God cares even about the "little" things!

How are you feeling today?
Are you feeling loved? Cared about?

Do you know that God cares about you . . . about EVERYTHING in your life? Even the "little" things? It's true! He does!

Don't believe me? I have proof - that He really does care about what we/you care about! Let me share a few of my favorite stories with you!


Several years ago I was on my way to work after attending an event at my child's school. I had to get back to work quickly and relieve my friend who had stayed late on her shift to cover part of mine. I had not had dinner yet, so I thought I would stop by Wendy's and pick up something to eat on the way. I looked in my wallet and realized that I only had $1 and some change (this was before they started taking credit cards). I knew I could only order a Jr. Cheeseburger. But as I pulled up to order, I started craving a bacon cheeseburger and fries!! Yum! I wished so bad that I had more money to get what I was craving - but I just ordered my $1 menu burger and pulled to the window. I sat at the window contemplating "I wonder if I asked for free fries if the man behind the counter would give me some?" I was gearing myself up to be brave and ask, but then I saw a sign on the window that said something about conversations being video-taped, etc. I didn't want to get the man in trouble, so I kept my mouth shut. I politely said thank-you as he handed me my bag with my $1 menu burger.
I started to pull away, but decided to look in the bag, just to make sure he had my order correct (how could he mess it up?!). As I opened it - I soon realized he didn't give me what I had asked for! Instead, he had given me what I wanted . . . A bacon cheeseburger and fries! I quickly looked back to see if maybe he gave me someone else's order. There was no one in line behind me, and there was no one even inside waiting in line (or eating). It was empty! The man was still at the window, looking out, smiling a funny smile at me - like he knew I had just found out about the fries and burger.

I was stunned. I was happy. I wondered if that man was an angel, or if God had just used that man to bless me?? Either way - I was late. I drove off to work, smiling and thanking God for blessing me with what my heart desired (as silly as it seemed)! Wow! God really did care about me and the little things in my life!


Another time, about 6 or 7 years ago, my oldest son had been playing on a playground near the baseball field where his brother had practice. As any good Star Wars fan would, he faithfully brought his favorite Star Wars figure with him to play with on the playground. It was Luke Skywalker in a Storm trooper outfit - complete with removable helmet. Towards the end of practice, my son told me he couldn't find the helmet. He had lost it in all the mulch on the playground. Ugh. Like a good mom - I helped him look and look, but couldn't find it. Finally, we had to leave, but he was sad and afraid that his helmet was lost forever. I told him that there was something we could do. We could pray. God knew where the helmet was, and if He wanted us to find it - then it would be there next week when we went to practice. So we prayed, and my son seemed happy and content with that.

The following week we went to practice. I have to admit that I didn't have a lot of faith that we would find that helmet in all that mulch a full week later (and a full week of hundreds of school kids playing on that playground). I went to sit down on the bench (near where my son said he had lost it) as I usually did to watch him play and my other son practice. As I sat down, I looked down - and there between my feet . . . was the helmet! It was as if someone had placed it there just for me to find! Thank you God! My precious little boy learned that day that God really does care about him and even the little things in his life!


Last fall, my daughter decided to play basketball. The night before her first practice, we realized that she didn't have any sweatpants to wear. I told her I would take her to get a pair. She told me she wanted Justice sweatpants (like her friend had). I told her - there was no way I was going to pay $25 for a pair of sweatpants to wear at basketball practice (we have 5 kids to feed and dress, and 1 income) - but that we were going to go to the thrift store and look instead.

There are a couple thrift stores that I frequent more often than others, but this night I felt an urge to go to one I rarely go to. I had quickly thrown up a prayer to God before leaving - "God, it sure would be awesome if we could find a pair of Justice sweatpants at the thrift store - in my daughter's size." Off we went to find something that fits . . . hopefully.

As we were perusing the pants rack . . . my daughter had pulled out a couple things, but got sidetracked by the dress and shirt sections. So I continued to look. I pulled out a pair of royal blue sweatpants that looked like they would be her size. I checked the tag . . . yep - size 10. Then I saw the back of the pants . . . JUSTICE. :) God is good! Practically brand-new looking Justice sweatpants, in her size . . . and "just like my friend's!" she said. AND 50% off! :) I sure do love my Daddy and how He takes care of us - and how He cares about the little things we care about!


Ok - this is the last story that I wanted to tell you about (and the one that spurred me on to writing all the other ones down too).

