😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. Wow, can you believe it’s September already?  Where has this year gone?  Reflecting on the past eight months it’s interesting to see the changes and comings and goings of relationships in my life. Thinking about relationships that were in my life on January 1st, I couldn’t have predicted some that have dwindled, others that have entered, and still others that have grown by leaps and bounds. And then there are those steady and true, built on solid rock relationships that I never want to take for granted. One of the biggest friendship challenges for me is seeing a friend hurting. Seeing a loved one in pain makes me mad and feel a sense of helplessness. I just want to hold them with all my might and make their pain go away. But at the same time, I know the Lord is working through them in these seasons.  I may not be able to take their pain away or fix the situation, but as a friend I can be a listen ear and His loving presence and comfort for those willing to accept it.  But they have to be willing to accept it. Those times of pain, darkness, and confusion are when we need our friends the most, although those are to easiest times to draw inward, hide, and embrace the darkness. Allow your friends to love you through the challenges of life and keep you in the Light.  It’s so much easier to see and prepare for what lies ahead when you’re standing in the Light, compared with tripping, fumbling, and being blindsided in the dark. Bless others and be blessed. 

#Crowder – Let it Rain

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. 1 Samuel 2-10: “One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.  Samuel answered, ‘Here I am.’ And he ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’  But Eli said, ‘I did not call; go back and lie down.’ So he went and lay down.  Again the Lord called, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’  ‘My son,’ Eli said, ‘I did not call; go back and lie down.’  Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.  A third time the Lord called, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’  Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’  Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”

Who do you mistake God’s voice for?  Samuel thought it was Eli speaking to him. Three times God called out to Samuel, but he did not recognize the Lord, because he did not yet know the Lord. I’m not sure if Samuel even realized it was the Lord the fourth time He called to him. Samuel only responded the way he did out of obedience to how Eli instructed him to answer.  Last Friday I woke up with a message the Lord gave me to extend an invitation to someone I barely know. I had no contact information for this person, so He directed me to extend the invitation through a mutual friend. I contacted the mutual friend and she shared with me that God had been calling out to her all week about extending an invitation to her friend, but hadn’t because she didn’t want to have an awkward conversation with me about it.  The Lord is calling and sometimes He sounds like us, you know those thoughts in our heads that we come up with, which makes it easy for us to close the door and not be obedient to His call.  When we don’t act upon God’s calling, He will carry that message to someone else to deliver it to you, just as He directed Eli to Samuel. Have you ever wondered why you keep hearing the same message in a relatively short period of time?  Well, that’s God trying to reach you any way He can. Doubt and self questioning can go hand in hand when hearing from the Lord in the beginning. But the more you listen, the more you will recognize His voice, and the more you recognize His voice, the more He will talk with you.  Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. This small act of sharing our Lord’s words may not seem like much, but I tell you the truth, it will start a ripple effect. That one tiny drop of trust and action will create mighty waves. Some we will get to see and experience, but most of them we will have no knowledge. Our knowledge of those events is not what matters. The more you listen, the more confident you will become in recognizing His voice, the more confidently you will act upon His call, the more mighty wonders He will orchestrate through your small acts of obedience.  Bless others and be blessed. 

