Couldn’t they find a better message to print?  I mean, you’re already disappointed to find out you didn’t get the prize, but then the shame of having to read that you’re not a winner.  What does that do to one’s self-esteem?

As I was on the receiving end of one such game piece today, I paused after reading the lousy message.  Because I was already feeling a little edgy, I resented reading the careless text.  OK, so maybe I’m being a little dramatic. But, it did make me stop and think.

The truth is, I am a child of God.  He thinks I’m a winner.  Even on days like today when my husband and I are wrestling to solve a dispute, and the dog is still acting out because I dared go out of town three weeks ago, and I’m battling a head cold that fogs my brain and preempts desperately needed sleep, and when I forgot… again!  God still loves me.  Oh, how I needed to hear that truth!

Are you needing a reminder that God loves you today?  Hear this: He loves you extravagantly!  He’s not stingy with His love.  Nor is His love conditional.  He longs to lavish His love on you.  I pray that you’ll sit and soak in it.  Exhale the worries of the day and drink in His love and goodness.  Be still, my friend, and know that you are loved.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  1 John 3:1

God never fails in showing me His love, and I’m touched by the His unexpected gift tonight… a perfect gift on Mother’s Day.

Some years,  Mother’s Day is hard for me because I’m keenly aware of Ashlynn’s absence.  This year, however, I was camping with my middle daughter, battling allergies, and whispering my way through a bout of laryngitis.  Needless to say, my thoughts were occupied most of the weekend.

But tonight, as my household became quiet, I received a touching email.  My friend wrote:

“As I was picking strawberries today, there was a father yelling at his little girl, Ashlynn. He kept yelling her name over and over again. I stopped what I was doing and said a quick prayer, ‘Dear loving God, please help this father have patience and see what a precious gift HIS Ashlynn is, because I know another mom who would give anything to pick strawberries with HER precious Ashlynn. Show him that she’s only excited about picking strawberries and not trying to aggravate him. Amen.’  You know what, it was quiet after that.  Just a giggle here and there. Powerful. Happy Mother’s Day, dear friend. ‘

Powerful indeed! I was speechless as happy tears made there way down my cheek. 

Once again, there’s evidence that my daughter’s life had meaning and continues to have lasting impact.  My friend prayed for another precious girl and her father today because of my daughter’s life.  And her prayers were heard. And then she took the time to share the experience with me, probably not even realizing the magnitude of the gift that it was.  I love the beauty of how God works, because in that simple act, while picking strawberries with her family, she was being used by our God Almighty to touch lives – mine, a father and his daughter, and hopefully yours.

Words can’t contain my gratitude tonight – for my friend, for the gift of my daughter, and for a God who is gracious and shows me reminders of His love for me.  Ashlynn’s legacy lives on even though her physical body doesn’t.  And what a gift to know that she continues to spread love even in her absence. 

I pray that you experience the depths of God’s love today and know that your life matters to Him.  All life matters to God –  regardless of size, age or nationality – so let’s take time to cherish it and those around us.

But, today I experienced an important reminder.

God will direct my steps when I entrust them to Him.  How do I know?  Well, His word tells me so. And, I lived it today.  Right in the middle of my every day, ordinary life, I had the chance to minister to at least two people. There were no prior thoughts or planning.  The opportunities simply appeared – directly in my path.  Once at Kroger as a hurting employee shared her worries. And once through a series of events that resulted in a stranger calling me – a stranger who had recently experienced the death of a daughter.  A stranger who stated that she was struggling with her faith.  A stranger who needed to be encouraged. 

In those moments, I responded and I was blessed.  I was renewed, refreshed and encouraged.  I needed the reminder that the plans for my life aren’t some big mystery that God plants and then leaves me to figure out.  Instead, I just need to walk with Him one day at a time.  He’ll show me what to do. He’ll open doors and opportunities.  I can relax and trust Him to point the way.

Where are you today? Perhaps you’re like me and always trying to help God along with His plans.  Or maybe you fall to the other end of the spectrum and are oblivious to the ways that God is working around you.  We’ve probably found ourselves in both places (and somewhere in between) at some point in our lives.  Let’s remember that God has a plan for each of us.  And He will shine light on the path in due time.  We can relax and enjoy the beauty of the day and the journey when we exercise trust in Him.  He doesn’t want our striving and struggling.  He wants hearts and hands are that are ready and willing.

My challenge for each of us today is that instead of offering God our abilities that we give Him the gift of our availability.  He’ll use us for His glory when we do.

As I’ve reflected on their differences lately, my thoughts have moved. They’ve moved from quizzical (Why are they so different?) to awe (How cool it is that they’re so unique!) I’m reminded that God knits us together in His perfection. Do I dare accept and embrace every quirk and perceived flaw? I’m not there with myself, yet, but I love seeing my kids as a whole package instead of a set strengths and weaknesses. I’m embracing them fully… and what a beautiful picture it is of how God loves us.

