My 12-year-old grandson Camden’s greatest vocational desire these days is to become a sports journalist. He’s developed his own sports blog, so I asked him if he’d like to guest blog for me sometime. He took me up on my offer, and in true ESPN style featured a sports figure in his message about following God’s plan.

To merely say I’m proud of him would be like calling Tiger Woods an average golfer. Camden excels in writing because his teacher/mom teaches him well. He loves God because his parents have shown him how to love. More importantly, he already understands that heartbreak is inevitable for all of us, but by following God’s plan, things have a way of working out for our good – eventually. This is a message that has inspired me to remember to let God handle all my struggles. I think it might inspire you too.

Even though Camden chose to write about an Alabama quarterback, he wanted me to make sure you know he is an Auburn fan. (That made me smile.) His choice of athlete makes me even prouder because he understands that even though folks may be from another tribe, we can all be united by the love of Jesus. Please don’t forget to show him some love in the comments. Thanks for traveling with us today. (If you’re curious about his blog, you can view it at www.camdenscove.blogspot.com.)

Let God Lead
by Camden Ellis

       This is the story of an incredible athlete who followed God’s plan even through the heartache. This is the story of Jalen Hurts. Despite all the pain, he let God take control. Jalen is an incredible example of someone who trusted God, and even though he went through great pain, everything turned out better than it was before. 

       Jalen Hurts, a 4-star quarterback prospect from Channelview, Texas, committed to Alabama and signed with the Tide as a freshman. Hurts’ future looked clear cut. He would be the starting quarterback for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide until he left for the NFL. “As a competitor, I wanted badly to be a part of the dynasty that Coach Saban was building. I wanted to make my mark. I wanted to leave a LEGACY.” That’s what Hurts said in a letter 3 years after he committed to Alabama. Sure enough, he was named the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2016. Hurts didn’t lose a game in the regular season. And it didn’t cease when he beat Florida in the SEC Championship and Washington in the College Football Playoff. Hurts battled for a title vs Clemson in January of 2017, but lost by a last second touchdown.

Hurts used that as motivation for the 2017 season. Again, Hurts went on an 11-game win streak. But then Auburn upset the Tide in the Iron Bowl. Jalen Hurts, along with everyone on the Alabama team, believed their season was done. But when the Tigers lost to Georgia in the SEC Championship heads started to turn. When the top 4 was released a week later, Alabama was announced the 4^thspot in the rankings, meaning they’d secured a spot in the Playoffs. Alabama took down Clemson and again obtained a spot in the National Championship to face Georgia. Could this be Hurts’ time to shine? 

Jalen Hurts had a series of rough drives in the first half. As he trudged into the locker room down 13-0 at halftime, he knew he had to be better, but he didn’t know that he wouldn’t have a chance to. When Alabama took the field on offense, Hurts was still on the sideline. True freshman Tua Tagovailoa was the one to call the plays. Tagovailoa led the Tide back, forced overtime, and won the game with a touchdown pass. Hurts was all smiles despite the career-changing replacement. Now the world had seen Tua’s talent. Later in the offseason, rumors emerged about Hurts transferring. But God had a plan for Jalen, and Jalen had a choice of whether to allow God to take control or complain and transfer immediately. 

       Later in 2018, Tua was named the starting quarterback as expected. But Jalen Hurts stayed in Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban and Tua were putting up so many points by halftime of each game, Hurts got to play the rest of the game for about half of the season. Alabama went undefeated in the regular season and defeated Georgia in the SEC Championship. Tua was injured late in that game. Hurts got his shot and rushed for the eventual game-winning touchdown, keeping Alabama’s season alive. Tua recovered and beat Oklahoma before losing the National Championship to Clemson. Early in 2019, Hurts announced that he was transferring as expected. Eventually, he decided to transfer to Oklahoma where he would play as a starting quarterback. Indeed, God had a plan for Jalen, and Jalen let it follow through. 

       Jalen Hurts followed God’s plan though the pain. Jalen went through very tough things when he was replaced as the starting quarterback. His pride was hurt and his professional sports career was in danger. But despite that, he supported Tua and the rest of his teammates, didn’t complain about the situation, and most importantly, trusted God’s plan. And now, Jalen Hurts is the starting quarterback at Oklahoma.

Even though Jalen went through tough heartache, he trusted God’s plan for him and now, he’s in a great situation as he’s in excellent position to win the Heisman Trophy and compete for the National Championship as well as being projected as a first-round draft choice in 2020. If you follow God’s way instead of your way, it’s true you may go through very tough heartache. But ultimately, it will turn out better than before. God’s way is the best way. God knows everything there is to know, and he loves every person in the world. You see, God’s way is always the best way. His plan is the best plan. If you follow His way, it will turn out a thousand times better. Jalen Hurts is one of many people who followed God’s way despite unimaginable heartache.

