A quote that bears listening to is this:  “You show me your friends, and I will show you your future.”  Mentors are friends who invest their love, time, and hearts into our lives.

Our human nature takes on the attributes and attitudes of the people we spend the most time with.  Who we choose to follow will determine, to a large degree, the people we become.  A similar truth applies to us as Christians.  If we desire to be an effective, positive influence in our world, we need to be wise and discerning as to who we spend a great deal of time with.

What do positive and effective Christians look like anyway?  Aren’t they just ordinary people who are “walking the walk, and talking the talk?”  They are people, like you and me, who are living out their faith in the shoe leather of their lives, and seeking to do what’s necessary to know God and to be used by Him in practical and powerful ways.

Where do I begin to share the treasure of one of my long-time and loving friendship I had with Betty and her husband Frank?  For my husband Peter, it was upon his arrival in Canada many years ago that  Frank and Betty were the first to welcome him with their loving hospitality, and many meals and conversations.   The entire family embraced my husband as a friend.

As a couple, my husband and I had only been married three weeks when we were invited to Christmas dinner in their home.   This was my first introduction to this family who were originally from Australia.   I recall vividly where we were seated at their long dining table.  We were at the very end, and an appropriate location for what was about to transpire.

Being introduced to new people and a new country, I remained quite quiet as I adjusted to this new and what seemed like a “reserved group of friends.”  I was soon to have a change of perspective.

The meal was delicious and the dessert was now arriving at each one’s place setting.  It was Christmas pudding with custard in Betty’s fashionable style.  Everything was beautifully presented.  My personal challenge were the “raisins.”   For some reason, they aren’t appreciated in my pallet.   I thought to myself, “How am I going to eat all this?  I know, I’ll take large bites and just swallow quickly.”   On about my third attempt it seemed there was a problem with the swallowing technique I was employing.   Something just wouldn’t go down my throat.  After fondling this item in my mouth for a time, I made the executive decision to carefully arrange a serviette close to my mouth and relieve the pressure.  

Need I mention that the conversation around the table was quiet and respectable in tone.  When my eyes caught a glimpse of what I was endeavoring to swallow, I burst out in uncontrollable laughter.    What I wasn’t informed about was what to expect what is commonly in the dessert. Betty had placed several silver charms throughout the Christmas pudding.   I discovered I was attempting to swallow two horses and a covered wagon!  Almost every Christmas thereafter, Betty and I would recall with laughter the episode of the “covered wagon”.

This enjoyment with this family began many years ago.  Frank and Betty would vacation in many of our homes throughout the years.  The common thread that enriched the love in our relationship was sharing together about our walk with the Lord, and the pleasure of good food.  Whether it was just a scone and cup of tea, or a roast dinner, love and laughter always filled our conversations.

There are many wonderful qualities about Betty that I miss very much.   She was more than just a friend to me.   She had a quiet and gentle spirit about her, which was not only precious to the Lord, but life-giving to me.    Betty never seemed jealous of anyone, but always found reason to express love and encouragement.  This lovely lady was one of my “life mentors.”

Oddly enough she never realized she journeyed with me in that role; but her example in practical ways still displays itself when I’m preparing dinner for friends,   “Remember, always use various colors of veggies on the dinner plate.  And use a variety of plates in serving the food.   Dinner rolls needn’t always go in a basket.”   She’d smile when “dishing out” that practical advice.

The last five years of her life here on earth were most precious to me because the Lord gave us a lovely closeness of heart.   We had moved from Calgary and were living a great distance from our first home.   

It began with occasional phone conversations that progressed to a daily delight.  In life, I’ve found that “listening” is a beautiful gift we can give to others.  God beautifully designed us for relationships.    It’s so wonderful to hear the words I love you from a friend.   I think the one quality the Lord built and displayed in her life to me was that she spoke, shared, and lived in a way that nourished my heart to love and trust the Lord, regardless of what was going on in my life.   

God “custom designed” each of us to love Him, know Him, and enjoy Him both now and forever.  And most of all to “glorify Him” (or in my own words….to make God look good) as we live out His plans for our lives.

This lovely woman’s practical advice, sense of humor, and gentle approach toward others fashioned my own life’s goal…..which she demonstrated beautifully.

After people spend time with me, what do they think of Jesus Christ.

To me, the following quote from “My Utmost for His Highest” devotional sums up Betty’s life-example and love for our Lord.

“I am called to live in such a perfect relationship with God that my life produces a yearning for God in the lives of others, not admiration for myself.”

Reunion day is coming, and it will be a glorious experience to see the Lord Himself and share forever the love, joys, and laughter that is now filling my friend’s life.

This friend’s example of how to love people in practical ways just oozed from her life.   Even her sendoff to be with the Lord was graced by the presence of her family.   They gave their mother the “gift of their presence” and that gift, even though the time was difficult to experience, was, in a way “to walk her home…..into His presence.”  

“Lord, thank you for your design of not only this woman, but other women who have served as mentors to me,” (and you know who you are).    My mentors have blessed and encouraged my life through their loving example of how to live “transparently” before me.  Each of their lives, uniquely displayed, blessed my walk with the Lord through their consistent expressions of the grace, gentleness, and patience of God.

How do we find a mentor?  Sometimes wonderful role models are right in front of us and easily accessible, but we need to be on the lookout for them.   How do we recognize them?  

We might look in the rear view mirror of our living to start with.   Who are two or three or more people that have positively impacted your life?   Look for people that have been used by God to “shape you.”  What lessons have they shown you that has helped shape your character?   Who has taken an interest in you, either for a long time or a short season?

I feel another way to spot a quality mentor is to take a look around your life journey right now.   Who are the women whose character and lifestyle produces a yearning for God in your life?  I’m not speaking about perfection here, just “authenticity.”   Whether she’s up close and personal in the same country or state in which you live, or perhaps she’s thousands of miles away.  But her life still touches and teaches you to “walk with God…..and trust in Him.”  

The world seems smaller than it did years ago through Skype, cell phones and texting, so we can still connect, regardless of the miles between friends.   So relationships that mentor us can be informal and echoed through emails, cell towers, coffee shops, or a kitchen table.

Great mentors will stretch your thinking and move you forward in your walk with Christ.  They may or may not be famous or well educated, but they’ll be people who are not afraid to live outside their “comfort zone” and share their struggles and successes because of what the Lord has done in their life.

Whoever you choose, their lives will strengthen and influence your walk and trust in the Lord.

In our life’s pilgrimage we experience innumerable opportunities, many of them disguised as “impossibilities.”   Some of our open doors may even appear ludicrous, foolish, ridiculous, or just plain silly.

These occasions are often overlooked by us because they seem so insignificant and colorless.   We may dismiss them as ordinary events in life.   And that’s where our human vision has been blurred beyond recognition. 

When a follower of Jesus Christ has embraced His Word and is endeavoring to live it out in the climate of his or her world, the power of God begins to cleanse our inner cataracts and remove the blurred vision of our spiritual eyesight.   Without God’s work in our lives, we just don’t have the ability to see things around us with His perspective.

