Blessings and Babble

This is Melissa. She was my seatmate yesterday on my way home from SeaTac. When we got on board, I asked if she was going on or coming back from a trip. She was returning. She went on to tell me how she'd been in Vegas trying to get home on an airline that loaded the plane and then unloaded due to "mechanical problems". Then they loaded another plane, and there was a "situation" with something, and it would be "shortly and they could take off. She went on to share that she couldn't explain it, but she knew she wasn't supposed to stay on that plane, so she got off. She then had to purchase another ticket, and she chose another airline, and she'd been super anxious the entire day about flying.
If you've ever flown SeaTac to Pasco, you may be familiar with turbulence; it often is a bumpy ride. To say my seatmate was anxious when the plane took off is an understatement. She was not enjoying this trip. I was reading a murder mystery (of course), and she was eyes shut tight, hoping not to cry ... I felt God prompt me.
I reached into my bag, found a Baby Jesus, and interrupted her, telling her it's okay, I brought my friend. She welled up! Melissa went on to share that she was praying for confirmation that everything would be okay. This small gesture opened up a conversation that blessed us both. It is in the most unexpected moments when Jesus shows up the most boldly with a reminder, I AM NEAR YOU! Never underestimate the blessings in sharing your faith with someone, and always be ready to receive the blessings being flooded back over you. Thank you, Jesus. May I have another.

Today I just needed this reminder, and maybe you do too? God... always faithful and always right on time! Let's stop doubting and push the lies of the devil to the wayside. God is good ALL THE TIME, and ALL THE TIME, God is good!

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

As I walked out into the living room this morning, I could see the Blue Mountains off in the distance. They were dark and looked like a storm was rising over them.
I stood there for a moment and paused. I then looked to the west, and the sky was clear and bright. In that moment, I had a choice - I could focus on the dark clouds, or I could look at the bright sky.
We each wake up every morning, if we are so blessed, to be given a choice before our feet even hit the floor. We can choose to have a good day, or choose to be the grumpy one no one really wants to be around.
This morning, as with most mornings, I chose to see Jesus in my morning, to spend time with Him, and to seek His favor over my day. Grumpy? It isn't a choice for me.
I hope you chose Jesus today, too - I can assure you that if you did, your day will go much more smoothly and the grumpy bumps that might come your way will be minimized for certain. CHOOSE JESUS = CHOOSE JOY!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

I'm in the season of more water, more rest, more creativity, more reading, more physical activity, less sugar, and less drama. Sounds pretty simple, right?
Welllllll... It would be if I sat still more, which I'm working on, and didn't have to p*e every five minutes, so I could actually get deep into a book.
Setting out to do things that will improve the longevity of my life, I read a book on how to handle turning 60. I am not 60.
A friend asked me, "Why in the world would you read a book on turning 60 if you aren't even close?" and I told her, "To get ready! It won't do me any good to read it once I am there." She laughed, "You'll be just fine! And besides, you don't know what is even coming!" I smile, "Fact."
It made me think about my eternal life, too! Why do we spend this time on earth learning about Jesus and telling others about Jesus when we have no idea what will come in eternal life? What if this is all just make-believe? What if we are being punked by comedians from before dinosaurs?
Here's my thought... Much like not having any idea what 60 is going to look like and preparing now for its arrival... I'm staying the course!
I'm also staying the course because there is a Jesus! There is eternal life, and there is a very good reason to believe in the glorious, beautiful story of Jesus - it's called FAITH. My faith is stronger than any doubt, and my experiences tell me this: there is a Jesus! And there will be me at 60. God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve to doubt that He is real or that He is taking me to the next decade, so yes... I'll be over here drinking my water and praising the Lord... All day, every day.

"But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9

This morning, I am sitting in my own conversations with God and being reminded, ady chosen for us." When my kids go through things, I remind them, God knows. Pray for what God has in store for you.
This morning, I am sitting in my own conversations with God and being reminded that just because I don't see something in a situation, it doesn't mean God isn't at work. I paused and reminded myself that sometimes I need to sit in patience and allow God to walk ahead of me and clear the path He has chosen for me. And while I wait, I need to take time to look around me and clear up what I'm capable of, before moving forward.
I can honestly say, it is a very rare occasion when I doubt that God is in a situation. It's my human head that gets in the way, and it's Satan who gets in my thoughts. Maybe you relate?
We can trust this promise: God never (ever) leaves us. He doesn't point ahead and say, "go there," and move himself along to the next person. He doesn't. He remains with us, He speaks to us, and He is always, always right there clearing the way. The way to blessings, the way to joy, the way to healing, the way to happiness, the way to the cross. Jesus, He is always walking before us, always!
He walked to the cross for us, and because of that, we have an eternal promise: He is with us, ALWAYS!
Today, look ahead. See Jesus in your day, clearing a way. I assure you, He is!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Sometimes I feel like GEEZE LORD, what is the hold up? What's the plan? Why isn't it happening yet?
I can get discouraged and frustrated.

