Thanks for the Memory

I was singing that old song (way older than me), “Thanks for the Memory” last night. I remember Bob Hope crooning his famous theme song “Thanks for the Memory", that he originally sang in a 1938 movie and went on to end his TV variety shows with it.

I was thinking about it because my cousin and I have relived so many childhood memories that included our time here in Red River, NM. I remembered that drive here and the two of us from the back seat, belting out the 1960 song by Anita Bryant, “My Little Corner of the World”.

On Monday, we took a little stroll in the town area and the memories rolled on. As we walked by the Red River Stables, we remembered when we went horseback riding from those stables. Myra’s horse was obedient but mine was stubborn and kept stopping to eat grass. It was so hard to get him to move along. Then, in the intersection of town, he decided to lie down right in the middle of the street. I was mortified. It was almost too much laughter – at this age – if you know what I mean! I was told that I should feel very fortunate the horse didn’t buck me off before he went down. I was very grateful. I told the stable keeper our story. She laughed and agreed that's the way it was, but now they lead the horses to privately owned land and slightly up the mountain. No longer can riders go it alone and certainly not go down the streets of the town.

BTW – pictured here – right in the middle of town are deer that apparently didn’t get the memo about critters not coming into town. On the other hand, maybe deer are excluded!

I was raised as straight-laced as I could be which meant that I didn’t get to go to movies, but thanks to my Uncle Dewayne and Aunt Marie, I saw my first movie in Red River. If my memory serves me correctly, it was “Cimarron”. Myra pointed out that the "Alpine" is where the theater used to be. She also pointed out the cabins where we stayed, as well as the community center where we attended a church service there. I remember the square dancing and Disney movies shown there. The center is closed now because of the pandemic. Myra pointed out the little shopping square where we were entertained by Indian dances.

Oh, what precious memories we have shared but none compare to the strong faith that we were all raised in. Our families were believers in Jesus and were determined to serve Him with all their hearts. Best news ever was when we were talking about our own children and grandchildren who are carrying on the faith traditions that were instilled in them by us.

The sweetest of memories are those that include the blessings of faith – through many ups and downs of life – the one constant that remains – unchanging and unwavering. Sure, there are changes in this enchanting and vibrant little town of Red River. There is no longer a theater here, horses can’t be ridden on the streets, the community center is closed because of Covid, and all must wear face masks. Changes. We’ve changed also.
One thing does remain and stays the same. That one thing – rather, that One all-knowing, all-seeing and all-loving God and His unchanging ways. Thanks for the memories and the joys of the past, but living in this here and now is a great place to be with our God Who has never left us or forsaken us and will be with us forever, In the meantime, thanks for the memories!

"The memory of the righteous is a blessing...." Proverbs 10:7

Bring on the Cheese!

My 13-year-old grandson is here with us for a few days. I have to share him now. Big cousin Payton gets his time. Quite a comparison between Nana's and Payton’s uptown apartment where the guys have their gaming fun, rooftop lookout, nerf gun wars -- guy stuff! But Bryson was ready for Nana’s “chill-place" where there is my old Nintendo 64 game that we played for hours, then for ice cream at the newly-opened Bruster’s Ice Cream, and not to be overlooked -- taking a trip to Dollar Tree. This time Bryson set the game-rules. He wanted us to pick five items each to make something.

Back at home, we worked on our projects. Twenty minutes later, were our “big reveals”. He purchased socks to make face masks. I purchased play dough, moss, little logs and a page of stickers. Bryson announced: "You win!" Lastly, we watched my favorite reborn TV show, "Extreme Home Makeover”. I get such feel-good feelings, inspired by the families that suffered some down-and-out situations and were completely turned around by the retored or newly built home for them. Bryson’s comment about it? "Cheesy!" LOL!

That “cheesy” comment reminded me of Simon Cowell’s comment when a couple sang and performed a magic act on America’s Got Talent this week. They sang "There were bells on a hill but I never heard them ringing. I never heard them at all, till there was you” while they, out of the air, pulled out red hearts and flowers. Simon buzzed them and said “Too cheesy!”

This day, July 8th, 1966, two "cheesy" kids' favorite song was "Till There Was You" and it was our wedding song this day, 54-years-ago. I am still cheesy about the 13-year-old boy who fell for this 12-year-old girl, got married at 17 and 18 and we lasted until death parted us…..temporarily.

I reminisce about a not-cheesy covenant made before God, this day. I believe those sacred vows and the covenant we made, gave us “sticking power”, when, many times, we could have cut bait and exited the drama and the shaky times when another day with each other seemed almost too much to handle. What was it that caused "until death do us part" to be the deciding factor that created an inseparable and unrelenting love that knew no end? It was that covenant of "For better or worse", for richer or poorer", "in sickness and health" and "until death do us part". Those were our promises to each other and before God. They stuck in the good and the bad times. I am saying.....tough times don't last...but tough people who give God first place in the mix of literally everything that concerns them.....is what sustains, equips, and remains forever true.

I’m sending kisses heavenward today because I know that’s where my Sweetheart is cheering me on to my finish line. What was it that mattered most while he was still on this side of heaven with me? What is it that matters most to me today? The ONE common denominator -- God, Who blessed us with 44 years of marriage on earth, and is still the ONE who blesses me on this side of heaven. God is still the ONE who continues to wake me up each morning with joy in my soul and a song in my heart. That “triangle” covenant: God, Ron and me – had sticking power. It was a signed, sealed and delivered covenant! It may sound a little cheesy -- but bring on that CHEESE!

