Ann Farabee

By Ann Farabee

By Ann Farabee

Ask Hezekiah. He was near death. With his face turned to the wall, he prayed. He asked God to remember him. He wept. The Lord responded that he had heard his prayer. He had seen his tears. He would heal him. God gave him 15 more years.

Hezekiah’s Address: 2 Kings 20

Ask Hannah. She had not been able to bear a child. She became discouraged. At the depth of bitterness in her soul, she prayed to the Lord. She wept. God answered her prayer. She gave birth to a son.

Hannah’s Address: 1 Samuel 1-2

Ask Moses. His prayer was to see God’s glory. He was allowed to see God’s ‘back parts’ as the Lord passed by. When Moses came down the mountain, his face was still shining, because he had been in the presence of God.

Moses’ Address: Exodus 33-34

Ask Jairus. He saw Jesus passing by, fell at his feet, and urgently begged, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. I pray thee, come and lay hands on her, that she may be healed, and she shall live.” Jesus went. Word came that the daughter was dead. Jesus said, “Be not afraid. Only believe.” Jesus took the girl by the hand and told her to arise. She got up and walked.

Jairus’ Address: Mark 5

Ask Peter. He was in prison. The church was praying for him without ceasing. Peter was bound with chains. He slept between two soldiers. The keepers of the door were on watch. The angel of the Lord came, shined a light in the prison, and told Peter to arise. His chains fell off his hands. The angel told him to get his shoes on, cast his garment about him, and follow me. They went past the guards – and the gate opened by itself!

Peter’s Address: Acts 12

Ask the thief on the cross. As the dying thief looked at Jesus on the cross beside him, he asked, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus did.

Thief’s Address: Luke 23

*1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

*Mark 11:24 – Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Should we pray?

Here’s a better question –

Why wouldn’t we pray?

*Ask Ann – to pray for you. I would love to add you to my prayer list.

*Ann’s address: annfarabee@gmail.com

By Ann Farabee

The young baseball player began to step up to the plate, while holding a bat that was about as big as he was.

But, before he positioned himself, he looked around, searching for the presence of the one he most wanted to see – his father.

He knew his dad had promised he would be there that day, but he was unable to see him in the crowd.

It only took one pitch – and he was off! Rounding the bases as quickly as those little legs could carry him, he heard a voice from the stands, “Keep going! Keep going!”

He recognized that voice – as the voice of his father.

As he touched home plate to complete his first ever home run, he looked up – and there he was – his father running toward him to scoop him up in his arms.

As he swung him around, the son cried out, “You were here the whole time – and I didn’t even know it!”

While witnessing this, and hearing those words from a child, I was reminded of the story of Jacob in Genesis 28. Jacob was in a hard place in life. A dark place. A cold place. A lonely place.

I can almost envision the pain, fear, exhaustion, desperation, and perhaps tears that he experienced while in that place. The sun had set, so he stayed all night, and used a rock for a pillow.

It was not a comfortable place to be.

It was a hard place to have to stay.

But – oh it was so worth it.

Because God showed up – to let him know that He was with him in ALL places – wherever he went – and that He would never leave him.

As Jacob began to awaken from the dream, the reality of the personal life-changing encounter with the Creator of the World left him with these words in his heart and burning on his lips, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not.”

It had not been about the place at all.

It had been about the Presence – of the Father.

God WAS there the whole time.

God IS there the whole time.

God WILL BE there the whole time.

But yet – too often – we know it not.

Or we do not even notice.

His Presence.

His Promise.

In our place.

Priceless.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

I sneaked out early, before the family woke up. I was going to beat the crowd to the mall at a very busy time of year. I had a store in mind where I knew I could find a special gift for a special three year old.

I got the best parking spot. I suppose that was a plus.

I wasn’t wearing my PJs — but some may have thought I was.

Nope. I was there for one item. In and out quickly. Get what I came for. Head home.

Being inconspicuous was my goal.

But there she was: THE GREETER.

She was definitely glad to see me.

“Are you ready to get a magical adventure started?” she asked.

