The Voice

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

Often, we speak of hearing God’s voice. But what does that sound like to someone who has never experienced Him?

Recently, I was at a restaurant. As I was leaving, someone called my name. As I turned her face looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. 

She recognized my voice from across the restaurant as I interacted with my friends.  Once I got up, she confirmed that the familiar voice indeed was mine!

The Word of God speaks of who he is and goes into great detail on how far he will go to reach us. 

Creation speaks of Him!

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)

I was embarrassed that I did not recognize my friend at first. But a few quick moments into the conversation, and I realized this woman had babysat my son for years. My son is a grown, married man now. It’s been years! Her ear was keen. Mine not so much.

Do we miss God sometimes?  Is our memory short-lived? 

Even above the clashing dishes, the loud laughter, and the din of countless conversations, she recognized the sound of my voice.

Can you hear Him calling?

What I’ve discovered is that our voices are unique. Imagine if your mom and dad had the same voice. That would be creepy! What if your favorite singer’s voice sounded like “Doc”, the inventor of the first time machine from “Back to the Future”? Hmmm, no need to download that song.

The unique sound of our voice is like a fingerprint.

It’s that uniqueness that makes me, me. Each of us have been created special and exceptional in God’s sight. The Scriptures note that we are created in His image. (Genesis 1:27)

As a little girl, I loved going to my grandma’s house. Years later, when she moved to Puerto Rico and the years of life were added, her voice was still Grandma’s voice.

Get a cold, and our voice might get raspy for a short time. Spend some time at the roller rink screaming over the noise and music, and our voices might get hoarse. But this unique feature is one of our trademarks. My voice is still mine.

God, who made us, is that way too. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) When God speaks through His Word, the heart of God is exposed and is the same from Genesis to Revelation. He loves us in Genesis and through Revelation.

That’s one way we recognize when he speaks. He does not contradict himself.

God, who created life, would not ask us to harm ourselves. God, who sent his Son as a payment for sin, does not want anyone to leave this earth without this gift.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

Have you heard him speak? Has he been calling you? 

His Voice is like no one else. When he speaks, things go into motion: creation, salvation, and the redemptive plan for mankind unleashed.

God speaks through His Word, the Bible. We get to know him better as we remain in it.

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:32-36)

Lie your back on the countless grains of sand. Look up to his handiwork, the stars that he placed in the sky speak of Him, our Creator. He is everywhere!

I pray that my ears and sight would become keener. Not only to recognize friends from my past but to recognize the God of my present and future!

He's everywhere! Can you hear him?

God bless you!~Liz

Call to Me. Ok Google!

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
(Jeremiah 33:3 )


I left it and I did not die! No, I’m not referring to an oxygen tank. Blood continues to flow through my veins. I feel pretty good right now.

So what is so important that can cause someone to turn around and go searching? Well, I chose not too!

Yesterday I was driving home and decided to make a phone call and you guessed it, my phone was nowhere to be found. I did not panic because the Lord reminded me that I left it on my friend’s kitchen table after an earlier visit.

Honestly, normally I would turn around and pick up my cellphone. But, I felt a nudge from the Lord to leave it behind.

Growing up in the Bronx it was typical for a young girl like myself to carry a couple of dimes with me. Why?

Walk the streets of the city and you will find Superman’s closet. Ok, a phone booth (couldn’t resist). That was my means of communication.

If I got lost, well I better ask the stranger at the gas station for directions and hope he knows the location better that I or I will be stopping and repeating the process all over again!

Phones have become such a security blanket. I can call my husband in the middle of the day just to say hello or to check if he is ok.

When I’m driving, a map App will quickly give me directions; I don’t need to speak with anyone. How sad.

I can be in the pouring rain and speak “OK Google” and it will answer me quickly. It will play me a song to sooth my driving time, dial a number for me or update me on the weather. Oh, how silly, I forget, it’s obviously raining!

I wondered if people prayed more in the days when technology was scarces.

What did we do?

We enjoyed more times of fellowship. Neighbors having coffee at the kitchen table. The simple things of life.

I remember as a young girl looking down Willow’s Avenue, a 5-block stretch in the Bronx to look for my dad. My dad would take the train to NYC and would arrive home at approximately 6 p.m.

No phone to contact him unless I wanted to run to the local candy store where the one phone booth existed. Yes, and take my dime.

There was an anticipation to see his face.

We watched and waited. From a distance, I could see my father walking closer and closer to where I was. Ultimately, he would cross the street and I would greet him. He always had the newspaper, The Daily News. A kiss hello and I would ask for God’s blessings "bendicion" to which he would reply “Dios te bendiga”. (“God bless you”)

This morning I could not call my husband. The luxury of my own piece of technology that can connect me to anyone or anything is out of my hands.

I can’t really say I missed it much.

My heart was at peace.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

A time of worship was interrupted with times of intercessory prayer. Wow, to experience His Presence!

Sometimes technology can rob us of the simple.

Technology is a gift. It does not replace the LORD. Sometimes we spend more time with the gift than we do with God or His Word. Ouch!

I’m glad I did not return to pick it up my phone.

Confession: Because I did not have my phone I decided to see if I could make a call with my computer since my phone was absent. I clicked the microphone and said the words, “OK Google”. I began to laugh histerically when my computer answered, “Google is okay, but this is Cortana”. Life is funny! Back to prayer.

(FYI, Cortana is the equivalent of Google for Windows)

God bless you!~Liz

I'm Overwhelmed

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows." (Psalm 23:5 )

It’s been a long day. 

The traffic was ridiculous. 

You walk in and the staff meeting has begun.

You wonder how everyone else does it. 

They are all staring at you and you become self-conscious. 

Lunch consisted of a few crackers and a spoon of peanut butter. Because you arrived late, there is no time for lunch unless you want to lose more paid time.

