Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 37

Live Like You Are Dying

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“This is quite a wake-up call.” My husband shook his head in disbelief as he adjusted his oxygen mask. He spent eight days in intensive care.

You learn to really value every second of your life when you come close to losing it. We have a new found appreciation for sunshine and laughter. We celebrate the gift of waking up in our own bed and the privilege of holding hands as we sit side by side on the couch. Every meal is a feast. Every smile is a tender embrace.

I want to make the most of the 86,400 seconds allotted to me today.

I’ve fully faced the truth: my days are numbered. I am not promised tomorrow.

 

How to Live like You are Dying:

Love with reckless abandon: Love lays itself down. Don’t hoard your heart. Pour out all as an alabaster offering (Matthew 5:40-42;  John 13:35 & 15:13; Matthew 26:7-13).
Punch fear in the face: Fear paralyzes you in a stagnant pool of doubt. Plunge fully into the depths of your faith. Be brave. Remember to live is Christ and to die is gain (Hebrews 11:1, 6, 8; Philippians 1:21).
Embrace every moment: Don’t be casual about your day. Press in to community and impress on your people the importance of living a crucified life (Proverbs 4:10-15; Galatians 2:20).

Time is short. Hold nothing back. Live like you are dying.  

 

 

 

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Live Like Your Dying”  with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post Live Like You Are Dying appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Head Home

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Dorothy had it right: There’s no place like home.

In 2012, I spent 10 days in the hospital in May and then seven days in June. When I exited that sterile environment, tears welled up from deep in my gut as I drove toward my house. I missed my bed with the fluffy pillow that fits my head perfectly. I couldn’t wait to curl up on the couch next to my man and “just be.”

Home is a sanctuary from the raging storm.

I’ve been nesting and nurturing my man back to health at my home-base for a few weeks now, but this weekend, adventure beckoned me to break away for some fun, and I heeded its alluring call.

On paper, my plans sounded fantastic. I imagined sumptuous food, laughter, and a refreshing evening.

However, I stayed up too late the night before in an effort to check everything off my to-do list. So, when the alarm went off at a God-forsaken hour of the morning, I looked into the mirror and discovered ginormous black circles under my tired eyes. I wanted to crawl back under the covers, but my “fun agenda” required an early start. Two Advils later, I walked out the door of my cozy haven and into the brisk morning air.

I didn’t need directions to the venue because the location was a familiar one. Thinking I “had it covered,” I tucked the tickets to the event in my overstuffed bag and rushed off to work.

Everything was going as planned. I left work at 4 PM, picked up my partner in crime, and stopped at our favorite restaurant where we shared a lovely meal and engaging conversation.

The girlish chatter continued as we drove to the nearby venue. A helpful parking attendant directed us to the appropriate spot, and I rejoiced that we managed to get a space right by the door. The valet directed us to follow the red carpet to the entrance, and I started walking.

But then I stopped mid-step. Something felt wrong. All day long, I ‘d traveled in this direction, but suddenly, a radar was sounding off in my mind.

I back tracked to the valet. “What event are you hosting here tonight?”

I almost cried when he said it was an event for Cigar aficionados.

That’s when my best friend looked down and noted that our wrist band tickets said “Beth Moore Miami” on them. We were about an hour north of the event, and it was rush hour.

“We can do this!” my friend exclaimed. Her enthusiasm re-energized my deflated spirit, and we jumped on I-95 heading south. I called my husband to let him know I’d be home later than originally expected, and we continued our girl gab fest in the bumper to bumper traffic.

I am not exactly sure how I lost my way, really. I just know that about 30 minutes later, I decided to “stay left,” and I ended up heading west on the road to nowhere.

A U-turn would solve my problem, for sure. Right? I got off the foreign, unknown highway and jumped on the only on-ramp that appeared.

The road curved madly to the left, and to my chagrin, I realized I’d jumped on the express lane traveling north. Cones blocked off the special lanes. I couldn’t exit for miles as Beth Moore disappeared in my rear-view mirror.

How about we just go get some ice cream? I suggested. Ice cream makes everything better.

When I got home two hours later, I collapsed on the couch like a battle-scarred soldier who’d fought an epic battle.

Home is a haven that heals and restores.

This morning, I read Peterson’s translation of Psalm 90: “God, it seems you’ve been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from ‘once upon a time’ to ‘kingdom come’—you are God.”

