1-2-3 Jump!

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:17-18

James reminds us that shouting we have faith is not enough. The world needs to see us jump out of the boat, just as Peter did (Matthew 14), and show our faith by what we do. In other words, we need to interrupt our regular routines and step out into the unknown to experience God anew.

Once we jump out in faith and out of our comfort zones, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Learning from Peter, we certainly don't want to look down and begin to sink.

Today, walk away from the routine and show your unbelievable faith in God. It’s time to jump out of the boat to accomplish those new goals! You will prove you trust the Lord by the leaps of faith you take.

1-2-3 . . . jump!

Linking up with Barbie at Fresh Brewed Sunday.

The Lowly Babe Came for the Lowly

Infant holy. Infant lowly.

As the bright lights twinkle this holiday season, my mind keeps going to the stable. A stable unprepared to meet a King. Not that a stable is ever ready to welcome a King, but a stable that was a last minute birthing unit for the King of kings because the Inn was full.

I raised lambs, horses, and cattle growing up. The sounds, the smells, the filth all flood my memory. I would have never taken someone there to impress them. But yet it was that environment where we find the lowly babe, our Savior, being born.

Can you envision that? Our King didn't come to impress us, but came to free us, the oppressed. He never once thought about how his lowly birth would look or what others would think. He simply wanted to implore our hearts, change a world, and offer us grace.

Looking at the lowly babe there in the stinky, smelly, dirty stable I'm reminded that he came for me.

The lowly  . . .

the broken
the hard-hearted
the shameful
the unforgiven
the angry
the prideful
the lustful
the abandoned
the quiet
the loud

Hallelujah, the Lord's favor came to the lowly stable that night. A stable not worthy of a King's entrance. Yet I'm reminded that the lowly babe came for me in the most humblest of ways.


I pray earnestly that I can learn from the babe to be humble and reach out to the lowly -- the broken and downcast.




Linking up at Word Filled Wednesdays and A Holy Experience.

Tuesdays Unwrapped {i want to see}

I peer out the window of my soul. I can see God all around. It is evident He is here. I see His hand everywhere -- the creation, the color, and the beauty. But yet the silence is deafening.

If you are here God, I want to see.

I want to see your hand mightily in my life.
I want to see you majestically make yourself known.
I want to see answered prayers.
I want to see lives change.

I'm watching and waiting . . . I want to see.

I want to see YOU.

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped as we celebrate the moment of today.

unwrapping silence

Have you ever had those seasons where you felt God was silent? Maybe you are there now, right along with me. You seek and search, yet no answer. You might feel Him stirring and moving your heart, but no real breakthrough.

Silence is Oh. So. Awkward.

As we unwrap the Christmas season and take a look at silence, our minds are immediately drawn to:

Silent Night, Holy Night,

All is Calm, All is Bright

I’m not sure how silent, holy, calm and bright those days were leading up to Christ’s birth. When you reflect on the years before the night our Savior was born, you learn:

-Christ was born after a period of silence! 400 years of silence. God was silent as the world waited for the Messiah.

-As the world awaited a Savior, the silence resonated of new beginnings, new life, and yet something unfamiliar fixing to happen.

-Before the silence was broken with the birth of Jesus, he was there. Although unseen he was there – moving, speaking, stirring, and preparing.

As we sense silence in our lives, we just have to know that God is fixing to do a new and incredible thing in  our lives. We need to hold on, stay in His presence, and prepare.

Although, I’m not confortable with my specific season of silence I will hang on to the fact that God speaks in the quietest of whispers. And for me to hear the softest of whispers of God, I need silence.  Mother Teresa captures the importance of unwrapping silence so perfectly:

"See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls." 

Lord, unwrap the silence within each of us -- we want to touch souls for You!


