A New Season -- and a Cheeseburger!

Happy October! Bring on pumpkin spice, cooler mornings, and grateful hearts! Here in Austin, summer doesn’t always read the calendar! But beautiful rain recently blessed our parched ground.

Today, I’m especially grateful for my youngest grandson, Bryson, and his loving heart.

Bryson is Jack Malouff’s best friend. He stayed by Jack’s side for 72 hours before finally leaving to get some sleep. The next day, he returned to the hospital. This Nana is so proud of his loyalty. Sometimes love simply says, “I’m here.”

Thinking about the young man Bryson has become brought back a memory of his younger days -- one that still makes me laugh.

For seven months, he was a diehard vegetarian. His dad couldn’t tempt him with steak or hamburgers. Bryson loved his animals, and “no meat” meant NO MEAT!

Then one afternoon, I picked him up from school.
“Nana, let’s go to P. Terry’s!”
Certainly! I assumed he wanted a veggie burger.

Oh, NO! He ordered a DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER!

After one bite, he declared, “Oh, God! What was I thinking? This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life!”

Nana’s laughter probably reached the parking lot!

His menu changed, but that tender heart is still there. These days, I see it in the way he shows up for Jack. This photo is Jack holding Bryson. Now, Bryson is holding Jack.

And that makes me consider what we’re feeding our own hearts.

Are we making room for gratitude, compassion, and hope? Are we letting God’s love become something others can see?

Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” —John 13:34

Sometimes that love looks like sitting beside a hospital bed, bringing a meal, or whispering a prayer.

If this October finds you facing something difficult, you don’t have to pretend it’s easy. God is with you. May someone’s kindness remind you of His care.

Let’s welcome this season with grateful hearts and love that shows up.

And if you’re riding with Nana, gratitude might come with a side of fries!
Happy, blessed October!

I Believe in Miracles Because I Believe in God

An old song has been playing in my heart:

“I believe in miracles…

Oh, I believe in miracles,

for I believe in God.”

And right now, those words mean more to me than ever.

Our precious Jack remains on a ventilator, recovering from surgery and preparing for another. And surrounding him is something beautiful: faith in action.

Family and friends continue praying. People stop by the hospital just to sit in the waiting room and pray. Others bring food and drinks. Churches are praying. Students are praying. Friends near and far are praying.

And we are still believing.

Not because we know exactly what tomorrow will bring. Not because faith gives us control over the outcome. But because we know the One to whom we are praying.

Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Think about it.

God parted a sea.

He provided manna in a wilderness.

Jesus opened blind eyes.

He strengthened crippled legs.

He calmed raging seas.

And the greatest miracle of all? Jesus conquered death and walked out of His own tomb!

So, yes -- I still believe in miracles.

Sometimes the miracle comes suddenly. Sometimes it comes little by little. Sometimes it looks different from what we desperately prayed to see.

But God is still God.

So we will keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep praying over Jack. Keep surrounding this precious family. Keep believing when believing is hard.

And when our faith feels small, perhaps our prayer can simply be:

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes --

I believe in miracles because I believe in God.

#ibelieveinmiracles #NothingIsImpossibleWithGod

Keep Believing in the Middle

Miracles are wonderful when we’re telling the story afterward.

“The doctors couldn’t explain it!”
“The situation turned around!”
“God answered our prayers!”
And everybody says, “Praise the Lord!”

But what about the middle?

The place between asking and receiving. Between the diagnosis and the testimony. Between “Lord, please!” and “Thank You, Jesus!”

That’s where faith gets some exercise!

Right now, so many people are standing in that middle place with our precious friends, the Malouff family. Family, friends, churches, students at Austin Christian University, and prayer warriors near and far are praying and believing.
And maybe that’s where you are today, too.

Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

Notice He didn’t say all things are easy to believe.
Sometimes faith has tears running down its face. Sometimes faith whispers because it doesn’t have enough strength to shout. Sometimes faith simply says, “God, I don’t understand, but I still trust You.”

We have seen God do the impossible before:
A Red Sea opened.
A giant fell.
A blind man saw.
A lame man walked.
A storm became still.
Lazarus walked out of a tomb.

And then there was an empty tomb that forever declared that even death doesn’t get the final word.

So, prayer warriors, please do not stop now!

We don’t tell God how the miracle must look. We simply keep bringing our requests to the One who sees what we cannot see and knows what we cannot know.