It Ain't No Climb for a Climber

This Nana's got some game! In many ways, I'm not just a spectator, but I'm in the game! Seems I still have enough tread on these tires -- to keep going! I know it is God Who gives me the strength and drive to keep playing!

This brings me to my week in Austin with my highly active family here. I shared about helping 15-year-old Brennan with his school project. Little did I realize that he wasn’t planning on standing in one set location. It was in multiple, precarious locations with downward paths about 300 feet to a creek that runs behind their home. It is not for the faint-of-heart as the steps can be narrow and steep. And, about that creek – uneven huge rocks were where his mom and I (the video crew) were recording. I laughed to myself that no one considered my young age in many awkward, precarious positions. My grandson said, “We just figure you’ll tell us if you can’t do it!” He's right. I don't plan to utter "can't" any time soon. The project was a huge success.

Then there's my 13-year-old Bryson, the rock wall climber, who wanted me to see Reimer’s Park (over 2,400 acres of wildlife refuge, mountain bike trails, hiking canyon and epic descending and ascending caverns trails, that run alongside the Pedernales River.) I assure you, the primitive and beyond-magnificent, rocky canyons and climbing walls, waterfalls, mammoth trees, and foliage are a sight to behold. That is, IF – you’re not so focused trying to stay upright and not falling, breaking something important. The sheer drop-offs have handhold chains bolted to the cliff help in the most treacherous area. Bryson was beyond patient with me, helping me manage the rough terrain. But, then, AHA! I had an epiphany! All I needed was a walking stick to help me maneuver. Bryson was up to the task to find me one. What confidence a walking stick can bring!

And if that day wasn’t excitement enough, we went again the next day with lunch in our backpack. Maneuvering the canyons and caverns came with more confidence with my walking stick. We enjoyed our PB&J’s on a huge boulder overlooking the river. Bryson dove from the boulders into the beautiful, clear river and swam to his heart’s content. I confess I am proud of myself that I ventured out beyond my comfort zone that resulted in memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for letting me document my “games” with my Austin grands. My phone in hand helps me "capture moments". I don’t want to have regrets about once-in-a-lifetime photo ops! I rarely miss opportunities to take up my grandchildren’s invitations to go somewhere or do something with them. They are my treasures. They hold places in my heart that are reserved just for them. But, also there are places in my heart that are reserved for God's voice to interrupt anything I'm doing. Not missing out on an opportunity to drop the God-word. Like when we came upon a "drifter" with his guitar and backpack. He said he lives everywhere. I said, “You must love to be here in God’s creation. Do you sense Him here with you?” And his response: “Oh, yes, Mam – that’s why I’m here.” After we bid him a good day, ahead was a slippery, uneven boulder that we needed to traverse. He quickly ran to me, reaching out his hand: “Can I please help you down?” His ever-so-gentle hand was welcomed. I like to think just maybe he was representing Jesus to me – reaching out to me as He does so often.

This life is too short not to be embracing places, people and moments that give us a breath of fresh air in giving and receiving. We are here at this moment of time, for a specific purpose that God gives for only us to fulfill. Let's be done with just going with the flow, and start living ALL-IN -- looking for over-the-top outrageous, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Then tomorrow, we'll look back and say, "I not only lived with game -- I conquered some mountains!"

God Fills the Shoes of the Best Friend EVER

A week ago, I blogged about how important friends are to our well-being. Then, after being in a room of people that I didn’t know and feeling rather lonely amidst those who knew each other and were carrying on conversation and laughing, I gave that blog a second thought. Now I realize there may be those that my blog struck a less-than-harmonious chord. I thought through my blissful expression of friendships and how grateful I was for so many in my life, but I started thinking about those who may be wrought with loneliness, over and over again and may be crying out to God asking, “Where are my deep friendships?” Mother Teresa said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” I felt that in that room.

In a perfect world, my idea of a deep friendship is composed of two people who love each other so deeply that it’s a bit overwhelming. If we’re discouraged, our friend is there to listen and encourage us. If we’re excited, she’s the one throwing a party. If we’re frustrated, he’s the one pulling us out of it and helping us change our attitude to joy. They ask all the right questions at all the right times and are 100% invested in the story God is writing through our lives.

Basically, this perfect friend is birthed straight out of 1 Peter 4:8 which says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Perhaps you read those words and discontent overshadows you. “Where are those friends?” As many friends we have or as few – those multitude-of-sins covering friends, just may be hard to come by – even the "bestest" of best friends may have difficulty with that much love. But here’s what I know with all certainty – there is that kind of friend and He is found here in Psalm 62:1-2. It says: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Go ahead. Breathe those words in. God’s answer to our prayers comes to you and me saying....“I am the only One Who can love you like that; I am the only One Who can perfectly meet your longings.”

We can’t deny that our Heavenly Father is the friend who exceeds expectations. When we are discouraged, He’s there to comfort us. When we are excited, He rejoices alongside us. When we’re frustrated, He reminds us to choose His great joy. He doesn’t have to ask the right questions at the right times because He knows our heart – He knit us together in our mother’s womb and is 100% invested in who we are. Our Father is the only One Who is fully capable of living out 1 Peter 4:8. He loves us deeply, because His love covers all of our sins.

