctly remember Mom saying when I was a little girl, “When you’re young, Christmas, the holidays and your birthday seem to roll around slowly and take forever to get here.  But when you’re older, Christmas, your birthday and the holidays come around far too quickly!”  Mom was right.  Time seems to be at warp speed at this stage of my life.

          In years past, Thanksgiving has rolled around without me pausing until the actual day to think of all my blessings.  This year, I’ve been more intentional.  We’ve implemented a few ideas that I thought I’d pass on in case you might want to do in your family for next year.  I’d love to hear any ideas you’d like to share that could benefit the rest of us.

• On our family group text, we’re taking turns sending a Bible verse for the day.  It doesn’t need to be Thanksgiving-related.  We just send one that the Holy Spirit puts on our heart.  Then we add one thing we’re thankful for…it can be related to the verse or totally random.  I love this idea as it’s a fabulous way to start each day!  Plus, each family member’s personality comes out in the verses he/she chooses, as well as the grateful items. Sometimes the verse or the grateful items are ones I never would’ve thought of or chosen. Other times, it’s amazing how “in sync” we can be.  My hubby chose a verse the other day that was the exact one I read that morning and prayed back to the Lord!!! That was uncanny!  But this whole process is worth the time and effort as it makes me stop and thank the Lord for those things!   In addition, I feel like this simple approach draws our family closer.
• This next idea we’ve done for too many years to count.  My mom got this practice started way back when I was a little girl, as our family usually always hosted Thanksgiving.   As you and yours are sitting around the table for Thanksgiving lunch with all the family, each person shares one or two things he/she is thankful for before the blessing is said.  It’s just a nice tradition that we’ve managed to do every year.  I have fond memories of this special tradition.  It’s a little surprising sometimes what various family members will share.
• The next goal is one I haven’t managed to carry out yet.  But November still has several days remaining.  I plan to contact 5-7 people who have been instrumental, influential or made an impact on my life.  I wish I had done this years ago as some of those special are now dead and now in heaven.  I regret that I didn’t tell some of them face-to-face what each meant to me – or write a note.  But with the ones who are still here, I will either call or write each a note and express my gratefulness.  I’m asking God to put the people on my heart, and I’m limiting the number to keep it manageable for myself.  It might be a friend from college, a former elementary/high school teacher, a Sunday School teacher, a youth minister or just a special person in my life.  I’m asking God to help me be a Barnabus to these people who invested in me.
• The last one is so basic that I almost hate to mention it.  I don’t know about you; we’re all different.  But I prefer to get up earlier and have my devotions, Bible reading and prayer time with the Lord first thing in the morning before starting my day.  I usually begin my time reading a devotion and then I pray, praising the Lord first.  I choose specific attributes and try to praise Him without ASKING for anything.  Following the praise time, I try to confess my sins and then I go into a time of thanking Him for blessings.  I will pause here…sometimes my prayer time can go off the rails here.  Why?  Typically, it’s because I’m wanting to get to the interceding…praying for others and asking Him for things on my heart for a family member or friend.  For this month, I’ve tried to be more intentional about making myself STOP and express my thanks before ASKING for anything.  It may SOUND easy, but if I’m in a hurry to get out the door for work or something is pressing on my mind/heart that needs to be brought before the Father, WAITING and exercising self-control can be a challenge.  I just pray the Lord has noticed by efforts…they sure haven’t been perfect, but I’m trying to be intentional and have a grateful heart.

