Living Intentionally

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  Philippians 2:13

I want to share one of my last Newspaper Columns with those who also read my blogs.  I felt it was something that all of us need to hear more than once.  I have added to it, too.  Life happens and sometimes it gets away from us and days, months, years have passed, and we have not done or lived like we desire.  We get in a rut or routine and just exist and let life take us.  We need to be intentional in how we live, choices we make, relationships, and intentional time with God.

“I was going to eat healthier this year, but…” “I was going to keep the house clean and organized, but….”  You had good intentions, but no follow through.  The concept was good and you were motivated when you made the decision, but it is difficult to change the rut you are in.  To be intentional is to be deliberate with purpose and to have a plan.  You make choices that follow your values, beliefs, and goals when you are intentional.  You put thought into what you are doing and are mindful of your triggers and stumbling blocks. 

When you are living intentionally, you have focus and take action.  You create meaning and purpose to your life.  You are proactive instead of just letting things happen by accident.  When you lack focus, things that are not a priority or of importance tend to grab your attention and occupy your time.  You get lost and let life just happen around you.  Things pile up and overwhelm you because you did not intentionally decide your priorities and set a schedule and routine to complete these priorities.  You did not take ownership of your life but let society and circumstances create your life.

Let’s be intentional.  First, with your time.  You check your phone or watch mindless TV or scroll social media and get lost for hours without realizing it.  You lost those hours on something that brought no fulfillment or purpose, and guilt takes over.  It is beginning to set limits on things that are not essential and choosing where you spend your time.  What is important to you?  Choose to invest your time and energy in what matters most to you – what you value.  Turn your eyes and thoughts onto Jesus.

Be intentional in relationships.  When you say a person is important to you, make time for that person.  Be proactive and set a time to be together.  When you say, “I’m busy and don’t have time to get together” you have made stuff and tasks more important than relationships.  Look at those you value and who are your support.  Are you making them a priority and spending time with them, not just talking about it?

Life will pull you in all directions and influence you.  You need to make choices for yourself based on what you want in life, where your priorities are, who is important to you, and where you place your loyalties and values.  Be intentional in what you put in your head.  Set boundaries in movies, social media, what you read and listen to. 

If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you need to be intentional in your choices.  It is choosing healthier food to bring into your home, healthier choices on the menu at a restaurant.  It is choosing daily movement and including it in your daily routine.  It is not deciding if you will, but just accepting movement and exercise as part of who you are daily.

Be intentional in your faith.  Intentionally begin each day focused on God.  When you wake up say, “Good morning, God.”  Whatever you put first in your day, it will control your day.  Why not put God first.  “This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24. This is what I say after I say good morning to the Lord.  If you want to grow spiritually, you need to live your faith daily and be intentional in trusting God daily and not worrying about what might happen.  If you just let things happen, you will not focus on what will bring peace and contentment in your life.  You will only do what gets your attention – which is usually what is loudest and easiest.

If you want to acquire a new hobby or talent, you need to be intentional in setting aside time to learn and do it.  Make it a priority to write, draw, paint, play a sport or whatever will bring you enjoyment otherwise you will fill the time with things that eat up your time but have no eternal value.

Be intentional in rest and renewal. Take the nap.  Spend time reading the Bible and renewing your spirit.  Give your mind and spirit and body the needed rest and time away to renew.  Jesus knew the importance of going away and spending time alone in prayer.  He rested in the Father’s presence.  Sounds like a great example to follow.

We make a bucket list of adventures and trips we want to take someday.  Be intentional and do it now.  Don’t wait because you will probably never do it.  Take the trip.  Go on the vacation.  Take your children or grandchildren or your nieces and nephews on the outing you promised. 

In being intentional, you will need discipline and accountability.  Be intentional – think before you speak, follow through on your commitments, be present in the moment, be intentional in your choices.  Be intentional in putting God first in each day, each situation, each relationship.

Be intentional.  Think. Pray. Listen.

Fish In The River

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was shining like crystal and was flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”  Revelation 22:1

My thoughts have focused on Heaven lately with so many people I have known taking the walk home to Heaven.  I have read the Bible about the streets of gold and the crystal river and the city of New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven.  I have been listening to songs that describe Heaven as a peaceful country scene, too, like the song – “Outskirts of Heaven” by Craig Campbell –

“Where there’s dirt roads for miles.  Hay in the fields and fish in the river.  Where there’s dogwood trees and honey bees and blue skies and green grass forever.  Lord, when I die, I wanna live on the outskirts of heaven.”

This sounds like heaven to me. Heaven is where God is and God is the Creator of all of nature.  Genesis tells us how God created the world – the sky, the stars, the sun, the moon, the plants, all the animals and humans.  God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden which was a perfect place.  To me, this was describing Heaven.

My friend, John died recently and I believe walked into heaven by the river of the water of life.  The Outskirts of Heaven is where John would want to be.  John and I had several life situations in common.  We were both the youngest of five siblings, and we each grew up on a farm.  We knew the hard work of farm life from baling hay to milking cows.  I always enjoyed sharing stories with John about growing up on a farm.  John loved the outdoors and his garden.  John also loved to fish and heaven’s river of life is certainly filled with fish.

Jesus called fishmen as his disciples.  He told them they were now going to fish for people.  John spent his career fishing for people as an educator.  To fish for people is to challenge and invite others to learn and grow.  John was actively involved in the lives of his students and provided hands on experiences to engage them in a life career.  John helped launch a vocational school and eventually became the Superintendent of the vocational school.

John was a man who worked with his hands.  He worked on the farm using his hands to farm and care for animals.  He used his hands as a teacher in Industrial Arts and the vocational trade industry.  And in his retirement, John used his hands in his yard, to tend his garden, and to fish.  John’s handshake was always firm and he hugged tightly too.  John’s smile and joy for life reflected God’s love in his heart.

John was a gentleman.  His life reflected patience.  It takes patience to teach, garden, and fish.  There are no instant results in any of them.  It takes effort and hard work and being persistent even when it doesn’t seem to take root, grow or bite.

When one fishes, you cannot be in a hurry.  You slow down and enjoy the view, the beauty of creation around you, and you just sit and ponder.  One is more aware of the beauty God created and you listen to the sounds of the water and the birds.  You sit back and wait.  Some days the fish bite and other days they don’t, but you still fish.  Some years the garden produces an abundance of crops and you share it with all your neighbors and friends, and other years the drought or floods or animals take the crop.  But you still plant year after year.  Some students are eager to learn and grow while other students don’t want to be there and barely pass, but you still teach and challenge.

John’s life and legacy will live on in me, his students and all the lives he has touched.  His smile and love for life was evident.  He gave himself completely to life.  John had a strong will and determination.  John’s love for fishing – and I fished with him several times – taught me to slow down and enjoy the beauty around the adventure.  If you didn’t catch anything, you still fished.  It was not so much about the results, it was about the adventure. 

Life is about enjoying the adventure not just about what you gain.  It is about enjoying who you walk with on the journey.  It is sharing your faith – fishing for people – not focused on the results because that is up to God.  It is using your hands for the glory of God.  Keep fishing!

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Walking Each Other Home

Jesus said, “After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.”  John 14:3

With the few days of warmer weather and sunshine, the hope of Spring filled my soul and the late afternoon walks were refreshing.  I did not need to bundle up and could actually enjoy the fresh air.  I have enjoyed walks most of my life.  As a child, I enjoyed walking with my Grandma in town to the library, the museum and the stores downtown.  I felt privileged to walk with my Grandma and be associated with such a special lady.

Over the years, I have walked my dogs thousands of miles in parks, neighborhoods, fields and road side rests.  I walked both of my dogs – Specs and Annie – who always seemed to know the way home.  Walking was a great way to get exercise for my dogs and for myself, and it got us outside to enjoy God’s creation and interact with neighbors and other people on the path.

In a walk, there is usually a purpose and goal.  We walk for exercise, to enjoy nature, to relax and refresh, or just take a stroll.  I enjoy walking through small towns or when on a trip, I walk to explore the area.  When you walk, you see more sights and take in the details along the way.  You also meet some of the most interesting people because you slow down and take the time to talk with those along the way.

Recently, I have shared about my friend, Jan, who walked into Heaven and took the journey home to be with Jesus.  Over the years, Jan and I have walked with each other through the challenges and celebrations of life.  We walked together through life changes, grief, family situations, ministry, and trusted each other as we walked and talked and shared the depth of our hearts.  I had the privilege to help walk Jan to her final home.

I have been reflecting on this walk.  Maybe we are called to help walk each other home.  It is more than walking someone to the front door of their home or dorm room.  I remember in college being walked home to my dorm.  It was a way of showing respect, care, and protection.  When we walk with people in the storms of life, we are telling the person that we care, we want to help carry the burden, and we love them.

God has given me the privilege of walking with many people and families on this last journey from earth to Heaven.  The walk is more than the release of the physical body; it is preparing the soul for eternal life with Jesus.  This preparation is not just at the final stage of life, but it should be happening throughout our entire life. 

