Months ago I was watching a woman named Debbie Macomber being interviewed on The 700 Club Christian television program. Diagnosed as a child with “word blindness,” she shared how she struggled to learn in school.

“Debbie is a nice girl,” her third grade teacher told her mother, “but she’ll never do well in school.” And she didn’t. But, from the time she was a young child, she loved to tell stories and dreamed of becoming a writer. She kept that dream to herself fearing what others might say. She was ten years old by the time she learned to read.

The following year she learned to knit and was quite good at it. This boosted her self-confidence. Through knitting she also learned concentration, comprehension and math. In high school, she shared her dream of becoming a writer with her principal who replied, “think about something you can do.”

Her academic education ended once she finished high school. It wasn’t until after she married and had children that she learned the “word blindness” she had been diagnosed with as a child was actually dyslexia.

Debbie never gave up her dream of becoming a writer and believed that was God’s purpose for her life. She began to pursue her writing career crafting out romance novels. Rejection after rejection came from her submitted manuscripts, but she didn’t give up. Finally, one of her manuscripts was accepted.

Since then, Debbie has had more than 160 books published, been on the New York Times best seller list numerous times and has 170 million copies of her books in print. She’s had some of her books made into Hallmark tv movies and a Hallmark tv series. She currently concentrates on writing inspirational nonfiction but has also written cookbooks and children’s books.

Recognized for her achievement with numerous awards, Debbie’s dreams of becoming a writer were truly inspired by God. He put that dream in her heart, and she never gave up on it, despite what others said.

Throughout the bible there are stories of those who were given a dream by God that seemed impossible. The story of Joseph in Genesis is a prime example. In his dream, he saw sheaves of wheat (representing his ten older brothers) bowing down to him. When he shared his dream with his brothers, they became furious. They ended up kidnapping him and selling him into slavery. Years later, that dream became reality when through a series of events, he became second in power in all of Egypt. Because of a famine in the land, his brothers travelled to Egypt to buy wheat from Pharaoh’s 2^nd in command (not recognizing it was their brother whom they hadn’t seen in years) and ended up bowing down to him. I highly recommend everyone read this incredible story of triumph over tragedy.

Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that is in us.”

What’s your dream?

Several years ago I was sorting through boxes in our garage after a recent move into a much larger home. I stared with dread at the seven old WWII military trunks my husband had kept in storage since his father’s passing eighteen years earlier. They had travelled all over the world during the 1940s-1960s as his father was relocated and held great sentimental value to my husband.

Now what are we going to do with these dirty old trunks? The thought of keeping them in the garage or moving them into the attic for another eighteen years was unappealing.

In the meantime, I searched for economical ways to decorate our new home looking for sales at furniture stores, going to estate sales or consignment shops. One day I saw a beautiful “military” styled trunk in a nearby furniture store with a $700.00 price tag on it. It was displayed as a side table in a family room. It was raised up on legs, black and very much a handsome piece of furniture.

Seven hundred dollars for a military trunk? Wait a minute! We have lots of these in our garage! I can paint some of those trunks. The problem was, how do I get them raised off the floor? I went online and found a pattern to make stands for the trunks and found a woodworker to make them for only $30.00 each.

With my husband’s permission to proceed, I painted one trunk with chalk paint and distressed it to be used at the foot of a bed in a spare bedroom, and painted another black to be used as an end table in the corner of our master bedroom. The trunks now found their new purpose instead of being hidden away. I’ve since added two more to different rooms in our home. This enabled me to honor my husband’s wishes to keep the trunks, but also make good use of them.

The transformation with the trunks reminded me of my own transformation years ago. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” But God didn’t change me just on the outside, he changed me on the inside as well. However, the transformation on my inside was so dramatic, it reflected on my outside. I was reborn to fulfill the purpose and plans God had for me.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” When we become a Christian, God repurposes us, just like those dirty old military trunks. He can make us into something completely brand new. I’m so glad God sees the heart of man and doesn’t give up on us. Aren’t you?

(Photos below of before and after trunks, and me before and after I became a Christian.)

