Go Big or Go Home OR Little is Much When God is in it?

Today, BIG everything seems like such a BIG deal. Just go into a 7-Eleven store in Texas and they’ve got the Super "Big Gulp" Drinks, Oklahomans have Quik Trip where the drinks are the "BIG Q" drinks. Go into some fast food restaurant and we’re invited to SUPER SIZE our fries and drinks. There are those who drive a BIG hummer to let folks know who the BIG BOSS is. In all those cases, those folks believe “Bigger is better”.

There’s the BIG expression “Go Big or Go Home” – meaning “be extravagant or do whatever you are doing to its fullest!”

But this post isn’t about BIGGER being better….it’s about the LITTLE THINGS that really matter. Remember “little” David taking care of his sheep? All his BIG brothers – armored and trained for battle – couldn’t defeat the Philistines, but “little” David armored only with his faith and trust in God, his stones and a sling – took down the BIG GULP giant. That time “Bigger is Better” and “Go Big or Go Home” sure didn’t matter.

I heard about a major power outage that affected millions of people in Arizona, California and Mexico. Two nuclear reactors were temporarily shut down. Traffic backed up for miles all over the area. Cars collided as frustrated drivers navigated without traffic signals. Airports were shut down, stranding passengers. Happening on an incredibly hot, triple-digit-temperature September day, the power outage knocked out air conditioning. It left people stuck in elevators. San Diego beaches were closed when almost two million gallons of raw sewage spilled, a result of the water pumps failure at the regional station. The failure continued to wreak havoc days after it was resolved.

Why did all of this happen? It turns out that one person’s undeliberate actions somehow tripped a switch in southwest Arizona. One little thing that mattered. One person unintentionally caused chaos for millions of people. It had the ripple effect.

And what about that little "unintentional" remark we say carelessly to someone that causes their day to crash and causes them to implode because of rejection, misunderstanding and disappointment. We think it’s the BIG things that matter, but not so when it comes to what matters most. Our actions do make a difference. And, conversely, it is possible that the encouraging words we said to someone about a job well done made a difference in their day and their family’s day, because they came home feeling esteemed and valued and they, in turn, made their family feel esteemed and valued. Shoveling snow from a neighbor’s walkway may have started a “pay it forward” line of thinking. Even the smallest actions can cause unbelievable good or wreak havoc in unintended ways. Like that employee that caused all the havoc in Arizona, we can make havoc or make for peace and joy in someone’s life. We can make a difference.

Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.” The little things of life is where integrity shows up – often in the stuff that no one sees, in the stuff behind the scenes. In the small, unseen, unspectacular choies of life where we do the right thing even when no one ever sees it.

Big OR small.....may our hearts be opened to the potential to be used as a "ripple effect" of love, joy, peace, and comfort to our world.

Re-membering

Re-membering (I know my FB posts are longer than suggested, but I'm on purpose. I know most wouldn't click the blogspot link, so I post in both places.) This post was written 5 years ago, and it bears repeating -- especially for those who have lost a loved one and for those who just don't know what to say to someone who has lost a loved one. I pray it brings you comfort and wisdom today.

It’s just past the two-month mark since my Honey graduated to heaven. We continually remember him. We talk about him, the “ways he did things”, his little quirks and his many abilities. Someone will tell us about how he impacted and made a difference in their life, and how they will never be the same because he cared. Someone will do something the way he did it, and we’ll remark “That is just like him!” Another one will smell a cologne…and say, “That smells just like him!” Another will hear a voice and exclaim “That sounds just like him!” Another will comment about his “always-perfect hair”. At breakfast this morning, Ron's Mom, sister and I remembered him. We recalled how contented he was during that year of adversity, and how he never complained. We recalled how very quiet he was -- quite the feat for a man who "fire-hosed" people when he was given the chance to expound on God's Word. All such sweet re-membering that is so very important and brings us so much comfort.

A few days ago, my daughter, Staci, spoke to me about a new way of understanding the word, re-membering. She reminded me of a beautiful statue of Jesus that I had given to her and how, inadvertently, in a move, the statute was broken into many pieces. Very quickly, she embarked on the task to “re-member” Jesus. Carefully, piece by piece, she glued the statue back together again. In essence, she put Jesus’ members back together again. She, then, said “And this is what Jesus wants us to be doing – to “re-member” His body (the Body of Christ – you and me) by striving to bring us all back together again.

As I thought about that, I thought about what we are doing when we re-member our loved ones. For me, it’s putting my Honey’s broken body back together again – re-membering that beautiful body that we knew and loved, before the disease took its toll on it – putting away the thoughts about the pain he suffered, and the broken back that would not let him sit up – and come to a fresh, new “re-membering” of all that he was and is to us.

Ryan, our son, is re-membering by stepping up and carrying on my Honey’s passion, and his Dad’s passion, for missions and helping those in need. He is carrying on our 40-year old humanitarian foundation to help hurting people, to be a resource for improving and giving opportunities for education for those who can’t provide for themselves, to feed the hungry through the establishment of food pantries, building and operating orphanages, and fund the building of water wells in third world countries.

Our daughter, Staci, is re-membering by being an expression of her Dad as she motivates, encourages, trains and brings healing into hurting individuals, families and homes, and in so doing, re-membering what was broken, and restoring to brand new life.