We learn that our soul truly finds rest in Him alone. And as soon as we get that, the weight will fall off our friendships. Released from the bondage of our expectations, everyone around us becomes beautiful and they have the potential to be our friend without expectations. We don’t have to have deep relationships. Of course we want to love and be loved, but no matter what our friendships look like, our deepest longings will never go unmet; God has already filled those shoes.

God Doesn’t Call the Equipped -- He Equips the Called

Many times I have felt inadequate to fulfill the call of God on my life. I sincerely wanted to be the picture of a dutiful homemaker (okay, I know you women libbers out there are gagging at the thought), but that was my desire. I married young and I wanted to be a model wife for my young husband. I was woefully inadequate when we started out. I could cook the recipes I learned in Home Economics. Once “my calling” was given some time, I was equipped to be a devoted, washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning-machine wife. I also worked a full-time job and served at my church. My young 17-year-old self could do all that, plus – just a year later, become a mother, who by the time our little guy showed up on planet earth, I had nipped the childcare role in the bud. After all, I had been a baby sitter since the age of 12, so I knew the ropes…well, except for when he was sick, and God equipped me to handle those challenges. He “called” me to be a wife and mother. He equipped me. I yielded to His instructions -- sometimes. Other times, I’d regrettably take matters in my own hands – only to rewind and let God do what He does best – equip me with His special, handcrafted abilities.

Within each of us are all the tools we need to fulfill God’s call on our lives. I didn’t realize how equipped I was for widowhood until I became one. This girl could actually live life to its fullest on her own. She could run her business, sell her home, then, buy and build a new home, do her own accounting, become a blogger, repair many things in her home and car, take to the road travelling many miles to see family and friends. This girl, ME, was called to widowhood. I was equipped to handle it.

It’s like a bird – God gave them wings; He equipped them with what they need, but they don’t use them until they have to. I witnessed that with the little cardinals and doves that nested around my home. Initially they clung close to the nest, waiting for mama or papa bird to bring them what they needed, but before long…..they found that within them was the equipment they needed to soar.

We often find ourselves wondering what God has equipped us with – only to discover that we weren’t choosing to use what we had been given unless we absolutely had to. Maybe you find yourself struggling with purpose or fearful to take a step in the direction that God is nudging you towards. God has already equipped you to serve Him wherever you are right now. He will give you the strength to use all you have been given, so get ready to step up to the task. God doesn’t call the equipped, Child of God. God equips the called. And you have been called.

"Now may the God of peace.....EQUIP you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20)

He is Our Storm Chaser

Most of my posts come from my own personal life experiences with the sincere hope that what I share will encourage and even open your eyes to our great Storm Chaser. I learned some very difficult lessons the hard way so my goal is to pass along the wisdom from those lessons to give you shortcuts to your prayers being answered and your faith increased.

It's our human nature to have the mindset: "I've got to figure this out on my own!" Many times, seeking God for the answer is the last thing we do to escape our storms. "I've tried everything else. I might as well, as a last resort ask God for help! Instead of asking "God, can't you see how great my storms are", we should be saying "Storms, can't you see how big my God is?"

The disciples passed their lessons learned onto us. We can learn a lot from their mistakes if we would not go the way of their lack of faith. They knew Jesus was on land and they discounted that He was the authentic, unparalleled STORM CHASER and PEACE MAKER. They toiled and feared, but Christ was praying on the shore for them. He saw the storm come up. HE SAW. He knew. And He sees and knows the storms we're going through. They are no surprise to Him. In fact, they are part of His plan to build our faith and trust in Him more. He is hearing our prayers in the midst of OUR storms and He will carry us safely to the other side.

We can know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. We can face our difficult times with courage because He promised to ALWAYS be with us! I love knowing that His peace is ours in the midst of our storms....and how reassuring to know that right behind this storm is a rainbow of blessing! He promised it, and I've come to count on it! Since we know our circumstances are no surprise to Him, let’s surprise Him with our trust in Him – in all circumstances and in all seasons.

The calm and quiet nature of Christ is what calms the storms in our life and in others. By sharing the presence of Christ within us, we introduce the nature of Christ. He is our Storm Chaser. He pursues us to let us know that we can trust Him. He calms our storms when we ask Him.

Dear Lord, we come to you and ask you to increase our faith. We acknowledge that one of the best ways to grow in faith is to experience storms in our life. For only in those times, can we exercise and experience trust, so that we may receive true peace and increase our confidence in You. By growing in our trust, we receive the calm and quiet nature of Your presence. May people be attracted to my soul that expresses calm in any and every situation. I invite you into my boat and ask you to take control. Amen.

The WONDERS of our WONDER-ful God

On their daily EMnation YouTube video, my daughter held up a loaf of Wonder Bread and mentioned that Alexia, her daughter, prefers her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on white bread. Obviously nutrition wasn’t the topic of Larry and Staci’s video, but the “Wonder Bread” story was. In 1921, the Taggert Baking Company of Indianapolis was planning to launch its 1.5 pound loaf of bread. Elmer Cline was charged with finding a name for the new bread. Inspiration struck while he was visiting the International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Speedway. He was awestruck by a sky filled with hundreds of colorful balloons. To Elmer, the image signified a sense of “wonder,” and Wonder® Bread was born. Notice all those balloons on the packaging! Now you know the rest of the story. You’re welcome!

