“The greatest crisis we ever face is the surrender of our will.”

Our world’s system is very “self-centered.”   It’s a “me-first, I deserve it” attitude that permeates many a heart.   We come into this world and oft times, especially as a child, we envision ourselves as the center of attention and center of our world.

As we become older, the thirst for “it’s all about me” can escalate if our nature hasn’t been changed by God through a Divine rebirth.   When God comes into a life by His Holy Spirit, He places His nature within us and the radical transformation, like a caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly, the process from a chrysalis process emerges.  

This change is brought about by the power and presence of God within our lives.   The Bible tells us that the Savior of the world was divinely placed within the Virgin Mary’s womb, an embryo of God Who was becoming a human being.   He came to show us Who God the Father is, and to show us how much God loves each of us.  His primary assignment from the Father was to redeem a lost world.   Someone had to pay the “death penalty” that each of us deserve because of our sins against a Holy God.    

Our sin nature came with us, right out of the womb.    His earthly birth was in Bethlehem.  The beautiful truth is that He wants His presence and life to live within each person.  We’re the desired “earthly Bethlehem of His life.”

I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior many years ago and it was the best and most powerful decision I’ve ever made.   I had a peace and inner joy that I had never had, and an assurance of moving into His presence the moment my earthly life ends; for at that moment I will really begin to live…..and live forever with my Creator.

When this “adoption transaction” transpires between our heart’s decision and God’s drawing us into a relationship with Him, something magnificent takes place.    God places within us a brand new nature (His nature), with new thoughts, new attitudes, and new and better desires.   

We are the most surprised people when we learn that our lives are beginning to take on a new dimension.   It’s not automatic because we need to yield and participate in God’s renewing of our minds, hearts and behavior.  As a person reads the Bible and begins to actively apply it’s truths to their lives, a new chrysalis of activity emerges.   Things we used to enjoy and found fun, no longer hold our interest.  

Even the “desires of our heart” can become tested, tried and transformed as well.    I’ve found that yielding our will to God can involve an agonizing process.   God loves us beyond our comprehension, and His mercy and tenderness are incredible; but the Scripture tells us that “His ways are not like ours.”  

Isaiah 55:8  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.”

Proverbs 19:21  “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”

Proverbs 16:9  “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 20:24  “A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?”

These verses changed my life and continue to give me a fresh perspective of how God works in our lives and shapes our mindset with desires that will bring glory and honor to Him.  He is so worthy of our love and trust because He always has our best in mind.   I say that gently, because what is good for us (like medicine when we’re ill) doesn’t always feel good as we apply it, but it brings wonderful results.

This story is a story of both my husband and my heart’s desire to have children of our own. 

As I grew in my knowledge about the Lord through reading and applying His Word and ways into my life, and as I journeyed with the Lord through a number of years, I came to accept and realize how much He cared about the details of my life.  He loved to be a part of all of my activities, and decisions as they played out in the circumstances of my walk.

After about five years, a deep yearning for children began to formulate in my heart.  The passion was building to begin a family of our own.  I was adopted and longed to experience having children.

At this point in our married life, I began to struggle.  The struggle wasn’t a physical struggle, but an emotional upheaval.   My desire and my husband’s desire was perfectly normal and honorable.  However, God had other plans.

Our desires became a matter of consistent and persistent prayer.  This is where I need to insert what I found in a devotional book entitled “Experiencing God,” by Henry and Richard Blackaby.  It was life-changing, to say the least.

“The purpose of prayer is not to convince God to change your circumstances, but to prepare you to be involved in God’s activity.  Prayer is designed to adjust you to God’s will, not to adjust God to your will.”

Even the assignment from God to His Son Jesus was to “die on a cross for the sins of the world.”  The verse below records Jesus’ conversation  with His Father about what He would endure on the cross. 

Jesus even asked His Father in prayer in Luke 22:42-44 “Father, if You be willing, remove this cup (this crucifixion) from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

So Jesus leaves us a “pattern” for our requests to the Father…..yielding our will to His.

And a critical truth from Scripture is this:  when we pray and ask for anything in “Jesus’ name,” we need to bear in mind that……

“Jesus was not saying that whatever Christians ask for, they will get.  Believers must ask in Jesus’ name.  The purpose of prayer is that the Father may be glorified—these are the prayers that get answered.  As James 4:15 says, “Christians must learn to say, “If the Lord wills.”  David Jeremiah study Bible commentary on John 14:13

He loves us beyond measure, but He alone knows best in every circumstance we’ll ever face.   As we get to know Him through our own life’s journey, many times we’ll see God’s wisdom; and yet we may not be able to comprehend why things happen as they do.  Oh how often are we reminded that we are mortal, human beings…..we are not God.

Let me get to the heart of the matter, our desire for children.  We were married a few years and this desire began to grow in large and personal proportions.  We prayed and waited.  The waiting continued for about seven years.

I can remember a discussion my husband and I had about perhaps adopting a baby or young child.   He wasn’t on board with me on this suggestion.  It wasn’t that he opposed the idea, but he just felt no peace about it.

In my frustration I exercised my human intervention.  In other words I was attempting to get on board with Abraham’s wife Sarah, and manipulate another way of having a child.  I’m ashamed to admit this, but this story requires complete integrity in the “honesty department.”

I got on the internet and obtained an “adoption application.”   Here again, I need to share that I did this without the agreement of my husband.  

Yes, we can often try and “get what we want” through other means.   This is called “manipulation….at its finest.”    But, like all our decisions if carried out, will usher in consequences that we may have to live with for a long time.

I hid the application in my desk drawer.  One morning when I went up to our bedroom where my desk was located, I pulled out the application to begin completing the questionnaire.   Deep within I felt as though I was “sneaking around my husband’s wishes.”   To make matters even worse, I sensed I was trying to go behind God’s back (how ridiculous is that) and get what I wanted one way or another.

