Christmas, a time for Love, Giving & Family

 Sometimes I talk back to the TV. Most of the time it's when a statement is made that goes against what I believe . . . like in Hallmark movies when someone says, "that's what Christmas is all about!"

Usually, the movie character is referring to Christmas being about love, giving or family. I always say back to that "person", "No, that's not what Christmas is all about - it's about Jesus!" Well, this year my eyes have been open to the truth in those Hallmark movie statements! Yes, LOVE, GIVING & FAMILY IS what Christmas is all about! (Hang with me for just a minute!)

God LOVES us so much that He sent His one and only Son to earth - a dark, dirty, broken, sinful world to be the light that would break-through the darkness! Because of His great love, we're to show love to others!

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son
into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
1 John 4:9

God loves us so much that He GAVE His one and only Son, so whoever believes will have eternal life. Because this great gift was given, we too are to give!

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that we might believe and become part of His FAMILY, a child of God!

But to all who believed him and accepted him,
he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12

Because God offered this great gift to us - the ultimate gift of love, we are to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES sharing the love Jesus to others, giving them the opportunity to know Him, so they too can become a child of God, reborn into His family!

Some reading this might think this is a stretch - but as for me, I try to see God in everything . . . even Hallmark Christmas movies!

Are we being good Ambassadors?

One of my favorite statements from God's Word is; "at just the right time . . ."   

• 2 Corinthians 6:2 says; "For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you."
• Romans 5:6 says; "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."
• Galatians 4:4 says; "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born . . . "

These are some of my "go to" verses when I'm waiting - I truly believe that at just the right time God acts - He answers prayers, He provides, He speaks, He opens our eyes and our heart. He even gives me a devotional quiet time reading that I need for that specific day . . . like today!

Interesting passage today: Matthew 17: 24-27

Some tax collectors approached Peter and asked, "Does your teacher pay Temple tax?" Peter - with haste answers, "Yes, he does." Jesus, of course, used this as a teaching opportunity !

Jesus: "Peter does the king tax; his own people, or those he conquers?

Peter: "those he conquers".

Jesus: "then citizens are free!"

Of course a king would not tax his family - and Jesus, well, He is the King of kings and owes nothing! But, Jesus goes on to tell Peter that they don't want to "offend them", so tells Peter to go fishing. He tells him that the first fish he catches will have a coin in its mouth. Jesus told Peter to use it to pay taxes for both of them.

A couple of things stood out to me as I read the commentary on this passage:

1. Jesus had the solution. He was supplying the resources, but - He had Peter go and get it. "Ultimately all that we have comes to us from God's supply, but He may want us to be active in the process." Being a Christ follower is a hands-on experience. We aren't to just sit back and watch, we are to be actively involved!
2. Earth is not our permanent home, but Jesus shows that we still need to be responsible citizens and cooperate with the authorities.

Corinthians 5:20 says: "So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"

Just as an Ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent the one who sent him - so must we! We are to be upstanding citizens, doing what is right because - when we say we are a Christ - follower, a Christian, that means we represent Christ! It's our job to shine a positive light on HIM!

Today, as I was having a moment - one of those when Satan creeps in your thoughts and you react before you realize it. One of those moments when my attitude was anything but shining a positive light on Jesus! In that moment, God reminded me of my Bible reading for today and I was convicted by the question asked by the commentary writers . . . "Are we being good foreign ambassadors for Him to this world?" Am I being a good ambassador for Christ?!

I wonder how different my testimony would be if I, as a Christian, was better at encouraging than complaining?

I wonder how different my testimony would be if I did everything for Jesus and let go of any selfish motives?

I wonder how different my friends, acquaintances, and family would be if I stood on the balcony cheering them on, instead of hiding in the basement dragging them down.

Being a positive ambassador is a choice, a challenge, and one I accept!

"Heaven Forbid"

 "Heaven forbid", a phrase we've all probably heard a time or two.   Usually when we hear this, the person speaking wants to prevent something from happening that they think will be harmful, hurtful, or even tragic.  None of us want to see hurtful or tragic things happen, especially to those we love!

Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of the time that Peter said to Jesus,  "heaven forbid. . . "  Peter was a devoted follower and friend of Jesus and he loved him very much.  He had just heard Jesus tell of the things that were about to happen to him.  Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer and many terrible things would happen at the hands of religious leaders.  Jesus told them "He would be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead."    

