Michelle Medlock Adams's Blog, page 5

My Scribe Tribe

Earlier this month, I took part in a non-fiction children’s writing retreat at The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas. Now, I wasn’t originally scheduled to go. In fact, I sort of weaseled my way into this small group of very talented, well-published, amazing group of writers from all over the country. My dear friend Wendy Lanier had mentioned she was going one day while we were chatting on the phone, and I begged her, “Can you get me in?”

Would this group of non-fiction children’s book writers accept me?

Wendy couldn’t promise me a spot, but she did promise to ask Author Pat Miller, who was running the retreat, if I could come. While they were only supposed to have 10 participants, and all 10 slots were already full, Pat made an exception and welcomed me to this exclusive group.

As time drew near for the retreat, I grew more nervous. Would this group of non-fiction children’s book writers accept me? After all, most of my books fall into the children’s fiction category, and most of my books are in the Christian market. And, after studying each writer’s biography, I learned that almost every one of them published exclusively in the secular market.

I was worried.

Then I received an email from the group, asking each of us to submit a manuscript to be critiqued by all. I panicked. Then I called Wendy.

“I can’t submit a manuscript,” I shared. “I only have a couple of things in the works right now…and they are board books! Are board books even allowed?” Wendy assured me a board book manuscript would be just fine. Still, I worried.

A few weeks later, I received an email from the group with our cooking and cleanup assignments. I panicked once again as I read over the extensive menu. Then I called Wendy.

“I can’t cook!” I whined. “Did you tell them I can’t cook? I only make crockpot soup…and the occasional meatloaf. I’m not a good cook. What am I going to do?”

“You’ll be fine,” Wendy assured. “It’s all going to be Ok.”

But, the more I thought about the writing retreat, the more I worried. By the end of that week, I had almost talked myself out of going. I had great excuses, too. I could justify backing out, yet some small part of me still wanted to participate, even though it was WAY out of my comfort zone. So, I put on my big girl britches and determined I would go.

A few short weeks later, I was on an airplane bound for Texas.

I found my tribe. My scribe tribe.

When Wendy and I arrived at The Writing Barn, we expected to be sharing a bedroom and a bathroom, but since I was a last-minute addition increasing the group to 11, housing was a challenge. The only place available for me to sleep was in an open loft, on a futon, above the main room where we held all of our sessions. It certainly wasn’t ideal. And my first instinct was to call an Uber and head back to town in search of a nearby hotel. However, as I processed the situation, Wendy suggested we go over to the other cabin where everyone else who had already arrived happened to be.

“No, you go ahead,” I said. “I need a minute.” But as she started to leave, I felt that inward nudging to join her. So, I did.

Best decision ever.

As I sheepishly joined the other writers, they immediately welcomed me. I soon learned that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know everyone. In fact, almost every writer there was just like me—new to this particular group.

Though we all started as strangers, we became fast friends. Our group, made up of writers from New York, Ohio, Iowa, California, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, and Colorado, certainly proved to be a diverse gathering of literary minds. Different ages. Different backgrounds. Different faiths. Different styles of writing. Just different.

But those differences enriched our group. From the very first discussion, it was obvious God had put our little literary family together. Over the course of the next three and a half days, I learned more than I’d ever learned in such a short time, and I laughed harder than I had laughed in years.

I found my tribe. My scribe tribe.

And, I’ve never been so thankful that I had pushed past my fears and stepped out of my comfort zone. Because if I had missed out on this opportunity, I would’ve missed a door that was divinely opened for me.

Our little literary family is already planning next year’s retreat, and we have scheduled monthly Zoom calls to stay connected and encourage one another on this writing journey.

Writing can be a lonely path at times, which is why I am so grateful to have these ten amazing women walking with me.

I found my place.

I found my family.

I found yet another reason to write.

***

Are you allowing your fears and worries to keep you from God’s best in your life? Are you a little too comfy in your comfort zone? Why not step out of that zone today and through the door God has divinely opened for you?

Don't let your fears keep you from God's best in your life! #faithingod #INwritergirl
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A Little Polar Pop and Jesus…

 

I sometimes feel like I’m not a “real adult” because I don’t drink coffee. Though I love the aroma of freshly brewed java, I much prefer to start my day with a half Diet Pepsi/half Cherry Pepsi combo. If I’m traveling and not near a Circle-K to get that all-important first-thing-in-the-morning Polar Pop, I can get a little testy. I always tease, “You won’t like me before I’ve had caffeine.” My closest friends buy me Polar Pop gift cards for special occasions, and I always wake up to a Polar Pop and roses on my birthday. Yes, my friends and family know that my daily routine begins with a Polar Pop and Jesus.

