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Amazing Awaits

December 8, 2010 By 13 Comments

Amazing awaits.

Saw these words a couple weeks and had my daughter take a picture while I was driving. Amazing awaits was a reminder of hope for me. To believe. To dream. And to prepare.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

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“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
1 Corinthians 2:9


Thursday at 10AM MST, Barbara and Betty and I will be talking live about “Amazing Awaits” on BlogTalkRadio on our radio program Our Hiding Place. I hope you will join in the conversation. This will be our last show of 2010. We will go live again in 2011.

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Hope for the Hard Hearted

September 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’m a visual learner. So when I saw these sunflowers I knew there was a message of hope to share. Good thing this street light was extra long. It gave me time to snap a picture. This image still fascinates me. Here’s this rock hard surface with sunflowers growing in the cracks. In the middle of an intersection, in the turning lane!

This once smooth road became worn and cracked over time from change of weather and constant travelers. And in these cracks, rain came down from heaven and watered windblown sunflower seeds. These seeds found their hiding place. They remained in the crack, in the dark, undisturbed.

There in the cracks of this once solid hard surface something beautiful began to grow.

Signs of new life.

Hope emerged in full bloom. . .

TO FINISH READING, visit me at Laced with Grace.

Laced With Grace

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Records

September 16, 2010 By 7 Comments


What are you keeping records of?

Are you keeping records of those who wronged you? Like that family member who should have loved and protected you, but didn’t? Or that one sick person who violated you decades ago? Maybe it’s your friend who betrayed you? Or your sibling who forgot your birthday? Maybe it’s fresh, an argument from last night. Is there anyone who comes to mind when I ask you about keeping records?

Okay, maybe that’s not your issue. Maybe you are more self focused and you keep book after book of the things you’ve done wrong. Maybe it’s that one moment that changed your life forever, you know that dark secret. Or how ’bout the endless amount of times you’ve failed in your marriage or parenting or in friendship? Can you list those times easily? Do you feel the sting of failure and defeat each morning? Are you ashamed of who you really are so much so you avoid a mirror?

Well if you are keeping records, I have a word of you today.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5(NIV)


I repeat, LOVE keeps NO record of wrongs.

So who is love?

GOD IS LOVE! (see 1 John 4)

So if God isn’t keeping any records of wrongs, why are you? Why am I? It’s time to burn some records once and for all, don’t you think?

*Forgive those who’ve wronged you in your past. It’s for your healing. You’ll feel lighter.

*Forgive yourself once and for all. You’ve carried your secret long enough. Jesus died to set you free of that one thing.

The truth is God loves you too much to let you live your life carrying ugly records. Record books are too heavy to lug over your shoulder day after day, year after year, or even decade after decade.

God wants you free. Free here and now on earth. Free to be who you are:

Loved and forgiven no matter what you did or someone else did.

I’m praying for you today, whoever you are.

Father God, help me hand over the records I’ve been clinging to for so long. Help me walk with you in love. Free of wrongs. Help me keep records of beautiful things. Those memories that touch my heart. The things I see and hear that are good. Record Your love on my the tablet of my heart. In Jesus name, Amen

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
Psalm 130:3 (NIV)



God loves to use the simple, everyday, ordinary things to speak His word to me. I hope you will stop, look and listen today. God is speaking. Yes to YOU!!

About radio, Our Hiding Place is still in hiding from summer break. Yesterday, we looked ahead at our September calendar and we decided we will wait until October to come back. Thank you for your understanding and prayers. Turtle Girls are asking God for a fresh fire to share on the air. :)

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: No Dumping

August 31, 2010 By 12 Comments


Two days ago I ran into WalMart to get a few things for a barbecue. I picked the shortest line of course. The next thing I know the cashier’s light started flashing. All the while, a mother and her teenage daughter stood behind me. For ten minutes straight, this mom complained. And I don’t just mean a light complaint, I mean serious business. This mom went on and on about everything she hated about the place. Not enough cashiers. Prices going up because of remodel. How you get stuck in there because no one is competent. You name it she said it. This lady had the chip of all chips on her shoulder.