This did not set well with Peter! He spoke up and said to Jesus; "Heaven forbid, Lord. This will never happen to you!"  

At that moment Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan!"  I wonder what expression was on Peter's face when Jesus reprimanded him!?!  

Jesus went on to say to Peter, "You are a dangerous trap to Me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."   Peter's exclamation wasn't out of disrespect, but one of sincere love and lack of understanding.   Jesus was Peter's friend and he didn't want to see harm come to Him, especially death!  Peter's quick reaction was probably fear based and the need to protect Jesus.  It's almost like Peter had the idea that He was Jesus' bodyguard, as if Jesus needed Peter to protect Him.  

But Peter didn't understand that had Jesus not suffered, died and then raised to life - he would have had to pay for his own sins. 

Like Jesus, we all have well-meaning friends and family who love us and only want the best for us. They don't want us to be in pain, to suffer, to be heartbroken or experience tragedy.   And, we feel the same about them!  We want to protect them, to shield them from hurt and hardship.  But like Peter, we don't see the BIG PICTURE that God sees, that God designs and allows.  

Satan wants nothing more than for followers of Christ to leave Jesus out of their daily and future plans, choices and decisions!              Jesus says, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. IF you hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it" 

The advice that our friends and family gives us can sound tempting - we don't want the painful situation either - and if there is a way out, please tell me!  But Jesus says - you MUST give up your own way.  Being a follower of Jesus Christ isn't the easy way out!  As Shadrach, and his friends discovered - sometimes it means standing in the fire! 

This is one reason why being in God's Word and having a personal relationship with Him, one where you are daily engaged with Him, is so important! 

It is GOD's voice we need to hear in our heads, not the voice of    "the world". 

Matthew16:21-28; Mark 8:38-9:1; Luke 9:1-27

 

Comparisons

As human beings it comes very natural to us to compare things, and even though that's not necessarily a bad thing - it can be.  It really depends on what you are comparing.  For example, if you're comparing the cost of groceries bought from Publix or Neighborhood Markets - well, that could really help your budget!      If you're comparing Alabama football to well, any other team - you get the picture, and I digress.  :)  

Unfortunately, too often  I compare myself to others, which was / is not a good thing! When I served as a Kids Minister, I even compared myself to other Kids Ministers!  I was always looking at what other Ministers were doing in their churches, not to get great ideas, but  instead I'd question myself, wondering if I'm doing enough, or doing the "right stuff"; sometimes I even wondered if I was supposed to be in ministry!  These were not healthy comparisons.  

I'm reminded of a time in Scripture when Jesus was speaking to Peter and asked him how much he loved Him; Jesus actually asked him three times. Scripture says that Peter was hurt that Jesus would feel the need to ask more than once. But, of course, Jesus had His reasons.  I think He wanted Peter to dig deeper, to sincerely search his true feelings and the motives for why he was following Him.          (John 21:21)

After Jesus' questions, Peter then turns around to see John standing there and he asked Jesus, "What about him?" 
Jesus said, "...What is it to you? . . . As for you, follow me." 

In other words, maybe Jesus was saying - don't worry about what someone else is doing, or what they have, or what My plan is for them; you do what you know to do.

I read the accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke about the time Jesus asked His disciples "Who do people say I am?"  They responded, with probably the common answer, - John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet.   Then Jesus asked the same question to the disciples and Peter replied, "You are the Messiah!" 

Jesus said to Peter, "You are blessed! . . . My Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being." 

Why would Jesus do that? Why would He ask what "the people"  believe, and then ask His disciples that same question? 

I think, because - while it's not necessarily wrong to know what others think, we need to have our own thoughts!  I need to know in my head and my heart who Jesus is, and I need to have a personal relationship with Him based on the Holy Spirit's leading and teaching.  

I heard of friend say, the church isn't influencing the world, the world is influencing the church.  I believe that statement holds a lot of truth!  It's time for believers, for followers of Jesus Christ, to take a stand!  We need to stop worrying about what "others say" about what we believe and how we live, and live like we know what we believe and trust the One we follow!  Yes, I need to care about others, I need to love others, I need to share Jesus with others - but how can I do that if I don't know Him personally and trust Him completely?!  Looking to others isn't going to teach me how to do that - only God can!  It is with HIS strength I can love others, live for Him and lead others to Him! 