For me it began one afternoon as I was having tea with friends.   Great things happen when I’m having tea with friends, but today’s venture took a turn I never expected.

In our conversation together, I was at the listening end of things as my two friends were chatting.  My taste buds were enjoying the Earl Grey tea and my heart and ears were focused on their conversation.

The topic of talk was this woman’s bathroom.  Now for the men reading about this event, you’re wondering how could a bathroom dialogue be of any interest.  Just stay with me on this and you’ll see the progression. 

Our friend was commenting about how dingy and old her bathroom looked.  My other friend commented that all that could change and brought forth the suggestion that I be asked to look at the room and see what I could do.

Months prior to this, my good friend (as mentioned above) confided in me that she wanted me to have a look at her home and see if I could perhaps declutter, or bring a hint of re-design to her home.   We worked together in her house and she seemed pleased with the changes.

Now the consequence of my involvement came alive in this new home improvement deliberation.    Honestly, I was minding my own business here, and enjoying the tea when the topic took a turn to the “toilet” area of this woman’s home.

To be candid, I didn’t know where to look, but two pair of eyes were vigilant in my direction.   “Well, ok, what would you like me to look at?”

The next thing I remember is being escorted to the rest facility room and shown its condition.   My only response was, “let me just stay in the room and look around for a while.”   I mean a bathroom is also referred to as a “rest room;” and so the situation called for “resting and thinking.”

Yes, continue reading as this is going somewhere, but additional facts need to be exposed.   I began to look around and see several areas where there was clutter, a mixture of colors and things were just piled up on the counter.  

It was at this point that I decided to pray!   Yes, you read right, pray.  Someone had asked for some help and I wanted to involve God in this to see what He might say, and how He might direct any future creativity in this tiny space.

A few minutes had passed, and more than one idea came to mind about how to update and de-clutter this well-visited room.  I called out to my two friends to join me in the “little room.”    Just off the cuff I shared a few thoughts to get a heart compass on my ideas, and to see if she’d turn me loose.

Both friends laughed, but were very enthusiastic.  The owner wondered what in the world could be done with this messy room and the collage of colors in the towel department.   Like an army colonel, she discharged me to the task and both gals returned to their cups of tea.

About thirty minutes later, I disembarked from the area and invitations were given for a tour of the new room.   She went into emotional shock.  Things were organized, put away, towels assembled and folded as though they were arranged at a Bed Bath & Beyond store.

She was surprised, delighted, and a bit emotional that thirty minutes of my time would bring such joy and refreshment to this small space.  I got to finish my tea, exchange hugs with both friends, and off we were into the car.

My friend suggested that this was a special thing to do for our friend.  I thought it was just fun.   I cannot paint or draw.  My fingers can’t even express a stick figure on paper.   But when I’m organizing or arranging things in a home, it brings out some “creativity” and I enjoy the challenge.

Can you begin to see the “opportunity disguise” here?   Especially if you’re a Christian, everything we do for another is “ministry or service.” Everything we do “as unto the Lord (because we love Him) is not only serving another, it’s an act of worship to the Lord.

Our efforts of love and service to another person are like “cups of cold water” (Matthew 10:42) that God notices, uses, and blesses.

This “rearrangement” of things in peoples’ homes began as an insignificant activity; one I could never imagine as an outreach of love to others.

This small “opportunity” over twenty years ago has blossomed profusely.   Just to encourage me in this direction, a couple stopped at our home one day for tea.   I told you nice things happen over a “cuppa” tea.    Somehow this re-design activity came up in our conversation.   After some show and tell versions, the man and his wife had big smiles on their faces, and the husband said to me that “this was the most unusual, yet practical way” of touching the lives of others.

But it is true.   Loving others is a wonderful way to show them God loves and cares about their lives, and that He is delighted when we turn to Him in all our ways.    We can do things and get our results; or, we can turn to God and get His help, strength, wisdom, and His results.

I’ve been invited into many homes, some of which I would never have imagined.   Each time I’m asked and a suitable arrangement has been made, I begin with prayer.   One particular woman was so overjoyed and thankful that her expressions of gratitude just overflowed.  What she wasn’t aware of was, that it was God Who gives me the ideas and the things flow out from that vantage point.

On this particular day, this lovely woman was overwhelmed with tears and began her “accolades” again.   It was at this point I felt the need to give “credit where credit was due…..to God!”    As the opportunity opened up, I took her hand and shared with her that God loved her and knows all there is to know about her.  And He alone, would know what arrangement in her home would be practical and easy to live with.   She was also informed that I prayed for her and her home before I even arrived.  

In a spontaneous fashion, I held out both arms (one toward her and the other toward her daughter) and said, “Let’s pray together and thank Him for what He has provided for you.”   There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

Sometimes I use these occasions to share that not only does God love us, but He knows all there is to know about us.  He knows more about you and me than we know about ourselves.    He created our personality, and is keenly aware of things we enjoy and don’t enjoy.  

In the way I work in someone’s home, I listen to them and get a feel for how they use their home.   So when I’m turned loose, I begin slowly to move, arrange, and re-arrange the furniture, then perhaps the lamps and pictures on the walls, etc.   At the end of the project, the owners seem to enjoy the ease, layout, and work-ability of their home goods.  

God’s desire is that we represent Him well in our corner of the world.   When we surrender our lives over to Jesus Christ, He enters our life immediately by the real and living presence of the Holy Spirit.   Then He begins the “redesign” of our lives….our inner beings, shaping and molding us into a beautiful representative of Jesus.  God’s makeovers create an inner beauty within us.   His creative touch transforms us so that we are “more like Jesus” in how we behave, respond, speak and listen to others.

Yes, He loves us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there.   Our entire lives are the school where the slow and steady and beautiful transformation begins. 

So when I work in someone’s home and the opportunity presents itself, I share that, similar to what I do in their home, is a tiny glimpse at the process God performs in those committed to following Him.

Our human nature needs God’s “renewal and restorative” touch because we don’t proceed out of the womb and into our world with a ready made character that’s wonderful.   We usually enter our world with a “me first” attitude, and the selfcenteredness progresses into full blown selfishness.

He re-arranges, alters, declutters our speech, attitudes and behavior, and builds a beautiful character that is winsome and delightful for others to see.   Our lives are to express His nature of love, acceptance, and honoring behavior to a Holy God.  

Our lives are very influential!   What I mean by that is whether we’re aware of it or not, how we live does impact and influence others.

For you see, others will form an opinion about Christ after they’ve spent time with you and with me. 

This truth is a constant compass guiding my behavior.  I’m far from perfect, but I’m continually in the “character class” of my Savior, because I love Him, and wish to be a fragrance of Christ to those I meet.

Everyone is special, and God longs to use His children to display His love through them so that others may come to realize also how special they are to Him.   His presence within us should create a hunger and thirst in others for His life-giving presence.

OTHERS WILL FORM AN OPINION ABOUT JESUS CHRIST….after they’ve been with you and with me. Will their opinion be an accurate reflection of Who He is? 

