Celebrating While Remembering

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…..ALREADY! It seems Christmas comes earlier each year. In a sense, it does because of lightning fast time passing (I promise, you young things, you’ll understand that speed one day), but also in seeing Christmas lights shining brightly on homes already. Oh, the peer pressure! Actually, that added to my day of remembering a couple of days ago. I reminisced about November 16th, 2010, my sweetheart’s homegoing day and more than the time with him, I remembered the tizzy I was in about getting my Christmas decorations up before the family came in over the next weekend. I was bound and determined to make my home look like a Christmas Winter Wonderland. Oh yes, I did, smack dab in the day when my Sweetheart was packing up his bags (not literally) to take his fast-track ride to the other side. I had no idea this would be his homegoing day, or even week, or month. Can you even imagine how I could be remorseful about not sitting by his side, holding his hand, embracing him, talking to him and feeding on every last word he would say to me?

I’m not going there – to live in regret. That means I would be living in the past and not today or the future. It means that I would be forgetting what I did do. In between all the decorating, I went in and checked on him countless times and welcomed guests that came to see him. It means that I was forgetting the hours upon hours and days upon days of holding his hands, of embracing him through the pain, being his caregiver and nurse (literally – I did medical procedures that are typically only done by licensed nurses) and the untold hours spent with him in treatments, surgeries, and doctors’ visits.

We walked that journey together. We laughed. We cried. We celebrated. We didn’t remember the mistakes we made, the broken promises, the times we disagreed, the unfinished work around the house, or the waste of time and money. We lived that 11-month season of pursuing health together and we finished together. So, no, I have no regrets. I just won’t live there.

Soooo, what did I do to celebrate my Sweetheart’s earth-to-heaven trip last Saturday? I got out my Christmas lights (shown here) and put them up to honor living. Well, not UP, as my neighbor came over to bid me NOT to go up with the lights like many of our neighbors who had with lights up on their roofs. My blanket lights are easy reach.

Here is the biggest NO REGRET. We didn’t lose our fight. We fought the good fight of faith right through to that homegoing day. As St. Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Finally a crown of righteousness awaits me." 2 Timothy 4:7,8. I am so grateful we were not in denial about the potential he might pass away. We were in 100% total expectancy in God’s Word that says “Nothing is impossible with God.” So we did fight the good fight of faith and stood strong. Because we did all we could do – I know it was his time to go home. I am secure in living like that. When we pray and seek God for the answer, He has full authority to answer our prayers with His Words “Yes or no or I have a better idea.” He did. My Sweetheart is living it today…..and so am I.

By the way, with the family, we had our lighting ceremony on Saturday, the 20th. We celebrated the beautiful, bright light that had been such a vital part of our lives for so many years. Last Saturday, I had my own lighting ceremony. My neighbors call in a crew to put up their lights but this gal got hers up on her own – because I could. I like to think that my Sweetheart, from his room with a view, was watching his girl do her thang – but, this time, not in a tizzy. I was thinking about “Joy to the World, the Lord has come” and because He came, I can face tomorrow, all fears are gone, because I know Who holds my future, life is worth the living, until I get to go home, too!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Is it just me, or am I seeing more homes lit up with twinkling Christmas lights this year? Hopefully, it means the Christmas spirit is catching hold of people's hearts and they're desiring their "lights" to shine brightly! I know most people are adding to the festivity of Christmas and don't consider the lights they're displaying to symbolize Christ, the Light of the World, that dispels the darkness. But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks. Those light displays, great or small, are dispelling the darkness where they are. My lights don’t qualify for extravagance but they do merit checking the box “Donna lets her little lights shine”!

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us: our homes are still expressing the Christmas spirit. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world as the Light of the World to dispel darkness and God got in on the original light show. Just think about the dazzling array of angels who appeared to the shepherds and then the "extravagant" light show of the star over Bethlehem that drew the Wise Men to it. All those fun birth announcements we see today on social media don't hold a candle to THAT birth announcement and LIGHT show!

I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence. In that case, "You light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT." Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker: Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world." Matt 5:14. How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts the onus on us to check out our wattage and light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it: His Light and our Light. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be made a Christmas carol, for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world. So, shine little lights, shine!

Live as Children of the LIGHT.

My word for today is LIGHT: the brightness that dispels darkness. Christmas LIGHTS are getting scarce now as most of us have taken down the LIGHTS from our homes and businesses, and packed them away for another year.