I made eye contact, gave a ‘half smile’ and buried my head among some items for sale, as I whispered, “I’m just looking.”

She cheerfully pointed out a couple of things she thought I would love, told me to enjoy my adventure, and to let her know if I needed her.

I hurriedly grabbed the item I wanted and walked to the other side of the store.

There she was. Greeter #2. Excitedly smiling, she said sweetly, “Good morning! Oh, I love what you picked out!”

I stopped. I glanced back toward Greeter #1 on the other side of the store. She waved. I then looked again at Greeter #2, who continued to beam with excitement over what I had picked out to purchase.

I gave up. I smiled. I talked with them about the item I was getting for my granddaughter.

I had switched over to a good mood. It really was simple. It was a lot more fun, too.

Against the wishes of my ‘stony’ heart that morning, I had given in and allowed myself to have a magical adventure – not because of the stuff in my bag – but because of the greeters in the store.

I felt I left with more in my heart than I had in my shopping bag.

Later, I decided to ask if I could become a greeter at church. They let me. Apparently, they were unaware of my poor attitude in the mall.

I love being a greeter. I say hello, have conversations, shake hands, get hugs, meet new people, answer questions – and offer them a peppermint – or two.

I have yet to ask, “Are you ready to get your Sunday morning spiritual adventure started?”

If I did, I think they would all smile and say, “Yes.”

The power of a smile and a hello.
You can use it anywhere.
It cheers people up.
It establishes good relationships.
It sets a positive tone.
It’s contagious.

Be a greeter.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

By Ann Farabee

His struggle with addiction was real. The pain associated with his life choices were pounding and reverberating in his heart that day as he sat by the side of the road. He felt he had one thing to live for – his baby girl who was about to celebrate her 2nd birthday. He loved her fiercely – as well as he knew how – during the throes of his addiction.

He was grateful for the maternal grandparents who were raising her, though his guilt sometimes overwhelmed. He wanted to be with her as often as he was able – but he especially wanted to be in her presence personally presenting her a present on her birthday.

He had gotten a ride to a shopping district in a nearby town – about thirty minutes from home. He hoped to use the few dollars he had saved to buy the perfect gift. Quickly, he realized the paltry amount he had in his pocket would purchase almost nothing.

He had given up, sat down on the curb, and was waiting for his ride home. It never came. He lowered his head and covered his face, as he realized it was another day of defeat. His tears began to flow.

Cars passed. People walked by. He paid no attention. Another car came by, pulled over to the curb, and a man called out, “You need help?” Seconds later, he was in the car of a stranger who insisted on driving him home, and who was listening intently as he shared his story: His struggles. His failure to raise his child. His appreciation for the grandparents who were. The birthday plans. The birthday present he had hoped to give.

A few minutes later, he was dropped off where he was staying at that time, but not before the stranger talked with him about putting his trust in the Lord, and asking for the phone number of the grandparents who were raising his little girl. As he got out of the car, he was handed $500 to buy that special gift – and to encourage him that God – and people – care.

The story did not end there.

The next day, a phone call of encouragement came to the grandparents.

The following day, they received a $500 check.

Some may call this a nice story.

Some may call it a streak of luck.

I call it an angel.

An angel sent to encourage an addict who needed to see God.

An angel sent to encourage a small child who deserved great love.

An angel sent to encourage grandparents who were raising their grandchild.

These words from the song, Angels Among Us, seem fitting:

I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us from somewhere up above

They come to you and me in our darkest hour

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love.

That ‘light of love’ is exactly what was put in my heart as I experienced this angel at work – for the family this angel had reached out to was part of my family.

Angels at work.

Be the angel.

See the angel.

It may not show up in $500 increments.

It may be even greater!

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

The reminders kept coming. I paid them no attention. As I walked in, employees would cheerfully say, “It’s time to renew!” It was something I needed to do. It was something I wanted to do. It was something I planned to do. Just not that day.

Oh, there could be benefits in renewing – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It would take exerting a little effort, though. I apparently was failing to make renewing a priority.

Then, one day, as I scanned my card to gain entrance. Nothing happened. My gym membership had reached the expiration date.

