#TBT – Grateful for Praying Matriarchs

I don’t see as many Throwback Thursday photos as I once did, so I’m reviving it today. Just a few days before celebrating Mother’s Day, I wanted to pay tribute to my praying matriarchs: on the left, my mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still with us and doing so well at 96) and on the right, my angel Mom, Edna Wheat. These two women were my mentors and the greatest influences I could have ever had as Godly women and mothers. Best friends, they were also visionaries. They KNEW that their two kids were meant for each other.

Last week, after I asked a radiology technician if he had a family, he shared: “Oh yes. I’m married with three children. Our marriage was arranged.” I quickly injected “Mine, too! I’ll tell you about mine after you tell me about yours!” He went on. “My parents wanted me to marry this girl I had never met. I told them that I didn’t want an arranged marriage. But, I honored them and flew to her country to meet her. We met. Our love was immediate. We married the next day. She is the love of my life. My parents prayed about it and I prayed about it and I know God gave her to me.”

My "praying" grandmother introduced me to my future husband at age 12. She was the go-between saying “Ronnie Wuerch likes you” and back to him, “Donna Sue likes you”. Between her, my mother, my husband’s mother AND God, our marriage was arranged. I owe so much of who I am to those three powerful, praying women of God. They literally prayed us together -- and those prayers kept us together. We watched their example as they went through tough times, and came through them because of their unwavering faith. They impressed upon us that tough times don't last, but tough people who believe in commitment, keeping their promises and vows -- that they'll be honored for keeping them. How I thank them for their unwavering support and relentless prayers for us. They not only talked the talk -- they walked the walk in their own lives.

I honor these precious matriarchs and all they've stood for, lived for and set the example for us to follow. By their example, I've learned that praying for our children, sharing our years of wisdom-learned with them is part of God’s plan in “Training them up in the ways they should go and when they’re old, they’ll not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

On this #TBT, I must honor the greatest Mother of all -- our Lord’s most blessed-among-women Mother Mary. Just think about the great responsibility she had for raising the Son of God. Her greatest example was “She pondered. She treasured these things in her heart.” I know we mamas do a lot of that, and it wouldn’t hurt at all to amp up the pondering and treasuring instead of speaking our mind so much. I’m quite sure Mary had the same instincts of motherhood that we have – doting, imagining her Son's future, wanting Him to flourish. Luke 2:52 says “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” I imagine that if Jesus were here with us in the flesh today, He would probably talk about His Mama and what she meant to Him. He might say something like this: “It was my Mom’s wisdom, influence, support, and love that molded me into the Man of God I was destined to be! She encouraged me and instilled in me there wasn’t anything I couldn’t accomplish and do. Her unconditional love inspired me to love unconditionally. She always believed in me. She always prayed for me.”

And those are the words I say about my grandmother and my two moms. And those are the desires I have for being that mother and grandmother to my beloveds.

(FYI -- the family photo is from Mother's Day, 1968, and is left to right: My grandmother (the arranger), my mom, my husband's grandparents, my mother and father-in-law, me, Ron and Ryan)

Today is the Ultimate #Throwback Thursday

#TBT -- Today is the ultimate #throwbackthursday.

This photo is one of the world's most famous paintings. It is the 15th Century mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and His Twelve Disciples. You can see how aghast they were at Jesus' announcement that one of them would betray Him.

Today is Holy Thursday when we remember more than a painting. It is the day before Jesus' crucifixion when He shared a Passover meal with His disciples. That meal invoked what we know as Holy Communion (Luke 22:19-20) where we hear His words: "As often as you do this, you do it in memory of Me!" That night, Jesus, the One celebrated as a King just days before, became a Servant when He washed His disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service. "No," Peter protested, "you will never wash my feet!" Jesus replied, "Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me." He set an example for us -- that we should love and serve one another.(John 13:3-17). At church tonight, we will not only remember and receive His love in Holy Communion, but there wil be a foot-washing ceremony in commemoration of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples.

For 3-1/2 years Jesus had poured His life into these men. After all the miracles they had seen, the tender and merciful acts of kindness and love He had shown, the many times He had said, "Do not be afraid" to them, somehow they still just didn't "get it". Only John would be standing off to the side of the cross tomorrow. The rest of them were too afraid to stand with Him. What if we had been there? Would we, too, have cowered in fear?

It certainly gives me pause for who I am today. Am I a devoted follower of Christ....even to the cross to bear witness of Him and His love for me? During this season of Lent (which ends this week) we've endeavored to spend quality time in the Holy Spirit's Wash-A-Teria, purposefully desiring cleansing and purifying to draw closer to our Lord and to be vessels that He can use. I continue to take these words to heart today. "Lord, wash me, cleanse me, purify me so that I too may be presented as a vessel of honor to you. I've said it before, I say it again "The purer the vessel the greater the flow". What an incredible flow of mercy, love, forgiveness, servitude and sacrifice that flowed from Jesus then, and continues to flow to us today. Oh Lord, may we be your servants today -- to follow, serve and love You, and others, as You served and loved.

