Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

The pandemic has kept me from my family and friends in Tulsa. I miss them all, including my "besties", Charles (Mick) & Sheila Michie. Usually, when I went to see them, I made sure it wasn't on Friday mornings because that's their day of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him so desperately as their Savior. They are passionate about their jail ministry. Before this pandemic, very little could dissuade them from their commitment to make an eternal impact on those they visit.

I remember Mick sharing with me about taking his computer in with him. He showed the inmates gorgeous videos of God’s creation -- waterfalls, mountains, etc. Most of those incarcerated have never seen or even imagined such magnificence. Beauty is definitely “in the eyes of the beholder”. Those of us who have visited those places have an appreciation for that beauty, but after visiting them many times, our out-take isn’t the same as those who can only imagine the beauty.

When we speak of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, we mean that it is a matter of our personal opinion. That is why we might see something that is so beautiful that it takes our breath away. But when we point it out to a friend, they might not appreciate it as much as we do. We can only imagine what beauty is to those who have never seen or known the beauty of God and His creation.

Can we even imagine what it must be like for a blind person who never saw color, objects, people, creation -- anything – but, suddenly sees for the first time? I read a story of a young man who had only known darkness and with an innovative and life-changing surgery, he could see. He woke up and saw a young nurse who was looking after him; he thought she must be the most beautiful girl in the whole world. Then another nurse walked in asking how he feels, and he thought that she was even more beautiful. Soon he was taken outside, and he saw the trees, the flowers, the blue sky, people with smiling faces, and he felt like he had died and gone to Heaven. He even asked the nurse, “Am I in Heaven?” All had been dark, but now he could see the light and everything was so beautiful!

As I pondered about “beauty in the eyes of the beholder”, I thought about the old hymn “Amazing Grace” -- how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now, I’m found, was BLIND, but now I see.” Oh, the grace that opened our eyes to the beauty of the redeeming grace of Jesus. Those prisoners, those living without hope and purpose and destiny, those who live in darkness and unbelief -- but then one day -- they meet Jesus and everything changes. They suddenly know beauty beyond description.

I’m still thinking about my friend’s dad who went to heaven on Thursday. If the beauty of God’s creation here on this earth is beyond compare, and coming to know the beauty of His redeeming grace – we cannot even fathom the beauty to looking on our Lord’s face and His redeeming grace for all eternity.

“As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen and no ear has heard and no human mind has conceived— that is what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Let’s Get Our Thinkers…..Thinking!

Our minds can be battlefields -- especially when the good, the bad and the ugly are warring with each other. I experienced it recently when, within five minutes, two different car drivers cut me off to get a better place in my lane. Oh, how I wanted to honk-explode on them -- but didn't. I could feel my blood boiling and really wanted to react. But, thank God, I didn't. I've come to know that the only person I'm getting even with is myself when I overreact. Here's how we can get our thinkers thinking beyond the present moment:

1. Think about Jesus. We’ve heard the saying, “You become what you think about most.” We must fill our thoughts with Him if we want to become more like Jesus.

“Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to Him. So, do not get tired and stop trying”. (Hebrews 12:3)

2. Think about others. That is so opposite to what the world teaches us to think about our self and nobody else. Jesus was always counter cultural. When we think about Him, we’ll more easily think of others.

“Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing”. (Philippians 2:4)

1. Think about Jesus. We’ve heard the saying, “You become what you think about most.” If we want to become more like Jesus, we must fill our thoughts with Him.

3. Think about eternity. When we start focusing on truths like that, all of our problems are going to seem inferior compared to the glory, the joy, and the pleasure of the things we have to look forward to in eternity.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9)

Our mind is our greatest asset and our greatest battleground. We'll win our battles when we ask God to help us make the choice every day to feed on His Word and fill our mind with Jesus, others and eternity. Let’s get our “thinkers” thinking about our good, good Father Who loves His kids so, so much and Who intends us to win and WIN BIG!

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Cor 10:5)

Live Like Tomorrow May Never Come

All of us are still in shock at the news of the tragic death of Kolbe Bryant, his daughter and the other seven victims. Our hearts ache for what their families are going through right now. I pray for God’s peace to bring them comfort. It is this side of heaven that mourns such a great loss of lives – what seems to be way too soon. But, on the other side – in heaven – there is great rejoicing for those that came home. That has always brought me so much comfort whenever I have experienced the separation of loved ones in my life. That gives us the opportunity, instead of "Good-bye", to say "See you later!"

I don’t think anyone can argue with the statement: “He was one of the greatest athlete of all times.” A quote of Kolbe’s captured my attention. “It’s the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.” And, isn’t that what living each day with purpose and on purpose to make a difference in this world what really matters? Living like there is no tomorrow. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14).

