JMSauer

Sharing Good News!

2008-03-29T22:15:00.011-05:00

Living Fountain Ministries posted my article "Be Still, Listen, Trust, and Hope" on their website to encourage others to journal. "I have been looking for a well written piece on Journaling simplified for beginners and for those who start and stop journaling. Reverend L.C. Magee, Living Fountain Ministries"
Link to article: http://reflections.living-fountain-ministries.org/BeStill.html

Reverend Bruce K. Rice commented on my article "Hey God, Got a Flashlight?" "Fantastic...there is no other word for it! I have been preaching on the darkness in life for years now...You hit it better than I ever could! Bless you, Bruce"
Link to article http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=56551

Inspire Magazine (http://www.inspirestl.com/index.htm) reprinted my article "By His Grace" in their online magazine.
Link to article reprint: http://www.inspirestl.com/bhg.html
Inspire Magazine is the Magazine for St. Louis Christian Women by St. Louis Christian Women

Christian Connection ezine reprinted my article "By His Grace"
Link to article: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/christianconnectionzine/message/305

Teach Me Thy Ways (http://www.teachmethyways.org/weblog.php) reprinted my article "For Given" on their weblog. Thank you Willetta Pilcher!
Link to article: http://successwithkids.org//comments.php?id=520_0_1_0_C

Where Fear and Faith Collide, Trust is Born

2007-12-28T23:30:00.000-06:00

When we live in that minute space where fear and faith collide, we allow trust to be born. Below are acronyms for these key words and Scripture passages to reflect upon. May strength, courage, and hope find you while being still and listen.

FEAR: Forget Everything and Run
Meditate on these Scripture passages:
To those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong; fear not! Isaiah 35:4 NAB

Take courage woman; have no fear in your heart! Judith 11:1 NAB

FAITH: Fully Allow It To Happen
Meditate on these Scripture passages:
Be still my daughter to see how the matter turns out! Ruth 3:18 NAB

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

COLLIDE: Convert Our Life Lessons into Divine Experiences
Meditate on these Scripture passages:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:8-9 MSG

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9:1-3 NIV

TRUST: To Rely Upon Spiritual Transformations
Meditate on these Scripture passages:
No eye has ever seen or no ear has ever heard or no mind has ever thought of the wonderful things God has made ready for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLV

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

Copyright 2007 Judith M. Sauer

Footnotes on Bible translations cited: NAB is New American Bible, NIV is New International Version, NLB is New Living Translation, MSG is The Message Bible

Wash, Wash, Wash

2007-08-18T11:21:00.000-05:00

“Be still my heart, O God; help me to find peace and happiness.”
Dear Child, you are trying too hard. This process has a life cycle to live. You are feeling like the hamster on the wheel and want to get off. However, you are really in the washing machine. You have been through the presoak and agitation cycles. It appears this machine is stuck and continually repeats the agitation cycle. I know you are waiting for the repair man. All you want is to have that final rinse and come out smelling fresh, looking bright, and feeling clean and new.

Yet the repair man is either delayed because the parts are not ready or it is just not time yet. You cannot get out of this cycle – yet you wish of being the hamster where you can control your exit. Know that the agitation cycle will shake you up, violently and forcefully enough that all you are is being shoved, poked, manipulated, and attacked by the functioning parts of the washing machine. This is a normal process.

You want to be clean like a fresh white linen blouse, right? Even though it is not fun to go through this part of the overall process, it all comes out fine in the end.

When you have used the gentle cycle (and it only happens on the gentle cycle) the machine leaves chunks of something attached to the clothing. The items are not fully clean because they did not endure the harshness of the true agitation cleaning cycle. So every time you use the gentle cycle, it requires you to closely inspect and hand pick off the chunks. These chunks are a mystery; they are unsightly brownish-gray and can totally ruin a shirt if not tended to quickly for removal.

So the cycle continues. It’s either a severe thrashing or a close scrutiny with being picked on later. You have mentioned the gentle cycle being such a pain – so in perspective, is it better to get the thrashing about over and done with or would you rather be constantly on guard to ensure no chunks of gunk go unnoticed and somehow hitchhike its way onto you?

