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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I’m Looking for the WELL DONE!

No, I’m not talking about my steak or hamburger. Although, if you ask me how I want those cooked, “well done” might be part of the conversation!

I’m talking about my life.

There are words I long to hear when I walk through Heaven’s portal:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

WHEW! What a welcome!

But “well done” doesn’t begin when this life ends. It begins with how I live today.

Am I generous? Kind? Humble? Forgiving? Encouraging? Do my words bring life? Does the way I treat people look anything like Jesus?

I’m not talking about perfection. Thank goodness! I’m talking about direction.

Paul tells us to "think about whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and of good report." Philippians 4:8

That doesn’t mean avoiding everyone who is negative, doubtful or struggling. Jesus went straight toward hurting people.

But I don’t have to let someone else’s negativity take up residence in me!

Maybe God placed me there to help flip the script.
From complaining to gratitude.
From discouragement to hope.
From bitterness to forgiveness.

Romans 12:1 calls us "to present ourselves to God as a living and holy sacrifice." That means He gets all of me -- even those little corners I’d rather keep to myself.

Lord, give me holy boldness to surrender them.
That unforgiveness? Yours.
That pride? Yours.
That attitude? Yep. That too.

I’m still a work in progress. But every morning gives me another opportunity to love better, forgive quicker, encourage louder, give more generously and represent Jesus more faithfully.

I’m not working for His love.
I’m living from His love.

And when my journey here is finished, there’s one review that will matter more than all the applause this world could ever give.
I’m looking for the WELL DONE!

#welldone #LivingSacrifices #flipthescript

The Tap, Tap, Tap on My Heart

A couple of nights ago, we attended an event supporting Hospice Austin. The room was packed with people whose lives, like ours, had been touched by the tender care hospice provides.

We know that care personally.

Both Carl and I had the privilege of walking alongside our spouses during their final journeys.

Hospice came alongside our families -- not replacing our care, but adding another layer of compassion, dignity and l

I especially remember our hospice chaplain. He was a tenderhearted, caring and loving man. He encouraged us, prayed with us, and even sang to us.

In the middle of one of our hardest seasons of our lives, God sent a man with a song. And somehow, for those few moments, our hearts rested as we gazed out our window at God's love and creation.

“I see trees of green – red roses, too! I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself -- What a Wonderful World!"

That’s what love does.

It reminded me of the Good Samaritan. He saw a hurting man and didn’t walk around him. He stopped. He cared. He gave. He stayed involved.

Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

Lately, I’ve been feeling a little tap, tap, tap on my heart.

Recently, I had the opportunity to take a dear friend to her medical appointment -- while Carl spent time with her husband. Carl listened as the man talked about his life and the woman he loves so much.

No fanfare. No applause.
Just showing up.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest ministries God gives us.
There are lonely people who need friendship.
Sick people who need encouragement.
Grieving people who need someone willing to sit beside them. Neighbors who need to know somebody notices.

Since I'm still here, God must not be finished with me yet.
Maybe you’ve been feeling that little tap, too.
Call someone.
Visit someone.
Sit with someone.
Listen.
Encourage.
Pray.
Love.

We don’t have to do something enormous.
Sometimes God’s love looks remarkably simple.
It just shows up.

#loveshowsup #hospiceaustin #justshowup

This Program is Interrputed with an Important Announcement...

YOU ARE LOVED! Yes, YOU!

Consider this one of those announcements that interrupts regularly scheduled programming because somebody needs to hear it today.

Maybe it’s you.

We’ve all heard of pulling petals from a flower while saying, “He loves me. He loves me not. He loves me...”

Thankfully, we never have to play that game with God.

There is no last petal that says, “He loves me not.”

God loves us. Period.

“The LORD is good; His love is eternal and His faithfulness lasts forever.” Psalm 100:5

How’s that for setting the record straight?

And then God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” — Jeremiah 31:3

Now, let’s take THAT to the bank!

I dearly love my husband, my children, grandchildren, extended family, church family, neighbors, friends -- and even my Mahjong-playing buddies!

But as much as I love them, I’m human. I can disappoint them. I can forget something, say the wrong thing or simply fail to show up the way I should.

And they can do the same to me.

But God’s love isn’t moody, fickle or dependent upon whether we behaved ourselves today.

His love doesn't say, “I’ll love you IF...”

His love says, “I love you.”

Maybe someone has failed you. Maybe you’ve failed yourself. Perhaps you’re carrying something from yesterday that keeps whispering, How could God still love me?

Here’s your answer: He does.

God IS love. His love is everlasting, faithful and unfailing.

So, friends, family, neighbors -- and, yes, even those who might not particularly like me -- here’s today’s public service announcement:

You are loved.

I am loved.

We are loved.

No flower petals required!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming -- with this truth tucked securely in your heart.

#iamloved #youareloved #flowerpetals #iloveyou