This past week, my 2nd oldest son, who is in 7th grade, was having a school dance. It's nothing fancy - the kids all come in their jeans and favorite shirts, eat pizza, soda, and usually stand around while the music blares. Last year he wanted to leave half-way through the dance as it was crowded, loud and very hot in the cafeteria where they were having the dance. I didn't think he would want to go this year. But he did.

About 3 days before the dance, he informed me that we "needed" to go to Kohl's and buy him a pin-striped suit! :) Oh really?! Why? One of his best buds had one, and they both had the exact same type of pin-striped Fedora hat - and they wanted to match for the dance. I kind of dropped the subject and bascially told him that I wasn't going to be going to Kohl's to get him a pin-striped suit.

10pm then night before the dance (Thursday night) he comes up to me and says "Mom - we need to go to Kohl's! When are we going to go get my suit?" I again explained that, although I would LOVE to buy him one, I don't have the money for a suit right now (plus - I know he would be "bored" with it, or move onto the next fad very quickly). I told him I was sorry, but they would just have to wear their hats instead.

My heart grieved. I so wished I could bless him and see him all dressed up and having fun with his friend like this. I wished I had all the money in the world at my disposal to give my kids all their hearts desire. But I don't. BUT . . . my Daddy in heaven has an unlimited supply of resources . . . all kinds of resources! AND - he loves to bless his kids, surprise us, take care of us, and show us that He really does care about the "little" things in life.

So - the next day I prayed - "God, I know you helped us find those Justice pants for my daughter. Will you do the same for my son - and help me find a pin-striped jacket or suit at a thrift store? I know you can do it. Will you?" I had some errands to run that day, but I kept seeing in my mind's eye - this one thrift store that I rarely go to anymore (a different one than before), and kept seeing me finding a pin-striped jacket there. I was not in that area, so I tried a different thrift store. No luck. Just one that would fit me (way too big for him). I didn't have high hopes that I would find one his size (12) - and pin-striped. I wasn't even finding ANY boys suit jackets at all.

As the day went on, my errands brought me closer to the thrift store I saw in my mind, and I debated on whether or not to stop and look. I almost didn't. BUT, curiosity got the best of me . . . plus, I still had a little bit of time before the kids came home from school. I parked and went in.
As I headed back to the kid's section, I first stopped at the adult rack of suit jackets. Nothing. Not even a pin-striped jacket - just black, brown and blue ones. Man - there is no way I'll find a kid's one.

I headed to the boys racks - and was passing through the pants section to get to the shirts and jackets. I walked by a pair of jeans, but backed up and stopped to look at them. They looked like my son's size, and the type he likes to wear. They were. I pulled them out to buy them, and then saw a couple swim suits that were my youngest son's size. I decided to just look through the pants section for any other pants that might be on sale (the yellow tags were 50% off that day). As I was sliding the pants over one by one . . . lo and behold . . . in the middle of all the pants . . . was a black, pin-striped jacket! I got excited! But - what size was it? . . . . . I started to tear up as I looked at the tag . . . Size 12!! And on top of it all . . . it was a YELLOW TAG . . . 50% off (only $2.50!)!! I'm still getting teary-eyed as I write this!

God cares so much about my son (and me) - that He showed me exactly which store to go to (out of ALL the tons of thrift stores in our area) - to find a pin-striped jacket . . . in my son's size (and probably the only one in this whole area!) . . . just so he can go to a 7th grade, public school dance, and feel "cool" with his best friend!! :)

Isn't that AWESOME?!

Don't we have the best DAD in the WHOLE universe?! :)

God DOES care about you . . . . ALL of you . . . about EVERYTHING you care about . . . the BIG things and the LITTLE things! He really does care!

The other thing I want you to see here too is . . . God does have UNLIMITED resources to meet our needs - and even some of our crazy wants! But those resources don't always come like we think they will or should (ie - getting a raise, finding money in the mail, winning the lottery! etc). His resources are unlimited . . . His ways are unlimited! And He LOVES to surprise His kids!!

I could go on and on with the various ways God has shown me and my family just how much he loves us (through protecting us, providing for us . . . yes - even through winning a sweepstakes - etc - but that's another story!) - but . . .

WHAT ABOUT YOU?!

How has God taken care of you?

