Watches

My parents gave me the cute, trendy watch on the right last year for my birthday, so it has sentimental value. Despite a brand new battery, the watch cannot keep time. 

Two life lessons come to mind: a) it doesn't matter if you're cute, you must work, and b) find your purpose in life and do it, or some might consider you worthless.

Remember how Jesus felt about the fig tree that didn't have fruit? It's time for us to do more to help the hurting, the hungry and the lost.

So many are counting on us to be the watch that fulfills its purpose. Are you on time?

Grace

We think and talk a lot about grace as Easter approaches. This quote reminds me that we must value this tremendous, eternal gift...

"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein."

-- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

God Answers Prayers

The second grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, went around the room. "If you could buy anything you wanted at the dime store, what would it be?" Most of my classmates liked the idea of a Hershey's bar. Even though I was already a chocoholic, I had a different answer: "A Big Chief tablet so I could start writing my book!"

It's been a long time since second grade, but God finally answered the call He put on my heart to write a book. The circumstances that got this book published are not normal. Someday, I may share that story, but for now, I am thrilled to have this book designed to encourage Christ-followers. Please consider buying it for yourself, for your church library, for your women's small group study or Bible class... or bring me into speak on this new topic.

You can order the book through www.WinePressBooks.com or www.Amazon.com or through me!

The book is comprised of 52 short essays, suitable for a quick read or a devotional. One church in Texas is using it for a Bible class, so I've developed questions to ask at the end of each chapter. You have to get those from me.

Now, I'm off to find a Big Chief tablet so I can start my next book...

The Blessing of a Cat

A strange-looking cat showed up at my parents' place in the country about a year ago. They thought it was wild until it came up and rubbed against their legs. He could leap up on the roof or a treetop in a single bound. He looked hungry, so Mom kept putting food out. He would eat and eat and eat and never gain an ounce.

Soon the mystery was solved. He was a Bengal Cat, bred to look like a Leopard. He's beautiful, with burnt orange fur and black spots. He's affectionate. He looks hungry because these cats are longer and leaner than a normal house cat.

Mom was afraid he was someone's pet. So she got him to the vet's (there is only one vet in their town) to see if anyone was missing such a special animal. No, said the vet, but let's see if he has a microchip. No chip, so he became a member of the family and got a name: Tigger.

Mom and I are allergic to most cats, but not to Tigger. He's earning his keep by killing plenty of rodents. The Schnauzer, Muffin, Does Not Like Tigger. She was having a hysterical barking fit at him, and Tigger just went up and rubbed against her. Muffin became barkless. Isn't that a great lesson for us all? When our mere presence incites wrath, we can just go offer love.

May blessings like Tigger wander into your life unexpectedly and bring you love and affection.

Running the Marathon

Last month, I asked you to help me celebrate my birthday by figuratively running the Cowtown marathon with me. It was a humid day, a hilly course, and I was coming down with a stomach bug! But I finished, and thanks to all of you, raised about $900 for YouthHaven.

Why Preachers Shouldn't Talk Too Long

When I was a kid, we belonged to a non-demoninational Christian tradition. My dad was thrilled when the preacher didn’t take too long with the sermon. Dad would say, “Now we can beat the Baptists to lunch.”

A few years ago, I worked at the North American Mission Board and was required to attend a Southern Baptist Church. In the hallways, I would hear folks say, “I hope the pastor doesn’t go too long today. We want to beat the Methodists to lunch.”

The Methodists have always been so gracious to let me come to speak to their Sunday school classes… and in churches where some people went to early services, I was advised, “Don’t go over your time limit. We need to beat the Presbyterians to lunch.”

That tells me we are all more alike than different. We all like to eat lunch!

Running for a Good Cause

Normally, I wouldn't blatantly ask for a birthday gift, but this year is a little different. I had a chance to visit Youth Haven in Picacho, Arizona this past summer. It was amazing. This ministry gives kids a 100% free week of summer camp, then a weekend during the school year, and a Christmas experience, too.

About 50 percent of the children are in foster care. Many don't have running water at home, so they take long, hot showers at Youth Haven and think it's wonderful. Many of them have never been to church or heard about Jesus, and they fall in love with Him by the end of the week.

So, since I'm running a marathon on my birthday this coming Sunday, February 27, I wanted it to count for something, to support a good cause. Please consider helping me help Youth Haven and celebrate my birthday at the same time. These kinds of gifts are tax-deductible! For more information, please click on the link below.
https://www.youthhaven.org/lorri

Tucson Shootings

As a sheltered and over-protected only child, I chose a career in journalism because I thought it would be a one-way trip to adventure.

