Want Something to Celebrate? Celebrate YOU!

I love the saying “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” When we were kids, we couldn’t count the months and days fast enough until another birthday rolled around. But, the older we get we’d just as soon let the next birthday roll around unnoticed – that is unless you’re my dear friend, Peggy Boerner. This birthday was a milestone one and she owned it because she’s the pilot of her “plane”. She’s a “can-do” gal who takes matters into her own hands and makes what matters – matter.

These photos show a group of Hyde Park friends (where I lived in Tulsa) who were invited by Peggy to celebrate and enjoy an evening out together. Riding in a limo bus to a wonderful restaurant and then to the historic Mayo Hotel for great views of Tulsa and more fun times together. I was honored to be among the invitees!

Proverbs 18:24 says “To have friends, show yourself friendly.” The Proverbs contain much wisdom about being a friend and how to find a friend. Peggy has been a dear friend to me in so many ways, the most of which is her "welcome mat". She always has “my room” ready for me in her beautiful, peaceful home and makes me feel so loved and welcomed.

I’ve heard adults and children say that they didn’t have any friends or that they had trouble finding friends. And there's probably a reason for it. There is a key to having loyal friends or making friends in the first place. We have to show ourselves friendly. And Peggy is outstanding at that – so friendly that she has her birthday celebration with her pals.

May I suggest that we all become better friends – having celebrations of life and living. We can’t do anything about the past, but we can sure do things differently now and in the future. We can enjoy the ride much more. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, it is like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more. It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make moments, minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most.

I speak a lot about it, but I repeat: Treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship.

The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT Who holds our future in the palm of His hands! And, I assure you, if indeed “time flies when you’re having fun”, then Peggy and I are having a blast!

My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I'm done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I've been giving a brief overview of my weekend's celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn't slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.

Determined to be TWEAKABLE!

Tweakable: making fine adjustments, alterations, change, modification, adaptable

I know it's hard to believe, but I was a shy, timid introvert in my youth years. I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that created the MUST to interact with people. So, obviously, I was not voted to be "Most Popular". And, I know it's even harder to believe that, in some respects, I am still not, by my nature, outgoing. I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation. But, who wants to be THAT girl? I didn't, so I became TWEAKABLE. I realized, long ago, that if I remained being an introvert, I would never have friends. "If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly." Proverbs 18:24

In one of the devotional emails that I received from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, he said : "Here's some good news. You aren't stuck with today's personality. You aren't condemned to "grumpydom". You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don't have to die one. Where did we get the idea we can't change? Where do statements come from such as "It's just my nature to worry," or...."I'll always be pessimistic. I'm just that way." Or, "I have a bad temper. I can't help the way I react." Who says? Would we say, "It's just my nature to have a broken leg. I can't do anything about it." Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts? Can't we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like His!" He wants to tweak us!

And, I add to Max's words, if I desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, I must move out of my comfort zone, and be the gal that I want to hang with. When I'm that gal -- others will be drawn to me, and I will be drawn to those who need me and I need them.

And speaking of tweak-able, I'm so tweak-able that today, after spending two days in Tulsa, visiting dear friends and family, I'm taking a quick drive over to Oklahoma City to hang out with my Austin family. My son, Ryan Wuerch, will be running his 50th marathon on Sunday at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This "tweakable" gal ran that OKC marathon as my first half-marathon seven years ago. I was tweakable enough to go from jaunts around the neighborhood and on my treadmill to all out gusto running my first half marathon (13.1 miles). That feat and all the other feats I've managed to accomplish would have never been possible if I had stayed in a mindset "I'll never change!" Change is possible -- and when we are willing to change -- the doors to adventure open wide!

Convenience or Relationships?

Three days ago, I ordered two items on Amazon Prime. The items arrived two days later. Sometimes, it's next day. How convenient is that? I didn't have to leave my house!! My daughters often order their groceries from Instacart (Instacart is a grocery delivery service where personal shoppers pick up and deliver the groceries to your door within an hour). How much time does that save? They don't have to leave their home! We may go to church, but we sit at the back, then we're in and out without engaging in conversation with others. We drive into our automatic-garage-door garages -- so we never really converse with our neighbors. We sit at a dinner table -- and rather than being engaged with others at the table, we are texting or surfing on our cell phones.