What are the stories you can tell of God's provision - of His protection - of His ways of showing just how much He cares for you? If you can't think of any - start paying attention . . . . not just to the big things . . . but the little things. You may find Him in so many surprising places and events that you would not have noticed before!

I could have chalked up all of these things as "coincidence" or "good luck" . . . but that's not what they were. They were heavenly kisses from my Daddy - just to say - "I love you . . . A LOT!"

He says the same about YOU!

Let God love you a little deeper today (and show you how He is)!

L :)

Forecast - An Abundance of Sunshine!

(photo by Chad Johnson)

Yes -that was our forecast here yesterday - an "Abundance of Sunshine"! I love it! I have never heard that in a forecast before. I've heard "Mostly sunny, Partly sunny, Sunny" - but never an Abundance of Sunshine! It just made me smile!

No matter where you are in this world - you too had an Abundance of Sunshine yesterday (and today, and tomorrow . . . )! You did! I'm not lying! Maybe I should have written it - "SONshine".

God really is everywhere! He is the "Light of this world"

John 8:12 says - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

See? You will NEVER have a dark day again! It is possible! It's possible to have an "Abundance of Sunshine" every day!

What do you have to do? . . . . Follow Jesus! That's it! It's not about a set of rules and regulations, a bunch of commandments and lists of things you are now not allowed to do. It's about a relationship - about walking and talking with Him (being real with Him) - about what you DO get to do - about just how close you can get to the creator of this world and the savior of our souls! How close can you get? . . . . VERY! As close to the Light as YOU want! He will NEVER push you away, or even run away from you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (and other places in the Bible) tells us this! "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

YAY! Isn't that great news?! Isn't that a great "forecast"?!

So - if you are worried about the "forecast" for your life today (or tomorrow, next week, next month, next year . . . ) . . . . Let me be the first to tell you - It is filled with an ABUNDANCE OF SUNSHINE!

Step a bit closer (and deeper in) to the Light today! You'll see!

L :)

Disillusioned with organized church/religion

Alive
New
Fresh
Powerful
Real
Authentic
Passionate

These, and many other adjectives, seem to be the buzz-words of this generation.

"I'm not going to church anymore because it's just not alive . . . authentic . . . real. . . etc . . . I'm really discontent and disillusioned with the organized church. I need something more - and I'm not finding it at church."

I hear many similar statements all around me. I, myself, have felt quite discontent over the past few years. It surprised me at first. What was wrong? Was it me? Was it the pastor? Was it the preaching . . . the worship? Was it just this church? Should I go somewhere else? I was ready to leave. I wasn't hurt. No one had stepped on my toes or bruised my feelings . . . I was just feeling really . . . well . . discontented. I didn't like that feeling and I wanted to leave. . . . immediately!

But I didn't. Instead, I asked God - "What's going on here?! Why am I so discontented? Am I supposed to leave this church and move on to another one that is more [alive, fresh, new, passionate, real, authentic, or filled with power, signs & wonders]? What are you saying?"

God showed me a vision of a river. It was flowing nicely - fairly fast - but not too fast. It was still exciting and fresh. The river turned a corner and it seemed to slow down. It turned into more of a lake now. To me it looked stagnant - not going anywhere. It wasn't fun and fresh and powerful like it was before. I don't want to stay here. This is boring. This isn't "me".

I saw a lot of wildlife coming to the water - to drink - to float on - to live in. Little fish were able to grow and thrive in this slower (almost still) water. But they had to be careful of the birds that would swoop down to try and eat the fish near the surface. I then saw down deeper . . . there was a fast moving river down deep below this lake. Down there, the fish were safe from the predators on the top of the water.

There was more to the vision -but what I felt God was telling me was . . . . "Stay where you are. Go deep and stay deep. That is where the river is flowing fast still. Your job is to let others know it's down there. Call them into the deep Lori. Eventually you will leave this lake, but not for now. Stay deep." He showed me that even though the lake seemed to be stagnant at first - it really was teeming with life . . . a lot of new life . . . new life that needed a safe place to grow and strengthen and to be shown the deeper areas. For now - this lake was necessary for the life it was to attract. That made sense. So I stayed. (**That may not be what God tells you in your situation . . . so make sure you listen to Him! He knows you best!!)

However, there is an increasing population of people (the younger generation especially, but I am seeing it in all generations as well) that are feeling discontented with "church". Is this "the devil"? Is this God? Should they quit church? Start their own church? Not "do" church? What should they do? It may be different for everyone - but there is one thing that is constant in this day and age . . .