Meanwhile I watched the demeanor of the cashier and the customer go south. I felt sorry for them because we all felt this mom’s tension. It was ugly. I looked back at this mom once and smiled and said “I may have to change lines because of the time.” Hoping she would calm down because she might take my first place spot.

As this woman continued venting, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of this verse:

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” Philippians 2:14-15(NIV)

There is a moral to this short story. See picture.

“NO public dumping allowed.“

Anything I need to dump I had better take to Jesus first. Public dumping stinks up the place. I wonder how many times I’ve said too much when I should have been silent.

Father God, search me and see if there’s any arguing or complaining spirit within me TODAY. Help me speak only words of life, not death. I don’t want to smell like the dump. I want to shine like a star in the universe. Only You can make me blameless. Only You can give me pure light. In Jesus name, Amen

What is GOD saying to you today?

(Photo taken last year, this sign spoke volumes. God finally gave me an experience to use this pic.)

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Stop Running

July 26, 2010 By 11 Comments

What happens when we stop, look and listen to what God might be trying to say?

God recently reminded me to “STOP RUNNING” from His call. Nothing like running shoes hanging from a red light to remind me of how ridiculous that is.

Are you running too? Mind if I encourage you from God’s word?

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
Galatians 5:7-8

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Father God, You are so good. Thank You for loving me and showing me your grace each day. Thank You for visual truth to “stop running”. I’m tired of danging on a thin wire of unbelief. It’s time believe, put on my shoes and feel some solid ground again. Lord, I’m willing to run with You. If You lead, I will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

**If you ever have a Stop, Look and Listen you want to share with others. Feel free to copy the widget on my sidebar and add your blog here…


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PS I’m starting a new meme this week. Maybe even tomorrow, I’d love it if you will peek back and maybe even join me. :) It’s called Sweet P’s!

(pic taken in Colorado Springs 2010)

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What Does Trusting in God Look Like?

January 15, 2010 By 28 Comments


Nothing like God’s peace!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what resting in You looks like through geese. Some drank freely from the melting pond waters. Others took a bath and dove in for a snack. Some felt so comfortable in the warmth of the sun that they took a nap.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

(pic taken yesterday at a local park)

Don’t forget to look and listen to ways that God is speaking!

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Smile

October 30, 2009 By 18 Comments

I love when God invades my ordinary world. He uses the most creative things to remind me of His Word and His presence. Like this sign from Justin’s football game last week.

Since reading this sign, God and I talked something like this:

Remember Peter?

Yes, Lord.

What did he need when he saw Me walking on water to calm his fear?

Please remind me.

Peter needed Me to invite him to the water to believe.

Oh yeah.

What did I say to him?

(Me rereading Matthew 14:22-32 for answers.)

“Come.”

A one word invitation and Peter responded with faith.

Yes he did and he walked on water. That is until he looked away from You and at his circumstances and starting sinking.

What did I do then?

You grabbed his hand and asked him why he doubted.

Then what?

The winds stopped and all who were in the boat worshiped You.

Do you think Peter’s step of faith made Me smile?

Of course.

Go and live likewise.

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God is working on my small faith lately. I feel afraid as I sense His direction for my ministry. But above my fears, I long follow His invitation. I love to feel God’s smile. God and I have a thing about smiles. :) Which means when His invitation comes, I pray I will gather up my “little faith”, look straight to Jesus, step out, and smile back.

Together, hand in hand, we will explore new waters! Oh the life of walking by faith. A daily way to worship the Lord.

Is Jesus inviting you to have faith for something and let go of your doubts and fears today?

If so, step out. Follow His invitation. Feel His smile. Reach for His hand when you doubt. Worship Him when He calms your emotional seas.

It’s time to walk on water. Jesus is calling you, “Come!”

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen post where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday, and the ordinary.

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Path

August 28, 2009 By 23 Comments

This is a picture in my living room. Normally it looks like this. However, this morning when I opened my blinds and sat in my recliner, the picture looked different. The morning sunlight hit this picture just right.

Look at the same picture now.

As I starred at this lighted path, God, by His Spirit, brought his Word to my mind.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119: 105 (NIV)

You can’t imagine the love and comfort I felt. I’m feeling overwhelmed and heavy hearted today. God is so sweet to me. Just had to pop in and share.

