$500 Million Dollar Lottery Winner

I normally don't get caught up in the whole Lottery thing...buying tickets weekly in hopes of being the 1 in 176 million to win (the odds of winning with a single ticket according to the lottery group.) But $500 million, really? So while walking our dog the other night, my husband and I got on the "dream" topic...the "What ifs?" "What would you do with it?" Our answers were similar, buy a house on the beach, travel etc...but I immediately began to think about how important it would be to use that money to make a difference. Imagine how money like that could change so many lives for the better. The charities you could start, the hurting people you could help. Imagine waking up each morning being able to think about who you could bless? 

But, wait a minute...aren't there people I can help without being the lucky 1 in 176 million dollar millionaire? Aren't there hungry, homeless people around me everyday on the street corners? Isn't there someone who may be hungry that I can give a fast food restaurant $5.00 gift card to? Isn't there someone I can offer words of encouragement? Is there someone I can pray with or for? 

Sometimes, you may get caught up in your dreams; the things you hope for and look forward to in the future. But in doing so, don't forget that each day you have an opportunity to enrich someone's life. You are a believer of Jesus Christ, and in Him you've been given the greatest treasure of all, eternal life. It is worth more than gold, silver or $500 million dollars. The odds He gives you when you accept Him are 1 in 1. If you accept Him, He will come into your life. He will do an incredible work in your heart. As you seek to know Him, you will be changed, renewed, healed, and used to make a difference in the lives of others.

Yes...I will probably go out and buy my lottery ticket tomorrow, because having extra money would be nice. But I know that I don't need to be a millionairess to be happy, to make a difference or to change a life. Jesus Christ has set me free from my sins. He has placed my feet on solid ground and healed my broken, hurting heart. I am rich in Him and have been given His treasure of  forgiveness, love, peace, and eternal life.

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:22-233

"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Romans 4:7-8

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - maybe proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9

Your Will Vs. My Will

Have you ever wanted something and then prayed about it? You waited for God's will...only to have Him close the door while you continued to pound on it? I used to do this constantly. I prayed and ended with, "...but your will be done God." Deep down, I only wanted His will if it was directly aligned with my will. I could come up with all kinds of reasons why I deserved to be blessed with this or that. But God often had other plans, plans that were completely opposite of my well thought out, perfectly organized and rationalized plans. I often wondered, "Where are you God when I truly need you? Why couldn't you give me this one thing? So and so has it. Wha, Wha, Wha,...Me, Me, Me...Why, Why, Why...sound familiar? I hope I'm not the only one who lived like this for years. It's normal to want things, to ask God to give you favor. But it's not good to question God's will or motive's behind when, who, or why He decides to bless people or situations. God knows your heart and when you may need growth, a lesson, a little discipline or a blessing...remember, you are his child *"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 God is a loving and just father. We need to remember that HIS PLAN is bigger and better than ours. *"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

While car shopping this past weekend, we had a BIG hurdle to overcome; a car that we were upside down in (owed a lot more than it was worth.) We prayed about it, asking for God's favor, direction and wisdom. He blessed us with an awesome loan (very low interest rate), but after two full days of frustration on Saturday and Sunday and people trying to get money out of us that we didn't have, we felt discouraged. We began to wonder if maybe we were supposed to just keep our big ol' gas guzzler. But we decided to continue to wait on God.

While sitting and talking Sunday evening, exhausted and not really knowing what to do, it hit me. It came out of nowhere, the realization of GROWTH! In the past, we would have done whatever it took to get a car, (like writing a post dated check for the $$ amount for a down payment with money we didn't have.) Which would only put us in trouble later on...(aka beating down the closed door.) But this time, we waited, even if it meant we couldn't have what we wanted (a new, economical car.) *"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5 We've grown, we finally understand the importance of being in GOD'S WILL and knowing, HE KNOWS BEST. He sees the BIG picture.