Our ten year old grandson, Payton, is re-membering as he just wrote his very first book, “That’s What Papa Said”. His 5th grade class was given the assignment to write an imaginary story that will be illustrated, hard bound and published. He didn’t want to “imagine” a story. He was insistent that his story would be about actual facts. He asked, and his teacher allowed him to write his story about his Papa. I cried as I read how he remembers his Papa and all that he taught him about life, the right way to do things, piano playing and fishing – with each paragraph ending with…..”That’s what Papa said.”

Then there’s our nine-year old Alexia, who we never know what will be coming from her next. She’s always “thinking outside the box”. Out of nowhere, a few days ago, she asked “Nana, why did you need to put such good clothes on Papa in that bin?” “That bin?” I asked. “Do you mean, the casket?” “Yes” – that’s what she meant. She was re-membering….in her own style and in her own way.

And, for me, I have been re-membering with friends and family as they ask me “How are you doing?” I was asked by a friend a few days ago if people were still expressing their condolences to me. I commented “Some do, and others seem to not know just what to say!” And I recall, I was like that when wanting to comfort someone – wanting to say the right thing, but often hesitated, because I just wanted my words to be heartfelt, and not so sure what those heartfelt words should be. But now, I know. I know, re-membering is the most precious gift – keeping that loved one very much alive in our hearts and minds. From now on, in those times, I will ask them to re-member their loved one. I will join with them and remember some of the things that made that person so special to me. I will ask them to tell me about them – what some of their fondest memories were – what he or she did that made them laugh – what he or she did that made them so proud of them. I, too, want that. I will be a force for re-membering! I will REMEMBER to remember as I continue this exciting faith journey!

Worry Less; Smile More Often

Worry Less; Smile More Often
I've posted this photo before, but it is such a powerful reminder of the childlike faith and trust that we all need so much. I just had to share it again for you AND me.

Don't you just love watching a baby sleeping? His/Her adorable little smiles that just indicate their satisfied, care-free existence. Life was worry-free when we were kids and when we had parents who were bigger and stronger than us and were the answer to all our needs and wants.

But for us -- all grown up with lots of responsibilities, cares and concerns, there's certainly plenty for us to worry about. Income tax returns (just started getting my records together), identity theft (some pranksters put fraudulent charges in my bank account), too much month left and too little funds to make it through, who our next president will be (Dear Lord, help us!), or a medical report that wasn't so positive (Had those, too!)

But, even more loving and caring than our parents when we were kids, is our loving and caring Heavenly Father who wants to help us "worry less and smile more often". As God's children, should we worry and fret? Would He teach us to walk, to watch us fall? Would He give us life, to watch us fail? Would He be nailed to the cross and then disregard our prayers?

Philippians 4:6-7 says "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us -- so let's purpose to WORRY LESS and, by the way....SMILE MORE OFTEN! Smile a while and give your face a rest. Let the world know, you know Who's got all the stuff in your life and in the world under control. Smiling could just possibly be the magnet that attracts the people, circumstances, and things you need to succeed and overcome all that is trying to pull you down. I think that's exactly how our DAD wants us to live -- complete trust in His wise and sovereign ways that ensure we are in His loving care.

Seed Time and Harvest

#TBT This is the Master's Four Quartet in the early 70s. Check out those "matching" dresses on the girls and the matching suits, ties and shirts on the guys. And how about that trendy "bee hive" that I wore. Those curls you put on top of your head were the "in thing" back then, and today I look at that photo and think "What was I thinking?" LOL!

That's my husband, Ron on the right, his sister, Karen, great friend - Jim Haake, and ME! Oh what a time we had. How well I remember the long hours of rehearsals, Karen and I being two silly girls that found so many reasons to laugh hysterically and my sweet husband trying so desperately to be patient with us, while guiding, directing, orchestrating the music, playing the piano and creating songs of praise that sincerely blessed the many churches, youth conferences and events around the country. The four of us travelled in a Winnebago with our two little kids. I really think those experiences of meeting so many people on the road contributed to their outgoing personalities today.

Though we never hit the "big time" like so many gospel quartets did back then, I wouldn't take for those years when we got to share our lives and hearts, sharing the "Good News" in music.

Our repertoire included songs by Bill Gaither, Andrae Crouch and Dottie Rambo -- music that continues to touch so many today. Those old songs aren't sung much anymore as more contemporary music is heard and sung today and is most certainly impacting this generation, but it's still so sweet to reminisce and remember those 4-part harmony songs that had great lyrics and we got to live our own faith journey in song.

We planted a lot of seeds back in those days. And, I like to think that just perhaps....we were cultivating the soil for those seeds that are producing such a great harvest as I see a new generation of Christian young people turned on to God, living for Him and giving all they've got in authentic praise and worship to Him. Seed Time.....and Harvest!

Patience is a Virtue

Patience is a Virtue
I saw this Instagram post and photo a few days ago and I was inspired -- so much so that I'm posting about it here today.

"It all started with one baby camel. Three years later, globe-trotting adventure photographer Allan Dixon continues to take selfies with wildlife, sometimes relaxing with them for hours before a photo is taken. “Patience is key in getting so close,” Allan explains. “I think they can sense how I feel and know I have no desire to harm them. ‘You have to be still, lie down, gain their trust in their environment for a while. Most of the time they’re more scared of you than you are of them.' Through patience and care, he’s managed to take some of the best animal selfies the world has ever seen.