Sabbath is a returning home. God is my dwelling place — a refuge from the war that threatens to swallow me whole. Rather than rushing on in the wrong direction, I must choose rest and allow Him to renew me.

Sabbath is a surrender. I don’t know which way to go without Him. To avoid the road to nowhere, I must head home and allow Him to help me relocate my True North.

Have you lost your way? Get off the road for a bit.

Head home. A cozy spot close to His heart has your name on it.

 

 

 

 

Let’s Talk: How do you find your way home when you get lost on the road to nowhere?

Join me in 2016 and #ChooseRest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I am sharing “Head Home” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday,  Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.

 

The post Head Home appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Monitor Your Heart

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What do all the numbers on the monitor mean?  I anxiously asked the nurse.

My husband went into respiratory distress.  Twenty nurses entered the room and pushed me out into the hallway.  In less than 10 minutes, the angels in scrubs moved my man to the Critical Care Unit for his protection.

I learned to watch the numbers.  They told a story.  If the levels started to drop, immediate intervention was required.

My hubby is happy to be home now and unstrapped from all the wires, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t keeping a watchful eye on his health.

We are keenly alert to the signs of distress now and are determined to make wise choices that will breathe life and strength into his body, mind, and spirit.

Lately, I’ve wondered what my numbers would be if The Master Physician hooked me up to a screen that monitored my spiritual pulse.

I desperately want my heart to beat wildly for my Jesus.

I want to learn how to make healthy choices that will help me pass the stress test of life before emergency intervention is required.

How to Monitor Your Heart:  

Stay Active:   I need to exercise my faith even when it’s uncomfortable and I’d rather stand on the sidelines.
Digest Healthy Fare:   I must say no to junky appetites that clog up my spiritual arteries and slow down my pace.   Say yes to the Bread of Life.
Shed the Excess Weight:  God has set me free from sin and condemnation.  Let go of the guilt and regret.  Hold on to His unending grace that lightens my step.

How’s your heart?   Maybe it’s time to get a spiritual check up before it’s too late.

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Monitor Your Heart”  with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post Monitor Your Heart appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

When Pigs Fly

Photo Credit:  FreeImages.com / Rachel Warner

 

We stopped at a kooky tourist stop in th Keys on our first road trip together.  We wandered aimlessly looking at sea shells and shot glasses lining the shelves.   I pushed passed the crowd into the back room of the store, and I discovered a treasure.

In the corner behind all the bric a brac stood a bronze statue of a flying pig.   I immediately wanted to take it home with me.

“Look at the pig,” I said to my man.  He smiled from ear to ear.

For years, I’d wandered through stores alone.  Table for one.

When are you getting married?  my family would ask.

…when pigs fly.

But then one day, I volunteered to decorate a Christmas tree and buy some presents for a needy family as part of a Christmas outreach at the church, and this man showed up with a wickedly irresistible smile.

Suddenly, this little piggie’s wings started to flutter.

Anything is possible.  Some days, it’s hard to believe that. Our hearts become dusty with doubt and disbelief.  We stop praying because we’ve sat on the shelf for too long.

But my God conquered death itself.  He can breathe new life into any situation.

Today might be the day, my friends.  Get ready to fly.

 

Let’s Talk: Has God ever done the impossible in your life?  I’d love to hear your flying pig story.

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My desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I am sharing “When Pigs Fly” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday,  Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.

 

The post When Pigs Fly appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

My Redeemer Lives

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I know my Redeemer lives.

He peeled away my sinful graveclothes and unshackled me from condemnation.

I know my Redeemer lives.

Out of love, He wiped away the enemy’s curse and lifted me up to life and light.

I know my Redeemer lives.

He uprooted despair to plant hope and healing in my heart.

I know my Redeemer lives.

My Defender pleads my cause and avenges me from every evil scheme.

I know my Redeemer lives.

Forever, my Vindicator stands firm, immovable, undefeatable.

I know my Redeemer lives.

Hallelujah, I am restored.  Love rescued me.

 

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. (Job 19:25)
 
 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect.  (I Peter 1:18-19)
 
 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
Happy Easter, Friends! 
 

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing  with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post My Redeemer Lives appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Rest on the Path

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I spent four days watching my husband cough up a lung before he allowed me to take him to the ER.  The first night in the hospital we did not sleep a wink.  The attending doctor initially assured me that my man had a mild case of pneumonia, but that diagnosis changed quickly on day two when the blood work came back, and he struggled to take a breath.   In a second, the path in front of me turned to quicksand.