After a few sips of my “mixed drink” and a few verses from the Bible, I am a new woman. The Polar Pop energizes my flesh while the Word of God energizes my spirit. No matter how drained I might feel as I slide into my leopard-print slippers and head for my favorite “morning quiet time” place (my comfy chair in the sunroom), I know that after spending a few minutes with God, I’ll be renewed and refreshed from the inside out. It’s like an instant Master Makeover.

It’s like an instant Master Makeover.

You know, the Bible tells us that when Moses spent time with God, he would have to wear a veil over his face because he glowed too brightly for the Israelites to behold him. If we spend time with God—reading the Word, praying, and praising Him in the morning—we will begin to glow, too, from the inside out. And, that radiance will shine brightly through us and onto every person we encounter. Maybe that’s why the Bible speaks about seeking Him in the morning. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

There’s no better way to start your day. Whether your drink of choice is a cup of java or a 32-ounce Polar Pop, make sure you drink in the Word of God and get your glow on. Your day awaits…

Whether your drink of choice is a cup of java or a 32-ounce Polar Pop, make sure you drink in the Word of God and get your glow on. #getyourglowon #MorningsWithJesus
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Mommy, it’s Doris Day!

Just last week, my favorite actress of all time, Doris Day, celebrated her 96th birthday.  Not only am I a fan, but also I raised some diehard Doris Day fans. You see, on rainy days, Abby and Ally and I would pop popcorn—the real buttery kind—put on our favorite jammies, and have classic movie marathons on my big bed. Sometimes Jeffrey even joined us.

On one such rainy afternoon, we enjoyed a Doris Day/James Garner double feature, watching “The Thrill of It All” and “Move Over, Darling.”  As the second movie ended, Abby and Allyson retreated to their playroom for some serious playtime before “lights out” while I picked up stray popcorn pieces.

Since it was a weekend, Jeff and I agreed to let the girls sleep in the playroom. That way, they could fall asleep watching a movie, which is always a special treat. The rest of the evening seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, the hour was 11 p.m. I crawled into bed and drifted off to sleep.

After only a few zzzs, I felt hot breath on my cheek. It was Abby. I opened one eye to see her standing right over me.

“What do you want, Ab?” I mumbled.

Have I exposed my girls to God’s Word enough that they would know His voice that quickly?

“I want to tell you something,” she said with great excitement. “I just heard Doris Day at the end of that movie we rented. The ‘Antz’ movie, Mommy! She’s singing some song about trouble tree plants and tight ropes.” 

Trouble tree plants and tight ropes, I pondered. Hmmmm.

“Oh, you mean, rubber tree plants and high hopes!” I said, quite pleased with myself for figuring out that one.

“Yeah, that’s it,” she beamed. “C’mon Mommy, you’ve got to hear it.”

So, I rolled out of bed, stumbled down the hallway, and poked my head into the playroom long enough to hear Doris Day’s beautiful voice singing, “High Hopes.”

“Yep, that’s her!” I assured Abby. “Good ear. I can’t believe you knew it was her without even seeing her.”

“I know her voice,” Abby said, quite proudly.

I kissed Abby on the forehead and covered up Allyson (who was already in dreamland) before returning to bed. As I lay there trying to get to sleep again, I thought about what Abby had said —“I know her voice.”

At the time, Abby was only 6 years old, yet I had exposed her to so many Doris Day movies that it took her only seconds to identify Miss Day’s voice. She knew it was Doris without even seeing her.

I smiled, realizing I had raised a serious Doris Day fan. But, then I wondered, Have I exposed my girls to God’s Word enough that they would know His voice that quickly?

Sure, I had taken them to church from the time they were born, but had I really encouraged them to meditate on God’s promises? Had I talked about his Word and his blessings as enthusiastically as I had talked about Doris Day’s career and her movie credits? Could Abby recite scriptures as well as she could recite the words to “The Thrill of it All”?

I wasn’t sure.

Certainly, there was nothing wrong with our Doris Day movie marathons. I had no guilt over that. But, I realized that night that I needed to spend more time encouraging my girls in the Word of God. I knew that if I showed excitement and adoration for God, then they would, too—just like they had followed my lead with Doris Day.

