The Red Hatted Girl Series 1

I was trying to be cool on the ice and this boy was skating circles around me. Why did boys have to skate so fast? And that crooked smile—what was that all about? His eyes were crystal blue and amazing!

It was right after Christmas and I was on a retreat with all the high school kids from my church. My little group of girlfriends and I had shuffled out to the center of the shoveled skating area on the lake at Kensington Park. It was rough and hard to manipulate, but we managed to get there. Ah, success! Now everyone would notice us, all the little 14-year-old girls trying to be so cool and in control. We couldn’t skate, not one bit. Half of the time we’d fall on each other, be embarrassed, struggle to get up, and try all over again. It must have been quite amusing for the adults who were watching.

Regardless of our comedy act, I thought I was so cool because of the handmade knitted red hat I wore. I was so proud of that hat because I’d made it myself. We continued to giggle and pretended to ignore the parade of boys skating around us as they pretended to start a hockey game.

Suddenly, a swoosh zoomed by me and I heard him laugh. He’d swiped my hat right off my head! Of all the nerve! Who did he think he was anyway? Then he balanced himself in the corner of the snowy rink, laughing with some other boys. I didn’t want him to think I even noticed, but I did. Those eyes, so brilliantly blue and that smile was captivating. I looked away. Again, that swoosh and then he was gone. “Hey, blue eyes,” he called from the corner. “Nice hat.” Ugh, boys! Why were they ever invented? But wait, that’s why I was shivering in the middle of an ice rink, so the boys would notice me. And my cute hat. Hmmm, I’d have to think about that one. That memorable weekend started off to be very interesting!

Note: This is the beginning of a book I’m writing about my life. I’ll start when I met my husband and describe how 40 years of marriage can change and mold you into the person you were meant to be. I’ll explain my relationship with my heavenly Father and my earthly one, and all the events in between. Would you read it if I wrote it? I’m just a normal person wanting to leave a mark for Christ on this world. I’d appreciate your comments.

The Comfort Series 4 – Finding Joy!

I couldn’t believe it! It was 7:00 a.m. and I’d just pulled out of my garage to leave for work. I always wait to see if the garage door closes before I take off. Suddenly, there’s a grinding sound, a POP and then the whole right side of the door slowly bends down! I couldn’t move and I surely couldn’t look. Parked directly underneath that bending door is my late husband’s classic car! Oh please, Lord, not that!

As I surveyed the situation, I did something I’ve learned to do after many times like this: laugh. I’ve spent way too much of my life fretting, worrying, complaining, getting grumpy, and griping at other people when things go wrong. It’s just not worth it. I get upset, other people get upset, and it’s just an awful time in general.

In Chuck Swindoll’s book Laugh Again, he says this about finding joy in terrible situations:

Why has a joyful life, an attitude of happiness, eluded so many? Within the past few years I have come to realize why. It’s because most people think that happiness is something that happens to them rather than something they deliberately and diligently pursue. Circumstances seldom generate smiles and laughter. Joy comes to those who determine to pursue it in spite of their circumstances.

Psalm 144: 15b says, “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” That’s how I want to be known. Not that I put on a false face or pretend to be happy when I’m not, but I believe there is joy and humor to be found in most of the daily grind of life. If we choose to be a griping, complaining person, then we’ve lost the joy that God gives. Really, can’t you find joy in one of life’s events today? This is the stuff that life is made of and it’s too short to be a grump! Put on your happy pants and find JOY!

Oh, by the way, the garage door is fixed and the classic car is now safe and sound without a dent! God knew that would happen!

The Comfort Series 3 – Comforting Words

Last evening I sat by my 89-year-old mother’s bedside. She had taken a fall and broken her hip, and is now in the hospital. Her advanced dementia has prevented any normal conversation for almost two years now. It was strange seeing her old and lying there mumbling.

Suddenly, she became agitated and began talking out loud. She said things softly at first but then began speaking in a normal voice and saying, “I know Tom Ritchie, I know Tom Ritchie, I know Tom Ritchie!” That would mean nothing to most people, but it meant the world to me. You see, Tom Ritchie was my husband who died in 2006. He was a very special person who cared so much for others. He’s now enjoying everlasting life in heaven because he accepted Christ as his savior.

