When Dreams Come True   From the Bible Advocate   Proof that God has a plan for your life. by Nancy B. Gibbs At times, I have regretted not growing up in a church. As a youngster, I had never heard the story of David and the giant. I didn't know that a little boy's lunch was transformed into a feast for thousands of people and that there were baskets of fish and loaves left over. I didn't know that God parted the Red Sea, nor did I understand why Jesus died on a cross. I grew up seldom hearing children's Christian songs. Billy Graham's sermons on television were probably the only gospel messages I heard. My mother taught me right from wrong. I knew God wanted us to be good and that Satan lurked in the shadows, tempting us to do all the wrong things. I wanted to be good and acceptable to God. Young dreams Though I wasn't regularly exposed to the message of Jesus Christ, I knew there was a God and that He had plans for my life. I didn't know exactly where God lived, but I sensed that He must reside somewhere above me, since the sky was so beautiful. When I was about eight years old, I made an important decision while gazing toward the heavens: When I get grown, I whispered to myself, I am going to attend church and meet God wherever He is. In my young mind, I would be grown when I was seventeen or eighteen years old. I dreamed of being like many of my friends who attended church every Sunday morning. I wanted to give my life to God, but I wasn't sure how. I knew I needed God but had no clue how to reach Him. I dreamed of waking up early on Sunday mornings, putting on my finest attire, and making my way to a nearby church. I anticipated wading in the waters and being baptized. I dreamed of serving God. Today, I wonder why I thought the way I did, since religion wasn't a major part of my life. Now I believe that God was preparing my heart for what He had in store for me even before I understood the good news about Jesus. During those years, God watched over me, took care of me, and prepared me for what was to come. Keeping a promise When I grew up, at age seventeen, I kept my promise to myself and attended a large church one Sunday morning. I listened intently to the sermon. At the conclusion of the service, the pastor asked everyone to stand while the invitation was given. The choir and those around me began singing. Called by God My eyes darted around the sanctuary, seeing women, men, boys, and girls I didn't know. They were all so elegantly dressed. My clothes were clean, but not elegant by any means. I sensed that God wanted me to make my way to altar, but I didn't dare. I gripped the pew in front of me and held on for dear life. The second verse began. The pastor looked my way, but I avoided making eye contact with him. Though my heart was stirred, I determined that my feet would remain planted on the floor where I stood. A couple more verses were sung. Then the pastor asked everyone to close their eyes while the musicians simply played. I was shaking, and tears were streaming down my face. I knew without a doubt that the God I had sought for so many years was in that place with me. He was calling me to come to Him so He could fulfill my dreams. But I was afraid of taking that first step. Running to God Glancing up, I saw the pastor standing right in front of me, holding out his hand. I knew beyond any doubt that I was supposed to be standing at the altar, not in front of my seat. I took the difficult first step and ran to God at the altar. I not only made the most important decision of my life that day but also fell in love with Jesus. I couldn't wait to get home to tell my mother and father what had happened to me that day in church. "You all have to go to church with me tonight," I announced. "I'm going to be baptized." To my surprise, both my parents and my brother joined me for the evening service. When the invitation was given, my father and my brother made their way to the altar. They gave their lives to Jesus as well. We were all baptized that night. Guided growth I wish I could say that from that day on, my life was perfect, but it wasn't. I made lots of mistakes, but I also grew spiritually through every one of them. God had even more plans for me ? something incredible: He made me a pastor's wife. During the next two decades, God grew me into the person He wanted me to be. He showed me many spiritual truths as I learned the stories that most kids learn at an early age. I was a wet-behind-the-ears minister's wife who was expected to be filled with wisdom and knowledge. All pastors' wives are supposed to play the piano and sing. I have no musical ability. Let's just say that in the beginning, I didn't fit the part of a pastor's wife. When I was forty-two, God fully revealed His purpose for me: writing. For almost eight years, I have written weekly religion columns for my local newspaper. I write for numerous Christian magazines and anthologies. While I continue to be a pastor's wife, I also have a ministry of my own. I am a Christian motivational speaker, leader of women's ministries, Sunday school teacher, and missions leader in my church. My husband and I recently began a brand new church. Divine eyesight God doesn't work in all lives the same way. Many people never remember a time they didn't know Jesus or His generous goodness. I can appreciate salvation in a greater way because I know life without Christ and life with Christ. There's no way I would ever go back to the old way of living. When I was eight years old, God didn't see a little girl who didn't go to church; He saw a young lady who would give Him her entire heart one day. He saw a future pastor's wife, Christian writer and speaker, and teacher who had a great deal of catching up to do. He also saw a lady who would be determined to share the good news of Jesus Christ in as many ways as she possibly could. God probably smiled as He gazed down at me that day wearing pigtails and making a promise. And He knew He would fulfill those dreams in His way and time. The more I trust Him, the more He'll continue to make His dreams for me a reality.