Today, we keep praying.
We keep hoping.
We keep trusting.
And right here in the middle -- we keep believing!

#inthemiddle #keeppraying #KeepBelieving #KeepTrustingGod

Some Trust in Chariots -- But We Trust in God

Yesterday brought GOOD NEWS!

Yesterday, our dear friends -- Ryan and Dana Malouff's son, Jack, came through a very serious surgery without complications. His surgeon reported that everything went as well as it could.

Titanium screws now stabilize injured vertebrae, other areas have been fused, and now begins the long process of recovery, healing and, eventually -- rehabilitation.

THANK GOD for brilliant surgeons!
Thank God for nurses, respiratory therapists, medications, medical equipment, technology and rehabilitation specialists.

Thank God for hospitals equipped to handle injuries this serious. We are praying that, when the time comes, Jack will have access to the very best rehabilitation available.
These are tremendous resources in the natural.

But we are also praying for the supernatural.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

In David’s day, horses and chariots represented some of the greatest human strength and technology available.

Today we might say:
Some trust in surgeons and hospitals.
Some trust in titanium and technology.
Some trust in medicine and rehabilitation.

And we are THANKFUL for every single one of them!

But our ultimate trust is in the Lord our God.

Doctors can stabilize bones. Therapists can work with muscles. Machines can assist breathing. Rehabilitation can help the body relearn and rebuild.

And then there is GOD.

So we are praying beyond what we can see today. We are asking God for swelling to decrease, breathing to strengthen, nerves to awaken and communication between Jack’s brain and body to be restored.

We are praying for peace over fear and panic, and strength for his parents, Ryan and Dana, his sister Emma, his grandfather Lee, and everyone who loves him.

We don't know what this journey will look like.
But we know Who will be walking it with Jack.

We are grateful for the chariots.
We are grateful for the horses.
But our trust is in the name of the LORD our God!

And we are still praying for MIRACLES. NOTHING is impossible with our Great Physician -- Almighty God!

#nothingisimpossible #sometrustinchariots #TrustInGod

NEVER Say NEVER — And Never Say It's IMPOSSIBLE

This is a carry-over from my blog yesterday -- because I'm committed to believing what I wrote I'm working on removing two words from my vocabulary:
NEVER and IMPOSSIBLE.
Especially when I'm talking to God!

Think about it.
The Israelites faced an impossible sea -- God parted it.
A wedding ran out of wine -- Jesus provided it.
A woman suffered twelve long years with an issue of blood -- Jesus healed her.

A paralyzed man couldn't walk -- Jesus told him to get up.
The disciples' nets were empty -- until Jesus filled them with more fish than they could handle.

Lazarus was DEAD -- and walked out of his tomb!
And then came the greatest miracle of all. Jesus was crucified, buried and, on the third day, HE AROSE!

Impossible?
Not with God.

I've seen God's healing power in my own family. I've heard testimonies from friends whose doctors said, “Never,” only to watch circumstances change in ways no one expected.

So why would I start limiting God now?

That's where our precious Jack comes in.

His injuries are serious. His medical team has important work ahead. We are grateful for every physician, nurse, surgeon and medical advancement available to him.

AND WE ARE PRAYING BIG!

We're not asking God to do only what seems medically probable. We're asking Him for healing, restoration and a miracle.

Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

Maybe you need a miracle today, too.
A medical miracle. A restored relationship. A child coming home. Provision. Freedom. A door that seems permanently closed.

Don't let NEVER preach to you.
Don't let IMPOSSIBLE become bigger than your God.

Pray. Believe. Persevere. Get the help you need. And leave room for God to do what only God can do.

As for Jack?
We're still standing. Still praying. Still believing.
And we're leaving plenty of room for a miracle. ❤️🙏

#neversaynever #neversayimpossible #WithGodAllThingsArePossibleemoving two words from my vocabulary:

NEVER and IMPOSSIBLE.
Especially when I'm talking to God!

Think about it.
The Israelites faced an impossible sea -- God parted it.
A wedding ran out of wine -- Jesus provided it.
A woman suffered twelve long years with an issue of blood -- Jesus healed her.

A paralyzed man couldn't walk -- Jesus told him to get up.
The disciples' nets were empty -- until Jesus filled them with more fish than they could handle.

Lazarus was DEAD -- and walked out of his tomb!
And then came the greatest miracle of all. Jesus was crucified, buried and, on the third day, HE AROSE!

Impossible?
Not with God.