I'm joining in with Carissa at Lowercase Letters today for Miscellany Monday - random musings to help make the mundane interesting. Y'all hop over and give her a shout out.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Eccleseastes3:1-8 NIV

With the official date of Fall approaching, I am reminded that our seasons change. Although the calendar may say it is Fall, down here in south Texas it will still seem like summer for weeks to come.

Such is life. Others may be saying it is time to dance and laugh, but yet you still need a few more weeks or months to mourn. You might hear from others, now it's time to get organized and get back to work, but for this season you decide to enjoy all your little ones running around the house.

Without question we all go through seasons of life. And it stands to reason that if you haven’t been through a specific season you can’t understand what others are going through in that season.

However, we can also take comfort knowing that if we are in a season of life we would care not to be in, just as the Fall season will quickly come and go, this season too shall pass.

The Storms of Life

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:1-2 NLT
As we have remembered our Country and those we love since the 9-11 ten year anniversary yesterday, I'm reminded that no one is exempt from the storms or trials of life.

You may not have been in NY or known loved ones who were on that dreadful day, but that does not alleviate you from encountering the devastating blows that life brings. Our trials come in many fashions -- joblessness, health crisis, or even the death of a loved one. However, through all storms of life, God Almighty is our shelter and place of refuge. He will provide the safety we seek. It's time we seek Him.

When fears, troubles and devastation find you -- hunker in close to the Lord Almighty and find rest in His shadow. Only God can provide the comfort, strength and peace needed to face the storms of life.

Moving Forward

“Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” Jeremiah 7:23 NLT


Can you remember the last time you heard someone speak or when you read your Bible you knew God was calling you to a new way of living?

I had such an encounter this past week. I made a commitment. Yes, Lord I’m going to obey You! I will follow You and Your words of direction. I will do what You say. I want to be holy as You tell us "Be holy for I am holy."


However, as I return to my “normal” routine and schedule – I have to admit it is hard. Breaking old habits and setting new ones stretches me out of my comfort zone.

Verse 24 of Jeremiah 7 says, “But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went back instead of forward.”

We must be listening to God and pursuing at all costs the directions He gives us. This morning are you listening? Are you following? Are you stretching to move forward? Are you obeying the call you heard when God nudged you?

Lord, let us be diligent in obeying Your still small voice when we hear it. Give us Your boldness and courage to follow through. Give us the vision to more forward, putting the past behind us. Amen.

Determine Today

“I will not neglect Your Word.” Psalm 119:16 NIV

I'm thinking of one of my favorite verses today, probably because I need this great reminder. I need to be determined! How about you?


Determine to take pleasure in the Lord. The psalmist writes, “I will not neglect Your Word.” (Psalm 119:16 NIV) As you wake each morning remember to set aside a special time with the Lord.

Where will you meet Him to reflect on His goodness? Will it be at the kitchen table, in your favorite chair or on your back porch? Wherever you chose, the Lord will be there waiting.

Beginning your day reflecting on His truths, goodness, and faithfulness will perk up your soul. It is never too late to savor His teachings for His words will delight your soul.

He Will See it to Completion

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NLT

The Lord revealed to Zechariah that the reconstruction of the temple will assuredly come to completion. In Zechariah 4:9-10 the Lord says, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. Who despises the day of small things?”

Zerubbabel had to start somewhere. I wonder if he was overwhelmed as he looked at the project ahead. Did he say, “There’s no way. I’m not cut out for this job. I've tried before. This is useless”?

Praise God Zerubbabel took one small step and began the project and then continued to take one small step after another. He didn’t rebuild the temple in his own strength or mighty power. It was the Lord’s Spirit that saw it to completion. Zerubbabel just took the first step!

What are you building today? A career? A home? A reputation? Are you using your own strength? Does the building process leave you frustrated? Tired? Or even overwhelmed?

What ever you're building, take the first step and give it to God. His Spirit will then see it to completion as His everlasting peace surrounds you.

Reliable Friends

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? Proverbs 20:6

There is no doubt, friends are important in your life and they either lift you up, or pull you down.


