“Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11/GW)

The other morning, I awoke with a dark cloud over my head. Nothing unusual had happened the day before. It was the normal fifty things, or fifty people, all needing my attention at once – my lifestyle for the past several months. Battles that seem to never end.  It was very early in the morning. As usual, I let the dog out, grabbed a cup of coffee, and sat down to begin my morning time with the Lord.

I prayed first that God would speak to my heart and open His word to me. God never fails when you pray that prayer. I found comfort in the verses to meditate on in Psalm 145:18-19: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.“

I love reading commentaries on every verse from great theologians of the past. Their life experiences and devoted time in God’s word help me to glean deep seeds to carry with me throughout the day. Matthew Henry is one of my favorites. As I finished reading Psalm 145 and its commentary on each verse, I began to feel a little lighter already. Then, I turned to my current devotions by pastors whom I trust and cherish… Charles Spurgeon and Dr. Charles Stanley.

Not by coincidence, nor by luck, but from the heart of God reaching out to me, to pick me up, Spurgeon dug into Psalm, 138:7, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” Spurgeon closed his devotion saying, “Come, my heart, talk this promise over until it becomes a song of confidence, the solace of your holiness. Pray to be revived and leave the rest with the Lord, who performs all things for you.” For as long as I have walked with the Lord, He still amazes me when He speaks directly to my heart. Not surprisingly, Dr. Stanley’s devotion was also on trusting God, “Prayer may not always be the first thing we think of in times of emergency, but it is our strongest source of hope. Simply put, God hears when we call to Him. Trust Him and you will be amazed at the peace He brings to your heart and life.”

And just like that… the cloud was gone.

I had a few more minutes before I had to wake my son and begin getting him ready for school. I quickly went on Facebook to see if I had any messages from my foster sons or other friends in Asia. I had sent one of my sons a message and showed him a link to a friend who is a talented musician. Since my son teaches children how to play keyboard and guitar, I wanted my son to follow this musician.

I scrolled down and found where my son had seen my note, but then the next comment took me by surprise. A friend I had not spoken with or seen in… I can’t even remember how many years, made a comment, “Hi Debbie, I think of you every morning.” I was overwhelmed as tears began to fall. My friend had lit a candle on the biblical cake that the Lord had just fed me. I responded and spent several minutes thinking of her, as well as many other friends I had not spoken to or written to in years. I had thought of them and said prayers for them, but had never told them.

When I was overseas, I was busy 24/7 with ministry, raising my foster children, and building relationships. I only responded to friends and family in other countries who emailed me. Otherwise, I sent digital newsletters to cover everyone.

When I returned to the States six years ago, I had a new kind of busy. I still thought of friends, prayed for them, and wondered how they were doing, but with so many differences in time, trying to adjust back to a part of the world I had left sixteen years ago (now twenty-two years ago), helping my adopted son adjust to a totally different culture, and starting all over again; phone calls and emails were sparse. I had wonderful connections with friends on Facebook, but several cherished friends didn’t use that social media.  I met and contacted several friends in the first couple of years after my return, but then moving from the West Coast to the East Coast made a huge communication gap. Now, the comment, posted by my distant friend, stirred my heart.

I reflected on times past when we used to send greeting cards or letters to one another. Remember those? You used to buy the cards in the store, sometimes the Hallmark store. You would write an encouraging note and often write a Bible verse to encourage the person. Then, you would ensure that you had the correctly priced stamp, handwrite the recipient’s name and address, and then handwrite your name and address on it. You would put it in the mailbox or leave it in your car for several days until you remembered to go to the post office. Obviously, I’m pulling your chain… somewhat.

I made a vow… and I challenge you to do the same. You can buy tons of cards at the dollar store; the value of the card doesn’t really matter. Or packs of writing paper cost one dollar too at the same store! What matters is the surprise and joy the recipient experiences. And I guarantee you, exactly as the Lord touched my heart that cloud-covered morning, if you pray who to send a card or note too, the Lord will make sure it arrives at just the right time to cheer and encourage that person.

So, I challenge you to send out five notes or cards a month to someone you haven’t reached out to for a while. The major cost is stamps – but they are forever stamps. Skip buying a few coffees – it just makes you jittery. Instead, encourage and strengthen someone who might need it.

My longtime friend from years ago posted something meaningful on Facebook, and I loved it. However, I also wish to revive the art of handwritten notes, as you never know whose candle you might be lighting.