A resource book I've held dear to my heart is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". My favorite chapter is the one that is entitled "Made to Last Forever". This excerpt blesses me so much: "This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death, in eternity, than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Don’t those words ring true about all the practice workouts and physical training workouts that Kolbe Bryant must have experienced in his career? All the preparation for the next big game. Does it make us wonder if his life of generosity and kindness plus, hopefully, a tight relationship with God, were the preparation for the life he is living now on the other side of heaven?

When Kolbe, his daughter and the other seven boarded that helicopter on Sunday morning, living in the light of eternity was probably the furthest thing on their mind. But it begs us to stop and think about our own lives and what if this were our last day here? My blog today is to honor a great sports figure. No doubts about that. But, this is an occasion of looking inside our own lives at times like this. Our motive should be, each day, to live like there's no tomorrow. Tomorrow just may not come.

I’d love to think that we can say to Kolbe and the others onboard “See you later!” If we live each day as if it were our last, then we'll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. The bands will be playing, the choirs will be singing and our loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line – even more so than all those that are pouring their heart outs for Kolbe Bryant on this side of heaven.. In the meantime, let's give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you! I'll see ya' later!

Fast Forward -- It's "R" Rated

I’m in "search and let-it-go" mode. My community is having its bi-annual garage sale this weekend. It’s a great way to purge and get rid of junk which may very well be someone else’s treasure. I always loved going to garage and estate sales. I think that’s what led my sis-in-law and I to start the estate sale business years ago. It’s a lot of work – but oh the fun we had with our niche -- we marketed the home and its contents. That’s all behind me, but I’ve had lots of sweet memories hit me as I went through closets, cabinets, drawers and an attic of “stuff” that needed to be purged.

My best find was my old VCR. I thought I had discarded it long ago. I have many VHS tapes that hold fond memories on them and couldn't watch them. But when this search and rescue began, who knew I'd run into it? Since Payton, my grandson, was over helping me get down some items from my attic, I asked him to set up the VCR for me. A couple of connections and whoa-la -- I had a working VCR. The VHS tape I most wanted to see was the video of my husband and I resaying our wedding vows on our 35th anniversary. Payton put in the tape and it started playing at the end when Bishop Jacob said "Now, you may kiss your bride!" And if that wasn't enough, he continued, "You can do better than that. You've had plenty of practice by now!" And, my husband went in for the full-in lock and load! My grandson said, "Nana, this should be R-Rated!" I'm still smiling!

I love Payton's love for his Papa and this VHS tape showed him alive and well again. I don’t push memories or thoughts of my husband to the side because the best of him is in me, my children and my grandchildren. Often, we’ll talk about him and remember one of his stories or jokes or funny ways of doing things. He was a perfectionist who insisted: "Do it right or don't do it at all!"

Here’s the really good news. It’s okay to miss Papa (my Sweetheart) and still fully live the life God has created for me. The missing reminds me this world is not my home and that life is precious and short. Whether I live thirty more days or thirty more years, this life will be over sooner than I think. Knowing this reminds me to slow down, to live generously, to forgive often, and to love deeply – to cuddle with those who lean into me and want to talk and share about the best of times.

I am grateful for knowing that Papa really does have an afterlife. It’s the real life he was destined for – where there is freedom from pain and sorrow and there's eternal praises and joys forevermore. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) And, Papa loved Him so much. I can only imagine the afterlife he is getting to live!

So for now, I will embrace the memories, the sweet kisses from heaven and those on the VHS tape that remind me he is probably leaning over heaven’s balconies cheering us on -- like he did on this earth when he tried to "sell" us on something: "Ya’ gotta’ see this. Ya’ gotta’ be here. Ya' gotta' do this! It is worth the journey…..it is worth it all."

Made to Last Forever

Yesterday, my daughter and I attended the Celebration of Life service for Ron Haake, the precious husband of our dear cousin, Noreen. The family knew his graduation day was close at hand because his health had declined, but no matter when the time comes, we still experience the sudden jolt of separation of the one we have loved, done life with, dreamed and made memories with and served. It was an honor to attend the memorial service because we heard so much more about this wonderful man than what we had known before. The common theme throughout the service was that he was a man of wisdom, great humor, joy-giver, a mentor, patient, strong, and loved God and his family with all his heart.

There are so many emotions wrapped up in times of saying goodbye to a loved one: gladness/sadness, rejoicing/grieving, remembering/forgetting, keeping their things/giving things away, making decisions quick/slow. The words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 are so true: “There's "a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" -- and oh, so many more highs and lows.

From this widow's firsthand experience to Noreen and others, I say this: you'll have a roller coaster ride of emotions. I, too, know how much it hurts to see a loved one in so much pain. I know what it is for my loved one to "go home". I know what it is to not know what tomorrow holds. But, hold on children! Trust me when I tell you that the time comes when reality sets in and we realize "My loved one is gone. But, I'm not. I'm still here, so God isn't finished with me yet. Now it's time to run my race strong to my Finish Line!"