God is so merciful and kind…if we allow Him to be.  I felt such “conviction and uneasiness” deep within the crevices of my heart.  I knew I was trying to orchestrate this “wanting a baby desire” in my own way.  This was exactly the same tactic Sarah used in her life to obtain a child.   We can be so critical of her attempt to bring things to pass in her way and her time, rather than wait on God to do what He wants and has planned for our lives.

Isaiah 64:4  “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”

WOW…..God acts on our behalf, if we wait for Him.

May I invite you to stop reading this story and ponder the above statement for your own life’s desire.   When I stop and take the time to meditate on this truth, it refreshes my heart and mind, and pulls me close to God’s heart to tell me that: 

God has the plans, purposes and timing of events in our lives.

Over and over I can reflect on some of my own decisions and realized that I took matters into my own hands, rather than choosing to wait and trust Him.   It’s never easy to wait on God, but it’s safer to wait and trust than to experience and live with the consequences of our not-so-wise choices.

Yes God is merciful, but oft times He allows lingering consequences to remind us to “get with His program” and not try and exercise our own will, over His.

Now I must script some critical circumstances that took place where God began to show me what He was “up to” in our lives and “family plans.”

In a quiet way one morning when I was reading His Word, this thought came filtering in my mind and heart.

I know you love children, but had you thought that everyone that comes to your front door is a child, sent by Me (God), for you to love?

Weeks later a couple came to stay in our home for a few days.  I had some discussion with the woman about my desire.  As these friends were exiting our home at the front door, she turned to me and said,

“I know you love children, but had you thought that everyone that comes to your front door is a child for you to love?

Here is another spot for you to stop reading…..and let those two comments marinate in your mind.   My friend was quoting what God had spoken to my heart weeks earlier.   Talk about a “confirmation” from God, this was in bold print.

There is one more event that needs to be included in this path of waiting.    I had one thought that perhaps there was something wrong with me physically that needed a physician’s attention.  So, I made an appointment with this medical doctor.   

Oddly enough my best friend’s mother-in-law was a nurse and was employed by this doctor.   A few days prior to my appointment, she phoned me and asked me to come for lunch.   My only contact with this lovely woman was at church and we had only said our hellos on Sunday.   We really didn’t know each other, but what a kind invitation.  I accepted her lunch offer and showed up bright as a button at her front door.   She was gracious and so welcoming.   We had a delightful lunch and rather than a dessert, she presented me with a very penetrating question that just about took my breath away.

The conversation proceeded in the direction of my upcoming appointment with the physician.   She was concerned for me and wanted to know the nature of my appointment.   I thought that odd, especially over lunch, but she would have been asking the same question when I arrived at the waiting room days later.

She had such a warm and understanding way about her, and I felt safe to share my concerns.   What I never expected was her response.   We often wish God would speak to us verbally.  Well, this lunch hour was His chosen spot, and with the chosen person to be very “direct and tender” with me.

To bring you into the scene, here were the discussion comments and questions for your observation.

This lovely and gracious older woman asked me why I was wanting to see a doctor.  I shared my concerns about the possibility that my body wasn’t able to house a baby and wondered if the physician could help me in some way.

This was her response:

“Dianne, is the Lord the lord of your life?  Is He really in charge?”

My response was “Yes, as best I know, He is in charge of my life.”

She asked one final question I shall never forget.   “Dianne, is He Lord of your womb?”

My mind, heart and will were “silenced.”  There was no need to say anything more.   God poignantly showed me that He Himself was in charge of all of me.  He could open or close my womb at His discretion and design. 

Another miracle took place in my heart.   It was a “heart surgery” that no one could accomplish but my Creator-God.   He assured me that even though His answer was “no”, it was a “no” with a positive slant.   The surgical heart transformation brought about a “new lens” in which God showed me that I was limiting my request.

For you see, I wanted a child that weighed about six pounds, eight ounces.  God began introducing me to hundreds of children, for me to love and pour into their lives.   As I chose to view everyone He brings to the front door of my life and in my circumstances as “someone God has sent for me to love,” I realize that everyone is a child.  We are all just different heights, sizes and ages.  Everyone needs to be loved…..because everyone is made in His image. 

This sign appeared in an optometrist’s office when I began the season of wearing glasses.  It’s priceless.

          Dear God:   I can see you much better with my new glasses!

It wasn’t my womb that needed corrected, it was my “eyes.”  God needed to alter my vision to see things from His perspective.  He has given us children, many children, they just aren’t from the womb of my body, but they are loved from my heart.

My prayer is that this “journey of waiting” will encourage you to turn to and trust the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator God who loves you more than you could possible know.  It’s now been many years ago that all this transpired and if you would ask me, “Would you still prefer God’s will, or your own?”   My resounding response would be HIS WILL!

“A Prescription of Encouragement”

Don’t you just love it when on an ordinary day, in an ordinary way, God constructs an extraordinary adventure?  Nothing is ordinary when God shows up with His surprise.

This day began in a dentist’s chair, or should I say, patient’s chair.  I was uncomfortable with pain and waiting for her diagnosis.   This dentist was of a tiny stature.  In fact she could have placed four of her hands in my mouth for a look-around.   Three days before she had demonstrated her skill in giving “almost painless” Novocain I’ve ever had.  

Before proceeding any further, can’t we all agree that we know when the “needle” is on its way toward its location by the fact that the dentist tries to distract you with a question, and cleverly try to disguise the long thin needle by hiding it from your direct vision?   Well, I knew what was coming and I was ready for her.    I closed my eyes!   I’m a coward in the chair for sure.

As she was about to administered the freezing gel, she pulled out the needle as though she was in the Wild West drawing her gun, then aimed, fired, and all was well.  

A dose of laughter is one of my relaxing schemes…..for me and for those who are attending me medically.     In the sixty seconds it took for the Novocain to numb my jaw, one of my husband’s comments about physicians and dentists came to my mind.   This is a good spot to share it with you.   My husband says that he never minds going to a dentist, it’s the doctors he is afraid of.   I asked him why?    His immediate and well-thought-of comment was, “A dentist has to stay in your mouth.   A doctor can go anywhere on your body!”