What? I had not renewed it in time? Yes, I knew about it, but I had been too busy!

More bad news. Since I had failed to renew on time – I had lost the best outcome – the lowest price!

This, however, was followed by good news, when I heard these words, “You have been faithful. We are going to waive that additional fee.”

Ahh – I love when grace and mercy are shown.

God’s Word tells us – and His Spirit reminds us – to renew. And renewing on time – is to our benefit. But, if we are late, He still makes provision for us, and may very well waive the additional fee!

Ready to renew?

Renew our mind – Romans 12:2 says for us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Transformed means dramatically changed. That is what renewing our minds will bring – a transformation from earthly minded to spiritually minded.

Renew our hope – Jeremiah 31:15-17 tells of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted. The Lord told her to refrain from weeping, for her work would be rewarded, and that there was hope in the end that her children would come again to their own border. By the authority of Jesus in us…. we have hope. Not only for our children, but hope in all things – God has plans for us – plans to prosper us, not to harm us, and to give us hope and a future.

Renew our strength – Isaiah 40:31 tells us that if we wait upon the Lord, He will renew our strength. We will run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. How is our strength renewed? You heard it right! The Lord renews it for us – all we have to do is wait.

The word ‘renew’ can be defined as resuming something after an interruption. Sometimes, it seems we tend to get interrupted from things of God – by things of the world. That can be a time when we may feel that our minds, our hope, and our strength – are about to expire.

God’s Word tells us differently:

Our mind can be renewed.

Our hope can be renewed.

Our strength can be renewed.

And… there is no expiration date.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

Shopping? How did Black Friday go?

Black Friday is the name for the day after Thanksgiving, which is considered the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It began in 1952 – although the term Black Friday was not used until 1961. It has become the busiest shopping day of the year.

I personally have refused to ‘buy in’ to the belief that Black Friday has the best deals.

Not me. My plan was to shop from home – on Thanksgiving Day – beginning at 3:00. No fighting traffic, no pushing through crowds, no waiting in line, no trying to navigate where to go when.

A cup of coffee, a slice of pecan pie, and my computer from the comfort of home.

I found a deal! 40% off! I knew it! I knew it! Shopping with the crowd on Black Friday was no real advantage – this store had what I needed – why keep looking? I went for it!

I selected needed items. It was taking some time, but it would be worth it! It was only Thanksgiving Day – and much of my shopping would be done! I am a super shopper!

$600 worth later for only $360 – I smugly shut down my computer – and rewarded myself with a turkey sandwich.

I smiled. I had a heads up on the Black Friday shoppers.

But…sigh…. Black Friday morning arrived. I awoke to an email from the same store I had made my purchase from. It now offered not a 40% off, but a 50% off. Mental math informed me that my $600 purchase could have been $300 – not the $360 I had spent.

Too much time had been spent looking for what I thought was the best deal – and it ended up not even being the best deal.

So – hats off to you savvy shoppers out there!

I tried.

However, there is one great deal none of us can afford to pass up!

In case you missed it, here is some info:

DEAL OF THE DAY! IT’S FREE! We do not even have to make the purchase! It has already been made – when Jesus died on the cross for our sins to purchase our salvation!

Don’t know how to locate the deal?

Here is your special access code: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As for Black Friday? And the greatest Door Buster?

No sale – or gift of any price – could begin to compare with the gift the world was given on the darkest Black Friday – as Jesus gave His life for our sins.

And three days later, He became the real Door Buster – as He burst forth from the tomb – giving the world the greatest gift ever given – victory over death!

It was – and is – the deal of a lifetime!

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

The days must have felt like an eternity – and they slowly turned into months while sailing on that ship.

They had been willing to make sacrifices in order to travel to a new land. It was a stormy season. Food began to run out. They slept on wooden pallets. No baths. Chamber pots. Seasickness was rampant. The smell onboard was horrendous. Sickness came often – in many forms. The work load was heavy because maintaining and sailing a ship 24 hours a day involved the efforts of everyone.