The washing machine does have cycle down times. Enjoy those few minutes of peace – they don’t happen often or last as long as you might prefer during the hectic, overall process. Appreciate what you have, be grateful for what you do not have, and always find something to where you can say “thank you Jesus”.

Go have a beautiful day where, if you look beneath the rocks under your feet, you will discover a spec of peace here, another smidgen of joy over there, and between them sits love.

I love you my dear child. Go in peace to love and serve the world.

In His Time

2007-07-29T05:28:00.000-05:00

It was summer, 79 degrees with 56% humidity and cloudy. Despite the non-appearance of the sun or blue skies, the five of them, Lisa, Marie, Anne, Joseph, and Renee piled into Marie’s SUV, along with two dogs, a beagle and a toy poodle, to drive the 30 miles to a picnic at the lake. The host, Kelly, was only aware that Lisa and Joseph were coming. She also expected Lisa’s dog Amber. The gathering would be very small and intimate just as they had been for nearly a decade.

After ten years of intentional distance, very tall wall had grown between Marie and Kelly. Anne's walls with Kelly has been going down brick by brick for about a year now. God has been pressing on Marie's heart for some time now, at least 18 months, and she was beginning to notice a genuine peace inside when thinking and praying for Kelly.

But would this surprise visit would need a bulldozer to hurl at those high, thick, secluding walls? Marie would have accepted even if the wall only crumbled just a bit to make progress toward forgiveness and healing. One can hope, and most definitely pray, for a miracle.

Kelly was on her own turf, in her safety zone, and certainly was not expecting a surprise of this magnitude. Ostracized and estranged for ten years, it would take nothing short of a miracle to change hearts and lives, or so it seemed. Marie truly prayed that this surprise would remove doubts, fears, insecurities, and allow the free-spirits of Marie and Kelly to soar again.

The closer Marie got toward Kelly's home, excitement was building up within her. Both really just want to feel acceptance and love, and the time had come, for within minutes, God’s plans would change Kelly and Marie’s day and lives forever.

At the gated community fence, Lisa buzzed and announced herself to Kelly on arrival. Everyone else in the car, dogs included, remained keep to keep the surprise alive.

“Whose gray SUV is that?” Kelly asked her son Troy.

“Well, it’s not Lisa’s car, she drives a bright blue SUV.”

“Oh my, that is Marie’s car!” and with that realization, Kelly runs out of the house and up the hill to greet her visitors. With a smile as wide as the Mississippi River is long, Kelly gleefully exclaimed “Oh, what a wonderful surprise, I cannot believe it, that you are here. Oh, I am so excited and I’m not going to stop smiling for days.”

Marie got out of her SUV and hugged Kelly for the longest time. It was a tender moment – more like three minutes, but who’s counting? There was no more rancor, anxiety, or doubts. By God's grace she made it without fear and trembling, and had a genuine desire to take this leap of faith.

Once inside the house, the visitors saw Carter. Time has perhaps been his greatest ally because he seemed more reticent than in the past. His demeanor was calmer, not sarcastic, and he was comfortable to be around.

Marie had brought a special gift for Kelly and she was anxious for her to open the present. With trembling fingers, Kelly opened the card and read the words. The card had a simple flower vase on the front with a wilted over rose drooping toward the ground. On its cover, the words read “I am so sorry I hurt you.” and inside the message continued with “Will you forgive me?” Tears welled in Kelly's eyes, and once again, she hugged Marie very tightly. Words were not needed, the hug was evidence that the healing between these two women was beginning.

Then Kelly opened the small gift inside the bag. After finally ripping the paper, she uncovered a three inch square slate plaque that had an intricately carved cross along with the words “God answers prayers” inscribed.

“Oh yes he does!” Kelly exclaimed as she hugged Marie. “I’ve been praying for this day for a very long time.”

“Me too” Marie whispered softly into Kelly’s ear.