As my mother continued to talk, she said something else pretty profound. Let me give you some background first about her statements. When I was born, she wrote in my baby book: “She’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen.” My dad later wrote: “You just didn’t get a very good look at her.” From the moment I was given that baby book as an adult, those words have stuck in my heart like a knife. I wondered why my mom didn’t even like me from the moment I was born. That’s a big load to carry around with you and it deeply bruised our already tumultuous relationship.

Last night, she began saying out of nowhere, “I’ve got a baby, a pretty baby.” She repeated them over and over about 50 times. I finally leaned down to her face and asked her, “What’s the baby’s name, Mom?” Loud and clear she said, “Terre, my beautiful baby.” That’s me!

I cried, at first just a little. Later, when I was safely inside my car, I cried a lot. Maybe those were the confused words of a dementia patient, but to me they were a gift. She may never say them again and I’m alright with that. But I did hear them.

I truly believe that God gives us what we need right when we need it most. I needed to hear those words from my mother before she passes away. That may not happen soon, but it could be in a minute. Thank you, God, for that wonderful memory.

The Comfort Series – #2 Your Dad and your Father

I’ve always looked up to my dad. When I was growing up, he was a very tall, dark, and handsome man. In his prime, he was around 6’2” and 180 pounds. He was the strong, silent type. He never stayed mad long. He persevered through his life and found some pleasures to enjoy along the way.

Now, he is a little bent-over 88-year-old man of about 5’11” with a much weaker voice than I remember. He’s more compliant and doesn’t want to make a ruckus. I still look up to him—in more ways than one.

In Crazy Love by Francis Chan, he talks about God’s constant love for us as our Father. I always knew my own dad loved me, but I don’t remember hearing the words very often. Now, he tells me often that he loves me because he knows his time is fleeting.

God has told me He loves me every day of my life. He’s never stopped, never grown tired of me not responding or never telling him those same words in return. He’s been patient, caring, merciful, and given me more grace then I deserve.

So what’s the difference between these two fathers? In my small finite mind, I believe the difference is love. God has told me from my conception that He loves me. In Psalm 139 He tells me He knew me when I was being formed inside my mother. He has loved me through my youth, teens, and young adult years when my decisions may not have pleased my earthly father. God has loved me without fail and has continued to love me unconditionally all 64 years of my life.

My earthly father loves me, but as with all humans, that conditional part comes into play a lot. I’m sure he had dreams for me, but I haven’t been known to conform. I’m sure I’ve disappointed him in some ways. Striking out on my own even as a young child, I would often just do my own thing and not stick to the rules too much. God loved me even through those times.

It’s great to have the love of two fathers—even if that love has been different through the years. I appreciate both of them and know that my heavenly Father has the greater plan for my life, the beginning and the end both within His sight. I look up to both of my fathers with respect, praise, and thanksgiving. 

The Comfort Series #1 – Prickers on my Pew

I’ve been teaching Francis Chan’s Crazy Love book in devotions at work and also in our ladies’ Bible study at church and it’s making me uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable!

It’s not that I don’t like the way Chan writes or what he teaches us, it’s the subject matter.  It focuses on trying to encourage me to do more. I don’t appreciate feeling like I’m not doing enough with my faith. I can feel the prickers poking me on my chair.

What do I mean by that? When I take a look at myself as a believer, I tend to look at myself with an “I think I’m OK” face in the mirror. I teach the Word, try to live out my faith as best as I can, and then this guy comes along and upsets my apple cart! He tells me that maybe I’m not doing enough or maybe I’m not living the kind of life God would choose for me. Who does he think he is—my conscience or something?

The truth of the matter is, he’s right. Self-righteous people often think they’re doing enough and don’t need to grow or need anyone else’s help in figuring out their spiritual life. They think they have life pretty much under control. Nothing could be further from the truth though. If we don’t check whether we’re meeting God’s mark, then we’re failing. We need to check this every day.

That’s why I’m uncomfortable. There is much, much more that I could be doing as a believer. I am failing every single day. Like this list, for example:

1) How many people have I told about my Savior this week?