For many years my husband and I rented a movie on Friday nights, made popcorn, and curled up on the sofa for two hours of relaxing entertainment after a hard week at work. But those days have long disappeared as I’ve struggled to find a decent film that’s neither violent or vulgar.

“I wish Hollywood understood there are millions of Christians, and non-Christians, who would really enjoy a decent family-friendly film?” I lamented.

In the past few years, I’ve watched all of the God’s Not Dead movies. I’ve also watched some great Hollywood historical films, like The Darkest Hour about Winston Churchill, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood about Mr. Rogers, and other films based on true stories like Hidden Figures and Hacksaw Ridge. But those films are few and far between.

Recently two separate friends told me about a new Christian tv series called The Chosen (created by Dallas Jenkins) about the life of Christ and his disciples that is free by downloading “The Chosen” App (via Google Play or the App Store). I downloaded the free app to my phone and watched the entire eight episodes of Season 1 (from last year) in two days.

I watched in awe at the powerful and emotional performances. Guaranteed to make you cry, it will also make you laugh. It’s the best production about the life of Christ I’ve ever seen. Viewed worldwide more than 60 million times, it’s translated into 50+ languages thus far.

It’s the most successful crowdfunding film project ever with Season 1 being paid for by investors, and Season 2, currently in filming, being paid for via a ‘pay it forward’ method where viewers can, if they choose, ‘pay it forward’ to provide a way for others to watch it for free.

A few days after I watched it, my husband purchased a Fire Stick (for $30.00) which enables streaming on our flat screen. We streamed it to our tv via my phone app and watched it together over the course of that week. “I’d like to watch that again,” he said a few days later. I was certainly amenable to his suggestion. Each time I watch it, I notice something new. Fortunately, they are planning at least seven seasons.

Proverbs 13:12(b) says: “A wish come true fills you with joy.” This show certainly fulfills my wish of long ago (for some decent television entertainment), and fills me with joy. How ingenious of God to use Dallas Jenkins, and everyone else involved in its production, to create such a powerful television series in a day of social media, and also the strange times we’re living in with the pandemic and home confinement.

I highly recommend you download the app. When you do, be prepared to witness the most powerful film production of the greatest story ever told, and be sure to have some tissues nearby. And I’ll continue to re-watch Season 1 until Season 2 is released next Easter. I’m so glad Season 2 won’t be ‘The End.’

I was chatting with the office receptionist about my recent interview on the popular Christian tv program, The 700 Club, when a middle-aged woman walked in.

“My name is Darlene Jones, and I have a one o’clock appointment with Attorney James Henderson.” The receptionist promptly called the attorney’s assistant to inform her his client had arrived. Moments later the assistant arrived at the receptionist’s desk.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Jones, but Mr. Henderson is out of the office. He doesn’t have you scheduled on his calendar.”

Ms. Jones insisted she had an appointment with James Henderson and was told she would be meeting with him at one o’clock regarding her bankruptcy case. Mr. Henderson’s assistant said she would look up her case to see what she could find out.

While we were waiting, the three of us engaged in conversation. I shared with Darlene about my interview on The 700 Club, and how the Lord had dramatically transformed my life.

“My life is a mess,” she shrugged. “Besides filing for bankruptcy, my husband left, and my son is using drugs.” She told us she had been a Christian in her youth but drifted away from the Lord years earlier. “My grandfather and father were pastors.”

“Would you like me to pray with you,” I asked. “Sure,” she replied. I brought her into the nearby conference room and closed the door. We sat side by side as I grabbed her hands and prayed. Once we finished, we returned to the receptionist area.

“Ms. Jones, here is the name and address of the Attorney you were to meet with,” the receptionist said as she handed her a piece of paper. “His name is Steve Smith. He’s located a few blocks from here.”

“Steve Smith? How did I get James Henderson out of Steve Smith?”

“I don’t know, but they’re expecting you,” the receptionist said.

Darlene looked at me with a stunned expression. “How did I get this address?”

“God must have guided you here today,” I said as I looked into her tear-filled eyes.

She was visibly shaken and repeatedly asked how she could have been given the wrong name and address.