It is the awareness that Jesus walks beside us just like he walked with the disciples throughout his ministry.  While walking, Jesus taught his disciples and enjoyed the fellowship and laughter of his friends.  He told them that he was preparing a place for them in heaven and would come back and take them to be with him.  I believe Jesus prepares a place for you and me.  He comes to walk us home.

My friend, Jan, saw a gravel road as she was transitioning from earth to Heaven.  She was walking home, and I got the privilege of knowing the road she was taking.  My husband, Dave, saw the beauty of heaven with its flowers, trees and brilliant colors and the angel that was going to walk him home.  Knowing what he was seeing and that he was not alone, helped me to release Dave to take his journey home to Heaven.

My dear friend, John, took his journey to Heaven this past week.  John was a fisherman and he enjoyed just being outside in his garden and yard in his retirement years.  I believe John walked to his eternal home along the river of life and then sat down to fish with Jesus.  This image fills me with peace.  I remember some of my last walks with John.  He strolled more than walked.  He was slowing down and reminded me to enjoy the stroll and be present and in the moment with the ones with whom you are walking. 

As we walk people home, slow down and listen.  Be present.  Share Jesus with them even when they cannot feel the presence of Jesus in the midst of the pain.  Be present with people on the journey of life.  Walk with them, don’t just tell them what to do.  Walk beside them.  Walk closer to Jesus as you journey down the road of life.  Keep your focus on Jesus.

“Just a closer walk with Thee.  Grant it Jesus, is my plea.  Daily walking close to Thee.  Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”

Seeing The Higher Purpose

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

It was like a big family reunion.  As I walked down the line of people waiting to sign the guest register, I hugged the majority of people whom I had not seen in years and who had not seen each other since high school or Sunday School class.  We had gathered in a familiar sacred space to celebrate a life lived for Jesus. 

All who came had been touched by Jan’s love for Jesus, her singing, her leading, her joy for life and her involvement in the activities of life with her family and friends.  Each person in the room had a story they could tell.  Each life was enriched because Jan had walked with them for a moment or journeyed with them for a lifetime.

The celebration was full of music not to be performed but to glorify and worship the Lord.  You could feel the presence of the Spirit in each person who sang and played.  Surely the presence of the Lord was in this place.  Each word spoken was shared from a heart that had been loved by Jan.  Through the tears were also smiles of joy for the life of Jan that reflected Jesus to each person in the room.

The music was a journey through Jan’s life. She began singing almost before she could talk in full sentences.  Jesus was her dearest friend her entire life.  Jan radiated the love of Jesus in every smile, every welcoming word, and every note she played and sang.  Jesus was her life.  As Psalm 23:1 states, in Jan’s favorite version – “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.”  She had everything she needed when she kept her eyes on Jesus.

Jan was also a prayer warrior – always praying for the needs of others.  She kept a prayer notebook and wrote down the names of the people who asked for prayer, and she faithfully prayed for them and would follow up on the need.  She prayed with her music students, her Bible study group, her friends.  When Jan prayed, she ended her prayers – “God you are good.  I love you. Amen.”  Many times, Jan prayed with her eyes wide open as if she were gazing directly into the eyes of Jesus as she talked with him.

We had gathered to celebrate Jan and her love for Jesus.  Her life had meaning and purpose in so many ways.  The higher purpose was to bring others into the saving grace of Jesus.  Jan’s desire was that her life would reflect the love of Jesus and bring people to know the depth of God’s love and grace.  God’s love provides a way to redeem each of us.  God’s love is the cross of Jesus by which we are forgiven.  Jesus’ resurrection conquered death and is the promise of eternal life with Him.

Jan surrendered her life to Jesus and walked with Jesus in the struggles and in the joys of life.  Even in the dying, when she could not feel Jesus with her because of the pain of cancer, she relied on others to pray and lift her up.  Her foundation of faith was still present even when she did not feel Jesus.  As she neared Heaven, her witness and faith became stronger because she was ready to see Jesus face to face.  God began lifting the veil between Heaven and earth, and Jan received glimpses of Heaven with its gravel road, and nature being so unique from what she witnessed on earth, and the walls of Heaven.  Revelation 21:18 tells us – “The wall was built of jasper.”  The walls of Heaven are God’s protection where evil cannot penetrate and where God dwells.  Jan was experiencing God opening up Heaven and God inviting her into His loving protection.

Jan began seeing.  One of the songs Jan’s daughter, Mindy, sang at the celebration of life was a song Jan sang many times on The Walk to Emmaus Spiritual Weekend – “I Can See.”  The words of the last part of the song are -

“Yes, I can see who walks with me.  I can hear who speaks my name.  I can feel something stirring in my heart.  How His words ring strong and true, like a once familiar strain. And I know I’ll never be the same.”

“I can see and from that moment in time, I felt the emptiness subside.  And all the wonder of creation shining through.  And for that first time in my life, I really looked into His eyes, and I saw eternity and suddenly I knew.  Yes, I can see.”

Jan walked into Heaven and her eyes were open – she saw for the first time Jesus face to face. Jan looked into His eyes, and for the first time she truly saw Jesus.  She saw the One who walked with her all her life.  The One who spoke her name.  The One who stirred her heart.  The One she sang about and lived within her heart.  Jan saw Jesus all her life.  While her purpose was to share Jesus through her music and her love, her higher purpose was to help others truly see Jesus.

It was through Jan, that I saw Jesus.  Jesus has lived in my heart all my life, and I have worshipped and given my life and my purpose to serve Jesus. But it was through Jan, that I learned to look into the eyes of Jesus.  I can see who walks with me and speaks my name. 

Jan’s higher purpose was to help everyone who came in contact with her to see Jesus.  I believe Jan fulfilled her higher purpose.  We each have this higher purpose to help others see Jesus.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Check out my book on Grief -

Living in The Different

on Amazon

Reflective Legacy

“But you have followed what I teach, the way I live, my goal, faith, patience, and love.  You know I never give up.”  2 Timothy 3:10

Recently my cousin reminded me of my Grandma’s creed she wrote many years ago expressing what she believed.  It is based on the Apostles’ Creed.  I have kept this creed in my Bible since she died.  I typed the creed and gave a copy of it to my siblings along with her picture.  It is a reminder of the foundation of our faith through my Grandma.  She lived her faith in her words and actions.  She was the one who encouraged me to follow God’s calling on my life.  She heard the call before I did.  The Creed is a wonderful legacy that my Grandma leaves for future generations.

This is my Grandma’s Creed -

I believe God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  I believe God created the heavens and the earth.

I believe God created man and woman and gave them the freedom to choose good and evil.

I believe God has made Himself known as God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

I believe He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ into the world so that the world might be reconciled to Him.

I believe Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary.

I believe He went willingly to suffer and die on the cross as a propitiation for our sins.  I believe on the third day He arose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God.

I believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity.

I believe the Holy Spirit was sent to convict us of our sins, to comfort us in times of sorrow, and to guide us daily.

I believe if we are Holy Spirit filled, we are filled with joy, love, peace and goodness.

I believe we are saved through our Faith in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer from our sins. As a Christian I must live as Jesus taught His disciples to live:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul and all thy mind and though shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

I am grateful for my Grandma’s faith and for the faith of my Mom.  They are my foundation and guided me to give my life to Jesus and live for Him.  I have followed their example.  They reflected Jesus in their lives.  My Mom and my Grandma were in-laws, but they were connected through their faith and also through sorrow.  They both lost their own mothers at the age of five.

As I reflect upon their legacy, I am reminded that faith includes struggles, hardships, sorrow, and joys.  It is in the struggles of life that we see the strength of our faith.  It is not our strength, but our reliance and trust in God’s strength through us.  As children, we always think our parents and grandparents will always be with us.  We do not know life without them.  Then life changes and the ones we have counted on in life, go to Heaven.  We feel lost without them, but as I have realized, their love and legacy are never gone.  It remains in our hearts forever.  Their examples and how they have reflected Jesus lives on in all those lives they have touched.  It is always wonderful to still hear stories about my Mom, and how others saw her and how she shared the love of Jesus with others.

So, who has reflected Jesus to you?  How do you reflect Jesus to others?  As I prepare for the celebration of life of my friend, Jan, I have been reflective on how she lived her life for Jesus and shared Jesus through her smile, her singing, her teaching, her prayers, and her spirit and outlook on life.  Jan reflected Jesus and shared Jesus in almost every encounter in her life.  Her purpose in life was to influence others for Jesus.  I believe that is our purpose on earth – to glorify God in all we do and share the love and grace of Jesus.  We are to share Jesus in our words and actions and lead them to Jesus who does the saving and changing.

We are called to help walk each other home to Heaven to live forever with Jesus. 

“We’re all just walkin’ each other home.  We’re all just tryin’ to find out where we belong.  So be a light in the dark on your way home.”