His words resonated with me: "Patience is key in getting so close" and "You have to be still, lie down, gain their trust in their environment." This photographer learned the art of patience and it provided him award winning photos and notoriety. Imagine the winning conversations and situations that we could achieve by exercising that amazing quality of patience.

Allan "took the time" to win over those animals. And that time and patience paid off when it was "selfie photo time".

In this culture we live in today, we're too busy to really nurture our relationships. We give little time for real conversations with people. It's either an email or a text message. We rarely have face to face or real voice to voice interactions. We're just too impatient to spend quality time together. There are so many distractions from building true relationships. I can imagine that Allan has his phone turned off when he's patiently gaining the trust of those animals.

Maybe we're not into selfies with animals, but what about taking the time and patience to slow down from the hustle and bustle of “life” to patiently wait on God and patiently take time with His kids -- valuing the people in our lives and gaining their trust? Jesus so profoundly spoke about loving God and loving others. Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” How can you love someone without spending time with them?

Aren't there people who need our love and attention -- people we need to spend quality time with and really nurture a relationship with in order to gain their trust? Perhaps we'd have to have a lot of patience with them because they may just not be as mature or wise or "cool" as we are, but if we give them time and gain their trust, we just may become the best friend they've been looking for, and who knows? They may become the best friend we've been praying for. And when we figure that out.....we can spend time taking selfies with each other. Surely it will be a picture that's worth a thousand words.

Faith Talk

Yesterday I posted "Keep your words soft and sweet....because tomorrow you might have to eat them". That is so true, and to take it a step further.... keeping our words positive and encouraging is equally as important to us and to others. People often ask me "What's the secret to all that energy and enthusiasm you have?" The answer is "Faith Talk". I practice it regularly. Actually, like others, there's always reasons to complain, be discontented, to worry, to feel rejected, misunderstood, or to be sad. But, oh my goodness, there's so many more reasons to turn those negative thoughts and words on their heels, and replace them with those affirmative, positive, life-changing words that have the potential of altering the course of my day, my family and friends' day, too. Our words become thoughts, thoughts become actions AND attitude.

The words we use, whether it’s when speaking with others or the self talk that we say to ourself, impact our thoughts and our thoughts greatly affect our actions. And when we take that one step further, we’re reminded that our actions become our habits. In other words, our habits begin with our self talk and what we say to others.

Choosing "Faith Talk" over "I Can't" talk moves us into a "sweet spot" that draws good things to us. And, it's just not the "talk", it's the walk -- the walk of confidence, joy, energy, enthusiasm and the I CAN attitude. I know in my life, this has been the case. It's the kind of talk that says things like "God is bigger AND I’m bigger than this obstacle.” It's almost like being plugged into an energy machine when we talk this talk. It puts a spring in our step. We see sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, we'll live in the month of May. Hmmm....I'm singing "My Girl" -- LOL!

Seriously, I know from experience how powerful our words can be, and I also know from experience, that our words can determine our world. Let's make a habit of speaking "Faith Words". If our mouth fills our heart with words of faith when we don't need it; then our heart will fill our mouth with words of faith when we do need it!

"For out of the abundance of his heart, a man (or woman) speaks." Luke 6:45

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Proverbs 18:21

Keep Your Words Soft and Sweet

Last week I called an 800 number to get info on an online product. After a long wait in the queue, my conversation with the customer service rep was upbeat and informative, until I told the agent that I'd need to call back once I've made up my mind about ordering the product. That's when the conversation went south and she went into a Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde mode. She angrily said, "You mean you're not ordering the product? You've wasted my time. I could have been helping someone that wanted to order. You should have called customer service!" Of course, with my tone of voice making it clear how frustrated I was at her attitude, I said "Are you kidding me? I thought I did call customer service. It was the only number I saw and you are the most rude customer service agent I've ever talked to. You need a course on customer service skills! What is your name?" She told me but it was probably a bogus name. She hung up on me. Whew!

I really don't think that unhappy gal was following standard procedures. But the more I thought about her, I really do think she needed to meet her sales quota for the day, and I interrupted her progress. And, she may have been under tremendous pressure in her home and business life.

Later that same day, I encountered a long wait in line at a store and while I was inwardly going through the thoughts "Why don't they get another check-out clerk? And, why are there three store clerks in a huddle just chatting away?" Frustrations were mounting in my little picture-perfect day.....until . . . I started thinking about the fact that I’d acted almost the same way with the rude and frustrated customer service agent. Now I was having to do a self analysis. I was regretting my impatience and lack of sensitivity now at this store, but to that agent who was, perhaps, having a tough day.

Before MY call, she probably had another caller who "wasted her time" -- especially if she is paid only by commission on what she closes. Suddenly, I felt sorry for her. I imagined her packing up her things at the end of another long day and heading home. A home where she had to face her own daily aggravations, frustrations, and to-do lists.

That’s when it hit me. While on the phone, I never pictured her as a person. To me, she was just a voice on the other end of the phone that was causing me extreme frustration.How might my reaction have been different if I’d stopped to think about her as a woman just like me? What might it be like to be her, to live her life, and to have to go to her job every day?

I really think God was trying to get my attention to be more aware of my reactions. More aware of handling daily frustrations in a way that reflects a heart that loves the Lord.

Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing for the body." I want pleasant words to come from my heart that is humble enough to reflect God’s character in my actions and reactions. Whether I am talking with a customer service rep or interacting with those I do everyday life with, I want to work towards being a woman who displays godly character. I want the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to be evident.