God is calling to His bride! He is beginning to woo her, love on her, and reveal Himself to her in new ways that we have never experienced before. The atmosphere IS changing, and the discontent that people are feeling is not all bad. It is a hunger . . . a thirst . . . for the deeper waters, the deeper things of God.

But people don't know that. The enemy sneaks in there and starts whispering in their ears (just like he did in the garden of Eden and all throughout history since then) . . . "The church [God] isn't meeting your needs . . . .This isn't what you want . . . This isn't what you need. . . . What you need can't be found here [in the church/God] . . . What you need is somewhere else . . . Why don't you just "try" something else - because 'everyone else is doing it' . . . " He whispers lies that we believe, that cause us to get hurt, that cause us to get angry, that cause us to lose hope that there really is anything out there that can satisfy this discontent, this hunger that we are feeling deep inside.

Ohhhh . . . I hate the devil and his sneaky, wicked, evil schemes! I especially hate it when I fall for them!

But here's the good news . . . . You are HUNGRY! You are THIRSTY! THAT is what that discontent is all about! I know it doesn't feel like it most times. It feels like frustration, anger, disappointment, loss of hope, etc. But why would you have those things in the first place? Because there was a hunger and thirst inside of you that was longing to be filled and satisfied. And I bet it wasn't being fully satisfied by "the church". It never can be. The Church was never designed to fully satisfy you. Religious activities were never designed to fully satisfy. We were led to believe it would [NOT by God though]. . . but it never will. Why not?

Because - there is only ONE thing that will TRULY satisfy . . . GOD . . . and His AMAZING love for us! For YOU! For His Bride!

God is not "the church". Nor should "the church" be exalted to the status of God. The Bride is not the Groom and the Groom is not the Bride. We have been misled. We have been confused. The Bride will never satisfy our needs that only the Groom can fulfill and satisfy! We must be hungry and thirst for the right thing, and we must not put expectations on the Bride that she can never fulfill. (You will only get frustrated, hurt, disillusioned, and . . . . discontented.)

Matthew 5:6 says,"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they WILL be filled."

There are many verses in the Bible about the hungry being filled and the thirsty being satisfied. Go find some! I promise you . . . God WILL (and does) satisfy!

Psalm 107:9 - "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Jeremiah 31:25 -"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

In fact -go read the whole chapter of Psalm 107! Right now! Click on the link and it will take you right there! No excuses now! :)

Psalm 107 gives several scenarios of how people can, and do, wander away from God - but how God graciously saves them "from their distress" (and blesses them, delivers them, satisfies, etc, etc, etc) WHENEVER they call on Him! He'll do that for you too! It's true! :)

Do you feel discontented lately? Do you feel a longing for something else . . . something more . . . something real and authentic . . . something powerful and passionate?

GOOD!

Then you are in the right place and right frame of mind! You are HUNGRY and THIRSTY! So, instead of listening to the "father of lies" and going "into the desert wasteland" trying to find what you need . . . why don't you come to the water source instead! Come to the river! Come into the deep! Come and drink deep . . . because this water WILL satisfy! There is no water and food in the desert (what were we thinking?!). But there is an ABUNDANCE wherever God is! Come hang out with Him - seek HIM - follow HIM - passionately pursue a relationship with Him . . . because He LOVES to satisfy His kids with "fatness" and the "richest of fare"! :)

Come and drink deep today!
Dive on in!!
I dare you! :)


L :)

Frustrations, Fun & God

Wow! Has it really been over 2 months since I last posted something? It's been on my "list of things to do" every day. . . . but as the summer months began and school let out for my 5 kids, it's been a whirlwind of activity here.

On top of planning for a missions trip, we've had Vacation Bible School, swim lessons, a retreat for my daughter, and a crazy adventure-of-a-vacation in the mountains - camping in torrential rain and wind (thank goodness for a laundry room and hairdryer!), living with deer and skunks on our campsite (the skunks would walk around under our feet - not caring we were there!), seeing a bear (from a distance and safely inside my car), touring underground caverns, and even a tubing trip on the river with a rope swing along the way! We definitely had some fun - but it didn't all go as planned. Isn't that just like life? :)

On the way home our precious 6 year old daughter wanted to pray for our trip. She was thanking God for all the fun and adventure we had (even when it didn't seem fun at the time) - and then she said "I had so much with you God on our camping trip!" :) Wow. I was humbled. Out of the mouth of babes. Many of us (adults & kids) on the trip were complaining about the weather, the heat, the complications . . . but were still trying to be thankful for the adventure it ended up being. However, my daughter reminded me of the most important truth . . . that through it all - the rain, the soaked tents and books (and a Bible!), the skunks, the bugs, the frustrations, the times of anger and sadness, and the times of laughter and joy - sharing memories, eating s'mores, and watching my 7 year old put away 3 hamburgers and 2 hotdogs in one meal . . . Through all of it - God was with us! And my daughter had "fun" with God during it all! I did too!