Reminders

·         My books are available on Amazon – Living In The Different, Live Different Moments, and Life Lessons of a Lone Trooper

·         I will be leading a Seminar – “Living Life Forward” - in Upper Sandusky at Trinity Evangelical Church on Saturday, March 21st from 9 AM to 12 PM.  You can message me to register.

Keeping Your Gaze

“That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”  Psalm 27:4

I looked into the backyard from my kitchen window as I wandered through the house in the middle of the night, and the moon glistened on the snow. The trees cast a shadow on the snow, and the deer roamed throughout the yard leaving tracks.  Today as I looked out the same windows, the snow reflected the bright sunlight and as I looked up the sky was a brilliant blue.  A squirrel caught my eye as it jumped from tree to tree, and the cardinals fluttered from our bird feeder to our neighbors.  The deep red of the birds stood out in the white snow.  Nature – always something beautiful to witness.  Sometimes I just get lost in the wonder of what God created for you and me to enjoy.  I just gaze in awe at the beauty around me.

Sometimes in the cold of the winter as I look out my windows, my thoughts go to warmer weather and the beach and sunshine.  I had experienced it earlier this winter, and my gaze went beyond what I was actually seeing to what my mind was experiencing and feeling and desiring.

My dear friend, Jan, took the journey to Heaven this past week.  My heart is broken to let go of such a dear friend, but my heart also celebrates that Jan is with Jesus, the One she loved and the One who loved her.  Jan’s life reflected the love of Jesus.  Jan was filled with joy and her sweet spirit shared Jesus with every smile, every song, and every conversation.

As I talked with Jan the last Saturday of her earthly life, she was beginning the gaze beyond this physical world.  She told me that the laws of nature she had believed were no longer true.  She saw a gravel road and was beginning to gaze beyond this world.  The things of this world were growing dim as the things eternal were coming into view.  As I looked into Jan’s eyes, they were beginning to focus beyond.  The veil between heaven and earth was lifting for Jan.

Two of her friends told me that when they asked how she was doing, Jan would reply, “I am gazing at Jesus gazing at me.”  Jan now sees Jesus face to face and gazes into the eyes of pure love.  To gaze means to look steadily, intently with great interest, pleasure and wonder.  My mind is filled with what Jan and I gazed upon together on this earth.  Together we saw the beauty of the Rocky Mountains as we flew over them.  We saw the beauty of Idaho and the snow-covered mountains.  We gazed upon the magnificent whales jumping out of the water in Hawaii.  Together we gazed upon the faces of children and youth as Jesus came into their hearts as they sang to the glory of God.  Together we gazed upon sadness and grief as we shared together in funerals.  We gazed upon the burden of ministry together and the joys of seeing Jesus come alive in His children.

The sweet, sweet spirit of Jesus was on the face of Jan.  She always had a song in her heart and she just couldn’t help but let it out.  I loved to hear her sing.  Everything reminded her of a song.  As she prayed, you felt you were gazing into the presence of God. As Jan sang, the spirit of the song penetrated the walls of your heart and you were immersed into the holy moment. Jan’s eyes sparkled with joy.  She had a childlike faith and trust, and she also continued to grow and learn and gain knowledge.  Jan’s spirit brought you closer to God just by being in her presence.

It has been a privilege to be a part of her journey home to Heaven.  Even when the pain was intense and it was hard to pray, the Spirit of Jesus was within her.  She did not have to say any words because the Spirit was praying for her in “sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) Jan trusted to share with me what she was seeing. She knew I would understand because together we had gazed into each other’s hearts and shared the depth of life.  It is amazing to receive a glimpse beyond the veil and to have the assurance life continues beyond the grave.

I have been pondering my own gaze.  What has your attention and gaze?  My desire is to keep my eyes upon Jesus and to gaze into His wonderful face.  As the funeral directors took Jan’s body from her earthly home, we sang her out, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full into His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

There is so much in the world that can catch our eye and distract us from keeping our focus on Jesus.  Pain and disease try to tell us God does not care.  Anxiety and worry say nobody is in control and we need to be.  Sorrow and grief say life is hopeless.  When we place our gaze on these things, life is overwhelming and exhausting.  Yes, it is hard sometimes to see Jesus through all the clutter of our thoughts and feelings.  Reach out and take the hand of Jesus.  Call on Jesus to take your hand.  It is trusting even when we do not understand.

I am trying to be intentional in my gaze.  I am looking to Jesus. “Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect.” (Hebrews 12:2)

When I feel anxious and afraid, I am gazing upon Jesus who gives peace.  When I feel alone and sad, I am gazing upon Jesus who is looking at me with His love and comfort.  When I feel lost and unsure of my way, I am gazing upon Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life.  When all I see is darkness, I am gazing in the dark to find Jesus who is the light.  When I do not understand, I am gazing upon Jesus who is the Good Shepherd who will lead me.  With Jesus, I have everything I need.

While I am sad that my friend, Jan is no longer here on earth, I know without a doubt she is keeping her gaze upon her Savior and Lord, Jesus.

Keep your gaze upon Jesus.  Keep singing – “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”

Can't Change The Weather

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives and by believing in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  John 11:25-26

I just spent a week in Florida house sitting and dog sitting for a friend (Yes, tough job, right?).  It sounded like the perfect time to be in sunny Florida and be out of the cold of winter, but cold followed me.  Yes, it was warmer than home, but not warm enough for the beach.  You can’t change the weather; you just change how you deal with it.

Life happens.  It is not what we had planned nor expected. You cannot change it.  You learn to deal with it.  It does not mean you do not get upset, cry, question why, beg for mercy, or plead to God for a miracle.

While I was in Florida, I visited my over ninety friends who had just moved from their home in Ohio into an assisted living facility in Florida.  They are adjusting to a small apartment and receiving the care they need at this stage of life.  It is not what they had planned but health changes and aging necessitated the change.  We cannot change the aging process.

I also visited my friend who while on her vacation had a medical emergency and will be in the hospital away from home for an extended period of time.  It happened without warning and now her husband is navigating the unknowns in the medical world. You cannot change the unexpected.

Another friend came home from the hospital with Hospice care while I was in Florida.  Her husband and family and friends are beginning the journey they do not want to take of saying goodbye.  It was not the plan.  My friend has made a difference for Jesus in this world and impacted the lives of so many with her joy, her music, her teaching and most of all her faith and love for Jesus.  Why her?  She has been healthy and vibrant and giving all her life and has lived for Jesus.  There are no words or reasons.  You cannot change it.

This week is my parents’ birthdays – one day apart.  This week, I give thanks for their lives, their love, and their influence upon my life.  My dad and my mom now reside in Heaven with their Lord and Savior, Jesus.  Recently I heard the song, “Phone In Heaven” – “If there’s a phone in Heaven, put my mama on the line.  Give me one more chance to tell her I love her.”  I would love to have a conversation with my mom and hear her voice and tell her once again, “I love you.” I cannot change that my mom died and is in Heaven, but I can give thanks for her life and her love and her influence on my life.  I can talk to her in my heart every day.

I heard another song, “If Heaven Had a Landline” – “Just a five minute call would get me through the day.  If Heaven had a landline, I’d ring it up every day and say, “Is it everything they said it would be?”  Yes, I am listening to some unique songs that show up on my playlist.

I have been thinking a lot about Heaven recently.  I listened today to the song – How Beautiful Heaven Must Be – “How beautiful heaven must be, Sweet home of the happy and free, Fair haven of rest for the weary, How beautiful heaven must be.”  I know my mom and my dad and my Grandma and my husband, Dave are in Heaven.  They have seen Jesus face to face.  They are happy and free.  I also know my friend will be there sooner than we want her to go.  I cannot change it.

Another friend’s dad went to Heaven this past week.  It has taken him his whole life to finally surrender to Jesus and say, “I love Jesus.”  I was with him when he finally made the commitment to love Jesus.  My friend and her family have the assurance that he is with the One who loves him – Jesus.

My friend, Jan, has always talked about Heaven and the joy of being with Jesus.  She has lived her faith and has radiated the love of Jesus in her smile, her singing and her joy for life.  She will see Jesus and be healed.  Just like my parents and your loved one, they now know that Heaven is beautiful.  They are at peace and in the presence of Jesus.

We would like to change the timing just like we would like to change the weather, but we cannot do it.  We would like to change what a person has to go through to get there.  We would like Heaven to have visiting hours or at least a phone.  There are visiting hours in ICU and in Hospice and even in prison.  Why not in Heaven?  I believe it is because we would never want to leave once we got there.

We are with people in their sickness, in the process of dying, and we are helpless to change anything.  We cannot slow it down and stop time.  We do not want them to leave, but we do not want them to suffer and be in pain.  We want them to be at peace and be with Jesus, but we do not want to release them.  We know we cannot be with them in Heaven until God calls us home.  We cry, we are sad, we grieve because we love so deeply and cannot imagine life without those we love.  Love never dies and remains in our hearts forever, but we do not want to let go physically.

