A Happy Ending

But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God. John 1:12

My dad passed on to heaven over the weekend. While he had his share of illness and physical challenges, his death came suddenly after a day spent at an auction and then gardening in his yard. I am sad he is gone; yet comforted that he went quickly, enjoying life until his last breath. 

Dad battled depression and was an alcoholic most of his life until a massive stroke in 2007. Childhood for me was a mixed bag of good and bad times as the cycle of addiction seemed to be the chaotic rhythm of our family. 

A little over 10 years ago, after a long period of disconnection, my dad started reaching out to me. He wanted to talk and to meet my daughter, his granddaughter. To say I was hesitant would be an understatement. I had been really hurt by him and his choice to walk out on the family. I didn't have any desire to have a relationship with him. But in my heart as I talked to God about it, I sensed him telling me that as my father was taking a step towards me in relationship, I needed to reciprocate and take a step towards him.  

With tears running down my face, I drove to meet him. The first step which would lead to a series of steps in a remarkable story of redemption and a happy ending. 

Over time, we grew a relationship that I would have never ever imagined sharing. He asked me to forgive me for his wrongs, he blessed us in generous ways, and I heard those three words for the first time ever from him - I love you - followed with a hug. 

I am so proud of him. A stubborn old farmer who found the courage to make his last years his best years. 

Living your best life is never feeling too old or lost to make things right. It means choosing to let go of the past and embracing the present. It is living in sync with the greatest power known to us and given by Jesus Christ: redemption. 

Choose your happy ending today.  

Pretty Amazing

I am your example; keep doing what I do. John 13:15

Just a little over two weeks ago I closed on the sale of my condo and began the process of moving to our new home. Note the word 'process', as that is surely what it's been.

We have done amazing work in this time. Thoroughly washing down walls, woodwork, and windows, removing carpet, thick painted over wallpaper and all the glue as well as a '70's planter box in the living room, priming and painting all the ceilings and walls, changing outlet covers, installing new flooring, and even mowed the lawn three times. Still some odds and ends to do; like moving the furniture from the garage into the house and I imagine our home project list will be full for the rest of the summer. 

As I experience the transformation of this smoke-filled yellowish home into our beautiful home sweet home, I am well aware of how blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I can't even imagine an undertaking of this size without the army of people it has taken who have sacrificed their time, muscles, and thinking into making this dream a reality. My count has us at 30 people coming alongside to serve us, not counting the people hired to do work. 

Pretty amazing.

I am in awe of people's generous labor of love and sweat on our behalf. A humbling moment that brings me to the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This is what these people have done for me, following Jesus' instructions - 'I am your example; keep doing what I do.' 

Thank you. You all are pretty amazing.

Here We Go

Our home is officially taken over by boxes. I began to miss some things within hours of putting them in the box. Moving is exciting and a bit disconcerting, too. 

The great part is there is no turning back. The closing is scheduled for today. All t's are crossed and i's are dotted and the key will be passed to the new owners. As challenging as it is to sort and pack day after day and plan for the work in the home we purchased; we've made most the major decisions and now it's a relief to just do it. 

There are still some unknowns, like the closing on the house I am purchasing. What will we discover as we move into the new home? Where will my new jogging route take me? Where will we buy our groceries? How soon will it actually feel like home to us? Here we go. 

As challenging as moving is, it does have definite external factors that keep it progressing and moving forward. It doesn't depend on my mood or motivation. I can't talk myself out of it. I think there is a life lesson here. 

To progress and live your best life, it will take more than your own internal motivation. Not discounting that - because this whole moving journey would never have started or moved forward without it. BUT, once you go so far - it's the external factors that keep things going and bring you to a place of no return. 

If you are truly committed to something, you will find yourself taking action. One step after another... a phone call, a conversation, an appointment, a purchase, etc. With continued decisions you will find you are building into your life the external structure that will get you where you dream of being. And soon you will be thinking... here we go. And there will be no turning back as you walk into the future you dreamt of living. 

Living in sync is a series of choices that open up the possibilities you carry in your heart and mind. It is a daily choice and there's no better time than each and every morning to make it. What's your next step? Live your best life and don't settle for anything else. 

You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. Psalm 16:11 

The Greater Cause and the Daily March

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson

On this Memorial Day, I want to remember the men and women who have served our country. Whether it was a short enlistment or life time calling. Whether it was working behind the scenes or on the front lines. As I've heard said, "all gave some and some gave all". 

To truly honor their lives and sacrifice; I am compelled to consider my own calling and mission. Am I living for a greater cause than my own personal happiness? Am I a person who is useful, honorable, compassionate, and making a difference? Am I willing to sacrifice for it to be so?

Our best lives, we come to find out, have very little to do with ourselves and more to do with others. What we have is God's gift to us and what we do with it is our gift to Him. 

For the service person, it is a matter of embracing two things - the greater cause and the daily march. For us to live well, it is the same. 