This morning before church, my devotion was from the book of Luke.  The passage was Luke 17:11-17.  It’s a very few verses.  Immediately, I was taken back to when Nathan was a little boy.  We read a book based on this story and these verses.  There are 10 lepers.  They can’t be at home around their families; they can’t hug their children; they can’t even live at home or work.  Basically, they’re all alone because of the disease of leprosy.  They hear Jesus is coming by, and so they all run and ask Him to be healed.  With compassion, Jesus sends them to the priest.  On the way, ALL 10 are healed of their condition.  I can still see the pictures in my mind from this little story book.  The first few pages had pictures of these men with boils, scabs and funny-looking places on their arms, faces, legs, etc.  After meeting with Jesus, as they were running to the priest, their skin was blemish-free.  It was a stark contrast!!  And one my young son always picked up on and got excited about!!  But the point of the story, as well as the verses from the Bible, was that only ONE of the TEN men came back to bow at Jesus’ feet and thank Him.  Nathan always loved this story.  And me as well.  It was a pronounced and touching reminder of what Jesus needs and desires of us.  The notes in my Bible next to this passage reminded me of a sermon I once heard about this section.  The nine lepers received physical healing from Jesus, but the one received physical and spiritual transformation.  What a difference!

I pray I’ll always be like that one.

I want to be thankful and grateful to The Healer and The Giver vs. just wanted a gift or a miracle.

I’m thinking of each of you and am thankful you tune in and read my attempts at a blog.  I pray you’re enjoying a blessed THANKSgiving!

          Before I begin this article, please know I will be true to the promise I made to the Lord before I ever began this blog.  Even if tempted, I will not write about and/or discuss politics.  As I sit to write about God’s chosen people and country, that task will be very difficult.  The flesh in me wants to cross the line and attack – and be political.  But I’m praying and asking the Lord for self-control and restraint.  I will stick to the matter at hand.  And what’s most important – the spiritual element. 

          God called me to “write for Him”.  So, I will attempt to tackle the subject of Israel without delving into politics. 

          My heart is heavy and grieved as the war in Israel rages on.  It’s like a bad dream.  But yet, I know that the words of the Bible, especially the book of Revelation, are being fulfilled right before our very eyes.

          Why should a believer in Jesus Christ care about this conflict?  And why should we, as followers of Jesus, support Israel?  Why should the USA back and side with Israel?

          The answer to all of these questions goes all the way back to Abraham in the Bible.  God told Abram back in Genesis 12 that He would make Abram the father of a great nation.  Abram longed for a son, an heir.  God promised Abram that his offspring would be like the sand on the seashore, too many to count.  And God told Abram to look up to the heavens as his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.  Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, as Sarai’s was changed to Sarah.  After 25 years of waiting, God fulfilled his promised.  He gave these two leaders a son, Isaac.  And to Isaac, he brought forth Jacob.  And from Jacob, there were 12 sons (and one daughter).  And through this line the Son of God and the Savior of the World was born.  Jesus came through the line of Jacob and Abraham. 

          Jesus was a Jew; he was an Israelite.  Throughout the Old Testament especially, but even in the New, we read how the Israelites are God’s “chosen people”.  God tells us in the book of Zechariah 2:8 (and other books of the Bible) that the people of Israel are the “apple of His eye”.  We see this truth revealed more and more with specific key scriptures, but also through the history of this great nation.  As the Israelites battled the Philistines, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Ninevites or whoever, God was on their side.  If the Israelites turned to God and faithfully obeyed and worshiped Him, God would help them be victorious!  If not, they were defeated.  It was an unmistakable pattern throughout the Old Testament.  There’s no doubt in my mind that God will give Israel victory in this instance as well.

          In addition, God tells Abraham from the beginning that HE is GIVING the land to him and his descendants.  “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you.”  There’s no grey area here.  As with most promises in the Bible, God’s Word is timeless.  I believe with all my heart that this statement from Jehovah God, the Ruler of the Universe, was not just meant for the people of Abraham’s day. That verse also applies to our modern day.  Therefore, it settles the question of who should be occupying the Gaza strip, as well as other parcels of land.  God GAVE it to the Jews!  That decision was His.

          But in addition to that, it’s a stark reminder that God made the promise to Abraham and his descendants.  Just that promise alone underscores the fact that the Jews/Israelis should possess the land and occupy it.

          However, we’re leaving out an important piece of the puzzle.  What about the Palestinians?  Where did they come from?  Where are they supposed to live?