After that night, I made a conscious effort to show my enthusiasm for God. I didn’t refer to my devotion time as a “have to” obligation anymore. Instead, I let the girls know that Mommy was retreating to her room to have an exciting conversation with the Lord. And, I no longer found excuses to get out of going to Wednesday night church services. Instead, I’d pick up the girls from school on Wednesdays and start talking about how much fun we were going to have that night at church. Lastly, we started piling onto Abby’s bed every night and reading from a children’s devotional book. Then, we’d all join hands and pray together. That special time became another family tradition in our home, and I’m so thankful.

Today, I am happy to report that my girls have come to know God’s voice just as well as they know Doris Day’s. Knowing that has given me “High Hopes” for my daughters’ futures.

How well do you know God’s voice? How well do your children know His voice? Even if your answer today is, “not very well,” then pray with me.

“Father, I want to know Your voice. I want to be able to identify it immediately. I want to hear it over all of the other voices in my day-to-day life. Help me to know You more. And, Father, help me to show my enthusiasm for You and Your Word. Let others see that excitement in me and long for it, too. Amen.”

Father, I want to know Your voice. I want to be able to identify it immediately. #faithlife
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This post is an excerpt from my book, When Chocolate Isn’t Enough,  available on Amazon and other retailers.

Let the Healing Begin…

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader!

As a high school and college cheerleader, I found tan legs to be an important asset. Let’s face it—legs look thinner when tan. So, I tanned—probably more than I should have—at tanning salons and lying on an actual beach when time allowed.

So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when the biopsy on my left leg came back positive for melanoma in October 2006, but I was floored! I simply couldn’t believe I had skin cancer! When all was said and done, the doctor had skillfully removed the cancerous mass, leaving a 41/2 inch scar on the upper back part of my left leg. (Praise the Lord, all of the tests since the surgery have come back negative! I will be 12 years cancer free this coming October!)

But, I remember so well the weeks following that surgery. I had to be very careful with that incision, dressing and re-dressing it with a certain kind of bandage. Still, it seemed like that scar took forever to heal. Just about the time it would start to close completely, I’d accidentally hit it while getting out of the car and intense pain would shoot through my body. It hurt so much—almost as much as the day my doctor made the incision!

Today, though I can still see it, the scar has faded and it hasn’t caused me any pain for over 11 years.

You have a choice to make every time you open your mouth.

Maybe you haven’t had to undergo a major surgery leaving you with a scar, but you’ve probably endured some emotional pain in your life, leaving you with one or more painful heart scars. And, if you’ll be honest with yourself, some of those heart scars are still open wounds, never completely healing because you keep re-opening them with your thought life and your words.

Every time you talk about that heart scar and replay how badly you were hurt, your heart takes a hit (just like when I bumped my leg getting out of the car) and that scar is torn open again, and the hurt returns. When you dwell on painful experiences in the past, your emotions go right back there, causing you to feel real pain in the present.  So, don’t do it! I know that’s easier said than done, but if we keep reopening those heart scars, we’ll never escape the pain of the past and enjoy the blessing of the future.

Instead of recounting all of the painful times in your life, start sharing just how good God has been to you over the years.

Don’t count your scars; count your blessings.

You have a choice to make every time you open your mouth. You can choose to recall the hurts and pains of the past, or you can choose to praise the Lord for sustaining you through the hard times and giving you an inexplicable joy in spite of life’s circumstances. If you choose the latter, those old heart scars will completely disappear over time—just like my leg scar slowly faded with silicone gel pads and tender loving care.

I say, let the healing begin…it’s time.

Pray this with me: “Father God, I praise You today for all of the good things in my life. You truly are a good God. And, Lord, I ask You to take away all of the hurts from my past and replace them with your healing love. I receive that healing today. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me as only You can. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.”

You have a choice to make every time you open your mouth. Choose to praise the Lord and not to recall the hurts of the past. #faithingod #christian
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If there’s a cheerleader in your life, check out my latest book, Get Your Spirit On! Devotions for Cheerleaders. It’s a 40-day journey to a closer walk with God.

Tent Vision

Griffith Observatory in LA

One of my very favorite stories in the Bible is found in Genesis chapter 15—the story of Abram. Remember that one? God shows Abram a vision about his future. Let’s look at that passage together.

“Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 

But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.

You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 

Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.”

Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Verses 1-6, NLT).

God had to get Abram outside of the tent to show him the amazing future he had for Abram. You know why? Because Abram had “tent vision”….

You know why I love this story so much? Because God really knows how to get his message across, doesn’t he? Rather than just say, “Your heir isn’t going to be Eliezer. You will have many descendants,” God shows Abram just how many thousands of heirs he will have by taking him outside of the tent and directing his focus to the numerous stars in the night sky.

Wow.

Now that’s an image that would stick with you, isn’t it? But notice this—God had to get Abram outside of the tent to show him the amazing future he had for Abram. You know why? Because Abram had “tent vision,” and the reason I know this is because I’ve had tent vision a few times in my life, too.

Sometimes our vision is so limited that we can’t see all of the amazing things that God has planned for us. If that sounds familiar, you may have a case of “tent vision” yourself. Here’s the good news. All you have to do is follow God’s leading and be brave enough to walk outside the comfort of your tent, and you can get a clear view of all that God has in store for you. Don’t be limited by what you can see, let God show you what he sees instead.

Pray this with me:  “Father, I know you are no respecter of persons, but only a respecter of faith, so God I believe that you can and will perform a miracle in my life. I want to walk in all that you have for me, and I declare tonight that I no longer have tent vision but I am seeing my future through your eyes. In the Mighty Name of your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

Walk outside your own tent to catch a glimpse of what God has in store for you. #faithingod #believeingod
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Do You Know Your Enemy?

Ally and me heading to the IU game.

As a former sportswriter, a diehard Indiana Hoosiers Basketball fan, and a lifelong cheerleader, I pretty much live for March Madness. While basketball fans across the United States make travel arrangements and prepare to cheer on their favorite teams in the Big Dance, the coaches and teams who were fortunate enough to make it into the tourney are also in full-out preparation mode.

You can bet as soon as those teams found out who their opponents would be in the first round, they had their players in the practice rooms watching game film.

It’s good to know details about our enemy—the devil—so that we can be aware of his tricks and trademark moves.

Why?

So they can see the other team’s weaknesses, strengths, go-to plays, as well as individual player’s strengths, weaknesses and patterns. The coach studies the other team’s game footage to notice the screens, the cuts, the movement before the shot, as well as how the team gets its best players into position to make the best plays.

Alan Stein, owner of Stronger Team and the strength and conditioning coach for the nationally renowned Nike elite DeMatha Catholic High School basketball program, had this to say about the importance of watching game film:

“Great players are students of the game. They watch film. They study opponents….”

In other words, a coach and his players watch the opposing team’s game film in order to gain an advantage in the upcoming faceoff. If you know what to expect out of your opponent, you’ll be better prepared to outmaneuver him and come away with a win.

That same principle is true when dealing with the enemy in our spiritual lives. It’s good to know details about our enemy—the devil—so that we can be aware of his tricks and trademark moves. For example, we know from the Word of God that Satan is the father of all lies. Knowing that, when he comes to you and whispers in your ear, “You’re not worthy; You’ll never succeed in life; God doesn’t care about you;” you can say, “Those things aren’t true because they are coming from the father of all lies. In fact, if Satan is telling me those things, the exact opposite must be true: I am worthy! I will succeed in life! God does care about me!”

Conversely, you better be aware the devil is also studying you and watching your “game film.” He sees what play worked on you in the past, and he will run it over and over again in order to try and trip you up and stop your victory. If he knows you’re a worrier from observing your game film, he will give you lots of things to worry about until you take the bait. So, don’t fall for his tricks.

First Peter 5:8 says, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up” (MES).

Just like in basketball, we must keep our guard up in our spiritual lives. We have to stay in the Word of God. We have to spend time in prayer. And, we need to take time each day to meditate on the scriptures that pertain to whatever battle we happen to be encountering at that particular time in our lives.

For example, if you’re in the middle of a financial crisis right now, you should be reading and confessing scriptures about your Heavenly Father being your provider. Say:

“My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, according to Psalm 50:10, and He will provide for me!”
“According to John 10:10, my God has come that I might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Furthermore, in order to defeat the enemy, we should put on the full armor of God every single day (Ephesians 6:10-18). Think of it as your mandatory uniform. Just like a basketball player needs his team uniform, his socks, and his basketball shoes, you need every single piece of the armor of God to be prepared for battle.