As I was reflecting, I recalled some treasured gifts that each of my kids had given me. Each was when they were three years old. Each was chosen by themselves alone, no adult nudging or intervention. And each seems to represent the giver. To an outsider, these gifts may appear to be insignificant trinkets. To me, they’re prized possessions – mainly because of the giver, but also because of what each gift represents.

My older daughter proudly presented me with the bear pictured, carefully wrapped and tucked under the tree. I see her qualities of compassion, caring, and sensitivity when I look at it.

My next daughter playfully gave me this girl while beaming with love. She, too, is whimsical with her style of clothing, silly faces, and antics around our home.

Finally, my son chose this watering can. While he’s the youngest, I see a sense of practicality and functionality represented in his choice. But also, I see refreshment and life that comes from water.

While these little figurines don’t fully summarize my children’s beings, I find it interesting that there are associations. I’m also intrigued by the fact that they each chose a figurine. From all the things they could have chosen – lotions ,books, stuffed animals, toys, snacks, clothes, and the list continues – they each selected a small figure. (I’ve yet to determine what that means, but will continue to ponder.)

In the meantime, I’m celebrating their uniqueness. I’m celebrating the whole package and envisioning their potential and possibility in Christ. May I continue to grow in God’s perspective of who they are as I trust Him with their lives.

Isn’t that the challenge for us all? I pray that today, you’ll celebrate the differences of others and find acceptance, even excitement, that we’re all fearfully and wonderfully made.

I wanted to live in this house forever because trees had been given to us and planted in our yard in her memory.

I wanted the garden that was created with the funds donated in her memory to be peaceful and effortless to create and maintain.

I wanted perfection in the book I wrote that included her and my journey of faith.

Yet, my wants didn’t materialize. One of the trees in our yard died. Debate ensued over the placement of the garden.  And, the publication process left a lot to be desired and the current owner of the company is now in jail.  How’s that for keeping all things related to her pure?

So what does all this mean?

I have no idea really.  But I wish I did. I have analyzed, pondered, discussed, and speculated without really solving a thing.  Yet, I am at peace with it all. I have peace that God has a purpose and is using each of these events in my life for something positive.

None of the issues were really consequential in the grand scheme of things.  Well, maybe the book publishing stuff, but I certainly learned a heap of meaningful life lessons from my experience. That counts for something.  So maybe the other issues were about me needing to loosen my grip on my expectations.  The reality is that none of the concerns I had impacted how I think or feel about Ashlynn.  Those peripheral happening were irrelevant when it comes to my love for her. 

While I’m sure I’ll continue to try to make sense of it in some fashion, I know that God will use it for good in my life regardless of my understanding or lack thereof.  I trust Him with my circumstances.  I trust Him with my heart. And I’m thankful that He can make beauty from ashes.

May you find peace in your circumstances today as you trust in Him!

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

As I wrestled with these thoughts, I felt a desperate need to go out and plant flowers today – to brighten my yard and my spirits.  Perhaps the flowers bring comfort because they remind me of the new life that comes with the resurrection.  Perhaps it’s their cheerful colors and scents, knowing they’re a beautiful gift from the Creator.

Whatever the case, I’m grateful. Grateful for new life and new beginnings.  Grateful for the beauty that God can make of any circumstance or trial.  And grateful for the precious gift of Jesus.  May you accept His gift, celebrate His love and experience His transforming power in your life.

Happy Easter!

It was indeed representative of how he thinks and creates, but not at all what I expected. I thought he’d used his markers in the traditional sense – to color something.

How often do we have preconceived ideas about things?  We have ideas of how God should answer our prayers or fix a problem.  We have ideas of how He should bless us and weave the details of our lives.  And yet, He’s so much bigger than anything we can dream or imagine. 

Are you asking God for something right now and waiting for His answer in your prescribed way?  I invite you to ask God to show you His creativity.   He’ll answer your prayer for certain.  So, why not have some fun with it and ask God to surprise with His response.  You may just experience an adventure along the way.

OK, so there was one little responsibility.  I was one of the drivers. I had co-pilots though to help me along. It wasn’t long though before we encountered our first navigational mishap. However, it was minor and we even managed to arrive at our destination before our other travelers in spite of our “detour.”

As we left dinner, we were headed to the main event.  Approximately one hour from home, I was familiar with the area, but it very general terms.  So, I activated the GPS on my phone. (Note: This was a first for me.) Likewise, one of my co-pilots input the data into her phone.

And that’s where the story goes downhill.

Her GPS and my GPS, both audibly giving commands, did not agree.  They had their own ideas about which way we should be going.  Then there was the driver in the car behind me, also part of our group.  I could see in my rear view mirror that she wanted me to turn left.  Only, my GPS did not agree with her either, so I continued a little further where I could turn around and get my bearings.  Meanwhile, some helpful directions echoed from the backseat.   