I've seen God's healing power in my own family. I've heard testimonies from friends whose doctors said, “Never,” only to watch circumstances change in ways no one expected.

So why would I start limiting God now?

That's where our precious Jack comes in.

His injuries are serious. His medical team has important work ahead. We are grateful for every physician, nurse, surgeon and medical advancement available to him.

AND WE ARE PRAYING BIG!

We're not asking God to do only what seems medically probable. We're asking Him for healing, restoration and a miracle.

Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

Maybe you need a miracle today, too.
A medical miracle. A restored relationship. A child coming home. Provision. Freedom. A door that seems permanently closed.

Don't let NEVER preach to you.
Don't let IMPOSSIBLE become bigger than your God.

Pray. Believe. Persevere. Get the help you need. And leave room for God to do what only God can do.

As for Jack?
We're still standing. Still praying. Still believing.
And we're leaving plenty of room for a miracle. ❤️🙏

#neversaynever #neversayimpossible #WithGodAllThingsArePossible

Take “Never” and “Impossible” Off the Table

There are two words I'm trying to remove from my vocabulary:
NEVER and IMPOSSIBLE

Our precious Jack remains in intensive care after a diving accident seriously injured his neck and vertabraes. Surgery is expected as soon as his medical team determines his body is ready.

The medical facts are serious.
But the medical facts don't stop our prayers.

Jack has been my grandson Bryson's best buddy since they were two years old. And today there is an army standing with him.

Family. Friends. Doctors. Nurses. People walking around the hospital praying. And Jack's 84-year-old grandfather, Popi, sitting hour after hour in the waiting room, welcoming those who come to encourage and pray.

My son Ryan is doing everything possible to help find the best medical expertise available.

And the rest of us?
We're watching our words.

We're not speaking “never” over Jack.

We're not putting “impossible” in front of our God.

Don't tell me God can't. I've lived too long and seen too much of His faithfulness to put limitations on what He can do!

We know the seriousness of Jack's injury. We aren't denying reality. We are simply declaring that reality doesn't get the final word -- God does.

He is our Way Maker. Our Miracle Worker. Our Promise Keeper. Our Great Physician.

Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

So we will pray for the surgeons. Pray for wisdom. Pray for Jack's spinal cord, nerves, vertebrae and every part of his body affected by this injury. Pray for his parents and family. Pray for Bryson and the friends who love him.

And YES -- we will pray for a miracle that leaves people saying:
“Look what God has done!”

Father, we place Jack in Your hands. Go where human hands cannot go. Bring healing, restoration and strength. Guide every medical decision and every surgeon's hand. And while we wait, guard our hearts and our words.

We won't write the ending.
We're leaving the pen in God's hands.

And until the next chapter comes, we will pray, believe, love, hope -- and stand strong.

Because with our God, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. 🙏❤️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jacks-medicalbills

Take Baby Steps — This Moment Won’t Come Again

And just like that -- it was over.

My grandson, Payton, and precious, bonus granddaughter -- Christiane -- tied the knot tight. They are now husband and wife!

Months of planning. Invitations. One hundred chairs for the ceremony and another hundred by the lake for a beautiful sunset and Italian dinner.

Flowers, music, laughter, Communion, “I do’s,” rings, kisses -- and a few EXTRA kisses! All followed by applause, hugs, dinner, dancing and rejoicing.

And there they stood beneath a gorgeous, full tree that had once appeared dead -- but came back to life.

Ahhh…new life! How appropriate! Then came the moment I can't stop thinking about.

Christiane appeared in her beautiful wedding gown. Payton’s eyes filled with tears as she held tightly to her dad and began walking toward him.
S-L-O-W-L-Y.
Baby steps!

At first, it seemed she might never get there! But I realized -- she was taking it all in.

Her family. Her friends. The flowers. The faces of those who loved them. And especially her handsome groom patiently waiting at the end of the aisle.

Christiane seemed to understand:
THIS MOMENT WOULD NEVER COME AGAIN.

Maybe we should walk through life a little more like Christiane walked down that aisle.

Take baby steps. Savor the moments.

Two precious twin baby girls were at the wedding, and watching Payton and Christiane stop to hold those little angels reminded me again: don't hurry past the gifts God puts right in front of us.

Put down the phone. Listen to God's creation. Watch the sunset. Hear the laughter. Hug your people. Say “I love you” -- A LOT! Forgive quickly.