On Monday morning, my husband called me and said the people at the credit union had worked some things out for us to lower the balance on our car. So we headed out to look again, with the knowledge that "a door had just opened."  We pulled into a local dealership, after talking to a friend of a friend who knew the General Manager (yet another opening.) We were introduced to him and given the VIP treatment. They worked everything out, no problems whatsoever. They even brought a car up for me from their storage lot with a blue tooth built in. It wasn't something that I thought I could afford (the extra's) as the money we had only allowed for the bare minimum model. But once again, the door had  flung wide open with complete ease! We drove off in our brand new car...excited about the extra's thrown in. We were completely blessed by God's favor over the entire transaction!

This is an example of God answering the way we had hoped. We'd gotten to a place on Sunday evening where we were ready to just keep our old car. We had grown in our trust and faithfulness. *"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2 It's been a LONG road, but each step of faith has taught us to know that there is no place more safe, peaceful and comforting than being in GOD'S WILL, even if it goes against yours.

Today if you are facing a situation that has you battling; your will vs. God's will, stop and pray, open up your scriptures and WAIT ON THE LORD. Seek Him throughout the day and ask for HIS WISDOM and guidance in all areas of your life. Be open to walk away from the closed doors and through the open ones. God has a good and perfect plan for your life...and sometimes it may not include all the things you had planned. Stop beating on the closed doors (your will) and walk through the open doors (God's Will.) Let Go & Let God! *"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24

Blessed w/my new car when I put GOD in the driver's seat!

 "Does God listen to his cry when distress comes upon him? Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?" Job 27:9-12

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Come Join The Party!

The party was just beginning, white tables & chairs set up near the palm trees. Colorful balloons securely tied around each table. The jumper was pumped up and the entire park appeared to be in party mode. The kids began to excitedly arrive one by one with their parents. It was going to be a wonderful celebration.

I sat in church, surveying the party outside as we began to sing praise music. We lifted our voices in joyful sound, worshiping the Lord: the harmonious sound resonating out the doors, throughout the park. We too were celebrating, honoring the Lord. Lifting up our hearts for our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We were having a party. There were no balloons, jumpers or physical presents. But we gave something greater...ourselves. We were letting go and trusting Him. We gave our brokenness, fears, loneliness, joy, openness, time, faith, hearts and most importantly...our Love. We are His greatest treasure. He desires a relationship with us. When we celebrate Him; He rejoices. We are His children and He created us for a Love relationship with Him.

Don't allow anything to keep you from spending time celebrating your Savior Jesus Christ, (your past, sins, shame, hurt, fears, addictions, and/or insecurity.) Remember, you are no surprise to Him and for your mistakes and weaknesses, He freely gave His life so you would no longer have to carry the weight and burden of your poor choices. There is complete and utter freedom in His Glory, at the foot of His Throne.

If you've been carrying a heavy load, a burden that's weighing you down, go to a quiet place and pray, ask for forgiveness; ask for help in forgiving yourself. He hears you, and is faithful to answer. He wants you to join in the party, celebrating your new found freedom, joy and life in Christ Jesus. His Love for you is unending!

Hosea 6:3 "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 11:4 "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."

 Micah 7:7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." 

Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." 

1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."    

Are You Ready To Run Your Race?

As he approached the starting line, his heart began to race, taking big deep breathes, he forced himself to stay calm and focused; refusing to allow the nerves to overtake all he'd worked for. He was ready. His coach had been preparing him for this moment for months; hours of stretching and drills to work on the mechanics of his movement. He practiced quick starts off the block, working on the drive phase to maximize his speed in the beginning of the race. He lifted weights daily and ran the same routine over and over again...while his coach continued to instruct, encourage and correct him.

In his mind he'd run this race a thousand times. As the starting official said, "On your marks," he crouched down, getting into position, eyes looking at the finish line with razor like focus. "SET!"  the official shouted. He placed his hands behind the line, up on his finger tips; feet securely pressed against the starting block, hips raised slightly above his shoulders, muscles relaxed as he held his breath. The official raised the gun over his head..."B A N G!" the gun signaling the start. He shot out with one smooth movement, releasing his breath as he pushed with each muscle, each touch of his spikes plunging into the track, propelling him toward victory.  
 