Nancy B. Gibbs has authored six books, writes a weekly religion column for the local paper, and is a motivational speaker. She's contributed to more than one hundred anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, God's Way, Stories for the Heart, God Allows U-Turns, and Guideposts books. Nancy has also contributed to hundreds of magazines, devotional guides, and Sunday school papers, including Decision, Guideposts, Woman's World, and Mature Living. She and her husband, Roy, live and minister in Cordele, GA.

Cordele Dispatch, December 22, 2011

Will You Accept God's Gift?

by: Nancy B. Gibbs

For ages, children and adults have anticipated Christmas with expectant thoughts. We purchase gifts for others and wonder what gifts we'll receive for ourselves. Many of us won't admit it, but we search for presents under the Christmas tree with our names on them when no one is looking.

Unfortunately, there are Christmas trees in this country that have no presents under them. Money may be tight. Many have lost jobs this past year and are struggling just to keep food on the table for their family members. Then there are those who live alone. Maybe grief is their only companion. It's sad to say, but Christmas is not a merry occasion for everyone.

I've heard it said that the Christmas season oftentimes causes more stress than any other time of the year. We feel pressured to decorate a lonely home or buy gifts we can't afford. We remember our loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. The days leading up to Christmas become bittersweet. We want to find that Christmas cheer and the joy of the season, but it's hard when those we adored here on earth are not celebrating the holiday with us.

There is hope this Christmas, however, when we know the Lord. Whether there's a present for us under a tree or not, we have each received a special Christmas gift. And it's the greatest gift that will ever be given or received. God sent us this gift and at the same time He brought us Christmas.

You see, God created us to be His companions. He wanted each of us to be His friend. But He is a Holy God and cannot accept sin in his domain or a sinner in His presence. So we were separated from God at the very moment we committed the first sin. He could no longer enter our world, nor would we be able to enter His. In other words, we were doomed. We would never be able to measure up to Heaven's requirements.

Fortunately, God loved us too much for us to be separated from Him for eternity. He wanted to make our sins right, so He sent His Son, Jesus, as our sacrifice. Jesus would be born in humble surroundings to a virgin. He chose Mary as the vessel that would deliver His only Son in human form. Jesus would grow up and live that perfect life that we were never able to live. And He would give His life as a sacrifice for our sins, enabling us to once again enter the presence of our Father in Heaven.

There is something we have to do to receive this gift, however. We must accept it. We must reach out and take it with our hearts. And when we open this gift, we must commit to taking care of it - keeping it close to our hearts and constantly in our minds.

Have you ever received a gift that you truly cherished? I have and I'm sure you have too. It's that special gift that was given from the heart of the one you loved. It's the gift that you told everyone about. It's the one that comes to mind every time you think of Christmas or the special occasion in which you received it. It's the gift of a lifetime.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive the gift of not only a lifetime, but of eternity. While we are still sinners, Christ was born and died for us! Will you stop for just a moment and ponder that thought. We are not perfect, but because God sent Christmas to us, we can open the gift of forever. So there is a present for each of us under the Christmas tree this year.

Will you open it with expectation of a beautiful holiday season? Will you offer thanks to God, our Father, for the most perfect and everlasting gift you'll ever receive? And will you tell others about this gift, keeping it close to your heart and in your mind throughout every season of your life.

If you will commit to doing these things, regardless of what is happening in your life today, Christmas will be a day to celebrate. Will you celebrate the birth of a King? (www.nancybgibbs.com)   

From The Cordele Dispatch - Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011

Plan to Be Thankful Today

by Nancy B. Gibbs

It's hard to believe that another year has rolled around and it's Thanksgiving already! We take the time to pause for a few moments and give thanks for ham, turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, and all the fixings. Then we eat until we're as stuffed as the turkey had been earlier in the day.

The sports fan turns on the television, makes another turkey sandwich, and finds his comfy place on the sofa. The "shopper savvy" members of the family run to the paper box, grab the newspaper, and fumble for the Black Friday sales papers.

Door Busters. Once a year sales. Midnight Madness Sales. Whatever they call the frenzy, the idea of getting a great deal, entices us to take a quick nap and get ready for the early morning craziness (or even the late night madness, this day and time). Did you know that some stores plan to open at midnight this year?