Now back to business.

God bless you all. Follow His lighted path for you today!

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen post where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday, and the ordinary.

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: T-Shirt

August 3, 2009 By 16 Comments

Ever read words on a t-shirt and sensed God speaking?

I have.

Hannah had a sleepover with a neighbor friend last week. The next morning, before I had my coffee(half asleep), I saw this t-shirt on her friend. I grabbed my camera and snapped this shot. I had to. It spoke with force.

You see I’ve been wrestling with God lately. Seeing this t-shirt showed me clearly what I look like when I refuse to listen to God. I don’t like the idea of wearing this shirt in public. The pride in me wants another phrase like, “Here I am, Lord, listening and obeying all the time.”

Even though I write these Stop, Look and Listen posts, I’m learning I don’t always listen. Sure, I listen enough to share an encouraging word to you, but when God’s instruction is hard or too risky, I plug my ears. I tune Him out–on purpose. Actually I argue, trying to convince God of my shortcomings and telling Him why I shouldn’t do what He is asking me to. Words like “You’ve picked the wrong person.” “I’m not trained.” “I’m not that talented.”

It’s a funny thing walking by faith. I beg for wisdom and direction and then God answers, “Go this way.” I say, “Lalalala, I can’t hear you.”

Something has to change. I’m tired of wearing worn out logo t-shirts. It’s time to choose my clothes wisely. Maybe I should use my mirror the next time I get dressed and look at my heart.

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like,” James 1:22-24(The Message)

Jesus, thank You for bringing to my attention in a vivid way what it looks like to not listen. You speak through anything to grab my heart. What a gift to know You pursue me first thing in the morning. Forgive me for not listening lately. I struggle with fear and doubt. Help me pitch all my old t-shirts in the trash. It’s time to wear words You design. Words from Your Word. Logos I can live by and make a difference! Amen.

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday and the ordinary.

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Copycat

June 8, 2009 By 10 Comments

Friday was my son Justin’s 16th birthday. :) All Justin wanted was cash for his big day, but I wanted it to be extra special. So I decided to create a photo album and spent hours and hours sifting through pics on my computer. So many memories relived as I searched for the right 200 pictures to print.

This is one of the pics I found.

I found this sticky note in my daughter’s room about six years ago. During that particular time, I was practicing spiritual disciplines. Focusing on one discipline a month. Intentional effort, not to be legalistic, but as a test or experiment. Would focusing on one at a time help? Would I experience lasting transformation?

That particular month the discipline was JOY! Who knew joy was a discipline? But for many, it is just that. We aren’t naturally joyful. Instead, we are stressed out, hurried, short tempered, and depressed.

To remind myself to be joyful, I wrote joy on sticky notes and posted them on mirrors and pictures, in my kitchen on the microwave and coffee pot. As a mom with younger kids, joy wasn’t high on my priority list. The notes were a visual reminder for 30 days straight! Medicine for one up tight mom.

When I found Hannah’s note on her door, I was both pleased and shocked. She was modeling after her mom. Scary! A few days prior, I explained to Hannah why the word JOY was plastered all throughout our house. She added the words God and Mom. Interesting! She went above and beyond my one word note and wrote three words in each row. Over and over again.

Finding this pic on Justin’s birthday this year was a sweet reminder from God to me. God reminded me that my kids are seeing Jesus in me. Somehow, some way they are receiving my faith, a part of Him. Thank you, Lord.

God also used my finding this note as another visual reminder. To remember JOY this summer!

God knows I need it now that summer is here. My kids are home all day. What are we going to do? Does a 12 and 16 year old actually want to be with their mom? I’m wondering how I’m going to live out my faith before them. I do not want to go through the motions. I don’t want each day to be just chores and petty issues to rob us of creating fun memories.

Father God, please enable me to live in Your JOY each day. Let me not forget what matters most. My relationship with You. My family. Your Word. Rest, work, play and even laughter. Please help me be okay with the messes and enjoy each summer day. Before too long, my kids will be grown and gone. Help me not miss the now. Amen.

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Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10(NIV).

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