Now, it’s up to us to represent and be THE LIGHT to our family, our neighbors and our world. We are "the chosen ones" to be the peacemakers, servants, joy and hope bearers to this world that needs that LIGHT so much. We must live as Children of the Light! Ephesians 5:8 "For you were once darkness, but now you are LIGHT in the Lord. Live as children of LIGHT."

Just before Christmas my family and I went to see the new Star Wars movie: The Final Jedi. As with any Star Wars movie, the LIGHT Side and the Dark Side are at war with each other. You can sure tell that jealousy, hate, bitterness, anger and revenge caused Kylo Ren to champion the Dark Side. When we examine our hearts, it’s quite possible, we won’t find that we hate anyone, but every little “dark” thing that we allow to remain in our hearts can have a “dark” effect on us. We might not be in darkness, but we certainly might find ourselves in the “shade”.

In 1 John 2:5-7, John writes “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is LIGHT and in Him is NO darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness, but He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 "YOU are the LIGHT of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house. Even so let YOUR LIGHT shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

What if OUR LIGHTS were shining so brightly that when people pass our way, they draw toward THE LIGHT and their world of darkness is dispelled? Maybe at the beginning of this new year, we should have a winter clear-ance sale and clear out all those things that hinder the LIGHT in us. Let’s open ourselves to His healing and empowering LIGHT today. When we declare with the Psalmist, “The Lord IS MY LIGHT and my salvation, who should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge, of whom should I be afraid?” – then there will never be a shadow of doubt which side we’re on, and all the dark forces that try to draw us to their side, will never win! May we BE the LIGHT that keeps on shining -- all year long!

Surprise! It Snowed Last Night!

I'm feelin' the love. God's love, that is, because yesterday morning, here in Tulsa, there was a "sprinkling" of snow everywhere. The morning welcomed me with such tenderness and peace. I just had to quickly grab a couple of photos. Though I find that peace here everytime I visit her, Mom still has her sweet little Christmas tree up, lights burning brightly, and over the fireplace is this "Peace" wreath and the manger scene that reminds me of God's amazing grace. Mom just walked into the room and said, "Look at my little deer -- they're still sleeping." I told her to look outside and she said, "Look what we gave you! (I knew she meant -- her AND God!) LOL! I told her I'd be glad to help her take her decorations down while I'm here and she said, "No, I'm having Helen over on Sunday for lunch and I want the Christmas cheer here still." Don't you love that? My 94-year old mother-in-law still loves to entertain and welcome friends to her home. I get inspired every time I come here.

I said "sprinkling" of snow earlier and that reminded me of a post I made a few days ago where I said "Oftentimes, we just want a "little sprinkling of Jesus" into our day, when, in reality we need a "whole lotta' Jesus in every moment of every day of our lives". That's God's grace.....we certainly need way more than just a "sprinkling" of His grace -- that amazing grace that forgives us and makes us white as snow. Isaiah 1:18 says: "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;"

That causes me to recall a beautiful song, "Somewhere It's Snowing" written by a dear friend, Stephanie Boosahda. I've been humming it now since I saw the snow this morning. It was also a song sung by another dear friend, Sharon Daugherty, at my daughter's "Winter Wonderland" Wedding.

Following are the lyrics -- but, please, as you read, click on this link so you can hear Stephanie sing it with her beautiful, God-given voice. I promise you -- it will bless you. In fact, why don't you join me in having a little talk with the SNOW-GIVER and ask Him for a good snow cover today to our hearts and soul?

http://stephanieboosahda.bandcamp.com/track/7-somewhere-its-snowing

I once read in a poem, when snow covers the earth,
That it hides the worlds scars, and gives nature new birth,
And they say when a man turns from sin to the Lord,
That forgiveness, like snow, covers him evermore!

And somewhere it’s snowing – see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus that now covers our sin,
In the kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

And it's told that the angels lift their hearts and rejoice,
When one traveler turns homeward from his way, to the Lord.
If somewhere someone’s turning, He’s giving His all,
Then God’s grace, like the snow, is beginning to fall!

And somewhere it’s snowing – see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus, that now covers our sin,
In the Kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Santa Claus came and went. The reindeer's nose is no longer shining. The carolers have closed their Christmas song books. Chestnuts are no longer roasting on an open fire. My Canadian family are so happy we're no longer singing "Let it snow. Let it snow." and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", since they now have over 30 feet of snow piled up everywhere. The bells are no longer jingling.

