Life is a Balancing Act!

I hold these photos so dear to my heart. It was eleven years ago and one of those times when my husband and I were visiting our son and family in Seattle. We made the most of every minute that we were there. Imagination ran rampant and Papa and Nana joined in with vigor and vitality. Unlike these teeter-totters, those in my younger years, were not my friend. I well remember when my see-saw partner decided to bale on me and I came crashing down on my bottom. I made sure I had reliable partners after that! I also remember, by myself, standing on the pivotal point of that see-saw trying to keep it in a horizontal position that required a lot of focus and balance.

In these photos you'll see we are making sure that balance is a big part of the boys' experience. I assure you, in my life, I've had to use that exercise in way more scenarios than just a teeter-totter. And, I know, for a fact, that my central point of attention and focus is keeping God in view while maintaining solid footing and balance. When I plant my heart and feet on the truth of God's Word and in Him who is my stabilizer, the winds, the waves, the shifting sand AND even the teeter totters will not cause me to crumble or stumble.

We Christians are called to a balanced life. That doesn't mean that we do everything with the same attention or even in moderation, but it does mean being obedient to God in every area of life. It may seem difficult to juggle so many balls at one time -- being an interested and active parent and fan to all the sports and extracurricular activities of our children, while maintaining a faithful and devoted prayer life, while doing a great job as a volunteer at a local organization or church and also being a dutiful and loving support to older parents and personally being devoted to a balanced healthy body and mind. It is truly a balance act that can be overwhelming and tiring.

But God didn't ask us to be the super mom and super dad or the super employee or the super child. He asked us to be "steadfast" in our faith, and to maintain our confidence in Him. He started this good work in us and He is faithful to complete it. "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end." (Hebrews 3:14) The balance act in life starts with our surrender to He Who balances our lives as we surrender, yield and abide in Him. When we teeter totter with Him, He always brings balance to everything and everyone else in our lives.

Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Have You Ever Had an Epiphany?

You know that sudden realization – that aha moment – when you suddenly understand the reality of something or the meaning of something. I've had many “epiphany” moments when I could see clearly what someone meant when that said "that" or when I’m reading passages from the Bible that I’ve read dozens of times before, but this time, I really understood it. It was a “revelation” -- a revealing – an epiphany! The lights came on!

Now, let's turn back time to the arrival of the Three Kings aka Magi aka Wise Men to the home of the Holy Family. This is Epiphany 101 -- the realization, aha moment, the revelation, the "epiphany" that the little baby boy that they were coming to worship is the Messiah, the Son of God. Were they "star" struck? Was there a glow around the child? Were there angels singing and little drummer boys playing and was Mary kneeling before Him in wonder and likewise, was Joseph just standing there gawking at his boy while hanging on to his shepherd's staff? Were all the animals lying down in a panoramic view of the holy scene? It's all debatable because theologians differ on whether it was at the manger or two years later at the Holy Family's home but one thing is for certain -- those men had studied the prophecies of the coming Messiah because they said, “We have seen His star in the East and were determined, by faith, to go and worship Him."

Today, January 6th is Epiphany Sunday and the 12th day of Christmas. It officially marks the end of the festive season of Christmas for Christians. That’s why so many of us wait until after this day to take down our Christmas decorations.

Epiphany is a Greek word which means “manifestation.” Today, we celebrate how God manifested His glory to the Magi. First, they saw THE star and chose to follow it all the way to Jesus. Second, when they found Jesus, besides offering “baby shower gifts” of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they humbled themselves, knelt down and worshipped Him. And, third, the result of their offering and worship was they went home changed. Talk about getting a “return” on your investment!!

And this is how the “flow chart” of our lives should look. Every day we should be choosing to follow THE STAR -- following Jesus. That’s the choice we make on a daily basis – in our workplaces, homes, schools, and communities -- honoring and worshipping our King, our Messiah, the Great I Am. The Magi saw more than a star. They saw God incarnate – divine God and man and when we seek Him, we’ll find Him. It begs us to fall on our knees to worship Him in honor of Who He is and what He has done for us.

The Wise Men were changed forever. They never went back to King Herod and his ungodly ways. “Normal” was no longer an option. They had an EPIPHANY. They had seen the glory of God manifested in that little boy -- God wrapped in human flesh.

And, because we are also WISE men and women, who see, hear, go, worship and adore the Son of God, everything changes for us, too! How can we go back to our old ways and patterns and inconsistencies once we’ve had an EPIPHANY of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our lives?

Holy Spirit, please fill us up with the glory and manifestation of Jesus. May His glory change our way of thinking, acting, and helping others to have an EPIPHANY in their lives, too!

