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When I was young I desperately wanted two things: a French poodle and a sister. I don’t know where the French part came from but it was always a French poodle, never just a poodle. For years I prayed God would send them. I even asked my Mother if I couldn’t have one of those could I at least have a big brother? She assured me that would never happen. One of my best childhood friends was one of nine children, mostly boys. Boy did I feel underprivileged.

When I was seven years old I remember playing with my Barbies in my bedroom. Mom came in all smiles. I thought she was going to play with me. Not so. She said “you are finally going to get what you have always wanted” and took my hand. I was so excited and answered “a French poodle!” “No,” she said, “a little brother or sister in a few months.” With a boo lip I told her “but I really wanted a French poodle.” My Mother laughed and said we’d just wait and see what I thought when the baby came.  “Okay, but I want a sister, then.”

Months later it happened.  Daddy phoned to say the doctor released Mother and baby sister. He would deliver them home very shortly. I could hardly wait. I practically flew into the den and tugged my junior sized rocker into the living room. Then I rushed to the bathroom as my aunt watched bewilderedly. I scrubbed my hands, dried them off and grabbed a clean towel. Back to the living room, huffing and puffing, I opened the front door to get the perfect distance, placed my rocker smack dab in front of the door and waited.  I wiped my hands off, the arms of my chair, tossed the towel away and settled in for the longest wait any seven year old had to endure.  When the car pulled in the driveway, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest, arms went out and I was ready for the door to open so that I could get my clean hands on the sister I had been praying for these many years. My parents could barely get in but they did.  I remember the way my sister looked, felt, and smelled.  I remember crying.  She was so beautiful.  She was a gift from God.  It was love at first sight for me. Throughout the years I bossed her around as all older siblings do, included her in my activities, my friends were okay with her being around, and when she went two hours away to college I would leave work at 5:00 and drive down just to take her to dinner because she was homesick.  I loved her unconditionally and still do.

As we got older we worked together at the same agency for a while. After I retired to stay at home and freelance, I babysat her amazing children until Grammy retired. The time alone with my sister, nieces, and nephew (and Mom) was precious. See, God knows what we need and when we need it. That was the right time, the right age difference, and the right everything for me. Much better than a French Poodle!

Keep praying and don’t be disappointed when God sends you a replacement to your request. Trust Him. He knows best.  You might not really need that Poodle.  Believe me, I know, even if my Mother wouldn’t let me name my sister Fifi.

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”
Matt. 7:11

Easter is rapidly approaching. Lent is the time to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus and His journey to the Cross. Being raised in a Christian family Easter was much more than egg hunts and baskets for me. I remember my maternal grandmother teaching me the Easter story over a cookie recipe one year. The cookies are good but the story has stuck with me for decades.

You might want to do an activity like this for yourself, children, grandchildren, or kid group. The message might just plant a seed that will grow into a bountiful harvest. It might bring the Easter story a little more in focus. You will be making rewarding memories. Get cookin’!

Mammaw’s Forgotten Cookies

2 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. nuts
pinch of salt
1 tsp. White vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place pecans in resealable plastic baggie. Crush pecans into small pieces with a rolling pin. Read John 19:1-3
“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe, And said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they smote Him with their hands.”

Sprinkle salt into egg whites. Read Luke 23:27, 33

“And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.”
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left.”

Put vanilla into a bowl. Read John 19:28-30. “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst.’ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished’ and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”
Right now this mixture doesn’t look yummy. Add sugar slowly. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Beat with mixer until frothy and add cream of tartar. Then beat on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Add in vanilla close to the end. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
“When the night was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.”

Place cookies in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
“Pilate said unto them, ‘Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.’ So they went, and made the tomb sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Go to bed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

In the morning open the oven and take out the cookies. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the tomb. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.’ And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him.”

When you bite into them notice they are hollow, empty, just like Jesus’ tomb.

Do you like parties? Here we celebrate everything. Kindergarten graduation, middle school graduation, and especially high school and college. Engagements, weddings, and babies require a party, as do new jobs and retirement. Every time a holiday rolls around is a good excuse to have the entire big family over for a barbecue or pitch-in. When the weather is hot, it is time for swim party. The most popular is probably the birthday party. Who doesn’t want a party on one’s birthday? How about the slumber party the kids have? It is the one where they don’t sleep. Of course, we celebrate holidays, too. Party, party, party.

We also have parties for when we feel down and out, in the blues, depressed. That is the ever popular pity party and usually no one else is invited, just the host. These are very exclusive and reclusive.  A pity party can happen for a multitude of reasons. A relationship breaks, a test fails, the scales go up, the children are sassy, the job isn’t going well are just a few reasons to have a pity party. It consists of feeling sorry for oneself, being depressed, and crying is optional, so are chocolate and ice cream.  My sweet hubby was sick for about three years, and boy did I become an expert at throwing a party. However, I made a promise to myself and Jesus that I would not stay any longer than 5 minutes each day at my party. I decided I needed to find a designated driver. Even though no alcohol is involved I needed to make sure I didn’t get stranded at the party, especially this kind.

