Yesterday's seeds...

By now you know that I am a PK... a preacher's kid.

Many years ago, my dad started a ministry of teaching about prayer to pastors and church leaders, called College of Prayer. His ministry was always about prayer, everything else too, but prayer was #1...

I have always  felt that he didn't really see the results or 'the promised land', of his life's work during his own lifetime. He prayed and taught and studied about prayer for so many years, sometimes to a few, sometimes to a large group. There were results, yes, but later...

He went to heaven in 2001, and since he has been in heaven, the work of his lifetime here, has thrived and grown. In a recent email from Fred Hartley, pastor in Atlanta who dad mentored and loved, and who has continued the work dad began... College of Prayer...

Here's what it said:

"We now have over 100 established and developing campuses of the College of Prayer spanning over 35 countries around the world reaching over 20,000 Christian leaders!"...

It was my dad's heart. God is the one who planted it there. It was always His work.

My dad loved to pray. He knew that the answers for everything we face are to be found in prayer. He also knew that christians need to fully understand what power there is in prayer, backed by the promises of God.

Why am I sharing this?

It's so clear to me as I read this email today, that God's work is never wasted. What dad was faithful in living out, God has since multiplied, many times over.

The other reason is to share that one more time I see the difference between my timeline and God's bigger picture. It was God's work in my dad, and it's still God's work... on and on it goes. When the work is from God, the results are His, so is the timing, and there is never any waste. 

My dad never questioned that, and his daughter is reminded again today that I am to be faithful in what He has asked me to be, and the results are His to accomplish... in His way and in His time.

Lessons in everything...

Every day something happens during my day that triggers thoughts of something more than the situation, often it is many times each day. I wonder if it is God's 'love language' at work in me? His way of teaching me. He knows how I think, and I seem to always be prompted to see a different side to something... His side.

Example...

An ambulance always jumps my mind to the brevity of life, and how quickly eternity is coming.

A rude person is a reminder that I am NOT to be the same in return, and that the person involved may not know God. Do they see a different reaction when it's my turn to choose rude or kindness?

A rare animal photo or documentary on how animals survive, reminds me of the amazing limitless unfathomable God who created every species with their own unique way of living, surviving, eating, caring for their young. That thought usually takes me a little further, to the person who thinks all of that happened with one big bang, and reminds me for about the 1000th time, that it would be harder to believe that theory than to trust that there is a God who created all of it. I digress...

A child who looks at their parents with eyes reflecting unwavering certainty that they are loved... reminds me of the way God wants me to look at Him, trusting, uncomplicated by the mind or emotion that wants to throw a curve into that simple truth... He loves me, always!

See what I mean?

Maybe  it's as simple as being His child, and that His thoughts are not only formed in us, but strengthened and developed as we grow, so that our thoughts are becoming more about His, and it affects everything we say, do and think. 

Even as I write this, I'm thinking, duh... this is exactly how it's supposed to be, we are 'being transformed by the renewing of our minds'. 

It hasn't always been like that for me, but in looking back, I can see how my heart has changed through the years. Having gone off on my own tangents far too many times, and seen how quickly I can revert to running my own show and calling all the shots, the difference between me and God in charge, is... everything.

We are works in progress, but the key word has to be progress... if I'm not moving forward, I'm standing still and quickly moving backward.

So as we go about our daily lives... it's so good to know that all the while He is shaping and changing us, so that even our thoughts, or maybe even especially our thoughts, are being fine tuned by God Himself.

Keyboard chaos...

Lately, I've seen some of the comments I've left on  your blogs, AFTER I punched 'publish'. 

Too late... 

I have a sticky keyboard problem, the keys are starting to skip or miss, so a smart person, who knows this is happening, should double check everything she writes. Do I? 

Not so far...

This reminds me though, in the bigger picture of life, that 'hitting it a lick'  is never as good as double checking yourself, especially in the areas where we know there is a weakness.

My dad always used to say... 'a thing worth doing, is worth doing well'.

God's word speaks to this too. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters... Col.3:23

One of those quick little thoughts that God uses to instruct me in my daily life. 

If you notice a omment from me, and it doesn't quite look  inished... please know that I am addressing the problem, on the keyboard and in my daily life. :)

The 50's are long gone... now what???

Do you ever watch PBS TV when they bring the groups of singers from the 1950's and 60's? Some are newly formed, but most of them are the original groups. 

I love to watch. First of all, I can sing along in perfect tune, remembering every word. We grew up with that music, we sat and listened to it until we knew how to sing it like they did. We were yesterday's karaoke contenders. 

Second... I am captivated as I watch those in the tv audience.. they are just like me, they sing along, and they remember the songs, all of them, word for word. The only difference is... they are all OLD! 

I see gray haired ladies and big tummys and bottoms filling those seats.... And just a moment before, I was thinking we had so much in common! 

I don't want a big tummy (or bottom) and I don't have gray hair (at least I don't THINK I do... that's one of those things we may never know, and my hair dresser doesn't either, I am she... 

