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Undercover with Jesus

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
– Matthew 11:28

I suppose it’s pretty obvious I haven’t “hopped, skipped, or jumped” anywhere in a while. You’re not wrong, it’s been a year since I last posted. The truth is, I went “undercover.”

I know, if you know me at all, you’re probably laughing, because I’m definitely not a spy (even if all my spy movies might suggest otherwise). My life is pretty open, but I really did go undercover, just not with 007, with Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I talk with Jesus throughout the day about all kinds of things. Things like: “Jesus, I can’t believe that car just pulled out in front of me.” “Jesus, what is going on with my Venmo account?” “Jesus, whose idea was it to change banks anyway?” I talked to Him so much I even changed my password to HelpmeJesus.

And then, I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was my best friend, Jesus. Speaking His loving but very direct words: “We need to talk, and I mean now”! It felt like it was coming in stereo to me.

So I did what He asked and went to Him, in my room, where my lonely chair sat waiting, my prayer bench still neatly folded against the wall behind it, and my Bible nearby. He gave me the gift He promises all of us: rest and time with Him.

As I opened His Word again, our conversations became real and deep in a way I hadn’t experienced for a while. I didn’t realize how much I was missing my Savior through the busy days of  Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the ringing in of the New Year. The effort of wrapping up 2025 and filing life away into neat red folders in my trusty file cabinet kept me worldly centered, not Jesus centered.  But He knew, and He met me there, and took my yoke.

So if you haven’t heard from me, didn’t get a Valentine, or haven’t received a text in a while you know who to “blame”: Jesus. And really, thank Him because He loves me and you so much that He’ll call us undercover with Him… to read His Word, to pray, and to be loved.

I’ve emerged with a full heart, singing His name just in time for Lent. So be ready. I’ll be sharing some of my “Jesus time” with you.

Thoughts to Ponder

As we reflect on these questions, let us take a moment to sit in stillness and listen for His gentle voice. Sometimes the answers may not come right away, but in the quiet, we often find the comfort and guidance we seek. Lent offers us a special invitation to draw closer, to open our hearts a little wider, and to rest in His presence. 

1. How is your time with Jesus?

2. Do you ever fill distant from Him?

3. Where is your favorite place to be with Jesus?

I’d like to close today with a few thoughts by Thomas Merton that I keep on my heart as I write my words.

What do I mean by this? Am I saying what I mean?

Have I some notion of the consequences of what I am saying?

I truly pray that I do.

I have enjoyed getting to know those of you who have emailed me at debi@ahopaskipandajump.org and if you go to the website http://ahopaskipandajump.org you can register and receive a new post each week in your electronic mailbox along with information about my podcast where we really get to talk to one another. 

I hope you’ll skip along with me as I navigate my way through a life of whimsy, grace, and a lot of love for our Savior. And remember, as my Auntie used to say, “No matter how bumpy the road, you can hop over the bumps and jump into our Saviour’s arms.

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It Snuck Up On Me

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).” John 20:17

I couldn’t believe it was Ash Wednesday. It snuck up on me. I had seen the leprechauns and bunnies displayed all over the stores and even hopping around on the television commercials, but I didn’t have the right frame of mind. Don’t get me wrong; I love Lent. The quiet, the prayers, the services, and even sharing more of me with Jesus make my heart sing. Yet somehow, it was in the back of my brain. You know, like when you’re digging in the pantry for the last chocolate chip cookie and someone walks by and says, “Whatcha looking for?” During Lent, step by step, Jesus helps me find what I am looking for each day. It isn’t a complete surprise when it happens; it was more like an awakening.

This year, my Ash Wednesday was a little disorganized. I finally got it all planned, or better yet, listened to what I thought Jesus had planned for me. It was written in ink in my paper calendar (yes, I still use one): “Ash Wednesday, 6:00 University Park United Methodist Church.”  I was even going to be blessed by reading the liturgy. I had practiced all week. I was so excited, but just before I left, lightning struck my forehead in the form of a headache, and I found myself in bed wondering why it had to happen now. Then the age-old question came floating through the pounding: why not now? After all, Lent is not all about regret, misdeed, or guilt. It is a time of introspection, valid, but its ultimate purpose lies beyond repentance. In essence, Lent serves as our annual invitation to come closer to God. It provides a time in our lives and ourselves to look at the things that might be keeping us from God, obstructions that keep us from God. Lent allows us to look at such obstructions and move them gently away to come closer to the Love that gives us life, the Love whose triumph we will celebrate Easter morning.