Darlene may have turned away from her relationship with the Lord, but he never forgot her. He guided her steps into our office to remind her about his love, willingness to forgive, and ability to transform lives. I often wonder what happened to her. I have a feeling that day was a pivotal moment in turning her life around.

The Lord is a gentleman. When he comes knocking, the decision to let him in is ours. Revelation 3:20 says: “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in unto him and sup with him, and he with me.” When he came knocking on my door years ago, I didn’t answer for a while. I’m glad I eventually did.

Knock, knock.

Many years ago my Mom was enjoying her weekly visit to her favorite restaurant where she had become friends with the owner and staff. The hundred-year-old family owned and operated upscale restaurant, and local landmark, is located in the downtown area of our hometown in Upstate New York. Elegant, but comfortable, it’s close proximity to the state capital is a warm environment frequented by nearby business professionals and politicians alike. Within walking distance to a large concert arena adds to its popularity.

Mom was seated at her regular table reading the newspaper after a late lunch when in walked the famous baritone Robert Goulet, one of Mom’s favorite performers. He and his guests were seated across the room. She suddenly remembered that he was performing in town.

Mom was gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, although she was never given the opportunity to use it professionally. She did sing on stage during holiday performances when she lived in an orphanage. Over the years she would sing around the house or out with friends. I believe if Mom was given the proper resources and support, she could have had a singing career.

Moments after Mr. Goulet was seated, Mom arose. Looking into his legendary blue eyes, she sang, “Some enchanted evening,” the first lyrics to his famous hit song of the same name from the musical, South Pacific. As if rehearsed, Robert Goulet stood, stretched out his hand towards Mom, and continued with the opening lyrics: “You may see a stranger. You may see a stranger, across a crowded room.”

Tears filled Mom’s eyes as patrons and staff burst into applause. She called me that evening and told me about her adventure. It was an experience we never forgot. Years later after Mom passed away, the local newspaper dedicated a substantial sized article to my Mom who had been such a loyal patron at the locally historic restaurant for decades. In the article, one of the restaurant’s staff recounted the day Mom sang with Robert Goulet.

That little act of kindness on the part of Robert Goulet only took a moment, but it had an impact on Mom, me, and all those in the restaurant that day. I’ve heard many stories of celebrities being annoyed when approached by fans in public places. But Mr. Goulet used the gift God had given him to bring joy to an older woman and others around her.

The bible says in Galatians 6:10: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” I have no idea what Robert Goulet’s faith was, but I know that act of kindness was a clear demonstration of what God talks about in Galatians. I pray that as a Christian, I never miss the opportunity to share an act of kindness that will leave a lasting impact.

A global pandemic such as the world hasn’t seen in a hundred years. National civil unrest, violence and destruction spreading throughout the globe. Many are consumed with fear. Others have lost hope our world will recover.

But, 2 Chronicles 13:14-15 says: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” God is the answer, and repentance and prayer is the key. I know. I experienced it firsthand.

As a child, I was taught about God. After experiencing multiple traumas, I came to the conclusion either God didn’t exist, or he didn’t care. So, I turned away from him. Not long after my life became filled with sin, dysfunction and chaos. Sounds like the condition our world is in right now doesn’t it?

I had no hope that I could “undo” the evil that was done to me. I had no hope that I could feel normal after almost being murdered as a child by a man possessed with the devil. I had no hope of ever having a normal relationship with someone of the opposite sex and being happily married. My world looked dark and hopeless.

But then one night I turned my life over to God, and my life began to turn around. I have been happily married for thirty years, and healed from my childhood traumas as if the events never happened. I am no longer filled with despair and hopelessness. I know God can turn anyone’s life around, and anyone’s situation around, including this world. In John 10:10, God says: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” I have experienced the destruction of the thief (aka the devil), and the blessings of a life lived for God.

We are physical and spiritual beings who live in a physical and spiritual world. What ails our nation and world is not only a physical problem, but also a spiritual one. And the solutions are not only physical, but also spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”

With millions of Christians in our nation, we can turn this situation around by engaging in spiritual warfare. God has given us the power of prayer to use as a weapon. He’s also given us the Bible, which is the Word of God, aka the Sword of the Spirit. Hebrews 4:12(a) says: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.”