Here’s the best news. Though these basketball teams heading into the NCAA tourney have no idea if they will win that next game, we have a different situation. See, no matter how much they prepare and practice, somebody still has to lose. There can only be one national champion. But, as Christians, we are guaranteed a win in the game of life. First Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We are victors!

Say “I am a victor through Christ Jesus!” right now, wherever you are, and say it throughout the day to remind yourself—and your enemy—that you’ve already won the battle. Now, that doesn’t mean our opponent is going to throw in the towel and give up. He will still try to aggravate us every chance he gets, but we still win! You’re a winner, so live with victory in your heart and mind today!

We are victors in Christ! #faithlife #godisgood
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The Fixed Hunt

Abby with Jeff, hunting eggs.

As we enter this Easter Season, my mind drifts back to the annual “Medlock Easter Egg Eggstravaganza.” It was truly a thing of wonder…one of our family’s best and most treasured traditions.

My Mom (otherwise known as Mamaw) took great pride in being the best grandmother in the world, which meant planning elaborate family events such as our family’s Easter egg hunt. She shopped for weeks in advance of Easter, finding every grandchild’s favorite candy, and several special trinkets and toys that she could stuff into each of the pastel-colored plastic eggs. My Dad, better known as Papaw, liked to get into the Easter Egg Eggstravaganza, too, so he stuffed money into several of the plastic eggs that Mom set aside for him. In some, he put $10 bills. Others were stuffed with $5 bills. Most contained $1 bills, and a few had quarters in them.

Now, the grandkids were allowed to help one another find their designated eggs but they could not take each other’s eggs. What a glorious plan!

Mamaw and Papaw not only carefully stuffed the eggs, but also they hid them throughout their yard, under the sundeck, in flowerpots, and even in the mailbox. They knew exactly how many eggs were hidden, and they had a system in place so that every grandchild received the same amount of candy, toys and money. They labeled each egg with a name, so if Ally found Abby’s egg she would have to put it back where she found it and go in search of her own eggs. Now, the grandkids were allowed to help one another find their designated eggs but they could not take each other’s eggs. What a glorious plan! It made for a fun afternoon of searching, helping, finding, giggling and celebrating.

As much as our girls loved hunting for Easter eggs in Mamaw and Papaw’s yard, we figured they’d love hunting for Easter eggs at the large community event in Fort Worth, Texas, so we took them.

As Abby ran through the large field, she was outmaneuvered by faster, older children who would snatch the brightly-colored plastic eggs before Abby could grab them. This happened to Abby and Ally over and over again as they braved the bigger kids in search of their very own Easter eggs. My husband and I were enjoying the beautiful weather, chatting with a few other parents from our neighborhood, when suddenly I heard cries of desperation from Abby, followed with gasps and sobs coming from Ally. When I found our girls, they were sitting down next to their empty Easter baskets, totally tuckered out and troubled from the unsuccessful hunt.

I’m with Abby. I liked fixed Easter egg hunts best, too.

It was at that moment it dawned on me, “They’ve never been to a genuine, non-fixed Easter egg hunt!”

Through tears, Abby whimpered, “The big kids took all the eggs, Mommy!”

Ally, who had found a roly poly bug in the dirt to entertain her, had tear-stained cheeks and a quivering bottom lip. She was too upset to talk. As Daddy grabbed their empty Easter baskets, I grabbed their hands and we all headed to our SUV. We tried to salvage the day with a quick trip to Wal-Mart’s toy aisle and a visit to IHOP for some yummy pancakes. As I used wet wipes to remove the roly poly germs and dirt from the girls’ faces, I tried to explain to the girls how actual Easter egg hunts work and how Mamaw and Papaw’s Easter Egg Eggstravaganza was “a fixed” egg hunt.

Abby looked up at me with her big green eyes and said, “Mommy, we like fixed ones best.”

I’m with Abby. I liked fixed Easter egg hunts best, too.

I like knowing that when I go on an Easter egg hunt, there will be eggs awaiting me with my name on them. In fact, I like going through life like that, don’t you? And as Christians, we get to!

That’s why I love walking with the Lord every single day—not just on Easter—because He orchestrates my life in such a way that I feel as if I’m living out the joy, excitement, and celebration of a fixed Easter egg hunt. When I open up God’s Word and search the Scriptures, I find promises for me. And, just like the fixed Easter egg hunt, there are promises for you, too! For example, when I read Jeremiah 29:11 that says He has a good plan for me, I can smile and say, “Yes!” and put that promise in the Easter basket otherwise known as my heart.