We cannot change the weather or the dying, but we can embrace the one who is with us through it all.  The One who understands how we feel.  The One who conquered death by dying for us and giving us the gift of eternal life.  Turn your eyes toward Jesus.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full, in his wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

Check out my books on Amazon -

Living In The Different

Life Lessons of A Lone Trooper

Live Different Moments

Reflections In The Whisper

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”  I Kings 19:12

We may want God to speak loud and boldly to us like in a fire and an earthquake, but God continues to come to each of us in His gentle whisper.  It is being quiet enough and quieting the world around us, to hear God whisper.  God has been whispering to me throughout this past year in my devotions.  Last week I shared some of what I have heard God say to me last year, and this blog will continue to share some of these whispers with you.

·         God sees what I cannot see.  Trust God to lead.

·         God is good and still God even when He answers our prayers differently than we desire.

·         Surrender your scars to God’s gentle touch.

·         God is always on time.  Wait on the Lord.

·         When you are tired and weary, make sure you make a divine appointment to carry the load and renew you.

·         God grieves for us and with us and sits at the edge of the rubble of our lives reaching for us.

·         Accept help from others so that they can use their gifts and talents to bring glory to God.

·         When we love deeply, we mourn and weep at their death.

·         God provides hope and comfort when we weep.

·         We have been given abundant grace from God.  We are blessed.  We are called to share and give to others abundantly.

·         Hope is not what you expect by what you never dreamed possible.

·         My purpose is to bring glory to God.

·         God takes out our stubborn hearts and gives us a heart of obedience.

·         You cannot out give God.  Give God all you have and you will end up with more.

·         Generosity makes God smile.  As we practice generosity we reflect the heart of God.

·         You don’t need God to clarify; you need to trust God.

·         God doesn’t need us, God wants us.

·         When you give your life to Jesus, He takes responsibility for you.

·         Don’t overlook what seems like a small thing or small opportunity.

·         The most consistent thing about life is its inconsistency.

·         We grieve with the hope of heaven – grieving forward.

·         God speaks to us in the interruptions of life.

·         Jesus is our permanent residence – our permanent mailing address.

·         Remember those who prayed for you.  Their prayers are part of your foundation and are still vital today.

·         Jesus is the solution to every problem.  He is the answer to every question.

·         Nothing will touch me that God cannot handle.

·         God knows your name.  God speaks to you in the language of your personal life – ways you can understand – Listen!

·         God is in control.  He is working in every detail of my life.  God is working it all out for my good.

·         Be willing to be faithful wherever God places you, however God wants to use you – with one hundred or with one person.

·         Life gets so much better when we realize we are not the main character – Jesus is.

·         Each compliment is like a flower.  You collect them and make a bouquet and then give them all to God.

·         Be authentic – true to one’s own personality, spirit, and character given to you by God.

·         Praise and singing is the key in changing our attitude, fears, and despair.

·         Get out of God’s way.  When you don’t know what to do – stand still and let God work.

·         Our priorities need to have eternal value.

·         Jesus invites us to bring our struggles and regrets to Him and exchange them for His joy.

·         We may feel powerless, but we are never prayerless.

·         Joy is peace dancing.

As you read the Bible and your devotions, find a word or phrase to hold onto each day and ponder the meaning for you.  It helps us to gain a fresh perspective on our faith and our current journey.  God is with you.  It is being willing to listen and be still.

In this season of Christmastide – the time after Christmas, pause and wait for God to break through the darkness of your life and give you hope.  Listen to the whisper of God.  It may come through the most unexpected ways.

Listen to the whispers!

Check out my books for the New Year -

            Living In The Different

            Life Lessons of a Lone Trooper

            Live Different Moments

All available on Amazon and at Tea Story in Upper Sandusky.

Reflections In Stillness

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

This past year as I have read my devotions and the Bible, I have kept a journal of thoughts and reflections from this quiet time.  I prayed before I began my quiet time that I would listen with my heart, hear God speak, and discern God’s word for me today.  I did not just want to read the words like I was completely a task.  Reading the Bible is actually God speaking through the written word, and I wanted to be open to what God was saying to me each day.

I would like to share with you some of what God spoke to me through this quiet time.  I hope you take the time to ponder these thoughts and hear God speak to you through these words.  I am learning to pause more and listen.  We tend to read quickly so we can move on to the next item on our agenda.  It is good to sit for a while in God’s word and to listen to how God speaks to others in the devotions they write.

·         Chase your dreams because dreams never chase you.

·         Jesus wants us to sit down with Him everyday and rest in His Presence.

·         Everything belongs to God.  When we give, we are giving back to God what is His in gratefulness.

·         God isn’t something you add to your life – God is your life and your life’s work.  Your purpose is to glorify God.

·         We are never an interruption to God.  We are His children whom He loves to hear from.

·         Counselors can comfort you in the storm, but you need a God who can still the storm.

·         When anxieties steal our breath away, we need the God who is the breath of life.

·         Stop clinging so tightly to what you think you want.  Don’t lose out on what God wants to give you.  Look up.

·         God’s love is better than any life we try to create.  We may still suffer, but God’s love is greater than anything in this world.

·         God’s arms are always open.  His mercy is waiting.  His grace is mine.

·         Worry diminishes as you look upward.

·         Don’t be afraid to let your uniqueness define your path in life.

·         Peace begins with a choice to stop being afraid followed by a decision to start trusting God.

·         God.  Not a good idea.

·         Ask God to give you more of His voice in your ear.  Listen with your eyes on the pages of the Bible.

·         God hears me even when I do not use words to pray.

·         Worry divides the mind – splitting thoughts between today and tomorrow.

·         Grace defines you.  I am who God says I am.  I am His.

·         Sorrow stretches out space in our hearts for joy.

·         Fix your eyes on Jesus.  Sometimes we are so busy doing the work for Jesus that we forget to focus on Jesus.

·         Trust Jesus.  He is the power you cannot see to do the work you cannot accomplish on your own.

·         We are never too much for God.

·         Live your life or it won’t be lived.  Only you can do what God created you to do.

·         My confidence is in God’s faithfulness.

·         You cannot accomplish goals that are not God’s goals for you.

·         God does not command you to be successful, He commands you to be faithful.

·         Go live your life and don’t worry about what could or might happen.

·         Jesus is our permanent mailing address.  Jesus wants me to be where He is.

·         God is not something to add to your life – God is your life.

·         Jesus is the solution to every problem, the answer to every question.  Jesus fills every need.

·         The past cannot be changed, live in God’s grace.  The future is in God’s hands.  Live today.

·         God’s grace and mercy is overflowing.  God will always forgive.  We never run out of God’s grace and mercy.

·         God’s agenda for your day – to make you more like Jesus.

·         Life comes with directions – The Bible.

·         Wait for the Lord.  Be patient and do not take matters in your own hands.

·         You will never go where God is not.

It takes time to be still – to settle the spiritual “wake” caused by life and settle into being quiet before God.  I hope a few of these words touched your heart and you took time to ponder what God is saying to you.  It is good to write down how God speaks to you so that you can reflect and remember.

Pause and be still before the Lord.  God has something to say to you today.  Listen.

Mark your calendars – I will be leading a seminar “Living Life Forward” on Saturday, March 21st from 9 am to 12 pm at Trinity Evangelical Church in Upper Sandusky.

The Song of Your Heart

“Sing to the Lord with grateful praise.”  Psalm 147:7

The Christmas music has ended (Why don’t we play it all year?), and now we begin to reflect upon this past year and ponder what the new year will bring.  We remember the joys and the sorrows, the losses and the achievements, the struggles and the accomplishments.  It has been a mixture of emotions and changes.  Each year brings challenges and opportunities of growth.  We have released loved ones to Heaven and we gained new relationships.  Some of you set resolutions for 2025 and you may not even remember what they were because daily life got in the way.  Some of you achieved your goals.

 What songs did your heart and soul sing this year?  Were they songs of sadness and grief?  Songs of pain and fear?  Songs of joy and celebration?  Songs of hope and peace?  I listen to music every day, usually on Sirius radio in my vehicle or on my phone through a speaker.  I mainly listen to Southern Gospel, Contemporary Worship, Country with a few other random songs.  I listen to piano instrumental music all night long. Music has been my way of giving expression to my feelings and also bringing hope and peace into my heart.  It brings a calmness and a focus.

In 2026, I want to sing with a grateful heart.  For the past ten years, I have chosen a word for the year.  The word has helped me focus, pray, grow and challenged me to live in this different life.  I have used the word to guide my prayers, and the word has helped me find songs that have touched my spirit and given me encouragement.

For 2026, God has given me the word “grateful.”  Grateful is a feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness.  Grateful is a mindset, a choosing to see the good.  Thankful is a reaction to something specific like “I am thankful for sunshine today.”  Grateful is a positive outlook that sees the good and knows God is good even when I cannot see it.  It is being grateful God is with me.  Grateful God is in it with me.  Grateful for the blessings and the struggles.