Have you been saving all year for this exciting time? Maybe you've been putting away a few nickels and dimes along the way, just thinking about the Christmas season. But then you might have ceased thinking about Christmas last year even before the New Year arrived.

We all do things differently. That's what makes us unique and special creatures. I've almost always been the one to cook massive meals on Thanksgiving Day. The rest of my family did what they could to devour it.

This year we plan to do things a little differently. I plan to eat the traditional turkey, but I'm not going crazy with the preparation. I'm planning to spend a great deal of time rocking a sweet little girl that we were only expecting to join our family last year. And every second I will be thanking God for allowing Claire to be celebrating Thanksgiving with us.

As you might remember, last year we had been given a dire prognosis for our granddaughter Claire. She was due in January, but the doctors weren't certain that she would be born alive. God had different plans, however, and Claire came into the world breathing on her own.

I can't say that we haven't faced many challenges thus far this year. She has been in and out of the hospital and I have spent many nights praying rather than sleeping. My heart has ached for her, her mommy, and her daddy. It hasn't been the easiest year of my life, but I have to say it has probably been my most blessed year. Why? Because I have witnessed a miracle.

I have seen a resilient tiny baby continue to live in spite of all her problems. She has brought an incredible amount of joy to our family and even to the lives of many people who have never met her. Claire has caused many parents to hug their own children more often. This tiny baby has taught many people that life is not always perfect, but that God is always good.

Claire has taught me to be more thankful that I ever knew how to be. Yes... there was a time I thought Thanksgiving had everything to do with food, football games, and shopping. But Claire has taught me that those things are just the sidelines of Thanksgiving.

Loving in spite of pain. Hugging someone who can't hug back. Gazing into the eyes of an angel. Kisses that take our breath away. Tears of grief that turn to joy. These are the things that a perfect Thanksgiving Day are made of.

Claire will give me all these things this year. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV) reads "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Claire has proved to be God's indescribable gift to our family.

I plan to be thankful today. Will you?

.       

From Cordele Dispatch, July 28, 2011

Life is a Precious Gift From God

by: Nancy Gibbs

Many people have been asking for an update on our granddaughter Claire's condition. Claire is now six months old. She's thriving and gaining weight. As a matter of fact, she has little rolls on both her arms and legs. She eats well - like her Pa. And she loves her Nana. Claire has become her Nana's precious little angel.

Claire has some major hurdles before her. She has seen doctors in three different states and not one of them have offered a great deal of hope for her to be able to live a typical life. We have not ceased praying for a miracle for Claire, however. Until I take my last breath, I will pray for Claire's healing. And I know that if it is God's will she will be made perfectly whole. If it's not, we will love her just the way she is.

Claire has made a big difference in the lives of many people. Some people have better learned to appreciate their own children's health as a result of hearing Claire's story. Others have been drawn closer to Christ as a result of knowing Claire and her condition. Still others have watched how Claire's daddy and mommy have hung in there, loving their daughter and doing everything within their power to help her. Claire's existence has challenged many people, including me, to not take anything for granted. Life is a precious gift given to us by God.  

The road we have traveled has not been easy. As a matter of fact, this has been the most difficult situation our family has ever endured. At times, my emotions have run thin and I have wondered if I could carry on. But by the grace of God, I have been able to cope by reminding myself of the serenity prayer. (I have learned how to change the things I can change and to accept the things I cannot change. In the process, God has also given me the wisdom to know the difference in the two).

What situation is going on in your life today? We all face trials - of course some are more crippling than others. I have heard it said that we are either going through a trial, just left a trial or have one awaiting us just beyond the horizon. I can say it's not the problems of life that destroy us. It's the way we cope with the problems.

In Isaiah 43:2 (HCSB), we can find these words that the Lord spoke to Isaiah... I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire and the flame will not burn you.

I have oftentimes been asked how I have found strength to carry on for the past year. There is absolutely only one way. I have learned to trust God and to depend on Him during every bad prognosis and every seizure Claire has had.

And when tears fill my eyes, I remember the day that Claire took her first breath - the one the doctors said she might never take. I remember the day she came to our house for the first time and how several months earlier I didn't have any idea she would ever be spoiled at her Nana and Pa's house.

Our family has been through the waters, but they have not overwhelmed us. We have been through the fire; yet we have not been scorched. We have faced what seems like overwhelming circumstances, but God has remained with us. And in the process, our family has been drawn closer together.

