His name was Frederick. I know this because I heard the neighbors call him one day.  I call him “Freaky Fred”.  He was a spastic rat terrier who I truly believe plotted ways to make my daily runs as difficult as he could.  I have to say this dog drove me nuts.  He would pop out from nowhere barking and nipping at my ankles sometimes causing me to fall flat on my face.  I have had many “Freaky Fred” falls.  Fred loved to torment my dogs as we would run.  One time he popped out from a bush and jumped on Holly’s back.  It was not a fun ride for Holly.  Holly would look at me about a block before we would pass his house as if to say, “Oh please, don’t make me run past Freaky Fred today!”  We tried to change our running route, but Freaky Fred always found us.  I was always so annoyed at the fact that the owners of this dog didn’t watch him more closely.

A few weeks ago, I was determined to avoid our Freaky Fred encounter.  I was alone on this run, and took a new route that I knew Freaky Fred would never figure out.  As I was happily running along I was flagged down by a car.  Inside the car was a little elderly man.  As I got closer I could see he was crying.  He said to me as he wiped the tears, “Miss, I know you run in our neighborhood a lot.  We have lost our dog.  We have looked for a day now and cannot find him.”  As we talked about descriptions I realized the dog he was describing was Freaky Fred!  Holy cow!  I have to say my first thought was “No more Freaky Fred Falls! Hooray!”  But then my heart sank as I saw this sweet man wiping tears.  I told him, I would indeed look for his dog.  I was completely off my regular route and felt Fred would not be anywhere close.  I began to pray for Fred.....reluctantly, but I prayed.  Then my heart had a turn of compassion for Fred and I wanted to find him! (That had to be God!) I was about 3 miles from where I spoke to Fred's owner, and as I was praying looked over and saw movement from behind a bush.  I know God was in this passing glance.  I never look at moving bushes when I run!  I walked over and looked more closely and there was Fred!  The little guy was shakin’ in his boots and was frozen with fear.  His spots were muddy, and he was scared.  He was not jumping up like popcorn anymore, and he looked so pathetic.  I looked at him and said, “OK Fred, it’s you and me kid. We haven’t been the best of friends, in fact I have quite detested you, but I think we need to change that.”  Fred would never let me near him in the past.  He was always in attack mode so, I didn’t know how this was going to end.  I held out my hand and just sat there.  Fred slowly peeked his dirty face out from the bushes, and proceeded to do the popcorn jump bypassing my hand and landing smack dab in my lap, licking my face as if to say “I surrender! I am sorry! You are my friend!”  It was at that moment Fred became my buddy.  We had about 3 miles back on route to get him home.  I held Fred all the way.  It was quite the bonding 3 miles I must say.  It was then I realized, Fred had a story.  I just didn’t know what it was, but I was determined to find out.  

As I walked up the hill, I saw the little elderly man standing in his driveway.  I will never forget the moment that he saw me walking with Fred.  He put his hands on his sweet face and in a quivering voice called out to me, “Is that Fred?  Do you have our boy?”  I waved to him and said “Yes! I found him!”  I was determined not to cry at this point, but felt the tingle in my nostril, and that was it.  The ugly cry began.  I think back on that moment now and know it must have been quite a sight.  A crying sweaty girl holding a muddy little rat terrier sobbing as I walked up the hill.   Fred saw his owner and leaped out of my arms and the reunion began.  (And my ugly cry became even uglier)  Many tears, and many barks were had that day.  As I began to talk to the owner of Fred, I smiled as I listened to Fred’s story.  This elderly man was taking care of his wife who had Alzheimer’s.  They rescued Fred over a year ago.  He had been abandoned, and when he was found had cigarrette burns on his body, cuts, and had a bleeding neck from rope burns.  They were Fred’s savior.  They wanted to train Fred, but just had too many issues with their health that came up suddenly after they rescued him. They loved Fred in spite of his quirks....and there were many.  When Fred was lost, his wife was distrought.  She loved that little crazy dog. What would they do without Fred?  As I walked into their backyard, I realized the small hole where Fred would make his daily escapes.  The little man had no idea Fred was roaming wildly while he was inside taking care of his wife.  We sealed up the hole and I looked at Fred.  He was looking at me. He was really growing on me this Fred. (who was named after the man’s brother)

