A Week Away

O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name. – Daniel 9:19

Daniel prayed this prayer when he knew God’s people were undeserving of His loving mercy. Daniel pleaded with God on their behalf, believing His goodness could deliver them even during tumultuous times. 

A week from today, Election Day, ballots will be counted and winners announced. Some of us will be pleased with the victories, while others of us will shake our heads and wonder what is happening in America. We live deeply divided, with social media as a weapon for anger, criticism, and hate. 

If Jesus tweeted, I think He’d say something like, “I’ve called you to multiply not divide.” It’s true, Jesus simplified all of God’s commands down to one word – LOVE. Jesus declares, “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

In the days leading up to this election, have you been proud of our nation? Are you confident in the direction we’re headed? Or like me, are you embarrassed and praying desperately for restoration and healing?

I find it ironic that this week I finally get to see the Broadway Musical, Hamilton. My teenage daughter has been pleading to go to the theatre for two years. She knows all 46 songs by heart. I’m sure she’ll belt them out on Thursday night. 

Hamilton, takes place in New York City when our founding fathers were writing the Declaration of Independence, creating a national bank, and establishing the code of conduct for our Congress. The songs depict brave men fighting for freedom, loving our land of opportunity, and establishing a legacy that would certainly outlive their lives.

Recently while driving home with my daughter singing Hamilton lyrics, she stopped all of a sudden, turned to me and asked, “Mom, are you crying?”  

I guess I was. My heart moved by the music, I desperately longed for that nation in the musical to rise again. The America they sang about knew who they were, what they were willing to fight for, where they stood with God. I silently prayed “O Lord, who are we now? What happened to being One Nation under God? Please forgive us and restore our unity once again. Shine your bright light in this dark land. Only You God can replace hate with love.”

After praying, I was sweetly reminded that no matter who wins seats on Election Day, Jesus will still be seated at the right hand of God, who is still in control in America. Thank you God!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Lies & Labels

When he (your enemy) lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. – John 8:44

When I was in middle school, barely a teenager, my dad suggested I go on a diet. He thought it would be a good idea if I weighed my food, reduced my portion size, and exercised more often. I remember looking in the mirror, calling myself fat, then scooping ice cream into a big bowl and sneaking off to eat it alone.

Why I didn’t fall into the deep pit of an eating disorder is beyond me, but what I did fall for was the enemy’s lies. I constantly told myself growing up that I was fat and needed to lose weight. I’d diet for several weeks, lose some pounds, feel good about my size,  then gain it all back, only to feel worse about myself. 

I tied my worth to my weight.

I realize now that Satan had a field day with my dad’s suggestion of a diet. He filled my mind with a repeating phrase, “You’ll never be skinny. You’ll always be fat.”

I still wrestle with my weight but the words in my mind are different today. I know exercise is good for me because it helps me stay strong and reduces my stress. Eating healthy is good for me because good food fuels my body so I can do the things God has called me to do. Following Jesus and trusting Him changed the voices inside my head and I am not labeling myself with lies anymore.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What lies have I believed about myself?
• Have lies labeled me?
• Have I become the labels lies put on me?

When lies label us and we become those labels, the father of lies needs to be kicked out of our lives. But how?

First, you have to identify the lies. When a thought about yourself pops into your mind, ask yourself… Is that God’s truth or is that the enemy’s trash talk?

For example God says you are His chosen, beloved daughter (Colossians 3:12). If you hear, “You are too far gone to be loved by God,” it’s the enemy’s trash talk.

Here are some more Truth vs. Trash Talk.

I am saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) TRUTH!

Your faith is so weak. You don’t deserve grace girl. TRASH!

I am God’s masterpiece, created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). TRUTH!

You are a complete mess. God could never use someone as pathetic as you. TRASH!

Give it a try. Ask yourself, “Would God really say that about me?” If not, throw it out of your mind and replace it with who God says you are.

I call this the ABC’s of me. See if you can finish the whole alphabet with God’s truths about you.

You are adopted, beloved, chosen, daughter of the King, eternal, forgiven…

When we know who our father in Heaven says we are, the father of lies loses his grip on us. When we’re confident in Christ and stand in our truth, the enemy can’t drag us down or label us with his lies.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

A Servant's Heart

For even the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 

– Mark 10:45

Living in the mountains of Colorado has some incredible benefits: challenging hiking trails, cooler summer temperatures, colorful sunsets and continuous wildlife sightings. Mountain living also has its drawbacks: gas tanks empty quickly, icy roads demand expensive tires, and scheduling conflicts often strand me in town for hours.