And in many ways, it has been. I've met people and seen places and ridden cars, hot air balloons and vintage planes and wagons. In many more ways, I've had a front-row seat to tragedy... and then had to meet a deadline to describe it.

The shootings on January 8 in Tucson hit close to home. The radio network at which I've been working sits 500 yards from the Safeway grocery store where "Congress on Your Corner" was being held that morning. Not only that, but twice in my career, I have been an aide to lawmakers. It feels different when you realize you could have been shot at, rather than just observe and journal the aftermath. That's a selfish thought. Here's a more altruistic one: we are supposed to be one of the most advanced societies ever... when are we going to get it right, whether "it" is mental illness, gun laws, safety... when are we doing to be enlightened enough so that we don't kill each other?

As a Christ follower, I can tell you the answer is only when we get to Heaven.

If you were listening to our faith-based radio network, you heard it again and again, "We live in a fallen world."

The good news, even for a fallen world, is that some people will search for the silver linings of this incident and find them. They are there: heroes who saved lives, heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others, a woman shot in the head at close range survives and walks and talks!

The better news, especially for a fallen world, is that Jesus offers eternal life, no matter how violently you die. People argue about how you take Him up on that offer, so read His message and decide for yourself. It starts with believing He is the son of God.

When you take that step, you're in for one-way adventure of a lifetime.

An Influential Book

Radical by David Platt has my husband and me re-thinking our budget, our retirement and investments. We have been talking about the book's challenges for more than two months, and slowly, we are beginning to live radically. To us, the author, an Alabama pastor, asks readers to forget everything they've been taught about the American Dream.

If you've felt a nagging whisper in your soul to raise the bar for Christ, Radical is a must-read. If you've ever wondered how a Savior who asked a rich man to sell everything and give to the poor could reconcile with the idea that more is better, read the book. If you've ever felt a tiny bit guilty about eating well when others are starving, you should! Ha ha... I was just seeing if you're still paying attention. This book tells you, in concrete steps, what to do about that guilt... or what to do if you feel led to do more in service and love. Jesus is counting on us to change the world, and many of us are too busy counting our money.

Blessing for a Baby

My radio co-host and his wife had a baby almost two weeks ago. While Joel was taking a few days off, I asked listeners to call with a blessing as a gift to little Madelyn. Ulysses called and said he started using this blessing with his boys when they were tiny and touches each corresponding body part as he says it. Other listeners quickly responded, wanting a copy. So thanks for sharing, Ulysses!


May God bless you with a strong capable mind...
Ears to hear only the truth...
Eyes to discern...
A mouth to speak praises to Him...
Shoulders to carry burdens for others less fortunate...
Hands to do God's work...
Feet to stand firm on His promises...
And a heart to love Jesus and others.

Buckle Your Seatbelt!

At work, in preparation for promoting the Phillips, Craig & Dean concert in our listening area, I checked the artists' website. This quote from Dan Dean about not having expectations caught my eye:

"We were just working in our churches, doing what we do, not even really looking for this. Then God said, 'Buckle your seatbelt. Have I got plans for you.'"

We don't have to be working in churches or creating award-winning music for God to use us in a mighty way. God has plans, amazing plans, for each one of us.

If God whispered, "Have I got plans for you!" in your ear, what would He be talking about? What would that whisper encourage, empower and inspire you to do?

He just whispered it, my friend. Buckle your seatbelt. The ride of your life is about to begin.

Dealing With Literal Snakes

When you get an email like the following one at 5 a.m., after just arriving at work... you think, "Welcome to Arizona."

This evening (Wed 9/29) Cliff found what we thought was a dead baby rattlesnake in the parking lot by the last curb. When we attempted to remove it to the desert, it reminded us that it was very much alive and upset.
It then proceeded to crawl into the drainspout at the north end of the building. Per Bill's instructions there are 3 cones around the spout. Since several people who work late park out back, please be careful when going to your car, since it was right were one would walk when leaving.

Joe
Operations Technician


My next thought was, "Good thing I park in the front lot." After returning to my desk after the on-air shift, I read this message:

Joe,

Thanks to you & Cliff for being alert, as of now the problem has been resolved, I put a hose in the roof drain & the flow of water brought him from hiding in the darkness to being exposed by the light. At that time the forces of darkness & the forces of light collided & I was able to intentionally remove his head. Once again light has triumphed over darkness.

Everyone have a Blessed day.......

In His Service,

Bill
Facilities Manager

Normally, I'd advise prayer as a hedge for any scary issue in your life. But traffic cones and Godly men can help, too.

God's Mysterious Ways

Nine years ago, my husband and I were thousands of dollars in debt, so we sold a house we loved to downsize and make some money. We were so sad to leave our beautiful home, and we were not thrilled about the new subdivision.