May this beautiful song, "Make Me Your Servant" be your and my prayer today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM

Living Life as an Exclamation Point

Day 283 of Photo Inspirations -- Living Life as an Exclamation Point!
#TBT -- I ran across this photo that was taken on a family vacation in 2003.  These are our four oldest grandchildren, who are now, 23, 20, 15 and 14.  Wow!  Where did those 12 years go?   Graduations from kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school, boot camp, black belts in karate, piano recitals, baseball championships, speech & debate champtionships, that were accompanied by braces, bumps & bruises, lots of rehearsals and practices, lots of lessons learned, lots of moves from city to city and state to state, plus two more precious grandsons came along, and the biggest of all -- Papa's graduation to heaven.

James 4:14 "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."  James sure did give us a "spoiler alert"!  He said our lives would be like a vapor that appears and then, just as quickly, vanishes!   That's a reality check -- especially for those of us who, in our 20s -- looked at the old folks (in their 50s) and thought, "They are so old!"  Now, we are past our 50s and "old folks" doesn't seem so old anymore!  LOL!

The fact is -- the length of our lives isn't based at all on quantity, but it's based on quality. This gift of life, however brief, should be spent living in such a way that the very One who created us will always look upon His investment as a "creation....well done"!  Rather than looking at how fast time goes by, wouldn't it be more productive to think....."How can I make the most of the time that I have?"  What if we put an exclamation point on every day we have?  An Exclamation Point is reserved for the accomplishments that excite our spirits and set our hearts on fire.  Living a humdrum life doesn't get an exclamation point.  Spending precious time complaining, whining, worrying, being cranky and cynical doesn't get an exclamation point.

Getting an exclamation point has everything to do with how we wake up each day.  Getting an exclamation point has something to do with "hitting-the-ground-running" each day.  There's just no time to be thinking about the good old days.  I love my memories.  I love these photos of my precious grandkids and husband from way back when.  But if I want an exclamation point at the end of each and every day, I need to to wake up saying "What can I do TODAY to leave a mark and a legacy?"  Here's what Exclamation Point recipients look like:

They have a life to live so they live it… EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have an assignment to complete…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have work to be done….. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a victory to achieve…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a devil to defeat…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a storm to calm…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a prayer to pray…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a promise to claim… EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a habit to conquer…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a temptation to overcome…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have an enemy to love…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a burden to lift…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a friend to help…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a race to be won, EXCLAMATION POINT!

On a gravestone, it shows a date born, then a hyphen, then the date of death.  The hyphen represents all that person accomplished in their lifetime.  Quite frankly.....I'd like for mine to have on it.......
"DONNA LIVED.... EXCLAMATION POINT!!"

We Didn't Realize We Were Making Memories

Day 200 of Photo Inspirations -- We Didn't Realize We Were Making Memories
Being in WA at this time of the year is on purpose.  #1 child (in order of birth debuts) has a birthday, and each year that goes by, I become more and more nostaglic.  SPOILER ALERT!  That's what happens as the years go by.  Your love for them and all the memories they've given you that are indelibly imprinted in your mind, continue to give you such pride and joy.  And, all you Mamas and Papas out there, you might as well realize you'll never get over the awe of the accomplishments and abilities of your kids.....and most of all, that you were in partnership with God in bringing these amazing human beings into this world.  WOW!  That's a mind-boggling thought.  From being amazed and delighted at their debut, their first step, their first tooth, their first day of school, their first fish, their first girl or boy friend, their first job, their first love, their first child.......and on and on -- the spectacular firsts and the incredible goals met and watching so many of their dreams coming true.  Every dollar we spent on education, every moment we spent in training them up in the ways they should go, every tear we shed when they left the nest to be on their own -- were seeds that we watered with our love and prayers -- and now we get to enjoy the sweet fruits of our labors!

My boy's birthday is actually tomorrow, the 24th, but I just had to make a point on this #TBT of some of the sweetest memories.  It seems fishing has always been a part of our family fun.  The first photo here is the year before Ryan's Dad (my sweetheart) passed away.  It was Dad's birthday and Ryan gave him a trip-of-a-lifetime.  Complete with a fishing guide to take them to the exact spots to fly fish and bring in lots of rainbow trout.   It was their last fishing trip together, and what a priceless memory Ryan has of bringing his Dad so much enjoyment.   And, oh what joys I have of watching Ryan carrying forward that love and tradition to his boys (second photo).  The third photo is Ryan's first big fish catch at Table Rock Lake in Missouri.  And the last photo is him with one of his biggest catches at Cabo San Lucas -- just a few days after his Dad graduated to heaven.  I think Dad had something to do with that catch.

Not only am I having memories on this #TBT, but I'm counting my blessings that continue to bring my life so much joy and pleasure.  My greatest blessings call me MOM and Nana -- and on this day, I'm especially thankful for that little man God blessed us with.  Happy Birthday, Son!  You've always rocked our world and I think to myself....What a Wonderful World It Is!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama!

