Cool Cash for a Hot Date Giveaway!

Anyone thinking about Valentine’s Day yet? With February almost upon us, allow me to start the Valentine’s Day fun with a little giveaway designed to get you out of the house with your special guy or gal. Could any of you use some cool cash (though not a stack of it like above!) for a hot date about now? I thought so :)

Because I'm in the mood to play Cupid this year, I will give $25 cash (or check or Visa cash card) to one lucky commenter. I've got my arrow poised and ready. Now all you've got to do is get in the line of fire :)

To enter this super fun Cool Cash for a Hot Date Giveaway, leave a comment on this post by noon (CST) February 12 to be included in the drawing. If I don't know you personally or can't contact you via your own blog, you must include your email address in your comment to be eligible for the giveaway.

If you have time for some fun, tell me in your comment about one of the best dates you’ve ever had. I’ll go with something fairly recent so I don’t have to strain my brain too much :) My husband and I love to go to the movies, but last fall we saw a live comedy show (a gift from our daughter Kristin and her husband Shawn). We LOVED it. Now I’m thinking we may have to change our date-night destination from the movie house to the stage a little more often! :)

As we think about dates with the ones we love, let’s remember to make special dates with the Lover of our souls as well. Let’s spend time with Jesus, the One who gave His very life so we could have fellowship with Him. Lots of best dates are on the horizon with Him!

"[Jesus] said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Mark 6:31b

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out later this week. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by AMagill

Life on a Higher Plane

Living in small-town Mid-America, we don’t usually have to worry about air traffic control. Shoot, we don’t have to worry about ground traffic control :) However, one morning not long ago when I looked out my front door, I couldn’t believe the activity overhead.

My upturned gaze spotted the jet stream of no less than five planes as they criss-crossed the cloudless blue sky. All of a sudden, another world—a busy world I don’t usually think about—captured my attention.

Since we live about seventy-five miles from the nearest major airport and don’t have many visual reminders of airline activity, the day-in and day-out business of flying the friendly skies isn’t often on my mind. But the sight above me that morning changed all that in an instant.

I got a peek at life on a higher plane (excuse the pun :) ), and it evidently is not only a friendly place (if we believe the ads) but a busy place as well. What’s more amazing is that what I saw is just the tip of the iceberg.

If we had eyes to see and conditions that allowed it, we’d see that this busy scene overhead is taking place across the entire country—and even the world. People are on the move. Life is happening above us at all times.

Another world high above—a heavenly world—captures my attention daily as I worship the Lord and come to Him in prayer. But sometimes I forget about all the activity going on around Him. Life is happening there. Angels and saints must be on the move at all times. They most certainly are experiencing life on a higher plane.

What’s even more amazing is that if we’ve placed our faith in Christ, if we’ve asked Him to be our Savior, we will one day join that heavenly world. We, too, will live life on a higher plane. And that’s some overhead activity I don’t want to miss. That’s the kind of busy I won't mind!

“Then the angel showed me. . . The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. . . There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:1a, 3b, 5

*What are you particularly looking forward to in heaven?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out next week. Sign-up is free and to the right. I've also added the option to receive my blog posts by email as well as RSS feed now. See right sidebar.

*Flickr photo by Al Pavangkanan

Sowing in Tears

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

What does it mean to sow in tears? I'm sure there's more than one way to interpret these verses, but one thing I think of as I read them is prayer.

We sow seed as we pray for those who have never come to faith in Christ. We sow as we pray for those who have drifted away from God and as we pray for the needs of our churches. But how earnestly do we intercede for these deep needs?

When was the last time our tears flowed or we experienced internal anguish as we prayed for a family member, a friend, or someone else's loved one to give his or her heart to the Lord? When was the last time we wept over a people group deluded by a false religion? When was the last time we sowed in tears?

If we're not careful, our prayers can be half-hearted or superficial. To sow in tears we must take time to care. We must open our hearts and love people. If we do this, their separation from God for eternity will surely drive us to our knees -- and to tears.

So yes, we will feel sorrow, but the Word tells us we will also "reap with songs of joy." And when it comes to the salvation of a soul, one song of joy will be worth a thousand tears.

"I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers . . ." Romans 9:2-3

*Have you had the blessing of reaping with songs of joy after sowing in tears for someone?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out next week. Sign-up is free and to the right. Also have added the option to receive my blog posts by email as well as RSS feed now. See right sidebar.

*Update: Due to an unexpected family situation, I didn't get to go on the Beautiful Feet Mission Trip I told you about in my last post.

*Flickr photo by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Revisiting Beautiful Feet -- Again!

*Update: A change of plans. Found out late Thursday I would be unable to go due to an unexpected family situation. Will be praying for the team and would appreciate your prayers for them as well!

