Maggie Says....

Have you ever missed a turn while using your GPS and immediately heard the voice say "U-Turn at the next left" or maybe it automatically re-routes you to a whole new path because a quick turn around is not available? It is a comfortable feeling having the direction of someone telling you how to get there. To me, it is even more valuable to have "Maggie" (what we call our GPS) tell me if I can make a quick correction or if changing paths is what is the best.

I wish life had a "Maggie" to tell me directions. There are so many times when I just don't know where to go and even more times when I want to know if it is time to "re-direct" myself. I would love to save myself a few u-turns, miss a couple of road bumps and avoid the "delays" all together.

Just this morning, I asked God to give me direction about a few things. I want a clear path with regards to a couple decisions in my life.

It was within minutes that I received 2 e-mails, 1 skype conversation and 1 phone call that I felt was directing me along my path. In that 30 minutes I learned:

- I might be heading down a path that is leading to a dead end.
- There is a exit right ahead, if I decide to take the turn.
- There is rest stop, if I need it right ahead.
- A comforting voice telling me my "delays" are only that ....short delays.

I was comforted to know that even though I might not always hear a "Maggie" in the background of my daily ride, I do have a navigator that knows all. Thank you God.

Now, I am just hoping to find the volume button on my God navigation system so that I don't miss any turns!

My "Birth"day !!!

It has been a quite a ride since January 11, 1987! On this day, 24 years ago, I was at my little church in Texas giving my life to Christ. I remember it like it was yesterday and I hope to never forget this day as long as I live!

The song that was sung was "Just As I Am" (still one of my favorite invitation hymns ever). Brother Dale was the minister who took my confession of faith on that day with such love and such a sweet spirit. He also gave me a Spiritual Survival Kit that day and it was a treasured gift. A small booklet that helped me see my salvation as a something that needed more than a one day confession but a life long journey. I remember working thru it with my mom and being so thrilled.

The day I was baptized, I was blessed to have my mom there with me. She had been a believer for many years but never had been baptized and was encouraged to share that moment with me. It is one the bonds with her that is the strongest and most meaningful to me. I so wish I had a photograph of this moment; but it is in my heart captured always.

One of the funniest things about that day was that I can still remember it was the first day that we were in the newly built sanctuary. One of the Cook boys, myself and my mom were to be the first baptized that Sunday. Brother Dale, who happen to by my best friend's dad, pinned my name to my sleeve so that he would not forget any of our names. I remember thinking how funny that was seeing how many hours that I spent over at their home for sleepovers, play dates and church activities. Several years later that became priceless to me because I took it to mean that he knew what a special moment that was and how wanted it to be just right!

I have had my moments where God and I were not seeing eye to eye (okay, I was being stubborn) but from that moment I have always felt his peace within me. I have never doubted the love He gave for me. I wish my moments of not acting as if I knew this were fewer but I thank him for the days in between where he walked alongside me and gently guided me.

Today is day that I am overjoyed! Never will I know if there is a tomorrow but because of His grace I know eternity is waiting for me.