          Just as the Israelites are descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as Jesus, the Palestinians’ lineage can also be traced back to Abraham.  God promised a baby to Abraham and Sarah.  But if you remember correctly, Sarah got impatient.  She didn’t wait on God’s timing.  The faithful wife of Abraham took matters into her own hands – thinking as we all do at times, that God needed help. She concocted her own plan.  Since she wasn’t giving Abraham the promised heir, she thought it only made sense for her servant, Hagar, to have sex with Abraham.  She persuaded and convinced Abraham that it must be part of God’s plan for him to sleep with Hagar.  He followed his wife’s lead and apparently didn’t consult Jehovah God.  Abraham and Hagar had relations and bore Ishmael.  Abram and Sarai thought that Ishmael was the “chosen heir” until God relayed to Abram that he and Sarai would conceive the promised child.  Imagine their surprise!  The fact that Abraham and Sarah had a child at 100 years old and 90 years old respectively is truly a miracle only God could perform!   Poor Ishmael had to be stunned and full of emotions at age 13.  He went from being the “promised child” to basically being kicked out.

  This disobedience cost Abraham much also, just as Adam’s disobedience did in the Garden of Eden.  Eventually, Sarah became so envious of Hagar, as well as Ishmael.  I’m sure Abraham’s heart broke as he had to send Hagar and Ishmael away. 

Despite Abram’s and Sarai’s disobedience, God still blessed Ishmael.  In fact, his descendants were great. In Genesis 16, the account reads almost like a modern-day soap opera.  When Hagar fled from Sarai because of her cruel treatment, an angel came to Hagar and encouraged her.  But Hagar also learned the following about her unborn son from the angel.  “He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him.”  I can’t imagine Hagar’s emotions at this news.  No mother would want to hear this horrible news about the child she was carrying!

          Anyway, the consequences of that union between Abraham and Hagar were major!!  When we disobey God and don’t wait on His timing and/or do things His way, there’s always a steep price to pay.  This scenario was no different.  We’re still seeing the results of this rebellion today!

There would be enmity between Ishmael and Isaac from here on out.  Thus, we have the conflict between the descendants of Ishmael (the Palestinians) and the descendants of Israel (formerly known as Jacob).  But God made it abundantly clear who was to inherit the land.

          Consequently, that’s one reason why there is war.  But as believers and followers of Jesus, we should also remember that Jesus, the Son of God, who is the Savior of the world, is a descendant in the line of Jacob (whose name was later changed to Israel).  This fact alone tells us much about how God loves the Israelites.  The rest of us are just grafted into his amazing plan of redemption and grace.

          How should we pray?  Here are a few specifics I’m praying based on what I just wrote:

• That God would grant Israel victory in this war, and He would do it in such a stark and incredible way that it would cause the entire world to see His Hand in it.  And in the process, the Jewish people would realize that Jesus IS the promised Messiah…and they need Him as their Savior.  May they cry out to Jehovah God for his help!
• That the Palestinians, and even Hamas and Hezbollah, would realize their need for God.  God would thwart their brutality, violence and efforts at every turn.  In recent months, I’ve heard of Muslims from around the world coming to know Jesus through dreams and other means.
• I’m praying for Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as military leaders for them to have That God would give Israel great victory!!  He would do so in a way that wisdom from God…to cry out to Him.
• May the 200+ hostages escape, be released and not injured or hurt further.  May God rescue each one.  Let’s remember to pray for family members.  I heard an Israeli mother interviewed the other night on the news.  Hamas militants stormed her kibutz (Jewish word for house/village) and took her husband, older son (approximately 20 something) who was injured in the attack and her 11-year old son.  They are some of the hostages Hamas is holding.  This poor woman can’t eat or sleep. Norman heard from a reliable source that Hamas cut the bottoms of the feet of many hostages so they could not get away.  The brutality is stark!
• May Israel have savvy and strategy that only God could supply; that God would grant them protection and wisdom to get into the tunnels and fight Hamas.
• That antisemitism would be squashed especially here in the United States but around the world as well.  When I hear and see news stories of demonstrations and protests, it only reminds me that Satan is trying to ramp up his attacks.  He hates anything and anyone God loves.
• That the US would stand with Israel and not wane in its support.  The book Eye to Eye:  Facing the Consequences of Diving Israel is based on the verse I mentioned earlier, Genesis 12:3.  The promise God gave to Abraham is NOT outdated.  It still stands.  William Koenig, the author of Eye to Eye chronicles tragedies, natural disasters and numerous horrific occurences when the US didn’t stand with Israel and the disastrous results.  It’s stunning that so many years later, God is still showing us He is faithful and a promise keeper.  But it’s a clear and stark reminder of who we need to stand with and be praying for.