Hurts said this in a letter to the world describing exactly what he went through and how it turned out great:

“It’s been almost four years, now, since the day I got the phone call that changed my life. A coach by the name of Nick Saban was on the line, wanting to ask about the chances of a Texas boy like me packing up for Tuscaloosa, and coming to play football at the University of Alabama.

I took my recruiting visit — and then never took another. It was just love at first sight between me and this program.

And it’s crazy to think about the journeys we’ve both been on since then.

As a competitor, I wanted badly to be a part of the dynasty that Coach Saban was building. I wanted to make my mark. I wanted to leave a LEGACY.

Was what happened in the 2018 National Championship Game bittersweet? Of course it was — it was a humbling experience. It was tough, man.

But I am even tougher for it. I AM BUILT FOR THIS.

I understand that God put those obstacles and challenges in my life for a reason. He wanted me to feel the pain I felt for a reason. He wanted me to understand the importance of never losing faith — and of always staying true to myself. He had NOT brought me this far just to leave me there.

“This isn’t something you’re stuck in,” I’d tell myself. “This is something you’re going through.” And one thing I can promise you is that I’m better off for having gone through it. Everything I dealt with: I’m stronger for it. I’m wiser. I’m a better man.”

“Follow the whole instruction the Lord our God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess.”
Deuteronomy 5:33

Most times, sisters are born to the same parents. Sometimes, they are blended into the same family. But on special occasions, God puts two girls together as friends who grow into becoming sisters for a lifetime. Kim King is that kind of sister to me. The transformation God has done in her life has blessed my family and me in countless ways. I am honored to give you a glimpse into her heart today by having her guest blog. Show her some love by reading her story, and get ready to be blessed.

It was early afternoon and the most perfect day smack dab in the middle of April.  Spring’s green grass had made its debut along with yellow wild flowers, budding flowery trees, and pink knock-out roses by the dozens. The wind was just brisk enough to boost my walk down the driveway to more than just a casual pace and cause ripples in the trio of ponds on the farm’s vast acreage.  The only sounds were those of the birds chirping sweet pleasantries, the cows’ mooing hallelujahs, and the horses chomping on the grass that fed their bellies.  Looking out over the mountain from atop God’s country, I could look down into the valley for miles and see the beautiful lake. Against the bluest of blue sky, the sun was shining down brightly while in the other direction the moon stood out oh so beautifully!

What brought me here was the thought that had been running through my mind for many months, “If I could only get away for a moment in time, just time away from all the noise, the busyness, the schedules, the mundane routine … the stuff.” I was thinking just me, by myself!  This thought had rattled my brain so many times over the past several months, but I continued to keep it to myself.  I thought it was very selfish to only think of me.

Eventually, the words starting verbally creeping out to my husband.  I mentioned it way more than once.  Then, I mentioned it to a dear friend.  I knew I had a week of vacation on the horizon and all I could think about was getting away … for just simply a day.  Before I knew it, my friend asked, “You want peace and quiet?  Why don’t you go stay at the farm?  Nobody will bother you there.  And you can stay as long as you like.”  I was all over that opportunity in a heartbeat!

I had been to the farm several times, but never by myself and not for an overnight stay.  I was eager to get away, and just let me say, this is not your ordinary Old McDonald farm with a barn.  The barn has living quarters for humans that a farm animal has never stepped foot in! It has a full kitchen and home entertainment center.  It even has a shower, which was a relief to my less-than-over-night camping style. Hey, there was even a heated pool with a pool house!  I was staying in complete comfort at the Hilton Barn Lodge.  Upon my arrival, I entered through the gate.  As I slowly drove the half-mile drive up toward the barn, I observed the multitude of cows to my left and gazed at the beautiful horses in the pasture to my right.  At the end of the paved drive, I parked my car behind the barn.  I grabbed my bags, went inside and up the stairs to my room to settle in for my overnight stay.  

After scoping out my rustic, cozy room and putting my things in place, I quickly made myself at home.  First things first, I made a fresh cup of hot coffee, snatched a book, and scurried straight for the wooden swing overlooking the grand countryside.  After a couple of chapters in my book and the last sip of caffeine, it was time to take the first of what would be many treks up and down the windy driveway path between the green pastures of cows and horses. 

