Talk radio awakens me, “Are we now beginning World War 3. Terrorist are attacking our world, will they soon be in our country?”

What an awful thought. I move my cuddly dogs, crawl out of bed, turn off the radio, grab a cup of coffee, turn Pandora to worship music and start typing.

Writing helps me focus and gets the scary thoughts out of my head. I journal my prayers to God. Glancing down, I noticed Ozzie and Daisy followed me into my office and are curled together. They feel secure and content just being with me. I think, they don’t know how dangerous our world is!

I suddenly realize, God is like these silly dogs. He has unconditional love for me and all his people. God wants to be with me. He follows me around, and patiently waits for me to respond to Him. Some days I get lax and let God settle in the bottom of my life, like the clutter on my desk, and just pull Him up for an emergency. Maybe that is what I am doing today? I have to stop doing that.

I run my hands across the Bible, flipping pages and searching for comfort. I know I can’t change the world, but the Bible always helps me change my heart. I find it:

John 14:27 I leave you peace, my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid.

I respond, “ I am listening for your still quiet voice God! Speak to me.”

God reminds me of the good things going on in my life and that I need to stay positive in the midst of this devastating world. I ponder the good things:

• I have good health, and have Norm with me on this life journey the last 40 years.
• My prodigal son Troy and his friend Cat are coming to Phoenix today for a visit. It has been 18 months since he has been home and free of his addiction.
• We get to go to Easter Sunrise service and hear my friend Pastor Ellen speak.
• I get to have family and friends in our home for Easter dinner.
• My niece Mikole has found her soul mate, Derrick and is getting married next week.
• My classmates will be coming to Arizona from all around the U.S. for a 50 year reunion in April.
• I will get to spend time with Todd’s family, our grandchildren this summer.
• I have a long awaited reunion to look forward to with my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and good friend Norma in July.

Suddenly, God is talking to me again through music. He likes to do that to me.

“ Change My Heart O God, Make it ever true, Change My Heart O God, May I be like you! You are the Potter, I am the clay, Mold me and make me this is what I pray.”
Jesus Oh Jesus, come and fill your lamb, Jesus Oh Jesus come and fill your lamb.

In the paper clutter on my desk, I notice David’s crosses from the ladies retreat we had in our yard last Saturday. These crosses hold the answer to “What do we make of a world that needs remaking?” I refuse to allow Satan to erupt my peaceful thoughts with World War 3 fears. As I clutch the wooden crosses in my hand, I understand what God is telling me.

“There is only one Carpenter who can repair a torn apart world. We need to notice this Easter – His Crossbeam of protection, and line up our hearts straight with Him.”

Pandora again: Open Our Eyes Lord, We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him, And say that we love him
Open our ears Lord, and Help us to Hear HIm
Open our eyes Lord, we want to see Jesus.

Why do I let myself get busy and forget to start every day with Jesus? Today I claim His promises. Only through This Carpenter can this world be healed. There is nothing God cannot turn around. I promise to remember,  “ Every morning is Easter Morning from now on.”