#JoshWilson – Dream Small

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. Granted, I haven’t read it completely through a multitude of times, but I’ve read through the Bible enough to know that I will never completely understand the Bible in my lifetime. What I do know is that as I grow more in the Spirit, I’m able to understand how the Lord uses His Word to enlighten and encourage me to share Him and grow our relationship even more. Last week I read in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 how we are to love our Lord with our whole heart, soul, and strength. We are to keep this command upon our hearts and share them at every moment possible. When we sit at home. When we walk along the road. When we lie down and when we get up. We know this, right?  But how about 6:8-9?  We are told to tie these commands (love our Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength) as symbols on our hands. Bind them to our foreheads. Writes them on our door frames and on our gates. Our minds can so easily be turned and swayed. God knows that we need to keep physical reminders in front of us at all time. Have you ever noticed how a sports fan has the jersey, hat, mug, keychain, flag, bumper sticker, phone app, etc. that always opens the door to conversation?  Way back in Deuteronomy, Moses is telling us to surround ourselves with these types of symbols, so that the Lord is ever present and at the forefront of our minds. That we have these reminds to allow us to share our relationship with Him at every moment.  How many times do you look at your phone a day?  What if you made a picture of Jesus your home screen?  How would that change your thoughts and interactions?  What if you wore something every day that pointed to your faith?  How would that open conversations about Him?  What if you changed your ringtone to a Christian song?  How many more times a day would that song draw your thoughts closer to God?  Share with me the different reminders and symbols you keep in front of you, that daily draw you closer to our Lord and encourage you to share Him with others?  Bless others and be blessed. 

#ThirdDay – This is Who I Am

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you.  Sunday during Father’s homily he said something that was very sobering and brought tears to my eye.  I have to tell you, they weren’t happy tears, they were because of my recognition of failure. Father was talking about his first parish assignment as a priest and shared with us the prayer that lead pastor at that parish prayed before every Mass. “Lord, let me pray this Mass as if it were my first…my last…and the only Mass I will pray.”  I’ve had the blessing of attending many Masses over the years, but can I say that I prayed them as if they were my first, last, or only?  Let’s be real, I know for a fact that there have been times that I honestly didn’t even “pray” the Mass. I was a spectator, checking people out. Who was with who? What were they wearing? That person is annoying. The message isn’t what I was wanting to hear. And I’m sure we’ve all complained about the music from time to time. Being able to freely attend Mass every week is such an incredible gift, but as I once said, “A gift isn’t fully given until it’s fully received.”  I’ve been missing out on so many more blessings simply by choice. The Lord wants to share so much of Himself and other wonderful gifts with us, but we are so focused on ourselves that we can’t even fathom what we’re missing. I understand, you have no idea how one gift will lead to another. Sure, it would be easy if God said, “If you do these five things, you’ll get what it is that you are really wanting.”  Instead He is telling us, “Will you trust me with this one thing?  Yes, you will?  That’s great, because now that you’ve built that into your being, will you trust me with this?  You will, wonderful. See what you’ve been able to do because you trusted Me the first time?  Now, will you trust me with this part of your life also?  Yes!  I really like your willingness. Do you see how these three things didn’t seem to go together, but because of your trust and willingness they have completely expanded your horizons?  Will you trust me with this?  EXCELLENT!…”  He has a never ending list of gifts and blessings chosen just for you. But until you choose to accept them and open them to their fill potential, they mean nothing to you. Although they mean everything, even death on a cross, to Him. I know at times it doesn’t feel like it, but believe it or not, God is giving us all the control. Make wise choices.  Bless others and be blessed. 

#LincolnBrewster – God of the Impossible

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. Earlier this week Brian and I celebrated our 18th anniversary by spending a few days in the Traverse City, MI area. Wow!  I’m really in awe of the beauty God created in that area. Sure, being in the Dayton, OH area we see flat corn fields all of the time. But add some rolling hills and dimension to those corn fields as they have in the Traverse City area and you have a very different view and perspective.  It’s interesting how changing one element of a situation can change so much. It wasn’t too long ago that I was sitting in the back seat of my car writing a 😎🐫 message, while waiting for a friend. When she arrived, she asked why I was sitting in the back seat. My reply, “It’s a different perspective.”  Occasionally we all need that backseat perspective. Perspective and attitude will incredibly change a moment. The lakes in MI were so clear, blue, and warm. It’s been about 12 years since I actually spent some time in water other than a shower, but their beauty just drew me in.  

