Bunny Trails That Give Bunnies a Bad Name

So I’m still caring for this pint-size Yorkie who, BTW, is about to get "shipped out" because she keeps telling me what to do. “Treat? Go for a Walk? Scratch my tummy! Put me as close to you as I possibly can get!" And, I yield to her, almost every time. Those big brown eyes are irresistible! What she doesn’t realize is that’s why I don’t have a pet of my own. I’m quite content with being responsible for just me and "just me" enjoys not having anyone telling me what to do, where to go, and what to say. Well, with the exception of Holy Spirit Who I’m prone to do, go and say what He says! I’ll admit, if someone was spying on us, they’d get a kick out of Emma and me conversing and me telling her she better “shape up or ship out”!

Our four-times-a-day walks include her trying to follow bunny trails – and me, reeling her back to the nice casual walk around the neighborhood. She endlessly sniffs around in circles, never getting anywhere. And she certainly never finds the bunny. But, I can’t blame her because I tend to go off on bunny trails myself. In fact, my bunny trails give bunnies a bad name. For example, I go to change my wash to the dryer, and on the way, I see my plant that needs to be watered and after I water the plant, I notice dishes that I need to put into the dishwasher. And, oh, while Im doing that, I realize I need to buy more dishwasher soap so I get my notepad. While I make a note of the soap, I hear a great commercial that says: “Order now. Call 1-800-xxx-xxxx.” I know I want it so as I start to order it, I remember that I need to change my wash to the dryer. Oh me!

Like I have to reel Emma back in, I think I’m feeling the tug from my Father – reeling me back in and reminding me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways (including the bunny trails) acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight!” (Proverbs 3:5,6) And from Psalm 119:1 “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”

I sure don’t want to be caught up going in circles, looking for a rabbit or bunny or even a squirrel. I desire to be focused, being intentional and purposeful in whatever my hands find to do. It’s been said that purposefulness is having “conscious” intention. It is having a clear focus on what and why we're doing it.

I’m tending to think that this little Yorkie is more God’s plan than it my kids’ plan. I need to learn what NOT to do – being double-and-triple minded instead of single-minded. I’m determined to devote myself to the project at hand, not a part time or sorta-kinda commitment. And combine it with faith to believe that God will help me live out the purpose He has given me.

Wondering What God’s Will is For Your Life?

I saw this Fall embellished version of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – read it, took it to heart, and, whoa-la -- my blog for today! Thanks, God, for the inspiration! I love it when I see and hear from Him. I’ve always said, my blogs are for me AND you!

Clearly, this verse from 1 Thessalonians 5, speaks more about God’s will being in our actions than His actions. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for THIS IS GOD’S WILL for you in Christ Jesus.” When we do our part – staying in a mindset of rejoicing, pursuing Him in prayer and having an attitude of gratitude IN ALL circumstances – we can let go, and LET GOD! BTW – notice the scripture says “…give thanks IN all things” not FOR all things. So in the middle of an illness or a crisis of some kind….right smack dab IN the middle of “the things”, we thank God for His goodness, love, mercy, and grace. That is HIS will for us.

God knows the beginning to the end of our story and when we live in sheer resolve to keep Him up front in our lives – His will, just naturally, is a part of every action, reaction, decision and follow-through. But, dear Lord, how can I rejoice ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks IN ALL circumstances? That sounds like a waaay over-the-top, unrealistic challenge! But God never speaks in “impossibilities”. He is always "all things are possible” speaking! I believe that we can ALWAYS purposely focus on our heart’s attitude. It expresses itself throughout the day with silent prayers of vital communication with the LORD. We can always be "on line" with God so when the Holy Spirit moves us to pray, we can instantly agree with Him. When in agreement with the Holy Spirit, we are praying continuously. The heart attitude of praying without ceasing means an ever-open heart to the Lord’s leading.

If we are praying without ceasing -- even while driving, changing the baby, washing dishes, or running a lawn mower -- we can be open to the leading of the Spirit when He urges us to pray for something or someone. We all need a refresher course in clearing our heads and hearts to hear directions from Heaven-Central! And, when we stay connected to the “hot line” by rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances….we can be assured God’s plans and will are being done on earth as they are in heaven.

Where we are – He is and when we trust Him as we’re doing our part to rejoice, pray and give thanks – He gives us peace and understanding. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6). Get that? We’re “IN ALL HIS WAYS” when He gets our attention. We don’t have to look far or go far --- because He’s already there.

Lord, I'm Letting Go and Letting You Control

I'm single so I don’t have so much “need to control” any more. I have my say with the remote control, choosing what to eat and when to eat it, when to wake up and when to go to bed. But, I’ve noticed some control issues far too many times. God noticed and I feel His divine chisel out that is slicing and dicing off my rough edges. It isn’t comfortable, but I am yielding to His still small voice that often gets loud and clear. I'm letting go and letting Him control.

