Beautiful Butterflies Stories for 2014

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:17-21

How do you measure God’s love? I have things in my life I can measure how much I love it and it loves me. For instance - my morning coffee. I love my coffee however; one day I do but the next I don’t. The coffee grounds come from the same canister yet it could taste different every morning. Perhaps I neglected to measure my tablespoons when scooping the grounds before dropping them in the paper filter. Maybe I added more water than the day before making it strong then weak the following day. However; because of the revolutionary premeasured K Cup every day is a well-balanced day! Just the right amount.

Can you tell that I like predictable days? Like clockwork I start my day. Like clockwork I end it. But six years ago time suddenly stood still when my 28 year old daughter told me, “I think I’m having a heart attack.” My first thoughts were how would she know…she’s never had one before. It must be indigestion. Later we discovered she was right and I was wrong. After three surgeries Kellie became weak and said goodbye to this life and hello to the strong life she longed for. February 29, 2008, Leap Day, was not a well-balanced day for me.

BUT GOD, has taken my weak heart and molded it to be strong with compassion. In six years I wrote a book about Kellie’s life, started a ministry, speaking in front of small and large groups, sitting in front of TV cameras, and have met some of the nicest folks in the world! God has done immeasurably more than I could have ever asked or dreamed. He has placed me in a ministry I would have never thought to ask for. The genetic condition we hid for years has now become the condition I embrace. Is there something in your life you’ve run from that perhaps to turn and embrace it would make you a stronger servant for Christ?

Most of you know my story so for 2014 I’m going to share their story. Their? The stories of those in the Turner syndrome community: TS girls and women, mothers, fathers, brother, sisters, grandparents, boyfriends and husbands! Every Tuesday, starting January 7, 2014, Leaping Butterfly Ministry blog spot will host a guest writer.

 

Above are just a few of my dearest new TS friends who will be guest writers for 2014: Andrea Horner, Emily Markowski, Laura Ridgeway, and Monique Gras. (Names from left to right. Picture taken on a recent trip to Fort Wayne, IN.) They are some of the strongest women you’ll ever meet…not weak!



Merry Christmas!

Years ago I listened to a political talk show host on the radio. Often he would target the words politicians flippantly used in sharing their views on major issues. The host would question if they really meant to say what they said as he reminded his audience by leaning into the microphone with a deep voice to state, “Words mean things.” These three words still ring in the back of my mind as I type on my keyboard.

But there are times when it is just simply hard to find the words as I try to express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their children to the tragedy in Newtown, CT. What words do you use? Having experienced the kick in the stomach of being on the side of parental hears receiving those unbelievable words …I know words aren’t even heard at a time like that. You’re numb. This can’t possibly be true rang in my ears like a screaming siren. You hear nothing else for days.

As my eyes were glued to the television this morning I began to pray for those dealing with the news of this tragic loss. Then I heard a whisper to grab a pad and start making a list of the words I was hearing. Here are a few: safe, secure, innocent children, protective teachers, trapped, helpless, mental illness, gun control, devastation, state of shock, a week before Christmas, has touched every heart, community coming together, reaching out, not alone, outpouring of support, pray for families, compassion, love, grace, faith is getting them through this, relationship with God is incredibly important, will learn from this tragedy, will celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year, having joy in the midst of the grief, held together by something greater than ourselves, richer faith can happen, and God is with us.

In Isaiah 7:14 it says, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Do you know what the name Immanuel means? God with us!

As you celebrate the gift of God being with us remember these families, students, teachers, community, and church leaders in Newtown. Ask the Lord to make it a New Town under God’s mercy and grace as they experience God powerfully being with them.

Hug as much as you can this Christmas and show the love of Jesus in your smile. I pray it is a sweet time of remembering His greatest provision of all time; Immanuel.

Future Blogs

Well, you don't hear from me for a few weeks then get two blogs within 24 hours. This is what I like about you...you still are faithful to read it.

I want to apologize for forgetting to tell you where the blog will go from here. I plan to continue the Leaping Butterfly Blog, but will send it out once a month instead of every week. Would, also, love to get some topic suggestions from you too. My email address is located in the contact tab and would appreciate any topic you would like for me to do in regards to our continued walk with Christ.

Thank you so much for reading the blog this year and for sending me your comments. It has blessed me beyond words and encouraged me to keep in step with our Savior as He guides. Believe me...it's been a transformational process that I have truly been blessed by. 

Never Say Never

One year ago this month I did something I never thought I could do—write a weekly blog. Of all the people I’ve ever known in my lifetime ‘I’ would have voted me the Least Likely to do so. But God, has a way of taking our ‘Nevers’ and turning them into a blazing passion for “Forevers”. 