As I began to traipse down the first leg, I immediately started talking to God.  I asked the Spirit to point out to me why I was there, at this particular place, and in this designated time.  As I walked down the first hill, I looked out over the mountains.  Then I glanced at the cows that mooed as I passed them by, and then over to the horses as they leisurely ate the grass.  They paid me no attention.  My head was moving back and forth as if I were watching a ping-pong match.  I was all in to this peaceful setting.  

As I got to the foot of the first hill, I “happened” to look down and noticed a turtle stuck in the fence.  I slowly went on past, but just a few steps later I came to a screeching halt. I turned around to see if I could help him out, maybe give him a little nudge.  I looked around for a stick of some sort. I was sure I wasn’t going to put my foot up to give him a nudge (I’m just sayin’).  I wasn’t able to find one close by.  At this point, I wasn’t sure if he was alive or not.  I went on my merry little way thinking I might find a stick on up the way.  And low and behold I did.  On my way back, I tried giving Mr. Turtle a nudge, but he didn’t budge.  It was at this point, the confirmation set in. He wasn’t alive.  So, I left him and continued on my walk. 

For the next few minutes, all I could think about was the turtle and how if he’d had someone to give him just a slight nudge, he could have been set free.  In that moment, I began to realize the Spirit was nudging me to see how I’d been stuck in a rut.  

For some time now, I had been letting the things of this world dictate my actions (or lack thereof) and my attitude.  Things of this life had a hold on me and were consuming me.  I was not taking time to breathe, but doing what I “had to do” and there was no time left to enjoy the simple things of life.  That afternoon I was able to stop and smell the roses (literally).  I took notice of the leaves as the wind rustled through them and rippled the ponds as I passed.  Rarely had I taken time to notice the moon in the middle of the afternoon.  I pulled a dandelion or two and blew on them which brought back sweet childhood memories of days gone by.  I even pulled a few of the yellow wild flowers that were growing along the fence and made a flowery bouquet.  I walked and I walked and I walked.  I leisurely swung in the swing and just took time to bask in the beauty of God’s creation.  At dusk, I pulled up the two rocking chairs that were made available underneath the overhang of the barn.  One for God and one for me. Coincidence there were two?  I think not.  We rocked, watched the gorgeous sunset, and talked.  Did He speak to me audibly? No. He spoke to me through His beautiful sunset.  I had a couple of things that had been weighing heavy on my heart for several months, and through this time away, His peaceful sunset, and the stillness of the moment, He assured me He has everything under control.  

Afterward, I went upstairs with no interest at all in catching up on social media or emails.  I entered my comfy cubby hole and took advantage of the quietness by just glaring into God’s Word.  I had a peaceful night’s rest, woke up early, and merely sat still in His presence for a couple of hours reading over His promises.  After enjoying a good ol’ cup of coffee, I was ready for a morning walk. This time, my mentality had changed. It was all about the thankfulness of the overabundance of blessings He has poured over me.  In this new day, the stuck-in-a-rut mentality had given way to peace for the days to come.

During this walk, I could only thank God for how richly He’d blessed my life.  How could I mope and complain about anything?   It took “getting away” in a peaceful setting and being completely alone with God for me to finally open up enough to realize my stuck-in-a-rut mindset. Only then could I surrender control of my future to Him.

As I walked in the freshness of this early morning, I was reminded that His mercies are new every day, Numbers 6:24-26 immediately came to mind …

“May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”

I thought about how God had blessed me and protected me through my friends. He allowed them to share in the blessings He had given them to bless me.  They protected me through the security measures they had put in place there on the farm. And it reminded me of how He blesses me and protects me every day. God smiled on me and was gracious to me through their kindness and generosity. He continuously smiles on me and is gracious to me in every area of my life.  God showed me His favor and truly gave me a peace about the upcoming changes that are on the horizon for my life.

What about you? Do you feel like you are so stuck in the middle of life’s distractions that you don’t take time to pay attention to the nudging of the Spirit in certain situations? Maybe it’s time to be still in God and climb out of your rut.

Before leaving for Ireland I’d been focused on Solomon’s admonition in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” It was that “guard your heart” part that struck a nerve. Whenever I feel pressure in my spirit, I know I’m supposed to let it linger until I see what God’s trying to show me. The deeper the truth He’s trying to reveal, the longer the process. Oh, how I’ve learned the hard way to embrace this grueling process I once hated! I still don’t like this kind of lingering, but I do love the end product.

Unfortunately for all of us, life occasionally hurls some pretty large stones at our hearts. Some bruise. Some cut. But every now and then, life bows up and hoists a boulder gigantic enough to break our hearts and crush our spirits into dust. Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of that blow or feel like the one who had to deliver it, you’re left with a heart barely able to squirt.

