Paul's Powerful Prayer

It’s been said, “We live forward but understand backwards.” 

For many of us, that means we can look back over our lives and see all the stupid things we’ve done, knowing there is nothing we can do to change history. 

It also gives you the opportunity to look back and see God’s protection, His providence, and His promises specifically and purposefully woven throughout your life even when you were completely unaware. 

I have assigned labels to the seasons of my life, arranged in decades. It gives me a snapshot of my life and demonstrates the sovereignty of God regardless of the stupid decisions I made. 

Wings of Change

 (This began as a letter for our daughter on her high school graduation in 2006)

 ~~♥~~

To our daughter upon her high school graduation:

          Oh my, how history repeats itself!  

          Do you remember “Delvin”, your second grade project of nurturing a caterpillar?

          We called it the Butterfly Wannabe. 

          You watched carefully everyday for small changes taking place in God’s creation that was now under your care. You grew impatient, as the caterpillar seemed oblivious to the orders nature had given him. Eventually, a cocoon formed and at times you even wondered if it had died, as the cocoon appeared motionless and unresponsive.

          Then, after what seemed an eternity, but was only a couple weeks, you awoke one morning to see that while you were sleeping, a beautiful monarch butterfly had finally emerged. 

We shared in your excitement of this “nativity in a jar” and we rejoiced like proud parents, calling family and friends who were aware of your project.  However, the reality now struck. You knew what it was time to do. 

           The final stage of the assignment was to tag and release him from the school parking lot. As you removed the lid from the jar, Delvin seemed to hesitate, as if he was comfortable where he was.  Nevertheless, as the fresh air made its way into his snug surroundings, his wings began to flutter wildly. It just seemed he needed a little help to launch. 

          Tears fell from your eyes as you reached in and lifted him from the jar, releasing him into the wide open space.  But the tears turned to laughter and cheers when you observed the power and strength in his wings as the breeze lifted him higher and higher, until he flew out of sight. 

          We now come to the moment I have dreaded since the day they laid your warm body, wrapped as tightly as a cocoon, in my arms. My dear child, I’m sure what seemed an eternity to you, feels like only a few short weeks for me.  But, as the winds of change stir your soul, may they lift you ever higher into the wide open space of your future.            

          

          The memories of your childhood will always warm your heart, but it will be your vision and dreams that will propel you forward. Let your mind be stayed on Christ, your Way, your Truth, and your Life, and your paths will be straight.  Moreover, know we are proud of the beautiful young woman who emerged before our very eyes.   

     

          May God bless and keep you and may His grace shine upon you as we release you into the plans He has for you, now and forever. 

Love, Mom & Dad

          Dear Lord, How amazing it is to compare our life to the caterpillar that is surrounded by the cocoon and struggles until it emerges a beautiful butterfly. I pray that as we all struggle through life's challenges, that we learn to lean on You and allow the cocoon of Your love to surround us and that the circumstances and trials help mold each of us into the beautiful creature You want us to become. Thank You for all You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Showroom Religion

While traveling one weekend, a friend invited me to stay with him and his wife. They lived in a very beautiful home in one of the “large home” regions of that city. Following a tour of the home, I decided to freshen up before dinner in the guest bathroom.

Have you ever been in one of those bathrooms that was so beautiful, you weren't quite sure what to do with yourself?

Atop the rich marble counter was a large silk floral arrangement. Scattered about was an array of antique pictures, a few candles, a tall, slender, and dimly-lit lamp, a frosted glass fragrance mister, and a fancy tissue dispenser and counterpart hand mirror.

Near the sink was an ornate pedestal-style soap dish with a harmonizing blend of beautifully foil-wrapped individual soaps (Was I supposed to actually use one?). A complementary towel ring was close by, holding an ultra-plush crewel lace edged towel and matching washcloth. (Was I supposed to use those?) I turned around to find a matching bath towel perfectly draped over the oil-rubbed bronze towel rack.

With no room on the counter to place my travel bag, I set it on the floor . . .

My relationship with Christ?

"My relationship with Christ? 
Wha-ya-mean? 

~~♥~~

“Tell me about your relationship with Christ?” 

My "relationship" with Christ?  swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . 

I could hear my heart beat in my ears.  

The words caught me off guard as the unsuspecting woman seated next to me innocently prodded my empty soul. My failed attempt that afternoon in 1983 at a Christian Women's event haunted me for years to come, as I stumbled through carefully chosen words and actions.

• I've known about Him since I was a child
• Gone to church "most" of my life (when my parents took me) 
• Currently looking for a church (straight up lie) 
• God is good! --- Nod and smile --- He's so good! --- Nod and smile!!  

God's word in Ecclesiastes tells us "There is a time to speak and a time to be silent". (Eccl. 3:7) This is one of those times I should have remained silent and didn't; but then again, I wouldn't have had this story to write today, would I?

Celebration of the Newness of Life

I remember the first time I felt new life stir within me when expecting our first child over thirty-five years ago. I likened it to the fluttering feeling of holding a guppy in my hand as a child. The womb once empty now stirred with new life. It’s hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know. 

My daughter and me

I remember as well the moment I sat up in my I.C.U. bed two days after my liver transplant. The heavy meds had worn off, all the tubes and lines removed. New life now pulsed within me as doctors removed my dying liver, giving me a new one, a soft one. I couldn’t believe how “alive” I felt…how “together” I felt…how “whole” I felt. It is hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know. (Click here to read My Transplant Story) 

(Left: This picture is one taken after one of my rejections. I did not have any pics taken after transplant, but looked very similar to this one...YELLOW! ) 

I remember the morning when the earth stood still, the mountains bowed down, and the trees clapped their hands--at least in the realm of my heart. The morning I sat at my kitchen table with the Bible I had owned for years, but never ventured to read. The moment the words of Christ leaped from the page of my Bible and into my heart. (Matt. 16:15) 

New life formed within me as God removed my heart of stone and gave me a new heart of flesh. (Ezek. 11:19) I couldn’t believe how “alive” I felt...how “together” I felt…how “whole” I felt. It is hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know.

"But Who Do You Say That I Am?"

 A personal revelation of Jesus Christ. 

(This story is taken from my book Lessons from the Sticker Patch.

Check out the blog site here) 

~~♥~~

I love the story from the book of Matthew when Jesus and his disciples arrive in a particularly pagan area. Jesus asked his followers, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”. (Matt. 16:13)

The disciples answered with a variety of names derived from a mixture of ideologies. “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets". (Matt. 16:14)

Then Jesus turned to His disciples and asked a simple yet most profound question: “But who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16:15) 

Most everyone has a favorite scripture. This is one that I call my “signature scripture.”