That word, “wonder” is what inspired me most. There’s something about children that God wants us to see. If you want to witness a natural display of a sense of wonder, just observe a child. A child's whole world is viewed through the eyes of wonder and excitement. A child has no judgments of why things are so, but rather a child is in awe of life and views life through innocence, purity and curiosity. You may have often heard the term "be childlike," referring to our adult self to let go of the adult ego and be more open and curious. The truth is that we lose our sense of wonder as we become adults.The future is wide open for them, and they seem to know it. Their wide-eyes of wonder are easy to recognize. Wide-eyed with wonder, filled with potential, children are ready to try new things and build new possibilities. Unhindered by the past, they are free to chase after whatever the future holds. And you know what? That’s the childlike spirit that God wants to give all of us.

There is no theme park or even the seven wonders of the world to compare to our “wonder-working” God. Think of it: The one true God is a God of wonders. The Bible is full of accounts of the great acts God performed for His people. Psalm 77:11–14 says: "I will remember the deeds of the Lᴏʀᴅ; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples." God’s wonders are supernatural acts beyond human understanding. Through extraordinary signs, the God of wonders demonstrates His limitless power, His inescapable presence, His divine protection, and His sovereign purposes. In each instance, God’s wondrous works are designed to draw people to Himself. Through His most stunning of all miracles, the God of wonders revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, overcame the power of sin and death, and redeemed His people for all eternity.

So, when you are “wondering” about your mistakes, that you are too old, too wounded, too limited, too whatever……I suggest that you remember --- with wide-eyed wonder -- about our loving and faithful God Who is up to something WONDER-ful in your life. None of us are so bound by our past that God can’t open new doors for us in the future. Our Father has great plans for us. He has a future full of hope laid out for us. Now it’s up to us to run into that future with all the confidence of a little child Whose Dad is the WONDER-worker and miracle-maker.

When We’ve Run Out of Hope……

This is my second day in a row to blog about hope. Maybe it has to do with some of the assignments God has given me in the last few months to encourage others to hold onto hope.

So many are sick. Sick and tired. Sick of hearing so much negativity and hate. Sick of trying so hard to make changes in their lives. Sick of being sick. A scripture that answers that SICK-ness is this one: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12)

When we lose hope, we lose our health, our ability to dream, our determination to keep trying and our desire to face another day. No wonder so many are sick, hopeless and even die from heart illnesses or suicide. It’s truly a matter of the heart. The question, “Is there hope?” is asked every day:

~ When someone is sitting in the doctor’s office awaiting test results.
~ When a couple gets nowhere despite months and months in counseling.
~ When talking to an accountant before walking into a bankruptcy court.
~ When waiting for the results of a passing grade.
~ When waiting for a callback from a job interview.
~ When wondering if we can come together as a nation

Hope is a necessary source of life. Because hope is in such short supply today, people easily fall for all kinds of scams. They trust in false hopes, like get-rich-quick schemes, psychic hotlines, palm readings, and quack cures. Nothing disappoints worse than false hope. So where do we turn to find real hope? In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul gives us the answer – the answer is in God: “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Now that’s what I call a HOPE boat riding on a HOPE river – overflowing in hope. God is the only source of hope that will never disappoint. When we place our faith in Him, He provides joy, peace, and hope that overflows. Oh, how our world needs that hope.

The most common lie that satan uses to instill fear into us is to make us feel our desires, dreams and goals are hopeless. If you've felt that way -- welcome to the club! We've all had that uneasy feeling of hopelessness, but the sooner we squelch that lie and trust in God Who is the source of our hope, the sooner we will begin to be filled with joy and peace.....and even start to see positive results to all those hopes and dreams.

God is always with us. He’s in our past, in our present, and in our future. He’s with us in the good and bad places. He is everywhere. And we are never, ever alone. Where God is, hope is. So for a good physical, mental and spiritual report? Bring on the hope!

We Don't Know What to Do, But Our Eyes Are on You

We live in a mighty crazy, shaky world. Everything seems to be going our way when, in a moment's notice, we can be gripped with fear, concern, and worry. At those times, if we’re keeping our eyes on Jesus, we’ll stand strong no matter what the circumstances are that are swirling around us. Keeping our eyes on Jesus will keep us strong during those shaky times.

When the Israelite King Jehoshaphat first heard about three fierce armies coming to attack his kingdom, we read: “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. He proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3). Jehoshaphat praised God before he cried out, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

Life happens. Those times when we don’t know what to do or where to go. We’re quite willing to be directed by God to do and go – but sometimes the doing and going is hard to figure out. I’ll never forget when, like Jehoshaphat, we faced armies of our own. During my husband’s illness, there were many do-gooders who gave us advice. “Take this nutritional product. Trust God. Try this doctor. Go to this facility. Don’t eat this or that.” And, even some well-meaning people, with well-meaning intentions, told us of their own awful experiences or someone they knew who had died from the same illness.