And, so can you.

The older I get, the more I appreciate those Medlock Easter Egg Eggstravaganzas. I look back and remember the love, enthusiasm, and care that my parents put into each Easter egg hunt, and I am assured that my Heavenly Father has done the same for His children. He has many treasures stored up for us—that’s what His Word says—and I believe it because my “Easter basket” is full today.

If your Easter basket is empty this season, dive into God’s Word and begin filling it with His promises especially for you.

What are some Easter traditions you treasure?

God has many treasures with your name on them! #faithingod #whatiseaster

Enter for a chance to win an Easter basket full of goodies, including my book What is Easter? To enter, find a copy of What is Easter? at your local retail store or bookstore. Take a photo with the book and share it on Instagram or Facebook with #whatiseaster. Then click here to register for a chance to win the Easter basket.

Entries must be received by 3/23/18. Available in continental US only.

Good luck, and Happy Easter!

Just Because One Man Said “Yes”…

When my father, the late Walter Medlock, was a new Christian, he volunteered to be a counselor at the weeklong Billy Graham Crusade that was scheduled for the fall of 1962 in Bedford, Indiana. Daddy was willing to serve, but he wasn’t sure he knew enough about the Lord to be very helpful.

Billy Graham was truly a faith giant.

On the first night of the crusade as “Just As I Am” filled the gymnasium, my dad hurried down front in case he was needed to counsel one of the many who’d come forward for salvation. Just then, he saw a woman he knew through business motioning for him. She explained that her 9-year-old daughter had responded to the invitation. Daddy smiled down at the little blue-eyed girl and said, “Honey, do you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life?” She nodded her head, so he shared a few scriptures with her and led her in the Sinner’s Prayer. After she had accepted Jesus Christ into her heart, he shook her hand and said: “This is the beginning of a whole new life for you!” Then, he shook the mother’s hand and noticed her countenance was heavy. “Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart?” Daddy asked. She dropped her eyes to the gym floor and sadly shook her head no. “Well, we can take care of that right now,” he said, smiling.

Fifteen years later, that same mother came into Dad’s place of business and asked, “Do you remember me?” As soon as he locked eyes with her, he did. “I sure do. How’s your daughter?”

“That’s why I’m here,” she explained. “I thought you might like to know that my little girl you prayed with so many years ago is leaving for the mission field next week. She’s devoted her life to winning souls for Christ.” After she left, Daddy thanked God for allowing him to be part of the Billy Graham Crusade and the most important event in that little girl’s life. *

I can’t think of a better way to honor Reverend Graham’s homegoing than to ask you a simple question today: Do you know Jesus?

This is just one story that resulted from one Billy Graham Crusade…there are countless others. After all, Evangelist Billy Graham, who went home to be with His Lord and Savior on 2/21/18, preached the Gospel message at crusades to more people than anyone in history, and millions more have heard him through television, radio, and film. Just think how many millions of lives will never be the same all because one man said “yes” when God called him.

Billy Graham was truly a faith giant. I grew up in a Christian home where Reverend Graham was revered. If he happened to be preaching on TV, we gathered around the old RCA and watched him. When I was in high school and had questions about angels, my mom gave me Billy Graham’s book, Angels: God’s Secret Agents, which I read in one night. And, as a Christian writer, I often find myself quoting Billy Graham, sharing his wisdom with those who are in my circle.

You know, I can’t think of a better way to honor Reverend Graham’s homegoing than to ask you a simple question today: Do you know Jesus? And one follow-up question: Would you like to know Him today? If so, please pray this prayer with me right now: “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.”

Millions of lives are forever changed because Billy Graham said YES when God called. How will you answer the call? #faithingod #billygraham
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God Knows You—No Picture ID Needed

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” (Jeremiah 1:5a, NLT).

As I am getting ready to board another airplane, heading home next week after teaching at back-to-back writers’ conferences here in Florida, I am reminded of the time my wallet was stolen and I had no ID to get onto the plane. I had been visiting my daughter, Allyson, in Los Angeles and had no way of obtaining a new picture ID before heading back to Indiana. I was stressed.

