His Assets My Pleasure

Last week my trip to Tulsa included a visit with friends in the community I lived in prior to my move to Frisco. Sharon and I joined up for an early morning walk as we did so often when I lived there. We recalled praying for our community on those walks and called our Hyde Park, Holy Property. I’m amazed as I see the once barren land when I built my home, to where there are so many residents and beautiful homes built there today.

We met up with another neighbor, Deborah, whose husband recently passed away and she, like me, understands he completed his earth-assignment and now she knows she has her own assignment to fulfill. I knew a blog was on its way because her story inspired me so much.

Deborah’s dear husband suffered from Alzheimer's for many years which meant Deborah had to quit her full-time job to be at home to give him the care he needed. In that season, she started a home acquisition company where she buys homes, renovates and flips them shortly thereafter. Her acquisition company is called HAMP which is an acronym for “His Assets My Pleasure”. The name of her building and remodeling business is called Honey Bee Homes. She said: “It’s pure and natural.” The meaning of “Deborah” is Honey Bee. She said: “This is a restoration business just like Jesus had.”

Deborah meant it's a home AND people restoration business. “I bought a home in not such a great part of town. It needed a lot of attention, but I acquired it anyway. One day, a man riding a bike stopped by the house and asked if I needed help. She asked, “What is your expertise?” He replied, “I can do anything.” She gave him a tour of the house and all the things that needed to be done. What he couldn’t do, he said: “I have a friend that can do this part and another friend that can do that part.” She hired all three men. Only one had a vehicle – a beat-up truck that kept breaking down. One day it ran out of gas. Deborah got a gas container and took him the gas. The other two men rode bicycles. They helped her She helped them. Deborah said, “I took them crockpot meals, Krispy Kremes and I kept a left-over refrigerator stocked with water for them. I took lunch to them and sometimes I took them out to lunch. You could tell on their faces that they were really impressed – that I would take them to a nice restaurant.” These men had been in jail and with a record, it was difficult to find jobs. The restorer of homes and people, she gifted them with dignity and pride as they were completely willing to put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

Deborah said these men were raised in lifestyles where they had to learn and do everything. All from different descents and different expertise, they worked well together. The house had been abused and in such disrepair that they had to gut most of it -- taking out all the floors and putting in new joist and floors. During the winter it was so cold outside for the 8-mile bicycle rider who lived with his Mom. Deborah set him up with a heater and a bed in the home. It worked out well because in that part of town she needed someone to look over the house anyway.

She added: “I just sold the house last week. I bought it for $40,000 and sold it for $122,000. But I had a $100K in it and I was able to give them work. I loved Deborah’s “ashes to beauty” story. She could have been a widow who refused to live out her destiny. But she didn’t. She gave formerly incarcerated men jobs for the same reasons as everyone else: to support themselves and their loved ones, pursue life goals, and strengthen their communities. God has used her to live on purpose. She yielded to God’s words from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She knows those words for herself and for others.

We serve a God of restoration! You, too, may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life; but instead of dwelling on the past and living in defeat, choose to focus on His promises because God wants to restore you with beauty for your ashes. He wants to restore your joy, your peace, your health, and your finances. Draw a line in the sand and say, “I am a child of the Most High God, and I’m not going to live my life in defeat. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me!” That’s having a restoration mentality!

Indeed, like Jesus, Deborah is in the restoration business – restoring homes and people’s lives. Maybe that's the business we should all be in -- loving, caring and restoring the lives of God's precious children.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

I’m continuing on in my “We Need Each Other” campaign. I was inspired recently when I ran across a FB post that asked, “Remember this guy?” with a photo of this sharp looking, well-dressed man. Yes, I remember this really cool dude that greeted us daily on TV, Mr. Rogers. I apologize to you young’uns’ who were born too late to know him. Today, he'd have to come packaged as a rapper or be able to hip-hop dance for us to think him "cool". BTW -- the word "cool" is still in -- I checked! Mr. Rogers sang this to us: "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor?" That was dear, Mr. Rogers! He made us feel that having neighbors was one of life's greatest gifts.

In Luke 10, Jesus told the scribe ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself" and the scribe replied, "But who is my neighbor?" That's when Jesus gave His brilliant explanation in a parable about the Good Samaritan. What a storyteller Jesus was! Mr. Rogers' stories were similar. He taught kids to love themselves and others.