Most of us have probably long since let friends go that discourage us. We finally realize we have enough negativity to deal with without their help.


On the other hand, encouraging friends are a joy to have. They always have an uplifting word and a smile when we are down.


However, an encouraging friend may not be loyal. A loyal friend has your back at all times. They look out for you. They are friend enough to speak the hard truth when you need to hear it. They will risk your friendship for the sake of wanting the best for you. Listen to them, they speak the truth in love.

How many loyal friends surround you?

Are you a reliable loyal friend?

Choose Your Path...

My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not wavered from following You. Psalm 17:6 NLT

What path are you on today? The path to success. The road to happiness. The highway of despair.

I can tell you first hand that chasing after success and happiness or lollygagging around in the pits of despair do not bring you closer to God. It's not the circumstances that bring you closer to Christ, it's what you do that keeps you on the path.

The Psalm still speaks true today that we should stay on God’s path. The path might seem steep or bumpy at times, but nevertheless it is a journey where God will walk beside you. That is if you reach out and grab His hand to steady you. What you reach for will determine the peace on your journey.

So today, choose your path. Decide and determine to walk hand-in-hand with Christ. Then walk beside Him unwaivering. 

Your Secret Life

And this is the message I proclaim – that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. (Romans 2:16 NLT)

It is amazing how we think that what we do in secret will never be found out. We try to cover it up and hide it from others. We become so good at this charade we begin to think we can hide our “secrets” from God.

Looking back through scripture we quickly see that hiding our circumstances from God is not possible. Take a look at Adam and Eve, Moses, and David – they all thought they could run from God and hide their sins. However, what we learn from their lives is that the longer they played "cover up" the larger their sin became.

Do you have secrets that are weighing you down? Are you suffocating under the pressure of those secrets? Do they feel like they are getting harder and harder to confront?

If so, write a letter to God. Reveal, confess and tell of the secret life you are living. He knows already, but there is power in confession.


If you would like help and understanding in this area, please check out my book "Dirty Laundry Secrets ~ a Journey to Meet the Launderer." You can buy it here. Get it as an eBook today.

To My Veteran Friend

I don't know this man very well,
How he grew up or the stories he'd one day tell.
He served his country, a paramedic he'd be,
He fought in Nam and saw much he cared not to see.

His family abandoned him, while his life was on the line
Fighting every day for your life and mine.
He returned home to America with nowhere to go,
Lonely, tired, and beaten down feeling so low.

Realizing his life would never be the same,
He looked everywhere and to anything to numb the pain.
Alcohol led to drugs and the anger raged on,
Every night he whispered, "I am so alone."

The next thing he knew he was living on the streets,
Attending AA meetings he felt he had lived in total defeat.
Holding up signs "I will work for food",
He was degraded, belittled, and totally misunderstood.

Remember the next time you pass someone on the street,
You don't know their whole story so don't think they're a cheat.
Please, don't stroll by that person pretending not to see,
Instead tell yourself, "He might have been the one that fought for freedom for me!"


Dear special friend,
Thank you for serving and sacrificing your life, on and off the battlefield, for my freedom.
Blessings,

Surrendered in Worship

Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord. Psalm 134:2 NIV

Upon returning from camp my daughter was sharing all the details of the week. She mentioned she was blown away by the evening worship gatherings. She said everyone was singing their hearts out, hands raised, and they were totally in the moment of  praising God. Oh how I wish I could have been there all week!

I know we can praise God anywhere, anytime, and anyway we prefer. We can praise Him standing, sitting, laying down, eyes open, eyes closed, hands clasped together or hands raised. The list goes on and on, as God beckons our praise 24/7.

Maybe why my daughter was touched by all the hands raised and why I am moved when I see people worship in that position is that it symbolizes a surrendered heart. One that says, Yes, Lord it’s all about You. I give up. I give myself to You. Here I am.