Oh my, how I shudder to think how often Jesus has looked at me to say'  "What's it to you?"   He is probably saying,  "Look at ME and compare your life to Jesus."  I know that I'm to be in this world but, not of this world. I'm to live by Jesus Christ example!  

I wish I had learned the comparison lesson earlier in life and ministry. And, I'm not saying I've conquered the need to compare - but I am better.  I've learned that to compare, is okay - but I have to stay in my lane, on my path, and remember this is MY journey.  I've learned to look and learn and move on.  

I've learned to "trust in the Lord and lean not on my own understanding!"

Much with a Little

 "God can do the miraculous; trust Him to provide the resources!"

In John's telling of feeding of the 5,000 - he shares that Jesus tests Philip with a question; "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?"

Philip's reply, "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed them!" (so human!)

Andrew tells them there is a young boy with a lunch, then adds - "But what good is that with this huge crowd?"

Jesus directs the disciples to have the people sit down. (on a grassy slope) He knew they were tired, as well as physically and spiritually hungry.

Then Jesus took the small resources that were brought to Him, five barley loaves and two fish, and thanked God. You probably know the rest of the story . . . everyone ate until they were full and there were 12 baskets of leftovers!

I love this story! I've heard messages from this passage, I've read it, and I've taught it . . . but today Jesus opened my eyes to something I haven't really paid much attention to - Philip's role in the story and the lesson behind it. Jesus knew that Philip's faith needed to be strengthened. By asking him for a human solution to this situation - knowing there wasn't one, gave Jesus the opportunity to highlight a powerful miracle, one only He could perform!

God is not limited by our resources, yet we often put Him in a box and assume what is and what is not possible! The young boy's lunch - it wasn't much, but he offered it anyway. Jesus asked God's blessings and He provided abundantly!

What human resources do we have today that we think aren't good enough? What resources are available, but we have decided they won't "fix" the problem? Is it up to us to make that decision, or are we to give what we can, do what we can and leave the rest up to God?

One of the commentaries I read said; "If we offer nothing to God, He will have nothing to use. But He can take what little we have and turn it into something great!" I've often heard - God doesn't need our help or resources, He wants us and gives us the opportunity to join Him in His work.

Lord, open my eyes to opportunities to join You in Your work. Thank you for wanting me and my limited resources. Help me to see what You see - to not judge, but to see miracles waiting to happen!

Stones & Snakes?

 "You parents - if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!" (NLT Matthew 7:9-10)

When our kids were younger they'd asked for some pretty crazy things! Things that their dad and I would have been crazy to say yes to! I'm pretty sure they knew the answer would be no - but they asked anyway . . . just in case :)

This could also describe how I sometimes approach God with my requests. I've asked for some pretty bizarre things in my day, and if I'm honest, I've asked knowing it's probably not in my best interest, or it's terribly selfish - but I ask anyway . . . just in case!

"Sometimes God knows we are praying for 'snakes' and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers." The NLT commentary also says that God won't give us 'stones' instead of what we need.

The "no" answer never came as an easy answer for my kiddos. (and I don't really like to hear it either!)

Usually there would be "conversation" trying to convince us that what they were asking for was a good idea. (yep, I've done this with God too!)

Or they'd make promises that would sweeten the deal if only we'd say yes! (okay - I've done this too!)

The Scripture goes on to say:

"If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." (Matthew 7:11)

As a parent I always want to protect my kids. (even now and they are grown!) I've always wanted to give them the best of everything. Many times my heart wanted to say yes, but my head knew it wasn't the best answer. I knew my job wasn't to make my children 'happy' all the time, but to love, care for and protect them. It's funny that I can recognize this as my role as a mom, but when I swap roles, and I'm the child making a request to my "Daddy God" - I can easily fall into the whining little girl who wants my way!

Sometimes I'd say to my kids, I know you think that's what you want, but it's not what you need. How often has God said that to me?! How many times have I tried to convince God, that yes it is!?! As I've grown in my faith and relationship with God I've learned, and been reminded over and over again, that our heavenly Father, is loving and kind, He is caring and comforting, He is gentle and gracious, faithful, and oh so patience with me! And because if this, He sometimes says "No".

Thank you God for giving me what I need, instead of just what I want.