I’m anxious to hear your comments.

          One of our favorite aspects of being at the beach is staying on the seventh floor of our condominium complex.  It’s the top floor; we’ve learned to request it every year.  Why?  Oh, we both love to bask in the sun as we’re in lounge chairs on the deck near the pool and read or just drift off for a little nap; my hubby and I love people watching in and around the pool and swimming a few laps; I especially like doing water aerobics on certain days and meeting other ladies; we enjoy walks down the beach taking in the sights; and we both love getting in the ocean and riding the waves.  But one of our favorite things to do while at the beach is to sit on our balcony and look out over God’s beautiful world.  Usually, we eat breakfast and lunch out there to just soak in nature and the scene all around us, from the birds to the waves to the sand and the crashing waves.

          This year, we were both out on the balcony as we watched the sunrise several mornings. It was spectacular every morning!  Even on cloudy mornings, God didn’t disappoint.  One morning we ate our breakfast out on the little deck as we were able to watch all the happenings on the beach — from cars getting stuck in the sand to birds trying to find grubs to eat in the sand or just watching individuals walk or play in the ocean.

          As we both waited for the sun to peak over the horizon, I couldn’t help but notice people on the beach.  There were scatterings of people from one end to the other.  Most were like us – glued to the horizon and waiting for the sun to emerge for the start of a new day. It was September so it wasn’t super crowded, especially that time of the morning.  The few people out on the beach were mainly still; you could feel the expectancy in the air.

          I noticed a lady doing yoga and/or meditating; there were a few couples walking slowly and enjoying the view; there were even more just sitting and staring at the ocean and the horizon, waiting for the sun to appear; there were a few couples of all ages holding hands or embracing in these early hours; and it was so peaceful and quiet, except for the sound of the crashing waves. Even the birds seemed noticeably silent, as if they knew to not chirp or make noises during these sacred hours before the sun peeked.

 This one particular morning, everyone was intent on the beauty around us.  Without a major announcement or introduction, each person seemed to be watching in unison as we anticipated a glorious sight – the start of a new day with a wonderful sunrise.  However, this one morning, a man had his metal detector going up and down the beach. He was busy and intent.  He never looked up; he was indifferent to the miracle about to occur.  He kept his head down and waved his metal wand back and forth in those wee hours.

          It bothered me; his actions were so sad.  Oh, I get he was task oriented.  He wanted to find a major treasure or discover some precious metal that a family member had lost or accidentally thrown out.  That was his prerogative.  But it was like he was immune to all of creation around him.  He never even looked up at the ocean or the sky!!   One would think he would stop and look up, just out of curiosity if nothing else.  But no.  He kept on with his mundane task.   As the sun peeked over the horizon, there were rays shooting out everywhere and lovely colors spilled onto the sky.   Because of his being so fixated on his task, he totally was oblivious to the gorgeous pinks and blues of the sky that would not be seen ever again, at least on this particular day.  His actions, busyness and total disregard for the spectacular sights and sounds around him made me sad; I grieved for him.  I wanted to scream at him from our balcony room to look up and not let life pass him by!  How could he be so close to this glorious occurrence and yet miss what was so lovely, miraculous and breathtaking?

          Was him finding a small trinket that important?  Could it not wait until the sun came up?

          Oh, I’m not naïve enough to believe that all the people watching the sunrise, who maybe just love nature, also believe in and worship God.  But at least, there was some recognition in them of the magnificent sight that was about to occur.  They wanted to see it, experience it and observe it.  They didn’t take it for granted!