It has been a long time in coming, but God’s time finally arrived. Kelly, Marie, and Anne are sisters. There is yet another sister, Martha, who is not yet ready to reunite with her youngest sister. When their mother died seven years earlier, Kelly was ostracized from the family. Three years before that happened Marie had a falling out with Kelly. For ten years, Marie and Kelly were sisters in name only. Yet, today was about healing wounds, building bridges, and starting all over again.

After walking through Kelly and Carter’s new lake front home, the group headed outside and down to the dock. Dogs and all, everyone except Carter, got on the pontoon boat to take a ride on the lake. Carter was going to grill for their guests; after all it was a picnic.

It is evident that life on the lake agrees with Kelly. She seemed far more relaxed than Marie anticipated. She seems happy, content, and on the verge of happy tears because Marie came to make amends.

Just like God had Moses wandering through the desert (not all who wander are lost) these two souls needed to wander their own Sahara’s to get to the place they finally arrived. Never underestimate the power of God. God does answer prayers, in his own time. And when that time comes, along for the ride is peaceful assurance that the actions are right, that motives are genuine, and the walls between them crumble down to the ground.

Reflection Questions

While it might be hard to imagine now, especially if you are in a very strained family relationship, how would it feel to be reunited with your loved one without strings attached?
What would it take to keep the past in the past and only live for today? Can you enjoy just the moment in time when the world seems to stop and all feels just right?
If you have felt this experience before in life, how have your experiences been shared to help others who are struggling with family dynamics?
When the going gets tough, and the tough build taller walls, what can you do to build a bridge to climb over the wall to humbly say “I am sorry I hurt you; will you forgive me?” How would that make you feel? What about the others involved?

Do you believe in miracles? I do. The above story is true, just the names were changed. It could be any family who had this healing experience. For today, it was God’s time for it to happen with me and my little sister. For that alone I am grateful.

Scripture Passage Meditation

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)

A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Get Out of My Way

2007-01-02T17:57:00.000-06:00

Making resolutions on New Year’s Eve is not something I do however this year as the calendar pages turned to a new year I found myself making a personal commitment regarding self care. My life is in much need of an overhaul: not all aspects, in fact, some are great. It is the trouble spots that need work and my attention. These are the areas that for whatever reason get shoved to the bottom of the priority pole and never get the time, attention, or dedication they deserve.

“Get Out of My Way” was scribbled on the yellow pad on my nightstand. Based on the penmanship it was obviously written in the middle of the night when awakened from a dream. While the dream details are lost, the message was preserved: Get Out of My Way.

This is a message that transcends across boundaries of emotions, actions, attitudes, and behaviors. I can be my best cheerleader and worst critic – probably many others share these similar traits. What I do know is that in the past nine months I have managed to break my cycle of working overtime. Of course, I did not do this all by myself … it required daily commitment and follow through to make it happen, and the loving guidance of God to keep me sincere in my quest.

Fueled by emotions and often times disgust, I have been able to walk away and let work stay in my office. Even so, at times when not physically in my office, my head has often been in there, and work has infiltrated my sleep and dreams. But I still would not go into my office and work like in the past. That is perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the past nine months. There is a sense of satisfaction knowing that I can break destructive cycles that only make my life miserable. Life is too short to be unhappy.

So I am reminding myself that if I can break the cycle of working far more hours than is healthy then I can certainly fit in healthy balances of nutrition and exercise. At least this is what I keep telling myself, and dare I say I am ready to start anew? Even on this first day’s attempt I have not been perfect and I have given myself some slack. I have a lifetime of reversal to make happen. Rome was not built in a day, and my progress, albeit slow and steady, may at times be spotty too. I can live with the imperfections provided my focus remains.

I want my positive experiences over stopping the crazy long hours to catapult my motivation to put my physical, mention, emotional, and spiritual needs much higher on the priority pole. I cannot break this cycle alone and admit a heavy reliance upon God is required to keep me from doing that which no longer serves me.