Thank you God for teaching me the difference.

Thank you God for sometimes saying "No"!

Birds, Lilies & Wildflowers

One of my favorite sections from the Sermon on the Mount is when Jesus teaches about worry. He painted a vivid picture using very common things! He speaks about the birds, the lilies of the field, and the wildflowers. I can actually see them all in my mind's eye! All these beautiful creations that never worry about anything. They don't worry about when or what to eat, where to bloom or how long to bloom. They just simply live. They do what they were created to do.

Oh how I long to be like the birds, lilies and wildflowers!

In my younger years, I think I lived more of a "wildflower" kind of life than I do now in my seasoned years. I think the change came several years ago when I found myself stuck in the corner of a small elevator with several of my students crammed in there with me! They, of course, thought seeing how many they could get in the elevator was funny - I, on the other hand, did not! At that moment I felt like I had the power of the Incredible Hulk and if they didn't let me out I would physically move them!!! Was it my tone, my face . . . I'm not sure what happened, but they moved! Since then I've had a unhealthy sense of anxiety/fear about enclosed spaces, which unfortunately has created other insecurities and anxieties in life.

People who've never experienced anxiety often have "answers" to "help". They mean well. I appreciate that they want to help, and a lot of what they say is true. Not to be ungrateful but, I already know "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13), and I know God tells me, in several verses, that He will never leave me or forsake me, and that He'll never give me more than I can handle. A well meaning friend or family member can tell me this over and over again - but I am the one who has to put it into practice. I have to believe it in my heart and head, which will lead my hands and feet to follow!

So - why don't I? What's holding me back? The Thief.

He comes to steal, kill and destroy . . . and he can be very convincing!

I'm learning that worry, (fear and anxiety) immobilizes me, it causes me to freeze in fear. It keeps me from doing what I know I need to do, it even keeps me from things I want to do! I need to find where fear lives in my life and evict it!!!

I'm also learning the difference in worry and genuine concern. When I have a genuine concern about something - it moves me into action. It opens my eyes to the possibility of getting past the fear instead of hiding from it. I'm not there yet, but reading God's Word, giving praise to Him and singing the name of Jesus gets me one step closer every day!

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else . . . "

Matthew 6:33, says it well. And when I do this - when I keep my focus on God and my eternal home, I let go of all the "what ifs", the "I can't", the self doubt, and it leads me to see all that God can do and will do when I open up and let the Holy Spirit move in my life!

If you are a person who deals with anxiety, worry and fear - you're not alone. I can't say I know how you feel, because even though we might have similar circumstances and situations - we are unique. But, I will say that I know where my help comes from - and even though my faith and trust aren't all that it should be, all the time, it's so much better than it was!

I know God to be great listener. I know I am encourage when I talk to Him. And, I know when I seek His will and ways, He shows them to me.

Question of the Day

 I was recently confronted, and maybe even convicted by this question . . .

"Do you want to do things differently, or do different things?"

Yes?

No?

Maybe?

What does that even mean?

In two months I will turn 60.

I guess it's due time to reflect again on where I've been, where I am and where I'm going!

"Do Hard Things"*, a book I used for a Bible study when I taught the youth group at a former church. The nutshell point of the book is that students, (people) are capable of doing and being so much more than they are . . . but when it gets hard, we settle. It seems we listen to the world saying we can't and less to God saying we can because through Him ALL things are possible!

Deciding to do things differently or to do different things might be hard - it might be uncomfortable, but if God leads me to it - I can do it!

I have some work to do and a lot of "knee-time" ahead!

*Do Hard Things by: David Kopp; Alex & Brett Harris

Do I Have to?

 "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." (Luke 6:31)

This is probably one of the most quoted Bible verses, and many don't know

it IS a Bible verse! It was part of my Bible reading this morning. It comes under the "header" Jesus teaches about loving Enemies. Love your enemies.

Yep, Jesus tells us we must.

Anybody out there have a hard time with "loving your enemies"? I think I saw a couple of heads nod, "yes" - so, I'll be transparent too, Yep, I do, but I don't want to! For long time I made the excuse that I didn't have any "enemies." Then I looked up what an enemy is: an opponent · rival · antagonist · combatant · challenger · competitor · opposer . . . and it became clear, I do have "enemies" plus, I'm not sure they even know it! (maybe that's a little too transparent!)