And the children? Their days and nights probably felt long due to the hardships. But, they helped with work around the ship and took care of younger siblings. They also spent time playing games and running around.

The desire of all their hearts was to attain a new life where they could worship God freely.

We call them the Pilgrims.

And they were on a pilgrimage.

A pilgrim can be defined as one who travels on a long journey. A pilgrimage can be defined as the journey. It is hard to clearly envision their days, because recorded accounts often leave out the heart – but as we know, being in a relationship with the God of the universe includes matters of the heart – like love, dreams, goals, feelings, desire… not the seen, but the unseen.

They were people like us:

Dads wondering if maybe they should not have come.

Moms worrying if the trip was too hard on the children.

Children – sick and hungry – trying to find something to pass the time.

There were even some orphans onboard – who may have felt alone and fearful.

Doubts probably crossed everyone’s mind at times.

And then… perhaps as hope seemed lost – LAND AHOY!

Imagine that moment. The moment they had kept in view in their hearts the entire trip – knowing that it one day would come. Envision them gathering around on deck and staring at that speck of land ahead, watching it appear to grow larger and larger right before their eyes.

They had not belonged on the ship, nor had they felt at home on the ship. In their hearts – they knew they had been strangers and pilgrims who were bound for their permanent dwelling place.

When they reached the shore – they knew. They were HOME. As their feet touched the ground, their emotions plummeted them to their knees as they began to cry out prayers of thanksgiving to God.

Their faith in their God – and sacrifices made – had not only impacted each of them – but impacted generations to come. Worth it.

*Like the pilgrimage of Abraham to the Promised Land.

*Like the pilgrimage of Paul, as he traveled on foot to share the Gospel to the world.

*Like the pilgrimage of Jesus from heaven to earth – so we can go from earth to heaven.

*Like our pilgrimage from our home on earth – to our eternal home in heaven.

Be a pilgrim. Stay on your pilgrimage. It will be worth it.

God promises provision for it.

God provides power for it.

God has a prevailing purpose for it.

By Ann Farabee

He was surrounded. He was on the run. He was hiding. Often.

In Psalm 3:1, David said that they who were troubling him had increased – and that MANY rose up against him. Psalm 3:6 indicates it was an army of around 10,000. That’s a big number!

I know the feeling, David. I know the feeling.

It reminds me of what many days in my life seem to hold.

It also reminded me of the arcade game Whack-a-Mole. You have a weapon – a soft rubber mallet. You use it to whack a mole on the head as he pops up at random times. But… as soon as you get that mole whacked and out of your way, another one pops up. And another one. And then another one. And before you know it, the original troublemaking mole pops up again. I have never seen anyone quit the game. The only way the battle ends is when your time runs out.

Yes, David was in the middle of a time when the enemy was on the move and trouble was coming from every direction.

As king, he had an army he could have sent out, but he knew his stronger power was calling on the Lord. Instead of choosing hopelessness, he chose to go to his Helper.

The Helper showed up as David cried out in Psalm 3:3 –

Thou, Oh, Lord, art a shield for me! It does not say the Lord GAVE him a shield. It said the Lord IS his shield. This shield was a buckler that went above, beneath, around, without, and within. That’s what I would call full coverage.

Lord, You are my glory! If we belong to God, we can have faith we will be triumphant – and have grace to see our future glory in the midst of our present suffering.

Lord, You are the lifter of my head! Have you ever been to a place in life where you did not even want to lift your head – maybe because of sadness, sickness or shame? Envision this: The Lord is the One who lifts our head – it’s a personal touch!

David’s personal prayer received a personal answer.

Sometimes, we may feel like we are whacking the mole.

Sometimes, we may feel like we are the mole that is being whacked.

But, no matter the circumstance:

The Lord’s shield surrounds -and brings us protection.

The Lord’s glory embraces – and brings us His promises.

The Lord’s lifting of our heads – brings us peace.

So, what happened in the next 3 verses – Psalm 3: 4-6?

David’s personal prayer received a personal answer:

He cried unto the Lord and the Lord heard him.

He laid down and slept.
The Lord sustained him.
He was not afraid of the 10,000.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com