“Get Out of My Way” is such great advice because despite my best efforts, attempts, and ambitions, without a doubt I am my biggest obstacle. I have prayed so many nights to ask for the follow through to exercise the next morning only to not honor this plea for help. My prayer requests I am sure are wasting God’s time when asking for divine intervention and then not follow through. Oh dear Lord, my apologies are riddled with shame and guilt. Please forgive my broken spirit and failed attempts.

It would be great if my inner drive that enables me to do a good job at work would translate to all aspects of my life yet I see huge lessons in humility here. I do not feel equipped mentally to have the discipline for daily exercise, always making the healthy food choices, or stress free lifestyle decisions. Despite my human frailties, I have had success in self care in the past only to be shaken by laziness and boredom. I do believe that God can help me Get Out of My Way. Regardless of my biological age, my spirit feels much younger. So I pray:

Get Out of My Way

Help me God to Get Out of My Way
I need your divine intervention every single day
Exercise and nutrition are top on my list
Endurance and follow through – get my gist?
Reducing stress is paramount right now
Especially with the myriad of afflictions – this is my vow
So help me Lord to Get Out of My Way
And show me how to honor you by doing so every single day.

Dear child,
I can help you stay out of your way
The secret of course is to pray, pray, pray

Prayer is more than just words
It is found in everyday actions too
So when you feel like saying no to exercise
Push aside those thoughts and just do

You can do this my dear
Within you is all that you need
Follow through and consistency
Give yourself the gift through actions and deed

Whispered Prayers

2006-12-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

Oh shepherd of Israel, please hear my cry
My soul it aches and I know why
Within my heart is a longing for change
Yet you are keeping me still with no motion or range

My child I hear you
Continue to pray
I am here with you now
And every single day

The only constant Lord is a dark heavy veil
It shrouds my heart leaving no light for my trail
I hope and dream that something good will occur
All the while, my inner callings are astir

Dear precious one
Covered in sorrow
I know you hurt
My grace is yours now to borrow

If this dream within Christ is really from you
Then show me how to achieve it too
I feel inadequate, inept, and so unsure
Of such a calling you want me to secure

Oh darling girl
You worry so much
Let go of the fight within
It is a useless crutch

Oh whisper in my dreams God so I may hear from you
How to find my smile and change my view
Remove my doubt and procrastination
So I may achieve this new vocation

Sweet daughter of mine
Your abilities will shine
It will all work out as it is meant to be
Trust me and you will soon see

Refill my vessel Jesus with joy and peace
Allow my vigor to renew and never cease
Thank you Heavenly Father for all that you do
Most especially for keeping me so very close to you

The pleasure is all mine my dear
Thank you for voicing out your fear
Now find some rest and get back your strength too
For the journey is long yet I am walking with you

A Calm Surrender

2006-12-01T15:26:00.000-06:00

What exactly does it mean to experience a calm surrender? The word surrender usually conjures up images of defeat, giving in, and being overpowered by someone or something. How can calm exist in such a dire situation?

“Wave the white flag!”
“I quit!”
“I give up!”
“I cannot win so what’s the use in trying?”

None of these thoughts convey calmness; quite the opposite in fact. So when would a calm surrender actually happen? What does it look like, smell like, or feel like?

Often times, surrendering can be anything but calm. Typically it is an experience that usually brings one to their knees – literally and figuratively. The anguish, fear, hurt, and pain often felt are not easy places to reside. However, when working through the messy parts of life, there can be a peacefulness that invades our being. Whether it is a comfortable feeling, an uneasiness, feeling awkward or odd, somehow some thing or some one takes over and carries us through what seems totally impossible and entirely unbearable.

So by whom and why can this mysterious transformation occur? Can a calm surrender only occur during moments of difficulty and strife? These are valid questions to discern. Hopefully in time we eventually get to the point where we surrender all - the outcome of some person, place, or situation – into the hands and will of God.

For some, God is an acronym for Good Orderly Direction. To others though, God is their Heavenly Father. I prefer to believe both are true. It is not easy laying down that which controls our sanity in the moment. Yet at that moment of choice – the pivotal act of acquiescence – of letting go and allowing God’s master plan to unfold is when we are the prevailing winner.

