I Waved Farewell to the Past

The Word of the Day: PAST -- no longer existing. Remember the Von Trapp Family in the "Sound of Music" singing "So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, good-bye"? That's what I did on New Year's Eve." The PAST is now the PAST. And, what a way to say farewell than in a predominately African American crowd at Potter's House - North Dallas! I'm talking "HIGH PRAISES" as we lifted our voices, hands, hearts and even our bodies in joy and gratitude for God's amazing grace that brought us through another year and now a new year of great HOPE (that was the word spoken) for the GOOD things that our God has for us.

We bid a fond farewell to the PAST and we closed the door to its many ups and downs. The door burst wide open to 2018. Isaiah 43:18 says “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the PAST."

I want MORE than ever before in 2018. I'm not talking about things, but as I live in the "God with us" mode, at any time and place, He may come with expectations OF me and surprises FOR me. 2018 will bring a milestone birthday to me, so rather than looking at the PAST, I’m looking ahead. I’m very aware, by now, that life is short. I know that I have less time ahead of me than behind me, so each day I will purpose to live with an eternal perspective. The things that once “bugged” me have very little import to me now. Some quirky people with quirky little ways that annoyed me before, don’t bother me as much now. I can zip my lip instead of needing to have the last word -- so much more intentional than I was before. Now, I’ve reversed that “easily-bugged-mentality” to “In the light of eternity, does it really matter?” Maybe it’s because I’m becoming less attached to this side of heaven than ever before. The Apostle Paul said, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind (the PAST) and straining toward what is ahead. I PRESS ON toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.” Phil 3:14

As I pondered 2018, these words came to me: multiply, enlarge, maximize, escalate, magnify, stretch, increase, press. All those words express my desire in knowing God more – experiencing His presence more – taking on His character more. I’ve been harping on “God with us” – Emmanuel -- in several of my posts lately. I think I’m getting it. I desire my love for Him to multiply, to enlarge, escalate and maximize. I want to magnify (make larger) His presence. I want my faith to stretch and increase. I want the PAST to be the PAST and, like St. Paul, I want to PRESS toward the goal for which God has called me.

Whether you are someone who thinks you have more years before you than behind you, or you are like me and you know you have more years behind you than before, maybe it’s time to consider “What if 2018 is my LAST YEAR, here?”

Before we declare this is the year we climb Mount Everest, ride an elephant on a safari or become gluten-free, let’s pause. Maybe our desires for this new year should trump all the rest – to be aware of God’s grace and presence with us than ever before. So, "Farewell, PAST!" Seeing the UNSEEN in 2018 -- in every facet of life -- just may bring us the best year and YEARS EVER!

Time to Register for Cross Training

On New Year's Day, I heard this said:: "This is going to be your best year ever, but keep in mind, though you may be going in with a clean slate, you're still taking some of the "old" in with you. You still take YOU!"

That's a wake-up call, isn't it? It's awe-inspiring to think that the old stuff -- the negative circumstances, the mistakes and failures, the overwhelming and the underwhelming situations are over with, because we think "2017 is going to be different. Good things are coming my way this year! 2017 is going to be MY greatest year EVER!" But, once again, what has changed in you AND me, that guarantees a better year?

Bottom line...we probably need to undergo some tweaking with our attitudes, our outlooks, our overspending, our carelessness, our tempers, our giving (or the lack thereof), and our heartfelt appreciation for how blessed we really are.

The way for the most guaranteed-for-success-outcome, is to lean into the ONE who will make the most significant difference in our 2017. Rather than God being simply a casual acquaintance to us and only when we need Him that we call on Him, we should make Him the CENTER of everything...our finances, our relationships, our health, our character, and our devotion. To be fully devoted followers of Christ, makes the difference. How often do we just "sprinkle" a little Jesus into our day by a mere glance at Him. But when we understand that He is the difference maker in everything about our lives. When it really dawns on us that He lives inside us and, when we rely on Him for the best decisions to make, the kindest attitude to others, the character that does the right thing when no one is looking, and seriously consider our actions by submitting our emotions to Him, saying "I'm not responding that way any more.