Still... I have a lot in common with that audience. Life was simpler in the 50's and 60's. At least by the standards and pace of today's world, it sure feels like it was. 

Another thing I am seeing is... the wrinkles and age in my own face are telling me that I am not that young vibrant person I used to be in my 20's,30's and even 40's. 

I really do FEEL young, and it's for sure I know myself in ways I never did back in those years. I think I'm in the years that knows I have gotten older, but I feel young in my heart. 

Like someone wrote in a magazine, she saw her face one morning in the toaster as she leaned forward, and thought there was an intruder in her kitchen! 

 When my mother in law was in her upper 80's, with short gray curls, she clipped a magazine picture for her hairdresser to copy, it was a super model in her 20's with long flowing blonde hair, and she wanted THAT hair... we all laughed together about it, and we all loved her spunk that felt anything was possible. 

Whatever our age, we have choices every day. My choice is to admit my age, but fight hard AGAINST what I know I COULD look like, which is not the way I WANT to look. 

Looks do matter, and how I look on the outside says something about how I am on the inside. I don't mean glamour... I mean doing the very best we can with what we have and where we are... THAT'S what I want to do. 

It's easy to say that's a pride issue, or that's for the really young. I think that can be a cop out. I've tried to cop out with those thoughts many times. Nope... God makes it clear we are to be our best in ALL areas. How I take care of myself is definitely one of those areas. 

It also makes me sharper and more cheerful when I am doing those things. 

I knew a woman once who said 'I'm older now, so I'm going to eat what I want to forget exercise and just enjoy life.'... It doesn't work for me!... I NEED the discipline and order of a healthy life style to do it God's way. He designed our bodies, and they work better when we are healthy. Period. 

That's a pretty long 'sermon' this morning, but it's right where I am... needing to do this every day, and on many days it isn't what I FEEL like doing, so ESPECIALLY on those days, I am on high alert to make the right choices. 

Do you relate??

Ladies Retreat...

I just wanted to share that I have been to a ladies retreat... several times today, and many times each week.

For this retreat, I never have to leave my office!

I would guess that many of you feel the same way. 

There are blogs, and seasons in the lives of bloggers, that are as rich in the telling and reading as being at a real ladies retreat. I've been to some amazing ladies retreats through the years, powerful messages, divine fellowship and lots of fun.

I love the face to face fellowship with others ladies, but there is also something very special about sharing your hearts and lives on these pages. I am so encouraged and challenged and blessed by the words that you share.

Some of you are speakers, some writers, authors or just kindred spirits.

We name the dates and times of these retreats, and they follow along the lines of what God is teaching us.
There are many kinds of ladies gatherings, and our blogs are on that list!

I know that even if we don't all meet each other face to face down here, we will meet one day in heaven, and we will know each other! It will be like a ladies retreat that never ends!

But for now... I just love 'seeing' your faces day after day, and I am blessed to count you as friends.

a little perspective...

Me:    God, can I ask you a question? God:   Sure. Me:    Promise you won’t get mad. God:   I promise. Me:    Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today? God:   What do you mean? Me:    Well, I woke up late. God:   Yes. Me:    My car took forever to start. God:   Okay. Me:    At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait. God:   Huummm. Me:    On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call. God:   All right. Me:    And on top of it all, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn’t work!!!   Nothing went right today!   Why did you do that? God:   Let me see, the Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life.   I let you sleep through that. Me:    (humbled):   OH... GOD:   I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. Me:    (ashamed) God:   The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work. Me:    (embarrassed):   Ok... God:   Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered. Me:    (softly) I see God. God:   Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight.   I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark. Me:    I’m sorry God. God:   Don’t be sorry, just learn to trust me …  in all things, the good and the bad. Me:    I will trust you. God:   And don’t doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan. Me:    I won’t God.   And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today. God:   You’re welcome child.   It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children. I've seen something similar to this before, it's still a good reminder, and I am sure things like this happen with God and us over and over again... probably many times every day!

Do you pray for a parking space?...

I'm not being either funny or sac-religious...

I'm remembering when my mother used to pray for a space to park when time was short and the lots were full. My greater remembrance is that she prayed about... everything! Parking places in her conversations with God were just part of the daily needs, so she went right to him. I have to say that very often, even while we 3 kids were chuckling at her, she GOT those parking places. She didn't look exactly like this cartoon, but she always said a quick 'thank you' to the Lord.

I find that I do the same thing. I don't usually ask for a parking place, (although sometimes I do that too) but I do pray about details, small details, and sometimes in detail!

God says we are to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING...

My 'everything' takes place in the daily world around me, with family, friends, errands, business, etc. It's the same for all of us.

I'm thinking you probably do some of these things too...

For instance, whenever I pass a wreck, I pray for those inolved, first that they would know Jesus, and maybe this situation would draw them to him. I pray for their courage, comfort and protection for what might be ahead. I can barely hear sirens without lifting up whatever situation they may be headed toward.