One of my best friends is a jewel. I can text her that I need picked up from a party and my phone immediately rings. If she is texting me and I say I’m partying, she will ask if I have a minute for her to call. She knows what I mean. That girl gets me. I unburden my heart while she sweetly listens and comments. Before we hang up she offers to pray for me and with me. I feel the presence of the Lord as we pray. My heart begins to feel the distress leave and be replaced with peace. The peace that passes all understanding is here. It flows over me and through me.  If I had known I would feel so relieved I would have left the party earlier or asked for help.  Actually, I would not have gone.

If you must attend pity parties, make sure you do not stay very long at all. Five minutes tops. Please, please have a designated driver to pick you up so that you are sure to leave. Those are not healthy parties for anyone. Choose a birthday or swim party instead!  Blow off pity parties.  They are no fun!

This Lenten Season give up Pity Parties.  Concentrate on joy.  Get that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in your heart.  You will have the peace that passes understanding and especially the Love of Jesus.  (Are you singing yet?)  Joy makes everything brighter.

John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This has been the craziest year with politics. Don’t you agree? Don’t worry, this isn’t a political post. No mention of any candidate.  It is an American post.  I just wanted to say that I do not understand so many people hurling insults and saying hurtful things.  They say them about people they don’t even know and our country.  What has happened to people and “Proud to be an American”?  Would they really want to live somewhere else?  Would you?  Not me.

Recently I read an Amish proverb that went “You can’t sling mud at someone without getting your hands dirty, too.” Isn’t that right?   Every time we sling mud at someone some of it comes right back at us.  On us.  We don’t look or act like Christians.  Many of us.  If we want America to be great, respected, honorable then it starts with us. First we must honor God. He teaches us to pray for our country and leaders. We need to love everyone. Jesus says to love as He loves, even our enemies. We need to respect the “office of president”.  If you don’t respect the individual, you should at the very least respect the position.  That is not a job, elected or given, that I would ever be equipped to do, nor would I want it.

Do your children have an opinion about our country? Are they proud Americans? Do they stand at attention, hand over heart to pledge their allegiance or do they even care? Children are impressionable. Often their opinions are those of their parents. What small child has an opinion on foreign policy or taxes? Do they really care who is Governor or President? Be careful what you teach them. Teach them to honor and respect those in office here, even if you disagree, teach them to love their enemies, teach them not to sling mud, and most of all teach them about Jesus.

This Lent let’s start mending our country.  We can begin by cleaning up the mud that has been slung and is making our nation and our hands dirty.  Turning to God is what we need.  He is the only hope for our healing.  Respect for elected officials and praying for them is essential.  Teaching children respect is vital.  We can be proud to live in a nation under God.  We can show everyone how Christians behave.

We can do this.  Join me.  Let’s prove all of those naysayers wrong.  America is a good country with good people.  No, it’s a great country!  Let us rally together, pray for her and her leaders, and show everyone.  If God is with us, what do we have to fear?  Remember, united we stand!

“if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”  Psalm 118:6

In 2004 there was a movie about Jesus’ crucifixion that was produced by Mel Gibson called “The Passion”. It was a very emotional movie and depicted the brutal treatment our Lord and Savior endured for us. I cried when I saw it and for many months after when I took communion. I know what the Bible says about how Jesus was beaten, whipped, had a crown of thorns, and was nailed to the cross. To have this acted out graphically was heart-wrenching. Jesus loved us so much He endured the unthinkable.

The movie theatre was five minutes from the Christian Bookstore that I owned with my parents. It was a Saturday night when a young woman came in. She had jet black hair, clothes, tights, nails, lips, and eye make up with chains going everywhere. Everything was black, leather or chains. I had never seen so many piercings. My daughter later told me it was called “gothic”. Needless to say she was not my typical customer.

The girl crashed through the door and breathlessly stated “I just saw the movie and need a book on Jesus!” My mind whirled. I asked if she wanted “More than a Carpenter” or “Case for Christ”. “No. Not it. That’s not it either.” She answered, “No, lady, I don’t know what it’s called but everybody has one.” Now, I understood, “Ohh, Max Lucado’s ‘And the Angels were Silent.’ Great book and a best seller!” I handed it to her and she really started getting upset with me. “Look, lady, I don’t know the name of this book, but they use them in all of the churches.” Goosebumps. I understood now. “Do you want a Bible?”

She grabbed my arms and shook me. “Yes, yes! That’s the name of it. Do you have one?” Certainly, I replied before turning and requesting help from my Dad. This young woman only wanted one book. We needed to teach her how to read and use a Bible taking the word “book” out of our explanation. Not so easy.