This comment brought the dentist and her assistant (whom I refer to as Susie suction) into hysterical laughter.    After thirty minutes in the horizontal position, I was more than ready to hit the lift off button.   Have you ever considered the reasons they position you in that troubling horizontal position?   My guess is that once you’re down, they’ve got you right where they want you; and unless you’re a gymnast, you’ll not be able to escape their grasp.   Yes, I know there are good reasons, and one of them isn’t to help you sleep.

I rose to the occasion and exited the clinic.   I was equipped with a prescription for antibiotics.   The drive to our pharmacy wasn’t far from our home, but in that it was near dinner time, I thought I would grab a few quick bites to eat, as I had dinner almost ready before my appointment.

Chewing very carefully, I swallowed some of the meal and made a quick exit to our local pharmacy.  As always, the pharmacists were very personable and efficient.  It took them two minutes to prepare my prescription.   Normally I just thank them and head out the door.   However, this time it was different.   I couldn’t get over how fast they filled my medicinal request, and I found myself giving some verbal encouragement to one of the pharmacy staff members.  

At this point, I realized that this woman must have encountered a not-so-nice clientele throughout the day, as my words were accepted as though they were pain killers for what she and the other staff members had experienced in their interaction with others.

She was overjoyed with my words of affirmation, and was quick to express that she would be sharing my positive comments with her associates and supervisor.

As I exited the store my immediate thought was that I should write a letter of encouragement one day and bring it in for the staff to have on hand on those not-so-good days.

When pulling into our garage I realized that I had forgotten to take both prescriptions, I had only picked up the one.   Discomfort was beginning to linger on the right side of my mouth as the Novocain wore off.    I quickly finished my dinner so I could return to the pharmacy once again to get the remainder of my pills.   

Ah ha, my computer was on, and so I moved in haste to the keyboard and typed four short paragraphs of thankfulness describing how the staff at this pharmacy was efficient, caring, personable, and so kind in the manner in which they filled my order.   The printer cooperated with me, and there in black and white were my words of praise.

I had less than fifteen minutes to make my final approach to the pharmacy delivery office.  It was my turn to hand over my “prescription of encouragement in a written dose.”

The gal at the counter was waiting for me!    I rushed towards her to share how sorry I was that I neglected to pick everything up.   Her countenance welcomed me beyond belief.    She shared how she had passed along my kind words to the staff and they were beaming with joy.

Now…..the good stuff!    I handed her my letter and her eyes became like soccer balls.   We paused the conversation while she read my letter.   Smiles were seen all over the pharmacy as others looked on with amazement.  

Then it was my turn to be surprised.   She handed me two little gifts, face cream and cleansing wipes.   These were gifts from her to me for taking the time to indulge her with the thoughtful observations I had made about their staff, not only at this time, but on other occasions when they filled my prescriptions.

We embraced and I smiled all the way out the door and all the way home.  

We never know the experiences others face when dealing with the public.   This dialogue took less than five minutes, and yet it brought strength and commendation to the entire pharmacy staff.

The story doesn’t end here.  At the bottom of my letter, I left my phone number.  I really have no idea why I typed my number, as they have it in their files, but I did none-the-less.

The following day, I received this text from one of the pharmacists: 

“Good morning, Dianne, it’s Alex from the pharmacy.  What a lovely feedback you gave us.  You really uplifted the staff’s morale.  Really appreciate your kind words.”

My pharmacy visit was for filling a prescription, so they could make “my day!”   But it ended up with my letter making “their day.”

And again, I’m reminded that God orders our steps and starts in our daily walk; and He longs that we see others through the lens of His love, so that we can stop and notice how we can somehow affirm and bring verbal refreshment to other people in this busy world.

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”  Proverbs 11:25

Yes, water refreshes our lips, but a good word refreshes our soul! 

Who might be your next recipient of gratitude?

 

Do you ever have a day when everything just seems to register “zero, not good, get your act together?”   My husband and I had moved into a home that was, shall we say, neglected beyond belief, both inside and out.   My attempts at clearing the outside extended way beyond what I anticipated.  On this day I had just finished bagging 48 large disposable waste bags of yard clippings, leaves and tree trimmings and the temperature of my patience was nearing minus 10 degrees.  Exhaustion was painted all over my body; but, I had completed the clearing and pick up.

Being new to this neighborhood I inquired from my neighbor about the procedure for the city pick up of our yard waste bin, plus how to dispose of these bags.   My neighbor told me that the city would pick up three or four of these yard waste bags each week if they were placed next to the large waste bin provided.  

It was Monday morning and I had proudly placed about four of these bags snuggly next to the large container.   Our little dog began to bark consistently, and I knew that her prancing back and forth at the front door was indication that the Sanitation Engineer assigned to our area was soon to arrive.

Yep, here he comes, the loud mechanical noise lifting the bins and moving from house to house singing in the air.   I’ve always shared goodies with our “garbage guy” to show appreciation for their efforts and efficiency in trash removal.  This would be our first meeting “at the can location” and I was so pleased with myself at my orderly arrangement of all the bags, and I felt the young man would also be duly impressed with my neat laid out array of trash for pick up.

I was armed with a big smile, anticipating a congenial introduction.  Now here is where the event goes awry.

It was readily apparent by the young man’s facial expression that it wasn’t a happy one.  He immediately invoked corrective action on his route.

My placement of the rubbish bags was too close to the large bin; and  because of COVID, I was informed that the city was not picking up the paper garbage bags.   All this discourse on his “trash rules and regulations” was blurted out in my direction and with the “not a happy attitude” city employee.

To continue his mean-spirited approach, he hoisted up the arms of his truck and in picking up the bin; ripped a gash in a bag of tree limbs and leaves.   Yes, you can picture that all of this was spewing out of the bag.   He released the bin and pulled away.   The smugness of his look and action was very hurtful.

My neighbor saw what occurred and came over to encourage me.  Once I related my details of the event, she returned home.   About an hour later this same truck appeared again to remove the rubbish from the other side of the street.