Luke 2:52 says that the young Jesus "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Now that's what I'm talking about. Though we leave the past mistakes and all the negatives in the past, because we bring ME, MYSELF and I into the new year, wouldn't it be a great idea to determine that "THIS YEAR, I will do some CROSS TRAINING and grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man." We do that -- not just by sprinkling a little Jesus on our lives....but all out making Him the Lord of our lives and purposing to surrender our "old" selves to Him, obey Him and His Word, and live with all out gusto of being, not sprinkled, but FLOODED with the Great I AM!!!

My 2017 Nana Resolutions

Of all the joys in my life, my sweet six grandkids are right at the top! This season of my life is providing even more opportunities to bond and relish in the treasures that they are to me.

Since my home sold in Tulsa last September, I've known God's nudges for this new season of life and my grandkids have had my attention more than ever. My oldest grandson, 24 year old Braden, married the love of his life, Ruth, on October 1st, after graduating from firefighter and paramedic training, and Ruth graduating from ICIU neonatal school. They purchased their first home and now are settled in their careers in Georgia. They just had their 6th anniversary of their first date. I love that they found their true loves and that God gave me another granddaughter in Ruth. She is the answer to my prayers and dream-come-true for Braden AND me!

Barrett (aka Bear), age 21, my #2 grandson, who I adore, is in his 2nd year of Interns at City Church in Kirkland, Washington. He blesses me so much with his easy-going style and he told me on this trip, “Nana, the more in love with Jesus that I become, the more I am at peace with my life today and what He has for my future.” I’m so glad he was with the two younger brothers and I during this week of Christmas to New Year’s. We’ve had so many good talks and I've heard him give such wise and tender words to his two little brothers.

Payton, age 16, is so very special to me because he has carried on so many of his Papa’s loves – fishing, hunting, piano playing. I believe he often plays the piano with Papa in mind which, of course, draws me into his heart. He’ll often say things like “I remember when Papa…..or ask “Nana, did Papa ever….?” Several years ago, Payton chose to be home schooled. He wasn’t the typical athletic jock as sports held little interest for him, but being home schooled, he has been afforded the opportunity to volunteer countless hours at his church where he plays the piano for the youth and carries a church master key and is a servant leader in the stage crew and music departments.

My beautiful 15-year old Alexia (aka Lexi) was my first, and only granddaughter until Braden married Ruth. She has been such a bright spot in my life. She is girly as can be, has the most hilarious sense of humor, has her own style, and she, too, chose to be home schooled. Since birth, Alexia has been a free spirit which gives her the ability to be her own girl. She has so many artistic abilities, sings beautifully and is on her youth group’s worship team. I love her sense of humor and perfect timing of comic relief! She keeps us in stitches!

Brennan is my charming and complimentary (knows what to say to make this Nana blush) 12 year-old athlete. He is an outstanding, all-around baseball player, playing on select teams. He is the one closest to his daddy’s personality and keen awareness for business. I suspect he will follow in his dad's footsteps as an entrepreneur. He does a great job creating movies on his iPhone and just recently I was with him when he finished a school project that required a lot of computer graphic skills in creating a cereal box cover. It was no surprise that he won first place.

I’m savoring every moment I can with youngest, 10-year old, Bryson, who still loves sitting in my lap and letting me cuddle him. He loves being home schooled and has excelled because of the individual attention he has received from his “hot” (his words) for his mom, teacher and principal. His love for animals and their love for him is such a gift. He is passionate about his goats, horse, donkey, and his dog, Bentley, providing their daily care, without having to remind him. He is such a sweet boy and that sweet smile and heart melts my heart! He’s also a great golfer. That’s his game and getting better at it all the time.

If you’ve never stopped by my FB page or my blog at LivingInThePeaceZone.blogspot.com, well, you’ve just met my seven grandchildren and why I adore each and everyone of them.

