"Stumbling into the Amazing"

It seems the older I get, the more I realize the things that matter most..

At one point in my life I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee.
It was just after college and only a few short years since my precious earthly father had passed.

It was an uncertain time for me.
I longed to be independent..yet..
I was lonely
for family,
for connection...

And as only God can do, He brought some amazing people into my life..to fill the void.
I was, and still am, constantly amazed at His ability
to take an ordinary life and fill it with extraordinary people.

I remember a dear man named George. I didn't realize it then, but he had become like a father to me. We worshiped and ministered with others in a prison ministry. Whitewater rafting and birthday parties still bring a warm smile to my heart. I can still hear his and his wife's laughter, in a home filled with love. Memories that have faded past many years...
But still I remember,...that someone believed in me...

Mary Jane and Ed lived in the largest white house I had ever set foot in...They welcomed everyone with open arms...even me...
Their love for Christ and their ability to see into my heart...had a profound effect.
I didn't really see it then,...
I just knew that somehow I had stumbled upon something amazing..
Mary Jane reached out to me and allowed me to see into my future...She believed in me when I didn't even know who I was. She and Ed were the embodiment of Christ
-and the way we must love...if we really want to be alive.

When I realized these dear ones had passed from this life...I felt the loss...even after the years.

Not long after..I was driving down the road and listening to a preacher on the radio..
His words were simple..
Etched into my heart, even unto this day..

Peace, flooded my soul 
Toward those who had gone before..
My heart found comfort in this immeasurable truth...


"When a person is in the Lord,.....
He does not die a moment too soon, nor a moment too late"

I realized...
This was one of those moments.....that mattered most...

Is there someone in your life, for whom you still grieve?
Release them..to the Holy One of Israel, who has all of life under His authority.
The scriptures are clear..that blessed eternity is certain for those who have put their hope in Him.

I thank God
for my father,
for Ed, Mary Jane and George..
and many, many others who have chosen to live their lives in such a way
as to inspire hope in the uncertain child.  


Is their someone you are choosing to impact this day ??
They need you...


I praise God that ultimately...these special friends chose to really live !!
My life has been forever altered...
An ordinary life...forever changed for the better by extraordinary people.

You can do the same..even if,..they don't understand...yet..
It's your turn to amaze...by living a life of love

Go make a difference...

Philippians 1:6
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."