 My “defense lawyer” (my neighbor) was waiting for the driver.  She spent about ten minutes in “trash conversation” with the garbage collector, the content of which she shared with me later.  

She informed me that she told the driver how inconsiderate he was to me, especially since I was new to the area and was only trying to follow the rules.

Needless-to-say, this wasn’t a good morning for me.  My feelings were hurt, not to mention I was anticipating a “pleasant introduction.”  Humanly speaking, he was about to be crossed off my “treats for the garbage guy list.”  Now it was time to have a chat with the Lord about the verbal confrontation.

Yes, I received my “Divine instructions” and the pathway to mending was plain and simple.   Only put out the appropriate bin and hold off on those 48 bags of yard waste for a few months.

A week had passed and I was “ready and waiting” for the sound of his approach.   To be honest here, my tummy was churning, but I was going to pour out the “kindness barrel” as best I could.   I hadn’t premeditated what I was going to say, but just trusted that if my heart was in the right place, God would fill my mouth with the right words that needed to be delivered.

Here he comes now!   I approached the driveway, where the bin was placed, and as he pulled up, I said, “Did I put everything out okay this time?”   My jaw dropped as I viewed a smile that appeared on his face.  “Yep, you did it right.”  Then he proceeded to tell me why he couldn’t pick up the yard waste in the thick paper bags for a few months.

I thanked him and I thought that would be the wrap up of our conversation.  He paused and said, that he would soon return to empty the garbage on the opposite side of the street.  If I could handle it, he told me to empty one of those paper bags into my bin and roll it across the street and he would empty it for me. 

Those bags can be very heavy.  I was informed that I needed to load the yard waste into the bin myself…..as he was “never” allowed to touch a bag, but only use the truck’s pick up mechanism to collect any trash.

What???   I couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth.  About an hour had passed and I perched myself outside in anticipation of his arrival in the big blue truck.  Sure enough, an hour later, he appeared.  This time I was ready with a can of Pepsi in my hand.  His arrival was more pleasant this time.  Perhaps he saw the Pepsi can in my hand as he made his way around the corner of the street.  As he pulled into position, I handed him the can of refreshment as his eyes sparkled and a great big grin appeared on his face.

As he took hold of the Pepsi can as I was attempting to place the second bag of yard waste into the bin when the bin tipped over and all the yard waste went all over the street.   It was just too heavy to get a firm grip on it.

So what would any woman do at this point? I politely told him that he could just move on to the neighbor’s bin, and that I would spend the next few minutes “cleaning the street” from my yard waste.   I knew this would be my next assignment as he had to remain in his truck…per the City’s bylaws. 

At this point, I almost began to cry, but that wouldn’t solve anything.  So I quickly began the clean-up operation.  To my shock and surprise, the door to his cab opened and out he popped.  He began helping me tidy up the street from all the tree clippings that had been stored in this supposedly heavy-duty bag.  

Profuse “thank you’s” exited my lips.  He just smiled and said, “Don’t tell anyone I’m doing this, as I’m not supposed to touch the trash.”

Within about two minutes, the street was cleared, and in the bin and up and over into his truck it went.  He knew I was grateful, and a huge smile from him appeared in the rear view mirror as he drove off.

So perhaps you’re wondering if God is interested and desires to be involved in our “tiny trials.”  The answer is a resounding “yes;” because He longs that we see Him at work in our daily duties and regular routines.

I serve a BIG GOD……who cares to be involved in every aspect of my life and in yours, if we but give Him the opportunity.

And yes, my Sanitation Engineer will become part of my baking routine each week.  He needs to know that in this busy, occupied world, that what “he” does is important, and that it makes a difference in the lives of many people.

Is your “garbage guy” or your personal “sanitation engineer” aware of your appreciation for his or her efforts?

“Clarity from our rear-view mirror”

So, what’s been happening in your life?  What’s new with you?  These phrases are commonplace aren’t they?   We often begin our conversations with either of these two questions; and that’s especially true if we’re chatting with a friend whom we haven’t seen or talked with for some time.

Have you ever journaled about a vacation, or taken a look down memory lane from your high school or college days?   Maybe you’ve lost a friend or a loved one in your family, and you’ve written about their lives and sensed some moments of comfort in your reflection of your lives together.

Several adjectives come to mind when I ponder the word “journalling.”  Some may call it a diary, but I enjoy the phrases:  “looking back,” “reflections,” or “rear-view clarity.”

I’m taking the time to pause right now from all my current responsibilities and just reflect about the discipline of journalling.

Most all of us have a calendar of months, weeks, days and times of the day.  Some days are full, some are open and free, but have you ever taken the time to look back on a month or even a year to see what it looks like from where you are today?   Everything in our lives behind today are events “in the past.”

At the end of every year, I enjoy a cup of tea and a wander back through each month of our calendar.   I have marked special events like birthdays, anniversaries, dates where close friends have said goodbye to their loved ones, and very special occasions that I never want to forget.   This adventure can introduce joy, laughter, tears and many an “awe” moment.  Looking back can help me remember and write down dates and annual appointments that I need to indicate on the upcoming calendar year.

Some may say, why look back when we can’t re-live the past.  But I would like to introduce another perspective that perhaps you haven’t considered.  

Had you ever thought about glancing in your own “rear-view mirror;” not to recapture it, but recall your Creator’s touches upon your life?   God is always working in and through each of our life circumstances to get our attention, and to help us realize “we need God!”   We need His forgiveness, His presence within us, and His guidance for our future.  For those of you who are reading about this “rear-view look” upon your life and you aren’t currently in a relationship with Jesus Christ, He has been pursuing you through His mercies and kindness in your direction.   He’ll never push Himself or His love upon you, but He waits for your invitation for Him to enter your life.

This direction of looking back can be a wonderful tool for experiencing joy, encouragement, and courage.   I’m speaking here to Christians (followers of Jesus Christ).