But this post today is not as much about them as it is about me, and the influencer I can be in this new year of 2017. I desire to continue to be the most awesome, positive, loving, encouraging and devoted Nana aka Grandmother that I can possibly be to those seven precious grandchildren. Hey, I’m a grandmother. I don’t have to be humble. Bragging is part of the rules of grandparenting! LOL!
But this post today is not as much about them as it is about me, and what I can be in this new year of 2017 in continuing to be the most awesome, positive, loving, encouraging and devoted Nana aka Grandmother that I could possibly be to those 7 precious grandchildren. Hey, I’m a grandmother. I don’t have to be humble. Bragging is part of the rules of being an awesome grandparent.

But this year, I’m making not just New Year’s Resolutions, but making 2017 Nana Resolutions. Though I try to live up to the lofty ideal set by Hallmark movies (I love that channel – I’m a romantic at heart) and those crafty grandmothers who make costumes and projects, I know that I will inevitably fall short of the mark. Nevertheless I will do my best to be my best at who God made me to be. Here are my 2017 Nana Resolutions:

#1. Worry less and pray more. I will give my concerns for my grandchildren to God. I will pray that He guides their steps and He opens their ears to hear His voice, and, ultimately, that they make choices based upon what they know is right. And when they don’t….to worry less and pray more, because if Holy Spirit can’t get through to them, who do I think I am that I can?

#2. Disconnect my mind from my mouth. I know this is key. Sure the grandparent brain is packed full of firsthand experience of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and we want to save our grandchildren (and their parents, for that matter) so much time and energy. But, I resolve to hold my mouth from unsolicited advice, opinions and/or judgments…..UNLESS, of course, I am asked to be an Advisor, then "Katie, bar the door, because I’m coming in, loaded for bear!!!"

#3. Give 100% focus and attention to my grandchildren when I’m in their presence. That means putting away my phone AND computer and look eye-to-eye in their sweet eyes and listen, full on, like they are the single most valuable and treasured, important persons in my world….AND THEY ARE!

#4. Be an example of showing them WHO my best friend is. Of course my best friend is Jesus. A best friend is someone we talk about a lot. We imitate our best friend. We tell stories about our best friend. I want my best friend to be their best friend so I'll continue to introduce Him, and share Him with them every chance I get. I'll teach them a lot about "What would Jesus do?"

I shared this with you today because I really do want to spare you from some of the mistakes I’ve made over the 24 years of being a grandparent. I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but by now, I’ve pretty well mastered the right things to do. Why is it so important? Because of all the jewels I could have around my neck, the arms of my grandkids are the most precious to me! I am embracing every moment that I can watch them in their own zones --- each of them individually and perfectly designed by their Master Designer. We're making memories, and Nana's counting her blessings. Of all the joys that life brings.....there is nothing sweeter, than being loved by little people and the big ones when they grow up!

The Best Part of a New Year? A Clean Slate!

A happy and blessed 2017 is my prayer for all of my FB friends and family today! Being the body-guard for my two youngest grandsons was no less charged with anticipation and celebration than any other year for the last twelve years. We had lots of fun making videos (or should I say, Brennan made videos). Yesterday, New Year's Eve, I picked up our low-risk fireworks, decorated with our elaborate New Years decor', shopped for our gourmet treats, made Granny's chocolate cake, and held back the troops from taking over the loot for as long as I could by encouraging them to decorate their gingerbread houses. Based on their lack of desire for artistic finesse, we won't be entering them in a Gingerbread House competition any time soon. Having big brother Barrett with us this year was a real treat! Our low budget celebration wasn't a disappointment at all!

It was our annual night of waving good-bye to 2016 and celebrating in style -- the clean, fresh slate of 2017. Having mediated a brothers' conflict during the day, I had the opportunity of an object lesson based on "clean slates". In conflict resolution, it's best to propose an option that provides forgiveness of oneself while forgiving others. That was the case when I mentioned to the boys that "today marks the ending of the past, and at midnight we can start with a clean slate of love and forgiveness".