I've gotta fix this!!

One of the commentaries I read today said, "Loving our enemies means acting in their best interests, praying for them, thinking of ways to help them"; and I'll add, respecting our differences, and taking a look in the mirror. Each of these steps to loving my enemy starts with me! I can't change the person I see as an opposer, antagonist, or rival - but I can change how I view them and how I treat them.

Jesus doesn't tell me that I'm to "fall IN love" with this person, but to intentionally, consciously make an effort to be kind, to be helpful, to allow what frustrates me about this person to help me a better person!

I know that becoming more like Jesus requires my every day attention and commitment to follow Him; therefore, I can acknowledge that I'm not there yet, but every day to strive to get a little closer.

To answer the question in the title of this blog, Yes, I do. So, today I'm working on loving my enemies. What will tomorrow bring?

I guess I'll just have to wait and see :)

Do I need to add more "seasoning"?

Salt. Garlic. Pepper. Cayenne.

These are seasonings that we add to give our food better flavor.

Love. Compassion. Caring. Serving.

These are lifestyles we live that add "flavor" to our world making it a better place.

Matthew records Jesus' words that tell us that we are "the salt of the earth". But what happens when Christian look more like the world than Christ? They become bland. One commentary for this passage says, "If we are too much like the world, we are worthless." It is our responsibility, as followers of Christ, to live like He did adding "seasoning" to the world around us and to those we meet to bring out the best in them!

Jesus then adds that we are to be a "light" - like a city on a hill. When I read this my minds eye takes me to one of my favorite places, Gatlinburg. When you drive or walk along the streets, and you look up, you see houses glowing on the mountainside and it's breathtaking! There is no way you can miss them! When followers of Jesus Christ live for Him, we glow, like those lights on the hillside - showing others what Jesus is like.

Verse 15 says, "No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket." Instead that light it put on a stand, lifted up to light everything around them.

But, not every house on the mountain is glowing with lights, and not all Christians are shining a light for Christ.

So what does it look like when we hide our light?

. . . we're silent when we should speak up

. . . we go along with the crowd

. . . we let sin snuff out our light

. . . we choose not to share about Jesus

. . . we see a need and ignore it

. . . we look more like the world than Jesus

Unfortunately I have to admit, I've been there. I've not always shone as brightly as I could have. I've allowed something to hold me back - most often it's fear. So, what if we choose to make little or no effort to affect the world around us for Jesus, what does that say about our relationship with Him? What does that say about my faith?

James asks the question . . . "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions?" (2:14) He goes on to say, "faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." (2:17)

Our faith in Jesus Christ, combined with our actions - these are an outward expression of our faith, create a light so bright that it can't be denied! A light so bright that others will want to know how they can have that same light too!

So, when my light begins to dim how do I "brighten" the glow?

Seek Him with all my heart! (Jeremiah 29:13)

Love Him with ALL my heart, soul, mind and strength. And love my neighbor as myself. (Luke 10:27)

Now let's go out there and SHINE for Jesus!

(Matthew 5:13-16 is where you'll find the message of Salt & Light.)

"It's Easter!"

Last night my granddaughter loudly announced,  "It's Easter!!!"  She was excited, we were about to dye Easter eggs! (I was pretty excited too!)

The process and seeing the outcome are always fun, but the time spent with family is priceless! The look on her face as the eggs change color, and her commentary about what we're doing - it's all enough to make this Mimi heart smile! 

The decision to dye Easter eggs and have Easter egg hunts is a decision for every Christian family to decide.  Our kids always attended the church egg hunts, community egg hunts, and of course our family egg hunt events!  No matter how many hunts we attended they always wanted more! I can still hear them say, "do it again!" 

As fun as all that was, we, as Christian parents, wanted our kids to understand and celebrate the true reason for Easter. How we chose to do that was with honest, intentional conversation.  Just like our granddaughter, our kids loved imaginative play, hide & seek and fun craft projects. As we dyed eggs Jesus was the center of our conversation - as in anything, it all comes back to Jesus! 
"Jesus talk" was part of our natural daily conversation - so it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. We made sure they heard over and over again that Easter is about what Jesus did for us.  God sacrificed His one and only Son, and Jesus gave up His life so we could have new life in Him!  We wanted to make sure they knew that new life only comes through faith, trust and believing in Jesus Christ. 