Whether my day goes smooth as glass or is rocky and bumpy, may God’s messages of truth have such an impact on me that my heart and my mouth produce "soft and sweet words.....so that if I have to eat them, I'll be eating yummy, delectable treats. How about you?

GOD WITH US.....All the Time

God is always with us and we often take it for granted. The Creator of you and me, and everything that was and is and is to come -- is with us. Have you had moments when you sensed Him so close? Maybe it was while you were praying or singing a song or holding a newborn baby or felt Him in a warm breeze?

Of course, there are those obvious times of sensing His presence when we have a healing take place after we were given a negative diagnosis, or our child was healed, a surprise financial windfall, or a new job that was better than we could have imagined. Then there are the unexpected blessings that we acknowledge God's hand in it, like a speech or work presentation that's unexpectedly well received, a new nutrition product that caused healing in our body, the "free" tire change, the unexpected check in the mail, the word from a friend that says "Your post today was exactly what I needed" or the book that your neighbor gave you that opened your mind to a new and better way of doing something. These are all personal stories where I knew it was God -- every time.

In all of those times, God is with us. In our Life Group, we've been talking a lot about "God in the ordinary, everyday occurrences of our lives". So much so, I encouraged the ladies to get journals to start writing down those things, those divine appointments and happenings that take place throughout the week. We talked about how God seems to be amping up His presence by all kinds of signs and wonders. It has been commonplace for us to talk about the God encounters we had during the week. Now, we're taking note of it in our journals. Doing that -- there's no way to take God for granted.

Yesterday, one of our gals sent this photo to me. It was the answer to what we've been sensing -- God being very present with us -- desiring to be real to us in our everyday facets of life. "Call to ME, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know!" Jeremiah 33:3.

Does that sound like someone who wants to withhold from His kids? NOT! It sounds like a Father who wants to give His kids those ideas, witty inventions, innovations, discernment, creativity, wisdom, knowledge and all kinds of exciting things that can rock our world. We call on Him (we acknowledge Him) and He WILL answer us AND show us GREAT and MIGHTY things we DID NOT KNOW. Just a little photo by a friend, awakened me to the possibilities that come from knowing GOD IS WITH US.

Oh, and how significant for me as I saw that grain of wheat in the photo. It was one of those "Donna, just call on Me" moments, after all that photo had my name in it -- Donna WHEAT Wuerch. When I CALL TO HIM, He calls out to me. He is WITH us and He is FOR us.

Renewed: From the Inside Out

Renewed: From the Inside Out

Okay….so I’m in that mature season where it seems I'm noticing a lot of those advertisements and labels that shout out “Renew your youth! Reduce those lines and wrinkles! Guaranteed success or your money back! Become a new you!” And, I’ll admit, I’ve yielded to their promises and purchased some of those products. I’d like to tell you that, as they promised, I look ten years younger…..NOT!

A few years ago, my curiosity about halting the inevitable, got the best of me and I went to a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Okay. I’m being real. LOL! Staci went with me and when the doctor started stretching my skin and it looked “baby smooth”, she hollered “OH MY GOODNESS!” Quickly I said, “Don’t act so excited. When you’re looking for a new car to buy, you don’t act so SOLD. You need to work the salesman to get the best deal.” But, too late, she already gave away that I’d look 10 years younger if I’d let him do his wonders on me. His $25K estimate helped me to conclude “I’m okay with this vintage look!”

Really, the truth is I AM okay with my age, and I’m okay with these lines that seemed to have come from nowhere...quickly. I’ve earned every line and crease with every story I’ve lived. Those stories make up who I am. And I wouldn’t trade my stories, and my years, for anything. I’ve lived long enough now to see, even the tough years — the ones I didn’t think I’d survive — how God used every one and every experience to bring me to a place of deep assurance and sweet peace today. Through it all, God showed Himself stronger. And my trust in Him grew. The journey from youth to maturity has come quickly. But this journey with God has taught me that renewal really is possible, but it’s not the kind of renewal that’s promised in a store-bought product on a shelf or a surgeon's knife. Restoration and renewal begins with yielding to our Creator…..and letting Him renew us from the inside out.

Yesterday, my post was about cleaning up, cleaning out, AND cleaning in…..purging from the inside so that our outside reflects His beauty. My Mom always said “Beauty is skin deep….it’s what's in your heart that makes you beautiful.” I think about Mother Teresa. She had more wrinkles than anyone, but at 85 she was younger and more vibrant than a 20-year old, as she loved and cared for hurting humanity. From the inside out....she was extraordinarily beautiful.

When we realize WE ARE BEAUTIFUL, because the marvelous, exquisitely beautiful ONE lives in us, and when we embrace THAT BEAUTY and let it shine through our eyes, speak through our mouths, hug with our arms, love with the love of Christ, then we will be renewed and the fountain of youth will be flowing out of us to a hurting world.

Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Cleaning Up -- Cleaning Out -- Cleaning In

It's TOTAL Clean-Up, Clean-Out, Clean-In Time!

Last week I posted about "cleaning up" -- closets, cabinets, clothes, etc. And, I'm quite pleased to say "I conquered!" Yesterday, however, I took it another step. I realized how much time I was spending going through my emails each day. Valuable time being consumed by advertisements, alerts, and even, in my effort to consume as much "Good News" as possible each day, I had devotions and motivations "overload" coming in daily.