Life is often like a track meet. God has been helping us, coaching us, training and preparing us daily for the life's big race. We often struggle through the difficulty of our training. There are painful times, moments of fear, failure, rejection, loss, loneliness and darkness. But your trainer, Jesus Christ, is always with you...instructing, encouraging and correcting. Then as you continue to push through, keeping your eyes on the Lord, (your strength) you realize he's prepared you to run this race that is before you. It's not always easy, remember that you're never alone in life's race, the Lord is always with you. He will be with you until its completion. When you're tired, go to a quiet place, sit alone with the Lord, your life coach (in prayer.) Open up His perfect training manual (the Bible), as He reminds you that you are more than equipped for what's ahead of you...as He guides you toward victory!

"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience"Colossians 1:11

"He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber" Psalm 121:3

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

Marie

I'd been crying as I pulled into the CVS parking lot. I took a moment to collect myself, wiped off the streaking mascara and headed toward the door. Sitting directly to the side was Marie, an African-American lady in her mid to late 50's. She had a bandana tied low on her forehead and a colorful crocheted hat over it. She had long, waste length multicolored braids. She'd been hired to collect money for a homeless shelter & sat with her wooden box and sign. As I approached, she grinned, a sparsely toothed smile, and said, "Oh, I love your hair!" I smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll be donating on my way out." She wasn't going to let me off that easy. She asked, "Who does your hair?" "I do," I replied, "I went to cosmetology school when I was younger so I don't ever like to pay anyone else when I know how cheap I can do it myself."

"OH GIRL, you do good work," she shouted. "Now let me show you something," she leaned towards me and whispered, "I aint never showed anybody."  Lifting the corner of her hat, her hair was only an inch long, with the braids woven into a few spots to give the appearance of long hair. "It's all broken off & I'm so ashamed. When I get some money, I'm gonna get it all fixed up nice, ya know. I don't know why I just showed ya and told ya that," she smiled, adding, "My name's Marie, what's yours?" "Lisa and it's nice to meet you Marie." I said as I smiled. "Lisa, can I ask ya for a favor...would you be so kind as to get me a couple of Advil when you go into the store?" Marie said. "Of course," I said. "God, bless ya sista, I have a terrible headache and have been sick," she gratefully replied. "No problem, we're sister's in Christ and glad I can help you," I told her as I headed inside.

I immediately scanned my discount card & surprisingly received a coupon for Advil, half off! I decided to get her some snacks, a Gatorade and a bottle of Omega 3 vitamins (knowing how much they help your health.) I paid and went out and handed her the bag. She said, "I was thinking about what ya said when ya went in the store, and it's true, we are sista's in Christ and you just blessed me. Where ya headed today?" The tears began to well up as I told her I was on my way to drive straight through to Utah to see my dad who was very sick with lung & brain cancer, and didn't have long to live. With true concern she said, "You're driving all that way by yourself? Let me give ya a hug sista."

As I leaned in to be hugged and comforted by Marie, she began to pray for me. She prayed for a safe journey, for the Lord's protection, for peace and that I'd make it in time. She prayed that Christ's Love would overflow in my life and for my dad. There we were, two people from completely different walks of life, Marie had obviously dealt with homelessness, and drug or alcohol addictions, and yet, she cared for me. She reached out to me in my hurt and brokenness. I asked if I could then pray for her. We stood hugging & praying right in front of CVS. People passed by but for me time stood still. I was given a comforting gift, the loving kindness of a stranger. I in turn was able to be used to bless her also. Two sisters in Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit as we ministered to each others hurt and brokenness. We were brought together through the Love of Jesus Christ; a Love that penetrates all boundaries, and fills the emptiness with comfort.

As I headed toward my car, Marie shouted and waved, "I love ya sista and I'll see ya soon!"

"For the son of man came to seek and save what was lost." 