I spent several hours with this couple that day.  I knew Fred’s story now, and so much more.  As I ran home after a wonderful time with this couple, I thanked God for Fred.  God taught me so much through this little fella.  Fred was “Freaky” for a reason.  His hard exterior was a cover up of deep hurt and pain.  His fear brought out something in him that was a type of protection for him.  It was as if he was saying, “I have been hurt, and by golly you won’t hurt me, in fact I’ll get you first!” 

How many Freaky Fred’s have we had in our lives?  How many times in life have we judged others too quickly not knowing their story?  How many times have we been hurt or mistreated by others and left it as “well, they are just mean people!”  How many names have we called others who are different?   Do we have people that rub us like sandpaper in life?  It may even be family members.  I wish I could say I never did this.  I am guilty.  I have been around very hateful people who have hurt me deeply and I just completely left the situation annoyed, and disgruntled, and just plain mad.  What I failed to realize is that maybe all they needed was a kind word, love, compassion, time to hear their story.  I could not hold a grudge because I did not know their story!   Just like Fred, shaking in the bush, they are in the same position crying out for attention, yet covering up with a completely different behavior.  Sometimes that behavior being what we may interpret as just plain mean and cruel.  

They have a story!  As I ran home I just asked God to forgive me for the many times I had labeled people who had hurt me as “Freaky Fred’s” . They were not freaky at all, they were fabulous!  I just needed to love and look!  I asked God to open my eyes and let me see what He was seeing in these people.

On my runs now, Fabulous Fred is always watching eagerly at the little window in the gate.  His tail wags with glee when he sees me!  I always go over and pet him and have a chat with him. In fact I decided that 1 or 2 days a week I would leave my dogs at home and go walk with Fred.  I have had a chance to do some training with him, and he is quite the smart one!  We are the best of buds now, and his owners and I are friends too!  If you would have told me a few months ago, Fred and I would be friends, I would have never believed it.   

God has a wonderful way of helping us turn Freaky into Fabulous!  I challenge you to think of those in your life who totally annoy you, or who have hurt you.  Pray for them, ask God for opportunities to change Freaky into Fabulous!  You will be amazed how He reveals things and opens door for change.....and usually the change begins in your own heart.  It’s pretty neat.  I love these life changing journey’s with God.  I am always amazed how He teaches me lessons on these journey’s in my life.  And sometimes those lessons even come wrapped in the form of a little dog named Frederick.  Bark on my friends, bark on!!!

Love wins.

He was gruff, serious, and never talked.  The neighbors always commented to me that they were scared of him.  I knew there was a story here, and I prayed for him everyday as I ran by his house on my morning runs.   I would see this man out mowing his lawn, never looking up, seeming very focused on the job at hand.  He seemed sad.

One day as Holly and I ran by his house he was walking to his mailbox, and I stopped to say hello.  I saw one of the neighbors watching as if they were horrified something bad would happen. His name was Bob.  Bob immediately took up with Holly, who was my running buddy.  Holly loved Bob!  It was like she knew his story way before I did. Dogs are a great judge of character!  

Turns out Bob was retired. He was then 65 years old and had served in the military almost all of his life.  He seemed lonely, and made the comment “I think people are scared of me,  and I don’t have the energy to let them know I won’t bite.”  Holly was a God-send on this visit.  As he pet her, he began talking about stories in his life.  And man did he have stories!  War stories, childhood stories...my mouth was open in awe.  People just didn’t know Bob!  He was one of the most caring, interesting people I had met in a long time!  He had saved lives, and fought for our country in incredible ways!  In fact as we talked one day some fighter jets flew over us.  He saluted with tears running down his face and said “that is music to my ears.”  He flew one....He saved lives and he had his life saved.  Thank you God for our military.  Do we thank them enough?  I feel like we should express our appreciation to them daily!   I thanked Bob.  He said it had been a very long time since anyone recognized his service in the military.  Wow.