How can we graciously respond to the voices and not give in to fear? God answered King Jehoshaphat — and all of us — by saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chron 20:15).
When Jehoshaphat and his armies were confronted with an overwhelming challenge, they prayed instead of worrying. They moved their eyes off the problem onto the ultimate Problem-Solver. Although they didn’t know what to do, they were filled with God’s inexplicable peace as they walked in faith.

Our family did the same thing. When wisdom was needed, we prayed. We didn’t make a decision unless we conferred and prayed about it. We daily sought God for guidance, and He led the way to the best medical teams. We had people around the world praying for us. We ate more nutritiously. We allowed God to fight the battle for us.

God carried us through, defeated the enemies circling us, and, ultimately my sweetheart got his "fast pass" to heaven. Through it all, we trusted in Jesus like never before. We were an example to others of what to do and where to go when you don’t know what to do and where to go. We learned to “keep our eyes always on the LORD. With Him at our right hand, we were not shaken.” (Psalm 16:8).

What are you facing today? The battle is not yours, it’s God’s. Start by praising God for who He is, then rest in the fact that He goes before you to help tackle whatever problem stands in front of you.

Lord, we praise You for Your power. We need only to look to You because You will go before us and fight our battles. Please forgive us for the times we take our eyes off You and become shaken and fearful. Help us step out in faith, knowing You go before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Awestruck at the Awesomeness of God

The longer I live and the places I get to go, the more awestruck I am by the majesty of God. What a genius He is! I bask in His meticulous handiwork everywhere. This last week I found myself in awe of Him even more while at the Sea of Cortez where all kinds of driftwood, shells, extraordinary plants and birds are everywhere. I even found 3-leaf clovers on a rock wall and had the opportunity to talk to my grandson about St. Patrick and how he used the 3-leaf clover to describe the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Thank you, God, for your brilliant way of helping me teach a good Bible lesson!

Bryson and I are the beach scavengers. The many varieties of seashells are the most amazing to me -- washed up from the sea or ocean and are scattered all along the beach. They certainly pull on our imaginations. Intrigued, we pluck them up from the sand to gawk at their colors, shapes, and sizes or hold them to our ear to hear the echoing sea.

My Bryson is the animal-of-any-kind lover so he was very bothered when I pulled a very-attached shell off a rock! “You’ve killed it, Nana! How could you?” My ignorance of shell life, as well as my sympathetic whine, helped my plea for forgiveness! He forgave!

To this gal, growing up on the prairies, seashells represent just about the most exotic and attractive natural objects on earth. But, what is most impressive is God, our Creator, Who came up with the idea of these seashells that offer marine animals some protection from predators with that rigid thick support that enables them to eat (and avoid being eaten), move and reproduce. The diverse forms, sizes, patterns, and colors reveal so much about the creative, imaginative, all-powerful, all-knowing, God we love, know and serve.

Laura Story, composer, and Chris Tomlin, recording artist, put this song on the map -- and its words explain how I felt in God’s vast domain this week:

"From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation revealing Your majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings.
All exclaiming!
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God!
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God!

Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God!"

Taking Advantage of a Captive Audience

Long overdue for a nail pick-me-up (aka manicure), I head to my local nail salon. It’s Tuesday so not the usual crowd. Great – I’ll be in and out in a jiffy! An adorable Vietnamese girl, who by the way, speaks English very well, greets me and invites me to sit at her booth. Her name is June. "Like the month”, she says. I reply, “I’m Donna, not like Madonna!”

Initially, I go into a zone of thinking internally, but not for long. I start getting those nudges again. I’m learning to yield to those nudges, more often than not. June is my captive audience and what do I have to lose? I find out she’s 20-years-old, lives here with her uncle and aunt and their two young boys (who, by the way, annoy her sometimes, but she loves them anyway). Here for four years, she misses her family in Vietnam. I ease up on the questions as we are taken with Dr. Oz interviewing a former pharmacist on a TV screen behind her. The pharmacist incorrectly filled a prescription for a 3-year-old girl that took her life. He served time in prison though it was a combination of mistakes made by others in the medical industry. The child’s father was on the show and apologized for what the pharmacist had gone through. He says: "God helped me forgive."

June and I are touched by this story. I know I need to go in for more: “So, June, what are your dreams?” June replies: "I go to college two days a week to become a pharmacist." No wonder she is taken with Dr. Oz’s interview. "But, I don't want to stop there. I want to become a doctor, but it's going to take so long!" Now, I step up my game to being “Mama Donna”, rather than “Madonna” to her. We talk about God’s love and plans for her -- that if she’d let Him be a part of her life, He'll help her. I say, “Play the movie in your mind. Six or eight years will go by whether or not you continue on with your dreams. The movie is playing. See yourself graduating and serving in a clinic or hospital and making a really good income. Or, see the movie where you stop your studies and at the end of six or eight years, see yourself wishing you had stayed with it and regretting your decision.” She says, “I’m not quitting!”

Then I go in for the jugular. “June, do you believe in God?"
June: “I’m Buddhist”.
Donna: “I understand that Buddha was a very good man.”
June: “Yes, he taught when we do good, we receive good."
Donna: “That’s what I believe too! Jesus said, 'You reap what you sow!' The beautiful part about God is that He loved us all so much that He gave His Son to us and He died for us, but the best part that’s different from Buddha is He didn’t stay dead. He’s alive and He lives in our hearts when we invite Him in.”