A thousand candles can be lighted from the flame of one candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness can be spread without diminishing that of yourself. Ghandi

Give me the Love that leads the way. The Faith that nothing can dismay. The Hope no disappointments tire. The Passion that’ll burn like fire. Let me not sink to be a clod. Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God. Amy Carmichael

I re-read my manuscript several times before sending it to the editor. Each time, certain parts brought me to joyful tears as I reflected on God’s goodness amid tragic moments. Other stories, like my son’s abandonment, made me sob uncontrollably and hug him tighter.

Part one is almost complete. The editor emailed me today with encouraging feedback. She has finished the first round of edits, and we have a Zoom meeting scheduled for Thursday. During this meeting, we’ll ensure that my vision is coming across clearly before I make any changes. Thank you for your continued prayers.

I completed the final chapter of the manuscript today! It will be sent to the editor tomorrow for the first round of edits. My dream publishing date is November 5, 2025. I appreciate your prayers in this process. Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13/NIV)

     It was a dreary morning, but I didn’t care. I had carved out the day before and this day to add a chapter to the book that the Lord had put on my heart. I needed to bring the book full circle, leading people to the source of my hope. The previous day had been zapped by unplanned, time-consuming errands. I was at peace. I still had today.

     I first had to send an email, the second one, to my doctor’s office. I had seen my doctor just four days before. One of my medical issues decided it didn’t like the medicine controlling it anymore, so it decided to flare up, finally taking my voice out with it. I emphasized in this email how important it was to get the referral to the specialist so that I could drive there and make an appointment, since my voice was gone. The coughing and choking were taking a toll on me. I couldn’t go many more days without sleep, and the weekend was at hand. I was also awakened in the night to the sound of choking and honking from my dog. She had a kennel cough. I sent an urgent email to the veterinarian, who quickly informed me that both her clinics were booked. She encouraged me to try back later in the afternoon. I left those major issues to simmer so I could begin to write.

     Although it was cloudy, it wasn’t too cool to sit outside. I do my best writing listening to the birds and the voice of God. I prayed fervently that God would allow me to finish the chapter so that I could get it to the editor before she returned from her vacation. I still had ten days to work with, but I was determined to finish it on this day, thinking I could use the extra time to begin writing the accompanying devotional to this book I had on my heart. But my mind was blank. I read some more scripture, prayed a little more, read some commentaries… but still… I only felt inspired to write a paragraph.

     I decided to rewatch the powerful podcast I had watched the night before, which I had stumbled across. Pastor Levi Lusko and his wife were interviewing the Christian singer TobyMac (stage name for Kevin Michael McKeehan). I was glued to the screen as he shared about his life, music, and the heartbreaking, accidental death of his 21-year-old son. This interview was six years after his son’s death, but the grief and rawness of his deep pain were still there… but so was his unwavering, determined trust in God. He emphasized that God was good no matter what. Throughout the interview, there were tears, but along with the tears, he expressed great confidence in the Lord. The Luskos were the perfect people to interview him as they too had lost a child. She was only five years old, and it had been thirteen years ago, but deep pain unites hearts despite the years. Toby shared that since his son’s death, he had been drawn closer to God, and how more valuable God’s Word was to him. I’ve heard a hundred times that when Christians have experienced great tragedies, their relationship with the Lord is more intimate. Something nonbelievers can’t comprehend.

     There were many gold nuggets to take away from this podcast, including the importance of joy, …the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Not blessings, not spiritual gifts, the joy of the LORD. Toby said every morning, the posture of his heart was focused on God. He sat on the edge of the chair every morning, asking,

“What could God do with this day?” “Don’t lean on your own understanding – get out on the edge and trust God. Walk on water.”

We should all aspire to live each day asking how God wants to use us.

“Only when our greatest love is God, a love that we cannot lose even in death, can we face all things with peace. Grief was not to be eliminated but seasoned and buoyed up with love and hope.” ( John Piper)

     The available hours that I had to write soon disappeared. I sent out two more urgent emails to the veterinarian, and another one to the doctor, hoping that I could pick up my son from school (fifteen minutes from the veterinarian) before the bus did, rush to the vet, and hurry to the specialist’s office, and live happily ever after. I received no response from either one, and with no voice, I couldn’t call and share the urgency. I was frustrated that my plans had not materialized.

     My son arrived home late. I was wiped out by this time, but I wouldn’t forget our weekly Friday after-school trip to get a special dinner. My son had had a good day, and I wouldn’t take that pleasure from him. I had one stop at the grocery store for a few staples, and then we could pick up food, hasten home, and enjoy the evening… so I thought.