That’s where Ireland’s many castles entered into my learning process. We visited three of the most famous ones: Kilkenny, Blarney, and Bunratty. Though each displayed unique characteristics, there were still many similarities that taught me a great deal about guarding my heart. 

Castle moats, though not there now, once upon a time encircled the castles to keep the enemy at a distance. It’s hard to tunnel under a castle surrounded by water! Having a moat surround a hilltop castle with its raised drawbridge gave castle-dwellers a bird’s eye view of their enemies’ formations.

Castle walls were built high enough to keep enemies out, and some we saw had walls six feet thick. When it comes to our hearts’ protective walls, Satan will use whatever catapult, flaming arrow, or battering ram he chooses to help him break through. His goal is to steal, kill, and destroy our faith.

Castles originally had long narrow windows with slanted sides so that archers could have a wider range to aim their arrows without leaving themselves exposed to the enemy. Easy to shoot, but hard to get shot! Satan’s aim is calculated, but never true. He doesn’t have what it takes to keep hitting the marks on our hearts when we narrow our window of opportunity.

As Christians, we strive to keep our walls high against Satan’s attacks by paying attention to the music, movies, substances, and bad company we choose. However, we should be just as intentional about letting down our drawbridges with one another. In the days of kings, queens, ladies, and lords, drawbridges were lowered during peaceful days for great times of feasting, dancing, and entertainment. 

Perhaps, by now, you’ve joined me in being a bit confused about the “guard your heart” part of Solomon’s words. Because of your pain, you’ve been guarding your heart by resisting the faithful love of those who would like nothing better than to gain access into your heart and help you turn that hurt and fear into dust. Becoming more transparent scares the living daylights out of you. Hopefully, by now you see that guarding your heart means protecting your heart from Satan’s arsenal. Please don’t let him convince you to build a high wall of hurt or fear and miss God’s blessings.

Perhaps, like me, you may still have some emotions on the mend. There may be some relationships you have to let go for a season and pray God brings them back again when you can be a much better friend. In the meantime, I’m thankful God has worked overtime to bless me with some folks who allow me to readily drop my drawbridge. They meet me where I am and show me that I matter.

I’m sure the desire of my heart is no different from yours. I want to make a difference for the kingdom. Neither of us can do that effectively until our hearts are courageous enough to drop our defenses and allow helpful friends in to join us at our banquet tables. 

Thankfully, Jesus leads the parade into my heart daily. He surrounds me with Living Water so that no weapon formed against me will stand. (Isaiah 54:7) Best of all, I know that I know that I know:

The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.(Psalm 62:2)

He will be your mighty fortress too.

Now, go pour some water into your moat, and take a friend swimming!

I’ve been praying that our fresh look at Paul and Timothy’s friendship would strengthen our desire to become better friends. Like Paul, who understood the brevity of his life on earth, we also understand that our days are numbered, and if we want to make a difference here, we have to get a move on! We need friends to help us with that.

Paul knew Timothy needed encouragement, instruction, and most of all, a friend whose motivation would help him spread the gospel message to anyone who would listen. Who in your world needs you to believe in them that powerfully? Are you willing to do the hard work of friendship? 

I’ve been blessed recently with the friendship of a young woman who gave up her time to create this review of What Friends Want: Part 1 & Part 2:

Today, let’s finish studying how Paul befriended Timothy by identifying the last four of our ten traits that all friends surely want:

7. ENCOURAGEMENT TO FULFILL THEIR PURPOSE

“I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching … Exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2; 5)

Whether we like it or not, people who take the time to look closely into our hearts can see things in us that escape our notice. Sometimes, it’s our strengths that are easily spotted standing tall against our life’s backdrop. Other times, our weaknesses shoot flares into the night sky for all to see. For most of us, it’s easier to see our shortcomings than to appreciate our gifts. Perhaps, one of the best things you can do for a friend is to help them discover their purpose. We all need friends who will remind us of our calling, push us to take that next big step, and encourage us when the going gets rough. 

8. TRANSPARENCY

“At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:16-18)

Paul had already been transparent with Timothy in his first letter when he described himself as a former blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man who was the worst of all sinners. Here in the second letter, we get a glimpse of the loneliness and rejection Paul felt when his friends deserted him. Only someone like Paul could effectively minister to a young man going through similar struggles. 