June finishes my nails and starts to stand up. I ask her “Can I pray for you?” Wide-eyed, she says, “Here? Now?” I say, “Yes”. She sits down and I hold her hands and pray: “Heavenly Father. Oh, how much you love June. She’s your daughter and she has big dreams. I pray that she is given the will power to finish strong in whatever she pursues, and I pray that she wants to pursue You with all her heart and come to know you and your Son in a real and personal way. In Christ Jesus' name, I pray. Amen! I love you, June!”
June: I love you too! Will you come back?"
Donna: I will be back. What days are you here?
June: Everyday except Monday and Wednesday. when I go to school.

Going to the nail salon has always been about me settling in for a nice, relaxing, it’s-all-about-me experience. I tune out the manicurist mostly because of a language barrier. But, this day, I sensed I was on a mission. I like to think that I’ll see June again on this side of heaven and I’ll water the seeds I planted a little more. I pray that someone else will come along and water the seeds, too, and God will make them grow.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
Dear God, please help sweet June grow in You! Amen!

Our Great Creator and Entertainer

My typical Sunday morning routine is to listen to an online church service or Christian video while I'm endeavoring to “beautify” myself -- hair, make-up, clothes selection, etc. Yesterday, my search left me wanting, so I stopped looking. I promptly apologized to God and said, “How could I be looking for something to entertain me when you are the “Great Entertainer” Who brings me so much amusement and enjoyment!

The Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Awards or Grammys is announced when a single or group wins the accolades of fans who vote them in because of their talents. I love it when I hear the performers give all the credit to God for their abilities and fame. They are giving credit where credit is due when they do that -- like when John the Baptist announced “I must decrease. He must increase!” (John 3:30).

God our Creator, deserves all the glory and praise because He created everything, including you and me. Maybe it sounds irreverent to call Him the Great Entertainer but how could I think otherwise when I realize He entertains me with the wonder and beauty of His creation. He entertains me through my friends and family. He entertains me when He nudges me in the direction I should go. And, here’s one I hadn’t thought about until Sunday morning -- He entertains me when I’m sleeping and gives me sweet rest and sometimes gives me dreams. In fact, He entertained me Saturday night when I dreamed that Jesus was dead and lying on a slab. People were with me and we were mourning His death when all of sudden His eyes opened up and we started cheering and shouting “Jesus is alive! Jesus is alive!”

I’m thinking the Jesus I saw in that dream was probably Jim Caviezel who played Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. Jim’s parents attend my church here in Frisco and I remember hearing his testimony about how, during the filming of the movie, that he was hit with lightning at precisely the time of the crucifixion and on the cross. He had a near-death experience. It was captured on film and his realistic acting wasn’t acting at all. He lived through it to tell the story. Talk about God being the Great Entertainer!

He continues to entertain us as we watch the shenanigans of the enemy who is making such a fool of himself in the political and Hollywood arenas. That’s how we should look at the enemy – a weak, fearful, screwed up (as written by C.S. Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters”) and near-to-his-end. We will certainly be entertained by giving him the “last laugh” one day.

It’s time we put God on the pedestal and give Him the honor, the glory, and the praise that He is most worthy of because He is truly the incomparable, undeniable, indescribable GREAT Entertainer Who surprises us each day with His newest and greatest performances. He’ll make us laugh and we’ll cry with the thrills of His beneficent mercy and grace. He made all of this just for us! Perhaps it’s time to switch off the social media, TV, and the voices that endeavor to drown Him out. When we do that….we’ll most likely realize “There’s no business, like God’s show business…..because He shows out every day!”

But put your hope in God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17).

10,000 Reasons

Yesterday morning I woke up singing “Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Oh, my soul. Worship His Holy Name. Sing like never before, oh my soul, I worship Your Holy Name!” That song's title is “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman. What a way to wake up – blessing and worshipping God’s Holy Name! Immediately I knew this would be the topic for my post for today.

Among my 10,000 reasons to be thankful, I must share with you what happened shortly after I typed this post at about 8 am yesterday. I heard the garbage truck (Thank you, God, I can hear!)! I thought: “Yikes! I didn’t think they’d come today since the holiday was last week!” I ran out the front door to catch them, but too late! I noticed they hadn’t picked up the other side of the street so I quickly ran and pushed my packed-full-of- Thanksgiving garbage bin to my neighbor's side of the street (Thank you, God, for our wonderful Thanksgiving meals!). But then I thought they’d question two bins, so I quickly got in my car (Thank you, God, for my car!) and drove to let them know! Came back home (Thank you, God, for my home!) and pushed the garage remote and NADA! Thank you, God, that I had my door key in hand. I ran into the house and garage and saw the big chain had fallen from the motor. I quickly called my Home Warranty company (Thank you, God, that I purchased a Home Warranty!) and placed the repair with them and they showed up last night to already have it repaired and working great! Thank you, God, because that means only a $45 repair fee! Now, I have more than 10,000 reasons to "Bless the Lord, oh my soul!"

I’m quite sure that whole scenario was why I woke singing that song because God was prepping me for my sudden-out-of-the-blue trash and garage door encounters.