My angelic sister in law drove two hours to come to support us.  “You go home and rest,” she said.

Everything in my body said I needed to stay.  I wanted to helicopter around my husband with constant love and prayers.

Instead, I grabbed my purse and walked to the elevator because I’d left my cold medicine at home, and I feared I’d end up confined in the hospital bed next to him with an IV of antibiotics coursing through my veins.

The gust of wind pummeled me once I exited the glass doors into the hospital parking lot.   Frazzled and frail, I wandered around looking for my car in the dark night.

I drove home in a fog.  I was unfamiliar with the neighborhood and wasn’t even sure I was heading in the right direction.

Have you ever pressed forward so long that the path grows unclear?  I must confess that I do this all the time — and not just when my husband is hospitalized.

I run toward too busy-bee commitments that overwhelm my soul and neglect engaging in meaningful conversations.

I rush through urgent tasks on my temporal to do list and fail to make time for self care and spiritual renewal.

I race ahead to reach my agenda and forget to listen for God’s still small voice in the quiet.

I refuse to choose rest.

I fail to heed the warning of the weeping prophet:  “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.  But you said, ‘we will not walk in it’ “(Jeremiah 6:16).

Rather than work myself into a tizzy, God beckons me to rest — to choose to stand still, consider my ways, and choose wisely.  As I worship in His quiet sanctuary, my Provider makes my path clear.  He mends all that is broken in my weary heart.  He erases all doubts and establishes my steps.

If we choose to rest on the path, God will

Strengthen us to keep moving forward unconfined and less hindered by obstacles along the way.

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way (II Samuel 22:37; Psalm 18:36).

Draw us into His presence and fill us with His joy so that we move forward with keener spiritual eyesight.

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand (Psalm 16:11).

Rescue us from wandering aimlessly and turn us around toward life and peace. 

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Enlighten our understanding of His perfect will, direct our every step, and fill us with His hope in dark times. 

“Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).   “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).  “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).

Encourage our weary hearts when the crooked seek to deceive us and knock us out. 

“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me” (Psalm 142:3).   “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).  “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11).

Choosing rest re-calibrates us.   Rather than waddling in a stagnate mire, let’s purpose to allow God to refresh our hearts so that we walk forward with renewed purpose and power.

 

 

Let’s Talk: Do you struggle to choose rest?

Join me in 2016 and #ChooseRest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I am sharing “Rest on the Path” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday,  Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.

 

The post Rest on the Path appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Your Wave is Waiting

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I want the unrelenting waves to stop crashing in on me.  I’m weary of the struggle.  Have you been there?

I know God controls the tides of life, but lately I’ve swallowed a little too much salt water.

I need to learn to surf.   I want to ride the rising waves, rather than sink and succumb.  So today, I did a little research on surfing in hopes of learning a thing or two.

How to Ride the Wave

Check the atmosphere:  The tides of life are always changing.  You need to keep a watchful eye on the surf. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
Stick close to an experienced partner:  You learn much about how to ride the wave from those who are skilled at keeping their balance through the tides of life.  Never surf alone. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Just hop on and start paddling:   You will never ride the wave if you stay in the shallow water.  You must paddle out to the deep. (Psalm 107:24)
Take a breather:  Once you pass the breaking waves by the shore, there is an opportunity to rest.  Take advantage of that moment and strengthen your spirit.  (Psalm 37:1-7; 127:2)
Keep an eye on the water further out:  Stay alert and on watch.  Another wave is surely coming.  (I Thessalonians 5:6 & 8; I Peter 1:13 and 5:6-8).
Commit to catching the wave:  God has not given you a spirit of fear.  Keep paddling.  Paddle your heart out.  (II Timothy 1:6-8 & 4:5-7)
Stand up:  Keep looking forward and adjust your position as needed.  You cannot ride the wave for long unless you keep moving and making adjustments.  As Paul, a master surfer, advised:  “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13).

 

Remember you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.  Your wave is waiting…

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Your Wave is Waiting” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday Spotlight:  Lisa Murray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What image best describes your life?

  A well-nourished, deeply-rooted, overflowing shade tree?

Or a shriveled-up, fallen-down, hollowed-out stump?

We know what a tree needs in order to thrive.  Just take away the water, the sun, the soil and watch what happens. The nutrients a tree is given determines how healthy and vibrant that tree will grow.