It wasn't just the emails that consumed precious time, but often the advertisements would entice me to go to that store for their sale or go shopping on their website. So, more precious time was given to "wants" not "needs" in my life. So, I purged and cleaned out. I "unsubscribed" well over 40 or 50 stores, businesses, news and not needed daily emails. There was one store that I really liked and was even tempted to go by there today, when once again that still small voice said...."PURGE". I did.

There were also some unproductive activities that were taking my valuable time -- time away for those meaningful activities that I needed to pursue. No longer do I have computer games showing up in my news feed, because once upon a time, I'd have to check them out, and if I found one that was challenging and fun, I'd play, and before long, I realized I was hooked.

Long ago there were some TV shows that I recorded that weren't so optimistic and peace-building and I removed them -- those shows that contained immorality, violence, crude language, etc. I'm so glad I did. I even removed those political talk shows that just went on and on in negativity and slamming someone for their convictions. Proverbs 23:7 says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." I sure don't want to be thinking those thoughts.

Yes, I know I'm starting to sound like "Miss Goody 2 Shoes" and that's not my intent. My intent is to be a fully devoted follower of Christ and in order to do and be that, it means my choices must align with His desires and best wishes for me. "What Would Jesus Do?" certainly provides the benchmark for me. I suspect that maybe you're also feeling some nudges to clean "house" -- the spirit "house" within us. Clean in.

Proverbs 4:20-23 "My son, give attention to My words; Incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. KEEP YOUR HEART with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."

Who Has Your Heart?

What prompts a 15-year old to post this to his Instagram yesterday? If I was still focusing on finding photo inspirations for each day of the year, like I did last year, this one would have surely made today's post. It made it anyway.

This is my grandson, Payton Wallace. To say "I'm smiling and rejoicing" puts it mildly. Payton is an extraordinary young man. He could care less what someone thinks about his extravagant love for God. In fact, he wakes up each day, gets his school work out of the way (he's home schooled) so that he can get to his church. He would rather hang out at the church and his fellow musicans and crew members (the guys that set up the stage, props, and tear down) than anything else. Really. You see, their youth group are in the middle of a tremendous time of refocus. They desire to center on Jesus, His love, and applying His Word in a fresh, uncompromising way. It is truly remarkable. When I hear about all the negatives in this world, I only wish that more focus would be placed on kids like this who are about making a difference in their generation.

When I see this photo, it reminds me of a true heart for worship.So what's the big deal about this kind of praising and worshipping God where people of all ages raise their hands during praise/worship songs in church or at Christian concerts? Among the reasons are: to show surrender, submission, humility, or dependence to God, to give God reverence or adoration, to give their all to God, or to be filled by God.

I always heard two great examples that I love: First, the universal act that a person is surrendering is to put both hands up in the air. Second, is the picture of a child lifting both of his arms above his head for his father to carry him.

The Bible says that God looks at the heart of each person (1 Samuel 16:7). I honestly don't think God cares one bit if a person is standing in place, arms at side, or raising hands and moving around. He doesn't care if we are worshipping with hymns or choruses. He DOES care if we are TRULY worshipping Him. In defense of hand raising in worship (and prayer), there are numerous places in the Bible that speak of this: Nehemiah 8:6 , Psalm 28:2, Psalm 134:2, Psalm 63:3-4, Psalm 88:9, Luke 24:50, and more.

God looks at OUR heart in worship, and most importantly, that He has our hearts -- surrendered, pliable, and tender toward the ONE Who gave His all for us. Acts 13:22 -- "After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’" And those are words I want God to say about me -- "Donna is a woman after my own heart; she will do everything I want her to do." How about you?

What Medicine Do You Take?

If you're like me, your medicine cabinet has just about everything you need in it for the common cold, headache, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, sunburn, tummy ache, etc.  I've got aspirins, ointments, sprays, oils, ice packs, heating pads to help conquer the ailments at any given time.

Yesterday morning, while getting ready for my day, I listened to a Joyce Meyer broadcast that I had previously recorded.  Her message sure hit home and impacted me enough that I'm sharing with you the part that I loved and took to heart the most.

She had two HUGE medicine bottles on the stage -- two medicines for our souls.  One said, "Trust" and the other said "Do Good".   Joyce said,  "This is a prescription for trust. The doctor is Jesus and the patient is whosoever. The instructions are take as many, for as long as you need it, refills are endless. There are some side effects, so you'll need to be careful. The side effects are: peace, joy, stability and confidence.  Trusting God is the best sleep aid in the world."   And the other presciption was "Do Good" -- side effects:  extreme happiness.  Trust God and do good.  That sounds like two medicines that would take care of spirit, soul AND body.  Those two medicines that Joyce mentioned:  "Trust God and Do Good"  will solve any problem we have.  Psalm 37:3 says "Trust in the LORD, and do good".

I loved this analogy.  How easy it is for us to go to the medicine cabinet for the physical issues we might be dealing with, but what do we do when we are in fear, dealing with anxiety, disappointment, discouragement, depression, anger, self-doubt, and so many other emotions?  The answer is Joyce's answer "Immediately go get the prescription and medicine of God's Word."  The Word of God fixes everything that ails us.  There is an answer for everything in God's Word.   When in fear, take a dose of courage; when anxious, take a dose of peace; disappointment -- a dose of a thankful heart; discouragement -- a dose of encouragement, etc.   We wouldn't put up with a headache very long before we'd take an aspirin for relief.  And we shouldn't put up with all the sufferings of our soul.  How do you spell relief?  TRUST GOD and DO GOOD!

