A Year of GREAT Expectations!

With the Christmas season and story still resonating in my heart -- of a baby in a manger Who became our Savior, I am starting this new year of 2020 on a " great expectation” high. Certainly not expecting a Disney World kind-of-magical-year, but simple confidence in “He Who began a good work in me (and you), is faithful to complete it!” (Philippians 1:6) He Who promised that if I put my faith and trust in Him, will show me where to go and how to get there! “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)

As I said in my blog yesterday, the number 20 symbolizes expectancy. My “expectors” are on high alert for a 2020 year and a decade of blessings! I plan to wake up each day with expecting the best out of this day – this moment. No doubt, there will be some highs and lows – but it doesn’t matter, because I plan to view each day as a gift and how I tackle it with my attitude AND fortitude will either make it or break it for me – and even others in my sphere of influence.

My husband and I, for years, made it an annual tradition to meet with our children and we’d write out our goals for the next year. We made dream boards that made our visions very plain (Habakkuk 2:2) like this one of mine and Payton’s. BTW – most all of the pictures and the dreams behind them came true in some way. There’s just something to be said for goal-setting and vision-casting. Goals create a road map for success. They are the targets that we point our lives to – with a starting point and a destination to reach. They help us clarify what we desire to do, understanding the importance of pursuing them and committing ourselves to making them happen.

My vision casting, today, isn’t so much about the things to attain since I’ve been there and have been so blessed. I’m in this sweet season of purposely laying up my treasures in heaven far more. That’s not to say we shouldn’t set goals spiritually AND naturally that include dreams and desires. But, for me, my goals are so simple – spending time with my family, some travelling, but most of all, serving God. I’m intent on leaving a legacy of faith. I sincerely believe this 2020 year will be marked by opportunities to share God’s good news everywhere I go. My “YES” is big when it comes to being a devoted follower of Christ. I’m keeping my eyes and ears wide open with great expectations for a harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God and seeing radical life transformations in those God places in my pathway. I’m purposing to find things that I can take delight in so that I always dwell on goodness and not sorrow. I know I can trust God to bring me through every circumstance in peace.

I am looking to the future and not the past. I know WHO holds my future so I have no reason to fear or doubt. I refuse to allow discouragement to take me off course. I intend to embrace what God is doing in each situation and circumstance of my life because, by now, I’ve learned “ALL things work together for good” because I love God with all my heart and I know I’m called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28)

This is my "Great Expectation" declaration! Could I please urge you to begin this year with a Great Expectation declaration, too? Great Expections that something good is about to happen to you and yours each day. Great expectations that God is for you. Great expectations for a great hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). Great expectations for living in hope, love, joy and peace – every single day of this new year! Let's get our "expectors" expecting!

Good-Bye Past, But Thanks for the Memories!

I randomly watched the televised Garth Brooks Concert at Notre Dame last week. Impressive, massive crowd to hear him as he was literally “singing in the rain”. When he sang, “I Thank God for Unanswered Prayers”, I’ll admit I had to sit down and watch him AND the camera’s crowd highlights of couples looking into each other’s eyes, and even Garth’s eyes tearing up. I knew they were thinking “Thank God for not answering my prayers because if He had answered ‘yes’ to those prayers, no telling what my life would look like today!”

Maybe someone you really cared about broke up with you and now you look at them on Facebook and the life they’re living and you fall on your knees and thank God for NOT answering those prayers. Now you can thank God they broke your heart. Look what could have been. Look what the Lord has done. Maybe we don’t, right this minute, understand the reasons, but we can still praise God for the result.

I thought about the prayers I prayed over the years, asking God for a miracle in the midst of some of the toughest times. Good thing “His ways are so much higher than my ways” (Isaiah 55:8) because “my ways” would sure have borne some uncomfortable results. Now, looking back at 2018, we may be assessing how much we enjoyed the high points OR despising the low points.

I heard someone say that our lives our made up of highs and lows and we are the summation of all of it. The good, the bad and the ugly. They said we shouldn't judge our lives by the minute by minute experiences, because if we did that when we went to Disney World, we'd rate our experiences so low that we would never want to go back. You know, the long lines we stand in and all the heat we endure. So when we think about 2018, we shouldn’t be so quick to call it a bad year, just because we went through some hard things. There were definitely some really good things that happened, too! By faith, we should accept whatever happened as part of God’s way of choosing to not answer some of our prayers the way we thought they should be answered. It is far better for us to have a story of grace that carried us through in the midst of it all!