Recently, while stuck in town, I ventured into the bookstore Barnes & Noble seeking a quiet spot to think and write. Tucked in the back of the bookstore, sitting within ear shot of me, a technology class is in session. Three adult men are perplexed at various levels. One man struggles to discover what button to push next. Another expresses frustration because what he’s expecting isn’t happening. The last man erupts in laughter when he finally finds success.

I too burst out laughing. They all look over at me. I blush, giggle and say, “Your laughter is so contagious. You have such a beautiful smile.” Now he’s blushing as the teacher nudges his elbow reminding him to thank me. 

They get back to work. I hear the teacher calling each man by name and encouraging them to press on through their frustration. As the teacher individually instructs them, I can’t help but notice his gentleness and loving kindness. He reminds me of Jesus. 

When we’re perplexed and struggle to know what’s next, Jesus promises to be our good shepherd and guide us. When our frustrations rise, Jesus reminds us to bring our burdens to Him and He promises to give us rest. And when we finally find success, Jesus is right there celebrating with us. 

When the teacher let the class know they’d be leaving in 2 minutes, the men handed over their computer tablets, tucked their personal items in backpacks, and pushed their wheelchairs toward the front of the bookstore where a van waited to take them back to the center that serves adults with disabilities. 

Right before the men departed our area, they turned back to me and joyfully waved good-bye. I caught the teacher’s eye, smiled and said, “You are a great teacher! Keep up the incredible work.” He blushed, laughed a little, and lowered his head. I knew in that moment… his servant heart often goes unnoticed. 

We are told to have the same attitude of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). How can you choose an attitude of gentleness, kindness or love today? Who besides you will greatly benefit from your servant’s heart?

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

This is the Day

This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

If you grew up going to Sunday School, you probably remember a teacher along the way singing to you, “This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  

Warning: This song works great in a Sunday School class but not so great in a teenager’s bedroom at 6:30am.  

Are you like me, in that as soon as the early morning alarm sounds, even before your feet hit the ground, your mind is already racing, scribbling down today’s “To Do” list?

Recently, I was with a group of women discussing the daily pressures we face. We decided to brainstorm ways we could create some margin in our days so we could enjoy more time with God and feel less frazzled.  I blurted out, “I could write a chapter called, “Death by To Do List!””  Everyone giggled and agreed that some days, it’s hard to rejoice and be glad when there’s more to do than hours in the day.

Many years ago, I started writing B.S. at the top of my daily To Do Lists.  (It’s not what you’re thinking. The B.S. stands for “Bible Study.”) I put God first in my day and spend time in Bible Study with Him.  It is through this quiet time that God teaches and guides me.  The days I miss my B.S., I can honestly say I rejoice much less.  

How about you?  Is spending time with God the first thing you do each day?  If not, give it a try and see for yourself how God meets you and equips you for the massive pressures each day holds.  

The Power of Giving Thanks to God Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

A Carfull of Love

Our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. – 1 John 3:18

Hurrying to get home after an exhausting day, I exited the highway and turned down the off ramp. Red light. Next to the road sat an older gentleman in a wheelchair holding up a sign asking for help. 

One car separated me from the man, an old dinged-up Subaru (the official car of Boulder), filled with college kids bouncing to the beat of loud music. 

When the light turned green, the Subaru sat still. Ugh, I was stuck. 

Right when I was about to beep my horn, the driver bounded out of his seat and sprinted over to the man, emptying a handful of change into a plastic bag hanging from the wheelchair. He then rifled through his jeans pockets, found a few crumpled dollar bills and quickly added them to the bag.  

He patted the older gentleman on the shoulder, as if to say “You’ve got this!” then, like a little child on a playground, skipped back to his car. (Yes, he actually skipped). His joy was contagious. I could see his friends high fiving one another in the back seat.

I missed the light, but found hope in the next generation. Their joy moved me to open my car door, walk over to the gentleman and place a handful of granola bars into his bag. I followed the example modeled to me and patted the man on shoulder wishing him a blessed day. As I glanced into the Subaru, I saw several faces smiling back at me.  

They didn’t need a woman their mom’s age telling them, “Great Job!” They already knew their act of kindness had rippling effects. 

