Finally - Everything's Ready!

I admit it, I'm tired! But also very excited! This evening I completed a major effort that I have been working on since November 08. My work in ministry and in my employment services business frequently puts me in touch with people who are struggling with serious personal and financial challenges; people who fear what the future may hold for them and their loved ones. Last fall as we watched the stock market plummet and unemployment rise, God burdened my heart to respond to these needs by expanding the methods I use to communicate His love with others.

The result?

• A completely redesigned and interactive website
• An encouraging monthly newsletter
• A new ministry series designed to help others walk with confidence on the turbulent waters of life
• and naturally, this blog where we can exchange ideas, share prayer concerns, and encourage one another with real life examples of God's faithfulness.

Even if I never meet you this side of heaven, I am praying your heart will be encouraged, your faith will be strengthened, and your soul will be inspired by what you find here. Since anyone with access to a computer and the internet can enjoy most of these tools free of charge, I will now be able to share my truly incredible, absolutely amazing, unbelievable, your jaw-will-hit-the-floor stories of God's faithfulness with a much bigger audience! Dare I pray, the world?!

You will find amazing testimonies here but even more importantly, I pray you will meet my Savior here. My mission is to reveal Him to you in all of His glory so you also can know a love that can never be lost and a security that can never be shaken!

Here you will find honesty and transparency. I don't get it right every time and when I don't you will hear about it. I will share with you just as openly the times I stumble as well as the times I soar! In fact, look for a "stumble story" in my next post. It happened a week ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. I think that means God wants me to share it with you so be on the lookout!

I am glad you stopped by. Before you go, I need to give credit where credit is due:

First, to my so-very-patient-with-me Lord, who provides the inspiration and reason for all I do. Without You, I am nothing.

And next, to all of the people closely involved with Call to Faith Ministries who encourage me and provide the support you don't see. The face on the website is mine but without these folks, I could not get it all done:

My husband, Jasper; mom, Norma; son Michael and his wife Jessica; and daughter, Casey who patiently serve as my proof-readers and make sure I have the time I need to write these messages. Your prayers, encouragement, and support mean the world to me!

My precious son, Stephen, because of you, I learned what it means to truly live and can now share this priceless gift with others. Words are completely inadequate....

Lastly, all the folks in tech support with ACS Technologies who cheerfully and promptly respond to my numerous website development questions. Special thanks to Scott Dixon - you're the best!

I am blessed to be a part of this joint effort! May we bless you in return. Hope you come back soon!

How Big is God?

While reading my devotion yesterday morning, I came across a conversation between a father and his young daughter that made a significant impression upon me. After listening to her dad read the family devotion, the little girl asked, “Daddy, how big is God?”

Her father smiled and gently replied, “Honey, God is always a lot bigger than you need.”

What a powerful response! And one that continues to resonate in my soul as I contemplate the challenges that lie ahead for our nation and many of us individually.

There is no doubt, I need a God who is huge because my needs are often more than I can bear alone. Don’t you agree? What needs are relentlessly buffeting your life? What fears are causing you sleepless nights or anxious days? Too many bills - too little money? Conflict with another or with everyone? Marital problems? Loss of your job or of your home? Is someone you love in danger? The list may seem endless.

From a national perspective, I have never witnessed such economic uncertainty or seen Christian values come under such organized or seemingly effective attack. Imagining a future based on our current trend can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless.

Like you, I am also facing uncertainties and financial stress due to business pressures. Additionally, I mourn for the lives I see crumbling around me: lives sacrificed to the pursuit of pleasure and material treasure, beautiful souls lost to drugs and alcohol, and families fractured from lack of an internal anchor to position them securely and bind them together.

Into the very center of this tempest, steps my Savior, who gently whispers to me, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

As I raise my head in response to His voice and reach for His hand, the miraculous occurs! The fears dissipate and the voices whispering doubt subside. A gentle peace settles upon my soul and persistently weaves its way into my heart.

Have the problems disappeared? Has God stepped in and made everything right? Sometimes, He does. But more often than not my trial is intended to accomplish a specific, sometimes mysterious, purpose and I have simply been reminded that while all may not be well in my world; all is well with my soul! Trials are temporary but the love of my Savior endures forever.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

May you also be strengthened and comforted by His peace today and know that with Jesus by your side as Lord of your life, all is indeed well with your soul!