But in the alley one day, we met gregarious neighbors, Tom and Brenda, whose house backed up to ours. Long story short, Mark and I both were invited to be in their wedding and to this day, four moves later, consider this couple among our dearest friends.

Every once in a while, we would congratulate ourselves on paying off our debt, but we still wondered about that stage of our lives--why things happened the way they did, why we had to leave the house we loved, and so on.

Fast forward to last January. Brenda's brother-in-law hired Mark when he needed a job. If we hadn't known Brenda, we sure wouldn't have known about the job in Arizona that's a great fit for Mark's talents. If Mark hadn't been in Arizona, I would never have been looking for the Christian radio job in Tucson that I started in April. God's ways are not immediately known to us, but I thank Him that he watches out for us.

Mark and I left another house we loved in Georgia. We are wondering about the last two years in Atlanta--what relationships did we make there that will make a difference some day? Will we ever know specifically why we felt called to ministry there? We try to be obedient, but our human nature wants to see a reason why we were there. However, we may not see the big picture until we see Him face to face.

In these times of uncertainty, I am thankful to have a job, and I am thankful that God sets plans in motion years before we ever know our needs.

We have traded a dream house for a worn apartment, but I know that God has a mansion waiting for me. I hope mine backs up to yours.

The Difference with Jesus

Tomorrow is a somber anniversary for our nation. For many of us, it was the first time we realized we are not safe on U.S. soil. Without the hope of eternal life with Jesus, the idea that terrorists could destroy us at any time might make us all crazy. That's why we must reach out in love to those who don't know about him.

Remember, for many other religions, you have to earn your way in to a life after death. Jesus bought your admission ticket. No other religious leader died for his followers. Jesus did. The other religious leaders remain in their graves; Jesus conquered death. If you don't believe me, research it.

We remember what happened tomorrow to honor those who have sacrificed their lives to keep our nation free. We remember what happened, knowing that our lives can change in a single moment. We remember what happened so that we appreciate life and laughter and love.

We are not safe. But we have Jesus.

Jesus Coming Soon?

As a guest in a wonderful Christ-centered and love-filled home this week, I had a conversation that was as delicious as the grilled salmon. Rod has studied the issue and thinks that the Second Coming of Jesus may come in the next few years. Although none of us knows the date or hour, the idea that He may return in our lifetime is so exciting to me.

Rod, Elaine and I challenged each other with the question, "If you knew Jesus was coming in the next two years, how would you live your life differently?"

Wow. How do you answer that question?

We certainly would be less complacent, wouldn't we? My dinner companions and I decided to live each day to make a difference. It's easier said than done, but gives me a new sense of purpose. There are many people that need to hear about Jesus before He arrives!

Are you using your gifts?

"God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory."
-- Rick Warren

Inadequacy

Do you ever feel inadequate? I sure do. Although I try to concentrate my life on the obvious gifts God gave me, I still have to get places (no sense of direction) and eat (can't cook). A sense of embarrassment keeps me from listing all the other things I can't do.

When I focus on the things I can do (talk, listen, encourage), it helps me focus and be more productive. That feeling of inadequacy though, reminds me to surrender and pray. For instance, someone asked me to do something recently that made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't anything immoral, illegal or out of bounds, just not something in my experiencce that sounded like a fun way to spend time. What made me feel inadequate was that I didn't have the words to explain in a kind way why I didn't want to do this.

Fortunately, God has put friends (and a smart mom) in my life who talk me through situations like this and give me wise counsel. They then remind me that we don't have to be adequate... we only have to serve the One who is.

Independence

July 4th--This year, I look at the birth of our nation through a different lens. First, in the past year, I've watched the HBO series, "John Adams." You can buy it or rent it now, and I recommend it. Sometimes it's easier to learn history when you visualize it. Seeing our American story, you appreciate the sacrifices our founding parents made to create this great democracy.

Second, I am working with a man from Australia, who loves his country, but after 20 years here, decided to take his citizenship test. Seeing how hard he has studied and how proud he was to pass the test remind me of the gift I received by simply being born here.

Sure, our country has its challenges. But look at the amazing opportunities, the tremendous resources and the terrific people. We are blessed to be Christians first and Americans second. Let's celebrate the gift of democracy and the freedoms to speak, assemble and worship.

God bless America!

Renaissance

"We need a renaissance of wonder. We need to renew, in our hearts and in our souls, the deathless dream, the eternal poetry, the perennial sense that life is miracle and magic."
-- E. Merrill Root

We do need a renaissance, a renewal, a revival in our cities, our nation and our world. I'm thankful the experts are saying our economy is in recovery. Let's pray for spiritual awakening to provide hope to the depressed, help to the downtrodden and comfort to the hurting.