I know you’ve heard this before, “If God can transform me…He can transform anybody.” So true of me and so true of you! The testimonies are endless how the Lord has done extraordinary things through ordinary people. Why? Because we are ordinary and He is extraordinary.

Thank you for encouraging me through this last year’s journey. I never really had an agenda for the week. God taught me to sit still (hardest part), in my chair, with fingers on the keyboard and wait for Him to tell me what to write.

Transformation has taken place in my own heart as I searched to hear His soft whisper, “This is what I would like for you to write...” I don’t know if I was more excited about what He was going to tell me or if I couldn’t wait to use it as an excuse to spend one-on-one time together.

My writing interest started years ago as I learned to journal my prayers and thoughts to Him in a pretty little book. I wanted record in order to have the opportunity to see where He’s taken me. One word sums it up—Amazing! Never did I dream He would ever use my poor decisions, pain, and sufferings, in order to glorify Himself even more. What a privilege to see how He works.

So with this, I write in this year’s final blog about transformation that I will move on to finish the ultimate “Never”…my book entitled, “Loving a Leaping Butterfly”. I desperately need your prayers as I open my heart so I can find God’s. ALL for His glory!

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you finish this sentence; “I’ll never do…” What if God says, “Good, I’ll do it through you!”? Wouldn’t it be a double blessing to do something you never thought you could, then see how much it glorified Him because you were right?

PS Dawn, thank you for getting me off to a great writing start with the blog. Your sweet friendship and patience nudged me to do. Bless you!  And, to all my precious Words for the Journey friends…you enabled me to imagine what God can and will do if we’re willing. Bless you too!

The Wedding March

My most vivid memory of my mother was watching her graceful hands on the organ keyboard. As the church organist she often practiced music for weddings. Soloist, too, would practice the popular ceremonial 1950 songs of Because and The Lord’s Prayer. To me—it was music to a young ‘wishful’ little girl’s ears that still rings today.

Nearly every Saturday evening I accompanied the accompanist to weddings. The flowers, the solos, the candles, the bridesmaids were nice, but the thrill only came when I could spot the shadow of the bride behind the sanctuary glass doors.

Mom would pause; lay her hands in her lap while silence filled the room. My heart raced with excitement because I knew what was next as she gently reached up to manually pull the stop on the pipe organ that transformed the sound to that of trumpets. I can still see my mother’s confidence to announce the coming of the bride with her dramatic pounding on the keys. I still get Goosebumps just writing about the traditional wedding march.

As time also marches on, and just 4 days short of her 81^st birthday, I believe Mom heard the sound of Heavenly trumpets as the doors flung wide to enter Heaven. Adorned in pure white, ushered by the nail-scared hand of her Jesus—she took her first step into the Throne Room of God.

As I look back on her life I see trials, challenges she overcame, and much suffering however; God used them all to make the march sweeter because I can't remember a time when she ever took her eyes off the groom. I’m sure it was a graceful walk towards Him for her life demonstrated true intimacy with Christ. I desire is to leave the same legacy.

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Revelation 19:6-8

Will our transformation end one day? You bet it will!

When? Only when we hear the signal for the march; not a second too early or too late.

I’m ready when He is. How about you?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Transformation is hard work if you truly make the decision to give all of your heart to Jesus. It cost. Pieces don’t cut it.

Childlike faith is the key ingredient, which melts wisdom and intimacy into a sweet relationship with Jesus. The luster of your faith of trust and dependence will bring about the brilliance of Peace and Joy.

A wonderful friend recently gave me a copy of one of the most transforming books I’ve ever read entitled, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Sarah shares her key to intimacy with Christ occured when she began to experience God’s presence continuously in her day. Time alone with God, in uninterrupted communion, taught her the ability to listen rather than talk. Her prayer journals have evolved from a monologue to dialogue.

Sarah now sits before God and waits for Him to tell her what to write as He directs her how to apply His Word to her life. She now rests in His presence as He relaxes her, helps her to let go, and tenderizes her heart to cease striving. Fear, anxiety, distrust have now turned to fullness of joy with a peace that surpasses all understanding because Jesus, Emmanuel, IS God with us.

Here is the May 19^th devotion from Sarah’s book as Jesus talks to her through Scripture.

I want you to know how safe and secure you are in My Presence. That is a fact, totally independent of your feelings. You are on your way to heaven; nothing can prevent you from reaching that destination. There you will see Me face to Face, and your Joy will be off the charts by any earthly standards. Even now, you are never separated from Me, though you must see Me through eyes of faith. I will walk with you till the end of time, and onward into eternity.

Although My Presence is a guaranteed promise that does not necessarily change your feelings. When you forget I am with you, you may experience loneliness or fear. It is through awareness of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings. Practice the discipline of walking consciously with Me through each day.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

Do you feel Him near you today? He’s with you whether you feel Him or not.