Food is my weakness. I love just about anything, but I especially love anything baked. Whether it’s fresh snickerdoodle cookies straight out of the oven, a hot cherry pie topped with vanilla ice-cream, or a fresh baked chocolate cake loaded with from scratch, chocolate frosting. I crave the best. My mother created everything from scratch out of necessity. She raised 11 children and it was cheaper to bake or cook from scratch rather than buying store bought entrees or desserts. We did not complain, she simply knew how to bake and made the best of everything. One Thanksgiving she decided she was going to bake all of eleven of us our own favorite pie from scratch. So, the baking began. She made cherry pies, pumpkin pies and my personal favorite, pecan pie. My mouth waters just thinking about it. What a great memory she created for all of us that year. It’s something I’ll pass down to my kids, grandchildren and their children, a love for baking from scratch and making simply the best.

But there is something far greater than good baked food that I want to pass down. Something that I hope everyone who is reading this will crave and hunger for. As good as homemade food is, it leaves you hungering for something more later, a quick fix that leaves you craving later again. It never completely satisfies you. But God’s word promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Pursuing a hunger for God and His righteousness is the greatest thing we an ever do. A genuine thirst for the things that please the Lord will lead you to a life of joy and completeness. You’ll never search again for anything else because a pursuit for Him will satisfy your soul. Far too many people spend their life aimlessly searching for something else to fulfill the “God-shaped void” in their lives. All of us are hungry, all of us thirst; the problem is that we aimlessly try to fulfill that emptiness, that hunger, with things other than the righteousness of God.

In Mathew, it says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” John Calvin said it well when he said, “We should never be clothed with the righteousness of Christ except we first know assuredly that we have no righteousness of our own.

Nothing in all the world satisfies the soul like Jesus. Pursing a life pleasing to him, being kind, loving, joyful, thankful and filled with long-suffering and gentleness guarantees a life that will please God. Pursue His righteousness and He will fill you. Thank you Mom for making those Thanksgiving pies and creating memories to last forever and thank you Lord for giving us all a desire for those things, that will please you, for it will carry us into eternity.

We were in the second grade and it just happened naturally, I’m not sure when we “first” met, but it was an innocent kindred friendship that just formed naturally and it has lasted for over 45 years now. Michelle always had my back. I remember in High School she warned me about a guy that wouldn’t be good for me, she warned me to stay clear from him. He had wrong intentions and I knew he wasn’t a good guy but sometimes your just vulnerable and she was looking out for me like any good friend would. We spent time in each others homes and it was in Michelle’s home that her mom introduced me to my first try at Kibosa and sauerkraut and it was awesome. I remember when Michelle’s home had a house fire, and they lost most of their belongings and how sad that was, but she was happy that the figurines she collected at the time made it through the fire and one was an elephant that I had purchased for her. In the fifth grade we built a gingerbread house together in our classroom and it turned out amazing! We got in a disagreement one day on the playground and I thought it may be the end of our friendship but it wasn’t. Years later, after I moved away to Indiana, her family traveled to see me after I had breast cancer and we both still talk about that trip and the profound effect it had on us. For my 50th birthday my family flew me out to see her for a few days, and she made those days the most special time of our friendship! It meant the world to me! When my mom passed, she was there at her funeral, forging another reason why this friendship is so dear to my heart.

So it seems like forever ago now that we first met and the years have proven that true friendships last, and they have a profound effect on our lives. We don’t talk much at all, maybe just a handful of times during our friendship, but we know that at any moment, if a crisis comes up, we would be there for each other.

But there is a forever friendship that I want to talk about that changed my life forever. I was walking out of a prayer meeting, early on a foggy California morning, grieving still the passing of my dad at such a young age and it was like an audible voice spoke to me, I heard the whisper of God’s voice as he gently took me by the hand (in my mind) and said, “I’ve got this, for the rest of your life we are going to do life together.” He has been a father to me, a good, good father and my best friend.