WOULDN’T THIS BE A WONDERFUL LIFE GOAL!!

What else in life really matters?

This isn’t a Bible study class, but I would like to list some questions I’ve been considering for my own life to help me evaluate my day-to-day interaction with others.

What do people understand about God……from my life?

What do my neighbors understand about God…..from my behavior? 

What do my relatives understand about God …….from my behavior? 

What do my friends understand about God ……….from my behavior? 

What does my husband understand about God …from my behavior? 

What do my children understand about God ……..from my behavior? 

What do my “sand paper people” understand about God” from my behavior? 

What do strangers I meet understand about God from my behavior? 

What does my mailman understand about God from my behavior? 

What does my boss understand about God from my behavior? 

What do people I see at the grocery, bank, post office, shops, parking lots, pulling out of church, school, my employment, my small group or Bible study understand about God ……………………..from my behavior?

What do people understand about God from?

My speech? 

My joking?

My responses or reactions?

The way I reach out to others?

The way I offer suggestions?

The way I greet people at church on Sunday?

The way I listen to others?

How I respond to criticism (valid or not)?

How I respond to an injustice or slander?

How I talk about others?

From the activities or television or movies I watch?

There is a splendid song called “Beautiful Things” that can be found by googling it on your computer.  Below are the lyrics, but it’s a must listen which encapsulates God’s redeeming work in our lives.

Beautiful Things   By Gungor

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change, at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come out from this ground, at all?

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around,
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found, in you

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things

This story will be initiated with a personal question… for you.  Have you ever tried to be like someone else?   Have you ever wished you were like someone else, either in appearance, education, mannerism, personality or intellect?

I think we could all be blatantly honest here and say, “Yes we have.”  In allowing that question to marinate in my own mind, I thought a good follow-up question would be, why?   Why in the world would I like to be like someone else?  

Many years have elapsed since I began that journey of attempting to walk and live in another’s shoes.   Since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, His loving directives to me have always been, “BE YOURSELF.   Be who I created you to be!”

God designed each of us as “unique individuals,” not copy cats or duplicates of another human being.  We can admire the good character qualities of another and desire those for our own lives, but we’re to remain whom we are.

Some time ago I was sharing with an Australian woman my hesitation about my accent since moving to Australia.  She strengthened me with an enthusiastic response:   “Be yourself, you’re the only one most qualified.”   We both laughed together about our different accents.

This “desire to be like another” gives no honor to God because our focus of interest is on what we would like to be, rather than His beautiful purpose for our lives.

When I first began to date, I vividly remember a guy that I thought was “a bit of all right.”  When he asked me for a date, I began formulating in my mind how I would behave and look.   Let me insert here that I love to laugh.   And for some unrealistic reason, I thought that guys enjoyed being with very feminine and refined women. 

The evening arrived and I was all geared up to appear “at my finest” (whatever that means), and I had adorned myself with an artificial flair and all the refined qualities I could muster.  That means, I toned my laughter volume to a 3 instead of an 8.    You don’t need to wonder any longer as to how the evening progressed.   My “feminine, reserved demeanor” lasted less than ten minutes.   I wasn’t having an enjoyable time at all because I was trying to be someone else.    Everything changed the minute I decided to be “me.”

Why do we put on airs?   We want acceptance, affirmation, and made to feel we are special.  Well, God says we’re special because He created us.  Let’s leave it at that.   We’re special because of Him.

This façade we sometimes employ can exploit itself in other areas.  I’m thinking of our talents and spiritual gifts (if we’re Christians).   When we become Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, God is the One Who chooses the gifts or enablement that are given to each person.  God grants to His children those gifts we need in order to be of greater benefit to His church, His family.

There is one thing that is abundantly clear – in God’s command is God’s enablement.  If God asks us to do something, He will enable us to do it.

God gives His children spiritual gifts when we receive Christ, and they are cultivated through our walk with God.   That’s maturity at work to make us more like Christ, and so our life will encourage and strengthen other believers as well.   Our giftedness should be productive for His kingdom. 

God promises that as we make Him our delight, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4, 5).  This would surely include preparing us to serve Him in a way that will bring us not only purpose but satisfying fulfillment.

When we live out our abilities God has given us, it reminds me of being part of a living and vibrant orchestra.   We’re all unique instruments seated in the family of God as though we are part of a grand symphony.  

Our lives were written by the great Composer-Creator, God Himself.   As God works in our lives, each of us are a part of an elaborate instrumental composition of beauty.  Our lives are to bring honor and glory to God by how we allow Him to live out His life in each of our different design.

We’re to be light and salt, bringing truth with grace, beauty and light into all we do.  All this plays out in how we behave, how we speak to and about others, as well as the inner attitudes and motives we exhibit as we live out our walk before others.

People look at our lives and form an opinion about God after watching us, working with us, and listening to us.   A good “compass question” we might be asking ourselves is:  

What do people think about God, after they’ve spent time with me? 

That has become my “life goal.”   So, I’m always in God’s Character Class as He adjusts, renews, and alters and corrects many facets of my being.  So I’m definitely a work in progress!  And I mean that.

But one thing His Word is teaching me is:  it’s more important to God who I am becoming, than what I’ll ever do for Him.  It’s my character building that He’s after.

So like you, circumstances aren’t always pleasant or happy, but He is more interested in my character than my comfort.   It’s my character that displays any praise or honor to Him.

On a regular basis I’m reminded that in this Divine orchestra, I have a part to play in the “symphony of grace.”   I do not need or wish to be a violin, if I’ve been assigned to be a music stand, a clarinet, or some other part. 

 It’s only when all the parts are following the Grand Conductor, with each person attentive to the notes on his or her music sheet, will the symphony be beautiful.  

There is no need for comparison, because each “person” has their own instrumental place and piece of music to play, with especially designed notes for their life.

 And God Himself makes everything beautiful……in His time….and in His way.

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”  Matthew 5:9

May our lives bring an expression of Christ in all that we do.

Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like if we could turn back the clock of our existence?   What if we could be “little children” again?   I’m going to choose age five because at that age I loved to color.  My mother always seemed to have coloring books available for my sister and me.  A book and crayons kept us occupied for hours at a time.

Secretly, I still like to color.  It’s not a regular routine, but a friend of mine gave me an “Adult Coloring Book” filled with Bible verses, flowers and beautiful things to “color in,” in the attempt to reduce stress, or at least get my mind on other things.

If you’re an adult reading this story you might wonder why in the world I, as a full-fledged adult, would be talking about putting our crayons back in the box.

Let me begin with some words that describe what we adults attempt in planning out our lives.    Plan, orchestrate, anticipate, worry, manipulate, organize, develop, push, and agenda our lives to the point of “tilt.”   I’m a type “A” personality, but through God’s intervention, re-direction, and continued character-building, I’m now more of a “C+.”

The arena of “organization” is one area in which I love to live and move with enthusiasm.   I love to organize!    My heart pumps faster if I’m given a messy house, garage, and drawer or file “to organize.”   You may think to yourself, “Now that’s a fine quality.”   Well, it can be if deployed in the right direction and with the right “manager.”