I pray for my bank tellers after we've had a few friendly and often interesting exchanges. I have some of the neatest bank tellers in town! And the clerks, at Kroger, CVS and Wal Mart. They have become my buddies. One of my Wal Mart clerks goes to Tony Evans church in Oak Cliff, and she is quick to share words about Jesus, and smiles all day long. Each one has a set of their own needs and longings, and a quick prayer as I leave makes me happy, and might be the very thing they need.

I know I pray this way because I saw my mom and dad do it, all through my life. I pray this way because it's the way they prayed for me, in detail, and God heard each prayer. It's the way I pray for my own family, and you probably do too.

I pray this way since many times I don't know what else to do, and I DO know that each of those prayers matter, that God is hearing them, and perhaps in direct response, is already doing a shift, or changing a heart, or healing a body.

I'm not sure I can say that prayer is my genes, but it definitely runs in my family. When I googled my dad, Armin Gesswein, everything that came up had to do with prayer.

My parents lived by prayer, voiced prayers, both silent and verbal, trusted God for their prayers to be answered... and never got too far away from praying about everything.

Just this morning, I got THE best parking space at Kroger, the one I NEVER get, and since I never even thought of asking God for it, I'm sure that many times our needs and desires are supplied before we even ask or think them. If it matters to us, it matters to Him.

Parking places are not what I'm really talking about though.

What do you think "Pray about everything" means?

Is anything too big or too small?

(photo courtesy of Google)

We plan, God smiles...

Our precious little gracie was born about 5 months ago. You remember the story. Our daughter in law had gone through cancer some years before, and because of chemo and radiation, they couldn't get pregnant...

Gracie is the beautiful result of all that, as Molly carried her perfectly through the 'snowflake adoption'.

Now, 5 months later, may I present Gracie, wearing her t-shirt, and announcing to all of us the latest news...


YES! Gracie is going to be a big sister. Man plans, God smiles, and His ways and plans are beyond what we can even dream up. The pregnancy that 'couldn't happen', has happened!

Our family is grinning from ear to ear, even as we shake our heads in wonder... as God smiles.

My latest read...

I read Elaine's book today, all of it.

It's been here for a few days, but I waited for a quiet day to myself and this was the day.

The reason I have looked so forward to this book is because I have read Elaine's blogs, many of you have too, writings that have challenged me and struck a chord in my own heart over and over, words that were written before cancer even became a chapter in her life.

I knew this was going to be special. It is...

It won't take you long to recognize yourself on these pages, whether you've ever had cancer or not. I haven't, and by the end of page 2, I already knew there were many lessons here for me.

Elaine writes so beautifully, as most of you already know, her pen is God's gift.

These words are about so much more than cancer, although she shares both her struggles and rough times so honestly, it will be a treasure for cancer patients and their families. This book, with questions at the end of each chapter, and also a facilitator format, is ideal for churches to offer in a group or small group setting.

I'm sincere when I say that Elaine and several others of you blogging sisters are as good as it gets! Move over Beth... :)

The secrets she shares here are for every one of us. They are principles for living, God's way. There isn't anyone who travels this journey of life without 'something', be it cancer, or some other form of suffering. But as Elaine so clearly says, all of our 'somethings' matter to God, are known to Him, and will be transformed in our lives for good, because of His grace.

You will gain so much insight from Elaine's honest and gifted words. I just love this girl!!

I could give you so many quotes, but I really hope you will read this book yourself, so I won't, maybe just one...

"Hard surrenders made in the leanest of all of life's seasons indicate an underlying, undeniable, and underscored personal trust in the work of the cross."

Get the book!



http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/

More 'rising up'...

No, it's not Mother's Day...

but often a fellow blogger catches your eye and you find you are on the same page with her thoughts. Have you noticed that?


Today, as it has been many times with her, it was Janette and her blog title 'Rise up and call her blessed'.


That scripture, Proverbs 31: 28 - "Her children rise up and call her blessed;Her husband also, and he praises her," brought to my mind how many times as I was growing up, my mom used that verse when she spoke to christian women's conferences and shared her testimony.

She would say...

"In our home, instead of my 3 children rising up and calling me blessed"... they rise up to make fun of me when I talk!"

She said it with a big smile, she knew we all loved her accent.
As we grew older, she claimed she had no accent left, after all, she had come to America as a young bride, many many years earlier, and she felt she had lost her accent long ago!

She NEVER lost her accent, and I'm so glad she didn't!

She knew very few words in English when she met dad in Norway as a young woman. Their love story was a heart story, certainly not full of the English language in the beginning.

She used to tell the story of a young Scandinavian bride who married a preacher and knew very little English. Her husband's church put on a big dinner to welcome her to their church and to America. When she stood to thank them, in faltering English she said...

"I tank you from da bottom of my heart, and I tank you from my husband's bottom too"... :)

My mother loved that story... I always thought it sounded just like her.

But oh did we rise up and call her 'blessed', with our whole hearts, to this very day.

So with all of you whose mothers are still here or are already in heaven... for the heart and life of those who loved us and taught us, I 'rise up and call them blessed.'