My hope for 2026 is that the song of gratefulness will be in my heart.  What song is in your heart? I challenge you to spend time with God to find the word you need to help guide you in this new year.  Resolutions are easy to break and sometimes too overwhelming to achieve.  Don’t set yourself up for failure and eventually guilt.  Let’s simplify the way we set resolutions and goals for the new year.  Why not choose a word?  Find scriptures and songs that will fill your heart and help you focus and grow in the new year.

For me, I am going to go into the new year focused on being grateful – to be grateful for the relationships and experiences God places on my path.  I am going to sing with a grateful heart and find songs that express gratefulness.  My ears will be tuned to hear the words of the songs and discern how it expresses gratefulness.

I am grateful for each one of you that reads my blogs and newspaper columns.  I will be combining the two sometimes in the next months.  The blog will expand on the newspaper column theme.  I am grateful for those of you who also read and share my books.  Most of all I am grateful for Jesus, my Lord and Savior, and the gift of His grace and forgiveness.

Our hearts will have lots of things trying to win our attention in the new year.  Make room in your heart for God’s song.  Casting Crowns have a song – “Room In Your Heart” –

 “Is there room in your heart, Is there room in your heart, Is there room in your heart for God to write His story?”

God has a story to write for 2026. Make room in your heart for Jesus. 

Just Because It's Christmas

“While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first-born son.”  Luke 2:6-7

It is Christmas.  It comes every year whether you plan for it or not.  It comes whether you decorate and have a Christmas tree or not.  It comes whether you buy presents or not.  Christmas comes each year.  So what is Christmas?  Christmas is more than all these outward expressions of the season.  Christmas is the day we celebrate God breaking through into our world and becoming like us so that He could save us from our sins.  God comes to earth in the form of a baby – Emmanuel – God is with us.

Just because it is Christmas does not mean life is joyful and you want to celebrate with dinners, presents, and family.  You may be alone this Christmas or at least feel lonely in the gatherings of family and friends.  Your family may not bring you peace or be peaceful.

Anne Wilson wrote the song – “Just Because It’s Christmas”   –

“Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean your heart don’t hurt

Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean there’s peace on earth

Bring your wounded heart to the manger

Fall down at the feet of the King

When thrills of hope don’t find you

He loves you just the same

You don’t have to be OK

Just because it’s Christmas. 

Just because it’s Christmas does not mean your day becomes a magical Hallmark Christmas moment.  Your circumstances may not change because of the outward display of the season and the date on the calendar. Your heart may still hurt.  Peace is no place to be found, and hope is only a glimmer.  Christmas is so much more than what we see around us or even more than what we feel.  It is bringing your hurt and broken heart to the manger and giving it to Jesus.  Jesus comes to be like us so that He could understand our hurts, brokenness, and bring peace and hope into our hearts and into this broken world.  Jesus came to earth to be the Savior of the world and of our lives.  So come kneel at the manger.

Just because it is Christmas, your daily life may not change but who is with you in your daily life changes.  God is with you right now.  Christmas reminds us of God’s presence.  You are not alone.  Just because it is Christmas reminds you and me that God loves us so much that He came to be with us.  To live among us.  To die for our sins.  To be resurrected and give us the gift of eternal life.

Just because it is Christmas.  Receive the gift of Jesus.  Mingle your sadness with the hope that God is with you in your sadness.  You are not alone.  Just because it is Christmas, do not throw away the day because of how you feel.  Remind yourself that Jesus came today to understand and bring comfort to my heart.  Jesus came to be your Redeemer.  Jesus came as Emmanuel – “God is with us.”  Live in the moment of Christmas.  Take a moment and breathe in the presence of Jesus.  Pause and speak to your heart – “Jesus, you are with me today and every moment of each day.  I love you.”

Just because it is Christmas!!  Have a blessed Christmas! 

In It With Us

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

One of the joys for me at Christmas is singing Christmas carols.  They bring joy and memories as we sing together the songs of our childhood.  The first song I remember singing was “Away in a Manger” at church with other children for a Christmas program.  It is still one of my favorite Christmas carols.  I remember singing “Go, Tell It On the Mountain” every Christmas Sunday as a child because it was Walter Fox’s favorite song and he led the singing!  Christmas carols tell the story of that first Christmas and helps us picture the events and the people.  They are sung with joy as we focus on Jesus.  God’s love comes down at Christmas.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

One of my favorite choruses for Christmas is “Emmanuel” –

“Emmanuel, Emmanuel.  His name is called Emmanuel.  God with us, revealed in us.  His name is called Emmanuel.”

 Emmanuel – God is with us.  We sing these words and tell the story of Jesus’ birth.  Jesus is God with us.  God comes in human form.  We believe God loves us and came down at Christmas in the form of a baby to be like us and to become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.  We believe at Christmas, but what about when we are in the depths of grief, disease, trauma, pain, and feel overwhelmed?  It is difficult to remember God is with us when our focus is on the intensity of life.  It feels like we are alone trying to navigate the deep waters of life.  It may feel like just treading water and fear going under.  God may seem far away or at least not the focus.

I heard recently in a prayer, “God, you are with us and in it with us.”  That caught my attention.  God is in life with us.  That means God is in our grief with us.  God is in our disease with us.  God is in our pain with us.  God is in it with us no matter what “it” is.

When I sit in this thought of God being “in it with me,” it allows me to believe God is in my life – in every moment of my life.  God is in my writing (and your reading of it), my counseling, my running, my relationships, my cleaning, my driving.  In every moment, every task, every thought, every step.  Not just when I am aware and pray, but even when my focus is not on God.  God is still in it with me.

So, is God in Christmas with you?  Some of you just want Christmas to be over and are just trying to get through it because of your sadness and loss.  Nothing is the same.  The happiness of others is too much, and the happiness of the season eludes you.  God is still in it with you.  Some of you are focused on the outward displays and events of Christmas and are too busy to let God be in it.  Christmas has lost its meaning and has become just another event with family.

Christmas is in the season of Advent and is the first season of the Christian Church year.  Since it is the beginning, maybe it is time to look at this Christmas with a different focus.  Expect God to come into your world, your life and be in it with you.  Jesus came to be like us and to be in it with us.  God is not distant. Sometimes God is so close that we do not realize God is with us.  God is in life with you right now.

Let’s pause for a moment and say – “God, you are here with me now.  You are in my life and in what I am going through right now.”  Emmanuel, the name of Jesus, reminds us that God came to be with us and provide a way for us to always be with Him eternally.  What if this Christmas, you start right now recognizing God is in it with you.  Trust Him.  Ask Him.  Seek Him. Focus on Him.  Even in the struggle and the sadness, we have peace because wherever Jesus is there is peace, hope, joy, and love.  You may not feel it, but God is still there with you.

God is in it with you.  Emmanuel, God is with us.

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Check out my website and my books – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Same Story

“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Luke 2:19

When I think of the Christmas season, one story comes to the forefront of my memories.  When I was a teenager our house burnt down on Sunday, December 23rd.  My life changed in many ways that day.  I had no place to call home, and I lost all my material possessions.  My family had no home, but we still had a farm with animals that needed care.  I lived with my grandmother for three months.  My brother who was still living at home, went to live with another brother.  My parents lived in a small RV on the farm to care for the animals until other arrangements for a home could be made.

Out of the ashes of this tragedy, God still brought good.  Our church family and community rallied around our family and provided support and needed clothing and financial assistance.  At a young age, I learned that relationships are more important than possessions.  I have told this story many times throughout my life, but it reminds me not to focus on material possessions and that God can bring good out of the bad and brokenness of life.  The story never grows old as I remember God’s love and care through others during this tragedy.

Christmas is a time to share stories and memories.  Not everyone has happy memories, but God can bring good out of the bad.  God can redeem the memories.  Some people remember Christmas presents, Christmas programs at school and church, snow, favorite foods, worship services, and most of all the people with whom we shared the season.  We remember how we felt, and the emotions connected to the joy of the season.

When my siblings gather, we begin to share memories of Christmas and retell the stories.  We all tell the same story first.  The story always goes something like this – “remember when we had to buzz (cut) wood every Christmas morning before we could unwrap our presents.”  We heated our house with two wood stoves, and my dad knew he could get all of us to help with the wood when the motivation was Christmas presents.  It is the same story that never grows old.

 The story of the birth of Jesus is the same story that is told each year at Christmas.  This story never grows old.  It is timeless and never loses its relevance and power.  Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.  Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in a manger.  The angels appear to the shepherds. The Shepherds come.  The wise men bring gifts.  God comes to earth in the form of a baby to redeem the world.  The story never grows old.  It never changes.  God still comes.

I wonder how many times Mary shared the story of Jesus’ birth throughout her life.  Telling of the angel appearing to her announcing that she was chosen to give birth to the Messiah. How Joseph did not leave her but believed her and the angel who appeared to him.  The journey to Bethlehem and giving birth, and all those who came to see the baby.  It was the same story that never grew old for Mary.  She treasured the memories.