When I became a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ), I yielded my life over to Him.  But as the months and years went by, I realize that I was only beginning to understand what making Jesus Lord of my life really meant.

Belonging to the Lord Jesus means “He calls the shots.”   He’s the CEO of your life, the Manager, Director and The Orchestrator.   Scripture reminds me over and over that God is Omniscient (all knowing), Omnipresent (present everywhere), and Omnipotent (all powerful).  He alone is Wisdom.   He alone knows what is best for us, in all circumstances. 

But if I’m blatantly honest, I sometimes forget those characteristics of God, and when they do come to mind, I neglect to embrace them.

“Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established,”

Proverbs 4:26

God is asking each of us to “trust Him” to direct and establish our lives (our steps and circumstances), and not to attempt to try and understand or manipulate everything that happens to us.    Much of my stress can be self-induced when I attempt to try and understand things that happen.   I may never understand all the segments of my life.   And God reminds me that I don’t need to understand….just trust Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.  But in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5-6

When we moved to Australia, it was a HUGE move with MAJOR ADJUSTMENTS in every personal department of living.  My “why” questions kept rising in my heart.  I wanted to know the “reason” God moved us to this country.   The information I was seeking to know was not really necessary, because God had His own reasons and purpose.  In our life journey on earth, we’re told to live moment-by-moment and day-by-day, following and trusting God.

My aim was to know the facts and reasoning behind our physical and emotional upheaval to relocate 7,384 miles away.  Somehow I thought if I knew the “whys and purpose,” I could then draw and color my own plans accordingly.  I’m not great with surprises, so I like to plan ahead…..way ahead.  When I anticipate something is about to happen, I get my crayons out and begin to “color in” all the “ifs, buts, and contingencies” just in case things don’t pan out as I planned.  

My coloring goes crazy when I try to piece relationships that are coming together as I wonder if God might be opening up a door of opportunity; or, I might wonder where this event or circumstance might lead to new and exciting adventures.  

Can you see where I’m going with this crayon exploration?   I’m trying to figure out God’s ways……that from my vantage point aren’t understood.  Understanding isn’t necessary or the way of peace in God’s itinerary for my journey.  

Aren’t we glad God is rich in mercy and kindness to His children?   He tenderly reminded me of this fact:    that the detail of the journey was not to be my concern.   A more forceful way to put that is:  it was none of my business!

It seemed that every time those “why questions” arose, God would repeatedly share with me that if I belonged to Him, He is the One with the “plans and purpose,” not me.    So with that in mind, I was required to get out of the driver’s seat and sit in the back and FOLLOW.

Perhaps like you, I’ve been required to turn in my driver’s license and follow the Instructor!  He knows where to take me and how to get me there.   I am “His” responsibility.   For peace of mind and heart I’ve put my crayons back in the box repeatedly, and when those “color in” temptations come, I receive the same encouragement from God.   

JUST TRUST ME!

God’s longing is for each of us to not only trust Him, but to leave the Divine coloring plans and purpose to Him.   He knows all the colors and shades of color in each of our lives and circumstances for the direction He’s taking us; and His wisdom will keep our lives safe within the outline and framework of His goals.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11.

God is a “personal” God!   That is just the truth that our hearts, minds and wills need to accept, enjoy and live out in our lives.  It will directly affect how we look at ourselves and others.   It also affects how we look at things around us.  

My journey in life has shown me and continues to show me that “things” are just that…..things.   And more importantly people are “people”……real human beings that most of the time have no idea that God created each of them, in His image.  Each person on this earth, and that means YOU, bear His image on how you were designed.   No, that doesn’t mean we are perfect, but God gave you a “living soul” which is the real you.  Your mind, heart, will and emotions. 

Then dressed around the real you, your soul, you were given a body.  You and I are NOT MISTAKES!   Psalm 139 expounds that announcement.   Your personality, visual appearance, abilities and inabilities were all of His creation.  His design of you and me doesn’t mean that our bodies are just the way we’d like them, but they are as He intended.   

So in reality, we shouldn’t ever “compare ourselves” with anyone else.   We are a “unique design” just as we are.  Yes, there will be people who we may see as smarter, taller, more talented, prettier or more handsome, larger or smaller than us, but that doesn’t matter one bit to God. 

When I began to live that out in my life, many inner attitudes began to take a different direction.   I began to enjoy “who” God made me to be.  If He wanted two of me, He would have designed two, but He didn’t.  And so with “you,” He created just “one precious you.”    And He yearns that you be you…….you are the only one most qualified to be you!  

He “designed” each of us in our mother’s womb for His special love and purposes in our lives.  For the first twenty three years, I had no knowledge of that truth. 

I began in a woman’s womb for nine months and then was transferred from one home to another.  After two years of travel, my “real Mom” appeared in an adoption agency and within weeks, I was introduced, accepted and granted all the privileges of my new home, my new family.

This event is called ADOPTION.   It’s a wonderful expression of love, acceptance and a beautiful validation of the one requesting the adoption.  In a phrase, it means “you were wanted.”   You didn’t just happen to land in a family vicariously, but you were “desired” to be in a family.  You never earned or performed great things in such a way to be adopted, but you were “lovingly chosen.”  You were the loving yearning of someone else.  

Some people feel they planned their family…..but trust me, regardless of our human plans, God is the One who creates the little ones in our families, whether you arrived by your birth-mother’s womb, or if you were brought into this world through one womb and then into the heart of another woman.     

Whatever your young travels have been, “your Creator was behind the scenes weaving the tapestry of your life.    Many times people never see and realize this fact, but God works all the time in peoples’ lives to introduce them to “their own need” of a “relationship with Jesus Christ.”   Jesus Christ is GOD, with skin on and He came to this earth to set things right between the heart and soul of each of us.   That means He died for all our sins….all our wrong behavior, thoughts, attitudes that were offensive to His perfection and holiness.  He took the punishment of “yours and my sin” deserved.   Forgiveness is now available to anyone and everyone, if they choose to believe this Divine act of love and His offer of forgiveness.   It’s the BEST GIFT anyone could receive.

When we “accept these truths” and believe (that Jesus did it all for us…to make us right with God), and ask Jesus to be “our personal Saviour” we are immediately in God’s family.   THAT’S ADOPTION.

It’s not a human adoption, but a “Divine Adoption” that changes the course of our lives, both here on earth and the moment we leave this earth in death.   The “real us” (our souls) continue to live…..but there are two destination options for us…..heaven or hell.    And our decision to receive or reject Christ’s offer of salvation/forgiveness determines our forever home.   All these transactions of choice are given and determined before our death, not afterwards.  There are no choices after we breathe our last here on earth.

This adoption theme and opportunity is before each person on earth.  What have “you chosen for yourself?”  

My story began many years ago, but just recently God reminded me of a beautiful thing.   It was a Sunday morning and the pastor was speaking about adoption and our new identity in Christ.   My ears perked up and I was anxious to hear what he might be sharing about this tender and precious topic.