Left to our own descriptions, our lives are woven with colorful and beautifully placed threads designed with great artistic flair. On one side, a beautiful face forms and gets displayed for all the world to see. The bright, twinkling eyes of our tapestry shine just above brilliant smiles with sparkling teeth. I don’t know about you, but in my 60+ years I’ve seen enough phony baloney to last me a lifetime. What I want in a friend is to see the messy, knotty threads on the backside. Only then can messy relationships get real! Our purpose in friendship is to look at the knotted threads, find the similarities, and together untangle them one by one. The friendship journey unties as many knots as possible and then revels in having them flap freely in the breeze. Friendship isn’t about creating a beautiful facade; it’s about giving us the freedom to become who God intended us to be.  

9. TIME

“Make every effort to come to me soon … When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments … Make every effort to come before winter.” (2 Timothy 9; 13; 21)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this study of friendship it’s this: We give best what we need most, and giving takes time. It really doesn’t matter what your love language is. They all take time. It takes time to be together to exchange a warm embrace or a touch of the hand. Gifts bought take time not only in the purchasing, but also in finding out the wants and needs of another. Serving takes time. Speaking, texting, or emailing words of affirmation takes time. 

Paul wanted some of Timothy’s time – one of the most valuable and precious things Timothy possessed. Look at the boldface words again in the Scripture above. I’m certain Paul realized the demands placed on young Timothy, but Paul knew his time was short. He wanted to see Timothy one last time.

In this season of my life, my schedule is busy, but not hectic like it used to be. I have to keep in mind that not everyone can say that. While I enjoy big chunks of time spent with friends, I’ve come to realize that I love some of my friends best by only requiring a spoonful of their time. If a text is all they have time for, I don’t mind one of mine lingering in their phones until they have an opportunity to see it. But, believe me! It’s taken some time to reach that point. Now I see that everyone’s time is precious and every drop given should be appreciated.

10. PRAYERS AND BLESSING

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.” (2 Timothy 4:22)

Paul knew the very best friend Timothy could ever have was Jesus. He knew Jesus would be able to AFFIRM him with GENTLE WORDS. Even if everyone else denied friendship with Timothy, Jesus would remain LOYAL because Jesus is a friend who stays – no matter what! Having the Lord with his spirit would impart WISDOM. Timothy could have no better EXAMPLE offered to him than that of Jesus. He would REMIND Timothy of His love, ENCOURAGE HIM TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE, and gives him confidence to become completely TRANSPARENT. TIME spent with Jesus would engulf Timothy with peace when he felt lonely and rejected. And because Paul knew these things first hand, he PRAYED for Timothy to develop a friendship with Jesus.

The sweeter our friendship with Jesus develops, the more satisfying our friendships become.

I’m praying now that you and your friends feel the presence of the Lord so strongly that you find grace to untangle your tapestry’s threads just longing to dance in the wind.

In my life’s photo album, the word inexpressible lies pasted just above many snapshots containing emotions too strong to be described in words. A few are too hurtful to attach words, but most are inexpressibly joyful. Here are some examples you might relate to:

• Only someone who has finally gotten the job she’s spent a lifetime working toward truly understands the inexpressible feeling of sitting in her new chair in her new position for the very first time.
• Unless you are a husband and wife who’s been married for decades, it is impossible to fathom all the emotion behind years of intense moments of intimacy.
• Only another mother can fully comprehend the feeling of having her own little bundle of squirming, screaming preciousness handed to her for the very first time.
• Surely, all of us can appreciate the difficulty in describing scenes of natural beauty that take our breaths away. Magnificent glaciers. Artistic sunrises. Thundering oceans. Snow-capped mountains. Valleys of blooming wildflowers. Honey bees. Butterflies. Hummingbirds. Lions. Tigers. Bears. Oh my!

Yes, God is in the awe-inspiring business! He delights in delighting us and leaving us speechless. Take a moment to ponder those inexpressible moments and see if you can identify the common ingredient.

• It takes many years to secure that new benchmark position on which a heart’s been set.
• They don’t call childbirth labor for nothing – it culminates a 9-month process. 
• Intense physical (and spiritual) intimacy in marriage comes when you’ve taken the time to learn the desires of your spouse’s … well, heart. 🙂
• And many times, it takes a lengthy expedition to experience God’s most inspiring natural wonders. 

When we place all of our inexpressible moments into a pot and boil them down, we’re left with the fundamental ingredient of time. It takes time for inexpressible things to happen.

Just ask Peter.

When Jesus called him, he was no more than a mere unschooled, ordinary fisherman who became intrigued by the words, miracles, wisdom, and love of Jesus. However, as opposition against Jesus grew, Peter denied even knowing Jesus and thus failed to demonstrate His love for God. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, he failed to love others and cut off a soldier’s ear with his sword. But, when Peter finally looked into the eyes of the risen Savior, he found the forgiveness, mercy, grace, and compassion of a true and loyal friend.