Christmas is a time of memories and stories.  When we tell and retell the stories, Christmas becomes more than just a day.  The stories become alive again.  The memories are real and a part of who we are.  The memories are about relationships that gave meaning to our lives. 

Never stop sharing your memories.  Tell the same old story over and over again because it has meaning to your life.  You are who you are because of these memories and the people who are in these memories.  Your loved one comes alive again in your heart as you tell the same stories.  The stories reveal the love that never ends. 

 Christmas is a love story.  God loves us so much that He came to earth as a baby to redeem us.  Keep telling your story.  Keep telling the Christmas story.  Both stories are about the deep love that is in your heart. 

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My Books on Amazon- Great Christmas Gifts

 Live Different Moments

 Live Different Moments: Finding Contentment and Peace after Change and Loss: Sturtz, Elaine J. Clinger: 9798989125708: Amazon.com: Books

 Living In The Different       

 https://www.amazon.com/Living-Different-passages-through-sorrow/dp/0998310239/

Life Lessons of a Lone Trooper

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Lone-Trooper-Legacy/dp/0998310255/

Coming Into View

“The virgin will be pregnant.  She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”  Matthew 1:23

My hometown has a Fantasy of Lights display in the park each Christmas Season.  This year there are over one hundred displays created by local businesses, organizations, and families.  Last year, as we walked through and drove through the magical light display, I thought how cool it would be for my family to create a display.  We began to talk about it, and I gave the idea to my brother-in-law who created a plan.  With the creativity of my brother-in-law, my cousin, and lots of ideas from family, our family display was created.  The picture with this blog is our Christmas contribution to the park lights.  It turned out better than I had ever envisioned.

It is an Advent Wreath with the manger in the middle and a star for Jesus being the light of the world.  Beside the wreath is the cross with the words of the candles surrounding the cross.  Each Advent candle has a theme – Hope, peace, joy and love. During Advent (which means the coming or arrival) a candle is lit, and words are shared about the theme of the candle.  Jesus comes into the world to bring hope, peace, joy and love.  Everything you and I need today in our lives.

Hope – “And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts.” Romans 5:5

Peace – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

 Joy – “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

 Love – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

It took some time for the idea of the display to become a reality – literally the entire year. Finally, it came into view.  When we saw it lit up at night for the first time, it was amazing to see. We needed the darkness to see the beauty of it.  My prayer in the creation was that the display would be a witness to our faith in Jesus.  The Advent Wreath expresses the coming of Jesus as a baby with the cradle in the middle. The cross represents why Jesus came – to be the Savior of the world.  You cannot have the cradle without the cross.  Jesus was born to die for our sins.

 My hope was that it could make a difference.  I was filled with joy when we walked through the lights and stood beside the display.  A mom and her children came up to the display, and she explained to her children what the Advent wreath was and the words represented each candle.  As I listened, God’s love came into view.  I had such a peace that God had a purpose in this display.  I had experienced all the words of Advent – hope, joy, love and peace.

We have an idea of how we desire life or certain situations to be.  We have hope that it will turn out like we desire.  Sometimes it turns out better than expected and other times we struggle to comprehend what happened.  It doesn't make any sense to us.  We have all been there.  Some of you are in the middle of trying to find your life after your world was turned upside down.  It is so cloudy that you can barely see the next step to take.  The darkness seems overwhelming.  Sometimes we need to sit in the darkness of life before we can see God shine His light.

That is, sometimes we need the lights and sounds and distractions of the world to go dim, and we need to be still and just sit in the quiet and allow God to come to us.  God comes into view when we tune out the things that overwhelm and disturb our hope, joy, peace, and love.  It doesn’t mean life will be what you want it to be, but it does mean that God breaks into our darkness with His love.  God comes to us.  God may not change your circumstances, but God will change your heart and your thoughts.  God may still have you walk through the pain and the grief, but God promises to be with you and bring you peace in the midst of it.

As Christmas comes into view for you this year, focus on Jesus.  He is your hope in this broken world and in your heartache.  Jesus wants you to look beyond the broken pieces and see the hope of eternity – the hope that someday it will all come together into this beautiful masterpiece.  Jesus promises to give us his joy – not happiness that you have to create and try to pretend you feel.  It is joy that is deep within you – a sense of contentment that is not based on your circumstances.  This brings the peace of Jesus deep within your heart.

Christmas reminds us that we are loved.  God loves you.  God came down to earth to redeem us because He loves us.  Allow Jesus to come into view this Christmas.  Allow Jesus to break through your hurt and pain, through your dailyness of life, through your humbug attitude, through your tears, through your racing thoughts and bring you his hope, peace, joy and love.

Allow Jesus to come into view!

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As you prepare to shop for Christmas gifts, remember small businesses.  Shop local.  Shop simple.

Books are a lasting gift.  Check out my books on my website and on Amazon –

              Living In The Different

              Life Lessons of a Lone Trooper

              Live Different Moments

Grateful Pause

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  Psalm 107:1

It is the week of Thanksgiving, and you may not be feeling grateful and wanting to celebrate with friends and family.  You may be in the stages of grief, loss, illness, cancer, trauma, financial problems, or dealing with situations that overwhelm you.  It is difficult to see through this fog of worry, fear, and anxiety and be grateful this Thanksgiving.  Your head knows you have been blessed, but your heart aches and does not feel joyful.  This may bring feelings of guilt because you know others whose situation is worse than yours.

This may be the first Thanksgiving without your loved one.  I know so many of you that are experiencing the holiday season for the first time without your spouse, your special person.  You are not in a festive mood, but you want to be around your family.  Maybe it is time to take a grateful pause.  Remember, pause?  Pause means you stop doing what you are currently doing, thinking, or feeling and take a break.  The pause does not change your circumstances or your feelings, but it gives you an opportunity to breathe and focus on the good of your life.

The pause gives you permission to be grateful and reflect and remember.  You are not living in the past but being thankful for it.  It is being grateful for the time and memories and who you were in the past.  The past may have caused your current problems, then pause and look forward with hope believing God will redeem you and your past.

In this week of Thanksgiving, anchor yourself in your blessings, not your losses.  Being thankful and grateful has more to do with your attitude than your circumstances.  It is how you look at life.  It is pausing your sadness and grief and remembering the joy of life with your loved one.  It is looking at pictures, telling stories, remembering the laughter and the smiles, and giving thanks to God for the life you have loved and will always love.  Sadness will seep into the joy but that is how life is.  Joy and sorrow just mingle together.

Even though your life may not be what you had hoped or planned, you can be grateful you have life.  There is always something to be thankful for because you have breath and life and hope and Jesus.  When we focus on the past and what could have been and what we have done wrong or the wrong done to us, we miss the blessings in front of us.  When we focus on the future and the worry and anxiety it brings, we forget the present.  God is only with us in the present.  Just today. That is why the future brings such worry and anxiety because we do not see God in it.  Be thankful for today.  This moment.  Look around you and be grateful.  Even though it is not what you planned or hoped for; it is what you currently have so find the blessings in this moment.  You can be sad and still give thanks.

A grateful pause can become a way of life each day.  That is, pause each day and give thanks to God for the day.  God gave you life and breath to live this day.  It may not be how you envisioned life to be, but it is what you have today.  When it is difficult to see through the hurt and brokenness of your life, speak out loud about the things that are around you and give thanks.  Thank God for the chair you’re sitting in, the clothes you are wearing, your toothbrush and toothpaste.  Look out the window and be grateful for the trees, the sky, the birds, the leaves and whatever you see.  Pause your thoughts from your problems and focus on what is around you and speak in gratefulness for what you can see and that you have eyes to see.

It is being grateful for life even when you do not understand it.  I gave my friend a small one-inch Jesus made of rubber that I received from one of the local churches.  She is struggling with her health and her focus each day becomes her physical body.  It has been difficult to pray and focus on Jesus.  I told her that now she has a little Jesus always with her.  We all need a little Jesus. 

We have a big Jesus always with us.  It is being grateful when we do not feel God’s presence, that His Holy Spirit is always with us.  We are never alone.  God is good.  God is faithful.  God loves you, and God’s love endures forever. 

It is pausing and being grateful even when we do not understand life and have no answers to the “why” of life.  It is inhaling gratefulness and exhaling trust and obedience when we do not understand.

Pause in gratefulness.

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Restoring My Joy

“Restore to me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”  Psalm 51:12

My friend is usually joyful and singing.  She always has a song in her heart which jumps out in her voice.  Her spirit radiates the light of Jesus from her heart.  She has lived with Jesus in her heart all her life.  Being with her always fills you with an excitement to live life to the fullest.  You have no doubt that God loves you and is with you when you are in her presence.  But my friend is struggling with illness and losing strength in her spirit.  She has no song in her head and is unable to sing.  Her joy is resting deep within her.

