Prayer...Who Can Understand It?

When we tell Lilley K we are going to pray, she stops what she is doing and folds her hands and waits... We know that at 19 months she doesn't understand prayer. But she hears us thank God for blessing us. She hears us thank God for our food. She hears us ask for His protection and help. But she doesn't understand. Prayer. I do not understand it. Just how does prayer work exactly? How absurd it can feel, to talk with God and ask of the Maker of the universe to give guidance and wisdom to the people I love. How odd to request His presence. Frankly, it’s a bit crazy to appeal for His healing touch. Please don’t misunderstand me. These things aren’t strange because God is sitting in an over-stuffed chair waiting to tell us no or flick us in the back of the head for asking. Quite the contrary… What baffles me is this… Who am I? Who am I that I should ask of God…He’s…GOD ! I do not understand prayer any more today than I did 35plus years ago when I gave my heart to Jesus. Then why do I pray, you ask? This is the part I DO understand. Scripture provides us with the answer to that why. Jesus said to and He told us how. The Holy Spirit revealed to the men who penned scripture the importance of prayer. Are you worried? Pray. Are you sick? Pray. Are you happy? Pray. Are you thankful? Pray. I’m so thankful for scripture that tells us not to be anxious but to pray about everything. Make our requests known to God. I’m awed that He even thought to tell us when we don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes. So when the worries of today press in… When the fear of the future creeps in… When dark thoughts loom… When doctors walk in, And friends walk away, Questions remain unanswered, And your back is against the wall… Be still. He’s God. Yield to Him without the need to understand. He’s GOD. The One who holds the universe on the tip of His pinky finger, holds you close. So…yeah…we don’t have to understand prayer in order to pray. We can trust the Bible and know, prayer is not about our twisting God’s will to match our own. It’s finding that place of trusting His will. It’s resting easy knowing He knows best. I’m glad I don’t have to understand prayer. I’m glad I can trust in The Father. Come as a child…

Keep Going, You're Almost There

I have a friend who enjoys hiking. She is tenacious about it. She doesn’t say much about the punishment her body sends her way as a result of this hobby, but her close friends know she pays a price. She and a few friends took a short road trip last weekend and went on a jaunt to see God’s handiwork in the form of falls (water flowing over rocks and ridges that is, not human mishaps). Sunday after church she excitedly told me about the experience. The trail was not an easy one. The incline was steep. If I understood her correctly, it wasn’t an incline at all. It was more like a rock wall. The scenes were beautiful as they pressed on. They came upon some falls, not very big but beautiful just the same. They wondered if that was all there was to see. A few hikers on the way down the mountain assured them it was not. It’s beautiful up there, they said. Keep going, they challenged. It’s so worth it, they assured. So they continued. The journey was longer than they anticipated. Muscles screamed for respite. Lungs burned. Hearts pounded. And every time the thought of turning back snuck in, hikers on the way down appeared and gave encouragement to persevere. What if they are playing a trick on us? What if we get up there and discover there is no waterfall? What if they are laughing at us as they imagine our disappointment? In the weakest moment, when giving up grew to be the best option, there was a still small voice that echoed what they had been told. Keep going. Don’t quit. It’s worth it. Her eyes sparkled as she explained what it was like to reach the prize. “It was sooooo worth it!” she exclaimed. As I listened to the recollection I couldn’t help but compare it to our daily walk with Jesus. We enjoy our surroundings in the form of worship and service. We come upon the beautiful “scenery” in the form of answered prayer and his comforting presence when difficulties arise. When we are weak and tired, our Christian brothers and sisters show up to encourage us to finish strong. Jesus stays with us, every step of the journey. He gently nudges…press on…keep going…don’t quit. And when we reach our destination, we will be wowed and speechless at the beauty and perfection before us. Hebrews 12:1…there’s a cloud of witnesses, the faithful who have gone on before us. And if they could step back into the limits of time for a moment they would say: “It’s worth it.” “Don’t give up.” “Keep the faith.” “Keep your eyes on Jesus.” “Finish strong.” My sister or brother in Jesus, no matter what incline is in your path at this moment resist the voice that tells you it isn’t worth it. When the enemy tells you this is all there is…when he whispers in your ear with the message of what a fool you are…when he tries to persuade you to turn back… Resist. Resist and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. My friend confessed they were ready to turn back when a hiker urged, “You’re almost there.” At her moment of exhaustion she was a mere 1/10 of a mile away. She said, “To think we almost missed it. We didn’t know how close we were and we almost quit. We were so close.” If you’re in the throws or sorrow or turmoil, don’t quit. You are so close. Consider our sinless Jesus willingly facing hostility and abuse, enduring the cross for all of mankind… Consider who He is and don’t lose heart. Your almost there. Oh, and my friend? Well, she’s already planning her next hike.