No doubt, all of us, in one way or the other, have some “control" issues. Recently I was trying to reorganize a group meeting AFTER the plans were settled and done. What in the world? Lord, please help me let go and let others have their way and, by all means, to let go and let YOU have YOUR way. This morning, in my daily text message to my children, I sent this scripture to them. I’m quite sure it was as much for me as them: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT to your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him and He will direct your paths.” Thanks, God! I needed that reminder!

Maybe you relate to my musings this morning. Maybe you, too, have control issues. Last week, I heard a mom share how her grown, married daughter doesn’t want to communicate with her or even come to see her and spend time with her. But the back story is this mom has control issues – always advising and telling her what to do. She is one of those helicopter parents (overprotective and hovering over the every move of her daughter). Control issues are the enemy’s tactics to drive wedges in relationships.

Recently, I had a passenger with me in my car and before I could get the car started, she was already telling me how to drive, which road to turn on, which direction to go and how fast to go. I was quite proud of myself because I just let her “control”. There are just sometimes it’s best to let a controller be in control – for Pete’s sake -- and for peace sake.

Bottom line.....it's time to let go of having to control. It's time to choose "surrender" over "control". Submitting instead of controlling. Again, that scripture says it best….”in ALL your ways, submit to Him” – let Him be the controller.

Dear God, I confess I like being in control. It makes me feel safe and secure. It makes me feel like I have a purpose. But I know that being a control freak isn’t going to get me anywhere. Help me surrender control to you each and every day. Help me trust in you deeply, so that I will not fear surrendering that control. I open the cage and let the "control" birds fly away! Amen.

Trusty Steed -- Trustworthy Men & Women of God

While having my morning devotion yesterday, my eyes became fixed on the painting across my living area from me. I remember when my husband and I purchased that painting decades ago. We bought it because we saw King David (thus, the small bust of David that sits below the painting) and his muscle-bound, trusty steed and his majestic power that is being harnessed by David’s power. Restrained horsepower!

I looked up horsepower to see where that word came from. I found that when the steam engine began to do the work of horses in mines in the 1800s, the mine owners asked how many horses an engine would replace. James Watt (that guy whose name appears on our lightbulbs – watt/wattage), who invented steam engines, found a way to equate horses to engine power. Thus the term, horsepower. Watt measured the capability of a big horse to pull a load and found it could pull a weight of 150 pounds while walking at 2.5 miles per hour. That works out to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute or 550 foot-pounds per second. There you go. Now you know, too. You’re welcome!

Back to the trusty steed's horsepower being harnessed by David’s power. Trust. Trustworthy. Steed (spirited and ready for war). The greatest use of the word, trust, is in this scripture. “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5. Don’t we want to TRUST in others with all our hearts? I learned from caring for my grandson’s animals that I needed to gain their trust. I needed to be trustworthy.

I’m showing my age here but two of my favorite TV shows were Roy Rogers and The Lone Ranger. Roy Rogers trusty steed, Trigger”, would come to him when he whistled. He performed and showed up because he trusted Roy. The Lone Ranger saved his horse, Silver's life from an enraged buffalo and, in gratitude, Silver chose to give up his wild life to carry him. We had a huge quarter horse “Brave” to help rustle up our cattle (We had 75 head of cattle. That story is for another day) and it took a little time to gain his trust but before long our little 5-year old daughter could ride him fearlessly.

Trust is a really big deal. We’ve heard it said, “They have ‘trust’ issues”. That’s because someone was untrustworthy. We’ve seen how marriages, partnerships, and friendships have been destroyed because someone proved they couldn’t be trusted.

Trust is defined as “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.” In these days, our core values need to be redefined. A relationship with a horse or another animal, and most importantly, with those people in our lives that we hold near and dear to our hearts, isn’t based on snuggles and hugs and kisses. It’s based upon trust. Not so much ours of them, though that is important. But more important is the horse’s trust, the loved one’s trust… in us. The horse can’t be talked into trust. Trust has to be proven to him. It is the same for us. Trust is proven over and over, day by day, lifetime by lifetime. “Trust the Lord with all your heart” is possible because time and again, God proves Himself trustworthy to us. Shouldn’t the words “Trust Donna or John or Cathy or Sam with all your heart” be the same because WE are trustworthy? If a horse can become a trusty steed to take into battle and be assured of victory, shouldn’t we be trusty/trustworthy men and women of God that are linked arm and arm with brothers and sisters to wage war on the enemy of our souls and WIN big? Shouldn't trustworthiness be a priceless treasure and one of our top core values?