The same is true for people.  If we are not planted properly or given the nutrients necessary for our overall health and functioning, we too, will struggle to survive.  We will wind up empty, resentful, exhausted.  The opposite of anything deeply rooted or overflowing.

Emotional abundance means we are living deeply rooted, overflowing lives. Our relationships are strong and we are creating a life of peace.

So how do we build a life of emotional abundance?  How do we experience a life of peace?

Lisa Murray shares the answer to these questions. Through personal and professional experience, Lisa discovered how to take the broken pieces of life and find indestructible peace with herself, God and with others, and she passionately shares her breakthrough in this timely, well-written, book.

Through Lisa and other’s stories you’ll realize that you can experience the life for which you long.  You can experience abundance beyond anything you can imagine.  You can experience peace, not just for today, not just for tomorrow.

You can experience peace —for a lifetime!

Want to read more of Lisa’s story?  Head on over to Amazon to purchase Peace for a Lifetime:  Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness and Harmony through Emotional Abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Murray is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in spiritual, emotional, and relational healing as well as a full spectrum of mental health issues. Having walked through her own struggles with anxiety, despair, and perfectionism, Lisa is passionate about helping others find healing and wholeness in their lives as they learn to embrace a life of abundance and peace.

At the end of the day, Lisa is a Southern girl who loves beautiful things, whether it is the beauty of words found in a deeply moving story, the beauty of a meal cooked with love, the beauty of a cup of coffee with a friend, or the beauty of far away landscapes and cultures.  While she grew up in the Florida sunshine, she and her husband now call Franklin, TN home.

Her new book, Peace for a Lifetime is available on Amazon.com.  You can read more of Lisa’s articles at www.lisamurrayonline.com  You can also follow her on Facebook: Lisa Murray, or on Twitter: @_Lisa_Murray.

 

 

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday Linkup: 

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post Your Wave is Waiting appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

A Defensive Stance

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He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” – II Kings 6:16 (NKJV)

I am easily distracted by nature. This proved to be a huge problem once I got my driver’s license. I failed to note a road sign, made an illegal turn, and got pulled over by a police officer.

My dad insisted that I go to traffic school, and this was where I heard the term “defensive driving” for the first time. I learned to drive with a watchful eye that surveyed the road for unexpected obstructions.

Driving school helped me understand the rules of the road so that I drove with discretion and confidence, rather than inattentive carelessness.

As a believer, I’ve also learned the importance of “keeping watch.” The enemy of my soul seeks to keep me distracted and disillusioned, but I am armed with the spiritual armor that I need to confidently keep a defensive stance. Nehemiah exemplified this principle as he built the wall. He courageously stood his ground against opposition by faithfully obeying God’s commands. He stayed prayerfully alert with a weapon in one hand as he worked. Because Nehemiah believed that His mighty God ruled over all, he moved forward without fear and encouraged his co-laborers to do the same.

Rather than cower in the face of obstructions and opposition, we must ask God to give us eyes to see His overcoming power at work in our lives. In II Kings 6, Elisha’s young servant cowers in fear when he steps out of his tent and sees the enemy surrounding their camp, but the wise prophet prays for him to view the terrain with keener spiritual eyesight. Elisha said to his servant, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

As God’s servants, we need not fear as we move forward on the road of life. Our omnipotent God is surrounding us with His protection and provision. Let’s maintain a defensive stance in prayer and follow His path until the end.

Let’s Talk: Do you find it difficult to “keep watch” and adopt a “defensive stance” in your daily life?

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This year, my desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“A Defensive Stance” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.

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I am sharing “On My Shelf?” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Live Free Thursday,  Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Sharing His Beauty.

 

The post A Defensive Stance appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

The Day I Met My Guardian Angel

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Some people think that God assigns one guardian angel to every believer.

~Sharon

 

Sharon reminded me this week that I’ve never told you the story about the day I met my guardian angel.

Sure, I’d read that passage in Hebrews about entertaining angels, but I had no idea that I’d be sitting right next to one during the Saturday night service.

Back in 2004, I felt the nudge to possibly take my very first short-term missions trip.  The church published the list of upcoming trips in the form of a passport.  I grabbed a copy and sat in my seat looking through the choices.

Cuzco immediately grabbed my attention.  The trip involved drama, music, and evangelism to local schools.  The June trip worked well with my schedule as a single gal with eight weeks of vacation from my full-time teaching gig.