A few years back when a local bookstore went out of business, I purchased a book that I wasn’t looking for, but it was on clearance and its title intrigued me so I purchased it. You know, those planned “chance” moments can be the greatest guides in our lives if we open ourselves to them.  The book is “The Power of One on One” by Jim Stump.  One on one, that’s what we shared this weekend.  We left the campground early and stayed out late. In four days of camping, we never even started a fire. If you know me, you know that’s a big deal. Thinking about this just now, it’s interesting that I was pulled back from the fire and drawn to the water.  Hmmm, that’s something else to contemplate.  Anyway, I feel I’m all over the place this week, but just hang with me a bit longer. I grew up playing a different sport each season and I kind of had rotating, seasonal friendships.  Hanging out with a group of friends for me, became more about just having a good time and conversation that just scratched the surface of life, love, concerns, and growth.  And we all need that alone time to help center ourselves, quiet down our spirit, and have one on one moments with the Lord.  But I believe where I thrive is in one on one walks and talks. I believe that’s where you are most free go deep with others. Undistracted time, asking those challenging questions and opening your heart and soul without fear of judgment, knowing that matters discussed are held in confidence and love.  Being away from the distractions of everyday life is one of the reasons why I really enjoy road trips with Brian.  Spending hours in a car with only one other person will certainly initiate conversations that would have never otherwise happened.  I want to encourage you to tap into the power of one on one relationships. Allow them to be open, vulnerable, find joy, and go deep. Allow your cup to be filled ‘til it overflows. The blessings you discover will be beyond measure. Bless others and be blessed. 

#TobyMac – Overflow

#JimStump – The Power of One on One

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. I know we’ve all had those moments looking at a picture of ourselves when we start picking on ourselves. I don’t like this…  I don’t like that…  Delete!  I’ve come to a point in my life that I don’t worry so much about that stuff. I’m comfortable with who I am, so those physical images aren’t a major hang up for me.  It wasn’t always this way and I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced this or not, but when looking at pictures of myself it’s like I’m looking at a stranger. There’s no life, no spirit, and it seems very empty.  His Spirit is alive and is what gives me life. Is that what’s missing in the pictures?  How many times do we pass by people that have a blank, hollow, lifeless look about them. I imagine we’ve experienced that more than we would like to count. That blank, hollow, lifeless look is God’s invitation calling you to bring His Spirit to them, to bring them life filled with His presence.  That doesn’t mean Bible thumping them. It’s about loving them the way they need to be loved (although we don’t always know what we need or what’s best for us) and allow His presence to ooze and pour out of every action and word you speak.  Be His light to a longing heart and allow them to experience what true life in the Lord really is. This doesn’t mean you should run out and find a “project”, but be open when He sends you an invitation. You’re part of His plan. Bless others and be blessed. 

#TaurenWells – God’s Not Done with You

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you.  Surrender?  Everything?  I’ve been working on a project recently and I’ve heard myself say out loud on multiple occasion regarding that project, “I want whatever God wants.”  But later I’ll try to control the situation and give it a “Not that.” or “I want it this way.”  This past weekend’s Women’s Emmaus Walk was an incredibly strong reminder of how an ordinary place + flawed individuals + surrender to the Holy Spirit = God’s overwhelming ability to change lives beyond measure. Yes, faith is believing in that which we cannot see, but we can see and experience God.    He leaves evidence of His presence everywhere, but without surrender, we are blind to that evidence.  I know in my heart that His will is so much greater than mine. I just need to keep telling that to my mind and give Him my full surrender. Bless others and be blessed. 

#AustinFrench – Holy Ground

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. I’ve been staring at my phone for over an hour trying to put into words what God is speaking to me, but all I’m hearing is “Be still.”  This past weekend we went on a camping trip with some of our kids and grandkids and at one point Brian ask me why I was standing off by myself, distancing myself from everyone else. I didn’t realize I was doing that and I wasn’t trying to be off by myself.  At times, I find there are moments in which I don’t want to be part of the action. I just want to sit back and take in the joy others are experiencing. Sometime I just need to step back to get the full effect of the experience going on around me. When we are so wrapped up in the daily grind and To Do lists, so much of this life passes us by in a blink.  The same can be true with our faith journey.  Are you just working through that spiritual To Do list and missing those moments of stillness and surrender?  It’s okay to take a few steps back from those lists, challenges, and battles, and allow yourself to just be still.  The end of this song allows you some time to experience stillness in God’s presence. I want to challenge you to allow that stillness and NOT turn the song off before it ends. Bless others and be blessed. 

