Shouldering up against a mountain as I had done many times before. Pushing and shoving until I could do no more. Pausing to catch a breath, I checked for progress, but again, no. It had been an exercise in patience, prayer, and faith (or lack thereof). I felt like a young Jedi, standing on my hands lifting small stones while doubting my ability to raise the ship, because “I don’t believe it.” The Master said, “That is why you failed.” Imagine gospel truth coming from a little green puppet to the seats of a 1977 movie theater.

Smaller rocks had shifted, but this mountain pushed back with a vengeance, so I stepped away to gain some perspective. Hearing a rumble over my shoulder, I turned to see the mountain had moved – not by my efforts, but of He who formed the mountains. My widened eyes lifted to the heavens in gratitude and wonder of the miracle before me. Amazement faded as my focus returned to the earth and the chasm left in the mountain’s wake. Excitement of a victory became fear of crossing the freshly cut ravine.

In the presence of a miracle, why am I drawn toward the trouble that lies beyond its shadow? The question itself reveals the answer – “lies”. The Deceiver tears away our focus from the Greatness of God at every opportunity. When the Lord graciously empties a “worry bucket”, it quickly fills with ever-present anxiety and fear of the days to come. “Well, that may have been a neat party trick, but what about all this other stuff?”

On a roller-coaster ride from mountain peak to valley’s depth, the Lord whispered, “Trust Me in this, watch what I will do.” With a fragile breath I replied, “OK”. Fear subsided for a moment but quickly returned. He said again, “Watch what I will do”, and again and again.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

But I am a bit shaken, so here are my burdens, all too heavy for me to carry. Just know there are more where they came from.

He replied, “I’m a big God, I can handle it. I will raise the road to meet your feet or carry you across the depths. Trust Me.”

But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you. Psalm 55:23

If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, follow the link above or email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.

Checking on my father-in-law, getting ready for church, he said, “Oh, I’m ready. Got my fingernails clean and everything.” His generation would bathe on Saturday and get to town for Sunday services. Now, my mother would not agree, but dirty fingernails are a good thing. It means you got something done, or at least were outside playing in the dirt.

Take for instance the late country singer K.T Oslin, who always wore gloves on stage. It wasn’t a mere fashion statement as much as she loved to work in her garden and her nails showed it. There is value in sinking your fingers in the dirt and making things grow.

I always thought wielding a shovel or post hole digger was just a means to an end, to finish a chore and “build character” as my father would say. And as usual, he was right, but this bit of wisdom did not kick in until I left college.

Despite my aspiration of making a company run, I exchanged a freshly minted diploma for my first job, as a glorified concrete shoveler. My boss had been in the dirt business before dirt was invented and he quickly proved I knew nothing. Years of pushing a shovel in the Texas heat made me reassess my career path. Eventually, I found myself in an air-conditioned office, reading plans and moving “virtual” dirt, but it took a lot of dirty fingernails to get me to this place, so I am grateful. I escaped the heat but missed the hands-on work and the satisfaction of a dirty job done well.

When I step away from my computer, there are projects that require sweat, busted knuckles and dirty fingernails. I have found in these times; old fashioned elbow grease allows room for my brain to ponder and listen for God’s voice in the midst of the dirt. Something about being knee deep into nature “grounds” me, pun certainly intended.

God is in all things, but I seem to find Him more in backyard dirt. Funny thing since I move dirt for a living.

So, before you clean your fingernails for church, think back on the dirt and how it got there. And be grateful.

If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear.
Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.

Check out the audio version of this story at the Podcast

If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.

The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. Although uncertain about how Christ would appear, I doubt he expected an infant. However, when Joseph and Mary presented their new Son in the temple, something changed. Whether it was a radiant glow, or his heart pounded, we don’t know, but Simeon did. He cradled Jesus in his arms and said,

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

In that moment, something changed.

Jesus and John the Baptist were family, not cousins in the current sense of the word, but relatives. It’s possible they grew up together, played together and probably fought with each other. I mean, Jesus did know “all” the answers in school.