The focus of the trip also suited me perfectly.  I sang in the church choir and taught drama courses all year long.  Why not use those gifts to share His story in a beautiful country?

But, I hesitated.  What if I held the team back?  My limitations might be a distraction and detriment.

The service began, and I tucked my passport to Peru away and focused on the sermon.   The message was on the importance of reaching out to others — of walking together in community.   At one point right in the middle of the lesson, pastor encouraged us to introduce ourselves to a person sitting close to us and then spend a few minutes praying for one another.

I looked to my left and exchanged handshakes and smiles with a girl who introduced herself as “Jill.”

How may I pray for you?  she asked.

Well, I am considering going on a missions trip this year.  Possibly to Peru.

Really?  Well, I am actually a missionary in Peru with Book of Hope.  I am home for a few weeks on furlough.

Are you serious?!?!?   We would be partnering with Book of Hope on that trip.  I think God just told me I am going to Peru!

Well, I serve at the main office in Lima, but maybe our paths will cross again.  

A few months later, I landed in Peru.   Every child I met grabbed my heart and broke it into a million pieces.  I will never be the same again.

I was honored to meet The Director of Book of Hope, who joined our team mid-week.   At one point, he was helping me cross a very precarious suspension bridge on foot because they weren’t sure that the weight of the van would safely carry us across to the rural school grounds.

A friendly fellow, he started to make conversation. “So, how did God lead you to travel to Peru on this trip?”  he asked.  I smiled and immediately told him how God had confirmed my plans when I had met his colleague, Jill.

He looked at me quizzically.  Are you sure her name was Jill?  We don’t have anyone named Jill working in the Lima office.  

That’s not possible.   Really?

Apparently, my angel wanted to teach me how to fly.

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This past week, I’ve prayed Psalm 91 over my husband and a dear friend in need of God’s protection and healing.    I am expecting His angel armies to stay close by their side.

I am determined to #PrayBig until we break through to the other side.  In the meantime, I am considering how I might be an Angelic Assistant and partner with God in bringing hope to the weary.   Do you want to join me?

How to Live Like an Angel on Earth:

Angels worship God with all their being and inspire others to do the same. (Isaiah 6:1-3; Psalm 148:2)
Angels are quick to obey God’s commands and serve others in dire need of help. (Hebrews 1;14, Psalm 103:20)
Angels encourage the downcast and strengthen the faint of heart. (Acts 27:23-24)

I’ve heard it said that friends are angels that lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.  Who will you help to soar this week?

 

 

 

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “How I Met My Guardian Angel” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post The Day I Met My Guardian Angel appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Make Prayer Your Habit

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“…a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” – Acts 10:2 (NKJV)

 

At some point in my thirties, I decided to start flossing every morning when I brushed my teeth. I determined to do so after a series of costly visits to the dentist where I underwent several rounds of deep cleanings that drained my bank account. I learned the hard way that oral hygiene would require an “all in” effort on my part.

I’ve learned this lesson in many other fields. I now check the air in my tires and rotate them regularly to prolong the life of my wheels. I’ve started saving money from each pay check in case of an emergency, and I’ve said goodbye to overspending and paying a painfully high percentage of interest to my credit card company.

I’ve come to understand that establishing healthy habits helps me to live with greater peace and contentment.

In Acts 10, we meet a man named Cornelius. The guardrails he’s established in his life set him up for success. Prayer is a consistent part of his life because he understands that half-hearted devotion is not pleasing to God. His “all in” reverence for His Creator lead to generous giving toward the needy and fostered a legacy of faith in his family.

Nehemiah also prioritized prayer in his life. At every turn, we see him fall to his knees and acknowledge his need for God’s favor, wisdom, protection, and strength. He surrendered to God before he endeavored to accomplish any task.

As you examine your own life, what choices are you regularly making that foster greater dependence on God and stimulate your spiritual development? Are you making prayer a habit? Is your life growing in reverence and a spirit of generosity?

God’s desire is for us to grow stronger in faith, but we cannot do that unless we are willing to make tough choices every day like Cornelius and Nehemiah. How we invest our time, talent and treasure today will impact our progress and peace tomorrow.

 

Let’s Talk: What practical steps can you take this week to make prayer your habit?

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This year, my desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Make Prayer Your Habit” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.

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I am sharing “On My Shelf?” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Essential Fridays, Live Free Thursday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Sharing His Beauty, and Playdates with God.

 

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