Now, if a friend came to me in a season of waiting, I'd have all kinds of encouragement for them. And I would be sincere in sharing it with them. Perhaps, I'd give examples of seasons of waiting and blessings in my own life. Perhaps I'd reflect back and share why the wait was important, or why the "not yet" was worth it.
So, why is it that when I'm in a season of process, I struggle with believing I am deserving, God is working or that the outcome is indeed God's best for me?
Human, I suppose, is the issue.

This morning, as I'm in a season of process, I'm encouraging myself to hit the pause button and talk to God. Not just quiet prayers or whispers, either - but the out loud, I look crazy talking to myself kind of conversation. I've come to the conclusion that if I actually talk to myself with God, like I would encourage a friend, there is this crazy, weird, and wonderful thing that takes place. Call me crazy, most people do!

This morning, I'm gearing up for a long talk with myself in the presence of God, wearing my armor of faith and my hat of hope.
I am off to have a day filled with faith, fun, and finding that when I'm processing, I need God more than ever!

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3:

Surrounded by 30,000-ish people and amazing music blaring, two moments actually stole the show from these amazing artists!
First was while standing in line for well over an hour to retrieve merch, when a single cloud blocked the sun, and people all around me started saying out loud and sincerely, "thank you Jesus", "Praise Jesus", smiling and praising, so beautiful!

And the second time my attention was stolen in the moment was the sunset over Albuquerque, NM, on the first evening. It was such a God-centered moment, as I tried to capture the photo and one of the gals leaned in and shared she wanted to be in the photo too.... I giggled and told her, "I wasn't taking it of the crowd, but the sunset." She stopped and looked, and then many were turning. I replied, "God's paintbrush over this event made it perfect," and this sweet new friend said, "Ohh, I like that, God's paintbrush! That's so good," I smiled. In my mind, I think "WHATTT" How could you miss it and not see it like that?"

Surrounded by thousands of people, all walks of life and ages. All had this in common: the love of music. However, as we spend time talking and getting to know people, I can tell you my experience: these people love music. They love one another, they love their family, they love this country, and they love Jesus! There were so many amazing conversations that came out of nowhere, inviting Jesus into the conversations. Ohhh my heart SO FULL.
My love language is hands down Jesus and Music! You want to steal a moment from me? Give me Jesus and Music! I am praising Jesus this morning for the beautiful experience and the moments when Jesus was present and stole the moment. So grateful!

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." Psalm 113:3

Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU 💙

I love my friends.

I love them so dearly that this morning, as I'm praying over them, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude.
One of the things I love the very most about my friends, they allow me to pray over them. They allow me to pray with them.

When I tell them, "I am putting this on my prayer list," it isn't just an imaginary list of things. It is their heart on a piece of paper in my book that allows me to keep my eyes set on Jesus and them.

This morning, as I'm reviewing pages, I paused. Some prayers have been going on for years in this little book. And there are prayers we have celebrated. The prayers that roll season to season, I've not given up! And I don't believe Jesus has either. I trust His timing, His process, His blessings over every single name.

About a year ago, a co-worker shared a story with me, and I told them, I prayed over that! It's in my prayer journal. Their look was like, "Oh, sure". They were a bit set back. That evening, I thumbed through pages, and sure enough, there was the name and situation. I took a photo and sent it to them. You can only imagine the words of the text I received - they were in awe.
Why am I sharing this? Because I want my friends to know, when I say, "I am putting this on my prayer list," it goes from your words to my heart to the ears of Jesus. Friends, I don't take this blessing lightly.
Today, as you read this, please know - I am speaking prayers over every person who reads this. I am praying that your day be blessed and that you see the beauty in a prayer friend. If you do not have someone whom you can trust with your prayers, I encourage you to ask God for one. These friends are beyond words, a blessing that I could not begin to explain to you.

And, to my prayer warriors, I love you, and I'm grateful for you in my life 💙

"After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before". Job 42:10

💛 Pausing and making room to listen, rather than make my list.

Thank You Lord, for being always present and reminding us all things are possible with you. When we put our trust in your process and your timing, we are blessed in remarkable ways we don't even comprehend when making our own game plan, agenda, calendar deadlines and outcomes.
Bless us as we lean into you and seek you in our journey. Remind us that with you, goodness and blessings come! Remind us Lord, that the process may not be easy, but it is always worth it.

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay".
Habakkuk 2:3