A resource book I've held dear to my heart is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". My favorite chapter is the one that is entitled "Made to Last Forever". This excerpt blesses me so much: "This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death, in eternity, than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9. For those who have a relationship with God through Jesus, we don't need to fear death. It is the door to eternity. It will be the last hour of our time on earth, but it won't be the last of us. Rather than being the end of our life, it will be our birthday into eternal life."

Ron's bags were packed. He was prepared and when his name was called, he walked through that door to eternity. As I was my sweetheart's midwife pushing him through that door, so was Noreen as she watched him go home last week. I loved how their son, Eric, concluded his talk about his dad. He said “My dad gave us another lesson for us to live by when my mom bent down to kiss him – he puckered up his lips. It was his last action on this earth and his last lesson for us to live by. I suggest that it be the rule to live by, too! Husbands and wives, pucker up more and life will be a lot sweeter.

Here's the best news of all.....we didn't say "Goodbye, Ron"; we just said, "See ya' later!" And, if we live each day as if it were our last, then we'll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. The bands will be playing, the choirs will be singing and our loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line. In the meantime, let's give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you!
I'll see ya' later!

A Viking Ship -- What a Way to Go!

I sat with my youngest grandson yesterday, reading another book about Vikings. I must say I’ve learned more about Vikings in the last couple of months than I had ever known. The first Viking book was fiction about a very poor family in Denmark in the early 1900s who lived on what rich folks considered to be haunted land. Eventually a Viking ship was discovered buried under a great mound on their property that changed everything. To continue his school studies, now he’s reading a more extensive book on that time era and we both were captivated with the legends of the Vikings and Raiders (BTW – we’re not talking about the football teams, though now I have a little more insight into why those team names came about).

This book is very pictorial and it opened our eyes to their living conditions. One of their great warriors had died and they were preparing him for burial. His wife was changing his clothes before they put him in the bottom of his ship. The richest Vikings would be buried with ships that were filled with clothes, weapons, furniture, horses, dogs, and even servants. The ships were then covered with earth in funeral mounds. Their beliefs were that it’s a good thing to die, because they are entering into their next life, and those objects (and treasures from their raids), people and animals they bury with them, would be there to serve and help them in the next life.

Whew! Thank goodness we believe in such a better ending from our temporary assignment on this earth to our eternal afterlife in heaven. When I saw the woman changing her deceased husband’s clothes pictured in the book, I said to Bryson, “That reminds me of the day your Papa went to heaven. Remember how Papa couldn’t sit up for so long because his back hurt him so much?” Bryson shook his head that he remembered. I continued, “Well, Papa’s nurse asked me for clothes to put on Papa to go to the funeral home in and I gave her one of Papa’s warm-up suits. She said, “You can go out now, and I’ll change him.” I said, “No, I’ll stay and help you. I haven’t seen him sitting up in a very long time, but today I can sit him up and he’s no longer in pain! Isn’t it great that Papa doesn’t hurt anymore and he’s having such a great time in heaven?”

I gave Bryson a hug and I realized, still, how much I miss that beautiful man, and wished this youngest grandson had known him as well as the older grandchildren did. Thankfully, none of us think often of those last days of Papa on this earth. We only recollect that strong, robust, brilliant, hilarious, and loving man who could do just about anything…literally. Papa was the BEST fisherman, hunter, piano player, singer, builder of houses, mechanic on cars, could fix anything, best story teller ever, and so many other talents that none could surpass him – at least not in our eyes.
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I don’t like to push memories or thoughts of my husband to the side because the best of him is in me, my children and my grandchildren. Often, we’ll talk about him and remember one of his stories or jokes or funny way of doing things – like the way he’d leave one of his favorite food bites on the corner of his plate. That’s the last bite he would eat and savor. Or the way he would put the milk in the bowl BEFORE he put the cereal in, or the way he’d want us to use our fork in one hand and the knife in the other hand to shovel the food in the fork.

Here’s the really good news. It’s okay to miss Papa (my Sweetheart) and still fully live the life God has created for me. The missing reminds me this world is not my home and that life is precious and short. Whether I live thirty more days or thirty more years, this life will be over sooner than I think. Knowing this reminds me to slow down, to live generously, to forgive often, and to love deeply – to cuddle with those who lean into me and want to talk and share about the best of times.

I am so grateful for the knowledge of knowing that Papa didn’t have to get buried with anything except the clothes we buried him in, because those clothes don’t matter. The grave doesn’t matter. What matters is, he really does have an afterlife…..actually it’s the real life that he was destined for – where there is freedom from pain and sorrow and there's eternal praises and joys forevermore. 1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived -- the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” And, Papa loved Him so much, I can only imagine the afterlife he is getting to live!!!