Think about your favorite way to worship the Lord. Now, throw your hands up, surrender to God, and praise Him today.

Crazy in Love

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one things is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 NIV


Do the words worried, busy, upset, and distracted describe you today? Are you in full swing with your summer schedule and you find yourself trying to juggle many activities daily?

Maybe your work is demanding more hours because many are out on vacation. And your children need extra care because they are home for the summer. You try to work in a family vacation but realize that is next to impossible between work and summer camps. And then to top it off your finances for a vacation are lacking.

Today stop for a moment and listen as Jesus says, “You are worried about many things, but only one thing is needed.” That one thing is Him.

Follow Mary's lead, spend time sitting at Jesus' feet even though choas is all around you.

During these crazy months of summer, don't forget to be crazy in love with Him.

Prepare for an Amazing Adventure

Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5 NIV

Joshua reminds us to get ready for amazing things. We are to consecrate and make ourselves holy today in preparation for amazing adventures with the Lord tomorrow.

How will you prepare? How will you consecrate or set yourself apart? Take note, write it down, and put it into practice.

Joshua is telling the people to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The Lord works amazing things through people when they are wholeheartedly devoted to Him.

Spend time today consecrating and dedicating yourself to the Lord. Don’t risk missing the amazing things He’ll do through you!

Because You Say So

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 NIV

Because You say so. These four words show such an obedient and faithful heart in the making. The odds might be stacked against you and nothing may make sense, but if the Lord has called you to follow - you must.

Lord, I don’t want to move – but because You say so, I will go.

Lord, I can’t rejoice in my circumstances – but because You say so, I will sing.

Lord, I haven’t caught any fish – but because You say so, I’ll try one more time.

Lord, I’m frustrated today – but because You say so, I will continue on.

If you’re experiencing similar situations, remember – because He says so – He loves you, forgives you, leads you, and dwells within you.


Note: More thoughts on “because You say so” this week.

Bless Us Indeed

He (Jabez) was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10 NLT

Have you recently gone to God with prayers as bold as Jabez? Are you willing to pray that God would not just bless you, but that He would expand your territory?

Praying those words calls for a step of faith on your part. It is a prayer that must be accompanied with the act of expectancy. You expect God will enlarge your daily territory. You wait expecting and knowing God will do great things.

While you wait, you are not idle. However, you begin stirring up the boldness required to step out of your comfort zone. New territories are always uncomfortable at first. But God will grant your request as you look beyond yourself over the horizon to see a new territory, a new place, or new opportunity filled with new people.

Lord, expand our territories today. Use us beyond being a blessing in our homes, our work places and our churches. Use us to bless Your people in our communities, our cities and our country. Bless us indeed!

Write It Down

Jesus did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21: 25 NLT

Jesus did so many things that even 2000+ years ago those events could not be contained on paper. Think about that. Visualize it. Are you getting a clear picture?

If Jesus did so many incredible things in his 33 years here while He physically walked on earth, just think how much more he has done since then as He lives in each of us by His Spirit.

Have you ever thought about writing out what Jesus has done in your life? He is working in you daily. Have you stopped long enough to acknowledge His working in and through you? Maybe you could begin writing and write that you are the disciple who records these events and they are accurate just as John did.

Think about the awesome gift those recordings would be to your children or others who live on beyond you. Think about what an awesome record it would be for yourself to look back on and see how God moved.

Spend a few moments daily to record the many ways Christ has worked in your life.

Fight On

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

No worries, troubles or burdens will overcome you. Fight.


No sickness, disease or emotion will get the best of you. Fight.

Call on the fighter in you. You are called to fight. God stands ready to fight on your behalf. He goes before you, follows after you and dwells within you. Yes, there’s a fighter in you.

It’s time to fight for your finances, health, marriage or your children. Fight to overcome bitterness, loneliness, anger, and addictions. Whether you are fighting for or against – don’t give up. You are worth it!


Yes, raise up the fighter in you and fight on.