Overloaded with instructions, I wanted  — no, needed – to find the nearest parking spot. All I could hear were competing instructions.

This lane.

Turn left.

Not at this light.

Do a U-turn.

Turn right.

Pull in there.

Keep going this way.

Exasperated, I pulled over.  By then, everyone following (yes, I was leading the group of vehicles) had deserted me. Gone. Actually, I was relieved because I felt like an idiot and didn’t want to subject them to driving around in circles while I figured out what I was doing on this traffic filled street.

Recalculating – my brain, that is!

All was quiet and I could regroup. Fortunately, I had a car full of patient and forgiving riders.  We eventually laughed – they sooner than I.

As I reflected on what went wrong, it was clear that I had too much input from outside sources.  Most of it was conflicting and I was left to sort out the confusion.

Oh, how my life can be like this at times, especially when I’m struggling to make a decision. I call a friend, ask my husband, and start praying.  Sometimes, I even start looking for signs or let God know that if He could just send me a quick email or text I’d appreciate it.  I might read some books, try to Google something helpful in making the decision or even make a list of pros and cons.  But the reality is, I typically find my answer (or it finds me) in those quiet moments with God.

Quiet moments with God… they don’t happen often enough because usually I’m too busy talking to God and not listening.  Maybe that sounds strange to you.  Maybe you’re wondering what I’d hear if I took the time to listen.  It’s not an audible voice, but He does speak.  He brings to mind a verse.  Or He gives me a new thought that I hadn’t considered. He gives me clarity and peace.  It happens in a variety of ways, but I’m always reminded that His ways are best.  I’m reminded to seek Him because He’s interested in the big and small things of my life.  I’m reminded that He can be trusted to direct my path. 

I pray that you, too, seek Him for guidance, direction, and answers.  I pray that you stop to listen and then delight in His response. His ways are best – never conflicting, never misleading.  His ways will lead us to our destination.  I hope you enjoy the view along the way.

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6

Ah, something I long for: balance. And yet, I struggle to find it. 

I struggle to find balance in my schedule, vacillating between working tirelessly and being all out lazy. I have periods of chaos that are chocked full of must-do items yet when I arrive in a slow season, I flop lazily on the couch to escape.  And while I remind myself that slow and steady wins the race, I can’t seem to position myself in that place.

I struggle to find balance in my eating.  Feast or famine. Too many sweets or none. Eating out or dining at home.  Again, I seem to live seasons of all or nothing instead of a constant state of equilibrium.

My list of imbalances is lengthy, so I’ll spare you the details.  But, I want you to think about your own.  Where do you struggle to find middle ground?

Is your battle with legalism vs. grace? Or, time with family vs. work? Or work vs. play?  We all wrestle with some sort of balance issues in life.

As I was talking with a friend who was aware that I was recently in a state of disequilibrium, I was excited to share that I’m in a better place.  But as I walked away, I started doing what I typically do – analyze.  So I questioned. What helped me tip the scale back into balance?  Did I have anything to do with it or was is circumstantial… or God?  As I pondered, mulled, and thought, here’s where I landed…

At the foot of the cross!  Jesus is the perfect image of how we can achieve balance.  Our lives must be centered on Him.  Not on doing, but just being in Him.  A day that starts with Him and a continual awareness of His presence throughout the day is where I find balance.  Otherwise, I slip. I pile up a little too much on one side and find myself leaning uncomfortably.  I find myself overcommitted or in a hurry to achieve something that should take years, not weeks. I push and pile some more, until I feel like I’m sinking and suffocated.

Jesus comes to my rescue time and time again.  Each time with a sweet invitation to find rest and joy in Him.  So, as we approach Easter, let’s remember to center our lives at the cross.  Enjoy and appreciate the priceless gift He gave and find true contentment, satisfaction and balance in Him.

He takes control.  He darts. He stops. He pulls.  Where ever he wants to go, he attempts to make me follow.  I happen to be significantly bigger than him, so he’s not actually able to pull me where he wants, but he sure tries – a far cry from showing respect.

And while he’s behaving badly, it’s actually my fault. 

I have failed to invest the time, energy and patience to train him in this area.  I have failed to take control and continue to allow the behavior.

Duke reminds me of my commitments.  I allow them to shape my day. Because I don’t say “no” and exercise control of my schedule, other things dictate my day and consume my time.  They may be good things, but not necessarily the things God intended for me.  And so, I get jerked around from task to task, missing out on God’s best as I collapse in exhaustion at the end of the day.

How about you?  Are you seeking God’s direction for your life, even in the small things?  Are you allowing Him to shape your day or is your “To Do” list longer than your day and dragging you along?

I pray that we look to Him for direction and that we’ll find peace, joy and contentment as we experience His best for us.