Update From the Ark

Thanks to so many of you for calling, emailing and facebooking your concern about our safety and well-being after the flooding in north Georgia. I was touched to hear from friends that I love, but don't hear from so often.

We got as much rain in five days as some of you get in a year!

And some parts of the region were hit much worse than others. For instance, my co-worker, Larry, is still on a boil-water alert. Some districts are unable to reopen schools, and then there are those who actually lost loved ones.

So we feel blessed to only have a little bit of flooding. And that may have been a structural issue with our home that we have already been able to repair. We won't know for sure until another hard rain... and let's pray that it's awhile before that happens again!

Our house smells awful because of the wet carpets and who knows what else... and it reminds me of the way our sins must offend God. I am thankful His grace wipes away the odor and makes us presentable to Him.

Well, I better get back to cleaning... may your day be bright and filled with sunshine!

Difficult People

Phewee, have I had my share of difficult people to deal with the last couple of weeks. As tactful but honest, compromising but principled as I tried to be, I still didn't persuade, and in one case, even got cursed at!

I thought about throwing up a prayer, "Dear Lord, if you would take these difficult personalities out of my life, I could do so much more for your kingdom." But then I remembered Jesus had his share of difficult people to deal with. And he had much more tact and many more persuasive skills than I. But he still got yelled at, beaten up, cursed at and even murdered.

It's my suspicion that we will all have difficult people in our lives until we die. Let's just hope we all become easier to get along with when we reach heaven.

Squirrels, Birds, Planes and Jesus

One of our dogs goes crazy when she sees a squirrel. The puppy doesn't even notice squirrels. Birds catch her attention. People are like that, too. My husband thinks baseball and planes are fascinating. I'd rather be in a sailboat or scuba diving. We all have some interest that makes our heart beat a little faster, our mind work overtime.

And some marry their passions to their ministry. For instance, a running group started here in Georgia is adding chapters all over--it's called Christian Runners. It would be great if we could start a faith club for every hobby. Just imagine, we could reach people who love to do what we do who would never hear the gospel message any other way. My husband could write "Sermons on the Mound" for baseball fans who might be seekers. I could join "Sailors for Jesus." Knitters, swimmers, skateboarders, ice skaters, tennis players... you name it, we could reach out to people and have fun at the same time.

I am going to see if there's already an organization of "Under Water Witnesses." Just as soon as I go get the dog away from the squirrel.

Encouragement from Music

We had a lovely singer-songwriter on our talk show today. Her name is Angela Kaset. She performed several of the songs on her new CD, while playing the keyboard. Such talent. I've been humming her tunes all day. Her album is eclectic... several songs are faith-based, some are romantic and others reflect what is going on in our world. Check out www.AngelaKaset.com!

Gifts

Today, two precious listeners to our morning talk show gave me special gifts. Lewis, in the studio from Pennsylvania, brought a handmade quilt from Amish country. It is beautiful. He also brought a neat shell from his dive in North Carolina. And when I got home, there was a package from Duane with fresh ground coffee and homemade jellies and preserves.

While I love to get surprises, I was so humbled that they would take the time to pick out such nice things and take the trouble to get them to me. I felt so undeserving. It's not my birthday, anniversary or Christmas! And I didn't get them anything!

These unexpected gifts remind me of God's grace. We do nothing to deserve his mercy, but he surprises us with blessing after blessing even when there is no special occasion. We cannot earn his mercy, but like Duane and Lewis, God is generous.

Want to Speak Professionally?

So many people will come up to me after presentations and say, "I want to do what you do!" If you have a message to share that will inspire, motivate or inform, professional speaking can be a great part-time or full-time career/calling.

Here I am with a role-model in the speaking profession, Barbara Glanz. She is beautiful on the inside and the outside. We are in the Phoenix airport, about to get on the same flight after the National Speakers Association's annual convention. The event is always a morale-booster. Imagine how you would feel after hearing the world's best speakers, hour after hour for four days straight!

If you want to get better at speaking, or get over your fear of speaking, join Toastmasters International. But if you're a good speaker and are getting paid for your speeches, join NSA. You'll love the encouragement, mentoring and advice that members give each other. It's a giving, loving profession.

Here is Sandy at six months old! I was struck by how much she looks like the yellow labs doing great work for veterans and law enforcement. Check out www.PuppiesBehindBars.com.

It seems like a wonderful organization.