     Our choice was a fast-food place closed for a year for a remodel. My son adored their waffle fries and chicken nuggets. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do a drive-through without a way to speak, and the weather had changed from gloomy to gloomy with sprinkles. It was still early; the evening rush had not begun. When we walked in, only a couple of people were in line. I whispered his order and stepped back, waiting. But then, the crowd whooshed in. My autistic son was beginning to get a little edgy as the people behind the counter were setting out orders of food, but people near us were taking the bags. My son began to whimper, so I thought taking him out to the car and then popping back into the restaurant was best. But my son was determined not to leave without food. I got him to the door with some reassurance and extra support. But now it was raining steadily. A kind man opened the door for us, but I needed more pressure to get my son out. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and held up a white tennis shoe, apparently my son had kicked off. By now, people were rushing in, the rain was coming down, but the man holding the door stood patiently. He took the shoe from the other man.

     “Can I help you?”

     “No, we are fine.”

     “No, let me help you.” With that, the man stepped outside, bent down, spoke gently to my son, and put on his tennis shoe… in the rain.

I thanked him, got my son in the car, ran back in, got the food, and made our way home in rush-hour traffic.

     I quickly got my son in the house, put his food on the tray, got the groceries there, made special mushy food for my honking dog, and dropped.  My son was also exhausted by then. He lay on the sofa, and before he could sleep, I rushed to his side and said a prayer. And then I dropped to the floor. My night ended with a bowl of ice cream, an inane movie, and a dog honking in the background.

     When I woke up at 2:30 in the morning, the first thing the Lord put on my mind was the man who had held open the door, gave respect and kindness to my son, and put on his shoe in the rain. I immediately dropped to the floor and repented to the Lord. I had just written a book about giving God waves of praise even in the difficult days. I had, twice in twenty-four hours, listened to a man who had lost a child in an accidental incident; but I missed the light and goodness in my day. I still weep as I write this.

     Joni Eareckson Tada once said, “The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.”

I spent a few more hours awake reading the Bible, praying, and remembering the day that had just passed. I went to our city’s Facebook page, not positive the man was even a member, but publicly mentioned the incident, thanked him for his kindness, blessed him, and mentioned that there were angels among us. Within thirty minutes of that posting, there were 85 forms of acknowledgements and praises for what the man had done. An hour later, there were 287 gratitude likes and several comments. People had a moment of hope that there was still kindness in the world because of that one man’s unselfish actions. The number of people reacting is now 600 and growing..

“Our world today so desperately hungers for hope, yet uncounted people have almost given up. There is despair and hopelessness on every hand. Let us be faithful in proclaiming the hope that is in Jesus.” (Billy Graham)

Don’t miss the blessings in each day.

Be an angel in disguise to a world desperate for light.

     “Storms in life are not meant to break us but to bend us toward God.” (Unknown)

As I sat out on the deck, I prayed cheerfully. “Father, guide me, show me Your glory!” I heard the echo of thunder in the background from the storm that would be above my head in about an hour. I have always loved thunder! Especially the big thunder boomers in Tennessee. It awakens thoughts of what God’s voice would sound like. The thunder that rocks the house brings to mind of what the Israelites heard from God when He spoke from the mountain top (Exodus 19:16-17, 20:18). When I asked God to talk to me, I, possibly like you, expected Him to be joyful and speak, “Bless you my child, you have only joy coming your way!” This time, He had a clearer, different message for me.

     As the storm grew closer, the leaves in the trees began to gently rustle. This is another act of God that I love. Remember the divine intervention when God told David when he was getting ready to attack the Philistines, “Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”? I smiled, thinking, God will give me answers for these difficulties I have been dealing with. But God had something else to say to me.

     Within a minute of hearing the leaves gently sway, the storm came in full force. The thunder sounded like a sonic boom. The torrential rain came in sideways sheets, knocking off the vase of flowers on my table and drenching everything in the screened porch. The wind was relentless. I ran for cover inside the house and listened as the tempest intensified. And then… as rapidly as it blew in, it stopped. No lingering light rain, no echo of thunder in the distance, no whisper of wind. Complete silence. I walked outside, stunned. I was seeking blessings, but God wanted me to seek Him.