We have all been in this place at some time in our lives.  Some of you are fighting your own battle with illness, disease, cancer, and other physical struggles.  You are afraid to admit some of your feelings – “what did I do to deserve this?  Why me?  How can I keep going with all this pain?” You may not have an illness you are physically fighting, but you may be fighting emotionally within you.  You are struggling with day-to-day life.  Your anxiety gets the best of you some days.  Your depression keeps you from interacting with anyone.  You feel lonely and alone and joy is a stranger.

Grief may have become your unwelcome friend, and it follows you everywhere you go.  You may be trying to live into this different life, but it is not the life you planned.  You will always love your special person, always miss them, and miss the life you had and who you used to be.  You are trying to move forward in life.  You are trying to build a new way of life around the hole in your heart.  Joy comes in moments but is quieter.

Some of you may just be existing in life.  You have a routine.  You interact with friends and family.  You have favorite shows you watch.  You eat and take walks and take care of your home.  Life is fine, but joyful?  Not the word you would use.

Maybe we need to listen to the Psalmist who prays – “Restore to me the joy of thy salvation.”

To restore is to bring back or to return to its former condition.  To restore joy means that joy has been within us.  Nehemiah 8:10 says – “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”  It is God’s joy that is within us.  We don’t create joy, but we choose joy.  That is, we choose to allow the Lord’s joy to fill us.  God restores us to how He created us – full of joy.   To be restored means that we have hope in what we cannot see, feel, or believe could actually be true.

Joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit.  It is a deep sense of well-being not dependent upon our circumstances.  Joy is focused on faith in God and choosing to trust God in the struggles and suffering of life.  Yes, easier said than done.  Our head knows this truth, but our hearts don’t feel the joy.  We can believe it when we are not going through the suffering, but when we are in the midst of the pain, heartache, and struggle our focus becomes the physical.  We are trying to just survive the daily issues.

This is where we need to allow those around us to be our help and strength.  Allow others to pray for you and over you.  Your faith is not weak even if your body is.  Your faith is more than a feeling, and it is still within your spirit.  Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.”  God is restoring our spirit daily because it is God’s Spirit that is within us.  You don’t need to do the work; God is the One working within you.  It is trusting God even when we don’t feel His presence, see any changes, or even have the energy to pray or think about God.  God already knows your spirit.  God knows your faith.  God knows your struggle.

God is restoring your joy.  When you cannot sing, God will sing over you – Zephaniah 3:17 – “God will rejoice over you.  You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful over you.”  Allow others to sing over you, too – whether physically with you or on your playlist.  Allow music to come into your spirit.  Music is the universal language of joy.  The rhythm touches your spirit.  Just be in the moment and allow the music and the words to say what you cannot say and to restore you in the moment.

In our restoration, we are seeking peace which is an inner contentment.  It is knowing your circumstances may not change, but it is just taking deep breaths and breathing in the Holy Spirit.  Words are not necessary.  Jesus brings his peace – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be afraid.”  John 14:27 

Peace is joy resting.  I am learning to rest in the peace of Jesus.  Some days, the joy feels hidden inside, and other days joy jumps out in the moments that I live in the present.  Joy is more than being happy – happiness depends on circumstances and material possessions.  Joy is deep within when we focus on Jesus who gives us the fullness of joy.

Joy is peace dancing.  Peace is joy resting.

Casting A Shadow

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!  People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”  Psalm 36:7

The shadow of death has been a distant companion over the past several months.  The shadow became closer as I have stepped into past relationships to walk with them in the journey of sorrow and grief. The darkness entered my heart through the deaths of those I have known throughout different chapters of my life.  Death always triggers memories of my own grief, and I remember those I hold close to my heart.  The shadow of death came through the death of a high school friend, a youth that was in my youth program, a neighbor, a work camp and youth leader, school connections, and church family and friends.

Then Mary died.  Her shadow contained a deep loss and sadness with her death, but I also saw a different shadow with Mary.  I felt and witnessed the shadow of love and holy presence. Mary cast a shadow of love wherever she went.  You were always within her shadow once she loved you.  You were always loved by Mary; she never let you go no matter your physical distance.  You became part of her circle of family.  Her shadow was one that enveloped you in love and acceptance.  It was a shadow from which you did not want to escape.  Mary just pulled you closer and you never said “no” to Mary.  She lived the words of Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Mary made you feel at home in her presence.  When my friend, and also the officiating pastor, stood in the pulpit to share his message at her celebration of life, Russ said, “It is good to be home.” It was here he met Mary and her family, and he established his home for several years among this church family.  Mary and Carl became family. It was in this same church I met them and was first loved by them.  The feeling of being home is one of peace, contentment, and total acceptance.  It felt like home as I worshiped through Mary’s celebration of life.  Her children praised her and shared her humor and rules for life.

Mary loved Christmas. Let me say that again, MARY LOVED CHRISTMAS!!  And she loved to “Deck the Halls.”  You could never have too many Christmas trees according to Mary.  Her service concluded with the singing of “Deck The Halls.”  It was sung with joy, smiles and celebration.  It was sung to the glory of God and in remembrance of Mary who truly decked the halls of her home and the church for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Mary loved Jesus.  The church was full for her service, and her favorite hymns of faith were sung to the glory of God.  Mary cast a shadow of servanthood to the church, her family, her community, and most importantly to the glory of God.  Her shadow represented all that she touched with God’s love.  Wherever that shadow of love was cast, Mary was there to love and serve.

As I have reflected on Mary’s life, I am grateful God put Mary and her husband, Carl on my path.  Their love and commitment to one another was revealed in how Carl cared for Mary until the end.  Carl became Mary’s shadow of protection.  He sheltered her in the shadow of his wings, always caring for her and taking her with him even to meetings at the church.  Mary will always hold a special place in my heart.  She always made me feel loved.

It is in the shadow of God’s wings that the Psalmist states we find refuge.  The shadow of God protects us and also covers us with His love and grace.  To create a shadow, light is needed.  Jesus is the light of the world.  Jesus shines his light over the darkness of our lives.  The darkness of grief and sorrow, the darkness of change and loss, the darkness of anxiety and fear, the darkness of depression and loneliness.

Sometimes all we see is the darkness with no hope or way forward.  It is remembering that in these low times of life, God has protected us under his wings.  We need to step forward and allow the light of Jesus to cast a shadow of hope and love.  It is walking into life knowing the shadow is not of gloom and despair but of God’s love and grace protecting us.

The shadow of Mary’s love will remain in the hearts of all who loved her.  Mary challenges each one of us, to cast a shadow of love – God’s love – onto all those we encounter.  Mary reminds us even in disease, illness, pain and heartache, we are under the wings and protection of a loving God. 

Take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.  Rest in His love.

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Linger Longer

“I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word.  I wait for the Lord to help me.”  Psalm 130:5-6

As I looked up into the early morning sky, I was mesmerized by the vast number of stars that lit the sky.  It was magical, and I just wanted to stand and stare into the sky.  As I ran that morning, I kept looking up and taking in the beauty of the morning stars.  Later that day, as we walked in the park, the sky was a brilliant blue with wispy angel wing clouds.  I was again in awe of God’s creation, and I felt a weight lift from my heart.  I wanted to just linger in the beauty and the feeling of peace without any thought of the worries in the world.

To linger is to stay in a place longer than planned because of a reluctance to leave.  It is to take one’s time, dilly-dally, stick around.  When one lingers, you pause and contemplate longer than usual.  You take your time and wait.  Something catches your eye or touches your heart and causes you to linger.  Do you ever linger, or are you always in a hurry, always busy with too much on your mind?  You do not like to waste time and wait for anything so lingering seems non-productive without purpose.

In grief, we linger – we need to take our time and just be.  We are reluctant to leave the past and the feelings and the life that was familiar and our normal routine.  Lingering is a healthy part of grief.  We linger in the memories, in the joy of shared life, and in the life we had.  We linger in our feelings and emotions.  We wait for the Lord’s help to guide us and to take our hand and walk with us through the pain and loss.  Sometimes we even linger at the cemetery not wanting to be there but not wanting to leave either.

Lingering should not be regarded as a negative trait.  It is part of a pause, but it contains more reflection and thought-provoking contemplation.  It slows us down to ponder what we see and feel.  We breathe in God’s creation and its beauty.  We get lost in the vastness, the simplicity, and the feelings of being embraced by God.  It is lingering in God’s Word – the Bible – and not just read the words and study its meaning, but to truly hear each word as spoken by God in our hearts.  God is speaking directly to you and me.  Linger in the hearing and the listening.

Linger in a song – allow the words and the rhythm of the beat and the melody to penetrate your soul and heal your broken and weary heart.  Music is healing.  Slow yourself down and close your eyes and take in the movement and depth of meaning of the song.  God can speak directly to you through a song.  No matter how you feel, there is a song that will speak to that emotion and help you. Linger in the feelings that music brings.  Linger in the songs that stimulate your worship.

Linger in prayer.  Don’t rush through giving a list to God and making prayer a task to be completed.  Prayer is conversation with the One who loves you the most.  It is like crawling up into the lap of your Heavenly Father and sharing your heart and listening to His words of love.  Linger in prayer.  Be still and quiet and listen.  Linger and receive God’s love and grace and acceptance.  Linger throughout the day in conversation with God.