Of course, none of us knows what the future holds, but I made a promise to God a year ago (when we first found out that Claire had a problem) and I intend to keep that promise. I told Him that regardless of what happens I would always praise and worship Him. He is the mighty God and the ruler of everything. He is my Lord and Savior and I won't forsake Him for any reason. And I know that one day, in the great by and by, if she's not made whole here on earth that Claire will be made perfect in Heaven. Because of my faith, I have something to look forward to.

I appreciate every prayer that has been lifted up for Claire and for our family. I do not take one single prayer for granted. And I plead with you to continue to pray for us, particularly baby Claire - that she will be a happy baby and that God's plan for her life will come to fruition. Again, thank you for your concern and for loving and supporting us through this difficult time. (www.nancybgibbs.com, email Nancybgibbs@aol.com)

An Angel Sent From Heaven

The day we had looked forward to finally came to pass. Our fifth grandchild, Claire Elizabeth Gibbs was born. She graced the world with a cry (breathing on her own, may I proclaim) at forty-three minutes past eleven on January 5, 2011. She was three weeks early, yet weighed 6 pounds and 10 ounces.

Later that afternoon, my mind took me back to August 3, 2010 around 7:00 p.m. I was just about to prepare for a speaking engagement where I would speak to some three to four hundred ladies the following Saturday. My topic - The Faith of a Child.

My telephone rang. I was speechless when my son Brad tried, as tenderly as he could, to break the news he had received that day. "The baby has some problems, Mama." It wasn't what Brad said that concerned me as much as the tone in his voice. My heart sank. That day began a season of my life that I hope I never have to live through again.

With every doctor's appointment (they saw new doctors on a weekly basis in the beginning) we received more bad news. The prognosis they offered for the baby was heartbreaking.

Of course, I researched the Internet, looking up all the new words I was hearing. My computer had always been my friend as I wrote and submitted stories for various Christian publications. Suddenly, with one telephone call, my computer became my enemy. I oftentimes read, cried, and ended my computer session with the slamming of my keyboard drawer.

"How can this be happening?" I cried out to God in desperation.

Finally, one Sunday morning, God spoke to my heart. "Stay off the Internet and get in My Word, Nancy." I complied. While research can help, it can also make matters worse. I have to admit there were times I thought I couldn't carry on, especially on the days some 'all-knowing' doctors offered termination as a solution to the "problem."

"You can't stop the heartbeat God started," I declared. "We can grieve and move on if the baby dies, but we'll never get over killing one," I whispered to myself over and over again. "This baby has only one chance to live."

My heart was overjoyed when Brad explained that termination had never been an option. They would have this child, love this child, and raise it up in the admonition of the Lord, regardless. While some of the doctors thought they were making a mistake, the angels in heaven applauded their decision. Brad and Amy named their daughter and from that moment on, we prayed for Claire.

Over the next few months, baby Claire won the hearts of people all over the world. I do not believe there's ever been a 'baby on board' that had more people praying for her. Some of you were praying as well. If you prayed even just one prayer for Claire, you will never know how grateful we all are for you.

Some doctors said Claire would more than likely die before she was born. She didn't. God said, "Trust in Me."

Other doctors said she could die at birth, since she was 'incompatible for life.' Jesus let us know that since He started Claire's life, she has the capability to live.

In Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) we can find these words, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." God had a plan for Claire from the very beginning.

Claire's first cry let the doctors, nurses, and her mommy and daddy know that she was here to love and to be loved. I believe God smiled down upon them in the delivery room.

Everyone in the waiting room cheered and celebrated the little angel that was sent from heaven. It was truly a day I will never forget. Seeing God's loving, yet powerful hand and my fifth grandchild was a time that will be present in my memory banks for the remainder of my life.

Claire has spent the last two weeks in the NICU at Duke University Hospital. There is no doubt in my mind that God is hanging out in that place, as well. Claire has some special needs and will require a lot of attention. But she's also making progress. Just as we expected a miracle back in August, we will continue to expect a healing miracle as time goes on.

I learned many things through this ordeal. First - we can find that peace that passes understanding when we take all our burdens to God. Second - we oftentimes take having a healthy child for granted. Will you thank God for your child today? Third - No matter what doctors say, God still has the final say.

Brad, Amy and our entire family have embarked on a journey of a lifetime. We are equipped spiritually. Our emotional bags are open. We are going to depend on God every step along the way as we take care of baby Claire. Please continue to pray for Claire as she continues to live for the glory of Christ.

(Nancy B. Gibbs is a writer, motivational speaker and the grandmother to 5 precious angels. www.nancybgibbs.com)