Hands down, Jesus took neighboring to a whole new level when he talked about the Jewish man who had been stripped, beaten, robbed and left for dead by bandits. A priest and another religious man saw him but passed him by. The Samaritan (enemies to the Jews) saw him and was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he gave the innkeeper money and said, ‘Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I’ll repay you when I come back.’ So, Jesus' answer to the scribe's question, "Who is my neighbor?" was answered when he said, "Go and do what the Samaritan did.”

Whew! In these days, that's a HUGE statement! It suggests that all of God's children must be our neighbors and we must love them just as the Samaritan man did! In this time of so much political hostility, biased opinions, questionable decisions being made about equality and what's right and wrong, I wonder if Jesus would still say the same thing today. After all, there is so much more to consider: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Caucasians, Asians, the poor, the homeless, the unattractive, gays, lesbians, the handicapped, the mentally ill, and countless other groups are still often the victims of ridicule, hatred, and discrimination.

So, then, the question really is: "Lord, there are so many that don’t agree with my philosophies, my faith, my values and my opinions, so then, WHO really is my neighbor?" I'm quite sure he's responding ALL MY KIDS are neighbors! After 2,000 years of Me telling you that.....nothing has changed in my record books. It's STILL 'Love your neighbors as you love yourselves!" L-O-V-E -- that's a 4-letter word to be AND do! That "LOVE your neighbor" admonition doesn't have UNLESS in it anywhere!

My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things

My Comforter is One of my Favorite Things
My word of the day is COMFORTER: a thick bed covering that is filled with a soft light material; also someone who helps you to feel less worried, upset, frightened; someone who comforts you.

I do a lot of traveling and that means sleeping in beds that don’t compare to MY bed at home. When I get home to my bed and my sheets, my five pillows 😴 and my COMFORTER, I sleep with COMFORT. My sleeping “paraphernalia” includes a sheet under my blanket/comforter and a sheet over it. I started that when we stayed in hotels that their sheets were on that way, which meant that the blanket or comforter that is rarely washed, is never against our body or face. That “cleanliness” sleeping way became an almost must-have for me.

Bottom line, I’m more energetic and more alert when I’ve had a good night’s sleep. Our beds are where we begin and end the day, and where we spend nearly a third of our life. So why not make it the cleanest and most comfortable spot in our home?

Speaking of COMFORT and COMFORTER, there’s nothing like the comfort a mother can provide to a hurting or frightened child. Her love moves into action, not with explanations or reasoning, but with everything in her power to quiet, to COMFORT, and to reassure. Her arms embracing that sweet one, speak louder than any words the child could hear in that moment of fear or pain. Her voice is soothing and quieting, “Shhh, it’s okay…Mommy’s here. It’s okay.” Those gentle words bring the assurance that helps the child to believe, “It is okay because Mommy is here, and I am in her arms.”

We are God's children and He desires to be that COMFORTER and encourager to us. He is HERE -- right now! Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the COMFORTER will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7. The COMFORTER is the precious Holy Spirit who lives in us as believers to provide that comfort that calms the storms in our lives.

The words in Psalm 46:10 are like the words of comfort from a caring mother to her fearful child: "Be still, and know that I am God". The language is simple and the words are few but they are words that tell us all we need to know to settle us, still our fears, quiet our hearts, and reassure us when we hear, “Shhh. Be still, calm down, release all your concerns, quiet your heart, it’s okay, I am here and you are safe in the shelter of My arms.”

Happy Valentine’s Day, Old AND Young Lovers!

My word for today is "Valentine’s Day" – a day that St. Valentine gave his life for; recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance around the world

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it holds one of my most precious memories. On this day, the cutest dark haired 13-year old boy named Ronnie (aka Ron) Wuerch and me, the lankiest, 12-year old girl had our very first “official” date (chauffeured by Ronnie’s dad) to a Valentine’s Banquet at my church. The photo here is that day – when Ronnie had to stand on the step above me – because I was taller than him. Oh, how I remember the butterflies in my stomach, the sweaty palms, and the pride I had in showing off my “boy friend” to my friends. At thirteen, Ronnie was already an accomplished pianist with an amazing voice. He played the piano and sang at the banquet. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world when my girl friends said, “He sings and looks just like Frankie Avalon!”

It was a complete set-up by my grandmother – of all people. She invited my family to their church where Ronnie’s dad was the pastor. Right from the start, that cute boy kept looking and smiling at me….and I smiled back. A few days later, Grandma called me: “Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you.” And, I replied, “Tell him I like him, too!” And that’s the way we began. Early on, my grandmother and our mothers knew (you know – that woman’s intuition), that we were meant to be. And we were.