There’s No Age Limit for Love and Romance

They say love strikes when you least expect it. And yesterday it was proven 100% to be true. Nancy, my “single-for-17-years” dear friend lived just across the pond from me. We were among the first who moved into our brand new Hyde Park community in Tulsa in 2012. And, Bill and his wife, moved into the community a couple of years later. Bill’s wife of 57 years passed away last year and a few months later, he and Nancy started dating. The two of them have so much in common. He was formerly a Baptist pastor with a Ph.D. in Greek New Testament, and U.S. Air Force Chaplain for 30 years and Nancy has been a Bible teacher, piano player/teacher and choir member at her Tulsa’s First Presbyterian Church. Sincerely, it was a match made in heaven. There’s a real plus to a marriage at this season of their lives (both are 77). Unlike their first marriages, both of them have the big life questions figured out: kids, jobs, and finances. When Nancy announced to her son “We’re getting married!” he said, “Mom, aren’t you rushing things a little bit?” Her reply was “Son, time is not on our side!”

I get it. Falling in love at any age is a wonderful experience, but I understand there are many bonus benefits when you’re older. It can bring companionship, encourage you to stay physically active (both Nancy and Bill are golfers, pickleball players and they love to travel). When I was visiting with Nancy after she and Bill had just become engaged, I said “Nancy, are you sure you’re ready to give up the TV remote to him, cook for him, wash his clothes, give up all the singles activities, and give up choosing your own schedule for everything?” She replied, “100%, yes!” I said, “Yes, my friend, you’re in love!”

How blessed I was to watch them “seal the deal” yesterday in a most beautiful wedding ceremony in the First Presbyterian Church chapel in which many of our Hyde Park community were there to witness this joyful time of joining this amazing couple together. We like to think that our Hyde Park community deserves a lot of credit for this union, but Pastor Jim Miller said “It is so much more than that. It is God’s providence, grace, love and His way of surprising His beloved children.“ The pastor had met with the couple before marrying them and so he spoke of Bill’s words about their upcoming nuptials. “It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to raise a senior citizen. My village helped me survive the loss of my wife of 57 years. My village made it possible to love again and embrace this wonderful, unimaginable, beautiful, precious…my Nancy. My village has names: my sons and their wives, my brothers and their wives, my grandchildren. Nancy brings so much more than I do. Her strong faith, her transparency, and openness touch me and others.” Pastor Miller went on and shared Nancy’s words that revolved around “chapters”. “I never thought I’d be married again. I am so blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have this incredible new chapter added to my life. I know these words explain it: Matthew 6:33 “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL THESE THINGS will be added to you.”

Pastor Miller went on “We need to be around people like Nancy and Bill. They’ll speak to how God intersects our lives." About that time a sharp, loud crack of lightning & thunder sounded outside. Pastor Miller retorted: "That is the way life goes -- like a bolt of lightning cracking in our lives and we wonder, does God really care? What gives your life centering at times like that? The answer is the One who carried the cross. (He pointed to the cross behind him.) That "centering" makes the difference in the chapters of the story that Nancy spoke about. There is a crimson thread of God’s grace and mercy in this love story."

I loved it when Pastor Miller held up Nancy’s ring and called it “a promise ring”. Promises are made to keep. Maybe you’re reading this blog today and thinking “Geeez….I’ve been waiting for MY true love a long time and it seems he/she will never come. I think Nancy and Bill’s “surprise” was no surprise at all to God. It was the answer to their prayers because as Matthew 6:33 says…..”Seek God and His righteousness with all your hearts….(They did!) AND all these things will be added to you (And, those things were added to a couple that certainly proved those words). Maybe God is getting ready to surprise you, too!

Do You Remember Your First Job?

I know you remember your first job. We all do. It was a pivotal time in our lives. I’ll never forget mine. I had signed up for Vocational Office Education (VOE) at my high school, which means I would gain enough office knowledge and skills to get my first job. I had learned to type, take shorthand, know how to file and other office procedures. My high school found me my first job at Sylvania Electric Company as a file clerk – at a whopping $1.25 an hour. In that company, I not only found out what stepping out of my comfort zone was, but I also learned valuable relationship interaction and great job skills that opened the door to my next job that gave me on-the-job training to be their Accounts Receivable Bookkeeper. The first job paved the way for my future in administration in many various locations in the U.S. and Canada, and even in owning our own businesses.

I had that “blast from the past” when, yesterday, I picked up my granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, from her interview at Chick-fil-A for her first job. I was on my way to pick her up when I got her text “I got the job!” She was beaming when she came bouncing to my car. I know that feeling – that sense of worth and value AND accomplishment. She turns 16 on the 16th of this month, so this is a big deal that paves the way and sets the course for taking "next steps" the rest of her life.