The boys popped some little firecrackers, we wore our Happy New Year hats, blew our celebratory horns, then we toasted each other with Sparkling Grape Juice. We watched the giant ball of sparkles descend in Times Square, prayed the New Year in together.and gave each other lots of hugs and kisses.

Now, an entire year of awesomeness awaits us. The squares on our 2017 calendars are blank, but very soon those squares will be filled with a host of activities, events, ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries and exciting opportunities for experiencing a year of great conquests, victories, and adventures.

There's something quite exciting about a clean slate, starting fresh, opportunities for "do-overs". We'll set new goals, resolutions, and hope for some major life-changes. Each new day in our new year will be as fresh and white as new snow. Each and every day starts with God's fresh mercy and new grace. And those new days don't come in with the fanfare of this 1st day of the year. Typically, our days dawn quietly and peacefully -- a sunrise introduces us to our new day, and reminds us that God has given us another day to make a difference in our world.. We'll hear birds chirping, which makes us very aware of God's care for them -- and how much more does He care for us?

We don't know what tomorrow holds -- or this new year holds -- but one thing we do know -- HE KNOWS and HE holds our tomorrows and, better yet, He holds our hands and is with us through them all. Our future is so bright. Let's purpose to wake each day to the prospects of what each day will hold by Him Who knows everything about everything -- and with that kind of ADVISOR -- if we pay close attention -- He'll guide us into making 2017 to be our best, most blessed year EVER!

#HappyNewYear

Thinking Back and Looking Forward

It's the 365th day of 2016. I made it!!! 365 days of posting a positive word for my FB friends and family. After all, there's enough negativity in social media with politics, the weat her, the economy, the disappointments many speak about or vent about in their relationships. Once upon a time, I didn't want to be on social media because of those reasons, but then I sensed that God was calling me to bring some sunshine to a world that can be quite dark, and then my special thoughts and words would, hopefully, bring inspiration to others. I can't begin to adequately explain how rewarded I feel for staying true to my commitment. Purposefully, I've had to make sure to stay "in the zone", seizing the moments, noticing little and big God-encounters, recognizing that God is always speaking. I just had to tune in to His still small voice, and, often, His big booming voice as I witnessed His illustrated messages to me through nature, His Word, His kids and His embrace. Fact is.....I showed up for my daily appointment with God.....and He was faithful and true to His promises.....He ALWAYS showed up for me.

I'm not exactly sure what this next year will look like, not only in my commitment to daily posts and blogs, but in life overall. But one thing I do know for sure......I know WHO knows and I'm excited for the journey that awaits me. There will be many opportunities for making FB posts and writing my daily blogs because I'm very aware that God has many more exciting adventures and trails for me to blaze in this new year. So, I'll continue to be on daily assignment.

These photo inspirations are from this day in 2014 and Brennan's video from 2015 with my two little men -- my annual New Year's Eve dates! Tonight, once again, these two and I will be donning our hats and making toasts with our sparkling grape juice, and blowing our horns. We'll even shoot some little fireworks, and we'll watch the giant sphere of sparkles descend in Times Square an hour behind East Coast time as 2016 makes its exit and 2017 makes its debut. We'll be silly and dance and give each other hugs and kisses. Eat your heart out, single women everywhere! LOL!

A new year -- new hope for our future. There is something inherit within us that craves a new fresh start -- a chance to make wrongs right, and good things even greater. The promise of a clean slate is thrilling. I've already begun to think about new horizons, new seasons, and new adventures. My personal motto will continue to be "I'm still here....so I'm not done." I know that God will give me courage to face each new day and the best part, His mercies will be new each morning.

The great news is that God is the author of 2017! He knows each and every twist and turn that is up ahead, both for you and for me. He has planned 2017 down to the minutest detail—all with the goal for our good. Look out, 2017 -- HERE WE COME! Let the GREAT ADVENTURES begin!!!