Maybe, you think you’re chained in a Roman prison right now (metamorphically speaking) when it comes to the “stuff” you’re dealing with and the chains that bind you and the hopelessness you feel. Right while you’re there….you can hear how the Apostle Paul handled his Roman prison when he says "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) WHAT? Rejoicing while in a damp, cold prison? Yes, rejoicing that he could write to us with the example of trusting that in EVERYTHING, God is working it ALL for our good! (Romans 8:28)

Let’s say “Good-bye to 2018 and every year before that, because the highs and lows are part of God’s master plan to make us the BEST we can be for Him and for the lives of others that we get to influence! Let 2019 breeze by with absolute trust in our Father Who knows what’s best for us – the Walt Disney experiences as well as the Roman prison ones!

Low Profile, Low Pressure, High Impact

Those were my husband's life statement words that were full of wisdom. He realized the pressure that can come from those high profile individuals who expose themselves to public opinion and scrutiny. Though he spoke publicly to many various audiences in business and ministry, he was most pleased to nudge others to the places of prominence and limelight.

As you can see from the comments and photos we've made over the last few days about our family trip to Disney World, it seems we lean toward the "high profile" mentality. In reality, we do desire to have a high impact on this generation, their families and the lives they live. That's why I continually post so much about the joys of making memories, living in the moments, celebrating family and friends' victories and living life with gusto.

I realize there are those who prefer a low profile, who run from the idea of being on social media at all, and they stay quite comfortable in their quiet, untouchable world. And if that is their bent, then I say "different strokes for different folks". But, sharing a zest for life and all that comes with it -- the lessons we learn from the ups and downs and those we learn from the tough times and the triumphant times -- and still realize the blessings of God in the midst of it all, shows others that this life is worth living and celebrating. It's about the abundant life Christ came to give us -- not that we have to go anywhere other than our back yard, or to our children's sports games or events.....it is embracing them and their lives the best we can.

Yesterday, we hung out at Hollywood Studios, and there is no doubt, it was the favorite so far because Payton and Alexia's fondness for anything "Star Wars" was richly fed. No sooner than we walked through the gates that the Storm Troopers led by Captain Phasma marched down the street. Getting photos with Chewbacca and so many other Star Wars and other Disney characters made their day. In fact, we're going back there tomorrow -- they just didn't get enough!

It was a day packed with thrills, chills and literal ups and downs in the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and when the family headed back to trade more items with the Jawas, collect more pins and take it all in again, I found my sweet spot on a park bench. There's something to be said for being a "people watcher". As I sat there enjoying this gorgeous day (the weather has been fabulous), the Storm Troopers were headed down the street again and the crowds gathered for their look-see at those Star Wars favorites. I was amazed at the varieties of people there -- every shape and size, every nationality and cultural background and every age -- big and small. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone. I watched families having their pictures taken as they celebrated their moments. I saw physically challenged people being pushed in wheel chairs while others rode their electronic scooters and children being pushed in strollers -- each, in their own way -- embracing life and giving it their best shot!

Will those little ones remember this day? Probably not. Ten years passed since Alexia and Payton were here and they remembered very little, but it didn't matter because we remembered. It's really not about Disney or any other park -- it's taking time to give quality time to those we love and make memories and share time together like this could be the last time together. With Papa, it was, but I assure you he was with us throughout this trip. More times than I can count, we said, "I'm thinking about Papa!" I'm so thankful my husband and I made a big deal about celebrations. Our two children never saw Disney until they took their kids there. But, we sure spent a lot of time at Six Flags Over Texas -- back in the day. In fact, we're already talking about making some new memories there very soon. And you better believe, we'll be talking there about that man who really was HIGH profile and HIGH impact to us.

Navigating the Journey is Worth it!