I couldn’t help but be so grateful that she is starting with a company, Chick-Fil-A, that has refused to compromise their Christian principles. By survey, Chick-fil-A is America’s favorite fast food restaurant, and it's obvious when I drive by the one right near my house with car lines that go around the building. Some would say it's the food. Others would point to its clever advertising. (Let's face it, there is something appealing about seeing a cow beg you to "Eat Mor Chikin.") But, Founder Truett Cathy had a different view. He declared that the secret of his success was the company's high quality of people and their attention to customer service. I have to agree. There’s something about those kids who work there and how they respond to our “Thank you” with “My pleasure”.

Truett said it all goes back to Chick-fil-A being closed on Sundays. Truett, who passed away in 2014, believed everyone should have a day off a week -- for church, rest, or to enjoy family. Dan Cathy, President and COO of the company now (Dave passed away in 2014), says, "Jesus Christ did not die for a company, He died for individuals, personally." The company wants to operate on Biblical principles and acknowledge the Lord in all ways.

I love the perks that Alexia will have with her new job. She’ll be learning responsibility, teamwork, leadership and management skills. She’ll start building her resume for her next step up the ladder. She’ll be off every Sunday – that’s huge for a gal that is on a Worship Team at her church, and that’s her passion and desire for her future. She loves the food – just about any meal, she’d be happy if you’d choose Chick-Fil-A. She'll get 20% off for Nana's meals (bonus for Nana). She already has friends that work there and she’ll develop even more friendships. (I can relate. I met my future “bridesmaid” at my first job.)

When asked by the Manager, “Alexia, what do you hope to do in the future?” She replied, “I hope to be a Worship Pastor at my church. Missions and helping people is my heart.” The Manager said, “Congratulations! Welcome to the Team! We’ll contact you about getting your uniform and training. You can start next week!”

Practicing Christianity inside the walls of the church is one thing. In fact, it's probably the easiest place to act "Christ-like." Practicing Christianity in the secular workplace is an altogether different thing. I love that my girl’s first job is with a company that has refused to compromise their Christian principles, regardless of what the world says.

"Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and HIS righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

And to celebrate, of course my girl and I had to go shopping, after all “Nana, I ALWAYS get a winter sweater during September! It’s my birthday month!” Such is life with Lexi!

We've Only Just Begun

That was one of our favorite songs (released in 1970) by The Carpenters. The characters in the song were a couple, just married, and were looking forward to new horizons, new roads to choose, with so much life ahead of them. We sang that song completely unaware of what lie ahead….but as long as we were together, side by side, we just knew we’d make it through each and every bump in the road that we might encounter. Seems like unrealistic thinking, but it is the ONLY way to live – believing and always hoping for the best, but just in case the worst might come, we’d be able to handle it together. That’s because we placed our hope and trust in the ONE who had already prepared the way for us.

We’re just a little over one week into this new year and this start certainly gives us those feelings -- a certain excitement about the possibilities that are out there for us. We may reflect on the past, but no longer do we dwell there, because we certainly can’t change the past. Looking through the rear view mirror is no option.

It was my 5th year to “Run for Ron” in the Route 66 Marathon, complete with wearing my “Run for Ron” t-shirt, but on the 5th year, while I was running, I clearly got the message “There’s no need to be running for Ron any longer. He’s doing just fine running on his own. It’s time to run your own race – run strong for Donna.” I got it. I had been faithful to keep the past in my present long enough. I was turning a page in my story. I knew that I was supposed to write some new stories and a new chapter. It was time to BEGIN again with the expectation of great adventures and unparalleled blessings up ahead. But most importantly to write some new stories that leave a legacy for those who are following me -- a legacy of "I can" and "I will"

Obviously, I started a new chapter and it seems “Walking/Running/Driving By Faith” is the title of that first chapter. Now, I’ve started my second chapter which includes alone time with my Heavenly Father. I’m cozying up to Him – on purpose. I’ll be spending the next few weeks here in Austin tucked away in a secret place to seek Him with my whole heart. Matthew 6:33 says “Ask, and it shall be given to you; Seek, and you shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” I need answers, wisdom and direction. I know the “Answer Giver”! I’m asking Him. I’m praying for wisdom and direction in this chapter. I’ll be purposely listening and journaling what I hear.

Last week, I shared with a friend about this new chapter of seeking God for direction and she asked “How do you know when He speaks to you?” I responded with “By the gentle nudges, surprises, inclinations, and even the little signs from scriptures, friends’ counsel and wisdom, and all around me, noticing Him in the big and little around me. For example – when my home sold without me trying to sell it, by a friend inviting me to stay in her home while she was away for two months when I still needed to be in Tulsa for commitments, and by other little kisses from heaven that I experience on a daily basis.”