“Bless the Lord, oh my soul” were King David's words as he was commanding his soul (his will, mind, and emotions) to bless the Lord. He was encouraging himself with what he needed to do to rise above his circumstances. Those words from Psalm 103 were Matt Redman’s inspiration for this song. In that chapter, David listed several reasons why his heart was full of worship for God: He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems our lives from the pit, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires and gives righteousness and justice.

I googled Matt Redman and this song, and read what he said to explain it. “If you wake up one morning and you cannot think of a reason to bring God some kind of offering of thanks or praise, then you can be sure there's something wrong at your end of the pipeline, and not His. We live beneath an unceasing flow of goodness, kindness, greatness, and holiness, and every day we're given reason after reason why Jesus is so completely and utterly worthy of our highest and best devotion."

I realize we are one week past Thanksgiving today and it would seem that I’ve posted enough about gratitude and thanksgiving, but for “10,000 reasons” and so many more, I was reminded that putting gratitude as my #1 priority, sure keeps us in a gratitude mode -- even when things aren't going the way we had hoped them to go. Gratitude opens the floodgates to so many more reasons to be thankful -- even when a garage door goes haywire! I’m purposing to follow David’s lead in Psalm 103 to talk to my soul more so my "Reasons List" continue to grow in "blessing His Holy Name". How about you?

I've Got the POWER!

I’ve known some pretty powerful people in my time. Power in the sense that they commanded a room when they walked into it. Power in the sense that they could make some very important decisions and alter the course of a country or a company.

I enjoyed the 2003 movie, “Bruce Almighty”. I watched it again with my grandchildren not long ago. It’s a story of Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) who lived a pretty mediocre life. His job as a TV reporter didn’t satisfy him and when his dream job went to another guy, he blamed God for his less-than-meaningful life. That’s when God, in the person of Morgan Freeman, showed up to challenge Bruce to do better with his life. God allowed Bruce to become God for a time so his view of God just might be altered. Well, of course, Bruce misused his power in some pretty crazy shenanigans as he said, "I've got the power". Good news is eventually Bruce discovered that God is not only loving, He’s as close as our breath, He wants us to be successful, and we are His feet, hands and heart in this world. Bruce eventually became selfless and served others.

Here’s what I got from the movie -- God doesn't just want us to survive, or to just stay sane, He wants to give us significance and self-control as we walk through each day with Him having our minds renewed by His Word and our trust in Him.

The point I’m making is GOD really did show up for us and He really did give us power. Not P-O-W-E-R like Bruce Almighty using His power to scare off a band of thugs with His antics, but the power God gave us is the power to love, to forgive, to smile in the face of adversity, to win and to give and to care. God DIDN”T give us power to dominate or misuse that power in a selfish "It's all about me" way. When we begin to know the power of love more than we do the love of power......our world really will know peace. And, isn’t peace really what our world needs more than anything?

Pay ATTENTION!

Goodness gracious! I love my GPS system. They're so much better than those old folded up maps. Those "Global Positioning Systems" are found in vehicles and on smartphones all over the world. And, I’m so grateful to be here at this time to take advantage of this amazing technology. That gal in the GPS knows where to go and she even redirects us if we get off the beaten path.

So, yesterday I was making my trek to Texas to see my Frisco kids. My brag was "I don’t need my GPS to get to my Frisco family – I think my car goes on auto pilot when I go there because I’ve travelled that route many times!!"

Well, that's the "brag" when I'm paying attention to my driving. I was talking on the phone to my sister-in-law (using my car's hands-free) and all carried away in conversation, saw the exit up ahead and took it. I had driven for probably 10 miles before I realized, this road doesn't look familiar and neither did the towns I was going through. Well, at least I'm going West and that's the direction I need to be going. NOT! I stopped at a service station and asked "Can I take this road to Atoka?" And the attendant said, "Yes, just take this road on for 10 miles and then go south on Hwy 75." First off, I asked the wrong question. I should have said "Should I turn around and go back to the turnpike to Dallas?" As it turned out, I went through major road construction on 2-lane roads, through little towns, and I went out of my way over 45-minutes -- BACK to Atoka and not going South to Dallas. I got to Frisco at 8:15 pm instead of 7:30 pm.

Back to that awesome GPS system. And, more importantly, back to focus and being present in the moment and not allowing distractions to keep us from our goals. The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we don't use it and won't follow its directions. My goodness, if I had kept going West, I could have ended up in New Mexico! LOL!

And, our most supreme, all-knowing God can't speak to us and give us directions for driving AND living, when we're caught up in "our own little world" either. If we simply PAY ATTENTION to the road, listen to God's voice and follow His instructions... then, there will be no question about getting lost -- He'll ensure we'll get to where we need to go!!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

You Are My Masterpiece

This world will always try to make us think “we're too young or too old; not pretty enough or handsome enough; not rich enough; not thin enough; not talented enough; not smart enough!! It's time for us to STOP listening to what the world thinks and says. There is only one voice that truly speaks truth, and that ONE is the voice of our Creator Who made us on purpose and in His image.

And He says: "You are my MASTERPIECE -- and I made you JUST RIGHT -- right for the special purposes only you can fulfill! You ARE exactly who I made you to BE! Don't look for the approval of others. I approve you, and that’s all that matters! When you look in the mirror...look at the BEAUTY I made you to be! Now, go make your Dad proud as you take your BEAUTY and make a difference in this world!!"