He was there when I walked down the isle on my wedding day and his anointing filled our ceremony. He was there when both of my kids were born filling our room with joy and blessings I’ll forever be grateful. He was there when we purchased our first home, started a church, and through every high and low there has ever been. He’s been there.

He was the father and friend I needed when I got my cancer diagnosis, the peace I felt throughout the whole trial was amazing and then the miraculous phone call came and I heard the doctor’s astounded voice say, “You have no cancer, you won’t need chemo or radiation, you won’t need to take medicine, you have no cancer.” He was so faithful to give me the gift of a better life.

He walked with me through the entire time my mom was passing away, he pushed away anxiety when it was tempting to take over my mind. His peace filled the room many times as my mom and I would enjoy an afternoon or morning together. He was there as we shared a favorite book, a cup of coffee, and talked about life and scripture. When others may not of understood what I was going through at this time, He did. And that’s all that mattered.

When I walked through a severe depression and a midnight I wasn’t sure I’d make it through, He was there promising me I would. When my mind was choking from anxiety and fear, and not knowing what tomorrow held, he was there.

He’s not only my friend but one that will be there forever and throughout eternity. He’s my forever friend and he wants to be yours too, He’s got you, holding your hand and saying, “we’ve got this” and trust me…he does forever!

Real, I’ve always been drawn to it. Homemade pie made from scratch with “real” ingredients, or a genuine authentic heart that flows with pure beauty and honesty, I love it. There is, however, a risk in being transparent. Sometimes it can taste different and sometimes authenticity hurts and crushes us; at other times, it leaves us moments of pure beauty and awe. Nothing can be compared to real, it’s refreshing and most of the time, we welcome it, if we have an open heart. Whether it hurts us or whether it refreshes us, being genuine is always good. “Real” always comes with a risk worth taking but you end up with something of great worth.

The first time I really enjoyed avocado toast, I couldn’t believe the amazing flavor and the instant gratification it gave me. I do enjoy avocado but it’s not necessarily on my top ten list of favorite foods. When I chose “avocado toast” off the menu and decided to give it a try, it was truly amazing. It was refreshing, tasty and most of all, it felt healthy. My taste buds were completely satisfied, so the smile I had covering my face, depicted all the above. I dealt with the doubt that I had that it could even be slightly enjoyable, but I was willing to try it. It went beyond my expectations and more. The flavor melted in my mouth and before I knew it, I had wiped out the entire entree. I can easily talk about my experience because I gave it a chance and loved it.

For a lot of us, like trying avocado toast, “the elephant” in the room isn’t easy to talk about but it’s in choosing to talk about it, that the real comes out, clearing our perspective on someone else’s viewpoint. And it’s invigorating. What can add flavor is when tension about the elephant starts rising. Our face may turn all shades of red, but we can get through the conversation, with a right attitude and spirit if we take the risk of being honest. Unfortunately, I’ve seen both sides throughout my life. By both sides I mean a battle always has two sides. The winning side and the losing side. You may forfeit friendships and relationships over being real, but you win by realizing that a particular relationship wasn’t meant for you. Not because who we lose is a bad person but because they be hindering you from becoming who you are meant to be.

To read more on this article, you can read it in my newly released book “The Elephant Has left the Room”. It can be purchased here on my blog or on Amazon.

It was just a simple invitation and the altar was flooded with hungry hearts, needing a fresh touch from God. I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed how quickly an altar filled up this particular Sunday but they came ready for refreshing and answers. I wanted God’s spirit to just take over, I didn’t want the feeling to leave. It was real and it was what we’ve been praying for. It was just a glimpse of what God wants to do again and again around the globe, in every church, in every nation and crossing all denominational ties. Our church is on the brink of something explosive. I don’t want to miss a service, We come expecting and ready, open and focused.