In today’s vernacular it’s called journalling.   It’s keeping a record of occurrences, experiences, observations, and reflections in your life.  I’m over the top with enthusiasm to share a meaningful perspective about writing about some of the following questions:

What has God been teaching you?  What are some characteristics you’ve been noticing about God in your walk of faith?  What difference has God made in your life over the years?  How and when has He made Himself so personally real in your life?   What are some of the struggles, and heartaches has He walked you through?   Where have you seen the innumerable ways God has intervened in your life?  In other words,

What has God been up to in your life?

I could go on and on with questions.  But I’ve found that “journalling” is a marvelous personal way of bringing clarity in your walk with the Lord, and it gives us a striking way of observing not only what God has been doing in your life, but how He has spoken into your life and heart.   He is real and personal.    I’ve found that writing about Him keeps my heart in tune with how He has led me in certain areas and opened opportunities, as well as when He has closed doors of opportunities.

In a tender way, it’s like we’re “keeping track” of His movement and care in our lives.   That’s worth writing about!!!!

These stories that I’ve been writing about is a culmination of looking in the rear-view mirror of my life thus far.   What clarity He gives us from the rear-view vantage point.   How often have we all looked back and said, “Oh, I see now…….”   The rear-view cockpit sheds more light than we ever thought possible.

These stories, all of them, are my true adventures of seeing God work and transform people, my circumstances, my attitudes, and my discovery of seeing that God does delight in the “details of my life.”

God has helped me see as I look back, that He has gone before me, and goes before me.   Another tremendous truth is that God can take the insignificant and make it magnificent.   He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.

My prayer is that God will take these seemingly small incident in which He has shown up, and stir you to share everything with Him, and allow Him to use your precious life to influence others to walk with Jesus Christ.

Now as I begin to tell the story of this “real life event,” I want you to know that there will not be a corresponding photo attached.  Reason being, it’s not a pretty sight, and better kept under cover!

It all began on a day that I washed my hair.  To you, that may not be an issue, but due to the curly hair I was blessed with, I use rollers and stay within the confines of my home for about four hours until my hair dries.  Then I use a flat iron to calm my hair in an effort to look presentable to the general public.

I was “rollerfied” with about thirty of those brushed things in my hair for two hours as this renovation process was well underway.   Yes, they’re the ones with the pink picks to hold the uncomfortable brushed hair in place on your head.

My husband was heading out to our local hardware store.  I thought I’d go along for the ride and bring our little dog with us.   We would just sit in the air conditioned car and wait for him on this very hot day.   The situation was well in hand, and about twenty minutes later as my husband appeared at the car, I figured we would soon be on our way home.

However, I could tell by the manner in which he approached the car that something was brewing.   Instead of approaching the driver’s side of the vehicle, he came over to me motioning for me to lower the window.   Are you kidding, it was 33 degrees Celsius and that’s too hot to allow a window down allowing the heat to enter my comfortable seating arrangement. 

However, he gestured excitedly for me to open the door and come into the store with him, exclaiming there was something in the kitchen department he wanted to show me right away.

Hey Mr. Husband, get a grip on what you’re asking, can’t you see I’m in rollers!  Women do not appear in public in that condition.  However, his demeanor insisted that come with him and without delay.    Honestly prevailing, I could NOT believe he was asking me to expose me to the general public in this ghastly sight of me in rollers.  He seemed oblivious to my self-conscious predicament and was so insistent I come.

So, what does a wife do in this situation?   It was time to let my vanity and pride go down the tube.   I grabbed the dog and cautiously exited the car.  I kept my head down as I certainly didn’t want to make any eye contact with other customers.  As we approached the entrance, there was a young gal standing there watching the customers come and go, preferably with their receipt in hand so she could check to make sure they paid for the product.

She took one look at me, and I felt the compelling need to explain my appearance.   Without thinking, I told her that at their next staff meeting she could announce that some woman had the “guts” to come into their store in “rollers.”   She began laughing herself to pieces.

Not wanting to draw a crowd I moved ahead to catch up with my husband who was intentionally several yards ahead of me.   Although he plainly had demonstrated he wanted me in the store, he now didn’t want others to realize I was with “him.”   How inconsiderate, I thought.  You want to show me something, but at a distance from my appearance in rollers.

To my amazement, no one seemed to even look my way.  However, with my head in the down position, I don’t think I would have noticed if they did get a glance.

Okay now, we’re now in the appliance department and I see what I was drawn into the store to look at.  Now it’s time to exit the store!  With head continuing in the down position, we moved to the exit, again with him way ahead of me.    The same young gal was still at the door and she broke into laughter again as I approached her.  But what came next surprised me.

I shared again with her not to forget the lady with rollers who had the courage to enter the store.  When her laughter subsided, she burst out with, “You just made my day!”    After all, rollers are a reality in life and why be ashamed of them.  I gave a quick retort that we need to “be real and transparent in life,” and she couldn’t have agreed more. 

Another way to phrase being transparent in life…..is…..to “be yourself.”  I could imagine that each of us, at one time or another, has wished to be like someone else.  It might be another’s looks, shape, personality, giftedness and we could go on and on.  But God’s Word reminds me that He IS our Creator….our individual Creator.   God designed each of us to be an “original,” not a copy of another.   Besides, we really aren’t true to ourselves if we’re envying another person.

Psalm 139:13,14  ”For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret…..”

Perhaps most anyone reading this event might say to themselves, “I wouldn’t have done that for all the money in the world.”   Or, “Why in the world would this gal entered a public place decked out in rollers?”

But even though the pride in my appearance was important, I wanted to look past it and perhaps even bring laughter to others, at my expense as I waltzed through the store.

Now after that I walked out the door of the hardware store, I was thankful that I left my pride in the car.  It was pleasing to me that I made this gal’s day.   Both she and I couldn’t stop laughing, and I made a new friend that day.

For the future, I’ll be inquiring of my husband if there’s any chance that  we’re going to be out in public for the four hours following the time I get under rollers.  If so, I’ll respectfully remain at home.

Yes, this is a true story and there are no photos to prove it.  You’ll just need to trust me on this one.   And furthermore, it can be “fun” to be who you were designed to be.