Eventually, Peter became fully convicted of his own inability to be good enough to follow Jesus’ commands of loving God and others. He needed the the Holy Spirit to teach him how to love. His journey took time, but it led him straight into the lap of inexpressible joy. 

Hear what Peter had to say to his fellow believers: 

“Though you have not seen him [Jesus], you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 

(1 Peter 1:8-9)

I never denied knowing Jesus verbally, but sadly my past actions proved that I only knew Him to be the most important person in the Bible. I didn’t know Him as my most important friend who actually enjoys spending time with me! It took time to form a mental picture of Him – one that I rely on to help me experience His friendship. Thankfully, God blessed me with enough time to create an intimate relationship with Jesus that can only be truly understood by those who have experienced it. Every day with Him is an adventure. Now, I can’t wait to see the new ways He chooses to leave me speechless!

It’s often said that if you want what someone else has, you need to be willing to do what they did to get it. Are you willing do what Peter did?

Are you willing to let God love you no matter what you’ve done?

Are you willing to be broken enough to let your pain out?

Are you willing to learn how to love?

Are you willing to read the love letter God sent you and cherish every word, believe every promise, accept every good thing He says about you, and believe He loves you with all His heart?

If you are willing, He is able to do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine! Let Him fill you with inexpressible joy! Oh, what a feeling!

If you’ve walked in to most any kind of store the last few weeks, you’ve no doubt been met with displays of heart-shaped candy boxes, red and white bunches of flowers, and little silhouettes of naked cherubs poised to fling an arrow. Let’s face it, lives get hectic, and it’s good to be reminded that we should take the time to find ways of expressing our love to everyone we hold dear.

Last year, I set out on a quest for two specific things: 1) to learn how to properly love people, and 2) to find the path to true joy. God has always blessed me, but most recently His blessings have exceeded far beyond anything I deserve or could have ever imagined. It took stillness and quiet to hear Jesus speak words of love to my weary and restless spirit. It took a willingness to allow God to open my eyes to the many ways He demonstrates His love day after day after day.

Thankfully, God began to reveal thousands of small, previously overlooked Valentines of love He constantly delivers through my husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. He’s taught them all how to love me incredibly well. Those acts of loving kindness have in turn created a profound thankfulness which saturated my heart with an inexpressible joy. By loving me, they’ve taught me how to love.

Jason Mraz sings a song simply called “Love Someone” which perfectly states what I’ve recently discovered on the path God’s laid out for me.

“Love is a funny thing. Whenever I give it, it comes back to me. And it’s wonderful to be giving with my whole heart as my heart receives.”

I wasn’t sure about sharing that song with you, but once I saw the video I knew that it would transcend not only husband/wife relationships, but friendships as well. When we take care of others we become blessed beyond all measure. 

God has loved us incredibly well, so why not transmit that love to someone today? Buy a card, send a text, make a phone call. Better yet, sit across the table from someone you love. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to love someone incredibly well. Jesus does it every day!

Oh, and by the way, thank you for loving me! I love you even more!

Last week we visited the story of the lost son who eventually returned home to the welcoming arms of his father. The son’s heart had traveled far off to pursue selfish pleasures long before his feet ever took the first steps. Because of the son’s unwillingness to show honor and respect, his father did not chase him. However, once he returned and sin was confessed, grace opened the floodgates of mercy and great blessings. True Love doesn’t chase the sinful; it beckons them home.

Today, I’d like you to step with me into another story. One that I have wrestled with for months in hopes of shedding some light on the motives of those who, either knowingly or unknowingly, isolate themselves from Love. It’s also my hope to inspire those of you who keep the doors of your hearts bolted and locked to courageously fling them open so Love can come in to soothe your hurt.

John 11 stands tall in proclaiming the resurrection power of Jesus through the body of His friend Lazarus. We first meet Lazarus’ two sisters Mary and Martha in Luke 10. There, Martha represents the mindset of those following the Law and its compulsion for good works. Mary, on the other hand, represents the importance of a spiritual relationship with Jesus. In no uncertain terms, Jesus declares which of these is most important. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

After reading John 11 in at least 20 different versions and praying for the Holy Spirit to show me why He kept sending me back to this chapter, I finally saw it. It may merely be a woman thing. I don’t know. But, I’d like you to hear me out.

Of the three siblings in this story, Lazarus always holds the top billing in the storyline. After all, a man raised from the dead continues to raise the eyebrows of even the harshest critic. But I’d like to contend that Lazarus’ sister Mary should linger in the spotlight for a moment or two longer. 