As strategic as you can be on a trip through the mazes, long walking stretches between one ride or experience to the next, being in your spot for the parade and fireworks and the shows as well as determining Fast Pass versus Stand By can be almost mind-boggling. Believe me, showing up with no plan is most certainly not the best use of your time and money – at Disney World..... or in life. Planning goes a long way in the grand scheme of things. Our family has always been planners. It started with the Grand Poobah -- my husband, who was the detailed planner who made sure we were at Point A and B at the precise time needed. Yesterday, in spite of the accuracy of our day, we still had to veer off the Game Plan in order to adjust for some unexpected delays. Isn’t that part of life – being flexible and willing to make the adjustments? Time management is so essential as we plot our daily courses in life, and the older I get, the more I realize, managing my time is critical when it comes to finishing what I start, making good lists so that I can check off those “must do’s”. Larry and Staci went over the “must do’s” with Payton and Alexia before the day started and, combined with Fast Passes and plotting the course of the day, made for completing all our goals for the day.

It takes a lot of “Golden Rule” applications while you’re navigating around little people, strollers, wheel chairs, and motorized skooters at Disney World. Good thing we didn’t have to have a crash course in exercising kindnesses to others because we just happen to believe that’s what our walk of faith and being a bearer of Light is all about. Case in point, while riding the monorail back at the end of the day and seeing my sweet son, Larry, as tired as he was, to give up his seat for others time and again. He is a great example of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”

For myself, amidst the sweetness of all the Disney characters singing “You are special. Just be yourself. You don’t have to be like anyone else!” as well as the twinkling eyes of the adults arrayed in their Mickey & Minnie Mouse shirts, pants or hats (us included), young children, dressed in the look-alike clothes, who are in awe that they are seeing, in real life, their beloved Disney characters, my awe and wonder comes from one of Walt Disney’s most famous quotes, “Let us not lose sight of one thing: that it was all started by a mouse.”

On a train ride home to tell his brother Roy that they had just lost everything they had, Walt drew a little mouse. Walt did the things that everyone else said was impossible. He was never afraid to chase his dreams. The mouse he drew on a train ride became the face of many TV shows as well as a theme park, named after Walt himself: Disneyland. Now there are many theme parks across the world in addition to many other movies and products. Walt Disney World serves as proof that nothing is impossible and that you should never be afraid to chase your dreams!

Imagine that….an unrelenting dreamer and believer in not quitting, but to continue to make those dreams a reality. Of course we needed photos of these famous quotes that cause us to continue to NEVER stop dreaming and believing. Stay tuned for even more inspiration as tomorrow's journey takes us to Epcot!

The Happiest Place on Earth

Disney World -- it's supposed to be the happiest place on earth -- but I guess it depends on who's saying it and feeling it. That's where the Wallace's and I are heading today. I know it's a stretch to think I would be interrupting my Lenten "desert" and solemnity for going to that fantasy/magical/wonder/pixie dust world, but, in reality, I like to think that this long-planned adventure is no surprise to God and He might even have orchestrated it because He wants us to put into perspective the ability we have to dream and believe in miracles.

In reality, we're heading there because Payton and Alexia were given Disney World as their big incentive for achieving "nationals" in their Debate and Speech competitions last year, and to make matters even more special, it's the 10th anniversary of Papa and Alexia's birthday celebration when he turned 60 and she turned 6. This year, Papa would be 70 and Alexia turns 16. I love that we get to still include that sweet man on our adventures. After all, he is still so present in our hearts and lives.

I commented to the kids "Well, you're probably not wanting to re-enact riding in the tea-cups and the "It's a small world after all" ride, are you?" To which, both said, "Oh yes we are -- we're not missing a thing!" Which immediately caused us all to break into song "It's a small world after all!"

While Disney is such a sweet adventure with little kids in tow, I'm looking forward to this trip because it represents nostalgia for me as a young girl, when times were simpler and sweeter. Some folks enjoy the artistry and the detail (I know that to be so for Payton, as he has friends who work at Disney and, who knows, maybe with his musical talents, a door may open for him there one day). And some folks have discovered that they can be "kids" without even being a child and they can let that kid come out and play! COUNT ME IN!

Since I'm a romantic at heart, I still embrace the "Dreams come true" likes of Cinderella, Belle, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and all the other Disney memories from my childhood that initiated my love for Hallmark movies where, though the ending is always expected to be happy, it still brings sweetness and joy.