When John was baptizing in the Jordan River, he  … saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

John said he didn’t know Him, but when the Spirit rested on Jesus, there was no doubt. Just as Simeon did not expect an infant, John probably did not expect his cousin, but there He was.

John said, … “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15

Jesus said it had to be that way. A few years later, Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His disciples and Peter protested: … “you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8

Again, Jesus said it had to be that way. I don’t understand why we face pain, illness, and earthly death. We live in a broken world and God could rescue us in an instant, but sometimes, it just has to be that way. Without experiencing darkness, how would we recognize light? Without sin, how would we understand forgiveness? If we were perfect, we would not need a Savior, but we do.

Lord, I need to be baptized by You and You should never wash my feet. But Jesus says, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!

If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.

Not much is known about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, but I’ve always been drawn to songs written from his perspective. One of my favorites is Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me.

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

The song is about Joseph, holding baby Jesus in his arms. He felt grossly inadequate, wondering how he could possibly raise a child that is not his own, especially this blessed child, the Son of God.

Joseph was a kind man and strong in faith. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant, he was fully within the law of the time to publicly divorce her and even stone her. But “being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, he was minded to put her away privately.” Matthew 1:19

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph awoke and did as the angel instructed; a great leap of faith or the shock of seeing an angel, or a little of both.

I don’t know what it is like to care for a child that is not my own. There have been days when a carload of kids was entrusted to us on the way to a game, or band contest, or off to the local burger joint, but not to raise as our own. There are earthly angels that foster and adopt children that probably know a little of what Joseph was going through.

I wondered what Joseph was feeling as he watched Jesus grow and become less of his little boy and more of what God had called him to be. As I pondered these thoughts, I got a glimpse into what it was like.

Our daughter was in her third year in college. When she first walked on to campus, she had a plan, play basketball, coach basketball, and teach kids how to love the game. Things started to change, and she hung up her sneakers, joined the choir and started taking music lessons. She said that college helped her find her love of music again. As she was struggling with the thought of changing her major, her campus pastor asked what it was that appealed to her about coaching, and she said it was the teaching. Perhaps her training led her to coach in another capacity. Maybe music was her calling.

It is said that if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life. So here she is, loving what she is doing, stepping out in faith, pursuing her passion.

Now we have seen her in bands and in choirs, but never on stage by herself. Until she had an end of semester recital. She stepped onto stage, and this stunning soprano voice emerged. Then she picked up her clarinet and delivered an equally beautiful piece of music.

It was there that it hit me. This child that was my own, was only my own for a little while. She is quickly becoming her own. The masterpiece God has made her to be. God has always put her in the right place at the right time and I can see His hand in everything that she does.

I imagine that was what Joseph was feeling.

Watch them grow, teach them all that you can and let God handle the rest.

Relying on faith
Excited to see what’s next
And Blessed in Great Measure

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.

Sunday morning was consumed by logistics: lint rolling our Sunday best, navigating traffic, and guiding people to their “appointed” pews. The church buzzed in anticipation of Christmas, adorned with decorations and echoes of children counting down the days. My mind wrestled with responsibilities and plans for later in the day. Certainly not the right headspace, let alone heart space for worship.

The music was light and joyful, as was the sermon. On the altar, bread and wine sat in silence. The Lord’s Supper is very personal to me, nourishment in so many ways when my heart is right enough to receive it, but I was struggling. As I navigated the aisle, the music seemed a bit fast for the occasion, adding to my distraction. Returning to my seat I thought, “What a missed opportunity.” Music speaks to me and through me, but today, I felt neither.

At the piano, music is prayer, my worship without words and I invite others into that sacred space. I’ve been told at times, a song is the only sermon someone hears, and I take it seriously. Not that the other musician does not, just we hear music in different keys. Perhaps the true missed opportunity was within my own heart. My need to lead overshadowed my need to follow.

In my college years, I spent time at the Catholic Church and not being raised in that tradition, I had many questions and misconceptions. The priest encouraged me to focus more on similarities rather than differences. He welcomed questions, urged me to seek divine guidance and form my own opinion. And should we end up opposed on certain matters, respect the fact we approached it with an honest heart and intelligence, not following another’s direction blindly. Too many do, no matter which church doors they walk through. This has served me well in both faith and life in general.