Let us take up our weapons and turn this nation around. On guard!

Can God bring good out of something bad? My answer is a resounding, “Yes!” I’ve experienced it firsthand. Many times. On many different levels.

By far my worst experience occurred when I was almost murdered as a child. The resulting negative effects lasted for years until I became a Christian and God began the healing process. Not until my thirties did I ask God to bring good out of what happened. In the natural it would seem impossible that anything positive could come out of something so heinous.

Years later, I shared my incredible journey of emotional healing from those childhood traumas on The 700 Club, a popular Christian television program. The episode inspired thousands to call in for prayer seeking their own emotional healing from childhood traumas, and hundreds asked Christ into their lives. My story gave them hope that they too could be freed from their painful pasts, and live normal, happy lives. It’s a story I continue to share when given the opportunity.

Another bad experience I had, though on a much lower level, occurred over twenty years ago. My husband and I were out of town during the winter taking care of a dying relative when our neighbors informed us our upstairs bathroom water pipes had burst. I flew home right away and walked through several inches of water throughout the bottom level. The outdated shag carpeting and older furniture in the den and my husband’s office were unsalvageable.

The lower level held my least favorite decor in our home. It consisted of a mix of furniture from my single days and my husband’s bachelor days and needed a major overhaul. One that never made it to the top of my ‘to do’ list while working full time. Over the next few months, the entire level was replaced with modern carpeting and beautiful new matching furniture, thanks to our insurance coverage. I loved the transformation and thanked God for those burst pipes!

Romans 15:4, says: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures may have hope.” I believe the same thing is true about our past bad experiences. We can learn by them when we recall how God met our need and then brought good out of what happened. Sometimes the ‘good’ is that our faith is increased. And hopefully the next time we go through a trial, we have more confidence that God will meet our need. Or sometimes the ‘good’ is that we can encourage others through our own deliverance or redemption stories.

Though the current situation is on a much grander scale, I’m praying God will bring good out of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic as well. I’m looking forward to it.

“I can’t last another week!” I’ve heard that statement more than once since the beginning of the unprecedented home confinements brought on by Covid-19. But, I’m here to tell you, “You can get through this.” I know, because in the past I’ve accomplished what I thought was impossible.

One such instance occurred over twenty years ago when my sister-in-law (who I refer to as Susie in my memoir) was seriously ill fighting an aggressive form of cancer. She was living alone in my father-in-law’s home an hour’s ride outside of Los Angeles, getting treatment at Cedar Sinai Hospital. My husband and I took leaves of absences from our jobs in Virginia to take care of her. What we thought would be a few weeks turned into a few months.

I not only did many of the mundane chores, but I also took Susie to her weekly appointments at Cedar Sinai while my husband was taking care of other matters. To get to Cedar Sinai, I had to take the ‘white knuckle’ drive on one of the nation’s busiest freeways—the 405. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the 405, there’s six or more lanes of traffic going in each direction on parts of that route. In addition, when there’s not a backup, most drivers are speeding along at 80 mph or more, far above the 65 mph speed limit. Clinging to the steering wheel, I prayed silently the entire grueling trip. I thanked God every time we made it to the hospital, and again when we returned home.

Part of Susie’s home treatment plan consisted of receiving three injections of one particular medicine each morning, noon and night. In addition, she needed a fourth injection of a different medication that could only be given by her R.N. during his daily noon home visits. He informed us that someone needed to give Susie her morning and evening injections. I knew my husband wasn’t interested, and I certainly wasn’t since I hated needles with a passion. “I can’t do that,” I told the nurse. But, he assured me I could. I knew I had no choice, and asked God for help. I confess, it wasn’t easy at first. But, the more I did it, the easier it became. And when she left this earth for her heavenly home, I was on the bed beside her, reading scriptures to her about heaven.

In Philippians 4:13, it says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So, if you think you can’t make it through another day of home confinement due to Covid-19, or can’t make it through another day of whatever you’re going through, God can give you the strength. Just ask Him. And then take it one day at a time.