Where am I going with these observations? I shared this because of a message I heard from Pastor Ryan Malouff at Expression Church in Austin last Sunday (where my kids attend). I perked up when he said, "We've gotten lazy in our approach to relationships. We opt for less conversation and more instantaneous convenience. Once upon a time, our society was about interacting, purposely engaging in conversations -- getting to know each other."

Whatever happened to "relationship" building -- making the effort to get to know our neighbors, our kids' teachers, other kids' family members, attending various groups of interest to get to know others and be a blessing to them.

Think about Jesus. He was a mingler. He went out of his way to engage in conversation (i.e., the Samaritan woman at the well, visits to Mary, Lazarus and Martha's home, spending time cultivating relationships with His disciples, going to Zacchaeus' house and speaking to him and his family about God's love for them). When we're avoiding relationships, we are missing the opportunity to be an encourager to them. Did you know we can be the CEO of our lives? We can all be Chief Encouragement Officers. We can be a light that others need in their lives.

"If you want friends, you must first show yourself friendly." Proverbs 18:24. I've taken that scripture to heart as I've forced myself to be a part of women's groups, Bible Studies, meet my neighbors, attend meetings at my community center, and hang around after church to meet and greet others in the family. I can't stay cooped up and withhold the goodness of God that someone is craving to have. How about you?

Not Looking for a Celebration -- I AM a Celebration Looking For a Place to Land!

This is my friend, Debbie Moutsos! I do hope you'll meet her someday because you'll know you have met a celebration when you do. Several weeks ago she sent out these birthday invitations to her own party. From Woodstock to Medicare -- Debbie is Turning 65.

Last night was that party -- and it was everything she had hoped it would be. So many friends from around the country came to celebrate this full-of-life gal. One of her friends stood up to talk about her. She said, "I don't think I've ever met anyone who was so excited to turn 65 so they could get Medicare!"

It's true. I've heard it said many times "I can't wait until I'm 65 when I can get Medicare!" Those of us who were paying those high dollar insurance premiums monthly, can wholeheartedly agree with Debbie. I sure did. We paid into that benefit and it sure feels rewarding when we must have a doctor appointment, a procedure or even a hospital stay and we read "Bill Paid in Full".

Ever hear someone complain or be sad because their birthday went way under the radar. It seemed everyone forgot their special day and it made them feel so unappreciated. It even caused them to go into a deep depression. That's because their happiness depended on others and what they did or didn't do for them. In Debbie's case, she didn't wait to be celebrated. She prepared, organized, paid a substantial amount for the incredible meal to be catered -- a 5-Star meal at that.

She had a tremendous band there -- which created the desire to dance and sing along. Debbie danced with just about every man that was there -- young or old. She even announced "I've lost 20 pounds because of my water aerobics class (her instructor was at the party) and I'm going to lose 20 more because I'm looking for a man!" She has no filter! LOL!

The fact is, Debbie could have easily taken the money she spent on this party and gone on a cruise or extended vacation, but instead, she wanted to extend her love and appreciation to her friends and family -- far and near. With or without a party....Debbie always is The-Life-of-the-Party! You can hear her laughing from afar.

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Why am I making such a big deal about Debbie's birthday celebration? Because, she taught me something. When she moved to Tulsa from South Padre Island two years ago, she had one friend here. She had to start all over with meeting new friends. She did and last night -- she expressed how much she loves her Hyde Park Family!! She was willing to get out of her comfort zone and start over again with new friends. Proverbs 18:24 says "To have friends, show yourself friendly." Debbie has got that down pat!

In life, it's easy to get stuck on a "What about me?" mentality. But then comes along a Debbie who, instead of saying "What about me?", says "It's all about me -- so let's throw ME a party!" That's how I want to live. I want to be a celebration just looking for a place to land -- so let's start NOW....planning our gratitude and thanksgiving party! I'm sure the whole town will want to be there....because we're just that kind of fun-loving, fun-acting and love-giving kind-of-people!