As for the "secular" part of Easter, it was easy to tie in eggs, bunnies, spring flowers, green grass, and new buds on the trees because all these things represent new life!  We wanted our kids to use these things as reminders of new life in Jesus Christ - which is available to all who will truly believe! 

This is our story. This is how we did it and it worked for us. To be honest, It was the only option for our family.  Whatever you choose to do, I pray that this Easter weekend your children hear and learn about the true meaning of Easter; and I pray that they are the awe and wonder of a "new life" in Jesus Christ that awaits them.

 

If  you've never read of the story of Jesus last meal with his friend, Jesus in the garden, on the cross and raised from the tomb - I invited you to read these passage below.  It's an amazing story of what Jesus Christ did for you. It's the greatest story ever told! 

"The Last Supper" - Matthew 26-17-30
"Judas Betrays Jesus" - Matthew 26:47-56
"The Crucifixion of Jesus" - Matthew 27:1-54
"The Resurrection of Jesus" - Matthew 28

This Life Changing story is for you!
 
God created all things, therefore HE is King of kings and LORD of lords.

But there is some BAD NEWS. . . sin entered the world and because of that sin we were separated from God.

But there even WORSE NEWS . . . there is absolutely nothing we can do, on our own, to make that sin go away! No matter how good, or kind, or nice we are - we can't wipe the sin-slate clean. 

BUT, there is GOOD news . . . God provided a way for us to come back to Him!  That provision came through death on a cross.

But THE BEST news . . . Jesus sacrificed and gave up His life for mine on that cross! He lived a sinless life, yet He was willing to take all my sin and carry it to the cross - dying a sinners death so I wouldn't have to.   This is a gift that Jesus freely gives!  
This is a FREE GIFT for ALL who will believe! 

You've heard the story and it's up to you to respond.  
Maybe you have questions - ask them.
Maybe you've been struggling with this decision and today God is prompting you to surrender. . . don't wait!
 

• ADMIT to God that you are a sinner and you need a Savior.
• Sincerely BELIEVE that Jesus is the Son of God and He gave His life to save yours.
• CONFESS your sins and tell the world that you are a new creation in Christ Jesus?! 

Are you ready to turn away from your sin and invite Jesus to come into your life as your Savior and Lord? 

Are you ready to begin this new adventure with Jesus? 

If you have questions, privately message me or ask a Christ-following friend to help you. We don't have all the answers, but we know the One who does! 

Happy Easter! 

A Day Worth Remembering

Tomorrow I have the privilege of talking with my kiddos in Bible study about the Ethiopian man, who at the moment of believing wanted to be baptized.  The excitement he must of felt in that moment when he saw the pool of water!  I'm sure it was a moment he'd never forget!  (Acts 8:26-40)

As I studied, thoughts of my own baptism came to mind like . . .                
I don't swim!!!  (odd first thought, right?)  I enjoy playing in the water, as long as my feet touch the ground and my head stays above the water! Youth swim parties terrified me! Whether you were in a swimsuit or not, chances were great that you'd be thrown in - the deep end! Needless to say,
I missed a lot of pool parties! 

No, being baptized doesn't require swimming, but I was really afraid of going under the water.  In the grand scheme of things, not knowing how to swim never was a real issue - until I decided to ask Jesus to be the Lord of my life! Yep, that meant the next step was baptism. Yikes!  In the mind of a 10 year old, I had thoughts like:
My head is going to be "pushed" under the water!!!   Sure I could hold my nose with the little white hanky - but what if water got through the hanky?  What if the pastor dropped me?   

Fortunately I had a very caring, compassionate pastor who understood my dilemma and took all the time I needed to prepare me for "the day of dunking"!!  I can remember practicing for baptism as we stood in his office.  He practiced with me over and over again.   I truly believe that when the time came for me to be baptized the Holy Spirit took over and I was able to conquer my fears!  

Fast forward 20 years.  My family took a trip to Zion, Illinois  where I was born and raised. (until I was in the 5th grade) It was so much fun remembering life in Zion! I loved showing my family my old house, my school, my grandparents house, the park and especially my church.  As we walked through the doors and down the aisle I was reminded of my Papa - I would hold out my hand and he always had a candy or piece of gum for me :)   My mind was filled with sweet memories!  