"You are so beautiful to Me!" -- Love, God

God May Be Allowing the Rains to Come

Two weeks ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to Texas in torrential rain. When I finally arrived at my destination, I found myself incredibly dizzy and my equilibrium was completely off. Clearly, I could have been mistaken by others, as having had "too much to drink". We determined that my focus to stay on the road while avoiding the flooded areas and staring at the windshield wipers and the rain, was probably what made me so loopy and wobbly.

Yesterday, there was another downpour as I started home from Dallas. Up ahead I saw flashing lights and several emergency vehicles. A small car had crashed into a huge truck. Clearly, the driver had been distracted and not focused on what rain does to dry roads. That put me on high alert as I drove home – all the way in torrential rain again. I put more space between the cars ahead of me in case I had to come to a quick stop. I was observant to everything around me because of the elements that were against me. No temptation at all to “text and drive” or be on the phone. I couldn’t be in an "auto pilot" mode. I had to be alert and conscious of my behavior and actions in every way.

I’m thinking that God must use the rain (in the natural and in life) to get our attention. Oftentimes, we go through the rain storms and we wonder if we'll get to our destination on time. Bottom line -- it's okay if we're not on time. What's important is that we get there....period.

Today, whether it’s a sunny day or rainy day -- let's keep our eyes on what's around us. There may be reasons why God is allowing the rains to come. During the stormy seasons of life, and all too often as a last resort, we are drawn to God – those times when we feel powerless, out of control, and circumstances are torrential. We recognize Him as that “safe place”. As I drove in the rain, I was calling upon Him. I was acknowledging Him. I was more attentive to him. Maybe he allows the rains so that we'll draw closer to Him.

Isn’t that like us? Though we don't like to see our children suffer, sometimes having them cuddle up to us for reassurance and peace, just feels good. Should we think that our Father is care-less about His kids? I don't think so. I believe He could be strategic in allowing some things....that He knows draws us closer to Him. “ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8.

You're the Apple of His Eye

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. 
If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers in the Spring, and a sunrise each morning.
You're the apple of His eye and the delight of His heart."
-Max Lucado

I'd say that makes you and me quite special. To know we are loved so extravagantly by our Dad, should sure make us want to bring Him pleasure as we reflect that same love everywhere we go. Wonder what we could do today to convey His love and heart of giving? Maybe we could start by thanking Him, praising Him, being proud of Him, like He is of us. Let's share the awesomeness of our God by talking about His greatness, goodness, love and mercy to others and let's look like Him today as we speak, serve others, and live out His love today. Wouldn't it be great if others remarked about us -- "You look just like your Dad!"?

Seize the Moments

I'm loving this season of my life, and I’m doing my best to seize the moments, and most of all, to live with no regrets. You'll see me with my phone in hand -- not so much to answer a call, but to be ready to "capture that moment" so that I "have no regrets" about that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. That's why you'll see photos of trees or sunsets or my grandkids or my friends or the kids' choir at church, or someone being baptized, that I'ved captured on camera. And, I love surprising my friends with photos that I've taken -- especially when they had no idea I captured the moment for them.

And, rarely do I miss the opportunity to take up a friend's invitation to go somewhere or do something with them. I do my best to listen for God's voice telling me to call or email or text someone, or even go see someone to give a word of good news and cheer. Seizing the moments. Life is just too short not to be that breath of fresh air that someone needs so much.

Oftentimes, it’s quite easy to say “I’m too tired or too busy to go there or to do that.” But, then we realize the fun we missed, or the opportunity we missed to make a difference in our life and someone else's life.

Are you seizing those moments, minutes, days of YOUR life? We are here at this place, and this moment of time, for a specific purpose that God gave for only us to fulfill. Let's be done with just going with the flow.....and let's live ALL IN! Let's look for those moments in this day.....that are over-the-top outrageous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, so that tomorrow, we'll look back and say, "I lived with NO REGRETS!"

Tough Times Don't Last, But Tough People AND Trees Do!

I set out to buy two trees for my yard. My main criteria? Hardy. A very knowledgeable tree specialist guided me to this Maple Tree (left). It would be on the west side of my home and would eventually have a great canopy from the sun, and yes, it's a hardy tree. I chose the hardy Crabapple Tree for the front yard for the maroon leaves that would match my house – I know that’s a girlie consideration, but, like my clothes, I want ME, and my house and yard, to be color-coordinated. When it was time for the nursery to plant the trees, I asked about supports and stabilizers against these Oklahoma winds. The tree specialist said, “We’ll provide stakes if you want, but we don’t recommend it. Movement of the trunk helps strengthen it by thickening it. And, trunk movement also stimulates root growth.” Well, that was good enough for me. But, in the last couple of weeks, I almost doubted my decision as these Oklahoma winds were bending them beyond what I thought they were capable of. But, they are withstanding the winds, and they are standing tall.

Robert Schuller wrote a book called “Tough Times Don’t Last, But Tough People Do”. And, in almost all cases, tough times don’t last, but people with faith and trust in their Creator, Almighty God, do! With God as our stabilizer and support, the storms of life and the prevailing winds may come, but we will withstand every pressure, every adversarial push and shove, and every brute force that could uproot us from our faith. In all those times….sure we’ll bend, but we sure won’t break!

Psalm 1:2-3 “But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”