In Luke 10, Mary sat in the glowing presence of the Light of the World, hanging on every word. John makes it a point to tell us that Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and considered them friends. But then, after Mary and Martha sent word to this dear friend saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick,” Jesus didn’t come right away. He stayed put until Lazarus had been dead four days so that the glory of God would be displayed in an undeniable way. Mary and Martha, however, were not privy to this important tidbit of explanation, and Mary soon found herself in a dark place.

The friendship between Mary and Jesus had no doubt formed through deep conversation, shared meals, and many words of affirmation for one another. Mary trusted Jesus with her heart. But there in the darkness of overwhelming grief, her trust was tested. We get a glimpse of Mary’s hurt heart when the sisters finally received word that Jesus had indeed come. Martha went out to meet Him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Hurt hearts sit.

Perhaps, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to believe that Mary might have begun to doubt the love of Jesus. Just maybe, she allowed these kinds of negative thoughts to creep into her thinking: “If He really loved me He would have come right away. Doesn’t He care?” or “After all the love I’ve shown Him, you’d think He could at least show up”, or “Why did He say He loved me if He didn’t mean it?” or just maybe Mary climbed up on her high horse and thought, “If He had been the one hurting, I would have shown up!” Hurt hearts criticize.

Oh, how these have been my thoughts at least a thousand times toward almost as many people. I really hate admitting that, but I want those of you going through a tough time to rise above the negative thoughts. You are worth the time! People really do love you, but sometimes they just don’t realize how important they are! Tell them. Ask for their help. Yes, there may be those who disappoint you, but look around your life at all the ones who show up for you. Thank them, and love them incredibly well. Above all, please know that God loves you no matter what you’ve done or haven’t done!

If you know someone going through a rough time, go to them! Help them experience the love of Jesus by telling them what they mean to Him and to you. Look into their hurt. Spend time with them. Listen. Hold them when they cry. Laugh with them when they can laugh. Just be there! By doing this, you represent the love of Jesus very well. True Love doesn’t ignore the hurting; it heals them.

As for Mary, the sweet results of her mended heart soon filled the air at Lazarus’ resurrection party. In the presence of Jesus she not only found her worth, but also a joy that was gloriously inexpressible, and gratitude that was completely uncontainable. 

And so did I!

At Christmas, our pastor told a story that stuck with me like a bug on a sticky pad. I can’t shake it off my heart so I’m thinking I’m supposed to tell you the story.

A husband and wife began fighting so much that the wife, who battled depression and anxiety, fell into deep depression. Her negative emotions overwhelmed her so much that she finally packed a bag and left her husband and three children. 

The husband sent text after text, made phone call after phone call, but she never responded. He filed a missing person’s report, but nothing. Weeks went by, so the husband hired a private investigator to look for his wife. Soon, she was found in a less-than-desirable motel on the shady side of town. Immediately, the husband and children jumped into their van, high-tailed it to the motel, and knocked on the door of her room. When she opened the door and saw her family, she gathered her belongings without saying a word, packed her bag, and got into the van. All the way home no one said a word. After they got to the house, the kids went to their room, and the confused husband spoke first, “I’ve sent you hundreds of texts and made hundreds of phone calls that you never answered. Then, when we showed up at your door, you just packed your bag, and came with us. Why did you come so easily?”

At this point in the story, I leaned in to hear her response because I knew exactly how she felt. I know that feeling of deep depression. Maybe some of you do too. Some of you may wonder if your life really matters because Satan has increased his lies from mere whispers to shouts, reminding you of all the mistakes you’ve made. His you-will-never-be-good-enough-to-make-a-difference song is on repeat in your head. You believe those you love would be much better off without all your inner turmoil ruining their days. Satan has you twisted in so many knots that you believe the most loving thing you could do would be to go away. You wonder how God could ever love someone like you.

If you feel this way, lean in, and listen closely to what I learned this past year. God does indeed love you! You are His child, the apple of His eye, and He will never leave you. He sent His Son Jesus to pay the bill for all your sins. He sent His Holy Spirit to establish a loving, intimate relationship with you – one that Satan continually attempts to destroy. Jesus wants to become your best friend who talks with you for hours over meals, laughs at your jokes, dances to your music, cries when you hurt, and shows up every single time you invite Him into the scenes of your life’s movie.

Yes, you’ve made mistakes. Who hasn’t? Both you and I have purposely done things that do not honor God. Let’s confess them, and get on with life. People have hurt you. Forgive them. And just know this: there will be people who will never forgive you, but God always will when you ask, and He’s the one that counts. If people don’t love you, that’s their loss, but remain open to love. When others make light of you, maybe it’s because they don’t understand you. Kill their ridicule with kindness. If you feel rejected, there are godly people who will walk closely beside you. Go where they are!

