Finding Real Treasure-A True Story!

I was headed to the beach to take pics for my niece. I stopped at Target for a quick errand. I noticed a young girl and her baby sitting out front with a sign, so I grabbed a quick gift card. I stopped to give it to her, (now this is a disclaimer: please know that I'm *not* sharing this to get kudos, I'm sharing because I was being taught an important lesson today-you'll see what I mean as you read on). I asked her name and her baby's name, "Isabella and Alejandro," she said. She was from Romania and spoke broken English. I glanced at her sign, it said she was needing a motel room for the night. I didn't have any cash, but hoped the gift card would provide for some of her needs. I was late so I told her I'd be praying for them. I got to my car, and it hit me, "Why didn't you pray for them right then? Gulp. I got back out and asked if I could pray with them. She smiled and said, "Yes." We prayed together.

I went back to my car and realized I couldn't just leave. So I looked up the number to Collette's Children's Home in HB, and went back to give it to her. Her English was broken, so I called for her. They didn't offer immediate shelter, but gave me the number of a place that did. I handed the info to Isabella along with my number, and hurried back to my car a *third* time. 

By this time my two niece's and sis-in-law were already at the beach waiting for me. I apologized and hurried to meet them. For the next few hours we took fun maternity photos with some props I brought. One of them was a heart shaped wire basket. I bought fake shells to put in it. I didn't think it was good enough so I took our prized shell collection from home that the hubby, Anthony and I gathered through some painstaking adventures. Well guess what? I left my basket/shell collection lying in the sand and when I went back down the beach to get it...someone had taken it! I was soooo upset. Those shells were amazing and special.

Now here's where The LORD reminded me of Truth, and boy I needed it. While driving home, still *very* upset about the shells and not wanting to tell the hubby (he loves them as much as I do, if not more)...this thought poured over me, "You are worried about meaningless earthly treasures. I'm calling you to search for *real* treasure...lost, hurting and broken people who need hope, love and kindness. People who are wandering without a SAVIOR." 

I'm thankful for being strongly reminded of what has *true* value...and it's *not* things! I'm letting the thoughts of my lost shells go and praying for Isabella and her baby.

Friends, join me in keeping your focus on searching for *real* treasure in your day...the people JESUS places along your path!

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."~Matthew 6:21

Jump on the ThankfulTrain...what are you thankful for?

She's Thankful For What?

We turned down the aisle at Target and there was a woman and her adorable little Pomeranian sitting in her basket just begging to be pet. Of course we stopped to play and chat. The woman, Christy, was here visiting from Yosemite. She was the sweetest, most joy filled lady, which was in direct contrast to her story. She had breast cancer and a double mastectomy a year ago. She is now cancer free. 

I shared about my ongoing cancer check-ups, struggles and many answers to prayers. 

And do you know what she told us? 

Her eyes lit up as she said, "Cancer was one of the best things that's ever happened to me. It made me appreciate my life and realize that I do not have to worry about the little daily struggles. They are truly meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Life is too short to be miserable. I thank GOD each day for the gift of another day of life." 

Her words hit hard. How can she be thankful for receiving a disease that changes your life forever? This is a whole new level of thankfulness that is mind boggling...defying all human logic. But there it was. Spoken out loud in the middle of the store from a woman who was thrust into an unimaginable battle. But through her struggle The LORD met her there, revealing something deeper to her spirit. 

She told me she was going to continue to pray for me and I told her I'd be praying for her also. We hugged one another like old friends. As we walked away she said, "You are so precious Lisa. I may never run into you again here on earth but I look forward to one day seeing you in Heaven." 

Oh friends, I'm thankful for meeting this beautiful woman. I'm thankful for those daily *GOD* moments that remind.

If you find yourself struggling over the *little* things, like I often do, join me today in taking a different outlook. A renewing of mind and thoughts. A reset of truth. A *larger* view. A reminder of Blessings in the middle of struggles. Time is short. Days and years fly by. 

What are we doing with our time? 

Worrying? Stressing?

Let's ask for The LORD's help to truly see things through HIS Eyes. 

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."~1 Corinthians 2:16

Jump on the #ThankfulTrain...what are you thankful for?

When HIS Words Pour Over You...

When you sit longer and the LORD pours HIS Love upon your heart, mind and soul, spilling over onto the pages. HIS Words bringing a complete refreshing to my parched spirit...

"I Am with you. Do not forget this truth. Stop laboring in your mind, body and spirit, rest in ME daily. When tasks crowd and fill your mind, your thoughts wander as you seek to grab something to steady your emotions. As you learn to continually take every thought captive into the truth of MY Word, you will find peace. I Am not a burdensome taskmaster, but a safe place to rest your weary soul. Come to MY Unending Fountain of Love, Mercy and Grace. Let it wash over you. 

This world seeks to distract you with many things. I have come that you may have Life – More Abundantly. I Am the Living Water. Come near and wash away the lies of the enemy. Do not shrink back at the difficult tasks I've place before you. As you lean into MY Strength, I Enable you to accomplish all things that bring ME Glory. Be still. Rest in MY Embrace. I Am more than enough for whatever you face. I Am the LORD your GOD, the Maker of Heaven and earth… Rest in ME. I will strengthen and renew you daily. Do not continue running through your day, giving no thought to MY Will. Stay in the moment with me. MY Grace is Sufficient. 

Accomplish what I place in front of you right now, giving no thought to what lies ahead. Wait on ME, as I take the reins of your life and your heart. Let ME lead and you follow; for in this you will find rest. You will be Renewed, Revived, Strengthened and given Wisdom to carry out MY Good and Perfect Will for your life. More of ME and less of you. Do not forget who I AM. Stop limiting ME in your life. I've called you to be a Bold, Fearless, Faith-Filled servant of your Mighty and Holy GOD. Behold the work I've place before you. Lead souls back to ME." 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."~2 Corinthians 12:9

And then He told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."~Mark 16:15