The detail of this event is being captured on paper just prior to Christmas; and it’s a fitting encounter to write about because it tells of a tiny gift given to a very small and colorful recipient.

Most of my interactions with Jesus have been in the very “ordinary ways” of life.   And I love sharing that truth because so many expect and desire to see God’s activity in the “spectacular” or “significant” events of life. 

And if that is your anticipated vantage point, you will miss Him in the daily.  He loves to show up and show off intimately of His care in the “tiny details” of everyday living.

This particular day was geared toward yard maintenance and weed eradication.  I was passing by the small fountain in our yard and decided to add water to it as water was evaporating quickly in thin air with the warm climate. 

I was about to flood the container when I noticed my favorite color of “red” floating in the water.  I came near to investigate what could possibly be in the water.  The closer I came, I soon realized it was a tiny little Lady Bug.

Upon close scrutiny, she was kicking and screaming, “Pick me up and let me off this ocean of water.”   At least that was my interpretation of this little one’s predicament.

Time was precious and I dove in with my right hand to gather this Miss Lady out of the pond of death.  If my eyes had the ability to “hear,” I would have heard a giant thanks from this tiniest of creatures.

I scoped the yard to see where I’d place her for safety.  To my right was the perfect set of leaves to secure her little body.  Within seconds she seemed to secure her airways and move her tiny little feet.  Her body paused for only about ten seconds, then off she walked.

My position was still, and my heart was captured with delight at the small act of kindness which saved the life of this helpless Lady Bug.

As I left the fountain I felt the words of a profound truth come over me.  We need to stop and look for small “divine opportunities” to MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY.   It’s especially wonderful when our small acts of kindness are performed anonymously.   You know the ones!  The ones we do where opportunities flash before us and there’s no time to be thanked for our gestures of thoughtfulness.

In our life there are so many opportunities that come along to extend grace, love, and kindness, and to make a tiny difference in the lives of others, whether human or animals. I’ve shared her photo at the end of this story.

Yes, right now it’s the Christmas season, and people yearn for a kindness or a smile or parking spot at the mall.  But what about throughout the year, in unexpected ways on unexpected days to reach out and share a smile or a gentle touch to another.

Before wrapping up the gift of this story, may I share two experiences I had just a few weeks ago at a local shopping mall?  I was to make a stop at our local grocery store that was located in the mall and I encountered two wonderful “divine appointments.”

Before I entered the grocery there was a beautiful woman approaching my line of step into the store.  I would guess she was in her 90’s.  She was nicely groomed from head to toe, and looked so beautiful and fresh in her chosen attire. 

I couldn’t help but approach her and tell her, “You look stunning!”   Her eyes got big and a smile encompassed her face radiantly.  I could almost see a tear in her eye.  She expressed to me such a grateful “thank you.”   I couldn’t get over her next comment.   “I’m an older woman, and I never get that kind of a response from anyone.”   I quickly realigned her thought pattern and said, “Honey, when another woman says you look stunning, you look stunning.” 

From the look on her face, I think I made her “year.” What a joy that was for me to share that truth with her.

Then, I entered the grocery and my list had only one item left on it.  I grabbed my item and headed for the checkout.  Wouldn’t you know, the people in front of me had about twenty-five items, and glancing my way and seeing I had only ONE ITEM, no one offered to allow me to go ahead of them.  Yes, I sighed and was preparing for the wait in line.

Then all of a sudden I heard a commotion of noise behind me, an older woman had taken a fall and people were scrambling to help her.  My feet did a 180 degree turn, and the next moment I was holding the woman’s shoulders asking if she was in pain, then questioning if she was on any medication, etc.  Within sixty seconds and with the help of two others, she was back in a vertical in position and grateful for her three “body lifters.”

All seemed well and everyone moved away from her, but I felt the need to remain and walk her through the checkout line.   By this time we were “verbal friends” and we walked out of the mall and into a medical clinic just to check out her vitals.  She assured me she was fine and I left her in the good hands of a nurse who assured me she would take care of this nice lady.

Upon leaving the medical office I realized I had dropped the item on a counter that I originally wanted to purchase in the grocery store.   So my feet proceeded back to where I left my item, and then after paying for the item and walking out, my eyes caught the smiling face of my new “mall friend.”  She was sitting comfortably in the lounge area of the mall and waiting for her ride.

As our eyes met, I rushed over to where she was seated.  We embraced as though we were long-time friends.  She looked beautiful and was physically fine.  But what a frightening experience to fall over your grocery bags when you’re in your “young eighties” and standing in line.

Everyone was so pleased to be in her path when she fell so we could all bring assistance and loving support to this woman in distress.

Oh, the opportunities are endless.   If we open our eyes and our hearts to be available for God to use our hands and our feet in the “ordinary ways” of others in bringing help where needed.   It’s especially significant when it’s interrupting our day to fulfill a higher purpose in the life of another.

And yes, I gave thanks to Jesus for “interrupting my space in line” to be used on behalf of another.

One of my past times is cruising through the dictionary or thesaurus.  One doesn’t need permission or a driver’s license for these “word tours” as I call them; but they are very helpful in giving direction to where you wish to go with your words.

I’ve actually been surprised when I locate a particular word thinking that I already know the meaning; because many times I’ve been way off course.  So before we probe some of the characteristics of a compelling lifestyle, let’s navigate through some words that attempt to describe the word “compelling.”  

Webster’s dictionary can lend us a hand.  Here are just a few to get us onto the trail of discovering some of the depth of the word “compelling:”

Evoking interest or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way, captivating, irresistible, inspiring, convincing, believable, persuasive, potent, credible, efficacious, reasonable, telling, conclusive, unanswerable, influential

2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ’s behalf:  Be reconciled to God.”

The Bible covers every imaginable topic of life in one way or another.  The verse that should stimulate every Christian, every person who names the name of Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior, is to desire to be the best ambassador he or she can be.

An ambassador represents another country, its culture, lifestyle, and priorities.