And here at the Wuerch Family's home in Austin, the Christmas lights and decorations have been put away for another year and the 12-foot "real" tree (a real Christmas tree is a "must have" in this family), now dry as a bone and needles shed all over, was hauled off last night. I love to have that task done for my kids while they're away on their annual anniversary trip just after Christmas. This year I had the help of big-brother Barrett and the little brothers, Brennan and Bryson, in getting the tubs down from the attic and once I've filled them up with the decor, they hauled them back up the attic. Whew!

Life will be back to normal again for most of us very soon. The generosity we had for those less fortunate in December and the magic will gradually begin to fade. After all, the Salvation Army volunteers will no longer be ringing their bells at their kettles to remind us of those in need.

Life will soon be back to normal again very soon. "Normal" often means that the magic of the season will begin to fade. But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. I sense it. Maybe that’s why I’m able to type this blog in such sweet peace. The boys are fast asleep -- how can all that ever-so-high energy be reduced to such stillness, quietness and peacefulness? And in this stillness, I'm still savoring the spirit just a bit more. Though the lights that represented the LIGHT of this season were taken down at this household yesterday, I pray that the brilliant LIGHT of Christ that we beheld last week, we will still be looking to Him throughout 2017. And I can’t help but think: if we could give Him so much thought and homage during December, how much more would we live in the spirit of Christmas, if we thought of Him every day?

It's true.....WISE men and WOMEN still seek Him, and when we SEEK, we will FIND Him. He's not hiding. His LIGHT is brilliant for all of us to SEE Him......Jesus said, "I am the LIGHT of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life.".......EVERYDAY!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

No shortage of Christmas lights here in Frisco, TX! The homes in my daughter's neighborhood seem to be in competition on who can light up their home and yard the most. I love it! That's been one of my Christmas favorites since I was a little girl. We were always light gazers when we'd drive around neighborhoods to see the lights of Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and we'd ohh and ahh at the workmanship, plus wondered about the cost of their electric bill at the end of the season. Not everyone gets into Christmas so audaciously, but even lights on a simple tree in the house expresses that wonderful Christmas spirit. I like to think that those lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we simply put a candle in the window of our homes, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them. Talk about LIGHT SHOW! And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness. But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks. Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event. In that case, "YOU light up my life" really does take on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.

"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14. WOW!! How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna’ let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make the difference in our world.

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Day 336 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Lights and the Light of the World
Among Tulsa's great tourist attractions, one of my favorites at this time of the year, is Rhema Church's spectacular "Christmas Lights Extravaganza" -- thus my first photo inspiration. For over 30 years Rhema has provided the city with THE LIGHTS TO SEE. This year, the campus will be lit up with over two million lights.  It draws more the 200,000 visitors each year. There's a "Christmas Tree Forest" and park to walk through with beautiful music playing in the background.  It's really a sight to behold. It's a tradition for our family to take our annual drive through.

My next photo inspirations are mini-displays in my Hyde Park community.  Really not much to bring in the crowds for, but we are still expressing our Christmas spirit. I like to think that these lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Over the years, we'd find neighborhoods that went all out for Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and and we'd ooh and ahh at the workmanship of that homeowner. Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them.  Talk about LIGHT SHOW!   And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness.  But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks.  Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event.  In that case, "YOU light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.


"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12.   And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14.   WOW!!  How's that for a standard to live up to?  It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us.  I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world.

And the LIGHT Keeps Shining Brightly

Day 4 of 365 days of my photo inspirations for 2015:
Tonight I was taken with the lights on many homes that are still brightly lit and shining in my children's Texas neighborhood.  While many Christmas lights have been put away for another year, I, and many others will conclude our Christmas season on January 6th, after the 12 days of Christmas, and at the celebration of Epiphany (the manifestation of the Lord)  and the day commemorated when  the Wise Men brought their gifts to the Christ Child.

As I saw those homes tonight, I was touched by our desire to hold onto the lights a little longer -- it makes for such a tender and welcoming invitation to those homes.  But, most of all, those lights continue to remind us of THE LIGHT that shines ever brightly in our hearts.

We will take down the lights from our homes, but it's up to us to represent and be THE LIGHT to our family, our neighbors and our world.  We are "the chosen ones" to be the peacemakers, servants, joy and hope bearers to this world that needs that LIGHT so much.

Though Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness.....He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house. Even so let YOUR light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

What if OUR LIGHTS were shining so brightly that when people pass our way, they draw toward THE LIGHT and their world of darkness is dispeled?    Let's  BE the Light that keeps on shining -- all year long!