I should heed those words more often and double my efforts where my passion runs deep, embracing our combined strengths and discerning if our differences are truly as far apart as they seem. Yet in all things, keeping the Lord in the center is key.

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

When my heart is rattled, I’ve found there is usually more story there. I just couldn’t piece together exactly what held me back. A little sleep and putting pen to paper revealed a lesson yet to be learned.

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.

It had been a dry season, and conversations with local farmers centered around what rain dance would break the drought. “Making hay while the sun is shining” is a great idiom for business; not as much when there’s no hay to be made.

The morning arrived shrouded in fog, the mist settling on the windshield; but it would burn off as it had all summer. Mist turned to drizzle; yet I was on a mission. Stepping out on a well-worn path, I was unaware of the puddle forming ahead. One misstep, a slide, and I was knee deep in it, and on a day I had to be my best, fully on my game. And it wasn’t just rainwater, it was dirt and the filth that had gathered, waiting for just a time as this. The more I tried to stand, the worse it got, until a kind hand helped me to more stable if not drier ground. Brushing off as much crud as I could, I faced the day humbled, disheveled, and soaked to the bone.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Apparently “leaning” was my problem. I looked back at where I began to slide, but the misstep was the real culprit. “Humbled” is not my favorite word, though it finds me more often than I’d like. Unfortunately, it’s necessary when I rely too much on my own footing.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

I am grateful for those whispers if I would only stop to listen. And when I don’t, I am thankful for the loving Hands that pull me from the muck, setting my feet again on higher ground.

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.

A flashing dashboard light is not just extra decoration; something else is wrong underneath. Starting my truck to pursue morning duties, I was met with not only a light, but an alarm: You REALLY need to refuel. I had seen the mileage countdown for a while, 104, 68, 37. But today, it said, “Range – low.” No numbers, just “low”. I’ve got plenty of time, besides, engineers design a safety factor in those numbers, right? But overconfidence has left me carrying a gas can in the past, so, no. Running on fumes, I made it to a pump and was back on my way.

I’ve been running on fumes myself lately trying to keep wolves at bay but to what end? We spend our lives chasing a dollar that’s here today and gone tomorrow, but what do the “costs” truly cost?  Cody Johnson sings about all the good things you can wait and do later, “Till You Can’t.” The light really came on.

An older gentleman (well, older than me), apologized for being a bit slow. I replied, “No problem, we all hurry too much anyway.” He said, “Time is the one thing I have a lot of.” But do we? Too many have had more than enough, then in an instant, they didn’t. And what was left to show for it? Black suits, casket flowers and Amazing Grace?

I am running on fumes and need to refuel. A quiet moment in the midst of the craziness, I thanked God for who He is, and my heart began to refill. No laundry list of wants and supposed needs, no knocking on doors needing to be opened, just being in His presence, and I’m full again, back on my way.

The breeze was a little cooler, the air a little sweeter. Children laughing at the wonder of Christmas lights and warm hugs from dear friends filled an emptiness I had ignored like my gas gauge.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Recounting true treasure keeps me far from running on fumes.

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.

Out if the blue, thoughts of a dear friend came to mind. I promptly sent a message to check in and she replied, “We’re doing well, except my husband is having heart surgery next week.” Well, that’s something. Amidst our back-and-forth banter, we shared thoughts and a good laugh or two. I assured her I’d pray for “both” of their hearts.

The day arrived and a sudden flash of light woke me well before the alarm. I lay there, stared at the ceiling until I decided to get an early start on my day. As I went about my normal routine, it hit me, “Wait! It’s surgery day!”

I quickly sent a prayer message and thought, “Glad I didn’t forget.” But sadly, I did. Thankfully God did not. I couldn’t help but wonder why He broke through my ordinary morning to remind me. He certainly doesn’t need my help with the miracle unfolding today. Yet, God knew it was important to me, to my friends and even more so to He, Himself. This reminded me of the story of the man lowered through the roof to reach Jesus.