Because eventually, every season becomes a memory.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

Maybe God is reminding us:
Don't rush through today trying to get to tomorrow.
Take the baby steps.
Savor the moment.
Notice the beauty.
Embrace those beautiful people you love -- this moment is what matters most!

#wedding #Godscreation #loveandmarriage

Nothing is Impossible with Our God

Good Morning to my dear friends and loved one. I'm asking for prayer today for my grandson, Bryson, and his best friend, Jack Mauloff. Bryson has been here at Epiphany Ranch working with others guys -- helping in such beautiful ways -- moving furniture, working on the grounds here and wholeheartedly giving his all for his cousin, Payton Wallace.

I received this message from my son, Ryan Wuerch this morning at 3:16 a.m.:
"Mom, I justed wanted to let you know that we're in the intensive care right now with Jack. (Bryson's best friend) He broke his neck around midnight and right now he's quadriplegic. Shawntel Wuerch and I received the call and we met the ambulance here at the hospital. When you get up, give us a call. We need everyone's prayers."

And, everyone, includes my friends and loved ones here on social media. Please, please pray for Jack and his family and my Bryson. He left the wedding activities right away to get back home in Austin for his best friend.

Please agree in prayer with us:
Heavenly Father, our Great Physician, we stand in agreement, in the mighty name of Jesus for our precious Jack. Dear God, You are the miracle worker and promise keeper. I pray now that all You have done and are doing now on behalf of Jack Mauloff to be healed in the mighty name of Jesus.

May we see Your acts in motion, dear Lord. May we prove to the enemy that he is a defeated foe. By the stripes of Jesus, we speak over Jack and that healing comes even when the doctor says it can't. We believe the report of the Lord and that report is our God is a healing God. He is our Great Physician and we stand and plead the blood of Jesus over Jack and over his parents and family and friends.

Thank you, Lord, for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to come down in that hospital room and see a miracle take place. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. We speak healing and wholeness and the divine work of the Holy Spirit in Jack's body. We stand strong with the Word of God that says: "Your Word will not return void". Thank You, Father God, for our answered pryaers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!

Thank you friends for agreeing in prayer with us.

The Night Before “I Do”

Tonight, the sun set on Payton and Christiane’s last full day before becoming husband and wife.

And WHAT a day it was!

We steamed tablecloths, arranged gorgeous flowers, rehearsed the ceremony and checked off details that seemed to multiply when we weren’t looking! Tomorrow, Nonna — Christiane’s grandmother —and Payton's grandmother (me), Nana -- will even have our moment.

We’re the flower girls! Okay, flower GRANDMOTHERS! And I couldn’t be more delighted!

Two grandmothers scattering flowers ahead of the next generation is a beautiful picture of legacy -- making a pathway of love for those coming behind us.

And to top off the night -- after the rehearsal came the rehearsal dinner, when family and friends spoke beautiful, heartfelt words over Payton and Christiane. Oh, how I wish I could have bottled those words and saved them forever.

Then came a moment none of us will soon forget.

Christiane’s best friend, who had spoken so tenderly about their friendship, went down to the lake. There, with her husband and Payton and Christiane beside her -- was baptized.

And behind them?

A magnificent sunset painted across the Texas sky.

I stood there thinking, “God, You really ARE in all of this.”

Today we'll have flowers and music, beautiful clothes, family photographs and a celebration we've worked so hard to prepare.

But, last night reminded me what this weekend is really about.

Covenant.

A covenant between Payton and Christiane before God -- and the beautiful reminder of our covenant with Christ through baptism.

Today they will say, “I do.”

Last night, beneath a sunset only our Great Creator could paint, it seemed heaven whispered:

“I AM here.”

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3

I'm wide eyed and bushy tailed as I get myself prepared. I have flower-girl duties today! Today I have flower-girl duties!

All Hands on Deck!

 

All hands are on deck at Epiphany Ranch!

Last minute details -- Staci & Larry mowing to make a pristine blanket of lush grass. Gorgeous floral touches in beautiful containers and pots. While others of us were ironing tablecoths that will drape the tables -- for the vintage china and touches. Tables and chairs arrived. Christiane and our niece Sher, her wedding coordinator, are working through every detail.

This day, September 25th -- we're setting up for the rehearsal and dinner tonight. Then tomorrow, Saturday, September 26th, comes the moment we've all been preparing for:
Payton and Christiane become husband and wife!

On Tuesday -- we arrived here, sunshine and heat were predicted. But suddenly the heavens opened and rain poured for about thirty minutes. HALLELUJAH! Today the grass and foliage seem to be standing a little taller and greener as though creation itself is getting ready for the wedding!