So for now, I will embrace the memories, the sweet kisses from heaven that remind me he is probably leaning over heaven’s balconies…..cheering us on…..like he did on this earth when he tried to convince us to eat his way or hold a knife and fork like he did – saying “Ya’ gotta’ see this. Ya’ gotta’ be here. Ya' gotta' do this! It is worth the journey…..it is worth it all."

Who Woulda Thought?

Cousins that love each other so much, it seemed a shame that they would be separated by such a distance -- Seattle to Dallas. And who would have EVER suspected that my Seattle-loving, Seahawks-loving son and family would move to Austin, TX, and even more so, that those city-slicker kids would EVER have goats, a horse and donkey? And who would have EVER thought that our quiet and subdued Lexi would EVER be so poised and eloquent at the front of a room being judged for a speech? But, God seems to always have something up His sovereign sleeves that surprise and amaze us.....almost reguarly.

But, here we all are....this week in Austin for Payton & Alexia's Regional Finals Speech & Debate Tournament & Competition, staying at "Farmer" Ryan's (his new title bestowed upon him by a cute little 3-year old neighbor girl) and Queen Shawntel's beautiful home. The cousins have reunited in a big way -- playing with the goats, horse and donkey, fishing in the fish-laden creek below their home and land, and swimming in the pool and hot tub. And here I am being thrilled at this adventure of "Life in God's Surprise Lane"!

The apostle Paul said that when we pray, God does that which goes beyond what we ask for or even think about. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). God has a plan for every single one of us. When we see what He has in mind, it will surpass anything we thought possible. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts beyond anything we thought possible. I know He's giving me so many desires of my heart these days -- so, of all the things I may have messed up along the way, I must have done something right.

The next time God surprises you, don’t doubt his love, goodness, and faithfulness. Lift your hands to the heavens and celebrate. You are being lavished upon. You are being loved. You are being delivered. You are being transformed. And be thankful that since nothing can separate you from His love, there are more gracious surprises to come!

I'm Remembering

Day 45 of Photo Inspirations -- February 14, 1961 -- I’m remembering.
Fifty-four years ago today, the cutest dark haired 13-year old boy named Ronnie (aka Ron) Wuerch and me, the lankiest, 12-year old girl named Donna Wheat, had our very first “official” date (chauffeured by Ron’s dad) to a church Valentine’s Banquet. This photo is that day – Ronnie had to stand on the step above me – I was taller than him, and the dress I wore, was the “shortened” version of the junior bridesmaid dress I wore in my cousin’s wedding. Oh, the butterflies in my stomach, the sweaty palms, and the pride I had in showing off my “boy friend” to my friends. At thirteen, Ronnie was already an accomplished pianist and could sing like a teen-idol! That night, he played the piano and sang at the banquet. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world when my girl friends said, “He sings and looks just like Frankie Avalon!” (Okay, I know the youngsters reading this, have no idea who Frankie Avalon was, but suffice it to say, “He was a hunk!”).  The other photo here is the charm bracelet he gave me the next year on Valentine's Day -- it was our 1-year "first date" anniversary!

It was a complete set-up by my grandmother – of all people. She invited my family to their church where Ronnie’s dad was the Pastor. Right from the beginning of the church service, I saw that cute boy looking and smiling at me…..and I smiled back. A few days later, my grandmother called to say, “Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you.” And, I said, “Tell him I like him!” And that’s the way we began. Early on in our relationship, not only did my grandmother know, but so did our mothers know (you know – that woman’s intuition), that we were meant to be. And, here I am, fifty-four years later, on this February 14, 2015, and saying, “Yes, we were meant to be!”  

It's been 4 years and 3 months since my Valentine Sweetheart's graduation to heaven. I'm missing him today…incredibly!    Would I bring him back, if I could? I’ll answer that in this way. I love him too much to want him back. You see, the Bible is full of wonderful promises, and perhaps the most wonderful of all is this: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). There are many things we don’t know about what heaven will be like, because it is beyond our ability to comprehend. But one thing we can be sure of, is that it will fulfill our greatest longings; it will dazzle us with its beauty; it will be greater than anything we could imagine or dream; it will be a place where love and joy will reign unspoiled. And, that’s where my Honey is celebrating this Valentine’s Day. I would NEVER want to bring him back, but, one thing’s for sure, my greatest determination is to be there with him someday. So, I’m purposing to live each remaining day as if it is my last day on earth. That means I’m going to endeavor to spend each day wisely, acknowledge the Lord in prayer, spend daily time with Him, worship Him,  and serve Him in loving others, and in making a positive impact on our generation for Him!    I know, without a doubt....THIS IS THE WAY IT'S MEANT TO BE!"