His stories always led back to how much he loved dogs.  I suggested he get one!  Why not adopt a dog?  He looked at me with surprise.  I knew he was interested when I saw that sparkle in his eye.  I told him about some places to adopt some great dogs, and a big smile creeped on his serious, focused face.  I do believe Bob had a very soft heart....and that softness was beginning to show! 

I didn’t see Bob for a few weeks, but as I ran by one day I saw him walking to his mailbox again.  Following him was a big beautiful tan lab.  He had adopted a dog and named him Max.  Max had been trained quite well.  His owner died suddenly and Bob came to the rescue...just in time!  Bob’s whole countenance had changed.  Max sat by his side, and it was a match made in heaven.  He said to me “I think Max was the one that did the rescuing.  He rescued me, not the other way around.”  

Over the years Max and Bob became the neighborhood favorites.  Bob trained Max to get the papers off the curb and take them to the door.  Several times Holly joined Max.  Max was one of the most obedient dogs I have ever seen.  He always sported a bright collar or bandana, and Bob shined when he was with Max.  It was such a blessing to see a hard shell come off of Bob, and see him set free. Bob often talked to me about God.  I know these converstions were sent from the Lord.  It was amazing.  Bob got involved in a wonderful local church where he met his current girlfriend.  Whoever says you can’t have a girlfriend at 70 is wrong.  They are so cute together!  

I saw Bob this week....he flagged me down as I was running down the street.  He had tears in his eyes, and my heart began to race.  What happened?  He began telling me about Max.  Max had suddenly died.  I was in shock.  It was so fast that he literally fell into Bob’s arms, gave one last tail wag and was gone.  He had suffered a heart attack.  At this point we were both crying.  As the tears dried, Bob thanked me.  He said the day I came to talk to him and suggested he adopt a dog, was the day his life changed.  He was now engaged to his girlfriend, involved in a wonderful church, was involved in the community, and happier than he had ever been.  He said Max was his angel here on earth.  I could not agree more.  

I have reflected on Bob and Max so much this week.  I learned many things from this encounter.  I learned that under the hardest of shells, there are people longing to be set free, loved and appreciated.  Love wins.  All the time, love wins.  God uses that love to set people free.  He even uses the love of a dog!  I often think of what would have happened had I listened to the neighbors to “stay away from the scary man!”  Bob was not scary.  In fact he is a hero.  A hero I am so thankful for.  How many unsung heros are out there wishing someone would listen to their stories?  How many are hungry for just a simple “Hello?”  Several years ago I set out to get to know my neighbors.  I asked the Lord to help me.  He did.  He opens doors in ways I cannot.  I thought this journey to get to know my neighbors would be a difficult and scary one.  It has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life.

It is my prayer that we can all take a minute to listen, love, and be a friend to someone hurting. If you don’t know how to start....just ask God.  He will show you. He will open the doors.  You will see it is a life changing journey, and yours is the life that will be changed the most!  When I started thanking God for Bob’s story....I instantly heard Him say to my heart....”you prayed for him every time you passed his house.  I heard every one of those prayers.”  Why was I surprised?  God knew just how to reach Bob’s heart......and it started with a simple prayer and the love of a dog named Max.   

Love wins.  Always.

Your standing ovation awaits!

I sat there looking at that same tile floor, smelling that same sterile smell, and hearing the crinkle of the paper on the table as I swayed my feet back and forth. Ugh. It was another doctor visit and another anxious feeling for yet another test and another report. I thought to myself that a pity party would be in order about now. In fact I had so many emotions running around my head I found myself saying out loud “Jesus, help!” “Hello? anybody out there?” “Lord? what is my purpose here?” “What are you doing?” I had to almost chuckle to myself because I was firing one question after another as if He didn’t already have the answer.