Firecrackers & DNA

"I just realized," she said as she looked down at the toddler as she slept, "My DNA runs through her veins."

I had but one response, "Maybe that's why she's such a firecracker!"

Tommy and I just returned from a 12 hour road trip to Louisiana. We took our 18 month old, high-energy, full of personality granddaughter with us. This was a multipurpose trip. It had been two years since I saw my mom and Lilley (Lil K)  had never met her Great Granny.

She isn't one to easily befriend new people (Lil K, not Great Granny wink wink). She has to be approached with caution, kinda the same way one might draw near to a bear cub...will she hurt me or just run away?

I have to admit, the closer we got to "home" the more my nerves did a tap dance.

How long will it take?
Is she going to smile or cry?
Will she even offer a "fist-bump"?

Just minutes after touch down, Lil K and her "Nanny" became buddies. I spent the next 5 days laughing and marveling at the connection. They fed the birds, watered the flowers, bounced a ball, shared ice cream, ate corn on the cob, played with the dog and even took a nap together in Nanny's chair.

Proverbs 17 says grandchildren are a crown to the aged. She certainly is a crown to me; I am thrilled at every opportunity to spend a moment or more with Lil K. And all the while I am with her, my mind struggles to accept she is my GRANDCHILD...when did this happen? How can my mom be a GREAT Grandmother...she is still 39, isn't she?


I soaked in every minute together and whispered many "thank you" prayers to God who has been faithful during my mom's cancer battle. I thanked Him for Lilley's existence and for her Mommy & Daddy and their willingness to let her make the trip. I thanked Him for a safe home for our visit and for every flower that Mom's green thumb touched. As Lil K sang songs with Ike (Mike) and played games with Olly (their dog Molly), I was overwhelmed with gratitude for God's sovereign hand in our lives.

I have a never-quit attitude that came from Mom.

At 18 months old, Lil K has already shown her own...shall we say...ability to persist.

As I relive last week in my thoughts, I continue to thank the Lord for the gift of children and grandchildren. My thank you prayers fluidly become prayers for Momma's continued health progress and for myself. Yes, for myself. That I might be the kind of Grandma to Lil K that will show her no challenge on earth is bigger than God.

 I feel certain that Lilley's sweet voice is echoing down the hall at Mom's..."Nanny! (Where) Are you?"

No doubt Mom and "Ike" and "Olly" are all exhausted from the Firecracker of a little girl that lives life in go-mode.

Mom's ability to persevere against all odds, well, it's running through my veins.

It was gifted down the line to my son, Lilley's daddy, James.

And Lil K? Her energy level is surpassed only by her ability to "stick with it." God is going to work through Lilley Kendrick Pierce to impact the world...

Yeah, that DNA is powerful stuff.

I am the Thief on the Cross: Every Day is Sunday

I am one of the fortunate ones. I grew up with no doubt that a higher, greater being existed. My first experiences with God came through people who loved Him.

The experiences were not paragraphs or even sentences in my life; they were more like dashes or commas.  

My dad and mom, who taught me He is Holy and to be respected.

Bible school teachers who taught me He is kind and good.

Sunday school teachers who did not know when I would be there, yet they were prepared for me when I walked through the door.

A man and his wife who opened their home and taught me He is the miracle worker.

And a preacher who was unafraid to speak in such a way as to show me my sins…in living color.

I remember listening.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…became personal.  

My heart broke open and my sin poured out.

Oh, the shame of it…seeing my own sin.

Hanging my guilt-heavy head, not wishing to look up…

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness…  

“I’m sorry!” I cried.

His redeeming love began to find its way into my heart and for an instant the shame was too great.

It was then that this Love mingled with my wrongdoing. Piece by piece, my broken heart’s endless supply of sin dissipated. What was hopeless just a moment earlier became whole.

That would be me.

Brand new.

Changed.

Transformed.

Forgiven.

Nearly 40 years later, experiencing God is still thrilling!

Having reflected on what He gave that Friday…

Having celebrated resurrection Sunday along with millions of people all over the world…

Having embraced what I cannot fully understand…

Yes, I am as the thief on the cross.