     I remember when I was preparing to go to Peru to serve. God allowed me to go through a year-long process of being accepted by an agency and learning about the future work there. And then He closed the door… and was silent. I was shocked, confused, and wondering what to do next. Hadn’t He opened that door? I admit, I went into the entire experience confident I could do the job. I knew a little Spanish. The weather there was perfect every day, 365 days a year! I had been there before. The people were lovely, and I knew it was the ideal position for me… so I thought. But God remained silent except to show me one verse, repeatedly. Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” (NKJV)

     I felt confident in myself going to Peru. God can’t use people who are confident in themselves. God chose that specific verse for me because He would send me to a place I had never been, where I had no knowledge of the language or the thousands of dialects, and where I would be alone for many years. God wanted me to seek Him because He would be all I would have… and He was definitely enough, above and beyond what I could have imagined (Ephesians 3:20).

     So why was God trying to get my attention this time? Storms can be physical or personal. I confess that I have been doing some comparisons lately. Nonbelievers I know have been blessed abundantly. Believers I know have been able to do their dream ministry, and I’ve been chosen to occupy a stationary place over several years. It’s been difficult. I think about my age, how life is nothing but vapor, and I am anxious about not wasting one minute. But God has a purpose for every storm, physical, medical, and personal.

     I’ve learned much in this stationary place over the last seven years out of ministry. Of course, I do have the ministry of raising my disabled son. God has changed my character and is holding me accountable for my vow to Him to write about His faithfulness. He continues to get me to focus on Him and not others. I admit I have been focused on me and my situation too much… and the obstacles, most likely sent by the Enemy.

     Charles Stanley wrote:
“Are you facing something much greater than your ability to handle? Turn your fear and sorrow over to Jesus. Allow Him to take your hurt and disappointment. When He is in your boat, there is no need to worry.” I believe those who suffer the greatest on earth have the most tremendous confidence of sharing in His highest glory.

Remember the disciples in the boat with the storm that hit them (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus sent the storm and brought them peace.

What is the purpose of your storm? Ask Jesus to show you what He wants you to learn.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6/NKJV)

“… “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come saying ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; …  And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:5-7/NKJV)

“It was a typical day when Joy decided to go down to the beach. She needed answers, she needed guidance, and honestly, she just needed some hope. She was a middle-aged woman who realized that time passed more quickly as she aged. Nothing about her over the past years would draw your attention to her. She was of medium build and much shorter than she desired. Her brownish-blonde hair was past her shoulders now, but no longer had any shine. Her skin was beginning to show her age and the ravages of time. The only outward quality she had was her sapphire blue eyes, but even they didn’t sparkle anymore. The tears had washed most of the glimmer away. She stumbled as she made her way across the rocky, sandy beach, partly because of the unevenness of the path, partly because of her disability. She found a large, sturdy piece of driftwood that looked solid. She sat down to rest. She was so weary, and with her infirmity, and the considerable, unnecessary weight on her shoulders she carried, she couldn’t travel far anymore. She realized she had allowed the world’s trials to overshadow her more than she had noticed. Her outlook no longer represented her name.

As she sat there, the sun’s warm rays felt like a love she once remembered, cupping her face in its hands. The quiet, rippling sounds of the waves began to make her heart beat in rhythm. She deeply breathed in the fragrance of the ocean. The healing sound and scent of the ocean breeze caused Joy to feel more peaceful. Surprisingly, the weight on her shoulders seemed to feel somewhat lighter. A low-piercing noise startled her, and when her eyes opened, she saw a seagull that had landed not far from her. It was focused on the shell it had hurled from the sky, enjoying its morsels, oblivious that she was even near it. She was used to being invisible. Joy laughed inwardly as she observed the waddle of the seagull. It reminded her of herself. Once the bird noticed the intruder, it quickly took flight, and Joy beheld its grace, soaring above the beach. She had once soared, too.

Joy noticed the time on her phone and saw that the sun was beginning to explode into a magnificent palette of colors on heaven’s canvas. She knew she had to leave soon; finding her way back would be too arduous. As she tottered, like the seagull, finding her way down the beach, a smile began to rise, looking at the countless shells, sea glass, starfish, and endless treasures on the caramel-colored sand. She was about to lift her gaze when something shimmered on the ground. She couldn’t make it out until she grew closer. It was a stone, but not an ordinary stone. It was shiny, off-white with streaks of sienna, magenta, a few threads of royal blue, and highlights of gold like Kintsugi pottery. She picked up the stone. It was baked warm from the sun. Strangely, it felt quite weighty for such a small stone, but not too cumbersome to hold. Forgetting the sun beginning to set, she leaned against a boulder and gazed at it. A tear brushed down her face. An explosion of memories came to her as she examined the gold-filled lines on the stone.