But then as I sat there in the quiet, I instantly knew.....He was there with me. His presence all around. In fact I know He was holding me while I was sitting there on that table feeling sorry for myself. That sweet presence turned my many questions into breaths of praise. As I turned my mind toward Him, and got my mind off of myself and my fears I realized.....He knows me. I mean He really knows me! Sounds simple, but really something changed in that moment. I began to rest in knowing....He had a purpose for me.....even through all of this. I had purpose. How many times do we lose our purpose, and let go of our dreams because of fear, or a trial that comes our way that shakes us to the core?

When I was in my mother’s womb, God was there. Though I may not have known Him, He knew me. He had a plan for me even then. Life is not so much a question of finding ourselves, but finding God. Really finding God..... It is a question of discovering what God has already designed. When we find His purpose, we then understand how our uniqueness and gifts fit into what God is accomplishing. It’s like a dramatic play that unfolds. This all was a part of that play. Even this visit to yet another doctor....all part of the play. In this play, the light is on us. Here’s our cue! Most people miss their cues and they never realize they were in the middle of a divine appointment. God was there all the time.....

It was then that God reminded me of everything I had been through.....I witnessed great miracles. I saw His hand in every situation. His grace carried me through each trial. He placed miracles at every turn....it was my job to look, expect, and trust. He had never let me down....why was I questioning?

God is a big thinker. My thoughts, even my big ones, are so small compared to God’s thoughts. My dreams, even my biggest ones....pale in comparison to what God's dreams are for me. God-sized dreams are not man-made, they are God designed. God has shown me that if I find myself coming up with a plan, the dream is too small....When God chooses to confront a situation, He is a big thinker. When He looks at me, He already knows my background. He is not asking for my resume, He is asking me to be a servant He can trust. I needed to trust that His dreams and plans for me were beyond what I could even comprehend. Could I trust completely even in the tough times? Even when it looked like an impossible situation was in my path?

Was I able to trust? Was I committed? If I could be committed enough to do whatever it took, that is all God wanted. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can only give God your loaves and fishes. But most people hide their loaves because they don’t really trust God. In order to fulfill God sized dreams, you need to be able to trust.

Someone asked me recently what this past year had taught me most. I can most definitely say it was all about trust. I daily remind myself that I want God’s dream for my life. It may come in a different package that I think it will, but it is His dream and it is a wonderful dream. He is fully able to finish the dream. The question is will I finish with Him? Yes! I will finish with Him.

There are days I literally ask God to trust through me.....because in my own strength I fail. He always brings me through stronger than ever.

Are you going through an impossible looking situation? Are you at that place where you feel like someone punched you in the gut and you just can’t breathe for fear of what is ahead? Have you lost someone dear? Are you standing for the salvation for a loved one who is lost? Is your marriage or relationship hurting? Do you feel abandoned and alone? Are you dealing with secrets or addictions that torment your daily walk and some days paralyze you? Is the diagnosis you have been given by the doctor causing you to fight with the feelings to give up? God has not given up on you! He has a big dream for you and purpose. You have purpose! If you feel like you are on the end of the rope hanging on.....Hang on! Your extreme is His opportunity. Remember.....God is a big thinker! And His thoughts are on you! Even in the most dyer situations.....He is there. It is my prayer that in your journey to trust and dream that He gives you the supernatural strength to hang on.

By the time the doctor came in to give me the report.....I knew no matter what, I was ok. I was smack dab in the middle of His dream for me, and that made it all worth it. It was good. It was worth trusting in. Trusting sometimes comes minute by minute, but it is worth it all. Your miracle will come. His presence will fill you, and the peace that passes all understanding will walk you through. And you will see.....the spotlight that was on you in your play all along was Jesus. And this play, my friend, is worth a standing ovation! I hear the cheers already.

Keeping it simple.....in a life full of distractions.