God used a young man in a dirty, beat up Subaru to capture my attention and prompt me to have compassion and give to someone in need. I’d forgotten I was in a hurry and been reminded to put God’s love into action.

Our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. – 1 John 3:18

Who can you reach out to today to show love to? Who needs help in your sphere of influence? It might be a neighbor, a friend, or a complete stranger. Keep your eyes wide open for the opportunities God places in front of you. And when you see one, be brave and act on it right away. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Reach Out

The LORD is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

Think back to when you were a child and first forming friendships. Can you remember the names of your childhood friends? What did you like to do together? Where did you love to play? What are some of your fondest friendship memories? 

When I was young, I loved playing Little House on the Prairie with my friends. I always wanted to be Mary, the smart, pretty teacher. But because of my name, they always made me be Laura, the rowdy little sister with skinned up knees, who found trouble around every corner. (I guess that was better than being Nellie, the meanest girl ever on 1970s TV.)

Just the other day, I overheard a woman saying “the meanest thing ever” about another woman and I thought, “well Nellie grew up, but she hasn’t changed one bit.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time I’ve realized how awful women can be to one another. 

We’ve all seen, and been hurt by, other women. Regardless of whether its been in schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, or churches, the effect is usually the same: we carry the resulting hurt, anger, resentment, and bitterness into the next new friendship.

Whenever we meet someone new, we have two choices: a) risk it again and make new friends, or b) play it safe and keep to ourselves. While isolation may seem more practical and simple, eventually it leaves our hearts longing for more. 

When we want to draw back and heal after being hurt, we can be reminded that God promises to be close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Spending time with Him prepares our hearts to try friendship again.

I bet you know someone who’s isolating herself these days. Maybe she’s pretending to be busy or distracted. But you’re pretty sure that she’s still alone and her heart longs for more. 

Be brave and reach out this week!

• Send her an encouraging text message. 
• Pick up the phone and call her.
• Invite her to coffee or to take a walk.

When you’re together, be a true friend.

• Ask her how she’s doing, and listen intently to her answer.
• Open up your heart and let her see the real you.
• Encourage her, wherever she is.
• Pray for her after you part. 

Comfort is abundant through Christ. – 2 Corinthians 1:5

Let’s be God’s comforting arms and loving heart in a world that’s broken and hurting. Yes, let’s be a bridge and reach friends who are isolated and alone. It might be risky, but it’s worth it!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Stand Firm in the Face of Fear

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone. – Hebrews 12:14

When God says to “live in peace with everyone,” He doesn’t mean the complaining kids, angry neighbors, and rude co-workers… does He? 

He does. In fact, He’s not just encouraging us to live in peace with everyone we encounter every day, He’s commanding us to. 

Some people thrive in conflict. Not me. When emotions heat up, I want to flee from the flames. When I suspect an upcoming conflict, I steer clear of mean moms, dodge difficult meetings, and stay as quiet as possible. 

That is not the way God wants us to live in peace, however. As God’s children, instead of fleeing in fear, we’re to walk in peace (Ephesians 6:15). Instead of hiding, we’re to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). And instead of running away from conflict, we’re to stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). 

We can’t control who or what gets thrown at us each day, but we can control how we respond to grumbling, complaining, anger, or rudeness. The key is to follow the Prince of Peace. 

What if thanking God in the middle of our messy days, could remind us where and who our peace comes from?

Instead of focusing on the conflict, let’s thank the One who’s truly in control. Giving thanks ushers us right into the presence of God, where we can hand over today’s challenges. There, He reminds us that His power through the Holy Spirit is alive and active in us. 

Peace is a “Fruit of the Spirit.” As God gives us greater amounts of it, we are able to face conflicts and challenges more like His son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would. 

Wow! Facing our fears, standing firm in the fire, produces a peace that surpasses understanding. Let God and others see peace flourishing in your life.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Contagious Confidence

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

When my college-aged daughter, Abby, and I arrived at Target to buy supplies for her upcoming missions gap year in Africa, I was confident we’ve find everything quickly and check this errand off the list. I followed her to the travel aisle and watched her fill our cart with tiny travel-sized containers of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and bug spray. We then sped off to find a small quick-dry towel. 

As we rounded the corner, I couldn’t help but compare our shopping cart to the other college kids loading up for their first year of school. Our cart looked practically empty while theirs were full of dishes, towels, notebooks, and a plethora of plastic bins to hold it all. 