2) What kind of love have I shown to my neighbor this week?

3) What can I give up that will free my time for more service to my King?

4) What don’t I need to own? 

And the list goes on and on and on!

I’m beginning to figure out some things about myself that are a little too up-close and personal. This is the first one—I’m too comfortable. That’s why I keep finding prickers on my pew when I do the lessons for Chan’s book. They are convicting me that I need to get out of that chair and into the field. Stop saying and start doing. Ouch! Have you felt a pricker on your pew lately? What are you going to do about it?

Stay tuned for more in this series about being too comfortable.

Animated Leaders

Anyone who talks about children has my attention. If it has to do with their care, their safety or their spiritual condition I am all ears.

So, when this article came out on a Tuesday in November, I was livid!  I am not an atheist. I believe in a true, living, just God who is the creator of all things. I believe he was born sinless and took our sins upon him. I believe children are His creation and very open and naive in their early years. They are pliable and able to be taught right from wrong and good from bad. That's why I was so upset by this article.

This article should shake you to the core!

When a network news reporter calls you...you'd better respond! This article about atheists hit the news yesterday and I got the call. My staff said I was very 'animated' while I was talking on the phone. She didn't print half the comments I said but hit the high spots. I think targeting kids with atheism is the last straw for me.

http://christiannews.net/2012/11/14/atheist-activists-targeting-children-with-good-without-god-campaign/

I would appreciate your comments after reading this article. I have been trembling just thinking about the children and families who are going to be led down this path of lies straight from Satan himself. If someone doesn't speak up for the children...who will.

Please pray with me that God will be known!

A Critical Attitude

Do you know a critical person? Someone who can’t see the good in anything or struggles to find joy? I know critical people. Sometimes it’s difficult to be around them.

Some comments a critical person might make:

Me: That’s a beautiful sky. Not a cloud in sight!

Critical: Yeah, but think of all the pollen the wind is blowing around. I know I’m going to be sick.

Me: I’m so glad the weekend is here!

Critical: Yippee. You work all week and then work all weekend at home. Oh joy.

There are times when I withdraw myself from people with critical attitudes because I don’t need negativity around me. But then the Holy Spirit convicts me: I need to show them more love! What a strange relationship this can be.

God’s Word tells us in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times…”  I think that means that no matter what attitude this person has, I still need to love them like Jesus loves them. I can’t begin to criticize them like they criticize everything around them. I need to encourage them to see the good in life. I need to be their joy!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” I like that quote, but I also like the fact that God included the word “love” in his description of friendship.  So how about you? Do you have a friendship that needs a little love? As hard as it can be, try to demonstrate that Christ-like love today!

At the End of the Road

Last month, I took a trip to Maine. I have wanted to visit this picturesque state most of my adult life, so it was a dream come true. I have no connection to anyone there, but I had a pastor who grew up in Maine. He spent a great deal of time talking about the scenery, the food, and the people. When I found out I was going for sure, I emailed him and he told me some great little places to visit. I was so excited!

We visited beautiful, quaint towns all along the coastline. Usually we would find a lighthouse at the tip of an island, so we’d head out on the narrow roads to take a look. Some of the sights at the end of the road were breathtaking.

Huge rocks and tall cliffs stood mightily along the shore where the surf pounded them daily. A small, well-groomed caretaker’s house was always next to each majestic lighthouse. Sometimes we could take the winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse and other times we could just walk around the outside. When the lighthouse was closed, we could appreciate the view of the coastline.

I could sit for hours watching wave after wave retreat and then pounce down with amazing intensity on the huge rocks in front of me. There was something therapeutic about the sound of those waves and their dance of force. The spray of salt water made the scene postcard perfect.

These moments reminded me of some friends I’ve known over the years. Some seem to weather a storm no matter how hard the waves of despair or defeat crash down on them. They gather their beaten selves, stand with firmly placed feet, and wait. They challenge the next blast of pessimism or attacks from satan with the hands of God helping them stand. It’s an amazing phenomenon to watch.

Other people I know fall down at the first spray of disaster. They can’t stand up against anything and they whimper and cry in defeat before the pounding surf comes on the scene. Their faith in God is so shallow they fall like a tree with only surface roots. FLAT on their faces!