Even before the pastor appeared, a live illustration began to formulate in the seats in front of me.   My eyes just happen to look over at an adorable scene of a Grandpa sitting next to his two year old granddaughter.   She wasn’t making a sound, but what seemed so precious was that she was snuggled up next to her Grandpa.  His big arm was around her, just holding her close.

Another aspect of this moment was that no one was talking.  The little girl was just stroking her Grandpa’s hand and every once in a while, she’d look up to him, with no words.    I sat in the row just behind them observing this lovely expression of love.   Tears began to form in my eyes as I thought to myself, isn’t this the picture of what God longs to do in our lives……………JUST BE WITH US…….LOVING US.

I could hardly hold back the tears.  This loving stance between the Grandpa and granddaughter lasted about 10 minutes.  I was awestruck.  The pastor began his teaching about “Divine adoption” and felt my heart glued in place, absorbing every word of encouragement.

Often I would glance over at the precious scene in front me and my heart was melting all over again.  For you see, in our family, my sister and I were both adopted.   So naturally my sister Susan came to mind.

After the service was over and everyone was parading out of the sanctuary, I turned around to introduce myself to the two women behind who were sitting behind me.  I had never seen them before and thought perhaps they were visiting.  This was actually their first time visiting our church. 

They were very welcoming to me and it was a joy to say hello and help them feel welcomed.  When I asked the first gal her name, she said it was Dianne.  She then introduced her sister Susie.   My heart was so taken by their names for you see, my sister’s name is Susie and mine is Dianne.  

That morning it felt like God came up-close-and-personal to encourage my heart by assuring me that He knew our names and He knows where we are in our hearts and lives.   The encouragement from God that morning began with the pastor’s message, then proceeded into the visual illustration of the two year old little girl.   My sister and I were both adopted at two!   

I thought it was wonderful how God showed me again, that He is profoundly aware of our families and concerns and is working in all of our lives.  And Susie, if you ever reading this story, just know that I love you more than you’ll ever know and am thrilled that you and I became family…..through the Sovereign hand and heart of God.

Isn’t this a lovely photo of what warmed my heart that Sunday morning. 

 ‘But more importantly, it’s a reminder to me, and to you, to take time to just “sit with your Heavenly Father” and allow His presence to refresh you in every way.  Sometimes there will be words, and at other times, just silence……a lovely, peace-filled silence.

Who we think we are plays a massive role in how we actually live our lives.  We act and live out of our identity.”

You never know what you’ll find at a small community grocery store.  My husband and I stopped into such on Tambourine Mountain in Queensland, Australia.  We only went in to buy one small item.  It was a delightful country store.  We were warmly welcomed by a young gal at the checkout counter; and I then walked down an aisle to locate what we wanted to purchase.

The aisles were compact, but as I approached the area I was looking for, I noticed a unique difference about this store.   Everything on the shelves was so neatly arranged.  Now that’s what you expect in a large grocery store; but this orderly display of products went well beyond what anyone would expect.

Every item was immaculately arranged on the shelves, with each label placed in the exact line of the products in front.  I could hardly believe my eyes.   It was as though the products were little soldiers reporting for grocery duty in their specified areas.   Even the packages of pasta were laying in perfect alignment as though decorative pillows on display.  

The only items that weren’t in perfect order were the pimentos cuddled in the olives; and I’m certain that if the red pimentos could have been arranged, the young lady would have had her hands rearranging the jar, directing each of those olives and putting them in place. 

My reflective observation turned into a verbal “Oh my, look at this, this is unbelievable.”  Soon the young lady who greeted us appeared at the end of the aisle that had astounded me with its order.  She inquired if everything was all right.   My response bubbled instantly into “It’s more than all right.”   I responded instantly bubbling over with the accolade “It’s more than all right.  I flooded her with so many affirming adjectives describing the precise arrangement of every stock item, that she blushed with embarrassment. 

As I surveyed the store, every aisle was a picture of precision.   I called out to my husband to come and have a look.   The young gal, blushing all the way to the front of the store, couldn’t get to her supervisor fast enough to talk about the crazy lady in the store who was fondling and admiring all the arrangements of products.   They both began to laugh, but I continued the grocery tour down almost every aisle.

You would have thought it was an exquisite shop for English bone china.  After the tour, we eventually began to exit toward the front of the shop.   I shared with her what a marvelous shopping experience and that I had never seen anything like it in the United States or Canada.

I then asked who was responsible for this orderly display throughout every aisle.  She admitted that this was her job and that she liked everything neat.   I repeated my compliments to her, and repeated my thoughts and observations to her supervisor.

At the end of our “grocery journey” she was all smiles from ear to ear and then made a startling comment to me.   This young lady shared that she had never had anyone compliment her work.  I was stunned!  Needless to say, my encouraging vocabulary made her day.   In fact I think it made her year.

I gave her a big hug on the way out and thought to myself, this can’t stop here.  I must write this gal a letter and see to it that the manager of the grocery receives a copy.    With cell phone in hand, I took a photo of the front of the grocery store to get the name so I could locate the address and phone number.  The following day I had one priority, and that was to write a well-deserved letter to affirm, encourage, and thank this lovely young lady who took pride in “stocking grocery shelves.”   I couldn’t think of enough superlatives to include in my letter.  I wanted this letter to be a “gift to her heart” and her grocery career.

For some reason I left my phone number at the end of the letter.  I never really thought about why I did that, but about three weeks later the phone rang and it was her.  She was still oozing with joy as a result of the letter, and couldn’t wait to tell me that her boss just couldn’t get over that someone would shower her with such affirmation about her attitude and enthusiasm for her work.

There’s a phrase in a book I hope never to forget, and it is this:

“One word or note brings more encouragement….than a

1,000 thoughts, never expressed!”

Oh the joy and encouragement a little note of appreciation can bring.  We just need to put the brakes on in our life, and pause long enough to share our thoughts in writing with the purpose of bringing encouragement and appreciation to others. 

Now, to whom are you thinking about writing a note to?

This day was a BIG day for my husband and I.  We had just exited an aircraft in Brisbane, Australia after spending 15 1/2 hours cooped up with 280 other sardine travelers. For anyone who has ever been on a plane for that long, you’ll understand the reference to the term “sardine.” We were grateful for a safe journey and delightful landing.

I need to say it again that this was a BIG day, because it was the first day of the rest of our lives in a new country located far from what we knew as home for many many years.  

Other flights were arriving and all converging into the Customs and Immigration area of the Brisbane airport.   We found the appropriate arrival hall for lineup, and off we went.   The men and women in the Immigration Section  were very efficient in repeating the words……”next” and fixing their gaze on each traveller who should approach their window.

For some reason my husband seemed to buzz off quickly into another line with all the documents.  I had wrongly assumed that I would be following him with the same agent.  I was wrong.  Another Border Patrol Officer pierced his eyes on me…….”next” and I moved into position at the machine to flash my passport and then move ahead.

Here’s where everything got messy.  I only had my passport, nothing else.  The inquiring agent asked me questions that I couldn’t answer because my husband (who was wandering around the baggage claim area) held all the written details and forms.  The challenge soon became apparent that I knew “nothing” this agent needed to know to allow me entry.

