fear is not your future!

hey hey,

God has new horizons for you!! Be encouraged today by “a Word, a Song and a Laugh!”

A Word: “But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18

Did you know that better days, brighter days, blessed days are your future? No matter how difficult the current season may be, God has promised better days for you! And of course…the ultimate future ahead for all of us is our eternal destination in heaven, so for sure — our future is BRIGHT!!

The past several years has certainly been used by the enemy to put a damper on our spirits — but there is a Jesus-revolution happening around the world and God is renewing our hopes, dreams and vision for His bright future!!

Today, why not make the choice to believe it: better days are ahead!! Your best days are yet to come! There is light at the end of the tunnel. Fear is not your future.

Say hello to: peace, joy, love, hope, strength. Say goodbye to: shame, fear, anxiety and depression.

A Song: Today, let these songs minister to your heart and stir up fresh vision for new horizons within you.

Fear is Not My Future, by Maverick City - we heard this song a few weekends ago when we spoke at a Faith Family Church in Houston and both my husband Jeff and I fell in love with it. One day later my cousin Deb Boyd sent me the link as it had become her new favorite song! Since then ,we’ve had it on repeat in our home!

Brighter Days, by Blessing Offor - our friend Carolann Davis turned us on to this worship artist and I love his fresh sound and words of faith.

Future, by River Valley Worship - I stumbled on this song and I love it!!

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Anyone else? :)++

P.S. Today, we saw the movie: Jesus Revolution — the revival that started among the hippies of the 60’s … and WOW!! I highly recommend you do whatever you can do to go see it!! I got saved in the early 80’s and was blessed to be on the tail-end of the Jesus revolution — I am eternally grateful those revival waves kept splashing for decades to sweep and my entire family up into a relationship with Jesus. I believe a fresh Jesus Revolution is happening now around the world and I love seeing Gen Z and other young people embracing Jesus, prayer, worship and the Word. The best is yet to come!!

how good is God?

hey hey,

I hope you are having a great week!

Today, I want to encourage you with a Word, a Song and a Laugh on the all-important topic of: The Goodness of God!

Soak it up!

A Word: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

Perhaps, like me, you grew up with the idea that God was an ogre. A mean judge. Ready to bop you the minute you made a mistake. Or maybe you thought God was a critic of your every move and you couldn’t do anything right!

It’s possible you don’t know how good God is because you think He’s responsible for all the bad things that happen. Or maybe you think God “so loved the world” but you are not sure He loves, nor is pleased with, you.

Unfortunately, many pulpit messages reinforce these notions.

You will be happy to know (and reminded) that God is NONE of those things!

-He’s not an ogre - He’s kind and full of compassion. (Psalm 145:8-9)

-He’s not a mean judge - He’s rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)

-He’s not ready to bop you - Jesus took the “bopping” our sins deserved on the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)

-He’s not a critic - He didn’t come to condemn but to save! (John 3:17)

-He’s not doing bad things - He wants you to taste and see that He is good! (Psalm 34:8)

-He doesn’t just love “the world” - He loves you. (John 17:23)

-He’s not disappointed in you - because you are in Jesus, you are His beloved and He is pleased with you! (Mark 1:11)

-He’s not withholding anything from you - it’s His good pleasure to give you the kingdom! (Psalm 84:11)

Once you exchange the “God isn’t good” lens with the biblical “God is good all the time” lens — you will see and experience the Lord in a whole new light! (Not only that, you’ll want to be more like Him in extending His goodness to those around you.)

Put your “God is good” glasses on by declaring: “Father, You are good. Always good. Always giving. Always loving. Always kind. Always patient. Always understanding. Always generous. Always rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank You that You are good to me!”

A Song: To help you experience God's goodness, let these songs fill your heart like warm honey!

Goodness of God, by Jenn Johnson - this song got me from the first line, “all my life You have been faithful…” and the rest of the song is equally moving. Enjoy!