Luke 19:10 

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

John 3:8 

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

John 5:17

"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:19-26

Broken Down in the Desert

Years ago on a trip to Utah, our van, carrying a car full of our 6 young kids, broke down heading up the Cajon pass. It was summertime and 100+ degrees in the Mojave Desert. We were in the middle of nowhere. We were stuck. The sun continued to beat down on us, the kids were scared, thirsty, hot and tired, as we sat alone in the desert wondering, "What now?" We waited to get towed to the nearest station who informed us our transmission was shot. With nothing left to do, we decided to try and inch our way along as it smoked, grinded and died several times. It had to be about 130 degrees in the van as I looked back at my crying kids, their faces like bright red tomatoes, leaking faucet drops of sweat dripping onto their clothes.

We pulled into a car dealership just down the road, hoping that we could get another van big enough to hold all 8 of us. However, we had several issues to face; we had no money in our checking account and were already living on a tight, paycheck to paycheck budget, barely making it. After talking to someone for an hour, he informed us there was nothing he could do to help us. We headed back to our broken down sweat box and sat with all the doors & windows open trying to survive the heat. The kids were all crying, I too began to cry..."What are we going to do?" About 15 minutes passed by and a manager came up to the van and said, "I want to help you; we're going to figure out a way to make this work." Two hours later, with some tricky financing, we were back on the road in our brand new white Astro van; air conditioner blaring, kids sleeping and an overwhelming flood of gratitude and relief filling my soul.

Sometimes in life, you get, "stuck in the desert," (unforeseen circumstances, illness, or necessary change that needs to happen.) Sometimes you may consciously run into the desert, (fear, poor choices, issues you refuse to face, addictions.) The desert is a scary, lonely, isolated place to be. Some of the greatest Prophets ran into the wilderness (desert) when they were afraid. Elijah ran for his life even after God enabled him to perform incredible miracles. He hid in a cave in the wilderness. But God came and asked him what he was doing & sent him back. He had an important plan for Elijah's life and it didn't include hiding (Read 1 Kings Ch 19.) Moses killed an Egyptian soldier who was beating a slave & ran for his life into the wilderness (desert). God came to him and sent him back to free the slaves. He had a monumental task in front of him, which required trust, not fear. (Read Exodus Ch 2- Ch 3)

When you get trapped in the desert, you need to remember that no matter where you go, God is with you. He wants you to draw near to Him. He will rescue you. If you've been in the desert lately, pray and ask God to help you. He wants to bring you to a place of peace, comfort and trust that can only be found through His Son, Jesus Christ. Put your Faith in Him and you will be set free. God has an important plan for your life. Seek Him today!

When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The Lord said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus." (1 Kings 19:13-15)

"When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from the Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well." (Exodus 2:15) "When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." (Exodus 3:4) "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:9-10) But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. (Exodus 3:11-12)

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. (Ezekiel 34:16)

Jesus declared, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper’s will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

How's Your Trust?

When you've been hurt by past relationships, friends and/or family members, as we all have, you're afraid to trust again. I know in my life, I kept people at a distance, I decided I'd never be hurt again. This was not only unrealistic; it set me up for isolation. I shut down and kept my heart safely locked away, inside an impenetrable vault where no one could get in and I couldn't get out. Safe. Secure. Alone.

Eventually, as time passed I realized that the loneliness was more painful than the hurt. I slowly began to open the vault, a few moments/hours at a time. Little by little, allowing myself to try and trust again. This wasn't easy. Some days would send me running back in & slamming the door tightly. But those times became less and less. I eventually allowed people to come into my life. Then one day I realized that the fear had been replaced by laughter, caring, kindness and love. The scarring was there and always would be, but that was a reminder. Yes someone had hurt me deeply, but God had a plan for my life, and that plan is good and perfect. It never included isolation, sadness, and loneliness.

He Loves you and wants to give you everything He's promised. He needs you to open the vault which is guarding your heart and allow Christ to come inside and begin to do a good work in you. Allow Him to show you how to Love and Trust again. Remember He is the Author and Perfector of Miracles. You are a Miracle in His eyes. You are made in His Good and Perfect Image. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

"Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land-a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills."

Deuteronomy 8:6-7

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6