I'm Going to Adventureland!

Ever felt like that little bird that was done with that not-so-cozy nest and was ready to take wing and fly away?  It may be called "restlessness".  My friend and I were visiting yesterday about willing to live out loud with no regrets -- ready to take on some adventures.  Quite frankly, I think I've become a little too comfortable where I'm at and that's why I'm saying "Yes, Lord" to wherever He wants me to go and to do whatever He wants me to do.   I know that sounds crazy -- especially since I just returned from three weeks away with my family.

In my prayer time this morning, I shared with the Lord how uncomfortable "my nest" seems to be these days. When I say "nest", I'm speaking about comfort zone -- complacency -- mediocrity -- status quo.  Each one of those words causes me to flinch.  I know that God has assignments for me to fulfill and "comfort zone" just won't cut it.  Yesterday, I spoke about Martin Luther King's undaunted determination to change his world.  "Comfort zone" wasn't even in his vocabulary.  To accomplish anything great, it shouldn't be in our vocabulary either.   Last night, Trainer Bob Harper, on The Biggest Loser show, said to the teams, "Not until you are the most uncomfortable and having to push out of your comfort zone, will you really see what you're made of."

And, don't we want to see what we are made of?  These thoughts have guided me to a new place in my prayer life.  A place where I not only ask for God's help with "life's stuff", but to focus more than ever before on my need for heavenly wisdom -- especially when I know how valuable each and every day must be.  So getting out of my comfort zone and going into my prayer zone is signficantly the best place to hang out during these times of question.

King David had such a way with words and his knack for early morning rising to seek God certainly helped him be his best.  And I've found those are my best times too -- those times when I ask my Father to speak to me, to help me, to listen, and give me insight as to what the day and the future will hold as I place my agenda into His hands.  When you and I do that, then He unfolds the plans, opens doors to spectacular adventures, and causes our steps to be on purpose.  Once we get that, then the restlessness will cease and the wide-eyed wonder of a child will run to ADVENTURELAND with all out abandonment for the thrilling rides that lie ahead!  Surely -- not a chance for boredom, complacency, or status quo there.

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

When I think about that greeting, I can't help but think about the price this man paid to have a day named after him.  With an easy googling "What does it take to have a Federal Holiday named after you?", I found that it wasn't such an easy thing to do.  Apparently, the notion of creating a Martin Luther King Day met with much controversary.  Two of the main arguments by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive, and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition (MLK had never held public office).  Only two other figures have national holidays in the U.S. honoring them: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. But, President Ronald Reagan approved the creation of the holiday, signing it into existence on November 2, 1983. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, held the third Monday in January of each year, was held on January 20, 1986.

You're welcome.  Now you know the answer to that question, too.

Unrelentless passion in pursuit of a dream is what men AND women like MLK are made of . . . and look what one life did to change HIS world. To think and speak on behalf of others is noteworthy, to serve and act on behalf of others is heroic, but what do we call someone who gave his words, actions and life on behalf of others? Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the few people in history who have so profoundly changed the world in such a short time. His visions and actions for social unity, racial brotherhood, true peace and social welfare were not only carefully thought and weighed, but also acted upon with strategic finesse.   MLK fought the good faith and kept the faith.

Lord, help us to love relentlessly and pursue the dream  you would have for us to invest our lives in -- to make this world a better place for just having been here.   Thank you, MLK, for LOVING so profoundly.

Affirmative & Positive OR Negative & Pessimistic

Last week, a friend's FB post reminded me of how important it is to speak affirming and encouraging words to our children and grandchildren.  And, it shouldn't stop there -- speaking optimistic and uplifting words to everyone around us has the potential to change the course of someone's day, even their life.

Lots of wisdom here from my friend, Dan Lillpop​, in his recent post:
"This morning, as is often the case, I was feeling a bit reflective. I thought about how often we, as parents, "prophesied" to our children when they were growing up. We would say things like: 'You're going to fall!'  'You're gonna' get sick!'  'You'll miss your bus!'  'You're going to get into trouble!'

I am sure you can think of many others, but the point is, we could have, and should have, done so much better. Not that there are not times when we should have made such statements, but we should also have included such statements as: 'You're going to make it!'  'You can do it!'  'I believe in you!' 'You are special!' 'You have what it takes!' 'You're perfect just the way you are.'

My 3 boys are all grown now, and I can't go back and change how I spoke to them, but I can encourage my grandchildren into greatness, by helping them to unpack all of their potential. I want to be a spark that ignites a great passion in their lives.  As a grandpa, I'm still going to "prophesy", but now I want to prophesy success and good things. I want to help my grandchildren to become the best people they can be!  And hey! I want to also speak good things to my sons,  and for that matter, to all with whom I come into contact.  Let's "prophesy" some good stuff today!"

Honestly, Dan spoke my heart in his words. The simplest things we might say and do, which, though seemingly ordinary, carry an immense weight in telling our children they are loved, cared for, and valued.  Do you remember those childhood experiences when you sensed the approval of a parent, a teacher or loved one?  The ultimate Father figure we have is Father God, and it would behoove us to follow His example in affirming our children and others.  Take a look at the example He sets from His Word.  He gives...