I’m one of God’s little sheep and I expect to hear from Him and then I plan on following where He leads me. John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

As a matter of fact, I am definitely hearing His voice these days. He's telling me to be still and wait on His timing. He's telling me to trust and know that He is God.

At the end of this year of 2017, I expect to glance back at the victories won and the many doors that opened up for me to great opportunities and adventures!

Today, I close the door to the past and open the door to the future. I take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter of my life. I’ve only just begun! How about you?

Starting the Day on the Right Track

"Think and Grow Rich" was one my husband's favorites. Actually, my husband was an unrelenting reader and proponent of motivational and inspiring books, sources and individuals. We raised our kids on the likes of this book, as well as Zig Ziglar's books, the Bible and many other noteworthy sources of positivity. I'm quite sure that, even of itself, is one of the reasons our two children turned out to be great sources of positivity and inspiration. Their never-give-up attitudes and being strong individuals of faith and tenacity has taken them far in the business world and in their personal lives.

So, I think you can see why this Nana loves visiting my kids in Texas -- now both sets living there -- in Frisco and Austin. On Thursday, just before I left Frisco for home, I was able to be a part of that morning's devotion and prayer time with them. Maybe it's a perk of being home-schooled that they are afforded the opportunity to start their day with an hour of solid training in those things that matter most. They have interactive readings and discussions. On that morning, we heard -- of all the success stories achieved by Napoleon Hill, none was more challenging nor more gratifying than teaching his son Blair, born without ears, to have 100% hearing. He had a never-quit attitude and trust in God. What a testimony of faith! Perhaps you need this example of faith to stir you today. You can read about it here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/jasjit-singh/no-ears-how-napoleon-hill-helped-his-son-blair-to-hear/322081944661711/

This Wallace Family is hit-the-ground-running, always on-the-go, turbo-charged, on mission and on target to be the best they can be in work, play and determined world changers. Their days are jammed full and once they leave that table....they are like other families -- full of busy schedules and lives. But their priorities are what matter most. They're making ginormous investments of time into their personal lives each day, at the start of that day.

I think God put it this way....."Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33. What if we all had a plan of seeking our CEO, Father God, each morning about this day? What if we all had a determined purpose to DOWNLOAD His wisdom, His character and His attributes into our day, at the beginning of each day? Imagine how our day just might run smoother, our relationships, kinder, our energies, higher, and our attitudes, sweeter, once we've had a little one-on-one with THE ONE who we desire to be like the most. I'm thinking that on-purpose "abiding in the vine" just might cause OUR FRUIT to be tasty, salty, and light -- all those qualities that will even draw others to the VINE.

Come Fly With Me!

God really wants us to fly above all the chaos in the world. He wants us to fly free of yesterday's fears, guilt, disappointments and frustrations. He wants us to fly free of today's anxieties. He wants us to fly free of tomorrow's concerns. Psalm 91:3 "I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

He wants us to fly through each day in perfect peace as we stay present with Him. Each day is a new day, and we can make it a good day if we will walk (or fly) in faith and embrace His power to accomplish all that He has set before us. God moves mountains, and when we do our part to forgive, live righteously and seek Him with our whole heart, He promises to give us what we need for this day. That's what He promises in Matthew 6:33 "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Come fly with me....rise above "earth-bound" circumstances, and let's soar with the eagles to that place of great hope and live with the expectation that "Something good is about to happen to me today!"

God FIRST

Day 12 of Photo Inspirations -- God FIRST
After 23 days of Christmas, New Year's and 2015 Unstoppable Summit celebrations, inspirations and packed-full-of-joy-and-excitement, I'm at last home-sweet-home in Tulsa. It's always great to go.....and then be back home again.

I must say that I've had the time of my life with my family -- lots of "kid" fun with ALL of my six grandchildren, and the big finale of this weekend's leadership summit has definitely kicked me in gear for, what I believe will be, one of the best, most blessed years of my life.

Why not believe that way? That's what God wants us to do. When we give Him FIRST PLACE above all and everything else, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts. That's my resolution for this year. Give Him the FIRST of my day in time with Him in quiet moments of just Him and me; give Him the FIRST of my week as I attend church with others to give Him worship and praise; give Him the FIRST of my month as I give Him my tithes and offerings, and give Him the FIRST of my year as I seek Him for His plans and purposes for my life. "But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

When we put God FIRST -- everything else will fall into its proper place.
‪#‎FirstPlace‬ ‪#‎SeekHimFirst‬