I’ve been drawn with hunger to true authentic Revival for many years. If I see the word revival on the headlines of an article, book, blog, youtube or the paper, I’m intrigued and anxious to read it. I can’t get away from it, God has been in Revival since he left the earth when He promised to send His spirit and pour it out. I’ve told my family in jest that I want to be buried with the book “Another Wave of Revival.” God has always had Revival brimming, and just like those gathered in the Upper Room and those gathered at Azusa, Asbury, Pensacola, and The Great Awakening, He has something for this generation that is just as powerful and effective. I’m hungry for it. What will it look like in this generation? Only God truly knows that answer but He wants to sweep our world again with it!

I’ve been asking myself lately, am I just intrigued with it and love to read about or do I really want to see it happen? I came to the conclusion, that yes, I really want it, there is no feeling like being in the presence of God, fully present, weeping, hungering, interceding, and being surrounded by his beautiful presence, but only God can bring this and he does it through those hungering for nothing more than Him!

In the Azusa revival it is recorded that those attending could be found for hours laid out on the floor sometimes weeping and interceding and at other times there was a quiet sacred hush that came over the whole congregation and people would give up any time restraints just to sit and soak in the awesome presence of God happening. People hungered and they came from around the globe to experience what was happening. Many gave up any time constraints and responsibilities at home or on their jobs to travel to California and experience the authentic global transformation that was happening. It spread to many places globally. People from all races, religious backgrounds and manmade systems left their ties to what was familiar to them to come and experience this grand authentic move. You had to be there, present, to know the feeling of being completely lost in Him.

So what does this authentic move of Revival look like for us today a hundred years past the time of Azusa? Or 50 years removed from the Asbury revival? Or from the Great Awakening at the turn of the century? What does it look like in 2022? Life seems to be careening forward at record breaking speed. Our lives are busier than ever before with the quick speed of computers, cell phones that can get us information in just seconds, our curiosity is distracted and torn in so many different directions that our focus on Him has suffered like never before. We have to be intentional in spending time with God every day. When we pray and seek God with all of our heart ask him to remove distractions, time restraints and the pressure to keep up with the latest and greatest causing us to work unreasonable hours and neglecting our time with him in the process. When the church offers open doors for prayer and they make time in services for the move of the spirit, take full advantage of that. Put away your cell phones, clear your mind and fully engage in the moment. Don’t miss church, be faithful to the house of God every time the doors are open. Be a praiser and help usher in an atmosphere where God can move in and change the whole dynamic of the service.. When our hearts stay hungry, when our minds are steadfast and focused, when we give up all time traps and let our hearts and minds fully engage, there is no telling what God will do for us. I don’t want to miss what I feel brimming in my Spirit, a Revival that will change our world as we know it. He promised to do greater things than he even ever experienced and I am fully confident he will do it. Are you ready? If not, get ready, you don’t want to miss the Revival coming that will change our world!

Being Real

“How you were made.”

“For I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 [1]

It is the most beautiful thing you can ever become. Real. All of us want it. The real thing, to be purely authentic, to be honest, to be true to yourself. It is a natural instinct to want the very best and to feel good about it. The interesting part is this, all of us have a different perspective of what “real” may look like. One of the most genuine things we can come to grips with is to recognize that every single one of us is different. Our thumb print is evidence of that, every snowflake is proof that God made zero duplicates. Zero. I love that about humanity and how God precisely formed us individually. Therefore, keeping an open mind to true authenticity from each individual perspective is important.

In Psalm 139:16 it says, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” [2]

This verse alone is proof that the Great Master of the universe is concerned and loves each of us individually. He loves us so much that His desire is for us to be exactly what He created us to be. The answer is evident but getting there can be a challenge. The answer is “be the real you”, not a cookie cutter of someone else. I want this book to be a tool for you to become more of who God meant for you to be and less of what everyone else may expect you to become.