An arm over the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment or fear (see Deuteronomy 33:27)

A pat on the back or a firm steadying hand at a crucial moment (see Psalm 139:5)

A whisper in the ear, giving quiet assurance or secret instructions (see Isaiah 30:21)

A snug tucking in bed when surrounded by the darkness of night (see Psalm 127:2-3)

But the most affirming are those blessings that come in our words: words that affirm and approve; words that commend and compliment;  words that specifically speak love and affection; words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and  words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith.

May our words and actions bring light and life to our family and our world today.

Blessing or Curse?

I'll admit I was quite amped up with excitement when I saw gas prices yesterday (Kum n Go was $1.43/gal and Sam's Club -- where I purchased -- was $1.38/gal).   Though my car wasn't on empty, I filled it up just in case that number changes today.  A few months ago, when I posted about the low gas prices, a friend of mine commented "what a shame that so many people in the gas & oil businesses are losing their jobs and are suffering because of those low prices".  I think I replied "Let's keep them in our prayers."

I heard a sermon last week about this scenario and it was coupled with the craziness of the torrential rainfall in the Texas area, especially when it has usually been drought conditions.  The pastor said that Texas has received history-making downpours of rain.  I reminder last summer how my kids' neighborhood in Texas was under water restrictions -- no watering their lawns, washing cars, etc.

Think about it....when it rains so much, we are happy that our lakes and rivers are filled, our lawns are watered, farmers are ecstatic that their crops are getting the moisture they need to produce a healthy harvest.  But at the same time, there are people that are quite dismayed that their work depends on "no rain" -- building contractors, landscapers, road construction workers, painters, etc.

Plummeting gas prices means winning at the gas pump for us, but the obvious losers are energy companies and their employees.  There are winners and losers in the continued decline in the price of oil. The obvious winners are consumers at the gas pump. The obvious losers are energy companies. And it will have a ripple effect on other industries.  The same with the weather.....building costs and other industries will sky rocket if the workers can't work.

So REALLY, who are the big winners -- regardless of what the weather or the economy and our future holds?  I don't profess to know the answers, but I DO KNOW the ONE who does, and He gave us His Word to guide us.  Take hold of His promises....and, for sure, our future is so bright, we need shades!

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."

Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Proverbs 3:5-6  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Persevere and Stand Firm

That almost sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it.  How can you persevere while you're standing firm?  Persevere sounds like an "action" verb, while Stand Firm seems like a "motionless" verb and adverb.

In this photo is a little desk plaque that Mom gave me for Christmas.  She said, "I saw it and I just knew I had to get it for you."  The words on it are "STAND FIRM....Be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."  1 Corinthians 15:58.  When I received it, I'll admit I thought "Uh oh, Lord, what is it that I'm going to need those words for this year?   Also, in the photo is the rock that I picked last week that underneath it was the word "perseverance".  That's a double word exhortation for me.  Stand firm and persevere.

Wednesday night, for my Life Group, I had the candle (the light of Christ), the Bible opened to that 1 Corinthians 15:58 verse, the Stand Firm plaque and the rock as the centerpiece to our table.  I knew there was a message God was conveying to us.  Each of us, in our own lives, are dealing with stuff -- circumstances, people, situations, challenges and decisions to be made.  It's enough to give us the jitters.

This scripture gives us a step-by-step way to handle our anxieties and our impatience.

STAND FIRM -- tells us to not be moving around so much.  Ever been around someone who just had crazy nervous energy going on?  They drum their fingers on a table or swing and tap their feet.  They are in constant motion. Honestly, it can drive us loony just being in their presence.  I've literally had to shut my eyes to keep from getting myself nervous, too.

"Stand firm" means "be stable," "be steadfast."   Unmoveable, means to hold a position of "heels dug in" with bulldog tenacity.  Bulldogs never quit.  If they get hold of your leg, they won't let go.  They are known for their tenacious spirit.  They are actually bred to be tenacious.

We may not know what is up ahead for us in this new year.  But, I intend to remember to persevere "enthusiastically" in whatever God calls me to -- especially in the work I do for Him, and STAND FIRM in my trust in His unwavering love for me that assures me that everything is gonna' be alright and "in due season I will reap, if I don't faint.....while standing firm".  Father knows best and His promises are true.  I'm going to STAND, and when I've done all to stand....I'm going to keep on standing.  I won't give up, until I'm taken up.   How about you?

The next time we find our courage tested to the limit, let's remember that God is as near as our next breath, and He offers strength and comfort to His children. He is our shield and our strength; He is our protector and our deliverer. Whatever our challenge, whatever our trouble, God can help us persevere. And that’s precisely what He’ll do if we ask Him.  Our job is to keep persevering until He does.

I'm thinking that I'll start introducing myself this way:  “Hi, my name is Donna, but you can call me Bulldog!”

What is PERFECT Peace?

A couple of weeks ago, I awoke with the words "perfect peace" going on in my mind. I'm always quoting Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  I don't think I've ever thought about PERFECT peace before.  What is PERFECT peace?

I did a little word study and this is what I found. When that Isaiah 26:3  promise was given, Israel was in a dark period of her history. Now, it helps us during this time when we are surrounded by gloom, doubt, fear and worry. When all is going well, it's easy to read a promise like this in a very superficial way, but when clouds of trial, disappointment, anxiety and alarm blow across our skies and the sun is hidden, these words become very precious to us.