I know there are those of you who are reading this today and are thinking "Get a life, Donna. In fact, get back in your prayer closet, Donna! Face up to the real nasty and dirty world we live in. Forget the imagery of "And they lived happy ever after" because it's just not so!" And with that thought, I say, "I beg to differ!" This life may have it's disappointments and tribulations....but the greatest BELIEVE-IT-WILL-COME-TRUE-STORY is a true story. John 10:10 "Jesus came to give us abundant life!" It's THE ONE about a Prince and a shoe and a girl who believed in the impossible. Though the Cinderella story, itself isn't true, we CAN believe that there is a Prince of Peace who gave each of us specific shoes that only we can walk in, and He promises that He will dance with us for ALL ETERNITY if we truly BELIEVE IN HIM". John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER (that's you and me) believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!" That's a FOR SURE promise of "And they will live happy ever after!"

I started this post with "The Happiest Place on Earth". It really isn't Disney....it's that place of inner peace that comes with knowing the Prince of Peace, and abiding in Him 24/7. That, my friends.....is truly "The Happiest Place on Earth"!!!

Do Your Best.....God Will Do the Rest

You know it's gonna' be a great day when everyone is up and at 'em, prayers said together over the day that awaited us, supplies all loaded in the car (no need to do a U-turn because we forgot something), and we were on time for the day's events. And, a great day it turned out to be!

Larry had just said in this first photo, "That win just cost me a trip to Disney World!" LOL! Earlier in the year, he and Staci told the kids that they'd go to Disney World for a family vacation this summer if they do well in their studies and advance in their Speech & Debate competitions. Well, the kids both advanced -- not just to the semi-finals, but to the final rounds....and it looks like WE'RE (Yes, I'm going, too!) going to Disney World!! (Great perk of being Nana!).

Then -- not only did they go to Finals, out of 8 finalists, they came in 3rd Place in each of their categories! Whoo hoo! We were so thankful that one of them didn't place higher than the other! ;-) It was a remarkable win for both kids -- as most other kids were 3 & 4 years (and grades) older than them. We could only say, "Thanks be to God!" The last photos are of their awards ceremony last night.

Payton's Lincoln/Douglas Debate round was about National Security versus Human Rights & Privacy. His speech round was "See, Be, Do, Have...the Journey of Visioneering" and Alexia's speech topic was "Callie's Coffee & Pediatric Cancer". Both were impressive and inspiring...to say the least. In the words of Dr. Suess "Oh, the Places They Will Go"! 

I am so thrilled with the solid foundation that these NCFCA families are insisting their kids build upon for wherever their future takes them. No doubt there are politicians, attorneys, pastors, motivational speakers, teachers......ALL world changers in these young people. I wrote on the ballot of one of the young men that I judged......"You are doing YOUR PART in building a solid foundation for your life....no question, God will do His! The sky is the limit! Go for the gold!"

And that's what I say to you today. When we do our best in preparation, instilling greatness and confidence in our own lives, our family's lives and the lives of others.....God ALWAYS takes care of what's BEST for us. "Get Up Every Day, Love God and Do Your Best and God Will Do the Rest!"

Remembering Magical Birthdays

Day 249 of Photo Inspirations -- Remembering Birthdays at Disney World
#TBT It was September 2007 and we had planned for months to go on this special trip to celebrate Papa's & Alexia's Birthdays.  It was going to be Papa's BIG 60th on the 12th and Alexia's BIG 6 on the 16th.  And celebrate we did!!  We stayed in a great hotel with a lazy river and huge pools and we kicked up our heels in a grandiose way at Disney World and Sea World in Orlando.  Oh what fun we had.....and these photos say it all.   Alexia Wallace was smack dab in the middle of her "Princess" styles and fantasies.  She had to wear her "Belle" dress when she met Belle.  Of course, Payton and Papa's big deal was Buzz Lightyear and the sharks and whales.

Oh, what precious memories -- that will live on because SOMEONE (aka ME) was a fanatical picture-taker -- still am....and even more so as now I also carry my selfie stick.  Look out.....Nana's on her way to save the day AND memories!   It is those photos and those memories that help me recollect some of our most joy-filled times.  We made the most of our times together.  And, now, we REMEMBER!  

God talks a lot about "remembering" in His Word, so I'm in good company when it comes to remembering!  

1 Chronicles 16:12 --  "Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,"

Deuteronomy 8:18 -- "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."














It's AWESOME to remember all the good things God has done for us.  And, we learn so much from
those remembrances.  We get to start each new day with the wisdom and knowledge we gained from the past. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more.   

It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most. I speak a lot about it, but I repeat, treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship. The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news -- we get to continue capturing the joy-filled experiences and thank God for PRECIOUS MEMORIES!