Day is over, but the race continues.

You arrived late at the sitter because in your haste you left your keys on the work desk. 

Back upstairs to regain the car access.

Yes, more money for the sitter for being tardy again.

This is today!

Sounds familiar. We live in a rush, rush world. Everything is scheduled with no room for error. 

Error means someone loses time, money or their peace.

As you enter your home, the bag gets dropped on the floor. Keys on the table. Wallet on the counter.

It’s time to begin making dinner.

But wait……

As life’s chaos watches, a table is brought out.

Today’s memories are still flooding your mind.

Tomorrow will begin soon and there is no break for you.

He motions for you to sit.

If the staff members were present, the scene would be a little different.

You are not late but have been welcomed to recline. A special invitation.

This is not just any ordinary table. The fine tablecloth is laid out on the table for two.

At this 8 o’clock hour when darkness has fallen, he becomes the light in the dining room.

He speaks and says, “Taste and see that God is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

You feel the cares of life melting away.  The focus has shifted and it feels like you are someplace else.

His presence does that!

The conversation is more than just about the food.

To our remembrance comes the precious words of the Father.

We are loved. We are from a different world.

I could hear my heart receive the encouragement, “relax and take in my presence.”

Take the cares of the world and give them to me. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Seek my face. He reminds me that he "gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.” (Isaiah 40:29)

I’m overwhelmed. “Lord, how can I do it all?” “At the end of the day, I am exhausted.”

He walks away and comes back. So tenderly, oils now dripping down my face, he reminds me that I am his. Goodness and lovingkindness will follow you all the days of your life. (Psalm 23)

Without words, his Presence speaks.

Remain in me. You are not meant to carry the burdens of this world. I took those at the cross. Don’t try to look like the world. I have purchased you out of it. Be willing to TRUST me and seek my face.

Tomorrow arrives with a new sense of Hope because he is with me!

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (Joshua 1:8)

God bless you!

Liz

A life well lived

"So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men." (Genesis 24:59 )

"Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak outside Bethel." (Genesis 35:8)

Do you know who Deborah is?

In the book of Genesis, she is mentioned twice. Once by her proper name and twice by her “profession” or a description of her life. She was a nurse.

What would “the story of our life” say?

Some feel insignificant because the business card does not carry V.P. after their name. The title does not include CEO. Business card; most of us don’t even get a card!

2017 ranked the top 500 companies in the world based on revenue. The revenue is generated by the things we feel are worthy to be purchased with hard-earned money.  Time we spend at work day in and day out.

But, there are some things money just can’t buy.

When I was a little girl I remember my grandmother making cloths for me. I still recall my ¾ sleeve shirt with reflective sparkles that matched everyone else’s shirt in my family. We all had one!

My grandfather made me an ironing board out of real wood. The craftsmanship was impeccable. I wanted to iron my dolls clothes and he granted my wish.

My mom handed me her crochet leftovers and I created a one-of-a-kind skirt that I proudly wore to school.

Money is not what we remember.

Luxuries are not at the top of memory lane.

It’s the people we interact that are held dear in our hearts and memory bank.

My grandparents and mom were creative and giving individuals. They have shaped who I am.

No great wealth, but a plethora of riches!

Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse. In the scriptures it reads that when Rebekah left her household to become Isaac’s wife, the nurse was part of the deal in those days.

Scripture also notes, that she traveled with Jacob. Interestingly enough Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite son. You remember the struggle with Esau and Jacob right?

In Genesis 35, we read that Jacob buries the nurse. What nurse? Her name is noted here. Deborah is laid to rest.

How did she end up with Jacob? This was his mother’s nurse now traveling with Jacob and his family. She must have been someone very special and trustworthy.

This heart warming piece of Scripture points to the incredible woman this most have been.

She was there when Jacob was a baby. She is with him now as he travels with his family, 2 wives, 2 concubines and 11 sons that are noted.

Twice she is mentioned.

This nurse must have been special not only Rebekah but to her son Jacob as well.

Scripture pauses just to mention this burial, to honor this life!

People make life special. Relationships are key!

Jesus desires a relationship with us.

He warned about being attached to the temporary trinkets of this world.

Jacob was a wealthy man. Money is not the problem. Our emphasis is the concern.

When money becomes our focus, the Scriptures warns us. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10

Things come and go.

Jesus spoke about having treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Relationships are a precious gift from God!

When life’s clock sounds the alarm and our life is over, may we too have the honor of being remembered as people who loved and served God faithfully.

May there be a pause to acknowledge that we honored a Mighty God and served him well. That we loved people and shared God's love with all.

May our names reflect dignity, respect and be reflective of a life that pointed everyone to the Lord!

He came to save us! Save us all.

God bless you!~Liz

Double Blessing!

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Double blessing?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Let’s begin by adding JOY to our daily life this new year.

It’s easy. 

Take every opportunity and turn it into a time of praise!

This afternoon I was making breakfast 

(yes breakfast at 2 p.m.). I took out the left over potatoes and embellished them with onions, red peppers and a little butter. 

I sautéed the ham. 

I am now ready for my omelet. 

I cracked egg #1 and in the bowl it went. I cracked egg #2 and as it went into the bowl I heard myself exclaiming, “wow”. 

You see, my second egg held two yokes!

So what’s the big deal? It was a double blessing for me and it tasted good too!

It’s simple. 

Take every daily opportunity and see God’s hand of blessing in everything.

Fact: Double egg yokes occur about 1 in every 1000 eggs.

Keep it simple. 

Invoke a heart of thanksgiving in everyday life. 

Let you heart be filled with JOY.

It’s good for you. It’s good for those who encounter you as well.😊

Happy New Year!

God bless you!~Liz