I Keep Trusting the Lord With All My Heart

When I lived in Tulsa and headed up a Life Group in my home, I bought several of these little plates to give to the gals on their birthday. I'd add some yummy treats to the gift, but the words from Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" was the most important part of the gift. I had one plate left and when I was getting a plate for my scrambled eggs, I randomly pulled that one out. I took the message to heart. I knew God was giving me the nudge I needed. When I got in my car, on the seat was this penny. "In God We Trust". I embraced the message that God was wanting me to get. He knows me so well.

When I have these encounters, I don't take them lightly. I consider them divine, coming straight from "Heaven Central". If there's anything about my childhood that I treasure the most, it was my upbringing in a church and family that taught me the importance of memorizing scriptures. I can't begin to tell you how many times when I was in a situation that I needed a quick word of encouragement and support, and I would recollect God's Word that I had stored in my heart. “Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.” (Proverbs 7:2)

Jesus wasn't at all random with getting His point across to those who followed Him and needed an encouraging word. He used fish, a bird, a well, water, bread, salt, a candle, etc. My faith tells me God was intentional with those words to me just as much as He used object lessons with those He taught as He walked this earth.

I'll admit there are seasons of wondering while I was wandering. I wondered what my future would hold, who my friends would be, when and what my ministry in this season would look like, and how I can best make use of the time I have remaining on this earth. Then right in the midst of my wondering about the what, who, when, and how.....a simple plate and a penny told me, AGAIN, to simply TRUST in God. The rest of that Proverbs 3:5 says "and lean not to your own understanding". My mind says "You need to figure this out" but God says in Proverbs 3:5 and 6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge HIM and He will direct your steps."

Once again, God got the last word....and His words are always the "word in season" that gives us the assurance that He's got this so all we have to do is to TRUST! Has He given you one of His object lessons recently? I'd love to hear it!

Is Your "Faith Tank" Running on Empty?

Before I left for Austin on Sunday, I made sure to get my car filled with gas. I was thinking the closer I go South, maybe the gas shortage could create a “treasure hunt” to find gas – not to mention the price of gas might be higher as I travel further South also. I did notice, as I traveled South that there were empty gas stations – no gas available, so I was glad I had filled up before leaving Frisco.

I thought I’d stop in at my favorite gas station, Buc-ee's, and its ginormous store, At Buc-ee’s, you’ll find every snack and meal you can imagine, drink, home décor, Texas themed apparel and lots of Buc-ee’s name brand merchandise. Best of all, they have really nice and clean bathrooms -- and no waiting -- plenty room for busloads. This Buc-ee’s is just South of Temple, TX which is about 75 miles from my kids’ home in Austin. To my delight, even though there were plenty of their 60+ pumps shut down, they had plenty that were open at a gas price of $2.29 a gallon for unleaded gas. I filled up just in case Austin stations were low on gas. Unfortunately, Premium and Diesel gas wasn’t available.

On my way back home to Tulsa, yesterday, I went back to Buc-ee’s and even more pumps were shut down, but the few remaining, gave me the opportunity to fill up for my trip home and beyond.

Friends in my Frisco community told me that Dallas is having an unusual gasoline shortage. I posted about the craziness I encountered when I was filling my car up last Saturday. Apparently, the craziness was because word got out that Hurricane Harvey could cause massive gas shortages. As a result, thousands of people in our area rushed to gas pumps, which, if they were open, the line stretched for hours.

Isn’t that craziness like our culture today? People get all worked up about politics, a flu virus, global warming, Wall Street’s ups and downs, the cost of gasoline or the lack thereof. They watch dismal news stations 24-7 and they over-react and start complaining and expressing fear to those around them.

I’ll admit I was a bit cautious about traveling to Austin because I needed to be back home for meetings yesterday and if there was a gas shortage, I’d miss my must-be-at meetings. But, then I took a deep breath and settled my “unsettledness” with my favorite scripture “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways (the highways and byways) acknowledge Him, He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6). I like to think that my stopping at Buc-ee’s was Him directing my paths. He was there for me going AND coming!!

Maybe it’s time for us to look at our own lives and what we need to make it with a “full tank” of high octane fuel to be our best, but not just during short bursts or when we need to be at our “peak.” We want to live and maintain our full potential, to reach and sustain what is called “high performance.” High performance is that living “above and beyond” the fray. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Maybe it’s time for us to look at how our faith and attitude measures up during times like these. We need to consider is our "faith tank" full of high octane fuel to help us go the distance? An octane rating, or octane number, is a standard measure of the performance of an engine. How is your engine (your mind, will and emotions) running? Is it performing at its best? Our we running on the bare minimum of just aa little “God additive” with a thought towards Him occasionally in our day? Of course, He is always with us and never forsakes us, but what if we put in the premium fuel that includes “living in His presence” where we acknowledge Him regularly throughout our day and even spend time in His Word – soaking in the peace that passes understanding, the joy of the Lord which is our strength, the love that never fails and the confidence that "Our God reigns" and our God lives big in us. With that kind of "additive" how could we not be thriving and getting extra mileage for the journey?