I pressed on, still confident in our mission. Until… a young gal Abby’s age held up a shower caddy and shouted, “Mom, I found the one I like!” That was all it took. My confidence melted away and tears stung my eyes. 

I looked at Abby and burst out, “I want to buy you a shower caddy! I want to buy plastic crap like all these other moms and help you move into your dorm!”

Abby pulled me close and hugged me, saying “It’s ok, mom. We can do that next year.” I tried to explain how I longed to drop her off at school, meet her roommate, see where her classes would be, and check out the dining hall where she’d eat her meals. But no, I couldn’t see any of that. Instead I was putting her on a plane for South Africa, 9,602 miles away (but who’s counting?)

Melting down in Target taught me that the confidence we produce with our own strength is short lasting and can be squelched when circumstances change. In contrast, the confidence that comes from Christ is steadfast and enduring. It builds us up instead of tearing us down. I had to learn this the hard way.

The first few weeks she was gone, I was often anxious and worried. Reading Max Lucado’s book, Anxious for Nothing helped my mind fight against anxiety with prayer, petition, and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:4-7). Walking with Jesus every day soothed my heart and reminded me of God’s truth.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Then the phone call came. Through Face Time Video, I could see Abby standing in her host family’s house. She walked me around and showed me where she slept at night and where she ate her meals. I saw with my own eyes the safety of her surroundings. As she turned the camera on others, I met a mother, grandmother, and daughter who had generously opened up their home. I met her sweet roommate who was serving beside her. They all expressed enthusiastic adoration for my daughter as they laughed and shared memories they’d already made together on this adventure of a lifetime. Abby exuded a confidence that was contagious, and I caught it. 

Since that day, I’ve been praying the scriptures from Max Lucado’s book to compel my confidence to come from Christ. 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  – Philippians 4:4-7

Try it!

Rejoice – Choose joy and tell God how much you adore Him.

Remember – You are not alone. The Lord is near.

Pray – Give God whatever is causing anxiety in your life.

Ask – God to move in your circumstances and increase your confidence.

Thank – God for His available presence, awesome power, and amazing plans.

Praise – God for His peace that guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

This is how confidence in Christ is built! When we walk our days trusting that God is in control and He has great plans for our lives, we get swept up in His confidence instead of relying on our own. His confidence is supernatural. It overrides circumstances and stands strong in every storm. This is the confidence we need to walk by faith and not by sight. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Keep On Keepin' On

Keep on asking and it will be given to you, keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP)

I’m so thankful God doesn’t answer all of my prayers. Looking back, I’m glad that the cute guy in high school never asked me out, that I didn’t get into my “dream” college, and that several jobs I applied for were given to someone else. We’ve all knocked on doors that were slammed shut. That’s just one God reveals the plans for our lives.

Why some doors open and others stay closed will probably always be a mystery, but I discovered something recently that helps me better understand how God wants us to pray for what we want. In Matthew 7:7-8, He tells us to keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking. 

The definition of “keep” is to continue, remain, stay, carry on and persist. That’s how we are to pray about the deep desires of our hearts. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, and to us, making it clear that we’re never to give up in our pursuit of God in prayer. 

To keep on asking, seeking and knocking looks like:

• Continuing to pray for huge, miraculous things only God can do.
• Remaining in your faith by praying continuously for a breakthrough.
• Staying focused on God’s ability to answer prayers.
• Carrying on day by day, inviting God into all the details of your life.

God desires for us to pray about everything, from life changing decisions to small hurts and bumps in the road. No prayer is too big or too small for Him. If you think about it, isn’t everything tiny in the eyes of the Creator of the world? The purpose of prayer is not necessarily to always get what we ask for, it’s to build a strong, enduring, life-long relationship with God.

Who else is available every moment of every day to listen to your heart? Who else loves you unconditionally on your worst days? Who else has incredible plans for your life with no strings attached? God alone.

What prayers are you thankful God never answered? Which desires of your heart do you need to keep on praying about? 

A - Ask and you will receive the gifts God has for you. 

S - Seek and you will find God while you pray. 

K - Knock and the doors God has chosen for you will open. 

Postscript:  My husband Dan and I went to high school together. He tells me that as a “cute guy from high school” he did in fact ask me out… but that I said no.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement