The Dog I Loved

My sweet Honeybun who sparked my career as an author and my first book went to be with Jesus yesterday. She collapsed, and I knew it was serious. There were several tumors, and her enlarged spleen had pushed her intestines into a tiny space. She was in pain, and the vet said it was an aggressive cancer.

Despite her pain, she was a queen. She never growled, complained, or did anything but submit to those trying to help her. I stayed with her till the end, stroking her sweet face and itching her behind her ears.

Honeybun taught me a great deal about trusting God in the face of adversity. I am facing a whole boatload of adversity right now, and the boat is sinking. Honeybun would have just hopped out and swam. So I will too.

But I really miss her.

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Revelation 21:4 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Awaiting Perfection

I will be off to my daughter's out of state wedding the next few days. I will likely not have time to post blogs so please instead, read my books. They are all on Amazon, and they are all 4-5 star ratings. If you don't buy my books, I may not have enough money to come home from my daughter's wedding. It helps all of us if you would just buy them. 

So one last message from God I gleaned from today that will have to tide you over if you don't buy all eighteen of my books and run out of reading material.

In prep for the wedding, I applied nail polish. I know that to most of you, this is not the slightest big deal. However, I never wear nail polish so it was an adventure. I never wear it for several reasons. One reason is I can't seem to get it on the nail only. It always ends up on my finger as well, looking like a two year old applied it.

Secondly, strange colors are all the rage, and I just cannot seem to accept that trend. I want human nails to look like the color could be possible on living flesh. Blue speaks to me of cadavers. Green speaks of gangrene. For the record, my color was hot pink.

The most troubling problem with nail polish is that no matter how carefully I apply it, no matter how many layers...it ALWAYS chips. ALWAYS. Usually by the end of day one. I even bought the pricier "no chip" variety. I put on three layers, allowing 15 minutes drying time between each layer. It has already chipped.

So, what was God saying?

Because of a series of other events which I haven't time to disclose, God was pushing home to me a truth that I fight against.

Perfection does not exist on earth. I long for perfection. Tension will therefore never cease. Nothing will ever be all I want it to be this side of heaven.

I tried to boil down the essence of my discontent in life, and I believe this is it. While that may seem depressing, there is an upside message. There is no desire or instinct programmed or designed into any creature that cannot be fulfilled. There would be no reason. Hunger can be satisfied. Thirst can be satisfied. Sexual desire can be satisfied. Now many of these instincts or desires can be perverted, but every desire is there because the potential and drive to satisfy it exists.

If you believe, as I do, that God designed us, that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," then you know God would not give us any longing that has no hope of fulfillment. (Again, be careful in how you read this statement. Some longings are perverted, but the root of the longing is a natural and necessary desire.) 

So, the desire for perfection must exist for a purpose. Somewhere, perfection exists. The bible tells us that there is such a place where there will be no more tears, anger, sadness, regret, despair, remorse, or sin. "The perfect will come." We may only receive glimpses here on earth. Many things will be close, but imperfect now. Then, all will be made whole and perfect.

No more chipped nail polish.

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Philippians 3:12-15 

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

James 1:4 

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 3:2 

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

1 John 2:5 

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:

The Burden to Do it ALL

I went on a run yesterday morning. It was blustery, even fearsome winds, but warm. I passed a garbage can blown over. While jogging by, I wondered if it was in front of the house where a disabled, wheelchair-bound woman lives. I wasn't certain, but I thought it might be. My conscience continued to nag at me, so I swung around.

I righted the garbage can, and glanced down the street. Nearly every garbage can had been blown over. I could not possibly right them all. I jogged on home, feeling bad about all the cans I didn't stand back up.

Then I had a revelation. Maybe all I was called upon to right was the one I did right. If I felt I had to right ALL of them, I would definitely have been overwhelmed and unable to do so. God was telling me something I very much needed to hear.

I cannot right all the wrongs in the world. I cannot convince every mother I meet on the sidewalks of the abortion center NOT to abort. I cannot meet ALL the needs of ALL the mothers I follow after they choose life. But I can help a few.

God never meant for me to do it ALL. He meant for me to do what I can, which is limited but won't overwhelm and defeat me. He has called ALL of us to action, but not to ALL action.

I felt a burden lift, as I ran by all the garbage cans, blown over and toppled by the ferocious winds. I was not feeling as guilty that I didn't stop to set them all upright. I just felt glad God had convicted me to right the one I had.

Sometimes we don't do ANYTHING because we can't do EVERYTHING. Do SOMETHING for God and the world changes.
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Romans 12:3-5 

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Coping with Reality

I asked my art class what they wanted to draw next.
"A cabin!" one shouted.
"With mountains!" another said.
"And a dog!" a third one cried out.
"With a dragon!" a fourth suggested.
"How about if we leave the dragon for the next picture?" I said. Fortunately, the dragon lover agreed.

Since I would not have much time to prepare after returning from my daughter's out of state wedding, I knew I had to do a practice pastel drawing this week. So yesterday, while praying to God about some of the disturbing trends in our society, I drew the picture above. It was very calming. I thought again how blessed I am to be able to draw. How do people who can't recreate a world the way they wish it was cope with reality?

For example, I got two texts last night from two different mamas we work with who chose life at the abortion mill. Both had been doing really well. Both had hit major bumps in the road. Neither is an artist. What do they do to soldier on?

Psalm 46:1-11 gives us a good idea of the best way to cope when reality disappoints:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. ...

In the midst of earthquakes, mountains collapsing into the sea, tsunamis and floods...God is immovable. His holy habitation awaits us, and is secure from all the ravages of the world where we reside. God Himself is the unshakable refuge in the cataclysmic shifts of earthly life.

There is a passage in the beautiful Psalm 23 that I never thought much about till recently, but it relates perfectly here.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overfloweth...

This is a remarkable image. How many of us are surrounded by enemies, in mortal battle, and sit down to a quiet and sumptuous feast, relaxing as our head is anointed with oil and our cup is filled to the brim?

Answer: None! We are shooting, hiding, running, freaking out!

Yet look at the image God sends us of how He leads us in this frightening, conflict-ridden, and fallen world. We are seated at a banquet though our enemies are all around us. We eat and drink in peace while God Himself keeps the enemy at bay.

Ultimately, He is the only reality that matters. The earth and its pleasures will pass away, but God remains forever. He and I, He and you, are seated together, safely enjoying the bounty of His eternal goodness. The enemies may surround us, but they cannot harm us. Not eternally.

That is even more comforting than drawing my pretty picture! Meanwhile, I have a whole host of supporters of Cities4Life I hope to galvanize to help the mamas. God is sufficient, but we cannot sit idly by while His people suffer when we have the means to help.

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1 John 5:13-14

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Matthew 10:29-31 

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Be Lifted Up

I brought a dozen heart balloons to the abortion center sidewalks Monday. I knew they had little helium left, but they still rose like beacons of love from the gift bag we tied them to. Lifted up, like my prayers for the day.

"I am planning to give one to each girl who chooses life today," I told my fellow workers.
"You are an optimist," one said.

As it turned out, my optimism was misplaced. It was the busiest I had ever seen the abortion center. I counted sixty cars streaming in with abortion minded mamas. Two full kindergarten classes that would never be filled.

Four women chose life for their babies, and that was cause for rejoicing. However, the staggering number of women who chose to end the life of their babies was sobering. What was equally disturbing is that the security people were urging all of the mothers who had brought about a violent end to their childrens' lives NOT to stop to talk with us. We have post-abortive literature that can help the grieving women, but the "pro-choice" crowd didn't feel they should be given even that choice.

When it was time to leave, we put the balloons on the RV, in hopes that tomorrow, so many women will choose life that the balloons will all be gone.

As usual, three or four of us stood on the sidewalks, well past lunch. I don't know about the others, but I was hungry. We'd been there four hours, but none of us really wanted to leave. We had to...but all of us felt the same pull.

Did the woman I talk to feel God's conviction in her heart? Might she change her mind at the last moment? If I leave, I won't know if that couple who sat in their car with the window cracked listening to me for an hour decided in the end to save their baby. Reluctantly, we all dispersed.

As I was driving away, I saw the car leave that I had been directing my efforts towards for an hour with my megaphone. I pulled over to watch it leave. Were both the man and woman in it? I rolled down my window, hoping I could talk with them one last time. Only the man was in the car. He had left the mama in the abortion center. I wanted to cry.

We need a full team of men and women willing to be there as the women come out. There are many who will be grieving, and our presence, our love, our kindness, and our pointing them to God may comfort them, and prevent future abortions. There are many who chose life at the last minute, and will need our resources, our friendship, our encouragement.However, there are not enough volunteers to cover the afternoons as well as mornings.

Cities4life is planning a new training session March 5. Will you be one of the people to be there as the hands and feet of Jesus? You will not regret it. It is not easy, but it is rewarding.
charlotte.cities4life.org

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To read a first hand account about a year in the life of a sidewalk counselor, click here to purchase
Singing in the Darkness. It is a book of hope in the midst of darkness.
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Mark 11:22-24

²² Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. ²³ Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. 

God's Love for Those Who Are Perishing

Another of the moms I work with who chose life at the abortion center saw her baby last week on 3-D ultrasound through Sweet Pea 3-D Imaging, who partners with Cities4Life.  The mama sent me this photograph and told me, "I will let nothing hurt my baby! I could not have done this without you."

Well, yes, she could have, but I am very grateful I was there. She could not have done this without God, however, and it is to His glory that she recognized that. The young father, unusual in many of the couples I counsel, also thanks me regularly. I send them both daily Bible verses, and he often comments on them. I have high hopes for this little family. They are on the right path. God's truth has found a home in their hearts.

Some couples require extensive contact and assistance. This one just needed the Gospel. Their hearts were so ready to hear God's powerful truth that instantly, they wanted to ask Him to be Lord of their lives, and they want to follow His plan. I LOVE this ministry.

So, off I go this morning, as I do every Monday, to the sidewalks of the abortion center. Our sermon Sunday was a reminder that we do not fight against human enemies, but against the spiritual forces of evil. It is easy to demonize the person, but the person is just as much a precious soul before God as I am. However, demons can and do deceive and lie, and harden hearts so that God's message is deflected and ignored.

My prayer must be to overcome that spiritual darkness, and my weapons are the Word of God, the conviction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the righteousness of God that covers me, and truth of the Gospel. My conviction is that I am to be used of God in a spiritual battle, and the enemy is not the abortion minded mamas, nor the nasty 'bouncers', nor the abortion doctors. My enemy is Satan.

When regarded in that light, it is easier to feel love and compassion for those who are treading such a destructive path. It is out of that love that we stand on the sidewalks, speaking on behalf of the babies, and on behalf of the mothers' precious souls as well. No one lasts long on the sidewalks at the gates of hell if they don't feel God's love for those about to perish.

 Satan wants nothing more than to delude the young mothers that the child they carry is not made in God's image, is not human, and is of no value or worth. My mission is to remind them of Truth, which every mother knows at the core of her being.

Prayers appreciated.
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If you would like to see a first-hand look at sidewalk ministry, please read this new book that tells personal stories of abortion minded women when confronted with the Gospel, and hope.
Click here to go to Amazon site to purchase.

For Ministry info and training, go to charlotte.cities4life.org
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Ephesians 6:12 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:11 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

We May Only Have Today

My husband got me roses for Valentine's Day. Several times a day, I pass them by. I stop to smell them. They smell like sunshine, and summer, and nectar. They are beginning to look a little limp and I don't think they will be with me much longer. However, their scent is just as lovely, just as evocative.

I smell them more often now that I can see they are wilting. Soon, I will have to throw them away. I think I will miss them more than any rose I have ever smelled. Honestly, I have probably thought that of every rose I have smelled knowing the inevitable can no longer be put off.

It is so easy to think we have forever when things are in full bloom. The browning edges always take us by surprise. Stop often to smell the roses. They were not meant to last forever, but to be enjoyed while they are here.
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Ecclesiastes 2:24 

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God

Psalm 118:24 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Praise and Exhort: Both are Biblically Mandated

God often speaks to me as I teach my art class -- through the children, or some story they tell, or some concept of art that can be applied to walking righteously in daily life.

I loved the beautiful pictures the kids produced in the class Thursday. Class ended, but one student remained. Her mom was stuck in traffic, and was a little late picking up her daughter. That was fine. As I cleaned up, I chatted with the sweet girl. She reminded me of myself at that age. Shy, horse lover, art lover.

The mom hustled in and was very apologetic for being late. Then she shared with me that she really appreciated the art class, and especially the "critique" which I have the kids do at the end. The kids line up their art work, and then we comment first on what we love about the work, followed by suggestions to make it even better.

This mom said it is very hard for youngsters not only to receive praise, but to graciously receive and give constructive criticism. She said her daughter was initially concerned that she would hurt feelings if she pointed out a flaw in other's work. But the Mom was grateful for the way in which I was training the kids to do so. Because it was sandwiched in mounds of praise, the kids were not crushed by the single area to improve that other students helped them discern.

It brought me back to my college days, in art school. That was the first time I critiqued or was critiqued by fellow students. It was terrifying. First, I was certain I had nothing of value to say about someone else's artwork. Secondly, I was sure my artwork would be the worst of the whole classroom of art majors.

Neither was true.

I learned very quickly that all of us have valid opinions of what grabs us in a creative work. Oftentimes, our unique perspective enhances what others think about an artist's work. Secondly, I discovered that fellow students were very astute in picking up the flaws that made my work less powerful. Almost always, I was not able to see the flaw till it was pointed out.

Additionally, everyone had areas in which they could improve. If I could swallow my pride and listen, I became a better artist as a result. I also discovered that even the best artists in the class were not perfect. There was always something that could be better.

This describes exactly the ongoing "spiritual critique" by God. The Bible is filled with His overflowing love of humankind. However, every parent must admonish his child to spur him on to maturity. God is no different in His role as Heavenly Father. He loves me, but He will refine and chastise and teach me to my dying day. He knows the human heart is deceitful, and He will do whatever it takes to help me see the lie...and stretch for the truth. He will not let me remain childish in my spiritual walk.

My art teacher in college was excellent in teaching effective critique. Critique must always be sandwiched in positives. The beauty and value of the work must always be mentioned first and should be effusive. More positives should be mentioned than negatives. No more than one, and maybe two areas to improve upon should be mentioned. If time permits, end with a quick comment of another wonderful aspect of the piece.

I know this, and do this unconsciously when appraising student's art. But do I do it in my personal human relationships?

No. Not often enough.

I am quick enough to notice problem areas, but not nearly vocal enough about praiseworthy areas.  The Bible says we are both to "encourage" and to "exhort". To ignore areas that need to change is to allow stagnation and in the spiritual life, sin to thrive. To ignore building others up is to allow despair and worthlessness to creep into wounded hearts. Both  encouragement and admonition are necessary. Neither should be neglected. Praise, and exhort.

"My daughter cannot wait to come to class," the mother said, "Whatever you are doing is working."
 I cannot tell you how good it made me feel to hear those words of encouragement.
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Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Hebrews 3:13 

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I Will See God

Every day I try to understand what special message God has sent me. I believe He is always speaking, and my job is to listen, and then discern the directive in the message. Sometimes it is obvious. Sometimes, I can not think of a single special message. Often, at times like that, I draw. I don't usually direct consciously what I will draw. It just flows out of me.

Almost always, a horse emerges. Now, all I drew for the first 18 years of my life was horses, so this is not surprising. Horses reign in a special place in my subconscious and in my heart. But the environment the horse is in is often a total surprise. I don't understand what creativity flows from, but I do believe it is a gift from God, and should never be taken for granted.

So, I wasn't sure what God wanted me to write about for today. As always, when faced with this, I began to draw. The picture above is what developed.

My audiobook narrator produced this incredible video to promote Joe -The Horse Nobody Loved. She read from my prologue. It is so beautiful. (click here.) 
I didn't know she was producing it and it arrived in my inbox this morning. As I watched the video, I cried. The words she read from my book about a horse I loved represented how I feel about everything I love on earth. The hard lesson from my horse is the hard lesson of all of life.

I won't spoil it. You should watch it yourself.

But when I finished crying my eyes out, I understood why I drew the horse looking out at the horizon amidst the colorful reeds. He is waiting.

He is waiting for the wonder and glory of the God of all eternity to complete His work. He is waiting for the day when joy will be complete, unmarred by sin or injustice. He is waiting with expectation that He will see God, and all will be well.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you."
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Lamentations 3:25 

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Psalm 27:14 

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Habakkuk 2:3 

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Isaiah 40:31 

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 130:5-6 

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 37:7 

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 39:7 

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

Do Not Faint in the Day of Adversity

The recent ice storm was but a distant memory, and it was a glorious day. I sat on the porch sketching the picture above. How quickly frigid, grey, disastrous cold had changed to blue skies and warm sunny tendrils sifting through the naked branches, warming my hands as I drew!

There's a lesson in that, Lord, isn't there?

One should never be caught in the trap of believing that the desperate straits of today will always be our reality. While we yet have breath, our reality will sift and change. Always. The absence of change is death. Praise God for change!

Still. When the struggles are severe, it is not always easy to see the joy, or the worthy place where those struggles will finally cease. Charles Spurgeon said:  God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. He trains his soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service.

We will not know the strength of our faith unless it is exercised. No one knows if the boat will hold them until they launch themselves in it upon the waters.

Faith untried in the waters of adversity is a shallow faith. Faith that remains when all else is taken away is a faith worth dying for. Strangely, it is at that point in our walk with God that we most live in Him.

No one longs for troubles. I would do almost anything to send all mine packing. Now. But the one thing I must not do is why I was probably brought those trials in the first place: I must not abandon my faith.

Job of the Bible wallowed in the midst of impossible struggles. His family, livelihood, and health were all destroyed within days of each other. He cried out in the most poignant critical turning point of his crumbling life: though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.

How many of us can say that? NO MATTER WHAT Lord, I will trust in you. That is a faith that will overcome. We have to understand, He may indeed slay us. Our comfort, even our life is not His goal. A soul prepared for eternity is what God is after.
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1 Peter 5:10 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Philippians 4:12-13 

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 24:10 

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

My Two Cents on Political Choices

I am hearing lots of Christians say they support Trump and I shake my head. He is an adulterer, who admits in his own book he slept with multitudes of married women. He brags about it. He was for partial birth abortion, and abortion on demand for most of his adult life. He changed his views in 2011, when he began considering entering politics as a Republican. He was a big contributor to democrats, including Hillary Clinton.

His current wife is a model who has posed nude. She is wife #3.

Trump is brash, insulting, and petulant. He regularly disparages people he doesn't like with personal attacks. When he is personally attacked, in the rough and tumble world of politics, he threatens to sue.

When I have confronted Christians asking how they could support a man of his character, they say, "I'm not electing a pastor."

No. But you ARE electing a leader. As a Christian, we actually do have some guidelines in what to look for in a leader. When Moses was overwhelmed with the responsibilities of leading his people, his father-in-law Jethro suggested he choose leaders who could assist in his duties. He delineated  the critical qualities in selecting leaders:

Exodus 18: 17-23
¹⁷ Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸ You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. ¹⁹ Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. ²⁰ Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. ²¹ But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. ²² Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. ²³ If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

Three criteria emerged. Leaders were to be capable, God-fearing, and trustworthy. In choosing leaders the Biblical model is they are to be qualified and able to fulfill the expected duties, follow, trust, and rely on God, and of good character - above reproach, able to be trusted.

Now consider Donald Trump. Perhaps he is capable. He certainly is a capable businessman. 

Is he someone who follows God? Well, God hates divorce. God is pretty clear about sexual purity outside of marriage. God is also clear on the sanctity of life. Did the man who recently said Planned Parenthood does 'some good things' (the top abortion provider in the nation), honor the sanctity of life? God calls us to be slow to anger, with no 'corrupting speech', with gracious words, and words that only encourage and build others up. Would this describe the Donald Trump you have heard over the past few months and years? If he is someone who follows God, the evidence of that commitment is not compelling to me.

Is he trustworthy? Three marriages and countless adulteries might suggest otherwise. The changes in his pro-choice stance for most of his adult life might bring his trustworthiness into question. His change from Democrat to Republican seems to have coincided with his desire to become president in a similar path as his pro-life stance. I hope and pray it is real, but I do not trust him. His character is not one I would emulate, nor portray as God-fearing and trustworthy.

We are not electing a pastor. We are electing a leader. And our leaders should be people of character, above reproach, with the understanding we all are sinners who fall short of the glory of God. They will not be perfect, but surely, as Christians we should choose those who most closely align with biblical standards. We are not a theocracy and I am not outlining what I believe the Bible describes as qualities of religious leaders. These are the general criteria for choosing civic leaders.

There are several men on the Republican side that meet those three criteria. Trump is not one of them.
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1 Timothy 4:12 

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Philippians 2:3 

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Jeremiah 23:1 

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.

Exodus 18:21 

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Deuteronomy 1:13 

Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

Proverbs 25:28 

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

1 Peter 5:3 

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

I Must Not Play at God

As the abortion doctor arrived yesterday while I stood in the frigid day on the sidewalk, I reminded him of the Hippocratic oath. I thought perhaps he had forgotten it. First do no Harm is a summary, but not actually found verbatim in the oath doctors take upon becoming a physician.

This is a portion of the modern Hippocratic oath. It is considered one of the most important segments:
Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God. 

Above all, I must not play at God. 

I imagine within a few years that line will be expunged.The idea that matters of life and death are the province of God offends too many. It cramps their style. Abortion on demand would cease if doctors took that oath seriously.

Three security people surrounded the abortion doctor as I so kindly refreshed his memory. To drown me out, they began clapping and cheering, "Hooray Dr. Virmani!" They escorted him proudly into the building where he could kill the fifty babies in their mothers' wombs awaiting his arrival.

The frigid cold seeped into all our bones as we called out to the women and men streaming into the abortion center, playing at God. One couple left. One baby saved, that we knew of. It was a bleak, very cold day that reflected the icy hearts within that building.

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On a happier note, check out this video from Westminster dog show! I know the owner, Darius, and the dog who won. We met the winning dog Zak as a new puppy at one of my daughter's agility trials with Honeybun. We fell in love with Darius when his old dog who could barely walk, but still loved agility used to lumber through the course. When he went in the "chute" which is a collapsed silk tube, he lay down in the middle of it and the silk thumped up and down as he wagged his tail and rested. Asherel and I were smitten.When that old dog died, we thought Darius might as well. And then he got Zak. Congrats to this man who so obviously loves his dog and vice versa.Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ESPT4f_m0
I think I wrote about our encounter with him in my book I'm Listening With a Broken Ear. At least I wrote about our agility world then.
What a cheerful delight this morning!
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Jeremiah 6:13-15 

“For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord.

1 Corinthians 8:6 

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Treacherous Paths

This is a fifteen week old baby in the womb. The mama two weeks ago told me there was no way she could have a baby when I met her on the sidewalks of the abortion center. Two days ago, she sent me this picture from the 3-D ultrasound (I couldn't go as I was running my own baby's bridal shower...)
Her words to me then, "It's a boy! I am so excited! I can't wait to meet him."

I am due out to the sidewalks again today. It is bitter cold, and freezing rain is expected. I am waiting to see if the abortion center will close. That is my prayer, but since the rain isn't due till just after they open, I doubt that will be the case. They plan to be open today thus far. Not only will babies die today, but I fear for all the people who will be driving home from that horrific event on icy roads.

They are on icy roads whether the ice rain materializes or not. They just don't know it. They think that by sucking away that little precious life, their paths will become smooth and problems will melt away. That road is a slick and dangerous dead end, most obviously for the baby, but for their own souls as well.

The Bible says

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18

And what is truth? It is found in God's word, but here is one truth:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.Genesis 1:27



God created human beings as His image bearer. How could anyone think they could destroy that wonderful creation without repercussion?

So I pray for literal ice storms. I pray the abortion minded women are given a vision of the treacherous path upon which they are embarking. I pray the ice comes soon enough to lock and close the gates of hell on earth before tiny, innocent image-bearers of God begin dying.

And before this terrible ice-driver ventures out her door as well.
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1 John 3:4 

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

1 John 1:8

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Hebrews 10:26-27

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Hebrews 6:4-6 

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I hosted a bridal shower for my baby yesterday. I don't know if it is good etiquette to do that or not. Some internet sites say the mom of the bride shouldn't do that.  I didn't really care. She is my only girl. I love her, and it was my offering. Two good friends asked me my vision for the party, and then helped me realize it. (Carol and Melissa...there are no words that can express how grateful I am for your love and kindness.)

I spent two weeks decorating and constructing out of my heart overflowing with memories. The cupcake stand is made with duct tape, a favorite construction item of my Asherel. The bride on top is made of duct tape as well. Next to the stand, is Pinty. She is the stuffed horse that shared most of Asherel's childhood. She went along with us on thousands of adventures. I wanted my child to know all the possibilities the world had to offer, and showed her...and Pinty as much as I could.

Pinty is wearing the dress Asherel wore when she came home from the hospital. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I could not stop staring at her beautiful, perfect face.

The Bridal Shower was a lot of fun. I wanted to celebrate what I believed to be the core essence of Asherel. Strangely, it is the core essence of me: a creative spirit. So I balked at the tried and true Bridal shower games. I decided to do games that allowed the guests to enter our world.

The first game was to design a bridal gown on a duct tape doll I made...and the gown was to be constructed of duct tape. Here are some of the designs:

The second game was to design a bridal veil, purse, garter belt, something blue, and corsage from common household objects. The final result was breathtaking:

My goal was accomplished. A roomful of people united to celebrate a daughter I love and the creativity that sparked so much of my life with her. It was the best I had to offer.

That...and the God I love.

I started our gathering by reading my favorite psalm out loud. I read it to the daughter God granted me to raise, to nurture, to show the wonder of His creative magnificence. I am hardly the perfect parent, but I am a parent that loves God, and desires more than anything on earth that all my children will love Him too.

If that is my legacy, that is all I desire.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

The Anchor We All Need

"Watch her," the activity director whispered to me, before leaving, "She is psychotic and she may just get up and leave. Don't try to stop her."

I didn't know what she might do if I tried to stop her, but it sounded dire.

I was teaching my art class at the Nursing Home. Thus far, the psychotic woman had only gotten up once. She had moved to a different seat so she could see my easel and follow my instructions better.

Now that I was warned, I kept an eye on her. However, she concentrated on her art, and from what I could discern, was completely engaged in the task at hand. I forgot to worry. In fact, as the dog we were drawing began to take shape, I walked by her on my circuit around the room and screeched to a halt in wonderment.

Her picture was stunning.

"Are you an artist?" I asked.

She nodded.

"I can tell," I said, smiling at her.

Probably the best thing on earth for someone battling a mental disease is to do something she could do well, and loved doing. I suspect it is my art that has kept me from psychoses. The woman was completely attentive the entire hour, and followed my instructions perfectly. When she finished, she carefully put her picture in a bag attached to her walker.

"Thank you," she told me, "I enjoyed that."
"Thank you for joining us," I told her, "I enjoyed having you here."

I can't imagine how terrifying it must be to have your mind start to desert you. What a comfort to find an anchor, something you do remember and all the terrors of your disintegration leave you for a time.
My mind is still intact, but I do know what it feels like to lose control of the world you thought you had a firm grip on. The anchor for me, the only anchor at times like that, is Jesus.

No matter what is spiraling out of control around me, there He is. I remember how He has always been there in the past, and He doesn't seem inclined to let go of my future. In fact, His promise is He is with me always, to the very end of the age.

On a side note, one gentleman in a wheelchair came early, and we chatted as I set up. Somehow we got on the subject of me being an author of horse books. He pulled out a picture of a GORGEOUS mustang stallion. He used to be a mustang rancher, and the stallion was his pride and joy. After two strokes, he sold his forty mares, but moved the stallion with him near the nursing home. He can't ride anymore, but he still visits his stunning horse. Next time I teach art there, I will bring him my horse books!

As he showed me the picture of his stallion, he grew silent, wistful.
"Could you still ride him, if someone helped you on?" I asked, hatching a plot.
"Oh yes," he said."He was always an easy-going fellow."
"I'd like to visit that horse with you," I said.
"Ok, sure!"

The activity director returned.
"How was it??? Was everything ok?"
"It was perfect," I assured her.
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Jonah 2:5-7

The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.

White as Snow- A Message About God Covering Us

FIVE whole inches of snow predicted for Monday!!!!! In Charlotte, five inches of snow means the city will shut down, and the streets will be perfect trails for cross country skiing. I can't wait!

I was born a northerner, so I know five inches of snow makes those north of the Mason-Dixon line laugh. But for us in the south, that is a total white-out. It is blessings from above that make the impassable roads my playground, my cross-country ski trail, my path of beauty. It transforms the grey, drab death of winter landscape into a white satin sheet of pristine loveliness.

My Bible study today was about how despair can seep in when we think we must move forward on our own power. All our roads seem blocked. Drifts of desperation pile so high, we know the path is too treacherous to navigate.

We forget that when trials abound, God's compassions abound as well. We are looking around us at the icy dangers, and not above us, at the One who sends each snowflake miraculously unique. Blessings and power from above shower down upon us and God has no favorites. When we look up, hoping to catch  just one snowflake of His profusion on our tongue, He will cover us in the blanket of His power, grace, and mercy.

There is no place we go where God does not go with us. There is no path impossible with God.

I'm hoping God and I are skiing on the streets of Charlotte Monday, instead of to my regular Monday work on the sidewalks of the busiest abortion center pleading for mamas to choose life. I pray that place where at least fifty babies are slated to die will be shut down by the pure white snow.

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PS- if it does snow and you are stuck inside, I have a great book recommendation for you! Learn how God is moving in the fight to end a culture of abortion in this surprisingly optimistic, new release. (Click here.)
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Isaiah 55:10-11

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Because He Cares

 I follow twenty or so moms who chose life over abortion. Some ask for more contact and help than others. I text each of them a daily Bible verse. I noticed lately that most of them read the verse each day. That is all the encouragement I need. There is power in the word of God. If they are reading, I will keep sending.

Nearly every day, I get a response like the one I got yesterday: Thanks. I really needed to hear that today.

I always text back, "I am glad. Is everything okay?"
Usually, they don't respond. They want me to know that God's word penetrated to some place it needed to be, but it's a place they aren't always willing to share with me.

That's okay. God has them in His sights. As long as they are reading, I will keep texting.

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To understand a little seen perspective on the abortion debate, consider reading Singing in The Darkness. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BJ3G6SQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 )

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Philippians 2:4 

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Peter 5:7 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Hebrews 13:8 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Jeremiah 1:5 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Ephesians 4:2 

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Being Transformed to a New Creation

I had one of the most rewarding discussions of my life yesterday. I met a young mother at Sweet Pea 3-D Imaging for an ultrasound. I had counseled her about a month or so ago to choose life at the abortion center where I volunteer every Monday as a sidewalk counselor for Cities4Life.