This day is about lovers and I like to give credit where credit is due. This is the story of St. Valentine's Day. Valentine was a Christian priest who lived near Rome during the time of Emperor Claudius II, a sworn enemy of the faith. In the beginning, Valentine had won the emperor’s admiration, but lost it – and his life – by trying to convert Claudius to the faith. On February 14th, 278, the emperor was so outraged by Valentine’s unwanted evangelism AND because Valentine was secretly marrying Christian couples against His edict that he had Valentine tortured and beheaded. It is said that just before Valentine was led away to his execution, he wrote a note to the blind daughter of his jailer, whose vision was restored after he prayed for her. According to legend, he signed his note, “from your Valentine.” Hence, the tradition of sending Valentine cards.

I wonder what St. Valentine would make of this day of celebrating love. Would he laugh hilariously at all the chocolate, flowers, hearts and expressions of affection that lovers share, or would he cry at all the expense without a true increase in genuine love -- especially when it would be so beautiful if this day would really increase our love for each other.

Perhaps he would appreciate it all and maybe he would express his feelings by quoting St. Paul, whose wisdom he revered: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

Thank you, St. Valentine's for reminding us, ABOVE ALL -- to LOVE. I am celebrating love with all of you lovers out there on this beautiful Valentine's Day. I urge you to live in the moments God has given you. Treasure your moments together. Please don’t take those moments for granted.

And for all of you.....can I gently remind you of an important truth? A truth that makes all the difference to me? If we are God’s children, we are involved in the greatest love story ever created. God created us, knows us inside and out, and loves us from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. We can celebrate love this year just like everyone else, knowing that we have a deeper understanding than anything that’s advertised or on the shelves in a store. GOD LOVES US!

Happy St. Valentine's Day to all my FB friends! God loves you so much AND so do I.......<3 <3 <3

Is There a Rainbow Yet?

We’ve all been watching with concern as Hurricane Harvey and its flood waters ravage the countless communities and cities in Texas, and now Louisiana. I haven’t been able to blog about “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, blue satin sashes, and warm woolen mittens” when our precious brothers and sisters (we're all God's children) have been suffering so much. I pray that we all continue praying faithfully for those impacted and for those who are bravely serving.

Yesterday I saw heart wrenching stories of nursing homes being evacuated, apartments with people being trapped inside but being rescued, and people holding onto trees in the wake of rushing waters being rescued, because there are heroes who are risking their own health and well-being to do so. A pregnant woman in labor was helped to an emergency vehicle by a human chain getting her across the waters. So many people with such tremendous losses are experiencing hope because of “Good Samaritans” who just couldn’t stand by or walk by or ride their boat by those in such need.

This picture of an older couple being rescued on jet skis drew me in yesterday, especially when I saw their stately home (obvious from the beautiful furniture inside – the grandfather clock being almost completely covered) with waters. The man, J.C., said they knew they had to evacuate. He said “It may sound funny but I called Chick-Fil-A and ordered two grilled chicken burritos with extra eggs AND a boat. Can you believe one of the managers of Chick-Fil-A sent her husband to pick us up on his jet skis. We are so grateful and so thankful.” The reporter said, “I know you had possessions that you loaded up on that jet ski so there was no room for you, and then other jet skis showed up.” J.C. said, “Karen got on one and I got on the other one. They evacuated us to higher ground and we are ever so grateful." Then this optimistic man went on to say "The future of Houston is indeed very, very bright -- the medical capital of the world; the space capital of the world;the energy capital of the world, and about to be the port capital of the world.” The reporter replied “Well, J.C. and Karen, the world is certainly a brighter place with both of you in it.” The rescuers even took J.C. back to his house later because he had forgotten his wedding ring and his wallet. He said, “I couldn’t save my house, but I could save my marriage.” The reporter said, “I love his sense of humor and he even killed a snake on his way back to his home.”

Having been in Oklahoma for the last 40 years, I know what disaster looks like from the destruction that tornadoes bring. More and more people are taking precaution and buying steel storm shelters for their homes. But what good would steel storm shelters be in South Texas? How can we be disaster proof wherever we are? What is our back-up plan in case of an emergency? What safety measures can we take to be protected no matter where we live? It’s a wake-up call, for sure. But more important than all the extra groceries and water in a cellar somewhere or valuables placed in a safety deposit box, or knowing what roads to take in case of evacuation, what would be our attitude as followers of Christ? Would we be fear-driven, have feelings of hopelessness or would we dig deep into our hearts -- where Christ lives -- with faith and hope and be like J.C. and Karen and be thinking and declaring "something good is going to come out of this”.