Repentant.

Forgiven.

Every day is Sunday.

When There are no Words...KNOWING

There is a kind of parental love that comes along with being a pastor’s wife. It’s difficult to explain the relationship between my church family and me. I love each one in a motherly way, regardless of age.

Most of the time, ministering to and with my family is a joy. I have such a wonderful “seat” at the table.

But then there are seasons like the present. When there is heartache and heartbreak. “Why’s” echo through tear-filled eyes.  Hollow eyes betray the strong exterior as fear creeps in. And in my motherly sort of way, I want to fix it. I want to have the perfect words that make it all better no different from the moment this morning when my sweet grandbaby bumped her head and began to cry.

 “Do you want me to kiss it and make it better?”

She walked over and leaned in. I kissed her head and hugged her. “I’m so sorry you got hurt, baby.”

She quit crying and went back to playing.

The kiss made it all better.

The trials of this day are far greater.

As my heart breaks for the people I dearly love, I resist to slip into

 “If you really loved us Lord, this would not be happening”

“We serve you Lord, where is the protection that should come our way?”

“You are the Divine Healer…what happened? Did you look the other way?”

And in my search to fix it I am reminded, pain or trial in life is never experienced without purpose for those who love God. 

Among His many promises to His kids, God gives us the only answer to “why?”

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1

Don’t get tripped up over the first few words of this verse, those words that tell us to consider it great joy when we experience these hardships. Don’t overlook the next word…KNOWING…

What a gift God gave us in this word. It doesn’t say guessing or hoping.

KNOWING.

KNOWING what is happening in life produces endurance because as faith is pushed to its limits we see God keeps His promises.  Even better we can KNOW that it is not endurance just for the sake of enduring. God is right there, active as the endurance becomes complete so we may…look at it… look at the last two words be LACKING NOTHING.

I’m no stranger to the personal pain that has caused me to weep, face to the floor, and beg for God’s intervention.  I have looked toward heaven and wanted Him to step in and stop the pain now. I confessed that I did not ask for endurance nor did I choose this path toward being complete, lacking nothing.

God, in His great wisdom, loved me deeply as my pain seemed to envelope me. His presence has never been more real than in the alone that is found in the dark of night. When tears flow freely and there is no need for the face of “I’m okay.”

God has allowed my honesty in weakness.  And He is near and is listening as my family members ache and ask “why?”

Psalm 56…You Yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your records?  Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I KNOW: God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

The enemies of death, cancer, fear, loneliness, addiction, betrayal…add the enemy you are facing to this list.

I wish I could gather you...Marcie, Chad, Sherry… in my arms and, with motherly love, kiss your forehead and make it all better.

You can trust that I, and many others in the family, are praying and believing and KNOWING…

God is for you.

You are in the middle of “complete.”

I need thee every hour…Most gracious Lord…No tender voice like thine…Can peace afford…I need thee…oh I need thee…Every hour I need thee…Oh bless me now my savior…I come to thee

Jehovah Rapha...All to the glory of GOD

Jake sat quietly in the ICU family waiting room. He was surrounded by people he loved and they were all crying. His brother sat in a chair staring at the floor. His older sister wept. His little sister didn't stop moving. I don't think she understands what is happening here.

His grandmother sat quietly holding hands with her parents, Jakes great grandmother and great grandfather. Grandmother's lips were moving but she wasn't making any sound. He watched as a tear silently rolled down her cheek.  

Jake's grandfather was in the ICU and the doctors said he could die.

Jake wasn't ready to say good-bye. He wanted to pray but he wasn't sure what he should say.

"God knows what is best and we have to trust him," said his grandmother.

"All to the glory of God," said Jakes great grandfather.

All to the glory of God? How can any of this be to God's glory?

The doctor walked in and said, "He is stable for the moment. We are arranging to move him to a hospital that is better equipped to help him. You must understand he is very sick and might not survive the transport, but we have done all we can for him here."

The family prayed for a miracle.

Jake looked around the small room. Wall to wall family. Great grandparents who still loved each other. Aunts and uncles who stopped what they were doing and hurried to the hospital to be near their dad. Cousins ranging in age from teenagers down to toddling babies. And everyone was here because of granddad.

The chaplain came by, "The EMT's are here and everything is ready to transport Mr. Lewis."

Jake stared out the window as grandma drove to the hospital. It was late and the night sky was made darker by the fog and light rain that fell.

God, please don't let my granddad die. Please give us more time with him.