When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”. Luke 5:19-20

It was no simple task to get the paralyzed man up on the roof and it took the strength of many hands, both in muscle and faith to facilitate the miracle. Jesus healed the man because of “their “ collective faith. Perhaps that is why God reminded me; they needed another hand on the rope.

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So, he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.   Luke 5:24-25

Lord, I pray you will do the same with my friend for I have held on to the rope and placed him at your feet.

Amen …

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven

Stepping off a roller coaster, heart pounding, head spinning, not sure of what just happened. There are days like that. I recall my brother and I and a double coaster, something about twisted twin dragons. We rode the first, then the second, then back and forth again. And though it’s been decades, there are parts that still have not recovered. Ah, that’s more like this season.

I’ve been rattled from every side, distractions lining up to take their turn. The slightest glimmer of “something shiny”, I’m off on a tangent. It took every Godly whisper that finds its way to these pages to stay the course. Something good must be about to happen because the opposition just will not quit. A little time, a little patience and a lot of prayer, and the wind began to change, billowing my sails.

With a break in the chaos, I escaped to a corner booth. Thoughts surfaced of loved ones facing Goliaths of every size and shape. Lifting their names heavenward, Jesus took a seat at my table.

“I hear you. I always do. I’m holding them closely. But how are you?”

“I’m a bit embarrassed to even bring up the relative molehills in my path. I can wait, they need You more.”

“What, did you think I ran out of Grace? Did you use your daily allotment? It doesn’t work that way. I know “immeasurable” is a difficult concept for someone who lives by weights and measures, but trust Me, I know what abundant truly means.”

“We gathered with the 5,000 and there was only a few fish and some bread. We offered what we had, gave thanks, and broke the bread. Matthew wrote ‘They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.’ So don’t you think there is enough for you too?”

Now I was even more embarrassed.

“The point of the story was not just multiplying fish, it was that ‘all were fed’ before the baskets were gathered. You were not created just for leftovers or crumbs under a table. Your needs, large or small, are just as important as those you pray for. I love hearing your voice, every want and need. I want to be part of everything you are, everything you do.”

“Be persistent in prayer for only then will your eyes be opened to miracles. But don’t ignore yourself. There is more than enough Grace to go around. I know because it cost me dearly and I give it freely.”

Then while pondering my moments with Jesus, I narrowly escaped an accident, so I know it is true.

Grateful, with twelve baskets to spare.

If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, follow the links above. If you do not do socials, email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.

If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or my latest collection, Strings Interwoven

Macaroni is good. Cheese is good. Mac & Cheese is great. Oreos are good. Milk is good. Oreos & Milk are great. Okay, let’s be honest, Oreos are pretty great on their own. I mean, Cookies & Cream? It was destined to be an ice cream. But the fact remains, the “&” made it better.

The ampersand is the common symbol originating from the Latin word “et” meaning “and.” In the first century, Roman script began to forge the letters together and a few millennia later it became the “&” we know and love.

I work for an M&M, just not the chocolate kind. People always ask what the M’s stand for. “Mo’ Money”, “Margaritas and Mimosas “and my personal favorite “Monkeys and Marshmallows.” Actually, it stands for the two men who started the company more than fifty years ago. Everyone who has walked through the door since have been the ampersand, the glue that held it together, the “and” that made it better (alright, not “everyone”, and you know who you are).

“&” can be used as contrast between opposing forces: good and evil, dark and light, heaven and hell. Or it can be used to enhance similar things: love and peace, compassion and forgiveness, grace and mercy. The latter are some really good ampersands.

If you are the glue, it is important to know what you are holding together, because like a good mac and cheese, it melts and becomes one big gooey mess. If black and white, the “&” is just gray. If hot and cold, the “&” is lukewarm. But doubling a positive will make all the difference, just as would the opposite.

So, whether you are the “&” at your job, in your marriage or simply breathing in & out, it is best if you’re not alone.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer “&” petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

God is the true ampersand, the glue that holds you together when things get a bit sticky.

If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, follow the link above or email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.