Because of this, Lent offers a gift of time and a promise of closeness. It gives us time to honestly see our current state of affairs and compare this present snapshot with an image of where we would like to be, where we feel God wants us to find Christ’s message of new life and forgiveness.

Each of us comes before the Lord in our own way and in our own time. I hope that during this Lenten season, you can find a place for the Holy Spirit’s still small voice to seek you out. Some of us have never sat in the quiet and are starving for the quiet, but for some, the thought of being in the silence for 5 minutes is more than we can imagine, yet we still hear the Lord calling, “Come be still with me.” Some of us crave silence, and the noise of our lives is more than we can bear. It’s not too late. Let the Holy sneak up on you through this Lenten time as you walk by your dwelling place. One that is yours alone, that when you pass it during your day, you will breathe in the Holy Spirit of our Savior.

Mary was truly surprised when she went to check on Jesus that first Easter morning. He was nowhere to be seen until she heard His voice and felt His presence. All she wanted to do was touch Jesus, and that’s how I feel during Lent. Join me and feel His touch, Love, and presence.

Points to Ponder

1. What keeps us from feeling the presence of the Divine every day?

2. How do we hide from God, and why?

3. Where is your dwelling place with Jesus?

4. What does it truly mean to experience the touch of Jesus in our everyday existence?

Pray With Me

Dearest Jesus, we are blessed that you died and arose for us. Lead us to grow closer to You during this Lenten season so we can walk our day with you.

grow closer to You during this Lenten season so we can walk our day with you.

Walking for you

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Welcome to A Hop, A Skip and A Jump

“Be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”Luke 6:23 (NLT) 

The last time I took a leap was years ago when I started wandering through life and the words of my dreams and joys were found on the pages of Wandering the Path. It was like the verse in the hymn He Leadeth Me, “Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me, His faithful follower I would be”. I just held on to Jesus’ hand tight and became that faithful follower. He was with me as I leapt into a world of stories and prayers inspired by those sneaky thoughts that were sent my way. But one day, my stories disappeared and so did Wandering the Path down the rabbit hole.

I stewed and pouted and decided to just put my pencil in the drawer, knowing in His time I would sharpen it again and feel His tap on my shoulder, and the words would flow from His spirit to mine. I’m not much of a pouter, and I must admit, it’s not a good look on me, so I decided to shape up my attitude. Not “call the law” as my grandmother did when her favorite cow went missing, but to start writing again. And here I am. Pencil in hand and my heart just skipping along. Ears open as I sit and hear His words or feel his whisper in my ear. 

Join me as we hop through the Bible searching for the words Jesus wants us to hear. After all our precious Father said in Mark 4:9 “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 

I’ll admit sometimes my ears are stopped up, with my own stubbornness, or they may be begging for a word from him. Let’s not skip the words that are hard to hear but just keep listening until the words that are meant just for us find their way into our heart.

Jesus cherishes and honors you, and has a hand reaching out to each one of us. He never hops over our needs. Sometimes I’m surprised when He knows mine before I’m ready to acknowledge them. As I trust my faith more each day, I know He’s there to catch me. 

I pray you jump in and join me as we start our adventures again. 

Afterall it’s just “a hop, a skip and a jump” away, as we live God’s dream for us and enjoy the journey as we hold His hand.

Points to Ponder

  1. What’s the biggest leap you have taken? Was Jesus involved?
  2. Do you feel God’s presence?
  3. Is it hard for you to reach out to Jesus?

Pray with me.

You reached out to me dear Jesus and took my hand and wiped the pout from my face. When I feel your presence blessings abound when you catch me when I jump into your arms.

Reaching for You.

I have enjoyed getting to know those of you who have emailed me and if you go to my website http://ahopaskipandajump.org you can register and receive a new post each week in your electronic mailbox, along with information about my podcast where we really get to talk to one another. 

Talk soon!

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Come Walk with Me

“…Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Mark 5:36

It was on a bright June morning in San Antonio, Texas that my “walk” began. Old habits are hard to break! As usual, my credit cards and I took our customary trek toward the Mall. “Something” made me lose my bearings as I found myself headed in another direction. I became aware that my standard trip to the MALL had been cancelled.  I knew the clerks would miss me, but the need to be with someone whom I had missed surpassed the need to drag out my credit card.  (Shocking, I know.) That “Something”, the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart and encouraged me to listen and follow.