God is Good, by Francesca Battistelli - this is an honest song about the ups and downs of life, the hopes deferred, the bitter and sweet parts of life - but in the end, God is good! It’s a very encouraging song.

How Good of God, by Matthew West - this is a happy song and oh so true! My heart can’t help but sing!

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: God is always good… us, not so much! :) #unhingedbehavior

why so serious?

hey hey,

I hope you are having a good February and I hope you are enjoying this new “short and snappy” blog where we focus on one nugget of truth with “a Word, a Song and a Laugh.”

I know that as you read the blog each week, you will be encouraged as you look up the Scriptures, listen to the songs and have a chuckle!

Today, let’s talk about a serious topic: Why so serious?

A Word: “...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT

Have you ever noticed that while topics like: the Bible, heaven, hell, eternal matters and the like are “serious” things, God is not an uptight stick-in-the-mud, but rather His whole atmosphere and kingdom is one of: JOY! Is it time for you to lighten up, un-wrinkle your face and live in the joy of the Lord?

Joy belongs to you!

Think about it.

Joy in the Beginning: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7, NLT

Joy at Jesus Birth: “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!” he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.’ ” Luke 2:9-10, NLT

Joy Before the Cross: “… Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2, NLT

Joy After the Cross: “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:22-24, NLT

Joy in God’s Presence: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11, NLT

Joy at Salvation: “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10, NLT

Joy from God’s Word: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight … “ Jeremiah 15:16, NLT

Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22, NLT

Joy is Our Strength: “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10, NLT

Joy Filled Jesus: “You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Hebrews 1:9, NLT

So, today, why not make a decision to live in the joy of the Lord? Let joy define you. Joy is not a weakness, it’s a strength and a sign of real faith! Don’t fall for the “religious” idea of being serious, stoic, unemotional, passionless, fearful or boring … be like Jesus … anointed with more joy than anyone else!!

A Song: To help you experience the joy of the Lord, listen to these four songs with your heart and sing along. These are NOT the predictable songs you might think of -- so keep a humble heart and let joy fill you up!

Oh Happy Day, by Aretha Franklin - the original song was written all the way back in 1969!! A classic for sure and the more you sing it the happier your heart will be!

Joy Song, by Motion Worship. A great song to sing and dance around your house with!

Let There Be Joy, by Ray Gene Wilson. We love Ray Gene — he’s a good friend of ours and we love the spirit of faith that flows out of his music. Enjoy!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, by Kid’s Church classic! Surprise! This is a great song for your kids and YOU! Don’t be too dignified, keep a childlike faith and sing along!

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Don’t be that guy. :)

the God of all comfort …

hey hey,

If you are going through a difficult time or walking a lonely road, can I encourage you today with a reminder of God’s comfort?

A Word: “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT

When your heart is broken and hurting, the Lord is a very present help. You are not alone. He is there. As you draw near to Him, He knows how to get to your heart, in the deepest places, to impart His comfort. I can't explain it, but He will impart a tangible "healing balm" to heal and soothe your heart.

I have found His presence and comfort, in times of pain, disappointment, and loss, by getting alone with Him to pour out my heart, to read His Word, listen to worship music and to have a good prayer time (or cry time) with Him.

If you are hurting today, He sees you and He is the Father of ALL comfort - go to Him and let His presence and still small voice impart a healing balm to soothe your heart.

A Song: To help you experience God's peace and comfort, let these 3 classic songs touch your heart …

His Eye is On the Sparrow, by Selah - a classic comforting hymn - it was my mother’s favorite and we sang it with the Hospice worker just before my mom left for heaven.

You are God Alone, by Phillips, Dean and Craig - a song that really ministered to my husband the day his mom passed away.

Not for a Moment, by Meredith Andrews - such a true and comforting song.

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Sometimes, when we need comfort, laughter is the best medicine.

Jesus delights in you …

hey hey,

Have you enjoyed Jesus lately? Are you resting in His love? I think He has a word for you today.