Payton found his beautiful Christiane! And when I watch these two look at each other, I see something even more beautiful than wedding flowers and vintage china.

I see FOREVER LOVE.

If I could write them a love letter, I'd say:

Enjoy every moment of your wedding -- but invest your hearts in your marriage.
Keep laughing. Keep talking. Forgive quickly. Pray together. Cheer louder for each other than anyone else does. When one is weak, let the other be strong. And when life isn't as picture-perfect as your wedding photographs, remember the promises you made when it was.

Most importantly, keep God in the center.

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12

Saturday, we'll hear those wonderful words, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

And this Nana will probably cry. Okay -- this Nana WILL cry!

Because a wedding lasts a day.

For Payton and Christiane, with God at the center, love, commitment and grace -- they will build a marriage that goes the distance. ❤️

I Almost Missed Fall

Somehow, in the middle of wedding preparations, traveling to East Texas, checking lists and getting ready for my grandson Payton to marry his precious Christiane, I almost missed Fall!

Goodness gracious! The calendar says autumn, but Texas apparently didn’t get the memo. Austin has still been flirting with the upper 90s!

But here I am at Epiphany Ranch, where wedding bells are about to ring -- and where something else wonderful has been falling.

RAIN! Hallelujah!

My daughter, Staci, and her husband, Larry, have prayed for rain for this beautiful outdoor wedding. Yesterday, Staci sent me a video of rain POURING down and wrote:

“I have prayed that God would make it rain one more time like He made it snow for my wedding 30 years ago as a sign of His covenant. There is NOTHING too difficult for my God! Oh Mom! God is so good! He is so faithful!”

HALLELUJAH! Maybe that's what seasons are really about.

Change.

Trust.

And recognizing God's goodness right where we are.

Before long, we'll see pumpkins on porches and trees dressed in their autumn finest. I haven't even put out my fall decorations yet. They'll have to wait. This Nana has a wedding to help put on!

But I don't need a pumpkin on my table to remind me to be grateful. I can be a noticer.

Notice the sunrise. Notice the rain. Notice that I can see, hear, walk, breathe and love. Notice someone who needs encouragement --and give it.

And most of all, notice the season God has me in right now.

Some seasons are joyful. Some are challenging. Some bring sunshine, and some bring much-needed rain. But through every one, God remains faithful.

THE ONE who controls the seasons is THE ONE who will carry us through them.

Somewhere between wedding bells and answered prayers falling from the East Texas sky, God reminded me: Don’t miss the season you’re in while waiting for the next one. ”"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” — Psalm 107:1

Happy Fall, Y’all!

#happyfall #GodIsGood #epiphanyranch

The Beautiful Jennifer

A few weeks ago at our niece's wedding, I sat near a beautiful woman who caught my attention. She was laughing, talking, smiling -- and absolutely enjoying life.

Leave it to me. I finally asked her to tell me her story. And Jennifer did.

She was born with a limb difference, with her hands positioned near her elbows. But within minutes, I realized something -- what I first noticed about Jennifer was quickly overshadowed by who Jennifer is.

She is intelligent, accomplished, funny, confident and full of joy. She talks with her hands. She feeds herself with them. She has adapted beautifully to life.

And she LEADS!

Jennifer is an owner and general manager of a gymnastics facility in Lubbock, TX -- where she helps lead staff and encourages young athletes. She is also a nationally rated gymnastics judge.

Talk about turning my thinking upside down!

Maybe we spend too much time looking for what is “normal.” Because, really -- who among us is completely normal?

Some of our differences are visible. Others are tucked away behind nice clothes, good hair, strong handshakes and carefully practiced smiles. We carry grief. Insecurity. Disappointment. Physical limitations. Family struggles. Regrets. Fears.

Jennifer reminded me that what we carry doesn't have to determine how we carry ourselves.

God told Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Perhaps that's our assignment too.

Look longer.

Look deeper.

See the person -- not the difference.

I first noticed Jennifer because she was different.

I remember Jennifer because she SHINED!

And maybe that's what real beauty looks like. As my mama always said, "Pretty is what pretty does!" And, that's Jennifer! Thank you, Lord, for introducing us to Jennifer. She certainly sets the pace for using the gifts God has given her. May we use what God has given us with everything He's given us!

#GodLooksAtTheHeart #SeeThePerson #gymnastics

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