Even though my feet are pretty darn cute (if I do say so myself!), this post is not about my tootsies. Some of you may be disappointed with that news while others of you are, I’m sure, extremely relieved :)

No, this post is about so much more than pedicures or foot scrubs. It’s about a beacon of hope where one is desperately needed. Beautiful Feet is a church that ministers to the homeless and inner city population in Ft. Worth, TX, and if you’ve been following my blog for a couple of years or more, you may remember me telling you about it before.

Once again, I will be joining others from our region on a weekend mission trip to Beautiful Feet. I feel blessed to be a part of their ministry occasionally, but I also feel challenged.

Little fears and personal worries about traveling with a group, the less than stellar sleeping conditions, and what I might encounter or how I might fall short during ministry opportunities all try to steal my joy and enthusiasm about going. I’ve had similar concerns before, and the Lord has always seen me through. In fact, my hymn for the day a few days ago was "God Will Take Care of You". Isn't God good to give assurance just when we need it? You'd think I'd learn not to worry, huh?

Please pray for me and the many others who will be ministering at Beautiful Feet this weekend. We’ll arrive Friday afternoon and go practically non-stop until we leave around noon on Sunday. I’ve posted it several times before, but in case you’ve missed it, here’s what Beautiful Feet is all about. Enjoy!

Beautiful Feet

There’s a place in Ft. Worth called Beautiful Feet
A place known by all who live on the street,
A hot lunch for free can be found there each day
After food for the soul is served up some way.
You see it’s not just a place, instead it’s a church
Where many find themselves beginning their search
For some shred of hope, a way out of their pain,
For love and acceptance instead of disdain.
Beautiful Feet is a light in a dark lonely world
A beacon of hope like a flag unfurled
For God’s people show love to one and all,
For Jesus is the One upon whom they call.
There are those who serve faithfully day after day,
And those who come yearly to work, share, and pray.
Each one sees God’s power heal and redeem,
The lost and the hurting become part of the team.
Each year Kansas comes the talk is who is blessed more
Those in Ft. Worth or the Kansans galore.
They truly feel like family, the bond is oh so sweet
For God is the Father at Beautiful Feet.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out in early February. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Also have added the option to receive my blog posts by email as well as RSS feed now. See right sidebar.

Fresh Worship with Old-Fashioned Hymns

Remember in December when I suggested we carol our way to worship by singing all the verses to well-loved Christmas carols? Well, as January unfolds, I’ve discovered that Christmas carols aren't the only way to experience fresh worship. Old-fashioned hymns work just as well.

In a New Year's post, fellow writer and blogger, Julie Gillies, challenged readers to ask God to show them one thing they could do to draw closer to Him this year. After fighting a bit of fear (silly and showing a lack of faith, I know, but sometimes I worry about what God might ask me to do), I asked God to show me if there was something that might help me draw closer to Him. Soon an answer came.

“Sing a hymn each day—the way you did with Christmas carols,” God impressed on my heart. My spirit leaped at the thought. Yes! I would continue the fresh worship God blessed me with during the Christmas season by simply singing through our hymnal this year. (When will I learn not to be fearful of what God might ask me to do? It always brings blessing, and He always empowers me to do it.)

Since we have a piano and I already have a hymnal at home, I jumped right in (singing, not playing; my piano skills leave much to be desired :)). The very first hymn was “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”. Can’t get much better than that, huh? As I sang all four verses, not only did I lift my voice to the Lord, my spirit sang as well.

Each morning now I look forward to seeing what my hymn for the day will be. With anticipation, I wonder what message I’ll meditate on as I sing to the Lord. I'm so thankful He showed me a new way to draw closer to Him this year.

Anyone with me? I encourage you to find a hymnal and let some old favorites lead you to fresh worship today. Sing with me, won’t you? “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee . . .”

“I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:5

*What's an old favorite you love to sing?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out in early February. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Also have added the option to receive my blog posts by email as well as RSS feed now. See right sidebar.

*Flickr photo by j2wade

Finding Renewed Treasure

I made Christmas shopping easy for my husband this past Christmas season. Since my Bible of fifteen years was sporting loose pages in the front and back, I knew it was time to part with it and break in a new one before I started leaving the Word of God as a trail behind me—though that’s not such a bad idea, is it?!

I searched the internet, found the exact Bible I wanted, ordered it, and then informed him that it was his Christmas gift to me. We both win, right? :) But when we get right down to it, I’m the bigger winner. His satisfaction in getting out of Christmas shopping lasted only a short time. The satisfaction I’m finding in the gift—the Word of God—blooms each day.

I don’t know about you, but I’m an underliner. You can just imagine what my old Bible looked like after fifteen years. Getting a new one with no markings felt a little scary. I thought for sure I would miss my notes and underlines and feel rather lost without them.