          How about you?  Is God trying to get your attention? What are your priorities?   Perhaps, He has a miracle in store for you or at least something pretty amazing in front of you.  But you are so focused on your own agenda and are keeping your head down in the muck and mire.  You don’t see or realize the blessings right in front of you.  You’re so fixated on the “ordinary” or the task at hand that you don’t take time to SLOW DOWN and LOOK UP to see what miracle or extraordinary occurrence God has for you.

          Do you have the right priorities as you go about your day?  Are you so fixated on what “seems important to you” that you miss the extraordinary that God has for you?  Is He setting your priorities or are you?

          Do you hear me shouting?

          LOOK UP, My Friend!!  Don’t miss His blessings or what He’s trying to teach you.

          The world creates many distractions. It’s so easy to keep our heads down and be consumed with just daily tasks for living – and/or things that don’t contribute to our spiritual growth or aren’t even part of God’s plan for us.  Can you relate?

 Looking to Him first helps us put it all in perspective and realize what’s truly important.

          As I wanted to shout at this man, I also prayed for myself.  That I would not be guilty of wasting the time I have left in this life.  I want to make the most of it.  I want the Lord to set my agenda each day, even when I’m on vacation!  It’s a lofty goal.  Easier to type than carry out.

          But the picture of that man slumped over as he waved his metal-detecting wand back and forth is etched in my brain and heart.  And this verse came to mind:

Psalm 119-:36-37 “Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”

          We recently returned from the beach.  It was a refreshing time of relaxing, soaking up the sun, spending time with my hubby, the Lord and creating some wonderful memories.

          Both of us love the ocean.  We looked forward to getting in daily to “ride the waves” or experience the calm swells.

          This trip the ocean was more active than ever.  Hurricane Lee was off to our east approximately 300 miles away.  Even with that hurricane in close proximity, there were times the ocean was calm.  But there were other times, it was turbulent and churning.  Friday (our last day), Norman and I got in that beautiful water for the last time.  I stopped abruptly when the waves were crashing at my ankles.  Why?  Because I could feel that undertow.  The rip current was the strongest I’d ever felt!!!  I grew up going to Ormond Beach so I’m very familiar with the Atlantic Ocean, at least in this particular section.  Even if I hadn’t known there was a hurricane further out, I would’ve been able to tell that something unusual was going on.  My risk-taker hubby kept going.  He was almost to waist-high water when a wave took him out.  Even in that shallow water, Norman couldn’t withstand the power.  I watched as he managed to stand up and was just getting his composure and wiping the salt water from his eyes when another wave slammed into the back of him.  I tried to wave my arms and scream to get his attention; I tried to call his name and warn him, but it was no use.  The wave SLAMMED him to the ocean floor.  His face and neck hit hard, and then his body kept going.  It’s a miracle that he didn’t break his neck.  Seriously. I knew immediately that he was hurt.  As I tried to get over to him, I noticed his forehead was bleeding!  Never had either of us experienced such an occurrence, just from frolicking in the ocean!  Needless to say, we didn’t stay in the ocean.  Even as we examined his head/injuries, both of us struggled to stand up in calf-high water.  The intense crashing of the waves was much more powerful than the strength of our legs and body could withstand.

          As I emerged from the ocean first, a couple sitting in chairs engaged me in conversation.  I told them that I’d grown up swimming and playing in these waters, but I’d never felt anything so intense!!  It was scary and intimidating.  They both indicated that it was obvious the waters were “churning”.  Apparently, they had witnessed others get out quickly or have similar experiences to us.

          Why do I share such a silly story?

          Friend, every person I know is going through some type of “storm”.  The powerful waves may be chronic illness, cancer, family relations, a wayward child, drug/alcohol dependence, caring for a loved one, recovering from surgery, financial pressures, business woes…and the list goes on. In some cases, the storm may be mild, but yet others may be fighting intense and turbulent waves.  I’m thinking of specific people even as I write and the “storms” they are experiencing or have just recovered from.

          What will you do in the midst of your storm?  As the waves come crashing towards you, God loves you enough to give you a choice.