Just as I do each morning, I was on my way upstairs to pray for each of my children. I go into their rooms each morning when they are gone and I spend time in prayer for them. Some days I am in there for minutes, some days for hours. But today as I went into my son’s room....there it was on his desk. I gasped in surprise! It was beautiful! How did he get this gem? It was a very old typewriter. It was in mint condition and it was just like my grandmother owned. I had typed on a typewriter like this before! I was instantly taken down memory lane. It was heavenly! As I sat there in the quiet, I looked around the room. The computer, t.v., electronic equipment were all around, but center stage was that beautiful old typewriter. I found out later he had purchased it for $25.00 at an estate sale. I could only imagine the stories this old typewriter could tell. It was apparent by the worn ribbon, that it had been used to tell many stories.

I began thinking about the simpler days of life, when typewriters were all we had. “Call waiting” and “Caller I.D? What was that? If you weren’t home, you didn’t get the call. No computers, no ipods, no Facebook. I was out playing softball, building forts, or riding bikes with my best friend. I remember Mom always having the dinner on the table at 5:00 and we ate dinner together as a family every night. It was a time I looked forward to so much. Family, friends, fun. It was the simple things that made life so good.

I also remember prayer time each night with my family. I was tucked in every night by my parents and it was my time to share about the day. It was our time to end the day in prayer and pray for the next day ahead. Simple times shaped my entire life. It made Jesus so real to me. My focus was on Him....there just weren’t all the distractions.

So as I sit here, yes, typing on my laptop while my itunes are playing my favorite praise tunes....I am thankful yet challenged. I am thankful for technology and the good things it has brought in life, yet challenged to focus on the simple things, the things that shaped my life in the first place. I am challenged to not spend as much time distracted by the technology, but more time quiet....quiet with Him. I am challenged to make life a bit simpler.

Have you ever found your life so busy that you are no longer enjoying the moment, but looking ahead at how you will manage the next task or event in life? Kind of takes the “simple” out of the equation doesn’t it?

Just like that typewriter, I have many stories, and I hope many left to be written in my life. I want to savor the moments of them all. I want Jesus in all of them. I don’t want to get so distracted that His presence is the last thing on my list. I want to focus on the things that matter. After all when it is all said and done, it won’t be the t.v. show that made a difference, it won’t be a Facebook status, or a cool song from my ipod. It will be the time I took to spend with those I love....keeping it simple...keeping it joyful.....keeping it focused on the one who gave me this time in the first place. After all it has been said....The greatest things in life aren’t things. I couldn’t agree more. I pray we all enjoy the simple things today, there are so many of them. You will be amazed at the hidden miracles God has waiting.....in those very precious yet simple things in life.

It is Well......

As I sat in my prayer chair in the early morning this New Year’s Eve, I could hear her sweet voice singing as if she were right next to me. I could hear the stories she would tell me of her life and how Jesus never left her side. My precious Grandmother would always say “Lisa, it is well with my soul....no matter what." And one always knew, it truly was....always well with her soul. Until the day she died, no matter what she faced, her soul walked out peace with her Savior.

Jesus knew I needed to be reminded of this today. My heart was in pity party mode today, not New Year’s party mode. I am a planner, and my big plans for Christmas vacation were a bit altered. I found myself down the entire break with pneumonia. Not in the plan. I began to go down the “Why God?” road, until I played the song my sweet Grandma used to sing. “It is well with my soul”.

This song is about the testimony of a man who experienced a series of life-altering, tragic events. He lost his first son at the age of only four. Then without much of a moment to catch his breath, he also lost his financial livelihood and ability to properly care for his family. Subsequently then just two years later, as his wife and daughters traveled across the seas, the ship they were on sank and all four of his daughters died. His wife, the only survivor, sent the tragic news ahead to him and that she was the only one to make it home to him.

One would think that this man would have been crushed, quite possibly, for the rest of his life. And no doubt his heart grieved for the loss of his children. But the true testament of this man’s character is what his heart posture produced through the process of it all. Take a look at what flowed out from the heart of this man as he then traveled back by ship himself to meet his grieving wife, passing the very area where his daughters had died.