On the contrary, something entirely different has happened. I feel excited as I read. Each passage seems fresh, almost new. Verses well-known to me and loved dearly have taken on an aura of renewed treasure as I read them as if for the first time—words untouched by my handy pen, words I consider once more as I underline again.

I pray I will continue to look at the Word of God with fresh eyes, even long after I get my new Bible broken-in. I pray that I will come to it excited about what I may discover, expectant over what the Lord might reveal to me. I pray that the satisfaction I’m finding in the gift—the Word of God—will continue to bloom within me each day.

Is it time for you to take a fresh look at some familiar passages? I guarantee you will find renewed treasure. Definitely a winning proposition!

"When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty." Jeremiah 15:16

*Flickr photo by Savio Sebastian

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out the first week in February. Sign-up is free and to the right!

Focus: Theme Word for 2012

For the past two or three weeks I’ve been hearing talk in various places about choosing a word for the new year—a theme word that sums up a quality, an attitude, or action we feel led to concentrate on in 2012. I may be a week late joining the conversation, but it’s never too late to share a good idea, right?

The word that popped into my mind when I first heard mention of selecting a word for 2012 was focus. As a writer, I need focus in order to complete projects and also to grow and move forward. I need focus to use my time wisely, in the way the Lord is leading.

Focus has been on my mind for awhile. In fact, early last fall I memorized 2 Timothy 1:14 with this very thing in mind. It says, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

The NIV text note says the good deposit Paul is referencing to Timothy is the gospel, but there are other good deposits we can apply to this verse as well. Personally, I'm thinking of the writing gift God has given me and how I need to guard it by not going in so many directions that I don’t devote enough time to it. In addition to that, I’m sure the need for focus will pop up in other areas as well.

How about you? Has the Lord given you a word to focus (yes, focus!) on this year? If not, ask Him to show you if there is a quality, an attitude, or action that can help guide you through the coming year—and then tell us about it. I love how sharing thoughts and ideas can spur us on to action and change in our lives. Remember, it’s never too late to share a good idea!

“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly . . .” 1 Corinthians 9:24a

*Flickr photo by recursion_see_recursion

The Blessing Is on the Way

As we begin this new year, are any of you still waiting for a blessing you hoped would come in 2011—or even earlier? Are you waiting for an answer to prayer you felt certain would have unfolded by now? If so, don’t feel alone. I’m waiting, too.

It’s hard when God’s answers to our desires and dreams are “no” or “wait”. As we wait for the blessing to come, questions can niggle at our minds. Does God hear my prayers? Why doesn’t He answer? Doesn’t He even care about me? Is He punishing me for something? We may even feel like He’s forgotten us.

I won’t presume to explain why God’s answers are what they are in your life or mine, but we’re all acquainted with the growth that can take place in our characters as we learn to wait on Him and trust Him in every circumstance.

However, knowing growth will come doesn’t necessarily make the wait any easier, does it? Maybe an example from scripture about a delayed answer could provide some encouragement or fresh insight as to why we may have to wait at times.

In the tenth chapter of Daniel, we read that God had given Daniel a revelation, but Daniel didn’t understand it. He prayed and mourned for three weeks, asking God to give him understanding of the vision. At the end of the three weeks, Daniel had another vision of a man, a messenger from God (an angel or possibly even Jesus), who came to give him God’s answer.

The man told Daniel, “Since the first day . . . your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” (10:12) He went on to tell him that a demon had resisted him for twenty-one days. One of the chief angels came to help him, though, and the man was now there to give Daniel the understanding he sought from God.

From this passage we see that sometimes delays to our prayers happen because of struggles and battles going on in the spiritual realm. This may not be the reason for your current season of waiting on God, but it could be a possibility.

Whatever the reason you find yourself in God’s waiting room, take heart. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hears you. And the answer—the blessing—is on the way.

“‘As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given . . .’” Daniel 9:23a

*Flickr photo by the hills are alive

Blessing One Another in the New Year

Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope you soaked up every last ounce of Christmas joy over the past couple of weeks and are ready to start the adventure of a new year.

If you’re like me, you probably feel the need to take a deep breath after the holidays and regroup a day or two before heading full-steam into the opportunities and challenges that a new year holds. So to that end, I thought we might dedicate this post to blessing one another as we turn the corner into 2012.

My hope is that when you visit my blog you’ll be blessed every single time. Genesis 18:5 sums up my desire very well: “Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” My prayer is “O Lord, ‘Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.’” (Deuteronomy 32:2)

Do you have a scripture, a prayer, a quote, or maybe a word of encouragement to offer the rest of us? Has God used something to encourage, strengthen, or inspire you at some point and now you’d like to pass it along to others? Please share it in the comments and let’s bless one another as we walk into 2012!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet Photography