This is what I know about God. Our concerns are not a surprise to Him. Turning over our cares and worries to Him, is how we show Him that we truly trust Him, and His unwavering love for us. When we bring Him our attitude of praise and thanksgiving – regardless of the circumstance we're in, He gives us peace to take us to the other side -- whether it's by car, plane, bicycle or boat. And in that case, we can sincerely believe EVERY cloud really does have a silver lining” and “every flood has a rainbow”. Just check in with Noah. The grace of God carried Him, his family and tons of animals through to dry land. We pray that dry land quickly comes for our brothers and sisters in the South, and the rainbow shows up once again......very soon.

Worry Less; Smile More Often

Worry Less; Smile More Often
I've posted this photo before, but it is such a powerful reminder of the childlike faith and trust that we all need so much. I just had to share it again for you AND me.

Don't you just love watching a baby sleeping? His/Her adorable little smiles that just indicate their satisfied, care-free existence. Life was worry-free when we were kids and when we had parents who were bigger and stronger than us and were the answer to all our needs and wants.

But for us -- all grown up with lots of responsibilities, cares and concerns, there's certainly plenty for us to worry about. Income tax returns (just started getting my records together), identity theft (some pranksters put fraudulent charges in my bank account), too much month left and too little funds to make it through, who our next president will be (Dear Lord, help us!), or a medical report that wasn't so positive (Had those, too!)

But, even more loving and caring than our parents when we were kids, is our loving and caring Heavenly Father who wants to help us "worry less and smile more often". As God's children, should we worry and fret? Would He teach us to walk, to watch us fall? Would He give us life, to watch us fail? Would He be nailed to the cross and then disregard our prayers?

Philippians 4:6-7 says "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us -- so let's purpose to WORRY LESS and, by the way....SMILE MORE OFTEN! Smile a while and give your face a rest. Let the world know, you know Who's got all the stuff in your life and in the world under control. Smiling could just possibly be the magnet that attracts the people, circumstances, and things you need to succeed and overcome all that is trying to pull you down. I think that's exactly how our DAD wants us to live -- complete trust in His wise and sovereign ways that ensure we are in His loving care.

Royalty Comes With Great Responsibility

Day 135 of Photo Inspirations -- Royalty Comes With Great Responsibility
Deacon Nelson Sousa​'s messages always inspire me, but yesterday when he talked about his Portuguese heritage, my ears really perked up. He told how his family migrated here from the Portuguese Islands of the Azores.  I was just there a few weeks ago.  I immediately had a visual of that beautiful island. I walked the streets, went into the churches and cathedrals, shopped in the little stores, took photos of the treasures there.  But what touched me most about his message were the beautiful Portuguese Easter traditions that they brought here with them, and still maintain those customs today.

Those customs are attributed to Portugal's Queen Elizabeth, a Spanish princess given in marriage to King Denis of Portugal in the 1200s.  She was well known for going to the countryside and taking food to the poor peasant children, but she'd also take her crown with her for the children to put on. As she placed the crown on their heads, she would remind them that regardless of their situation in life, as children of God, they are royalty because they are members of God's royal family.  Queen Elizabeth (St. Elizabeth) became known for practicing this custom throughout her life.  It was her way of spreading the Gospel message to simply remind us all that we are God's children.

Every Sunday during the Easter season, the Portuguese children of the church were invited up to the altar -- where they were crowned with the crown of the Holy Spirit.  While they were being crowned, the priest would remind them, and everyone else in attendance, the words St. Elizabeth spoke many years ago.  "Remember, that as a child of God, you are royalty.  You are a member of His royal family."

Nelson heard those words so much that they served as a challenge and as a reminder about the responsibility of a crown-bearer; the appropriate conduct of a child of God's family.  He said it personally made him think about the words he used to speak to those he'd encounter.  The more he thought about it, the more, as a child of God, he realized that he shouldn't be using words that contained bad language.  It caused him to avoid participating in gossip and spreading rumors about others.

And it made me think, WE ARE God's children, and that makes us royalty.  Holy Spirit continues to work with us to become good examples of what it means to become one of God's children.  Holy Spirit constantly urges us to speak a different language from the world.  Royalty doesn't speak "commoner" language.  Royalty comes with great responsibility.  We represent the Royal Family -- God's Family.  Our responsibility is to live our lives as examples of God's language of love, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, and peace, as well as sharing all of that with others so that they, too, will know they are also royal children of God.