Linger in memories.  Oh, the things that trigger a past memory. It is usually something simple or just a random thought that enters our minds, and we go to a memory.  Memories remind us that we were loved, we had relationships, we were young, we had experiences and adventures.  Give yourself permission to remember and linger in the good moments and remind yourself what you learned in the not so good memories.  Linger, remember, and give thanks.

Linger in conversations.  We tend to be quick in some of our interactions – “How are you?”  “Fine.”  “What’s been going on?”  “Just busy with family.”  “Great talking with you.”  “See you soon.”  Not much depth to this interaction.  Why are we always in a hurry?  Slow down and linger in conversations with people you love and have not seen for a while.  Listen to their hearts and share yours with them.  There is a reason you have a relationship.  Don’t ignore it and stop nurturing it.

Linger in God’s presence.  Yes, we linger in prayer as we talk and listen to God, but to linger in God’s presence does not involve words but awareness.  It is lingering in the sunset and smiling knowing God created it for you to see.  It is lingering in the beauty of the leaves and knowing God made each leaf and tree.  It is lingering in your emotions and feelings knowing God understands without speaking a word.  It is lingering in the moment knowing God is with you.  It is lingering in the sacred space with God.

 Linger at the table and talk with those seated around it. Find ways to linger and truly enjoy the moments of life instead of rushing through them.  Linger in your thoughts and allow yourself time to daydream and enjoy the stillness of your soul.  Linger in nature.  Linger with a loved one.  Linger in the memories.  Linger with Jesus.

Transitioning Home

Jesus said, “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  John 14:2

Jesus said, “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  John 14:2

Each month, I gather with my siblings to share food, conversation, and memories.  It is a privilege to hear stories of childhood from a different perspective and what happened before I was born or have memories.  Life changes, but the memories remain.  I have been back in my hometown for a year and am settled in my home, but my ministry heart is still transitioning back home.  My heart is still connected to people in previous ministries especially those who are transitioning from this world to the next place. 

Transitioning takes time.  My desire is to connect with the people of my community and visit those who have been part of my childhood and family.  My life has been filled with change and establishing relationships wherever God puts me.  It takes time to close one chapter before you open the next.  All the chapters of our lives form the book of our lives, and each chapter is needed to create the foundation of who we are.  When I receive a call from people of previous chapters of my life, my heart recalls the connection, and God calls me to step back into their lives.

This past week, I spent the afternoon with Ed and his daughter, Beth.  I have known them for years.  Ed is beginning the transition from this world.  It has been a slow transition over the past three years.  Ed knows his wife’s final wish before she went to Heaven was that he would join her someday in Heaven.  Being an engineer, Ed could never take the leap of faith and believe what he could not prove.  Over the past years, I have spent time talking with Ed about God and God’s love for him.  He has always accepted my prayers but never gave his heart to Jesus.

A few months ago, Ed started saying my name.  I visited him, and again we talked about Heaven and his next steps.  Ed was open to hearing but never taking the step.  So last week, when I visited Ed, he had declined, and it was obvious that he was beginning the process of change, and he knew it.  He wanted to say goodbye to his other two children and to thank them, so his daughter made the calls.  Then, God touched Ed’s heart.  As I talked with him about Jesus and that God loved him and had a place for him in heaven, Ed said for the first time, “I love Jesus.”  “Thank you, Jesus.”  Over and over, Ed said this with a tear coming out of his left eye.  For the first time in Ed’s life, he confessed his faith in simple childlike trust and words. Ed is transitioning to his heavenly home.  It took him three years to get to this surrender, but he will have eternity to live it out.

A friend sold the home that she lived in with her husband who died almost two years ago.  She lives in a condo now that does not feel like home.  We talked about it being her transition home – a place to live as she adjusts to her life without her husband.  It may become a place of comfort, or she may move again.  It is all temporary because she knows she has a permanent place awaiting her someday in Heaven.

To transition is to change.  It is a process.  We all transition throughout the stages and seasons of life.  We transition also emotionally and spiritually.  We change and grow, and we release and let go.  Grief is a process of change.  We are different because of loss and recognize love never dies.  Those we love are part of who we are, and they go with us the rest of our lives in our hearts.  Their spirit and energy remains a part of those with whom they loved.

Disease and illness brings change to our normal routine and our future plans.  My friend is going through cancer treatments, and her body is becoming weaker.  It is a struggle to eat and swallow.  Her desire is for healing and to glorify God in the journey.  She is teaching me to pray on my knees and give it all to God.  It is being honest with my desire for her to be healed on earth and to be restored to wholeness.  My prayers are transitioning to giving my friend to Jesus and trusting God has her.

Through all the transitioning and changes, I am understanding that home is being with Jesus.  I am not talking about just being with Jesus in Heaven which is our ultimate home but being home with Jesus in our hearts.  Our focus daily is being in the presence of Jesus and taking his hand and walking through the struggles of life.  It is changing our focus from the world and the anxiety and problems and allowing the things of this world to grow dim in the light of Jesus’ presence.  Be home not in the struggles and difficulties of life but be home with Jesus.  Home is where you feel comfortable, safe, and secure.  It is where you want to go and rest and just be yourself.  When we are home with Jesus on earth, then when it is time to transition home to heaven it will be a natural transition. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Be home with him now.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and peace.”

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Eyes Backward

“When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh.”  Psalm 92:14

 This past week marked the anniversary of the death of my mom.  It is hard to believe she has been in Heaven for 19 years.  Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, and other times it feels like forever.  Each year, I reflect on who I am because of my mom’s influence and love.  My mom was the first one to teach me about Jesus and how to pray.  My mom lived her faith quietly but with conviction and inner strength.  She loved music, and I always listen to Gospel music on her anniversary.  As I was listening to music on YT Music, the song “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” was played.  This song was sung by my sister-in-law at my mom’s funeral.  Then I prayed, “God, if “Victory In Jesus” is played next, I will know mom is with me.”  It was her favorite song, and yes, it came up next not just once but twice.  God gave me the assurance and a smile of joy.  God answers even the smallest of prayers to give us what we need.

My sister posted the picture that is beside this blog of my mom on the anniversary of her death.  It is the only picture we have of her as a child.  My mom’s mother died when my mom was five years old, and her father was unable to take his children with him, so my mom was raised by an uncle and a cousin.  Her eyes in this picture speak loudly.  She was a child who had just lost her mother and her whole world had changed.  My mom kept those feelings and experiences within her.

My mom taught me so much about daily living, faith, and how to live life.  One thing she taught me was to respect my elders and to listen to their stories and learn from their lives.  As a child, we always made visits on older relatives and spent time with my Grandma.  Our elders were respected, and they shared stories that I wish I had written down.  As I look backward, I may not remember the stories, but I remember the relationships and the love.  These older people became a part of my foundation of life, and because of my mom’s respect for them, I have spent most of my adult life and ministry connected with the oldest generation.

I recently had a visit day with six of my ninety something and almost ninety something friends and those who I continue to watch over and connect with from previous ministry relationships.  When I visit, this is when I feel God’s presence and spirit with me.  I feel like I am living out my passion and calling in life.  I love to make visits with people in their home environment.  They are relaxed and welcoming and open to sharing their life and stories. 

The stories were filled with memories and as I looked into their eyes, I saw the distant view in their reflection.  They were with me, but their thoughts and eyes were looking backward to the memories of husbands now in heaven and the life they shared together.  Sue’s memories are not in the present, and her eyes were sad with emotion.  As we sang and prayed, her eyes were fixed on Jesus and Heaven.  With others, I heard memories of childhood, meeting their husbands, and remembering how her husband made her laugh.  Their eyes were filled with memories as they reflected backward.  Those relationships are what sustains them today.

Our elders tell stories from their past to teach us.  We need to listen and ask questions and learn about their lives and how God walked with them and helped them through the tragedies and trials of their lives.  Just because they are not as active and involved now, their eyes still sparkle with life and memories and words of wisdom if we listen.  Look into the eyes of those who are telling you stories of their past and you will see the deep love that lives within their hearts.

 When we look back, our eyes are filled with memories that bring tears of joy and sadness mingled together.  We live in the present with our hearts remembering and our feet firm on the foundation from those who have poured their love into our lives.

When we reach out and visit those who are in their twilight years, we bring joy to their moments.  It also helps us to get out of our own heads and moods and focus on someone else.  Ask them questions about their lives and allow them to share and remember.  After you leave, they will sit in those memories and give thanks for the relationships of their lives.  We receive from them a blessing, and they have an opportunity to share and relive those experiences.  It is a gift of connection and reminds them they still have value and worth.

 Allow your eyes to look backward and remember while firmly planted into today.  Make the visit.  Listen to the stories. Allow someone’s life to continue to produce fruit.  My mom’s life continues to have purpose and meaning as I live out what she taught me through her words and actions.

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