Oh LORD, make me steadfast, like the tree in Psalm 1: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.”

It’s a Shame!

I used that phrase a number of times at a homeschoolers convention last week as I talked with parents about resources we’ve created for 6- to 12-year-olds. It is a shame that we have to have tracts on swearing, cheating, abstinence, and divorce, but we deal with children every day who are faced with these issues.

As responsible Christians, we need to give our children the Biblical view of how to deal with cheating, for instance. What do you do with the temptation to look on someone else’s test for answers or plagiarize someone’s paper from the internet and call it yours? In Leviticus 19:13, God gives a directive that states the case. “You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him.” Taking an answer from your neighbor’s paper is the same as taking money. It’s not yours. It doesn’t belong to you.

Making sure a child knows how he will deal with an issue before it arises often stops the temptation in its tracts! The child knows how they will respond when the problem is staring them in the face. But, it is a shame that sin has to cause us to create these materials. 

What I’m really thankful for is the opportunity to refute what satan tells our children today. Through Scripture we can bring to light the depths of sin and what its continued use will bring.

So yes, it is a shame that we have to create resources like these, but I’m thankful for the Word of God that shines a light through each and every tract we have! Amen!

I'm Done!

I’m done.

I haven’t written in my blog for almost two months now. Life has taken over and I find myself choosing between the most important things and the other stuff.

Today I watched a video of a sermon preached by Francis Chan. He used a very, very long rope to represent our lives in the past, now, and the future. The rope was longer than the stage. One tiny section, about three inches long, was at the beginning and represented our whole life. He talked about how we spend enormous amounts of time fretting and worrying and working throughout just those three inches! How are we going to support ourselves when we retire? What does my 401K contain? Do I have enough stuff? It’s all so stupid, he said.

If we spent those three inches of time working on what the rest of the rope represented…eternity…we would be amazed at our perspective on life. All the stuff of life would drop to the wayside. All our push to become the highest paid in the organization, work our way into the office next to the president, or be the most famous person would fall from us like scales on a dead fish.

It’s the purpose in life that counts.

What’s your purpose in life? Gaining, gaining, gaining? Getting, getting, getting? Being, being, being? What for? So you can claim your 3/16 inches of fame?

I think the Bible says it best in Luke 12:15, “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.’” What if we dropped that part of our life off at the dry cleaners on the way home? Just left the Stuff Mart and drove away?

And how about our push or need to walk over everybody else that drives us to the top? The top of what? What’s at the top that is SO EXCITING? What do we become when we get there? Do we love people more? Do we give more? Do we spend more time with our family and loved ones? Usually not.

Well, I’m done. I’m done being stupid. Those things that everyone strives for are moving to the bottom part of my list in life. If I can’t use my three inches for what God intends, then I am stupid. I see more intent in life as I look at serving others, being there for them, giving up the insignificant parts of this crazy rope that represents my life.

My three inches are going to count, be intentional, make a difference in others’ lives. What about you? How much of your three inches is left to take you off the ‘I’m not going to be stupid anymore’ list?

I’m Determined to…

Oh, how we promise ourselves things. We say we’re going to live more economically, get out of debt, give more, lose weight, be a better communicator and listener, but often, they’re just words. Sometimes we forget what we’ve promised ourselves before the day has even ended!

What are you determined to do? What is that one thing that you know in your heart you would like to accomplish? I’m not talking about getting stuff or obtaining prestige. I’m talking about something that will count for eternity in your spiritual life.

I remember as a young mother there was absolutely no way I had time to sit down and read the Bible—or so I thought! I always put other events in front of the most important one, communication with my Savior. Why did I do that? Well, I had a good excuse. After all I had four kids, I gardened to keep my family fed, I sewed clothes for them, worked in my church as kitchen chairman, and was a deacon’s wife. What more could God ask of me?

Of course I neglected to mention how many times I lost my temper, grumbled through a day, complained about something or other, just because I was not in communication with my Creator! Yes, that’s what happens when you let Bible time slide into circumstances

.

Along the way I learned some valuable lessons that I only realized as an older adult. That the dishes will always be there, the floor will always need to be swept, the children will always require my attention, and the church will survive without my constant attention. Oh glory! Did I just say that? Yes, I did and I mean every word of it.