Knowing this would be a problem, I called Southwest Airlines ahead of time and told the customer service specialist what had happened, that I was without any form of ID, and that I wouldn’t be able to get an ID before I flew out on Monday. She sympathized with my plight and simply said, “Just make sure you arrive really early and tell the security people your situation. They will work with you to prove you are the person you say you are.” Seemed reasonable enough to me, so I made sure I arrived at LAX more than three hours before my flight (which if you know me—you realize that in itself is a miracle of God).

“This could be a problem.”

Once I checked my bags and explained my story, I stood in the normal security line for almost an hour. When my turn came to show my boarding pass and ID, I handed over my boarding pass and shared my story with the airport security officer. He looked at me and said, “This could be a problem. Stand to the side while I call for my supervisor.”

I stepped to the side, feeling like a criminal or something, and as I did—all eyes were on me. Obviously, everyone in line thought I was a terrorist. Come to think of it, I was dressed in all black, which is my normal attire. Anyway, about 15 minutes later, the supervisor arrived and escorted me to a different holding area. And, yes, everyone was still looking at me. I told him my backstory and he asked, “So you don’t have anything on you that identifies you? A piece of mail? A photo ID of any kind? Possibly a library card?”

Everyone was still staring at me, and now I looked like a terrorist who might also have a drug problem. Awesome.

“No, my library card was in my wallet. I don’t have any mail with me but I do have one of my books with me that has my name on it and my picture…will that work?”

“Let me see it,” he said. “No this won’t work.”

Just as he answered, I realized that my legal name and my pen name aren’t the same: “Michelle Leigh Adams” and “Michelle Medlock Adams” are close, but not close enough for airport security.

Getting desperate, I offered: “I have a prescription bottle with my name on it because I was fighting an ear infection before I left for this trip…will that help?”

He took the bottle from my hand and read the prescription number over the phone to someone giving him orders. Everyone was still staring at me, and now I looked like a terrorist who might also have a drug problem. Awesome.

“What is the make, model and year of your car?” he asked.

“Uhhh….it’s black,” I said, having no idea the specifics. I finally remembered the kind of car it was but not the year or exact model.

Would I ever make it on that plane?

 “What kind of vehicle did you have before your current car?”

 “Uhhh…it was a small SUV, like a Dodge Durango or possibly an Equinox. I don’t remember exactly but it was goldish tan with leather interior and lighted makeup mirrors.”

 He smiled at me, thinking I was making a joke, but I really wasn’t. That was about all I could remember about that vehicle.

“I can call my husband and ask him. He is the ‘car guy’ in our house. He’ll know all of those answers,” I added, but the supervising security guy told me to put away the phone and instructed me to leave it in my purse until given permission to use it.

I am so going to the place they took Greg Focker when he said “bomb” on board the airplane in “Meet the Parents,” I thought.

“What is your home address and phone number?” he asked.

Finally some questions I know the answers to—yay! I thought.

After several more minutes, he took me to another area where I was patted down by two different female security guards, and let’s just say, they were very thorough. Yikes! After going through all of my carry-ons and checking every orifice of my body, I was cleared to fly. I had somehow proven I was “Michelle Adams”—even though I had no idea the make, model, and year of my car.

Father, thank You for knowing me.

As I was sitting on the plane bound for Indianapolis, I was thanking God that I was able to travel home that day. While I was in the thankfulness mode, I also prayed, “Father, thank You for knowing me. Thank You that I don’t have to know the make, model and year of my car to get entrance into your presence. Thank You for calling me Your child and knowing how many hairs I have on my head and caring about every aspect of my life. Thank You….”

Isn’t it wonderful that the Creator of the world knows you by name? The Word says that He knew you before you were even formed in your mama’s belly. He knows you—really knows you—and He calls you His child. How wonderful! Rejoice in that awesome truth today. Oh, and while you’re at it, you might want to review the make, model and year of your car—just in case you ever lose your wallet before a scheduled flight. 

They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love

Ally and me on the beach.

As I get ready to head back to the Florida Christian Writers Conference—one of my all-time favorite conferences—I am reminded of a speaker I had the pleasure of learning from a few years ago. (Eva Marie Everson brings in the best keynoters!!) I’m sure you know him—the amazingly talented Producer Brian Bird—a 30-year veteran of the Hollywood film and television business. (In fact, he and my buddy Michelle Cox just released the book When God Calls the Heart: Devotions from Hope Valley based on his Hallmark show, “When Calls the Heart”—so you should order that book today!