🎃🎃🎃The TREAT of October 31st, 1922🎃🎃🎃

This sweet little lady is my dear mother-in-law, Lydia (Winick) Wuerch, who was born on October 31st, 1922, 95 years ago. Though she was born on the day attributed to Halloween -- she was always the TREAT -- not the trick.

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈For those who have known Mom as their dear friend, mentor, close relative or pastor's wife who always encouraged, supported and caused you to laugh at her wit and sense of humor -- it would be wonderful if she could hear from you via my email at: dwuerch@cox.net and I will copy off and give to her when I go to Tulsa tomorrow to celebrate her. She will love hearing from you. 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

I'll let you in on my thoughts of her -- that I shared in her card that I'll give her tomorrow. She's not a social media gal -- so she won't know these words until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Precious Mom -- the Sweetest TREAT Ever!!
“This is the day the Lord made YOU -- and I’m rejoicing and so glad for it!” I can’t begin to express all you have meant to me for the 57 years you’ve been in my life, but here are some of the ways:
1) You were my role model as I watched you be a strong woman of God who served so beautifully as a loving, faithful and devoted pastor’s wife, organist, Sunday School teacher, women and children’s leader, and so many other ministries that you devoted your heart and life to.

2) I will forever be grateful that my grandparents were the first to know you and introduced you to my family. You and Dad loved my grandparents and gave them so much love and support, especially as you would drive the distance across Dallas to pick them up and take them home from church. You loved and cared for so many others as "Mom" and "Mother" to many more than Ron & Karen.

3) You loved my family and showed so much hospitality to us. Oh the joys of Kip’s Big Boy on Sunday nights. You and my Mom became best of friends that prayed endlessly for us.

4) You and Dad were so loving and kind to me, welcoming me into your lives even as a young girl. You picked me to be Mahlah in the Church Christmas Play. I felt so special. I loved the sweet Christmas programs that you led all those little kids with such patience and love. Thank you for letting me wear your mink stole at prom. I felt like a Hollywood star. ;-)

5) The greatest gift you gave me was your beloved son. That beautiful boy who became a beautiful man stole my heart forever. There is no one that could ever compare to his talents and abilities. Our love for each other stood the test of time, the test of tough and good times, the test of sickness and in health, the test of raising kids, the test of trusting God through every challenge. I thank you for instilling such strong faith into him, for the man of God he was, for the sense of humor, and, even for those “perfection” qualities that made him to always expect excellence from all of us. I thank you for instilling in him his musical gifts that gave so many such encouragement and joy. I thank you for everything about this precious man that filled my life with love and joy....most of the time! ;-)

6) You were always supportive to me as a daughter -- not just a daughter-in-law. You were there many times when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I’ll always remember and treasure your support.

7) You were always an incredible grandmother to my two -- and great granny to my grandchildren. They all loved your homes that were filled with so much love and warmth -- that included lots of places to run around and play, the best toast ever, playing your organ, your mustard plasters, your swimming pool, your apple pies and chocolate cake. Your gardens produced so many delicious vegetables. And, your canned pickles were the best EVER!

8) Being at the organ will always be a precious memory of you -- and me getting to play the piano with you at church. You always encouraged me and helped me so much to play without music.

9) You have been an incredible example of serving God with all your heart, at church, home or at work. I was always impressed by your sales abilities at Sears. Everyone loved the discounted clothes you got us. Ron’s pastel colored shirts and pants and his long hair were the hot topic by all the church folk, but you defended him all the way!

10) You always had the greatest wit and sense of humor. You could make us laugh without even trying.

Mom, God must have loved us so much, that He gave you to us as the best TREAT ever. I celebrate this special day, honor you and give thanks to God for your life, your continual prayers for us and the living example of a Proverbs 31 woman of God.
Happy “95th” Birthday, Mom! I love you so much......Donna <3

We Rejoiced BIG Time on This Day That the Lord Made

Day 299 of Photo Inspirations -- We Rejoiced BIG Time on This Day That the Lord Made!
Yesterday was packed full of Girl time, Granny time and Nana time.  These photos are from a fun packed day that started with my girls coming in on Friday night (the boys were hanging out in College Station for the Texas A&M game -- Go Aggies!).  Then the first thing Saturday morning, we headed to Mom's (Granny's) to give her a birthday surprise of the girls being in town to celebrate her birthday with her.  After hugs and kisses, then Staci took the opportunity to share Granny's birthday with the world as she interviewed her on "Periscope" (another new technology app where you can do a live feed that is seen worldwide if viewers have that app and are online at the time).  Staci videoed Granny and interviewed her for the viewers. Here is excerpts:

Staci:  As a Pastor's wife for over 50+ years, on this your 93rd birthday, can you give us your top 3 leadership tips?
Granny:  #1 --It's very simple.  Do not be selfish and think about yourself all the time.  It's about helping the woman and man and children who have no one to encourage them and praise them and lift them up.  I love to help people.  #2 -- Say to yourself -- "me, myself and I have to go back here (she pointed backwards) -- there's too many out there that need attention".   I'm going to encourage them.  #3  I say, "Lord, I don't have time for myself like I should because I'm too busy helping others.  So I say "Lord, you're gonna' have to help me, because I'm too busy helping others to take care of me!"

She had people from Turkey, Brazil, India, Russia, Argentina, and all over the U.S. -- over 150 more viewers -- many that gave comments that we saw on-screen.  And many others giving "heart likes".   They all loved her and were so inspired by her zest for life. A 16 year old posted, "I wish people my age could hear your wisdom today." Staci and Granny continued:

Staci:  Someone wants to know what you think about rap music?
Granny:  It's not my favorite.  I love worship.  I love to sing to the Lord.

Staci:  Someone is asking what your favorite memory is.
Granny:  We were 12 kids in the family.  We played together.  We worshipped together.  Our mom and dad read the Bible to us.  We were happy.  We didn't have much, but we didn't need much. It's not about things.
Staci:  Granny, people are being so blessed to see you today.
Granny:  I am having a worldwide revival.

Staci:  Someone is asking you how you feel.
Granny:  (Jumping up to her feet and exclaimed) Great.  Yay!

Staci:  What is the last thing you want to say today?
Granny:  We must keep our eyes on God.  People are too busy today.  The Bible says that God says "Be still and know that I am God.  I want to talk to you.  Slow down so you can hear me."

While the rest of our day was spent having fun girl time -- shopping, eating out, going to the Pumpkin Patch (my special request) -- nothing compared to this little precious, keepsake memory of a sweet saint's birthday that was shared with the world.  We thought about how she and Dad pastored for many years, and today, she carried on "preaching the good news".  While the day for some was about all the ghosts and goblins.......she got to spread THE LIGHT.  No wonder she's been such a LIGHT to so many for so many yea

rs.