A Word: "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17, NLT

Several years ago, I had a dream. I had just finished writing the book, Reinvent and I was laboring (with the Publisher) over what cover design would best suit this book. I had gone back and forth on several design ideas with the Publisher, but we couldn’t quite land on a cover we all loved.

So, one night I had a dream. In the dream, I was walking down an all white hallway, like you would see in an art museum, and there were two large and brightly colored pieces of art on the wall. I walked up to these two pieces and I was astounded at the vivid colors! The pieces of art almost seemed alive! They were so beautiful and thick and dimensional. When I touched them, they moved as if breathing. I was so excited about these amazing pieces of art and sort of lost in my exuberance, that when I looked up, I saw someone standing in the hallway watching me.

I realized this person was, Jesus! (I’ve had many dreams from the Lord over the years, but never with Jesus Himself actually IN the dream!) I was so happy to see Him. He had such a delighted smile and was laughing. I said to Him over and over, “Look at this? Is this heaven? This is amazing. Wow! Look at this art? It’s breathing and moving and the colors are so vivid…” I was just beside myself with joy and enthusiasm about the pieces of art and Jesus was just laughing and smiling. He seemed to be so delighted with MY delight about the art. He never said anything … but His smile. His laugh. His joy. His love. When I saw Him delight in the simple fact that I was so happy with these two pieces of art, it really gave me a fresh revelation on how much He loves us.

Then the dream ended.

When I woke up (and still today) I can’t forget His smile, laugh and His delighted disposition. He is kind. He is full of joy. He loves us!

So back to the book cover for a moment, the day after this dream, the Publisher sent me a book cover concept and it was full of paint brushes covered in vivid paint colors! I knew that was the cover design we should go with — and we did.

So, today - keep your heart centered on Jesus and remember He delights over you with gladness!!

A Song: Are you ready for 3 more songs? I love eclectic worship ... old school, gospel music, hymns, upbeat, mellow, thumping ... I love it all -- from ALL era's ... so I hope you enjoy being introduced to some of contemporary Christian music's pioneers (from the 70's) as well as current worshippers who may be less known than others. I love listening for the anointing and touch of God on music. I hope you enjoy these 3 songs …

Jesus, My Redeemer, Matthew Ward and Randy Stonehill - I cut my Christian teeth listening to these two legendary musicians…and this song written by Keith Green. Let’s go back to the early 80’s!

As the Deer, by Matt Gillman - moves me to the core!

Jesus, Strong and Kind, by CityAlight - sweet and inviting

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Thank you, Jesus! #grace #grace

stir up love for the lost …

hey hey,

Do you need a jolt to stir up your love and compassion for the lost? For those far from Christ? Those who are empty and acting out of their own pain, hurt and trauma? It’s easy get busy with our own lives and challenges and become immune to those around us. If needed, ask the Lord to stir up a genuine love for the lost in your heart as you read today’s blog.

A Word: “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!” Luke 15:1-2, NLT

I have always loved and been challenged by this passage in Luke 15. The people who were drawn to listen to Jesus were people far from God, the lost, the tax collectors and notorious sinners. What was it that made Jesus so winsome? How can I be more like Jesus? What changes do I need to make?

A Song: I’m gonna take you back … way back! I have a playlist of songs to keep me stirred up to love and reach out to the lost and these are straight out of the 70’s and 80’s! They’ve been keeping me stirred up for over 50 years… (yikes!)

Your soul might have to get past the style of music, but I hope these songs stir up your heart with His love — maybe you’ll see the people around you in a different light. Enjoy these 3 songs …

Which Way the Wind Blows, by Second Chapter of Acts - Classic, heartfelt!

Don’t You Wish You Had the Answers, by Keith Green - Stirs compassion!

Prodigal Son Suite, by Keith Green - Long intro and song, so worth it!

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: You know it’s true! :)