Horatio Spafford penned these words aboard the ship to meet his wife,

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

As I sat listening to the words of this song this morning, I was touched by the determination this man had in cultivating a lasting and intimate relationship with God. It was evident in how he lived his life and how he responded to even the darkest moments in his life. He did not allow his circumstances to dictate to him how he would behave and who he would become; rather, he found his anchor and true identity resting in His relationship with Jesus.

As this year nears its end and we reflect upon all that it has brought our way, may we rest in the peace of God’s embrace and sweetly declare, “It is well with my soul.” For whether it is peace like a river or sorrows like sea billows that we have encountered, even still, in relationship to Him, it is well because we know that God is passionately intentional about causing all things to work together for our good.

Now that’s cause for a celebration! It’s going to be a great 2012!

http://youtu.be/9HLyhEdh92E

Santa Claus and the Finish Line.

I was on mile 3 of the run. I was looking around at the runners beside me thinking to myself, "Boy I love these runs!" Then all at once I felt my left foot begin to go numb. “Oh this is great Lord, please not today, not on this run...not now!” I then knew what would come next.....my leg would go. That’s when I’d get creative and hop until the feeling came back. I knew what to do, I had done it so many times before. It was the Jingle Bell Run, and everyone was dressed up in Christmas costumes. In fact I was delighted to have Santa, the Grinch, and a snowman running with me. But as my speed slowed and the hopping began, Santa asked me if I needed help. “Oh, it will pass...go on without me.” He was an elderly little Santa, (but man could he run!) He didn’t want to leave without helping. So I hopped, and he jogged slowly with me until the feeling came back and I was on my way again.....just minus the snowman and the Grinch.

We had a great talk Santa and I. We talked about the seasons of life. He had struggled with health issues this past year just as I had. We also talked about how God had been faithful through it all. He suffered with a disease called ankylosing spondylitis. I’d heard those words before as I sat on the doctors table being diagnosed with that long word over a year ago....one I couldn’t even pronounce. That’s why he stayed with me on this run. He knew what it was like to hop in races. He’d been there. And he didn’t leave my side. He told me he remembered a race that he literally hopped for a mile until the feeling came back. We laughed at the humorous things that we had gone through. It was so fun to laugh about it.

As we parted ways after the run, I was so thankful for the people God had strategically placed in my life to help me along the way. I also began thinking about this season of life that I am in. Yes there have been some hard blows, really hard blows, but as I sat on the curb catching my breath I realized that God was teaching me how to rest...how to trust...how to have faith like never before. This season was not going to be defined by the hard blows, but by the life changing things God was teaching me about trusting.....and resting in Him.

Someone once said to me that to rest meant I wasn’t trusting...I wasn’t moving. I needed to run this race! Hmmm. I agree that running the race is important...but rest is a part of the race sometimes. A very important part. Sometimes the most important part! Just as I was at a point where I physically could not run in the race today....I had to take a break, hop for awhile, even sit by the curb for a minute...and start back up when my body would let me again. If I hadn’t I would have been run over by the other runners.

The enemy would love to run me over in life. I have seen him try on many occasions this year. I realize that sometimes resting takes practice. I am not a good rester. Those of you who know me, know how true this is. God has had to help me on this one.

I did a study on resting in the presence of God. And I was amazed when I learned that rest can be a weapon! A weapon we use in the battles that the enemy throws in our path to defeat us. It is a sword in our hand. Resting never allows the opposition to dictate how we think or feel. Never. It brings all negativity to a standstill. It has the best jab ever. It has the confidence and the assurance to say “No, you are not coming in.” when the enemy comes knocking.

When we enter into the rest of God, we are at peace within His shadow. The Bible even serves to remind us in 1 Kings 5:4 that God will give rest to us on every side and that there will be no adversary or disaster that will be able to penetrate His great love. He goes before us in every situation to make the crooked paths straight.

So as I sit here thinking about this run today. I have to chuckle. I finished in record time (even with my resting in the middle). And wouldn’t you know, I ran through that finish line with Santa Claus. Does it get better than that? God knew I needed some help today.....and as He always does...He came through once again. Thank you God for rest. Your arms are big, your peace indescribable, and your healing complete.