One Saturday evening in early March, I was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying my usual evening cup of tea and cookies when I texted a relative to see if her daughter was a Girl Scout. I knew if she was, she would be selling their cookies since they were in season. She informed me her daughter was not in the Girl Scouts.

Seconds later she sent another text with a photo of their foyer and living room. “The whole house looks like a construction site,” she texted. She stated they were in the midst of removing carpet and tile before they installed hardwood floors. But her husband was having great difficulty removing the stubborn tile’s underlayment. Even though her husband could fix or build just about anything, the underlayment was giving him a hard time.

“We have someone coming to help install the flooring on Monday, so we need to get the floors ready,” she informed me. “He has a long way to go on the tile.” I could sense the anxiety and concern since time was of the essence and the underlayment wasn’t cooperating. “Ask the Lord to help!” I suggested. “After all, he worked as a carpenter!”

“Thanks. Great idea!” she replied.

I looked forward to hearing how the Lord solved their problem. On Tuesday morning I received a text from her. “Thanks for the reminder that God cares about the small things,” she said. “I have a story to tell you about the tile.”

“I’m on my way to the vet’s office,” I responded. “Call me tonight.”

Hours later she called. She told me that after I suggested she ask the Lord for help, she went into the other room and prayed but didn’t say anything to her husband. She returned to her project sanding trim. Just moments later her husband told her that his tool broke. This confused her because that wasn’t the answer to prayer she was expecting, especially with at least six more hours of grueling work to remove the rest of the underlayment.

Her husband went to the local hardware store and rented a power tool. In amazement, she watched as he finished removing the remaining tile and underlayment in thirty-five minutes. She then told her husband of her prayer for help.

“See, God cares about the small things too,” I said. “Not just big things.”

In Philippians 4:6-7, the bible says: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

In that verse, God tells us to pray about everything! If he cares about a stubborn tile job, surely he cares about ridding us of Covid-19. Let us all pray for a swift resolution and return to normal life.

I was helping a friend sort her mother’s belongings after she sold her home to downsize. The activity brought back memories of sorting through my own Mom’s belongings in New York after her death.

Once my family and I made our selections from Mom’s personal possessions, I prayed. “Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me what to do with the rest of Mom’s things.” In no time at all, her possessions were given to friends or those in need. But when it came time to dispose of her clothing, I couldn’t part with them.

As I looked over the various items, they brought back special memories. I recalled the fun we had trying on clothes during shopping trips. And watching her smile when she unwrapped the beautiful blouse or sweater I’d given her on a special occasion like Mother’s Day, birthday, or Christmas. And seeing her wear her new flannel pjs around our home during the holidays. And discussing with her which hand painted t-shirt she would like when we attended the local art show on her summer visits. And ironing her jeans and being amazed how short her legs were compared to mine.

“Why don’t you just take them to Goodwill,” someone suggested. “I can’t,” I insisted. At that moment I recalled seeing a memory quilt years earlier at the home of my husband’s godparents. Made from the baby and childhood clothing of his godmother, it made a lasting impression. I called my sister right away and discussed having quilts made from Mom’s clothes. She loved the idea and even offered to pay the cost. I packed up Mom’s clothing and shipped them to my home back in Virginia.

I searched for a local quilter experienced with making memory quilts. After several interviews, I found the perfect person for the task. We met to discuss size, pattern, fabric, etc., with my sister participating from New York via telephone. A year later we received the bed quilts, lap quilts, pillow shams and throw pillows. “Do you want me to throw away the scraps?” the quilter asked holding up the bag of remnants. “No!” I shouted as I grabbed the bag and stared at what was left of Mom’s clothes. “There must be something we can do with them.” I then commissioned her to make tote bags from the scraps.

Overjoyed with the project, I called the local newspaper suggesting an article about memory quilts so others could know about this special way of using their loved one’s clothing. The newspaper liked the idea as the following month was National Quilt Month. The story was printed with a large photo of me wrapped in Mom’s quilt. After the article was published, the quilter received so many orders she had to hire extra help. Months later I received the beautiful tote bags.

I don’t believe the timing of receiving the quilts was a coincidence. It was all part of an answer to prayer. God just so happened to bless a lot of others in the process.