The Velveteen Rabbit has always been my favorite childhood story book.  It tells you, in a real way, when you actually become real. There are so many quotes that could be chosen to explain real but here is one quoted from the Skin Horse in the story, that makes a great point:

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” “Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “But, when you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”

He said, “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen too often to people who break easily, or who have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”[3]

“When you are real, you don’t mind being hurt.” [4]That’s a huge statement. Who likes to be hurt? Crushed. Left broken. Left bleeding. Left a mess. Who likes that? But what if you understood that it is what hurts you that makes you real? Authenticity takes on a whole new meaning and understanding. Real gives you worth. Real, may even save the soul you’re talking to but most importantly, save you. Real comes with a great price but the problem is that most of us don’t want to bother with becoming pure and authentic for that reason. We accept the mundane, the way of the gossip, the way of the coward, the crowd, we accept being cool instead of being real. We choose to follow in footprints that don’t belong to us and instead we take the beaten path, while we should be creating an original unbeaten path that God specifically designed for us.

A great depiction that has no comparison to anything or anyone, is Jesus Christ. He knew He would need to be real, to hurt, to bleed, to die, in order to save the world. He went all in. He came down to earth, robed Himself in flesh and dwelt among us, humanity. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. He is the greatest example of being real that we will ever find throughout history and the history to come but He did not let coming to earth be in vain, He gave us the choice as well:  to follow in His footsteps and become Christlike, to become pure in heart or not.  He left us the choice to leave everything else behind, follow Him and become real too, so we can change the world. But I feel that so few picks this up. That may be the reason He says in Mathew 7:14:“Because straight is the gate and narrow is the way but few there be that find it.”

The few that do find it, have the treasure of great price. All of us can have it. He made an all-inclusive invitation for everyone to receive and achieve. Let’s strive for real in everything we do and say, let’s be the honest, authentic people God wants us to be. Let’s change our world by being real.

There is only one book that I ever remember my dad reading. I’d see it open on the kitchen table during his devotion or laying open on his lap as he was preparing for his next sermon. In pictures you’d see it proudly tucked under his arm. The Bible was his strength. It was priceless to him. His Bible is etched in my memory, and it’s left a profound impression on my life.

With Father’s Day approaching I began to think abut his Bible. I began the search to find out which one of my eleven brother’s and sister’s had inherited his brown, leather Bible, worn from many hours of reading, teaching and preaching from it. Most thought my oldest brother was the lucky recipient. It wasn’t him. We went down the line from the oldest to the youngest; all eleven of us were questioned, I was devastated to find out no one knew what had happened to his Bible nor did any of them have it in their possession. I was anxious to see how marked up it was and to look at the worn pages. I wanted to see if he had written along the margins, or left messages for his kids to reflect on. Unfortunately, his Bible is gone. Unless a miracle happens, we will never see it again, except for in pictures.

As we celebrate this Father’s Day, if you were asked, what is your favorite book, what would your answer be? With all the amazing books out there, let it always be said that your Bible is your most treasured asset. Don’t let it go missing. You will never regret it and hopefully your kids will treasure it when your life is ended and say, “my dad loved this book the most.” To my hero, my dad, thank you for leaving an example of loving the bible, and leaving memories that will last the rest of my life.

Her spirit spoke the moment our eyes connected, she was real. Her soul and heart were beautiful. And it was refreshing. Instant peace and soul spoken contentment. The kind of real you feel when your eyes tear up and from your heart and deepest emotion you feel it. You know what I’m talking about because all of us are given the chance to experience it; sometimes we have to search and stretch but we won’t settle until we find those priceless souls. I’m honestly tired of fake and the problem is, if I’m honest, “I can smell it a mile away” as the saying goes; my entire being resents and convulses at the thought of having to side-step around fake so I don’t have to face letting my facial expression show my disappointment. I hate it. Why? Because we don’t have to be fake. Its ridiculous. God created us, every single one of us, beautiful. What you have inside of you is priceless. Someone out there would give their arm and leg to have what you have and likewise you would give yours to have what they have. When will we settle into the reality of this amazing thought…we are all priceless, God gave each of us a gift or multiple gifts to light this world up. He gave His life for us to live life to the fullest, to have joy so you can know what it feels like to experience heaven on earth through His creation and all He has provided for you to live beyond your wildest dreams. Your life matters, every single day. Don’t ever forget it.