Joy felt the Lord was speaking to her audibly. The message was clear, “How long, My child, will you keep running and grieving the losses? You only need to ask and believe; I, too, will fill those dark memories with light and triumph. You no longer need to be just Joy, but Joyful again. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I have seen and collected every tear and written them down. Soon, very soon, you will no longer remember the heartbreak.” Joyful was weeping now. She knew His words to be true. She knew He had been unwavering and had provided for her all her life. When did she lose hope?

Storms would come and go. Sometimes, she had plenty, sometimes a little. Occasionally, she lost everything on this earthly path. But Joyful knew she would never lose her eternal home or His love. She held on to the stone, and even though little light was left to help her find her way, she was no longer worried. She felt like she, too, was soaring. The strength of the small stone reminded her of God’s strength. It wasn’t crushing; it helped her when she was weak. Strength was the word the Lord wanted her to remember. Strength, when others said she was feeble, or dense, or worthless, or medically unhealthy. It didn’t matter what people or doctors said; the above-and-beyond strength didn’t come from medications, treatments, or encouragement from others. It came from God alone.

Joyful kept the stone as a remembrance of God’s faithfulness and vowed that no matter what happened in her life, she wouldn’t forget this moment and all the previous times that God had been steadfast. She didn’t have riches untold, but she was the heir of the God Most High. Earthly things were not at her disposal, but eternal, heavenly riches were in abundance, and she knew that if she spent time with her heavenly Father and focused on His path, He would always help her through each day. Joyful would gather a bountiful bucket of remembrance stones in the months and years ahead.”

This Holy Week, remember all that Christ did for you in this fleeting life and His sacrifice for all eternity. Choose a stone to remind you of His unwavering love and faithfulness.   

And remember to give thanks for the stone that was rolled away! Hallelujah! He is alive!             

(Excerpt from “Waves of Gratitude: Seeing God’s love through the darkest storms.)

Verse references: Joshua 1:5, Psalm 56:8

Proposed release date – November 2025 with Beatitudes Publishing!

Sailing waves refers to “navigating a sailboat or boat through ocean waves, which can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, requiring skill and knowledge to maintain control and safety.”

This is why I’ve chosen to call the updates on writing and publishing, Saling Waves!

Despite numerous obstacles in the first three months of 2025, writing has gone well!

We’ve had an unexpected amount of winter snow and freezing temperatures. Parts of the city went through a period of no water or contaminated water, which closed schools and businesses. My son’s health issues have gone up and then dove down, gone up, and then dove down. Our dog had a freak accident at the dog park, which made her need extra care for a few weeks, including two trips to the vet. My strength improved somewhat with knee surgery, but the surgery didn’t fix the problem entirely. And there were time-consuming events like replacing the lawnmower, then the dryer. Gratefully, the landlord has to replace the oven that just went out a week ago!

But the Lord has been pushing me to continue to fight the good fight of faith and move forward.

I have weighed all the pros and cons of traditional and independent publishing. The gauge is leaning more towards independent due to personal control of writing and a more significant percentage of royalties. Of course, an independent publisher is still needed unless qualified, trustworthy editors, book cover designers, etc., are known. I was given a referral, and the gauge, once again, leaned toward one.

I had a one-hour Zoom meeting with the company owner. She asked me to submit my manuscript, and the team would review it this week and get back to me to see if they would work with me and the manuscript.

I prayed and forwarded it on. Now I wait…

Stay tuned for more writing updates!

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:16

Chosen is a powerful word. Out of all the definitions of chosen, the one that blesses me the most is “to want; desire.” Do you remember being chosen, or not, as a child at school for games? Have you ever been designated for a prestigious award? The “chosen” word can be both painful and joyful.

In my book, “Waves of Gratitude: Seeing God’s love through the darkest storms,” there were many painful times that I was not picked out but picked on. I learned over the years that earthly choices were nothing compared to being favored by God. “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Despite our apparent insignificance in the vastness of creation, God has chosen us. To be called by the King of the universe is a glorious calling indeed.

This weekend I had the great blessing of attending a women’s gathering at a local church. Now some might not think that it is a memorable event, but to me it was a joyfully overwhelming opportunity! You see, as a single mom with a disabled child, and because of an enormous lack of caretakers for children, elderly, and everyone in between; I had not been to a women’s celebration in over ten years.