In the grand scope of life there is nothing, I repeat NOTHING that should take the place of your devotion time with God. Creating a space in your 24 hours for the person who molded you into who you are, gave you precious gifts, and placed in you the talent, personality, and characteristics that make you uniquely you is a must. Not a faint, barely audible promise but a must. Like breathing or eating or being loved must be on your daily calendar, so must the reading of His Words to you.

Shove everything else aside today and do it. In reading the Bible today, determine to see how much He loves you and cares for you and sees your every need. It’s so much longer lasting than a diet!

                Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one

another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. –Colossians 3:16-17

The Words of My Mouth - Open to Misinterpretation series 3

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” —Psalm 19:14

How can we say those words on Sunday, but Monday thru Saturday live like we’ve never heard them? I’m as guilty as the next person. I’ve heard a message on Sunday morning that moved me to tears and tore at my heart until I cried in repentance. Then, the following Wednesday, as I’m moving through my day, all of a sudden I’m confronted by a thought of condemnation about someone or there’s a phrase someone says that sets me off. Where does my mind go immediately? It doesn’t go to comfort that poor soul who said those words to me. No! I think about how I can  get back at them! Where in the world do those thoughts come from?

Truth be told, there is much wisdom in knowing your enemy, who is a fallen angel called satan. He desires to turn our every thought onto his path of destruction. He wants to sever the wonderful relationship he knows we can have with our Savior. Why, he even puts words in our mouths to hurt the people we love the most! I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve used them myself.

There are great verses in James 3 that deal with the tongue (mouth).

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the image of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My Brethren, these things ought not to be so.

We need to heed these verses every day. Not just when we feel like it or when we think of it, but make it a pattern to use every time our mouths open.

There are challenges and questions to ask yourself. Do you care enough to guard your mouth against letting it be used to hurt others? Do you care enough about your relationship with your Heavenly Father to not hurt him with your deep digs and careless jokes about family and friends?

Don’t be used by the enemy. Get into the Word and find out for sure what God says about your words. You’ll find healing and comfort there, just like the words we would like someone to speak to us.

Meet the Truth Head On - Open to Misinterpretation series 2:

There is an old phrase, “I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that”—which means we could be millionaires for all the times we’ve heard something said.

I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone say a comment about another person without any truth to back it up. Often, I’ll stop them mid-sentence and ask, “How do you know that’s true? Did you hear it straight from that person?” Oh-h-h, if looks could kill I would have been dead a long time ago!

Speaking the Truth of God’s Word is hard. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Lying about something or telling what the world calls a half-truth is wrong. Thinking we are joking about something is just words said in a comical way which can hurt another person. It’s not really fun or funny at all.

I’ve seen entire churches split apart because of a few misspoken or misinterpreted words that were hurtful. Was it worth all the pain they caused? Can there be any healing after these painful words are spoken? Possibly there can be forgiveness if it’s asked for.

If our hearts and souls are tuned into how Jesus walked during His life, I truly believe these words will not be spoken. They will wilt like mid-day picked flowers on a sticky summer afternoon. The Holy Spirit makes you aware when you say hurtful things. Remorse is immediate, but confession and asking forgiveness often is not.

Don’t let a misspoken word hinder any relationship you have. Meet the choice head on with God’s Truth. Allowing satan to be the winner in any conversation just isn’t an option for a true Believer.(sorry, I don't capitalize the word satan...he's very undeserving of the recognition)

When Words Aren’t Enough-Open to Misinterpretation series No. 1

I like technology. I like the way it allows you to interact with friends and family around the world with little or no interruption. I like the fact that you can even see someone through Skype or webcams for meetings so you can watch their reactions to what you say. There is nothing missing in interactions involving technology except one thing—the presence of a warm body.

I’ve never hugged my computer screen like I hug my grandkids. But when the only connection I have to them is through the use of Skype to see their beautiful faces, then I’ll take it. It’s better than the alternative of not seeing them and only hearing them through the phone.

But there is a disconnect when I use Skype that is ultra-impersonal. Have you ever felt that way?