An ambassador is an accredited diplomat sent by a kingdom or state as its permanent representative in a foreign country.   We are God’s ambassador and all that He represents.   We are not perfect, yet He leaves us here and assigns each of us an “area of influence,” if you will.  

I’ve often heard from other believers that they yearn to be His witness down here on earth.   What makes me chuckle is that we don’t have to “try” to be God’s emissaries here, we already “are.”

The way we act, speak, listen, care, love and respond to people “is our witness.”    If we share with others that we belong to the Lord Jesus, they look at us, and many times say to themselves, “So this is like Jesus Christ?”   Before we shudder in our flip flops or runners, let’s review that statement again in our minds.    Clearly expressed, it means that people look at our lives and form an “opinion about Jesus Christ” after they’ve spent time with us; watching us, listening to us, working with us, living next door to us.  For our families, it’s living with us, being on a team with us, and we could go on and on.

Before camping here much longer, if you feel convicted here, don’t hesitate to stand in line behind me!   Aren’t we grateful that we’re all “in process” of becoming more like Jesus.  Or at least I hope and trust that is “your personal goal.”

Our church has a theme, and it’s an honorable one……MORE PEOPLE, MORE LIKE JESUS.   If you’re exiting a church parking lot on a Sunday morning, look around at the crowd of cars leaving the parking lot.   Yes, one of our first display grounds after we’ve heard a stimulating sermon on becoming more like Jesus, is how drivers’ display patience and courtesy.     I’ve seen people walk out the church door like a saint, and drive like a ………..maniac who hasn’t taken their medication.

This story is about a friend and mentor of mine who has moved “home with Jesus,” but her character traits have remained with me forever.  It’s beautifully said that we become like whom we spend the most time with.  That has merit in many arenas.  

My dear friend left me many life lessons as I observed the beauty of her behavior in myriads of circumstances.  She left me a “living legacy…..to live up to.”    Actually, we all will leave this earth with a legacy, but how we live, love, and serve others will determine its accuracy in relating to being “more like Jesus.”

This friend demonstrated to me what it means to live a compelling life; a life that points to our Living Savior, Jesus Christ.   He was compelled to go to the cross for each of us, taking our personal death penalty our sins deserved.   He willingly laid down His life so we could get to know  how much He loves us, and wants us with Him and to know Him for eternity.

Whether it’s on television or a movie, we have all probably seen someone who has just been saved from a devastating or life-threatening accident, only to realize that when they meet the person who came to their aid, they respond with enthusiastic praise like, “I can’t thank you enough; I owe you my life.”  The individual vocally swells up with such compelling comments such as these to express their gratitude.  

To be a promoter of the Lord Jesus Christ, there needs character traits observed in our lives that drive the compass of others towards Him.  As I think about my mentor and friend, these are some of the legacies she left marinating in my heart and mind.   She would have been the first to say about herself “If only I had lived better and more honoring to Jesus.”   She quietly mentored my heart and life in many many ways. 

The volume of her life spoke loud and clear to me.  It wasn’t always what she said, but rather how she said it, or refrained from speaking when the crowd around her was waiting for a response that she would express in “grace.”   She had the most remarkable way of “swallowing her words” before they exited her lips.

She never spoke glowingly about herself; but she always seemed to blossom with kindness, compassion, and gentleness when speaking about others.  No wonder I loved being around her.   She always saw my “potential” instead of the poverty of my behavior.   Her theme gravitated toward showing me a better way….Jesus’ way of handling others. 

This woman would “re-frame situations” to see how and what Jesus could do in redirecting whatever negativity was paraded before her.  I learned by “watching her.”   We can listen to a sermon on Sunday or anytime on the internet, but I’d rather “observe one” first hand anytime.  

Godly character is beautiful to behold and walk alongside in any relationship.   Our lives “do influence, even when we’re not aware of it.”   I was privileged to write a tribute about my friend, because her life was a compelling tribute to God.   And oh, how I desire to live in such a way that people will want to know and fall in love with Jesus.

“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.”   “My Utmost for His Highest” devotion, Oswald Chambers

Our compass is God’s Word, the Bible.  It lights our paths as to where to go, how to go, what to do, what not to do, to give us life at its finest.

Compass question for us all to answer is this:

What do people think about God, after spending time with you or me?

Does anything else in life really matter?

I don’t know about you but when you’re around a group of people, do you sometimes feel like you’re just “one” amongst the crowd?   Sometimes as I’m exiting the church and moving through crowd of people towards our car, I think to myself, I wonder if there is anyone here who notices me.   I’m not interested in drawing a crowd, but the “little girl” in me wonders if anyone notices my coming and going.   Have you ever thought about that for yourself?

A few years ago I was reading in the book of Luke and came across some verses that seemed to shout like a megaphone to my heart.  For a few minutes I would like to encourage you as the Lord encouraged me from this episode with the Lord and a small-statured man in the crowd.

Haven’t we all been given “the look?”  It may have been from a friend who was indicating you had lipstick on your front teeth or broccoli between them, or a husband indicating “it’s time to go home?” …pointing at his watch with wide eyes.

Luke 19:5embraces “a look” that changed everything!

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name.”

Jesus gave a personal, facial expression to a small-statured man nestled in a tree.

In this verse, I was drawn to the words …”He looked.”

“In route to the cross, Jesus was completing His assignment from His Father.   He came across a crowd of people.  The scripture tells us “Jesus stopped, turned and looked directly at him.  In that moment, Zacchaeus was oblivious to the crowd around him.”   (Experiencing God Devotional)

We’ve all been there….listening to someone, and so taken up with what they were saying, we lost sight of everyone around us.  Well, this is where Zach was at.

These words have been marinating in my mind and heart giving me encouragement in my walk with the Lord, along with the motivating desire to mentor other women. 

The first thing I noticed is that Jesus stopped.  Hey, He was on His way to the cross.  There were crowds of people, but Jesus stopped and turned to look at one man, Zacchaeus who was curious about Jesus. 