Today, I encourage you to take the time to consider a greater cause... 
- where do you long to see change in the world?
- what issues put you on a 'soapbox'?
- when are you the most easily moved to tears or anger? 
- what do you read and study the most about? 

And the daily march...
- who and what is right in front of me?
- how will I sacrifice and adjust my schedule to reflect my values?
- where can I take action? 
- what will I commit to doing regardless of how I feel? 

"May you all continue the journey ~ the daily march ~ with your spirits strengthened by the grace of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One." Phil.4:23

Here's to living in sync with your best life ever... one that is much bigger than you. 

Happy Memorial Day! 

The Daily Work

While beautifully rustic in a photograph, this old barn could clearly use some attention and care. At one time, I'm sure it was a sturdy home for the animals and farm equipment stored there. However, in time and with being exposed to the elements: boards fade and break, nails rust, shingles blow away, and tresses warp.

To live our best lives, it takes attention and care. Daily. This barn didn't begin to crumble over night; and neither do our relationships, physical health, soul-care, or walk with Jesus. 

Anything that is valuable in your life is worth the time, cost, and commitment to care for it. The question is - how? 

A few things I've found helpful- 

- Structure. It's easier to maintain our time, priorities, and attention when we create and live within a structure. This includes things like knowing my purpose and calling, embracing my strengths and limitations, and cooperating with each season of life. 

- Rhythm. Rather than trying to find "balance", which gives a sense of holding all things equally in such a way that it's a juggling act; I like the idea of rhythm. Rhythm gives me the freedom to be present in all areas of my life and give my attention where and when it is most needed.

- Lean in. Allow the care and attention to go below the surface level. Shortcuts are often costly. Do not merely care for the external aspects of life, but do the internal hard work. Slapping up a few more boards and painting the barn may give a better outward appearance, but will not suffice in strengthening it to care for the animals inside who are depending on it for shelter. 

Today, I am paying attention to where I am feeling a little frayed and worn out. And right here I embrace the rhythms of His amazing grace and lean into His strength and sufficiency. So grateful for His care and attention to our lives. 

May we cooperate daily with Him, so that we may live our best lives. 

What's In Your Basket?

The Eternal is my light amidst my darkness and my rescue in times of trouble. So whom shall I fear? He surrounds me with a fortress of protection. So nothing should cause me alarm. Psalm 27:1

Many of us are familiar with the story of Moses and his early beginnings. A childhood Bible story of the basket and rescue; but it's not quite as simple as we like to tell the story. 

Think about it. This was a time of great darkness, one threatening the very life of Moses. And in the face of this great danger, I observe his mom's admirable actions of bravery, ingenuity, and faith. 

Bravery. Facing the danger head on, this woman hid her baby at birth. She didn't give up or run away from the threatening situation; but wisely concealed her son and planned for his life. 

Ingenuity. In a move of creative brilliance, she waterproofed a basket for her son and sent it down the Nile to the presence of the Egyptian princess, asking older sister Miriam to watch over what happened. Rather than be shut down by fear, she allowed it to thrust her family into a new realm of opportunity. 

Faith. Giving her son into a basket on the river, was really giving her son to God. It was a singular act of trust that displayed the brightness of hope cutting through the dark.

As I pray lately, I think about the basket and where do I need to have bravery, ingenuity and faith? Where is the darkness, fear, and hopes? These are exactly the situations that should go in the basket. There's no better place to put the cares of my life. 

Living our best life is much more than comfort and ease. It often requires more than we think we have to give. And it is in those places we discover the basket and the One who keeps it safe. 

What's in your basket?

Heaven's Voice

The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. Psalm 19:1-4


Yesterday on an evening walk, I stumbled upon the most unique sunset I have ever seen. I am certain this photo doesn't give it justice; however, I think you will see the shooting rays that marveled me. A glimpse of a heavenly 'light show' beating out any human made one. 

If this, as scripture tells us, is a message... What do you think God is telling us? In the few minutes I was able to relish in the moment, here's what I found: 

First, it was the surprise. I love the way God surprises me. When I least expect it. When I am tired or distracted. Not because I deserve it or have done anything right. Just because of who He is and because I am His. 

Then, it was the awe. An overwhelming touch of majestic beauty that instantly silences everything else. A remembrance of Creator God who is actively creating and crafting, not only in the heavenlies but also in our lives. 

Lastly, those striking sun rays tell me of the reaching power of God's love in our lives. Yes, 'your love reaches me' as the Vineyard song expresses. It's what I need. It's what I need. 

How about you? Have you taken time to see and listen to what the heavens are telling you? You might just find the answers to your questions or realize the questions no longer matter. 

Living our best lives is in sync and response with a loving Heavenly Father who is talking with us all the time. Telling us of His great love, power, and care for our lives. 

Maybe it is time for you to take a stroll. Look. Listen. And live your best life ever.