It’s impersonal because I can’t see them looking right at me. I don’t know if they’re playing video games while they’re talking to me or what! Likewise, when I’m talking to a business associate on webcam, I can’t tell if they’re texting or IM’ing someone else while they’re talking to me. There is a small element of distrust involved in this way of communication and it can become very frustrating!

I am a proponent of eye-to-eye meetings. I know, I know, that’s not keeping up with the world, but in a face-to-face meeting I can actually feel the vibrations of the person I’m talking to. I can see those minor little twitches of their smile and nervousness in their eyes that is not detectable on a webcam. It’s felt, like static electricity in a room. If I were to equate it to anything it would be like a mother who instinctively knows when her child is lying. How does that happen? They’re able to watch firsthand the child’s reaction to a question asked of them. She just knows!

So is technology still great? Certainly. It’s just not my chosen mode of meeting someone for the first time. I daresay I’ll get reproof on this one but bring it on. We can meet for lunch and discuss it—or you can Skype me. ;-)

Your Personal Space

You’ve had the experience of having someone get into your personal space, haven’t you? You are confronted by those people who enter the invisible area where you want to say, “That’s close enough, thank you! Now back off!” Where did the phrase “personal space” come from anyway? Is there really an invisible barrier we put up so people can’t get too close to us?

Recently I took time to read through the book of Luke. As I read about Jesus being in the crowds of cities or preaching on hillsides, I doubted whether Jesus had personal space. Read these verses and see if you agree with me:

And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. –Luke 6:19 (NKJV)

And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharasee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. –Luke 7:37-38 (NKJV)

People touched Jesus for healing and to show honor. It sure doesn’t sound like He minded them intruding on His space. So why are we offended and step backward when people try to get close to us? Some people even shy away from hugging or shaking hands.

Jesus gave us the command to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” –Mark 16:15 (KJV). How can we preach or show the love of Jesus if we never allow ourselves to get close to anyone? How can we NOT hug an orphaned child or a widowed mother? How can we NOT touch people who are hurting or need a gentle hand to hold for support? What a silly notion to think that we need personal space. That certainly sounds like a lie from satan to help us be selfish.

May I challenge those of you who believe having personal space is your choice? It’s not! Jesus showed us how to love one another and it had nothing to do with being unreachable; it’s more about making ourselves available to love. Take a step of faith today by reaching out to those who need to see Christ through you.

·         Give an elderly neighbor a hug today.

·         Take the step to become a volunteer in an after-school program and show Christ to fatherless or motherless children who need a hug and the encouragement only you can give.

·         Make a purposeful effort to shake the hands of everyone you meet on Sunday morning at church. And even shake the hands of those you don’t know!

·         Let your strength be an encouragement to someone today; let them know you can be strong because of Christ.

Please leave a comment about how you handle the personal space issue.

An Illumination or an Interruption?

My grandkids are great but every once in a while I notice that I call their names not once or twice but three times and they don't seem to hear me. I think that’s called selective hearing. Not only is it irritating but also disrespectful! Then I remember myself in similar situations and ask, Am I any different? Does God ever call my name and I’m not listening?

I've been reading the book of Daniel lately and have been amazed by how well he listened to God's voice. It seemed every time God called, Daniel answered. What a wonderful relationship to have. Daniel was completely tuned in to every word God had to tell him, which doesn't sound much like my relationship with Him.

Why don't we listen more for His voice? Why aren't we sitting on the edge of our chairs waiting to hear those soothing tones of mercy we so greatly need? Could it be that everything else in life is a barrier between us? All that stuff crowding out the Savior's voice is what we call “life.” Really? Are the interruptions WE have placed in our lives blocking out that most important voice? Can you honestly say you've taken the time to listen for it?

We make so many plans to go here and there, attend this function and that function, and be the perfect parent that we lose sight of and ignore the communication with the One who can put it all in perspective for us. I'm not talking about the next call you’ll receive on your BlackBerry or your iPhone. I'm speaking of the One and Only God of heaven and earth, your Savior, the One who cares for you the most.

Stop. Listen for the One voice that can bring calm out of chaos, direction out of fear, and peace into your troubled world. Sh-h-h, He's here.