The next few days were a blur to Jake. Granddad was always on his mind. It was hard to concentrate at school. He went to the hospital after school each day. Each night he laid awake staring at the ceiling.

Sometimes he prayed.

Sometimes he cried.

His stomach hurt and his head ached.

He was afraid all the time. 

One morning Jake went into the kitchen for breakfast and found his great grandparents sitting at the table.

"Is everything ok? Where's grandma?"

"She's at the hospital. The doctors are running a few tests." said Great Granddad.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Great Granddad put down his coffee cup. "You know you can."

"The other day, at the hospital, you said 'All to the glory of God.' I just don't get it. How can this be for God's glory? If granddad never comes home , if he dies, that can't bring God glory."

"God's ways are not our ways. Often times it's hard to understand God. But you know Jake, God never said we are to understand Him. He said to trust Him. When you trust Him to take care of you no matter what, He will get the glory. God knows best."

"Right now I'm just confused. The family has prayed that God would make granddad better. He's not better. It doesn't look to me like God is listening."

"I know it's hard Jake. The Bible tells us that God is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who Heals. God heals all kinds of illness and hurt in different ways. Psalm 147:3 says He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. You just keep praying. You'll see. God is listening and He will get the glory."

"What do you mean 'in different ways'?"

"Sometimes very sick people get well and come home. Sometimes they die and their healing takes place in heaven. In heaven, there is no sickness or pain."

"Don't say that. I don't want to think about granddad dying."

"Jake, trust God no matter what. Whether granddad lives or dies, trust God to take care of him and you."

That afternoon Jake went to the hospital to check on granddad.  

"Hey, Jake! Have you had a good day?"

"Yeah, it's been ok. How's granddad? Any news?"

"Actually yes Jake! The doctors were able to take him  off the machine that was helping him breathe. He can whisper now. He told me he knew everyone was praying for him. He said he knew that God worked a miracle!"

Jake wanted to cry again; this time happy tears.

"Did God make granddad better?"

"Yes He did. It's important to thank God and give Him all the glory."

"All to the glory of God?"

"Exactly. All to the glory of God."

After two long weeks Jakes granddad came home from the hospital. It was great to have him home, telling corny jokes and winking at grandma.

Jake hugged granddad tightly, "I was so scared. I didn't want you to die."

"Jake, God took care of me.  I knew I might not live, but God gave me peace. I wasn't afraid. I knew God would heal me either by making be well enough to come home or by welcoming me into heaven."

"Don't say that. I don't want to hear that."

"Death is a part of life. You need to know that I'm not afraid to die because Jesus is my Savior. I asked Him into my heart many years ago. There's no need to fear death."

"I think I'm beginning to understand. God gets the glory whether you live or die because of Jesus."

"That's exactly right. Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who Heals, gets the glory!"

This Little Light of Mine

I recently returned from a trip to Israel. Words can’t describe all the sights and sounds, emotions and impressions.

It is nearly impossible to choose a favorite site or experience. If I had to choose I would choose a region…the region of Galilee.

Jesus spent the majority of His ministry around the shores and mountains of Galilee.

Our group made the hike up Mount Arbel and took in the sights of Galilee. We were mostly speechless as we looked out across the valley. We had the luxury of allowing the mind’s eye to see Jesus as He gathered the 12 men that would make history with Him.

We gazed across the vast valley at a modern day city that sits on a hill.

Jesus had just finished teaching the disciples The Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the gentle…

And then He spoke these words that have resonated in my heart all day today:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”


I stood on Arbel and saw the city on the hill. I imagined  2,000 years ago as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness crept over the valley, the people of the city lit their oil lamps…house by house…one by one…a small flickering flame glowing in the night…met by another and yet another…

I imagined the sight from the valley below and I could see all those lights blinking and winking and guiding the way through the night.


Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”


In other words it matters.


How I treat my family…matters.


How I speak to the checkout lady at Ingles… matters.


How I respond to the insurance clerk who is reciting HIPPAA to me…matters.


The sites I visit on the computer…matters.


What I allow to take root in my heart…matters.


The sun is dipping below the horizon. Darkness is creeping in over the valley and we are to let our lights shine before family, friends, acquaintances and strangers that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.


It matters.


If the salt isn’t salty, what is its worth?



This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.



Hide it under a bush? Oh no! I’m gonna let it shine!

Hide it under a bush? Oh, no! I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let is shine!



Let it shine til Jesus comes…