Up against bright blue summer sky the steeples of San Fernando Cathedral guided my way.   I had driven by this 275 year old church many times, but had never taken the time to step upon its sacred grounds.  Today the Holy Spirit was calling my name towards this blessed spot. As I approached the Cathedral, my heart quicken at the possibility of what lay ahead.  At the entrance of the Cathedral, a peace fell upon my soul.  Tears came to my eyes as I put myself aside and listened to the Holy Spirit and the plans of my Holy Father. The concept that my life would never be the same as I went deeper in my journey with God enlivened me.  The Holy Spirit’s plan may not be world changing.  It may influence only a few, or as hard as it is to realize, She truly may be concerned only about me as I live for my Father in heaven.

On this life changing summer morning as I followed the sultry four mile path back to the hotel, there was no fear of not being able to reach my destination. As my heart soared I called upon my Lord and kept my heart open to the next destination He had planned.  All I had to do was heed Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”  I have a walk planned for us.  Let’s put on our tennis shoes, leave our credit cards behind, and step out together in the belief that we have nothing to fear, just joy to embrace.

POINTS TO PONDER*

*Before reading these ideas, turn off the radio or TV.  Close the door and tell your family you will be back in a few minutes.  Give yourself the gift of time to ponder.

“…Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Mark 5:36

As was Jesus’ custom, He was walking through the dusty streets of the village speaking and praying with people on His way.  Word of His healings and teachings had spread as well as  the crowds of people craving to get close to Him.  Among them was the synagogue ruler, Jarius.  Just as he had navigated his way through the crowds to the only One who could heal his daughter, Jarius received word that his precious child had died.  He was advised not to “bother” Jesus any longer. It was too late.  Mark 5:36 tells us Jesus’ response, “…do not be afraid, only believe.”  Jarius did this, and his daughter was brought back to life.

As I “pondered” on this verse, I found my heart at peace with the words, “only believe.”
As I left San Fernando Cathedral, my sacred place, these words quieted my soul.  Perhaps these questions will direct your “pondering” this week, or maybe another part of this verse spoke to you.  What questions could become part of your time with the One who listens to all of our needs?

1.  Have you ever felt the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart?  What caused it?  Think hard, it might have been just a slight nudge, or God may be waiting for you to follow that “something.”  Are you ready to feel His pull?

2.  What do you truly believe?  Why?  Can others see your “beliefs” in you?

3.  Are the words “only believe” easy for you or do you need “real” proof?  Where could you find this evidence?

Will you pray with me?  Perhaps you would like to talk to our “One,” one-to-one!
Dear Holy One, Your words “only believe” give us such freedom. As we feel Your tug on our hearts, allow us to trust with certainty that You, dear One, will guide us on our journey as we put our fears aside.
Trusting in your love,
Your Believing Companion

PRAYER TALKS

“The Jesus Prayer”

“Pray without ceasing.”
I Thessalonians 5:17

The Jesus Prayer is an unpretentious prayer whose words are repeated over and over.  Effortless in language, but life saving in times when our mind is too tired to pray, our spirit too troubled to sit still, and yet we need to feel the strength of our Lord surround us with His unending love. This calm in the storms of life is unadorned but soothing to the soul, spirit and heart. The Way of the Pilgrim, narrated by an unknown pilgrim, traces his walk across 19th century Russia. Searching to fulfill Paul’s teachings in I Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing,” he carries a Bible, knapsack, bread, and prayer rope.  During his solitary journey, he met a monk with a unique gift for guiding others. This learned man provided the answer for which this traveler had been looking.  The monk directed the pilgrim as follows, “The unceasing interior Jesus Prayer is the uninterrupted, continual calling upon the divine name of Jesus Christ, with the lips, the mind, and the heart, while calling to mind His constant presence and beseeching His mercy, during any activity one may be occupied with, in all places, at all times, and even while sleeping.  The words of this prayer are as follows: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!  If one makes a habit of this supplication, one will experience great comfort and a need to repeat this prayer unceasingly, so that eventually one will not be able to live without it and the prayer will flow of its own accord.”

I yearn to have a prayer that will flow from me as easily as breathing. To have the Jesus Prayer be such a part of my very being that I utter it before having time to crater in a crisis, is my hope.  In this way I will always be able to call on my Lord, praise His mercy and repeat this short, heart felt prayer.  Let’s sit together and pray without ceasing these amazingly, comforting words.

“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”

AS YOU JOURNEY

Are you seeking to deepen your spiritual life?  Are you choosing to walk a new path with God?  If you wish to share a comment please send it to debi@wanderingthepath.org.  It’s always great to hear from others as we journey together.