I do have to say that all throughout the trip I was frequently thanking God for taking care of us. We were almost rear-ended in a tunnel even before we left our city (the car missed us by less than a foot as it squealed and veered into the next lane!)! The rain stopped just as we arrived at the campground so we didn't have to set up in the rain. The next day (my mom's birthday!), the sun was out for awhile and the rain held off till near the end of our tubing trip (but we came back to a destroyed tent over our table and everything soaked in my parents' tent) - however, the rain stopped long enough for us to fix things and dry some things out. We ate s'mores under another tent we had - using our propane stove instead of a fire. And guess what? They were still just as yummy! And there was no rain when we had to tear everything down to leave! So . . yes . . .God is good - and I could see his hand of grace taking care of us all along the way!

But like my daughter said. . . God, I did have alot of fun WITH you throughout it all! The majestic mountains, beautiful wildlife, intricate and amazing sites in the caverns, beautiful waterfalls . . . it all constantly reminded me of our awesome Creator! What an imagination He had (and still has)! I am so thankful! He has created such beauty and glory and wonder all around us . . . if we just take the time to stop and look. We could have kept our eyes on the frustrations, but by looking at what God DID (and was doing) . . . for us . . . it made this "adventure" one I'll always remember . . . without too many feelings of frustration.

On the last morning, I met the woman who takes care of the camp showers and store. I wanted to keep to myself . . . my own thoughts . . . just take my shower and go back and pack up. But I couldn't get this nagging feeling that I was supposed to tell her something . . . just how wonderful she is - what a good heart she has - a "mother-hen" kind of heart - that she loves to take care of everyone and is really good at it. I started walking away, but then went back and interrupted her work. As I opened my mouth and just started saying what I felt God was showing me about her - it was beautiful to see her reaction . . . a sweet smile of gratitude - like a little girl being told she is beautiful. It opened up at least 30 minutes of conversation between us - listening to her stories of her family, her life, her eye that was mostly blind and how it happened, etc. Beneath what had seemed like a rough and well-worn exterior was the tender and compassionate heart of a woman who God loves. I was able to pray for her eye, but she quickly had to get back to work. I continue to pray for full healing for her eye (I wished it hadn't been our last day there). I may never know if God healed it that day -but I do know that I was able to share some of God's love on one of his most precious creations! I wouldn't trade that moment for all the sunny days in the world!

As our summer continues and winds to a close, I want to encourage you to do a few things.
#1. Thank God for all He is doing or has done for you! If you can't think of anything - start with His creations all around you (including people!).

#2. Pay attention to the fact that God is ALWAYS with you - in EVERY situation! He is there to laugh with you, to comfort you in your tears, to strengthen you when you are weak, to give rest for the weary. It doesn't mean our life plays out perfectly in all ways - but it does mean that we have a perfect Friend, Father, Comforter, Counselor, etc with us in all our imperfect situations and experiences. Enjoy being with Him. Practice being in His presence (paying attention to Him being there with you).

#3. Reach out to others around you! Love on them. Not out of selfish ambition, or pride - but out of true love. Love for God. When we love God - we can love His children (His creation) so much more! There is a reason that the Bible says that the greatest commandment is to love God 1st - then love others AS we love ourselves. When we love God and understand HIS love for us - we can truly love ourselves and then others. God sure does love you! AND he sure does love your neighbor, parents, siblings, co-worker, and yes - even your enemies! We are ALL made in God's image (EVERYONE!) - and He loves us all! So go share some of that love with others! Find the "gold" in someone around you and pull it out of them! Show them the "gold" that is inside of them. If you are having trouble with loving someone - ask God to show you how HE sees them (what the gold is). It will change you! Treat people according to their destiny (who God says they are)and not according to their history!

Have fun going deeper this summer!

L :)