There's not a promise in the Bible that says we will be free from troubles, but God promises something better. He promises peace in the midst of the storm.  In the fiercest of battles, while the storm is at it’s height, the trusting soul can know inward peace and tranquility. There can be a deep down calm and quiet confidence.  PERFECT peace is a condition of freedom from disturbance within the soul.  The Hebrew word for peace, "Shalom," has the idea of soundness of health. Being filled with spiritual peace is to be spiritually healthy and free from all discord in the soul.  There is no room for jealousy, envy, discontentment, uncontrolled temper, selfishness, pride, intolerance, harsh criticism, fear of anxiety, in the soul that is filled with peace.

My photo inspiration, today, gives visual to this PERFECT peace, and so does the story that accompanies it.

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked. One was of a calm lake. It was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This picture did not look peaceful at all.  But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush, a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest ... PERFECT peace. Which picture do you think won the prize?

The King chose the second picture. Do you know why?  "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.  That is the real meaning of peace."

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"I have told you all this so that you may have 'peace' in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Enough said.  I wish you this PERFECT PEACE today!

I'm Getting Engaged in 2016

"I'm Getting Engaged in 2016!"
I heard someone say that yesterday, and I thought "So am I".  Of course, hers meant making a commitment to getting married, but in my case, it's about being less distracted and more on-purpose to give my full attention to those I encounter. It's looking into someone's eyes when they speak to me -- giving them my undivided attention.  My goal is to be engaged and present in a family game or watching a movie together or going to church together or sharing a moment together or just enjoying a meal together without interruption.  To be engaged means capture attention, grip, captivate, absorb, pledge, contract, promise, agree, bind oneself, interlock, unite.

Have you ever "engaged" someone in conversation, only to see them looking away or looking at their watch or phone?   How did it make you feel?  On the other hand, was it you that someone was speaking to, and you didn't seem to care about what they were saying by your body language -- looking away?

While I want to do better in being engaged and in the moment this year,  I want to be "engaged" in listening for God's voice and cultivating my relationship with Him as though I were engaged to marry someone.  When my sweetheart and I were engaged, we spent countless hours on the phone -- we couldn't get enough of "talking and sharing" with each other.  He was ALWAYS on my mind.  My focus was on him -- morning, noon and night.  I was ENGAGED and I acted like it in my thoughts and daily interactions with him.   Remember when Peter had the courage to get out of the boat and walk on the water to Jesus?  He did, but then his eyes looked away at his circumstances, he almost drowned.

Most of all, I want to be ENGAGED in my walk with God --  seeing Him everywhere I turn, keeping my eyes on Him, and listening for His voice.  When I do that, I will see, hear and know the path to walk in.  He is THAT important to me.

In dog obedience training, they put a dog at one end of a room and its master at the other end of the room, with a plate of food in the middle. And then the master calls the dog. If the dog eyes the food, he’s a goner; he’ll go straight for it. So they teach the dog to focus his eyes on the master. If the dog keeps his eyes on the master, he won’t be tempted. Instead of heading for the food, he’ll head straight to the master.

We need to keep our eyes on our Master or we, too, will get distracted. We need to get our minds off our circumstances and our problems, and focus on God’s goodness, His closeness to us in our present and His power to help us in our future

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”   Hebrews 12:2

EXCEL in 2016

 Home sweet home after 22 days in Texas and Washington over the Christmas holidays.  Precious times away, and excited now to EXCEL in 2016.  

Those incredible 22 days were topped off, yesterday, when many of our Unstoppable Summit attendees went to Elevate Life Church to worship and praise God together.  And to hear a message by Pastor Keith Craft entitled "EXCEL" only provided the icing on the delicious "cake" we'd experienced all weekend at the summit.  In 2 Corinthians 8:1-11, the Apostle Paul was speaking about the folks in the Macedonian churches and in verse 2 said " In the midst of very SEVERE TRIALS, they had OVERFLOWING JOY and their EXTREME POVERTY welled up in RICH GENEROSITY."  Did you get that?  They were experiencing severe trials, but had overflowing joy.  They lived in extreme poverty but were richly generous.

And, then in verse 7, he encourages the Corinthians by saying "Since you EXCEL in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also EXCEL in this grace of giving."  WOW -- did those words ever pack a punch!  God is impressed when we have overflowing joy in the middle of trials and He's even more impressed when we're generous during times of lack.  Pastor Keith said, "EXCEL means to soar -- surpass limitations".  I reached up and grabbed that word as I heard this message.  I desire to soar, surpass limitations and, as Paul mentioned, "EXCEL in everything" -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and above all, in the grace of giving this year.

Giving comes in so many forms:  a hug, a smile, an encouraging word, a compliment, time, treasure, and a host of other ways to EXCEL in the grace of giving.   I'm going to be "in the moment" and "on the lookout" for ways to EXCEL by being an extravagant GIVER this year.

"Powered by Relationships" has been our tag line for over three years now -- and as I think about the power we receive in our relationship with God, as well as His beautiful people like those who joined us in the summit this weekend, I expect EXCELLING to be the norm.    I loved being able to share my heart with these precious people yesterday afternoon, and they shared their love and heart right back to me.  We were EXCELLING.   Indeed we had an empowerment weekend that surely fueled us for a beautiful and blessed year to come -- a year of continual EXCELLING.  Let's EXCEL together as we truly become extravagant GIVERS this year!