When I first met her, she was determined to abort as she could not really see any other choice -- unmarried, uncertain life goals, falling out with the father of the child. Her mother accompanied her onto the HELP Mobile Ultrasound unit, clearly conflicted. The mother obviously loved her daughter but had deep concerns.

No wonder. As I got to know Marcy (not her real name), I discovered that she had been clinically depressed for years. Her mother had tried everything she knew to end the depression - drugs, psychoanalysis, diet...Nothing worked. Her stunningly beautiful daughter remained depressed and unable to clearly voice why.

And now she was pregnant. She believed in "a higher power", but this power was amorphous, removed from her real struggles and pain. Her mother would support her daughter in whatever she decided, but I sensed that her mother grieved over the idea of abortion. As I spoke, she looked at me with sad, pleading eyes. She loved her daughter, and didn't know how to help her, but her heart was heavy.

I shared the gospel, not certain if Marcy accepted any of it. She promised me she would think about it however. Her mother seemed to be holding her breath while I spoke. Then I spoke to Marcy about the humanity of the baby. I talked with her about logically looking at the point at which the baby was human and deserved protection. She agreed with me that conception was the only point that made logical sense regarding the humanity of the baby.

The wonderful nurse quickly found the tiny baby on the ultrasound, and spoke beautifully of the miracles going on deep within the protective womb. Sometimes with such young babies, it is difficult to find them or their little beating heart. That beating heart can soften the most abortion-minded mamas. The pulsing heart was tiny, but discernible, throbbing with its claim to life.

Marcy was clearly intelligent, and came to the conclusion I had hoped she would reach. She chose life and agreed to let me send her daily Bible verses. She also was eager to see her baby again on the 3-D ultrasound to determine gender so Cities4Life partner, Truth and Mercy Pro-life Ministry, could throw her a lavish baby shower. Sweet Pea 3-D Imaging also partners with us, so that these vulnerable mothers can further connect with their precious child. I scheduled the shower, the 3-D Ultrasound, and spent the next month sending both her mother and Marcy daily Bible verses of encouragement.

Yesterday, I met her for the ultrasound. I hadn't seen her in a month. I discerned immediately something was different. Her eyes sparkled and she looked...content.

"How are you?" I asked.
"Better than I have been maybe ever," she told me. Then she described an amazing transformation within. It all began when she met us on the sidewalk, encouraging her to choose life.

"If you hadn't been there," she said, "I am sorry to say this, but I would have aborted. My life before this was so sad. I had been depressed for years. This is the first time in my life I wake up knowing I am happy. At the beginning, when I was going to abort, I saw only two roads. I had a choice: To continue down the first road, familiar and comfortable, and continue a life that would only hold me back, or take the second road. It was foreign and I didn't know what it held for me. I have always had high anxiety and the first road was the one I was going to take until I met you all: Abort and go on with my life. Instead, I took a chance, down a road I'd never chosen before. I had no idea where it might lead. I took road two. I am so changed and happy, I will never look back."

(FYI, at this point in her monologue, the ultrasound nurse, Marcy's mother, and I were all wiping away tears.)

Marcy continued:

"I didn't really understand the God I was raised to know before this. Catholic school taught me about God, but I didn't feel him. Until now, I had been very blind to him. Today I see, feel, and watch him work in powerful and beautiful ways I can feel but not quite explain. I am being rewarded everyday for choosing Him when I couldn't see what lay ahead."

Astonishing. The little baby, yet unborn, has already turned his mother's life around. Not yet having inhaled his first breath outside the womb, he has helped her to find God, and find joy in a world that she had lost hope in.

"I love him so much already," Marcy told us, "When I smell things like cigarettes or gasoline, I feel sick. It's amazing that I feel sick because those things could hurt him, and I don't want anything to hurt him. Even the way my body responds is to protect him."

Exactly. God designed the mother perfectly to protect and bear her child. Abortion is a violent affront to that perfect design. However, when we take the first step in obedience to His will, He continues to guide all the others.

As we gazed at the active little boy on the 3-D ultrasound doing gymnastics in his mother's womb, Marcy's mother said, "Oh, I love him! I can't wait to hold him!"
"He's mine," Marcy said, smiling at her mom.

I was such a grateful witness to this little miracle.
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To read about this life altering ministry, please consider purchasing the best selling new book, Singing in the Darkness, that gives an in-depth, unique look at similar stories, and a side of the abortion debate few encounter. Please feel free to share this post, and links wide and far! Church, arise!

Then visit charlotte.cities4life.org to see how you can help and be used in miracles of life.

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Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 3:18

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.