My prayer is that whatever season you are facing, no matter how insurmountable the hurdles and race you are in may seem....that you find rest. Your miracle is waiting there. I promise...you will not only win the race victoriously....you will cross the finish line in record time! God won’t let you down.

Yes Lord, I'll serve you......even in a chicken suit!

She looked up at me with sparkling eyes and said “I love you chicken lady! And I sure love your dog!” She then leaned over and kissed my cheek, and Holly even got a kiss too! My heart was full and in a million years I never dreamed I’d be here.....in a chicken suit with my dog singing songs with a group of senior citizens. But I was not surprised....only amazed at how God answers prayer.

I cannot begin to tell you the countless stories of God’s provision in my life this year. But I honestly think the most profound of that provision came when I wanted to help others, and needed a financial miracle to help it happen. I have learned to never underestimate God’s answers. And never be surprised....His provision can come in the most unexpected ways. (Even in comical ways.....go figure!)

My precious friend and I had coffee one day and the tears were flowing. She was hurting and my heart was breaking with her. She had lost her job and was overwhelmed. We prayed together and as I hugged her tight.... under my breath I was saying to God, “Oh Lord, I wish I had some money to help her.” “I wish I could do something!” I didn’t feel a bolt of thunder roll or a mighty wind swoosh through with a miracle, but I can tell you.....God heard our hearts cry that day, and He began to answer both of our prayers. I remember driving home with a heart of continued prayer for my friend, and I heard the Lord just whisper to my heart, “are you willing Lisa?” Willing Lord? I am always willing to serve and help you Lord!” Little did I know what He had in store.....to answer my prayer.... to help my friend.

It all began with my chicken suit. That chicken suit I have in my closet that I love to wear in the winter because it is so warm and cozy. Do I look ridiculous? Yes. But I love my warm chicken suit. It somehow makes me smile on those "hard to smile" days. So why was I surprised a chicken suit would be involved in God’s answer to my prayer?

The phone rang one day and it was one of my friends who was laughing at a picture she saw of me on facebook wearing my chicken suit. She said to me “there is no way you would ever wear that thing out is there?” Are you kidding? Of course I would! She is involved in children’s ministry and is a precious friend. She said to me “Lisa, I will give you $100.00 if you wear that suit to Starbucks and have coffee!” “I said to her....”You know I will do this, why are you going to pay me?” And her reply was “Lisa, sometimes God works in mysterious ways.” I started to challenge her and was immediately stopped as the Lord reminded me of the prayer I prayed....” I wish I had money to bless my friend....” This was His answer for me to help! I could give that $100.00 to my friend to help her!

Well you can finish the rest of the story I am sure. That one visit to starbucks in my chicken suit was the open door to provision to help my friends. I had a precious lady ask me if I would ever come to a nursing home or a hospital in my chicken suit with my service dog. She knew I had Holly because she had seen me there before with her. Of course I would! God was opening doors out of the blue, as only He can open! This was amazing and hilarious at the same time! A chicken lady with a service dog....that most definitely is creative Lord. Well it turns out that this combination brings smiles to many hearts. How can one not laugh at the picture of it all? Isn’t God just so creative?

As I sit here today writing this blog, I have tears in my eyes as I think about how He provided the money for me to give to others. I was able to help some dear friends in ways I otherwise could not. I didn’t have the resources, but He did! And He knew the reward I would receive was not about the money I was blessed with to help others, but the heart blessing I received because of it. How can you put a price on the smiles I saw, the hugs I received, the laughs I laughed with people, and the prayers I got to pray with those hurting? You can’t....no price can be put on that.

I have learned to never put God in a box. He will far surpass the limitations I put on Him. He’s bigger, He’s more creative, He’s always one step ahead of me. Weather you are one in need, or one who wants to help, I challenge you to just ask. Just ask Him for help. Ask Him for the provision you need. He will help you in ways you never dreamed. And I promise you.....you will have fun on the journey. More fun than you ever imagined! Take it from the chicken lady with a service dog....it's a journey that will change your life!