Memories like my mom singing in church, laying my head on my grandmother's lap during church services, my Sunday School teachers, covered dish dinners, VBS parades and walking down the aisle to publicly announce my love for Jesus and my decision for Him to be the Lord of my life!  I'll never forget as a grown wife and mother walking through that dry baptistry - tears flooding my eyes and rolling down my cheeks!  I was overwhelmed with God's love and I was overjoyed that so long ago I made the decision to become a follower of Jesus Christ!   Remembering my "profession of faith" walk and baptism have helped me through days of doubt. 

What is your story?
Do you have memories of your baptism?

• Who was there?
• Where it was?
• How you felt? 

If you're wondering what baptism is - 

• it is the way believers publicly acknowledge that they have accepted Jesus Christ is their Savior.
• it is an act of being obedience and following Jesus' example.
• it symbolizes our sins being washed away.
• it is a visual representation of dying to self and rising up new in Christ Jesus! 

If you're curious and would like to know more - I'd love to share more of my story with you! 

"Thank you! Now let's do this!"

When I was a little girl my dream was to be a teacher. It was the plan since my first day of school! My daddy hung a chalkboard in the garage - winter's cold or summer's heat - you could find my standing at the chalkboard "teaching" my dolls and stuffed animals. 
I didn't love school - but I loved the idea of teaching, of helping others learn and grow. It never entered my mind that I would ever do anything else. 

And that is how it all got started.

As I've walked through my 59 years on this earth, I've tried my best to "delight in the Lord," to love God and love people! I've truly enjoyed getting to know, serve and love those God placed in my path, especially children! 

 And "at just the right time", I was blessed to become a teacher! God gave me 20 wonderful years teaching pre-K kiddos, prepping them for Kindergarten. I couldn't have loved another job more! 

And then God said, "Thank you! Now let's do this!" 

In 1999 my calling changed from teaching preschoolers in a "secular/weekday ministry", to serving as a Preschool & Children's Minister in a local church. When I knew God was calling me into something different, I had to ask - "Are you sure!? There are SO many more qualified people than me!"  But, God persisted, and the Holy Spirit convicted, and with much prayer and counsel from friends and family, I said, "okay God, let's do this!" 

I was as green as a gourd! I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. My morning conversations with God sounded something like - "Hi God, what will we be doing today?" Of course He never failed me and during my years of serving as a Preschool/Children/Family Minister, I had the honor of getting to know, serve and love on so many wonderful preschoolers, kids, teens and their parents! (some young and "seasoned" adults too!) 

I was very blessed to serve in "vocational church ministry" for 20 years!  
Then God said, "Thank you! Now let's do this!" 

During my 20 years serving the local church, I was given the opportunity to serve on the State VBS Team and lead training seminars for Preschool Church leaders. This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, serving alongside State Missionaries and other church leaders of Alabama. It has been a highlight of my career!  

Then God said, "Thank you. Now let's do this!" 

In January of 2020 I began serving as a Alabama State Missionary, specializing in Preschool and Vacation Bible School ministries.  

I know, right!?! It's crazy!  How did I get here?!  I've often wondered, what happened to the little girl whose only dream was being a teacher? 

Well, recently while sharing a portion of my testimony at an Upwards Basketball halftime, God answered that question. 

As I prayed about what God would have me share, the verses Proverbs 16:3; "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed."  and Proverbs16:9;  "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." came to mind. So as I'm talking - (this is so like God), he whispered . . . 

 "Her dreams came true!" 

You see, God didn't give me my dream for just a moment in time - He took my very small dream and God-Sized it!!! I've lived my entire adult career teaching - God just changed the subject!  I went from teaching the ABCs of reading, writing and arithmetic to the ABCs of salvation!  I've seen the excitement of a preschooler recognizing a word or writing his name - but I've also seen the excitement of a child pray asking Jesus to be the Lord of their life! 

I shared with these Upward families to delight in the Lord, and dream your dreams, just let GOD guide your steps and HE will lead you to HIS perfect path for your life! 

I sometime ask God what took so long, why couldn't I have just started here.
Silly me!  He said because, I used those 20 years to prepare you for the next 20 years, which have prepared you for this new path We're now walking!   

I'm so glad I chose to "Trust in the LORD with all my heart" and that I didn't lean on my own understanding!  I'm so thankful that HE directed my path.