The amazing thing God orchestrated, without a doubt, is that I just happened to notice that Kelly Minter, a women’s Bible teacher, author, and singer, was coming into town. I saw the ad months ago before I even had someone to care for my son. For some unknown reason, I had high hopes of attending and registered. A friend and I both signed up to go… and I prayed earnestly.

When there was a notice that my son received a special waiver, which included childcare from an agency, my heart skipped ecstatically, and I thought that I might soon have a little more freedom and be able to attend this conference. The first caretaker that I interviewed seemed perfect. She was even studying to be a nurse! Of course, the day of her first assignment was a no-show. I began to give up all hope of going to the event. My friend and I considered who could take my place to go with her. Strangely, everyone we thought of was obligated to do something else. I was determined to encourage my friend to go by herself, knowing she would likely make friends there. But God already had plans.

Two days before the event, the attendant agency contacted me again. They had another person for me to interview. This was a male helper, which was better for my son. The interview went well, and I asked him to come that day to meet my son and for me to meet him in person. This was the day before the conference.

The guy was very nice and respectful, and my son liked him, (my son has great insight to people’s personalities), but still… I wasn’t sure. By this time, I was begging God to let me attend the conference for teaching and encouragement, but I also knew that these days, even background checks didn’t prove everything. I decided to trust God since He had called my attention to the special program and let this guy be with my precious son. I called the agency supervisor to confirm they had run a background check and that there had been no complaints about this person.

Friday arrived. The caretaker showed up. I prayed out loud for my son and him. I took a deep breath and left.

My friend and I excitedly arrived at the crowded event. We miraculously got great seats near the front and waited for the workshop to begin. The emcees played games with the audience, gave gifts, and then worship began. After worship, Kelly came out. She gave a summary of what she would be sharing that evening and the next day in the three one-hour sessions. And then she spoke the foundational verse of the conference. I almost burst into tears. The verse, John 15:16, has been one of many cherished verses to me. This verse was prayed over me in January 2003 when my church and missions board commissioned me to India. It had been the most incredible ceremony that I had ever experienced. Kelly dug deep into John 15:1-17 in those three sessions and closed the ceremony, singing How Great Thou Art.

Oh God, how great You truly are!

My son was safe and joyful with his new caretaker. I was convinced and refueled for the appointed journey ahead. I was reminded to focus, move forward, and bloom right where I was at and would be.  I knew, without wavering, that this conference was chosen for me.

***In one day, I will begin short update notes of Sailing Waves! Stay tuned in!

“We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith…” (Hebrew 12:2/GWT)

     Every morning, my dog, Riley, has a ritual. She goes outside to take care of business and then comes to the door. When she walks in, I say, “Sit,” or just touch her, and she sits. She knows what is coming next. I have buried a special treat in the living room. She must stay in that sitting position if it’s for one minute or five minutes. Riley knows she can’t move before she hears the command to “search” or “go.” I have noticed every morning, though, without fail, that Riley never takes her intently focused eyes off me. I could be in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee or just wandering around. Her eyes follow me. Even if I leave the room. As soon as I return, you can tell she has been looking in the direction that I left. It’s worth it for her to obey and be alert. There is a marvelous prize waiting. Riley knows she won’t get the goodies if she moves too quickly.

Riley is well-trained.

     As children of God, we are not as well trained. We know and understand that there is a glorious reward awaiting us… better than any special pleasure imaginable. We will one day see Jesus face-to-face and spend eternity in heaven… no mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore (Rev. 21:4), everlasting joy and gladness (Isaiah 35:10). There has never been, nor will there ever be, a gift so grand! We get distracted, though, and take our eyes off the ONE leading us.

     In the world today, there are a million reasons to get preoccupied. It could be we are watching:

• The wealthy continue to have even more.
• Overwhelming natural disasters.
• The political arena.
• Our health declining.
• Biblical leaders fail and fall.
• Questionable changes happening in the U.S. at lightning speed, that make no sense.
• Other ministry workers succeed when we might not be doing as well.
• People are getting promoted over others.
• A nonstop series.

There is always something trying to attract our attention. We must be steadfast, without doubt, even when things in our world seem to be falling apart. We have one HOPE, one Future, one God, who is trustworthy and praiseworthy.

So, sit. Get your focus back on Jesus and His word. Wait for His direction. Then move when he says “go.”

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will go strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace.” (Helen Lemmel)