It is rather odd to think that we are winners when we surrender yet that is exactly what happens. In that split second decision is when the inner calm, albeit difficult to fathom let alone to feel its existence, truly does rest in our hearts. We somehow instinctively know that we have made the right choice regardless of what outcome may result. Sure we could continue the fight but that is usually within ourselves.

Too often our inner turmoil gives us permission to succumb be it with an emotion such as paralyzing fear or having an insatiable desire to numb out with our drug of choice (food, alcohol, shopping, sex, drugs, etc.).

The last thing on our mind is trying to find the quiet decision of honoring ourselves. We could take a walk, ride a bike, or write in a journal but the oomph just is not there. It is as if the flame on our pilot light has been extinguished and we have not the skills or desire to get it going again.

It is in these times of anguish when the bitter taste of defeat corrodes any thread of peacefulness. Perhaps the only way to regain our strength is by admitting our weakness and surrender to something higher than ourselves.

Jesus said to me “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Let Go and Let God – these five words equal surrender and even humility. Humility is not humiliation but rather a mindset that just maybe I do not have all the answers. It is obvious that I cannot control the outcome of uncontrollable situations. I am unable to make the world rotate around me or even my sphere of influence.

It is not all about me but rather allowing the grand conductor to lead the orchestra as the symphony of life plays on. Sure, someone may hit a sour note because we all are imperfect beings. Yet in looking at the bigger picture, the conductor focuses on all the right notes that are being played.

In our earthly existence, it is too easy to become fixated on that solitary note that was played off key. Yes, the maestro does hear the sharp or flat note being played however, the dissident sound may momentarily affect the symphonic melody but it does not own the music or the experience.

So what if a wrong note is played? It’s not like it is the first time it has happened nor will it be the last. A more important question deserves our attention. “Did it affect our breathing?” I feel comfortable saying with near certainty that it does not. If it is too minor to affect our breathing pattern then why give the gaff any more credence that it deserves? We are all imperfect; it is the way we were designed. We are wired to be human not perfectionistic robots.

Let Go and Let God - by Judy Sauer
Let go and let God – he is the way
To focus our energies every single day.
It is not easy to do yet it serves us best
When we lay down our troubles and give them a rest.
Trust in God in all that you do
Minor issues, big events; hand them over and peace will find you.
When the darkness takes over the hours of light
And you are left alone in the shadows of the very dark night.
Do not fret or worry because we are not out of God’s sight.
This he has promised: yes that is right.
When we do this we can feel a moment of peace
A calm surrender that just does not cease.

You Are Mine

2006-11-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

How does a person with no earthly examples of practicing faith become so enmeshed with God? For me, I attribute it to my birth initials of JMJ. At some point in my tender years, I realized a connection with my initials and the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They became the parents I wanted and so badly needed in my life.

I clung to this special bond so tightly because home life was filled with conditional love. “Do as I say not as I do” was a regularly pronounced mandate in our house. Growing up with conditional love stings, hurts, and leaves lifelong scars. Much of the sadness I experienced came from living with an abusive step-father. His name is Charlie yet Hitler is more befitting. If I was scared from Charlie’s abusive ways, or being sent to bed without supper – not because there wasn’t food but because he could, or when enduring humiliation because of his disrespect for us as human beings, I could always talk to God, my Heavenly Father, who somehow made things feel a little better, because God was bigger than 6’3” Charlie.

God became my parent; the one I talk to, confide in, and trust to carry me through each day. The Christian song “Trading My Sorrows” has some lyrics based on 2 Corinthians 4:9 “I am persecuted, not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed.” This rings true to me because it is how I can differentiate between my evil step-father and my Heavenly Father. While Charlie may have ruled my life for ten years, God won the battle and has me for life.

I often wondered why God allowed such an evil person to be alive. We were under strict scrutiny, treated as if we were in the military, endured inspections, humiliation, and he knew no boundaries in ways of hurting us. His belittling and cruel behaviors shaped my psyche in a very dysfunctional manner: one that is taking a lifetime to reverse.

Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Even in the dark times of my life, I know my heavenly parent is there seeing me through the challenges I face. Because of my childhood environment – living under Charlie’s thumb, I am on edge a lot as if on high alert – like a squirrel that gets easily spooked, and as a result, I have suffered anxiety and depression since my childhood.

Psalm 6:3 explains how I have felt too many times: “My inner self as well as my body is exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But Lord, how long until you return and fill me with peace?” Is that not what a parent should do: calm their child's fears, kiss their skinned knees, and make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved? I know of no better parent than God because he does all that and so much more than I will ever know.

The aftershocks of my step-father’s domination ripple deeply. My life has been infected with not much self care. I often lack respect for myself, and my most common form of exercise has been jumping to conclusions. Bottom line is that my self worth gets tangled with what I do versus who I am: a child of God. This declaration appears numerous times in the Bible, such as in Galatians 4:7 “You are God’s child, and God will give you the blessings he promised, because you are his child.”

Oh thank you Heavenly Father for being the parent I knew could exist and for loving me unconditionally. Even if I never see your face, I feel your warmth and love around me. You blow the wind as if to say “Hello, I am here always.” Words cannot express the boundless gratitude in my heart for your loving kindness and for filling the parental voids of my earthly life. You are mine and I am your’s.

Why, Thank You!

2006-11-08T00:20:00.000-06:00

“Why, thank you!” I said with a huge smile on my face to the little boy as he held out is small left hand. This sandy blonde hair lad was giving me a gift; how sweet! Within his tiny fingers was a white stony pebble that he gestured for me to accept from him. His eyes widened as did his smile when I accepted his gift. I had just introduced myself to our new neighbors; his parents, when this innocent act of kindness occurred. Since he didn’t know me, no words were spoken yet none were needed since his physical gestures explained his intentions clearly: he simply wanted to share his treasures. Then holding up his clenched right hand, he wanted to give me another gift; a matching stony pebble, to which I replied again “Why, thank you!” and his smile grew even wider. It is obvious that this toddler enjoys sharing his earthly possessions of the moment.

While at church the next day, the gospel reading was Mark 10:14-15: Jesus said “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (NAB).

As the deacon read this passage, my mind flashed back to the encounter with the toddler from down the street. What an awesome reality I learned from that little boy. Sometimes we are given gifts that appear to be like rocks. So why is it that I can show enthusiasm to a small child when receiving his gifts, yet when I’m handed a pebble, a rock, or even a boulder from God, it feels like a hardship? I recalled a prayer of gratitude shared on a weekend retreat two weeks earlier. Regardless of what happens, always pray “Thank you and praise you Jesus.” Ok, so this is something that will take some getting used to, yet allows me to find gratitude even when life feels stuck in the pits.

My neighbor’s son, coupled with hearing God’s word proclaimed, taught me a valuable life lesson: regardless of what God hands me, it is always a gift so accept it with enthusiasm and gratitude. When I’m handed sorrow as when my daughter’s guinea pig was dying, “Thank you and praise you Jesus” for the gift of time was at my feet. Sure I had planned to do other things that afternoon, yet what was more important than consoling my daughter in her grief and encouraging this little piggy to run home to heaven? My choice of accepting God’s gift of availability proved to be time well spent. Thank you and praise you Jesus.

When facing an overwhelming struggle that could be a life-changing event, being receptive to the changes ahead of me is a lesson yet mastered. I don’t know God’s plan yet sometimes wonder if the changes could be side steps that ultimately lead me to the path to which God is directing me; one that is better than I can ever imagine. It’s not always easy to accept change, especially the trying and difficult events, because too often it resembles loss which carries a myriad of feelings – usually negative. Yet by receiving the gifts as graciously as I did with my neighbor’s son, in time the goodness of what is hidden within the darkness of pain can be revealed with God’s flashlight. So don’t leave one minute before the miracle happens because God just might be about to show what great, wonderful, and new life can spring from the depths of difficulties. Thank you and praise you Jesus!