          You don’t have to fight the violent waves and the storm alone.  If you’re His child (and know Him because you’ve asked Jesus to be your Savior and forgive you of your sins), then you can cry out to Him and ask that He hold your hand and help you not be afraid (Isaiah 41:10). Knowing Him doesn’t mean He will take you out of the storm or even soften the intensity of the waves. But you can certainly ask that; He’s a patient, merciful and loving God.  Even if He chooses to keep you in the turbulent waters, you can depend on Him.  He is a trustworthy God.  How do I know?  He who didn’t spare His own Son, but gave Him up as a sacrifice and substitute for you and me (Romans 8:32), that kind of Supreme Being can be trusted

 You can look to the Sovereign God of the Universe to be your refuge and strength during trouble (Psalm 46:1-3)…trusting that He will use this storm to mature and grow your faith (James 1:2-4 and I Peter 1:7). If you’re a child of God and know Jesus as your Savior, then storms are part of the journey.  Jesus told us to expect them (James 1:12 and Roman 5:3-5).  God will use these intense waves and difficulties to chip away at your character and mine; He will use each storm to mold our hearts and attitudes to make us more like Jesus.  Riding these storms out while trusting Jesus is part of a believer’s journey.  It’s a given.  But the blessing in the midst of the turbulent waters is knowing you’re not having to endure the storm alone.  He is right there with you, calming you when you’re afraid, giving you peace when anxiety hits, undergirding you with His strength and power when yours is tapped out, and you’re thoroughly exhausted. Just knowing His presence is with you is such a comfort, strength and blessing.

          Or

          You can fight the raging waves and violent storm on your own. You can say to yourself and tell Him, “I’ve got this.  I don’t need you.”  He will allow you to have that prerogative.   When you do, you will most likely end up like Norman.   Face planted.  Scars to show what you’ve experienced. And not in a good way.

          Now, in both cases, injuries may occur.  Hard times may be part of the situation.  And scars may be left behind.  So, I guess the questions remain.

          Do you want to go through the violent storm on your own? 

          Are you strong enough to handle anything life throws at you?  I don’t know a single soul who is.

          Do you want your life to count and live it for God or do you want to do live life on your own terms with nothing to show in the end?

          Have you learned from the past when you didn’t rely on Him?  Didn’t you make a mess of things, trying to figure it out on your own? 

          He gives you and I a choice each day.  Will you spend time with Me?  Will you be still and listen?  Will you cry out for Me and be desperate as a deer who longs and pants for water (Psalm 42:1)?  

          Especially during the raging storms of life, will you cling to Him like never before?  It’s what He WANTS us to do. 

          The choice is yours and mine. 

          Think about “storms” in your past.  Have you emerged from them with scars that have drawn you closer to Him, learning more of who this God of the Universe is? 

          Or                         

          Have you wasted the pain and it’s just an empty memory or scar?

          Over the years, I’ve had numerous “God winks”.  You know, when God communicates with you in such a special way that it’s unmistakable; it was obvious that what occurred was a “sign” or message from Him.  Here are just a few that stand out in my mind:

          When Nathan was a junior in high school, I remember him wrestling with some issues regarding his faith.  He had opened up and shared some with Norman and me, but I suspected Nathan wasn’t vulnerable about everything he was experiencing.  During this time, Norman and I tried not to push.  We knew if we coaxed or persuaded too much, it would just cause Nathan to run the opposite way.  Our job was to still guide, but mainly pray.  Pray I did.  But it was excruciating to watch at times…and sit back as a mom.  I don’t do that “sitting back” well.  But I knew God was going to have to get him through this battle.

          I distinctly remember things coming to a head towards the end of his junior year.  This particular Saturday, he was so moody and grouchy, as any normal teenager can be.  It was early on a Saturday morning, and he was busy doing homework in his room. I was in the living room, having my devotions…praying and crying out to God…mainly for him.  I remember praying (not where he could hear), “Lord, please give me a sign that he still loves you…protect him from the schemes of the enemy.  Help him trust you.  And let me see some evidence that he’s on the right side of things.”  I needed a sign or some kind of assurance from the Lord.