Dad asked her name, Heather. We prayed with her and her Bible. Dad told her to get involved in a church with young adults her age, and he reminded her to read her Bible starting with the book of John. Wrong thing to say. “But I only want one book sir, not 66.” So we tried another explanation and it worked. Heather thanked us over and over. Dad told her not to be a stranger here. Leaving with her new purple Bible and mascara tear stains on her cheeks, she left waving goodbye and smiling brightly.

Three months later a cute brunette came in asked to see me and Dad. She was dressed in a stylish but modest summer dress and had very little make up. When she asked if we knew her we were stumped. It was Heather all cleaned up and wholesome. She had been baptized, accepted Jesus, and never missed church. It brought happy tears to our eyes. She even volunteered with the youth group.

Being raised in a Christian home I was surprised to see someone in a small town in Indiana that did not have a Bible let alone know its name. How fortunate I am. How blessed. Growing up did you have a Bible in your home? Think of the others out there like Heather that haven’t seen the movie or been moved to “buy a book on Jesus”. They need our help. We need to spread the Word and God’s love. Heather was passionate for Jesus. Let’s make sure we are.
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”
Mark 16:15 NKJV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th. Do you celebrate? Are you Irish? Maybe you are a teeny, little percent Irish that is just enough to wear green and celebrate this holiday. Maybe not and you celebrate anyway. What began as an Irish holiday has now become a day to celebrate the Irish culture, whether or not you are Irish. At the very least a day to wear green or some same it gives others free reign to pinch you.

Supposedly it all began with a Scottish man believed to be named Maewyn Succat. He was a Christian missionary in the 400’s in Ireland. His story or legend is fascinating and I would recommend you google him. After becoming a priest he took the name Patrick. His ministry according to some lasted forty years. During that time he converted over 135,000 people to Christianity. He used the three leaf clover to teach about the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. St. Patrick started around 300 churches. It is not known if he was born or died on March 17, but it was one and that’s why St. Patrick’s Day is on that date. Green symbolizes Spring and Irish, which is associated with that date.

When my kids were home I would celebrate all holidays, making heart shaped cakes for Valentines Day and decorating the house for Easter. St. Patrick’s Day was no exception. Not only did I wear green, I fixed Irish food for supper. I also dyed the milk green. Yes, that’s right, our pure white milk now looked like grass soup. One year my teenage son asked how I got the milk green every year. Without missing a beat I told him it was by soaking lima beans in it. Neither he nor his younger sister liked limas. His big gulp of milk was promptly spewed all over me and my kitchen. What a mess. See, I missed the point of St. Patrick’s Day (and lied because I used food coloring). It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. It is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, a pagan religion, that were saved. Thousands were Christians because of St. Patrick. That, my friend, is cause to celebrate.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Luke 15:7. NIV

Valentines Day has come and gone.  Long Gone.  Presents have been given to the grandboys.  They live just a little closer to us.  The twin grandgirls live a bit farther and are super busy being in middle school, active in sports, music, and social butterflies.  Their gifts are awaiting them on the Hoosier cabinet.  It doesn’t matter when, they are for M&M.

What is Grace?  The dictionary says it is the “free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessing”.  It is something that’s free and not earned.  God’s grace of salvation is a Gift.  Like an Easter or Christmas gift.  Parents or grandparents buy gifts days or weeks ahead and wrap them up.  Then they wait, like with the Valentine gifts.  The gifts are there whenever the children choose to receive them.  They didn’t do anything to earn them.  These are gifts, plain and simple.

Salvation is like that in a way.  It is God’s gift to us.  Jesus is the gift.  The sacrificial Lamb that died on the cross so that our sins would become His sins.  He paid the price himself.  The Bible explains that you cannot earn salvation.  You do not receive it by good works or deeds.  There isn’t anything you have to do or be to obtain it.  It comes from accepting and believing Jesus Christ is God’s son and that He died for you and me to have life eternal. He was resurrected and ascended into Heaven.  That’s all there is to it.  Just accept and believe.  After accepting Jesus you will want to be a better person.  The Holy Spirit will live inside you and help.  You desire to read His Word and study it.  The Bible will be His letter, His love letter, to you.  Slowly you will notice yourself changing for the better.  Your future looks better, happier, full of hope.

Grace isn’t just for us to receive from God.  We need to show grace to others.  Share grace.  Think about when you become testy in traffic when someone cuts you off.  Show grace.  Don’t yell, honk your horn or make gestures.  Show grace.  Hubby forget to put the ice cream back in the freezer and it made a big mess melting everywhere?  You’ve got it.  Show grace.  Shouldn’t he get grace from the love of his life?   How about the slowest check out person in the store just switched to your lane.  Show grace.  We have no idea what a difference Grace would make in their life.  Think before reacting.  Spread some grace and watch what happens.  There will be less stress and more Jesus in your life.

” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Eph. 2: 8-9 NIV