Happy Memorial Day!

I live in a 55+ community of almost 3,000 homes and I've noticed incredible patriotism throughout on this Memorial Day. American flags are lining the main roadways and most homes have a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who gave their lives or are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

Even though we know that Memorial Day was originally created to help us remember the sacrifices of brave heroes who fought for our freedoms, it has become an event built around a 3-day holiday that kicks off the summer season. Today, millions of people will head outdoors to dust off their patio furniture, fire up the barbecue and welcome the sun-filled, fun-filled days of summer. Goodness gracious, the heat came with this Memorial Day as it welcomed 3-digit weather to Texas. It's supposed to hit 105 this week! My family always cherished this 3-day weekend when we'd gather together with friends and family, either for a family reunion or a well-planned camping trip. Such sweet memories! But, over the years, I've come to realize the real meaning of Memorial Day. Oh, yes, there's a wonderful connection between good food and friends that nurture our relationships with each other. But, Memorial Day is REMEMBERING our veterans and missing the ones who are gone, and it's "remembering" our loved ones who laid the foundations for our lives, prayed for us, for our families, our country AND for our armed forces.

I give thanks for the sacrifices my grandparents and my parents made for me, especially for my Mama who left me her strong faith and joy in life. Today, I continue her mission. And, thanks to my precious husband who seemed to have left this earth way too soon, but left behind a most grateful wife that is a strong overcomer and resilient woman of faith, because of his example. I am so grateful.

And, above all.....to focus with heartfelt gratitude.....

** To all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard servicemen and women. You are selflessly giving and devoted, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are so deeply appreciated.

** To the families of our military members, know you have our sincerest thanks. You are generous and brave behind the scenes, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

** And to those families of the fallen, may you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you.

With tender hearts we lift you all up today, and we say "Thank you for everything, including this 3-day holiday where we are free to sing: "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me!"

What Symbols Do You Hold Dear?

We are surrounded by signs and symbols in everyday life. We make decisions based on them -- traffic signs, for example. What about our American flag that symbolizes the price our service men and women paid for our freedom? What about that coin on the sidewalk that reminds us “In God We Trust”?

When I was twelve, my boyfriend (who eventually became my husband) and I went on our first official (chaperoned) date. On my 13th birthday, he bought this pictured gold bracelet and charm for me with his savings. I still have that bracelet and charm. I wore that bracelet when I served communion a couple of Sundays ago. It made me feel like he was with me, serving. That bracelet was always a symbol of when we met and had our first date AND the sweet love we shared for so many years.

I heard a man share about the time when he bought his wife a crucifix as a gift. She opened the gift and said, “I can’t accept that, because Jesus is no longer on the cross”. I thought, “What a shame that someone would think that about a crucifix." There is no symbol more dear to Christians than the cross of Christ and the Crucifix. At one time, crosses represented only torture until death. Now, the cross, with or without the Jesus on the cross, is a symbol of the price Jesus paid for our salvation, healing and victory as he conquered death at His resurrection. When I see a crucifix or a cross, I thank God for His indescribable love for you and me that He gave us His One and only Son, that if we believe in Him, we will never perish, but will also have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Now, that’s a reminder I need to see everyday! Oh how He loves you and me!

Do I worship my bracelet or do I worship the cross or crucifix I wear? Oh, no! My bracelet AND my cross are beautiful reminders. Another symbol that we see is the Ichthys which is the Greek word for fish. Early Christians made an acrostic of it which means “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” The fish has plenty of references in the Bible, (for example, Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread and Jesus told His disciples to be Fishers of Men).

In the early church, the fish didn’t attract too much attention or suspicion (unlike the cross) so it was a perfect secret symbol for persecuted believers. When threatened by Romans in the first centuries after Christ, Christians used the fish mark in meeting places to distinguish friends from foes. According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian would draw one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company and safe to admit they were Christians. Now you know the back story to the fish symbol we see used so often today. Thank God we are free to express our faith by wearing or displaying the cross or crucifix, unlike those in countries and places today, where they still must resort to secret signs & symbols.

What symbols are reminders to you of significant events, precious memories and even keep you in closer touch with God? Do you wear a wedding band? Does it represent the sacred marriage covenant you made before God with your spouse? Is your Bible just a book of stories on your coffee table, or are you reminded of God’s Word to His people that is a road map to success and victorious living if we apply its principles?

Symbols – reminders. What symbols do you hold near and dear to YOUR heart?

Sometimes Life Gives You a 360

I was born in Dallas, Texas “a few” years ago! LOL! Then our son and daughter were born there, too. That makes us Texans through and through. When my Canadian husband, myself and our two children left Dallas in 1971 for Oklahoma, who knew there would be a “coming back home” someday -- at least for our children?

Two years ago, Larry Wallace (who was also born in Dallas) and Staci Wallace, and their two kids, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace (also born in Dallas), moved from Washington back home to Texas. They all feel they’re “planted”. I love it -- it's so close for me to drive to them!

I drove down to spend the night with them on Sunday evening, and then the next morning, I drove on south to Austin -- the NEW HOME of who I've called my "Washington Family". Ryan, Shawntel and the boys are now at home inTexas, too!

They knew this day would come because, three years ago, they helped their dearest friends, Ryan Malouff and Dana Malouff start Expression Church in Austin and they know God has called them to continue to build alongside them. All on purpose. I love seeing them with such passion for doing God's work and wanting to positively impact peoples' lives for Him. They purchased a beautiful ranch with amazing Austin Hill Country views -- complete with a barn, goats, a horse, a miniature donkey and the river lines their property. Really good news for my "fishing" family -- the river is filled with fish and the water is so clear, you can see them swimming! AND, YAY for Nana – my family are ALL closer to me now!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not harm you; to give you hope and a future.”

Who knows the paths that we will take in life? God does. He has plans that exceed our very thoughts and imaginations and in due season, if we "follow His lead" and the amazing plans He has for us, He'll supersede our greatest expectations.

The best part of Monday, was the boys' first day of school in Austin. School assembly was the first event of the day, and of course, the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. And, next, of course, was the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas flag! Yes, as the saying goes…."Welcome to the COUNTRY of Texas!"