          At this time, Nathan’s first job was cleaning our neighborhood pool.  He and several other teenagers rotated cleaning the pool, bathrooms and surrounding pool area for our neighborhood. This particular Saturday, he was finishing up an English paper for school and was about to head to the pool to get cleaning done before scads of neighbors would appear.

          I always proofed his papers, and he hated that. If I didn’t at that age, he would just slap down whatever and be content with it.  I had to hold his feet to the fire in this particular area.

          As he got ready to walk out the door, I asked him if I could see his rough draft.  He casually tossed it to me, irritated that I was asking him.

          I heard him drive away in his little white Ford F150 truck to head to the pool.  I finished my prayer time with the Lord…and again cried out for a sign for him that Nathan was still “on track and still had a heart for Him.”

          I was discouraged and worried about his walk with the Lord, and his cranky mood before he left didn’t help.  As all these emotions were churning inside of me, I finally took his paper that he had so flippantly tossed to me, and began reading it.  Several days prior, he had informed me that the assignment in his English class was to write a “stance” paper.  In other words, choose a topic in which you have a strong opinion or a certain stance and can back it up with evidence, beliefs, etc.

          As I read the first few sentences, I began to cry.  As I finished it, I started weeping…uncontrollably.  His paper was on how abortion was wrong and how God was the author of life.  I was blown away!!!  I knew he was pro-life and had strong beliefs.  But the way he had expressed himself in this paper and communicated his thoughts stunned me.  He had deep-seeded beliefs and backed them up with scripture and science!  I was proud and impressed!   And, it was also obvious that it wasn’t his usual “do enough to get by” paper.  He had put real thought, time, meaning and conviction into every word!

God had truly answered my prayer and then some!!!  I was encouraged and uplifted.  What an incredible God we serve!  He is so faithful!

          My next memorable “God wink” also concerned Nathan.  It was near the end of his senior year.  Nathan had always been an exceptionally bright child and student.  But after elementary school, he didn’t always put forth his best effort; he had some growing up to do.  So, when Norman and I were thinking and considering college for him, there were many mixed emotions.

          Both of us WANTED him to go OFF to college.  From my experience, being away from my parents and family helped me grow up, take responsibility and not be so dependent on my parents.  Both of us longed for Nathan to have that experience, grow and mature.

          But I was very worried.  I still had to remind Nathan of too many deadlines, responsibilities, etc.  In addition, he had always enjoyed playing video games with friends, but his love for this had reemerged, and he was spending an excessive amount of time with this pastime.  Norman and I were concerned that this “time waster” would carry over to college.  Not only that, but we had numerous friends who had sent their young men off to college a few years prior to Nathan graduating and in at least 5-6 cases, all of them had to bring each of their boys home.  Either the boys were partying, not studying or couldn’t handle the demands and responsibilities of college life.

          We were down to the wire.  Nathan had been accepted at Lee University in Cleveland, TN.  In fact, he received two music scholarships.  We were super proud of him for this accomplishment.  But even with good grades and the scholarships, we still had our doubts. 

          Norman and I agreed that he needed to go.  As always, Norman made the decision and never looked back.  On the other hand, I make a decision and tend to question, analyze, talk to God repeatedly and the like.

          This particular morning, I was home and not working.  I got up and out early for a walk.  Duchess, our miniature daschund, accompanied me as she loved to walk, as well as stop and smell every flower, bush or blade of grass.  Also, it’s important to note…Duchess barked at every person that went by, every squirrel that moved or leaf that blew…seriously.  We loved her, but we couldn’t train her not to bark!!  She was super attentive, aware of her surroundings and thought she was a giant watch dog!

          Duchess and I walked to our neighborhood park and as we were returning, I continued to pray.  “Lord, I know Nathan needs to go away to college.  I know he needs this experience and to learn to be independent.  I want him to succeed.  But I’m so afraid without me there to be his safety net, he’s going to play video games, not manage his time well, etc. and may fall flat on his face (I remember using this exact term).  Please, Lord.  Let me hear from you.  Are we making a mistake?  I need your wisdom.”