As time was ticking away the agent became more frustrated about my lack of knowledge and felt, I’m sure, that I wasn’t cooperating with his efforts.    All the while, my emotional state was becoming more fragile by the moment.   Tears were beginning to well up in my eyes and I began to quietly call out for God’s help.   To make matters worse, the other hundreds of other travellers must have been losing their patience with this “new USA arrival.”

Within a few moments another female Immigration gal saw my “facial delimma” and came to the rescue.   I shared about my husband’s fast-paced speed through the line and his whereabouts would be somewhere in baggage claim.   She calming took my arm and said, “Come with me.”   And I gladly huddled up to her.

Now in the distance was my blonde-haired husband bobbing up and down and waving his arms to notify me of his location.   We moved in his direction and all the forms were surrendered and, at last, I was accepted into the country. 

The agent with the forms quickly whisked our documents through his inquiring fingers, and we were free to take our bags 6 huge suitcases, two roll-on bags, and two carry-ons  to a pending rental van and then journeyed off to our new residence.

We proceeded from baggage claim to pick up our rental van and begin the one and a half hour trip to our condo in Carrara, Queensland.  Our eyes seemed to take in all the new sights on the motorway, and we were only too pleased with our “almost” stress free entry into Australia.

An hour and half later, we pulled into our new residence.  My tummy, mind and heart was full of emotion.  It was so painful leaving friends and the known for this unknown place across a large Pacific Pond!

As we approached the front door of our little condo there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the front door.  They were gorgeous, but I knew they must belong to someone else as we knew no one.

Upon moving through the front door with this fragrant arrangement of flowers, I thought it best to read the attached card and see the florist’s name to report the wrong delivery address.

It was for “us”…….from a dear couple in Canada.  They had figured out when we would be arriving at our new destination and arranged the “bouquet delivery.”    Tears of joy came flooding out!  How thoughtful of these dear friends.   Moments later, God reminded me that the “welcoming bouquet” was from Him………through the tenderness of this couple.

God blesses everything we do for others, and He longs to use us to reach out and touch another with His love.  God used this couple to bless, encourage, and comfort us upon our fresh arrival.  For the following week, every time I looked at that “beautiful bouquet”  I was reminded of this couple’s love and friendship and that God was loving us through these dear people.

We need not worry about BIG ways to love on others, but any TINY thoughtful gesture can bring a tremendous amount of encouragement to another.

It was a beautiful California morning and I found myself gazing out my kitchen window.   The thought entered my mind that I had never met the people who lived next door.  I had seen them coming and going now and again, but never took the initiative to introduce myself and extend a proper hello.   We were new in the neighborhood (as we’d often been over the years) and all we had were only two “welcome wagon” visitors to our home.

It was obvious that our neighbors next door weren’t coming our way any time soon, so if I wanted to meet them, I would have to be the one moving out and over their way.    The only observation made was that they were Asians and had three little children.

With my thinking cap in place, I was wondering what I could do to say a gentle, yet meaningful hello, along with introducing myself to them.  That process took only about fifteen seconds.   I decided that macaroni and cheese would be the ice breaker.

I immediately went into gear by pulling out all the needed ingredients as the pasta water was coming to a boil.    At this time I hadn’t a clue if Asians enjoyed this simple, down-home type dish.  What mattered was that someone was reaching out to “them.”

About an hour later this tasty cheesy and bacon casserole was ready for its journey next door.   I asked the Lord to bless and use this casserole in any way He wished.    It’s time to insert here a wonderful truth.   When you give over and surrender an act of kindness to the Lord and ask God to bless and use even the tiniest of gestures toward others, be prepared to see great surprises in packages you would never have imagined.   

I arrived at their doorstep about an hour before dinner time.  Both parents were home and responded to the doorbell announcing my arrival.   Before I knew what was happening, three little faces were surrounding me in the foyer of their lovely home.

Surprised at what I had in my hands was an understatement.  By the comments and look on their faces, this welcome was very new to their cultural ways.   Introductions were made and enjoyed by all. 

The macaroni and cheese clearly had a huge appeal to their hungering appetites.   I’m not certain what the woman of the house had in mind for their meal that night, but whatever it was, it went into pause.   The children seemed delighted to try and bite into whatever it was causing the aroma that was coming from the dish in my hands.

It was a few days later that they invited my husband and I over for tea.  The family was so welcoming to us.  We were in their home for a cup of tea and then returned to our home.   As we rose from our seats to head toward the front door, the man of the house stopped us with a comment about our “feet.”

Guess what?   He was a podiatrist and a surgeon and he went into his physician mode when he noticed that both my husband and I were limping.   Speaking of keen observation, this guy was at the top of his class.  And to think about it, who, but a podiatrist, would notice the stance with which we took our steps.

He insisted that we come to his office for an exam….and soon.   We followed his suggestion with an appointment to see him.  Within an hour of the consultation, we were scheduled for surgery.   Even as I’m writing about these events, I couldn’t have ever imagined the outcome God had planned.

You see, we went over just to have tea and retrieve our empty casserole dish.   But God had other plans.  See how God’s surprises take place when you least expect it.   This brilliant foot surgeon knew that we both needed surgery.   What he wasn’t aware of was that I had been suffering terribly for weeks when walking, but, didn’t know what to do, or who to see about the condition.

My husband and I agreed together that he would have the first bunion surgery, heal from that, and six weeks later would complete the repair job by having a second surgery.

This also gave me time to consider what I would do.  Wasn’t that a smart idea!   It was also a coward’s way out.    When my husband healed from both of his surgeries, I went next.    What successful results, and we were both delighted with this man’s competent skill and gentle surgical procedure.   Pain was at a minimum….and so grateful for pain medication on an as-needed basis.

We became close friends with this family and still remain in contact with each other over the years.   This beautiful friendship began with the most “ordinary of ways…a macaroni and cheese casserole.”  They were so touched that we reached out to them; but the delightful surprise was how God used this physician to see our need just as we were exiting his home, and then be willing to help us.

We never know how the most ordinary of kindnesses to another has the potential of a great blessing.   Let’s all keep on the lookout for ways to bless and encourage others…………..even through pasta!

Luke 1:26-38, 46-56

Mary is a very young girl and soon to be a young woman, who lived in the small town Nazareth in Galilee.  She was a virgin and excitedly engaged to Joseph (who was a descendant of David).  She became miraculously pregnant (by the will of God through the Holy Spirit), and had a lovely trust in God!  Her faith was “child-like and beautiful.”  

Mary was a young girl and soon to be a young woman, who lived in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee.  She was a virgin and excitedly engaged to Joseph.  She became miraculously pregnant – by the Holy Spirit, through the will of God, and trusted God fully!  Her faith was “child-like and beautiful.”

We know she was the mother of God’s Son; and as wonderful as that was, it seems that one of the greatest qualities about her was the fact “she believed God, and believed what He shared with her through the angel Gabriel.