The following books have guided me as I have begun my life more fully awake:

THE WAY OF THE PILGRIM translated by Olga Savin
DO WHAT YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DO by Helen Bruch Pearson
www.sfcathedral.org   San Fernando Cathedral”

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Shhhh, They’re Listening

“Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:24

I can just imagine the sleepy walls stretching their arms and yawning in ways they had forgotten. Slowly opening their tightly closed eyes as they examined the strange new world around them. Where was all the noise coming from? The home had been lonely for two years. No squeals from the playscape, no splashing in the pool, nothing sticky on the cabinets, or footprints on the floor. But no longer, life had returned. But my oh my, I must admit I hope the walls were snoozing during the days of remodeling and moving. I was definitely on Santa’s naughty list this year. Some moments I was sweet as my grandmas’ punch, but other times I acted like my grandpa’s bull, Amos. I was missing Christmas again this year, and not just because of Covid-19. The busy bug had entered my world and I didn’t have time for Him.

This year was busier than usual. The Christmas carols were serenading me as I sped from store to store looking for just the right color carpet or picking up extra paint. My favorite Christmas channel was on the television with its Christmas movies of love and hot chocolate, as I clicked away ordering presents on my computer, but the Holy days weren’t quite sinking in. 

The kids were coming Christmas day and it would be our first party in our new home. I was so excited as I cooked and decorated, yet dear Jesus was not in his crib in the stable. He was not close by, the stuff was, but I just kept ignoring the “Reason for the Season.” I had more Santas on display this year than nativities. That’s impossible at our house, but my baby Jesuses were in some mystery box and I just didn’t have the time to find them. It’s Jesus’ day, the Holy’s time, and I’m usually blessed to go along for the wonderful ride, but not this year. I was missing Christmas. I didn’t see any Advent services, hear Christmas choirs, or listen to inspiring sermons. I was busy, oh so very busy.

After the house became quiet again, and all the loves of our life left, the peace descended where joyful craziness had once been.  Full of expectations, as I glanced through the pictures taken I was blessed to be shown I was mistaken. 

Traditions acknowledged every moment with the Saviour, and He was in the middle of the joy, laugher, prayer and fun. He was there even though I didn’t have my morning prayers. He was there when we couldn’t go to church on Christmas Eve. He was in the midst of the TV service, we watched, it wasn’t the same, but Jesus knew He was still in the middle of my world. As I read Luke 2, the grand babies hung their verse on the tree, until Jesus birth hung before us among the sparkling lights, just like the stars that shone over the stable in Bethlehem. I could see Jesus among us. We all held our breaths when we let the “littles” hold their own candle as we sang Parker’s request, Feliz Navidad and closed with Martha’s Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I held out for Away in the Manger while we were blowing out the candles. Once again, our precious One was showing me His unconditional love.

Our house put on a new self as we painted and spruced it up and awakened it to an exciting new world. Ash Wednesday is February 17 , and with it a chance to live an intentional life for Him. I sure don’t want to get on the Easter Bunny’s naughty list. I want to get my “virtual” ashes on my forehead, say my Lenten prayers for 40 days, and be there when Jesus rises among us. So on Easter morning, I won’t have missed a thing, and my nature will be made new. Blessings in the name of Christ who is behind us, with us, and in the days to come.

You know this story I just shared with you is my story, not yours because we all have our own.  But if you were touched or moved by something I wrote and the Lord tapped you on the shoulder I’m thankful, if not thanks for following along.

Why don’t we ponder some thoughts that came to my mind.

Points to Ponder:

1. Have you ever missed God??

2. Has God ever surprised you?

3. What is your reason for the Christmas and Lenten season?

I’d like to close today with a few thoughts by Thomas Merton that I keep on my heart as I write my words. What do I mean by this? Am I saying what I mean? Have I some notion of the consequences of what I am saying? I truly pray that I do.

I’ll be here each Wednesday  in your electronic mailbox if you would like to take a walk with me.

Pray with me: I love you Lord. You hold my hand as I w all through the busiest of days. You are there when I don’t even realize it. Only you can open the paths for me precious One. I’m slowing down just to be with you.

 I hope you’ll be my walking partner as I navigate my way through a life of whimsy, grace, and a lot of love for our Savior. You can read about my adventures on this blog, Wandering the Path, or if you’d rather, join me on my podcast Wandering the Path with Debi. 

And remember, as my Auntie used to say, “No matter how bumpy the journey, your path has already been cleared.”

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