          I distinctly remember being on the sidewalk in front of one of our neighbor’s houses.  She was a widow and dear friend of mine.  I paused as a tiny bird landed directly in front of Duchess on the sidewalk.  This bird was only 1-2 feet from Duchess, but our little dog didn’t utter a sound.  It was as if she was blinded to the bird’s appearance.  God spoke, “Laura, do you see that little bird?  I take care of him, help him find a nest and food to eat.  How much more do I love your boy?  He’s going to soar!!  Trust me!”  Oh, friends.  His words were as clear as a bell to me!!!  And a peace washed over me!!!

          Nathan did go off to college, and he did soar!!!  He wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t fall flat on his face.  But I’ll never forget that little bird on the path; I will never forget Duchie being silent; and I will never forget God speaking to me so personally and caring enough about our little issue and corner of the world.

            There are many other God winks I could write about, but for me, this God wink is one of the most meaningful.  It occurred shortly after my dad died.  He had been sick with emphysema and congestive heart failure; he had been in and out of the hospital and then rehab; we knew his death was eminent. It was a blessing to KNOW that he would be in heaven, whole and healed, not suffering or in pain, because he knew and loved Jesus. But nothing can really prepare you for that kind of loss or separation. I was grieving and missing Dad something fierce.  And I was really hurting for Mom, knowing she was missing the love of her life.

    A few days after Dad passed, I had walked out on the porch to take out some trash. There was movement or something that caught my attention.  As I walked out further in the driveway, I saw two cardinals flying together.  Cardinals are a rare sight around here so seeing two together caught my eye.  I watched as that pair flew together in harmony around trees and in a certain path.  And then, as if they were instructed, one flew around the other one (as if saying goodbye) and then flew off.  The one that flew off was the male, the more beautiful one of the two.  Needless to say, I was in tears by then.  God had painted me a picture – and spoke to me in the process.  He and Mom had flown together for a long while…almost 60 years, but Dad was God’s now.  It was his time; God had called him “home”.  It was THE most vivid “God wink” I had ever experienced! 

Oh, what a personal, caring and compassionate God we serve!!!  He’s so creative and tender in the way He speaks, communicates and demonstrates His love.

          I’ve always loved hoop earrings…small, large, medium, silver or gold. There’s something about them that’s so classic, simple and elegant.

          A few years ago, I had on my favorite pair of hoop earrings.  They were rope silver/black hoops.  Somehow when I was taking one off, it rolled under our dresser.  I tried to “feel” with my hands to find it.  I thought that would be relatively simple.  There’s carpet in our bedroom and under the dresser so I naturally thought I’d be able to find the hoop earring very easily by feeling.  After several frustrating minutes, I finally gave up.

          I turned on the lights in the room and looked again…still feeling with both palms.  It was no use.  It was as if that earring had fallen into the abyss of the underneath portion of the dresser, never to be seen or worn again.

          Frustrated, I went to get my phone.  I turned on the flashlight feature and shined it directly under the dresser.  Within a minute, I saw my favorite earring glistening.  It was calling to me – ha!

          It may sound simple and silly, but during this search for my hoop earring to complete my set, God reminded me of His truth.

          Most of us, even those of us who know God and have Jesus, grope in the darkness.  We’re content to “feel” our way through life, trying to do things on our own.  We settle for second best or sometimes we settle for something not even in the “best category”.  Why?  Because we’re relying on “self” and human strength and earthly wisdom.

          If we would just be intentional and take the time to live in the Light.  He will always direct our path and show us the way. 

          God brought these verses to mind.  I hope you think of them the next time you wear or see a hoop earring. I know I will!

I John 1:5-6 “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you:  God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”

John 8:12 “ When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”

John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

          Are you groping in the darkness today or are you basking in His light, saturating yourself in His Word and Presence?

          It’s stunning to me how God speaks and teaches us through simple things — even a hoop earring!!