The other evening, I had an argument with a friend. This particular friend is my only close friend that does not have a relationship with Christ, which makes things interesting -- always.

In addition to our little disagreement, I was feeling down about myself as a parent and my kids as, well, as kids. Parenting is no easy task. Anyone who says it is, well, they're lying. At some point, your child or children will challenge and stretch you in ways you never quite expected. HOWEVER, (that's a big however) they are also gifts from God.

So ... back to my story. I'm in the car, in the driveway, in front of my house, just sitting. Anyone ever done that? You know, sit and stew in the car rather than entering the house where all those people (your family) are waiting for you.

I do that frequently when I'm upset. I figure it's better to work it out in the driveway instead of dragging it inside and dragging everyone else down.

My daughter realizes that I'm in the car. She comes tearing out of the house and proceeds to increase my misery by arguing and badgering me. Ahhhh. She, too, ends up more angry and back in the house. That's when the tears come, at first a trickle and than a fierce waterfall.

I cry, sob, sob, cry, and say some not-so-kind words to myself about me.

Thankfully, one sane message nudges the corner of my raging thoughts: Ask God for help. The enemy is totally dumping on you.

You know that feeling. You know you need to pray, yet, you're still in a tantrum mode and refuse to do what you know will help. Thankfully, I didn't hold out very long. All I could manage was:

"Jesus, help me."

I cannot deny that once again, He came to my rescue. Yep. Selfish me. He interrupted my pity party in a surprising, but very personal way.

First, scriptures of His love (this is why memorizing His Word is so important) flooded my mind, clearing out the old icky, negative thoughts with a thorough sweep. Then, to top it off (Yes, it gets even better) my ten-year-old daughter returns (she's a brave one) and hands me a little something she created while I was crying.

I look down and cry some more. This time in grattitude for how God speaks to me in such simple yet profound ways if I will listen.

I'm now holding a little hand-painted heart with a cross glued to it. There it is. A heart and cross. Jesus loves me. Wow. Wow. Wow.

I was able to thank God for His personal message. Hug my daughter and get out of my car. The weekend has only gotten better.

Yes, friends, God speaks. Do you hear Him? I'd love to hear how He speaks to you. Please send a comment and tell about a time that God delivered a message to you. Hearing about His creative methods is always heart-touching and faith-boosting. So, what are you waiting for?

Lord,

You are so incredibly awesome. You know just what to say and how to say it. When we are open to You, You make Yourself known to us. After all, Your Word tells us that. It's true. Thank you for Your love that knows no bounds. For you forgiveness that covers my sin. I can't imagine my life without You. Help all Your children stay in tune to Your voice. May we be open to Your direction day or night. Let us trust in You. In Your Name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

PS. For those of you that have shown interest in my writing journey. My wonderful literary agent, Les Stobbe, was recently awarded a very special award in the publishing community. He received the the R.A. Torrey Award for "Outstanding Service as a Publishing Pioneer." I'm so thankful that God saw fit to let me work with Les. What an amazing man with a heart to spread God's Word through Christian publications. Congratulations, Les! You're an inspiration.