My Heart is Full

Day 235 of Photo Inspirations -- My Heart is Full
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."  Ephesians 1:16.  Those are St. Paul's words, but they're my words, too.   I am overcome with the love I felt from you, my FB family and friends, for your outpouring of kindness and thoughtfulness to send me so many warm wishes for my birthday.  You especially reminded me how incredible that Facebook is.  Whoever wants friends to make you feel loved and appreciated.....make friends on FB.  "A man (woman) who wants friends, must show himself (herself) friendly."  Proverbs 18:24.

I know a lot of folks bash Facebook, the world's largest social network. But while naysayers speak against it, my Facebook network of friends has increased and has blessed me immensely. It's become a vital tool both personally, professionally and one of my most passionate tools for sharing God's love.

Yes, I'm a thriving, loving life, motivated and passionate widow of nearly five years now and whose children and grandchildren live in another state.  Two reasons for the option to be whiny on my birthday:  widow and kids out of state.  But, for me, success and living life with gusto means overcoming the mindset of loneliness or self-pity.  Facebook, along with other purposeful outlets and places of giving back, have been so important to.me.  I've been given so much.  Having "likes" on my daily blogs gives me motivation to continue to do what I KNOW God called me to do.  The biggest gift is that it's reciprocal -- having a way to easily provide support and encouragement to others feels so good.

Facebook was also such a useful launching pad for my business.  I reached my business goals in record speeds because of the trust that I had earned from my FB friends.

But, yesterday, FB went to a new level when I realized that it made me feel like a celebrity on my birthday.  I admit it.  Facebook makes birthdays way more fun.  Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg and thank you, Facebook, and THANK YOU, my wonderful friends and family!

And, I'm so grateful for my family and friends that made me feel like a queen with their gifts of presents AND presence.  These photo inspirations are worth a thousand words.  I am so blessed -- far more than I deserve, but God's grace exceeds what we deserve, it is the unmerited favor of God that blankets us in what we need when we need it.

Yesterday, there was nothing more precious than your words, thoughts and prayers.  Becoming a year older has its rewards.....and you ALL rewarded me remarkably.  God bless you all for taking the time to make this "ole' girl" feel so loved.

Photo Inspirations:  Breakfast with Mom, Karen, George & Anna
Lunch with my Walking Buddies: Sharon Ray​ & Nancy Crow​
Dinner with my BFFs - Mick & Sheila Michie​

Who Says Changing is Impossible?

Day 103 of Photo Inspirations -- Who Says Changing is Impossible?
I know it's hard to believe, but I was a shy, timid introvert as I grew up.  I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that caused me to HAVE to interact with people.  So, obviously, I was not voted to be "Most Popular".  And, I know it's even harder to believe that, in some respects, I am still not, by my nature, outgoing.  I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation.  But, I realized, long ago, that if I remained in that mindset, I would never have friends.  "If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly."  Proverbs 18:24

I receive devotional emails from my favorite author, Max Lucado, and this is what he said recently:  "Here's some good news.  You aren't stuck with today's personality. You aren't condemned to "grumpydom".  You are tweak-able!  So what if you were born a bigot?  You don't have to die one.  Where did we get the idea we can't change?  Where do statements come from such as "It's just my nature to worry," or...."I'll always be pessimistic.   I'm just that way."  Or, "I have a bad temper.  I can't help the way I react."  Who says?  Would we say, "It's just my nature to have a broken leg.  I can't do anything about it."  Of course not.  If our body malfunctions, we seek help.  Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts?  Can't we seek aid for our sour attitudes?  Of course we can.  Jesus can change our hearts!  He wants us to have a heart like His!"

And, I add to Max's words, if I desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, I must move out of my comfort zone, and be the gal that I want to hang with.  When I'm that gal -- others will be drawn to me, and I will be drawn to those who need me and I need them.

And speaking of tweak-able, I'm so tweak-able that today I'm leaving on a 20-day adventure to Northern Europe with some new friends and will be sharing a cabin with a gal I've never met before.  This feat would have never been possible if I had stayed in a mindset "I'll never change!"  Change is possible -- and when we are willing to change -- the doors to adventure will open wide!
#ChangeIsPossible