All this was easy to type, but so very hard to learn. As my Daddy always says, “If it was easy everybody would be doing it.” It took an entire year to get to the bottom of my life’s memories I had managed to keep boxed and stored. However, God knew it would be for my benefit to rapid-fire an abundance of challenges toward me in order to completely empty me. He knew that only then could I survive and know beyond all doubt that the joy I now feel is ALL because of Him and ABSOULUTELY NOT because of anything I had done.

We can’t truly love anyone else until we grasp how much God loves us. God is love! He proved His love to me over and over by leading me step by step through a grueling, but glorious process of transformation. He will do the same for you. Now, I have just one question I’m feeling led to ask:

The Spirit kept reminding me of two stories in the gospels that I’d like for us to step into over the next two weeks. These two stories helped me understand how to take what I’d learned through an inward examination of myself and apply it to outwardly loving the people he’s placed in my path. It helped me be able to decide whether I should stay put whenever someone I love wants to run away or whether I should go after them. I hope you’ll join me and share your thoughts as we go.

So! I guess you’d like to know how the pastor’s story ended. Right? The wife’s honest response made my eyes first sting, then puddle, and finally spill over their brims because her response would have been mine too. The woman left home feeling depressed and useless. After her husband pursued her and brought her back home, he asked, “Why did you come home so easily?”

Her response?

“BECAUSE YOU CAME!”

Sweet friend, Jesus came for you too!

God has done, is doing, and will continue to do wonderful things even when some of those things might not seem so wonderful. During 2019, may each of us quickly recognize the mighty hand of God, trust in His perfect timing, and thank Him even more for the way He diligently works things out for our good.

Before we race into intentional joy next Tuesday, please take a few minutes to review how far down Perfection Road we’ve traveled in 2018. (Click the link on the picture if you’d like to read the post.)

Get ready for a very Happy New Year, friends!

Sunday holds the top spot on my list of favorite days. After a week’s worth of busy, Sunday smooths my ruffled feathers and fills me with hope for the next week. I hope it does that for you as well.

This past Sunday exceeded my greatest expectations. It wasn’t merely the worship that did the trick, though it did summon a few drops of emotion from my eyes. It wasn’t necessarily the inspiring message I heard, nor was it the oh-so-sweet sweet fellowship I’ve come to thrive on. No, it was the hearts of the children I’m blessed to serve that completely overwhelmed me.

My part of Sunday’s children’s service was to offer a short closing message and prayer, followed by some small group time with my amazing  4^th  and  5^th  grade boys. These particular assignments make Sunday extra special for me.

After watching a video lesson about being grateful with what we have during the Christmas season, I decided to reenact a scene from a movie that most of our kids are very familiar with. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, a frustrated Charlie cried out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus responded, “Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” as he stepped centerstage into the spotlight to beautifully quote Luke 2:8-14.  How wonderful it is to take the time to remember just how miraculous the birth of Jesus was!

As we moved into our prayer time together, we talked about the  prophet Isaiah’s description of Jesus, the Messiah who would come to earth as a baby to grow and live among us. I reminded them that Isaiah lived hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, but still knew that He would be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

The children seemed to understand that at some point we all need some wise advice, someone who will protect and take care of us, someone who will always be with us and never leave us, and someone who can give us peace in our crazy lives. Many prayed to have Jesus become their own Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Small group time began by handing out prayer cards to my circle of boys along with these instructions, “Tell God which one of these four descriptions of Jesus you need most in your life right now, and why you need it.”

I wasn’t prepared for the depth of emotion that poured onto these cards.

One boy asked for a Wonderful Counselor because he needed a friend.

Another wanted a Mighty God because he was being bullied at school. What I read at the bottom of the card from this boy who wore the biggest smile in the room broke my heart. He wrote: Why do people bully me?

Another seemed desperate for an Everlasting Father because he never got to see his dad.

And another one wrote that he needed a Prince of Peace because it wasn’t very peaceful in his house right now.

It’s true, we feel our need for a Savior when we are children, and we never outgrow that need. Are there children in your life struggling quietly with stressful emotions? Take time to ask questions, and then listen.

I’m pretty sure some of you grownups reading this right now could also use a friend, a protector, some security, or a whole lot of peace; maybe all four. Don’t be afraid to let it show, and then intentionally lean on Jesus.

However, there may be a few of us who could be a little more like Jesus by supporting someone else through difficult days. Look around. Who needs you? By learning how to become more Christlike, we find exactly what we need.  

And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14, KJV, emphasis definitely mine)