You know that place in life where you come to a crossroads and say, “Aw Heck!”  Typically, I tend to take the bull by the horns and go with whatever I feel is right. Sometimes it turns out good-other times, not so much. I think my tenacity over powers my desire to stop and ask God for help. Not surprising. Afterall, I am a recovering control freak. That’s not an excuse, but a confession…and a reminder that I am a work in progress, God’s grace is sufficient and He loves me still. Next time, I’ll try to remember Psalm 46:10~”Be still, and know that I am God”.

The first day of school, naturally, came way too soon, again, this year. Summer break is never long enough, although the Texas heat has worn out its welcome, but it’s the eve of that “first day” that I am learning to enjoy most. As Kristiana, my 10-year old daughter and only child, and I cuddled on the couch to reflect on our summer, the coolest thing happened. Instead of vacations and fun times piping out of her mouth, she looked to me to begin and listened. Sure, I mentioned our fun get-aways, special mother-and-daughter weekend and summer camps, but I felt compelled to share some words of wisdom…or at least something serious. So I shared with her how I’ve seen her grow into the beautiful girl God wants her to be, and how proud I am of her. I backed it up with memories, laughs, lessons learned, and situations when she thought no one was looking. A big hug sealed and affirmed our talk. Yeah, it was a good summer, but the road ahead is looking even better.

There’s an old saying, ‘You can’t always get what you want’. Oh, wait a minute…that’s a Rolling Stones’ song. True as it may be,  you can get satisfaction (no, this is not a Stones promotion) with what you have. God graciously provides us everything we need. He has a divine plan and a purpose just for you. ”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. When you call on me and seek me with your whole heart, then you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13. So, whether you missed the bus or a sale, God is still at work…for your good. Just call on Him today.

‘Expect Greater Things’ has been my theme this year and 7 months in, I am truly blessed beyond measure. God has been faithful in so many ways. From pouring into people, organizations and family, I’ve discovered an equation for life-Total submission to God’s vision equals total provision. It didn’t come easy, I’ll admit, as submission never does for me. In fact, it didn’t even happen in that order. The provision came first, followed by the vision. My submission was the last thing to come on board. Isn’t that something? Even in my doubt, reluctancy and disobedience, God still loved me and patiently waited for me to get it!  Proving to myself, once again, that I’ve never been good at math.

It’s the theme, this year, at our church West University Baptist.  Admittedly, I wasn’t expecting greater things, but I have certainly experienced them in the last few months.  From substantial growth in my business to unimaginable joy in my home, the promises of God are true. He is faithful. My daughter would tell you the best surprise of all was the phone call from Peter Furler, of the Newsboys, on her birthday. Indeed, it was a memorable moment that neither of us will ever forget!  But God’s amazing love continued, surpassing even that. Recently, I was asked to speak at a Tea Party at our church where our Secret Sister would be revealed. Secret Sister was a sweet way more than 40 ladies were paired with an elderly lady, and secretly delivered encouraging notes and gifts to them over the last 4 months. We all looked forward to our Tea, the big reveal, where the elderly ladies would learn who their secret sister was all this time!  My secret sister, I learned back in August, was Mrs. Lyn Squires. I didn’t know a Mrs. Squires at our church, but I often wondered if she was Mrs. Marilyn Squires, my second grade teacher who made a lasting impression on me and my family’s life. You see, Mrs. Marilyn Squires was my teacher in 1978, the year my sister Tommye Dale was born, and the year my family’s life seemed to unravel.  Tommye was born with a congenital heart defect that would take several surgeries and take her life 17 years later. It was Mrs. Squires gentle smile, kindness, encouraging words, love and prayers that impacted my family so much, that year, that we often spoke of her as being a God send. Little did I know that 33 years later, God would reconnect us at the church we BOTH attend!  How serendipitous is that!?!  More importantly, it’s shown me to expect greater things from our God who loves us more than we can imagine.  ~Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20.~  Expect greater things!