Day 186 of Photo Inspirations -- Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama
#TBT -- Though my Mom's birthday isn't until July 12th (she'd be 104), I saw these photos and I knew it should be my #TBT Photo Inspiration today.  These photos are of her and my Alexia Wallace​ -- 13 years ago.  She loved holding the babies.  I loved the "before" and "after" of Alexia getting hold of that bottle.  LOL!

I treasure photos like this, because it reminds me of where the best of me came from.  If ever there was an angel on earth, it was her.  She was my mentor, role model and everything a mother should be.  She selflessly gave -- "Just give me the fried chicken neck -- that's good enough for me."  She always forgave --  "It's okay.  God forgives me all the time.  I sure can forgive you."  She unconditionally loved -- "It's okay that they (my siblings that lived in other states) don't write or call me much.  I love and pray for them anyway."  Her integrity and honesty were of the utmost importance to her. I'll never forget the day as a tiny tot that I saw a package of gum on the floor in the grocery store and put it in my pocket.  I reasoned that "if it's on the floor, it's okay to have it".  When she found it in my pocket, she took me back to the store and I had to admit my wrong-doing.  That incident and lesson stuck with me like glue.  She gave me boundaries that worked -- "Let your conscience be your guide."  And those words always rang in my ears when I was choosing right or wrong.  She never missed a church service -- Wednesday night, Friday prayer meeting, women's meetings, Sunday School AND church -- twice each Sunday.  She sacrificed her own personal needs for my needs.  She showed me undaunted faith and determination in the toughest of times when my Daddy was so sick and when our finances were so meager.  I heard her praying for me and my siblings from her bedroom.  She was unquestionably the most tender, kind-hearted, loving, gentle, caring and pure woman I have ever known.  She was my hero, and to this day, she remains my hero.  Her example made me a better me.

The reason why I'm emphasizing her today, as such a role model,  is for you and me to realize -- it's not the things or treasures or inheritance or life insurance or jewelry -- the tangible things that make us.  What makes us, and the legacy we leave to our children, are the things that money could never buy.  Her influence on me caused me to be honest, to love and care passionately, to put my faith in God during the best and worst of times, to give and to suck it up when I've been hurt or offended, to trust in God's plans for my life and to leave my family with something so much more than the things that can be bought.  I intend to leave them the very best of me......and the very best of me is my precious mother's example.  What are those things that you'll leave to your children and grandchildren?  "Her children rise up, and call her blessed...."  Proverbs 31:28

Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Four years ago, I came home to Tulsa after spending a beautiful Thanksgiving week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my son and his family after a whirlwind previous couple of weeks of decisions to be made, funeral preparations, and all the "to do's" after my Honey graduated to heaven.

Cabo was just what I needed – to get away – find that place of consolation, peace and serenity. Everything about the previous few weeks – in fact, the last eight months seemed quite surreal. But, I had walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and, because of this profound place of peace, I literally feared no evil. God was there to comfort me – that was His promise in Psalm 23 – He had kept His promise. I was comforted.

My eyes welled up in tears as I walked from my plane down the concourse and approached the waiting area, as this was the first time that I arrived back in Tulsa, with my Honey not waiting for me.  BUT, what to my wandering and teary eyes would appear…. but my two, then, “Tulsa” grandkids, running to me with open arms and screaming, “Nana, Nana! We made you cards and presents!"  Oh, sweet distraction from my previous thoughts! Getting into the car, they excitedly displayed their “Welcome Home” handmade cards and ice cream stick creations – one to hold my pens and pencils, and the other, a drink coaster and ice cream stick crosses. They were little chatter boxes all the way home.  Oh, how my Heavenly Father gave me exactly what I needed, once again – “good tidings of comfort and joy” that comes from a loving Father in the form of the purity of two little children who love me so much.

Of course, when I arrived back at home -- I had waves of emotions -- when I saw his pictures, his clothes, the fingerprints of his life all over our home.  I missed him beyond words, but I was never overcome with even a moment of grief (definition: deep mental anguish, as that arising from bereavement) or sorrow (definition -- mental suffering or pain caused by injury, loss, or despair). Both of those words talk about "mental" suffering. I refused to go there. No, I was not in denial. I was in that "secret place” of the Most High – abiding under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). I had a choice – to be in sorrow and grief – or to celebrate each day that God would give me.  I chose to open the windows wide – to listen to joyful Christmas music – to shine the Christmas lights brightly -- to laugh with my grandchildren while making Christmas cookies -- to call a friend and encourage them –- to raise my voice in song, especially singing, “God is so good”. I will finish strong! I will be a conqueror!

I purpose to live out my faith with joy instead of sorrow, dancing instead of mourning, wearing a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. Yes, at this beautiful time of the year…we can all sing the words “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let NOTHING you dismay, remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day, Oh tidings of comfort and joy!”