Jesus knew this man inside out – He knew his heart, his mind, and all that was going on in his life…just as He knows about your life and mine.  And Jesus knew that deep within this small-statured man was a lingering curiousity about Him.  Curious enough to climb above the crowd to just “look” at Him.   

Jesus perceived what Zacchaeus’ inner desire was.  Perhaps Zacchaeus was unaware.   You know there are people working & living around us in our everyday lives; people like Zacchaeus, who are oblivious to the vacuum in their souls and their need of Christ.

Now the tree was the viewing platform this man took advantage of to get a better look.  He didn’t get up into the tree to draw attention to himself.  He just wanted somewhere to perch so he could get a good look at this Teacher…that he had heard so much about.   There was something winsome & contageous about the Lord that drew out the heart of this man.

God had directed the steps of Zacchaeus (in this crowd), and God was directing the steps of His Son as well – to the very area where both the tree and Zacchaeus were.   Just like us…our steps are “ordained of the Lord” too.

Just considering this “tree top encounter” and the “look of Jesus” – I discover it is marvelous and rich with a mentoring love and concern for this curious heart. When their eyes met — their relationship began, and Zacchaeus was never the same.

Let’s look at JESUS’ LOOK………..

Three characteristics come to mind:

First, it was PERSONAL:   Jesus noticed this man amidst the crowd of people. Jesus found him because He knew exactly where he was and wanted to relate to him ‘one-on-one.’ 

He wanted Zach to know he wasn’t just one of the crowd….but “one He loved, and longed to meet his deepest need.  This scenario makes alive the reality that every moment of our lives is important before the eyes of the Lord; and that… Jesus delights in every detail of our lives.  Psalm 37:23

Secondly, His look was PERSUASIVE:  He invited Himself for a cuppa tea.    Actually, He invited Himself over to the “tree man’s home” for dinner:  but His plan was for a relationship and a friendship that would last forever.   This look brought about personal repentance & change in Zacchaeus.  Why, because Jesus took an interest in an every-day opportunity.

We all live “oatmeal lives” most of the time.   No events that would draw attention in a newspaper…just everyday living.   And in the everyday, we have “Divine appointments” waiting to happen as we reach out with a smile, a hug, or a look of approval of an individual….waiting, like Zacchaeus…to be noticed.  Perhaps the mailman, garbage collectors, or people we pass on a walk.  Let’s keep our eyes open for people in the trees.

Thirdly, His look was PERMANENT:  Zacchaeus’ life would be forever changed… never to be the same.  He was going to be a “new man” because of the “look of Jesus” toward his life.  Jesus would always have a ‘mentoring look’ at this man. 

Which highlights the truth that He will mentor us forever….through His Word, our circumstances, and others He brings along the pathway of our life.  Those who will walk “with us” for a season helping our hearts to keep trusting the Lord.

Let’s see how these truths might look in the shoe leather of our lives?

JESUS LOOKED AT ZACCHAEUS……..

We need not to just “see people” in our lives, but “notice them, perceive their countenances, their interests, their burdens, their remarks.” 

Why?  I think it’s so God can use our eyes to “look at them, relate to them, reach out to help them in a need, to smile at them, or just to notice what they do to help us …like the mailman, or the garbage collector (whom I refer to as my sanitation engineer).  

Have you ever written a thank you note to your garbage collector and put it in a plastic bag with a muffin and tied to the outside of the can…..to thank him for what he does each week for you?   You’ll be amazed at what God can do with a note of encouragement.

JESUS WAS PERSUASIVE WITH ZACCHAEUS……..

Zach knew he was noticed by the Savior.  So, in our approach to others do they sense our sensitivity, our gentleness, and our understanding that life can be tough sometimes?   People long to be heard….we all have stories don’t we. 

Listening to their hurts & hardships many times will create a “unique setting” for sharing heart-to-heart.    What a persuasive and winsome way to allow the Lord to ooze from the pores of our lives into theirs.    And by His Spirit, create in them a hunger for Him.

 JESUS REMAINED WITH ZACCHAEUS……..

We’ll have seasons to walk “alongside” others to hopefully assist them in their journey “with Him or towards Him.”  God’s passion is to walk forever with them; but Jesus wants us to invest time with people, in people, and for people.    Why?  So they get a “glimpse of Him.”

My Utmost for His Highest – John 4:l4

“The water that I shall give him (life & nourishment), will become in him/her a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The picture of our Lord described here is not that of a simple stream of water, but an over-flowing fountain of water (of life & refreshment) springing up into everlasting life.”

The sweetness of your vital relationship to Jesus will flow as generously out of you as it has been given to you.”

Was Jesus saying to stay focused on the Source so that you may be blessed personally?  No—you are to focus on the Source so that out of you ‘will flow rivers of living water’ – irrepressible life.”  (John 7:38)

We must be INTENTIONAL in our relationship with God (INTIMACY).  It is  only then we can make an IMPACT FOR GOD.   

But we need to be INFECTED BY HIM in order to be CONTAGEOUS WITH HIM.  We can only give a cold to someone….if we have it ourselves.

Our daily times with the Lord, reading His word and talking with Him, and allowing Him to speak to us through His word and our circumstances are the oxygen for our outreach.

Intimacy with Jesus will help us in:

–  Who we see

–  How we see them

–  What we see in them

–  How we relate to them

–  How we respond to them

–  How long to relate with them for the purpose of relating God’s love and                      character to them

May the Lord adjust the lens of our eyes to look at others the way He does:

So we REFLECT His love to others

So we are RELATIONAL in our outreach

So we can BE THE GOSPEL before preaching it

So we can be RELEVANT with His love

So we can be Jesus with skin on – allowing Him to nourish and draw others to Himself

Again I wish to close with this “compass thought:”

After people spend time with you and with me………watching us, listening to us, observing how we relate to them……what will they think of Him?    

          Our behavior and attitudes will leave an impression of God.

Our “Lord’s look” left a lasting impression on Zacchaeus.  I realize that I’m redundant in the following phrase, but it bears repeating.

“People may forget what you teach or what you say, but they

will never forget how you made them feel.”    Carl W. Buechner

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