#JeremyCamp – Be Still

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you. This past week I’ve had a couple God realization moments.   First, there are many times in our lives that we get delayed for whatever reason and it can be frustrating. The majority of the time we have no idea why we were delayed or what that delay helped us to avoid. Traveling to MI on Friday, we stopped at a rest stop for a quick break. Standing at the car waiting for Brian to return I said this prayer. “Please keep us and all those around us safe, sober, undistracted, and focused.”  Brian returned to the car and told me about a conversation him and a guy had standing at the sink, about sensor style faucets. Apparently the one in the restroom didn’t want to work and it was slowing both of them down. We were back on the road I would guess not even 10 minutes when I noticed what appeared to be a cloud of dust or something maybe 3 miles down the road. Then all of the sudden everyone was hitting their breaks.  I don’t know what happened but there was a big dump truck that hit the center wall hard. The driver was out of the truck laying on the ground breathing hard and his truck was a few vehicle lengths ahead of him. Other than praying for those involved in that accident, I also thanked God for the sensor faucet that didn’t want to work and delayed us to the point of not being involved in the accident.  On Saturday we went for ice cream after dinner, before starting our journey back to OH, got a screw in our tire, and had to go to two tire shops in order to get it repaired.  A special thank you to Discount Tires for letting us in and taking care of us two minutes before closing.  Why were we delayed that time?  I don’t know, but once again I thanked God for the delay. 

Second, on Monday I had kind of a surreal moment, that I’d not experienced before, when God revealed this to me.  I imagine you’ve heard the parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14-30.  Essentially, if you’re faithful in small matters, God will entrust you with move. After another challenging day of work, sitting on my porch swing trying to relax, God brought this parable to mind and said, “I would trust you with more, not it’s going to be easy.”  I have to admit, that made me grin.  Life with Him is good, not a guarantee of easy.  But we are never in this alone.  Bless others and be blessed. 

#Switch – Symphony

😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace be with you.  I’ve known for many years that I very much enjoy serving others. It’s not just an opportunity to help someone, but also to teach and guide.  Something that I recently discovered about serving others at work is that I get rather frustrated when I don’t have the knowledge to properly serve them in a timely manner.  I guess we all have our breaking points and I kind of found mine in a meeting last Thursday. There was no excuse for my actions and over the next couple work days I apologized to everyone that was in the meeting.  As I reflect on this frustration I’m realizing as frustrated as I’ve been not being able to serve others, I can’t even imagine how frustrated God gets with us when we don’t allow Him into our lives to serve us.  He loves and cares for us so much that it probably breaks His heart when we turn down His advances and try to do things on our own. It’s not that He wants to do everything for us, but He wants to do things with us.  He doesn’t want our learning to have to be painful.  He just wants us to learn.  God can use all of our bad choices and turn them around for His glory, if we work through the aftermath with Him.  Since my blow up and apologies, I’ve seen and walked through doors of opportunity to engage and encourage some of my coworkers.  We’ve experienced opportunities to turn negative attitudes toward a more positive light. We’ve seen constant complaining turn into “Let’s work on some solutions.”  Yes, there is still some negativity in the ranks, but that new spark of hope is growing.  It’s like the spark of light in a new sunrise. At first there’s just a glow and before you know it the whole sky is lit up and shining gloriously for the Lord.

As some of you well know, it’s not a stretch for me to want to get up and dance with the kids in this video. Take a moment and just let loose.  You know it will feel good and put a smile on your face. Bless others and be blessed.

#DannyGokey – New Day