Gabriel must have been thrilled himself to know of this announcement, and that he was appointed by God to “deliver the good news” to her.  Gabriel knew what no one but God knew…..that GOD WAS COMING TO EARTH, in a real live person, Jesus.   Jesus is God…..with skin on!

Mary just BELIEVED GOD!  She believed that God had showed her favor and that He would be present through this experience, in every detail.  Mary, however, just knew it would because God said so.  She was just curious “how.”  Her thoughts were to know how … not if. 

We notice she didn’t give 100 reasons why it wouldn’t.  How easy it is for us to be “believing IN GOD,” but can we truly say that we “believe God?”  That was the precious quality of Mary.

She was confident she was a virgin and knew that this “upcoming event in nine months” would be a MIRACLE.   It was a surprise that gifted her heart with joy and anticipation.   This was called a miracle because God was going to pull this off….there would be no human to manipulation this conception.

Mary also believed that this event would be God’s sovereign choice.  It certainly wasn’t in her Day-Timer.  Would we be shocked and surprised if God’s plans for us were completely contrary to our carefully laid out plans for the next week, month or year?

This isn’t the first birth miracle of bringing into existence that which is not….or that which is impossible.   Abraham’s wife Sarah was BARREN….and out of her barrenness God birthed an entire nation…the nation of Israel.   Think about that for just a moment!  An entire nation birthed by a “barren womb.”  The difference was that Mary’s baby was fully God and fully human.  I am sure both Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, remembered the example of Sarah, and rejoiced at God’s intervention.

We’re not told what Mary was doing when Gabriel appeared to her.  We do know that after his announcement to her, her life would be forever changed.  I can only imagine her saying over and over throughout the days and weeks, “this is incredible.”  Mary was going to “house within her” the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.

This awesome announcement came with many difficulties and challenges that would accompany her life as a “full-with-child-teenager.”  Imagine her fiancé believing this “baby announcement.”  He would know for sure he had nothing to do with it.  Talk about a gentle approach to Joseph to share the news. Mary may have suggested the following statement:

“Joe, you might want to sit down on this one.  We have some talking to do.”

We can only imagine how her “surprise birth announcement” affected her family, friends and towns-folk.  This news would have brought fresh meaning of the word gossip.  How would Mary approach her family, friends, neighbors and towns people regarding her innocence with Joseph?  Joseph would have his own encounter with God and the truth revealed, but that comes later. 

It was likely that she would be criticized, ostracized and possibly dehumanized when Joseph would cancel the engagement.  She would be misunderstood (to say the least), shunned and reprimanded by many God-fearing people.  The law stated that she should receive the death penalty – death by stoning.  Talk about consequences to her obedience!

This beautifully highlights another wonderful “quiet quality” of Mary.  She maintained a humble, submissive spirit for she was willing to take the flack that would likely occur to be obedient and fulfill God’s plan.

God’s plans will cost us, but the cost is worth it.  Mary would attest to that.   After all she was carrying “her Savior too.”

Mary had a very real and personal TRUST IN GOD.  From this scene in Scripture we see she trusted God’s plan completely in every aspect:  purpose, sovereignty and for provision for her and soon to be informed fiancé Joseph …

I never thought about this before, but God could have just placed His Son on earth, made the announcement and introduced Him.  God’s ways are so much higher and more purposeful than our plans or expectations, aren’t they?

MARY WAS ALIVE TO FULFILL WHAT GOD WANTED.   What a life goal for us to live out in the shoe-leather of our lives!

We read Mary’s response in Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.  His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as He promised our ancestors.”

Mary’s heart spilled out, whether in song or fullness of expression of her heart.  She was overjoyed at God’s favor upon her, and that He had chosen to use her to fulfill a wonderful plan for past and future generations as well as her own life.

She simply and beautifully exalts the Mighty One who would work this out in her life and give future generations reason to praise Him.  She called attention to Him and that He works in the child-like, humble hearts of those whose will is a yielded one….for His purposes.

A compass question might be good to insert here for our lives:                           

What are we willing to carry…….are we willing to be inconvenienced a little, perhaps misunderstood so that God may use us to draw others into the kingdom?

Could we lay aside our plans/agenda/will so He can have His way?   This would be life-changing, if we put our skin on this one, wouldn’t it.

In a nutshell, she was more interested in pleasing God, than pleasing others.

Mary was prompted by God to visit her cousin, Elizabeth for about three months.  She must have been such an encouragement to Elizabeth (who was now 5 months along in her pregnancy…and no doubt feeling tired).   Mary was thrilled that her close relative was “thrilled for her.”    This visit brought both women encouragement that indeed, nothing was impossible….whether you’re too old, too young, married or single.   They both proved that God can do whatever He chooses to do in you and for you.  Mary had a devoted and yielded her personal history with God.

She had an intimacy of experience that knew her God was a God of His word, regardless of the seeming impossibilities at hand. 

God had been faithful in Mary’s past which secured her faith in Him for her future, and for the future of her Son.  Mary was able to believe God for the impossible because of her own experience in walking with Him.  He was active and alive in her day-to-day life and she knew it. 

Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to manipulate His Will in our lives?  Our task is to just walk moment-by-moment in close-like communion.   It’s allowing space and time for God’s daily “divine interruptions” in our life to take us where He would have us “shine for Him.”

COMPASS THOUGHT:   We’re to believe and trust Him in the tiny, day-to-day and moment-by-moment details of our life.

Mary and Elizabeth seemed to have that beautiful quality of a “child-like attitude” because they just believed God…amidst the impossible.

I don’t know about you, but I’m waiting on God’s response to a situation I’ve been praying about for years.   I’d almost want to say it’s an

   “I M P O S S I B L E”

situation; but after pondering these truths in Mary’s life I’m refreshed in heart to know that “nothing is impossible with God.”

God is able and knows what is best for “each of us” …in His long-range plans.  He wants to have His way in all our situations, so that He is the One who receives the praise and glory, and brings the message and meaning of Christmas to our everyday living.

                                                 THE GIFT IS JESUS

                                  IMMANUEL meaning . . . GOD WITH US

                                               If we choose Him to be

                                                          Isaiah 8:30

Recently I have been considering the lives of a few women in the Bible. Their lives are representative of the realities we have all faced, or will face in our own lives.  How comforting that God would allow us to learn from their experiences – mistakes and all.

So, just for fun and review, I wanted to remember and retrace the issues I discovered as I travelled alongside some of the women in the New Testament.  It is precious that God displayed the joys, sorrows, and doubts on a canvas so that we could appreciate their beauty, and learn to trust God.

I’m often reminded that God’s word isn’t designed for us to “do” Bible study – you know – simply gathering all the facts and fill in the blank on a page.  Rather, God wants us to “be” more like Christ.

God isn’t impressed in how many studies we do in our life.  Instead, what concerns Him is how have the studies “done us”…or changed us?  That’s the real issue isn’t it!  I am glad that the Bible is not being added to with the stories of my life.

We start our journey with Elizabeth – the cousin of Jesus’ mother Mary.  Elizabeth was well-along in her years, and had privately suffered the fact that she was barren.

One day, while Zechariah was going about his normal priestly duties before God, he was visited by the angel Gabriel.  God spoke to Zechariah through this divinely appointed angel. Talk about a “divine appointment.”

This was no normal occurrence.  As the angel spoke, Zach was stunned at the news.  Who wouldn’t be … after all he was too old, and not exactly ready for a baby announcement.  His inner thoughts tumbled out: “how can this be?”

Zach was of the opinion “this couldn’t happen, not to us at this stage of life.”  In reality, he could not believe that even God could pull this off.

Zechariah’s unbelief resulted in the following declaration by Gabriel:  Scripture – Luke 1:20

”But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born.  For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Let’s not be too hard on Zechariah.  What if we were twenty or more years past child-bearing and Gabriel appeared to us in our quiet time to give us this same astonishing news.  Man or not, that’s a long time to not be able to speak, and I am sure he had lots to say and not enough paper to write on.

However, this astonishing news was wonderfully received and believed by Elizabeth.  Her personal walk with God was responsive and intimate, and she was overjoyed.  She had learned through her life experiences that God could be trusted…even if it seemed impossible.

This humble woman accepted ‘God’s word and God’s will’ on the matter.  No doubt she had prayed for years for the barrenness to be removed.  Perhaps as the years gathered, she had received the “grace to accept” God’s gentle “no”.

The Scriptures tell us she remained in seclusion for five months.  No doubt she needed the rest and composure at her older age to prepare her body, heart, home and hubby for their forthcoming new addition.

Then another delightful surprise appeared on the scene.  Mary, her cousin, walked a great distance to see Elizabeth and share some of her “own news.”  There’s no doubt that “this visit was orchestrated” by God for many reasons.  In fact, both Mary and Elizabeth were “gifted with a child.”

In our current culture it’s the expectant mother who can be so thrilled with the upcoming event in her own life, that she’s the first to announce:  “Guess what?  I’m having a baby!

But here as Elizabeth invites Mary into her home, the opposite takes place.  Upon hearing Mary’s greeting in her arrival, Elizabeth did not blurt out “I’m having a baby too!” In fact there was no mention of “her news.”  However, something miraculous did happen.

I never saw this in the Scripture until this moment; but here it is recorded that baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb as Mary arrived.   This little one didn’t just turn over with a little movement in the womb.  He leaped!  He leaped with JOY.  Talk about a “happy dance in the womb,” this was it.   John began his life’s mission in his mother’s womb.  Talk about starting work early!!

Is that incredible or what!!  Mary didn’t even get an opportunity to say, “Hey, have I got a surprise to share with you, Cousin Elizabeth.”  We read in Luke 1:42 where Elizabeth exclaims in a loud voice:  “Blessed are you (Mary) among women, and blessed is the child you will bear.”

How did Elizabeth know Mary was carrying a baby?  Remember, Mary is single, a virgin, and not yet married.

John’s reaction to the Lord’s presence did all the announcing necessary and that would be just the beginning of his purpose in life.

Doesn’t this knock your socks off????!!!!!

Then, if that’s not the top scoop on the cone, here’s Elizabeth’s next recorded comment.  “But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”  There’s no mention of her immense joy over the baby  in her own womb.

Let’s back up just a little.  Remember Gabriel informed Zechariah, and told him of the assignment his son John would have for his life, which was to prepare people for the coming of the Lord.  His life’s mission would be to announce the Lord’s coming.

What is beautiful here is that Elizabeth’s character of humility expressed itself in her joy that her cousin, now cradling the Messiah within her womb, came to visit her.  Isn’t it incredible that, by all that’s revealed in Scripture, that jealousy never raised its ugly head in Elizabeth at the miracle Mary was carrying?

When her baby was born, Elizabeth, together with her friends and relatives, rejoiced at what this new joy would bring – not just to her and Zechariah, but that their son, John, would prepare people for the coming of their Messiah.

God’s presence – in the womb of Mary – came to Elizabeth to bring encouragement and practical help.  His grace was constant, and God used both Mary and Elizabeth’s babies to infuse faith and an expectancy in their mothers, regardless of what people believed was possible or impossible.

There is a lesson here about the Holy Spirit whose task is to lift up and honor the Lord Jesus Christ.   The Holy Spirit always, always lifts up, and glorifies and honors Christ.  When our days are filled with His purpose, our life will lift up, glorify and honor Christ.

The shoe-leather application for our walk, is that our lives are to make GOD LOOK GOOD.   That’s what it means to “bring glory to God.”

Mary and Elizabeth had a variety of similarities, or should I say “impossibilities” to embrace.  And embrace they did.  It is within reason to think that Elizabeth’s life experiences would have been a source of comfort to Mary, and assured her that both were recipients of an “impossibly joy.”  For her part, Mary must have been a tremendous practical help to Elizabeth as well as encouragement.

Here is a precious nugget of truth: We should rejoice in the gifts God sovereignly designs for our friends and family; and that we may graciously understand, without a hint of comparison, what He chooses to give or withholds from us.

Isn’t that exactly what He hungers to do in our lives as well?  He has a plan and purpose for our lives and desires that we “join Him” in “His plans.”  He wants our lives to be of obedience and joy which will point others towards the Savior.

When thinking about both these women, people must have had their own opinions.  Can we imagine that there would have been many who were thrilled for Elizabeth and Zechariah?

Now imagine Zechariah perhaps taking small hops or perhaps even jumping for joy, as an outward expression.  He must have been bursting at the seams at what was coming, but just couldn’t “talk” about it yet.

Undoubtedly there must have been a few who thought that perhaps they were too old to be parents, or why in the world were their blessings arriving now, at this stage of their lives?

Is there a lesson for us in how we’re to behave when others share their “expectant news” with us?

God’s gifts many times aren’t wrapped in the “packaging” we’d embrace, at first.  This was an impossible gift from the “God of the impossible.”

Elizabeth’s disgrace about being barren was about to vanish because God wanted to accomplish the impossible to fulfill His plan and purpose.

In spite of the physical impossibility, her relationship with her Lord had grown strong, healthy, and vibrant so she could believe His words to her even though others were happy to share their opinions.

May their example be fresh and vibrantly lived out in our lives so that our walk with the Lord will serve to be a refreshment to all those God brings along our practical path.  For these principles aren’t just for study, but for putting into the shoe-leather of our own lives.

Peeking back to when Elizabeth was greeting her cousin Mary, one aspect of her attitude that struck me personally was that God had, in fact, come through Mary to visit Elizabeth.

To God, Elizabeth was just as special to God as Mary.  Their individual “divine assignments” were to cradle their little ones who themselves had their own divine assignments.

This tells me that there should be no room in our minds or hearts for the comparison of our life with another.  Our purpose is to be a “complement to others; not a competition.”

Oh that God would infuse more passion into our day-to-day existence where we recognize that He is living and active in our lives with the purpose to bring glory to Himself through “each of us.”

May we express our love to others through doing little things, little assignments, with a BIG heart…for Him.

Scripture – Psalm 37:23

“The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.  He delights in every detail of their lives.”