I'm Trusting in the Lord With All My Heart!

When I lived in Tulsa and headed up a Life Group in my home, I bought several of these little plates to give to the gals on their birthday. I'd add some yummy treats to the gift, but the words from Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" was the most important part of the gift. I had one plate left and when I was getting a plate for my scrambled eggs yesterday morning, I randomly pulled that one out. I took the message to heart. I knew God was giving me the nudge I needed. When I got in my car, on the seat was this penny. I embraced the message that God was wanting me to get. He knows me so well.

When I have these encounters, I don't take them lightly. I consider them divine, coming straight from "Heaven Central". If there's anything about my childhood that I treasure the most, it was my upbringing in a church and family that taught me the importance of memorizing scriptures. I can't begin to tell you how many times when I was in a situation that I needed a quick word of encouragement and support, and I would recollect God's Word that I had stored in my heart. “Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.” (Proverbs 7:2)

Jesus wasn't at all random with getting His point across to those who followed Him and needed an encouraging word. He used fish, a bird, a well, water, bread, salt, a candle, etc. My faith tells me God was intentional with those words to me yesterday just as much as He used object lessons with those He taught as He walked this earth.

I'll admit I've been in a season of wondering while I was wandering. I wondered what my future would hold, who my friends would be, when and what my ministry in this season would look like, and how I can best make use of the time I have remaining on this earth. Then right in the midst of my wondering about the what, who, when, and how.....a simple plate and a penny told me, AGAIN, to simply TRUST in God. The rest of that Proverbs 3:5 says "and lean not to your own understanding". My mind says "You need to figure this out" but God says in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge HIM and He will direct your steps."

Once again, God got the last word....and His words are always the "word in season" that gives us the assurance that He's got this so all we have to do is to TRUST! Has He given you one of His object lessons recently? I'd love to hear it!

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I'm big on recognizing blessings aka the favor of God. For example -- that parking place close to the door of the store, the unexpected check in the mail, the traffic light turning green before you stop, the sale price on an item we needed. I think that the more I give credit to where or WHO the credit is due, the more the blessings come, even if it's as simple as finding something that was lost and suddenly you find it.

Sunday night, there was a crazy thunder and lightning storm and torrential rains that hit the Austin area where my kids live. At midnight, the electricity went off and at 12:30 am, I knew it because my bedroom was warming up fast, and I couldn't see my alarm clock -- it was pitch black in the room. I went back to sleep and woke up at 3 am (saw my cell phone clock) and the electricity was still off. I needed to wake up at 5 and be on the road by 6 in order to beat the Austin morning traffic as I was heading back to Frisco for an appointment. Of course I didn't fall back into a sound sleep because I didn't want to oversleep. Fortunately, my phone light guided me to my little flashlight that I used to get dressed and packed up. I sure needed that curling iron but I knew I could stop at a truck stop to get myself together. In the light of the way that morning started, it could be seen as getting up on the wrong side of the bed and if I were a negative thinker, could have thought that this day just might go downhill. But, it didn't -- thanks to the FOG -- Favor of God. That's my daily mindset -- I always look for the FOG and give credit to God when those favors come my way.

I stopped by a truck stop -- but no electricity outlets in there and on down the road I saw Rest Area -- and initially thought "They wouldn't give electrical outlets for free electricity", but I was wrong. Clean restrooms and electric outlets! I even encountered a really sweet lady and we shared our "electric outage" stories and mine paled in comparison to the difficulties members of her family had recently gone through with losing their home to a fire caused by a lightning strike. It's a matter of perspective -- our "little" inconveniences are minute compared to those who are REALLY dealing was some of life's greatest challenges.

My left turn signal went out and I could have looked at the inconvenience of getting the light replaced. As I drove into Frisco and almost to my daughter's home, I saw an automotive parts store and got the replacement bulb and asked the cashier where I could go to get it put in for me. He replied "Right next door at Kwik Kar Car Repair. Hmmm! Thanks, God! The general manager there helped me and said "I won't charge you to put it in -- just too easy to do for you", he said. I was so grateful and then I asked "What about my DRL light (daytime running light) that also needs replacement?" He said he'd check it for me. Just before I had left for Austin, I went to the Buick Dealership for an oil change and asked if they could replace the DRL light for me. The price was going to be $250 -- I told them I'd wait until I returned back to Dallas. The Kwik Kar General Manager put both lights in that I needed and he said "No charge". I was in shock because of what the Buick Dealership was going to charge me. I gave him a $50 tip. Favor of God.

From there I went to Panera Bread to grab a glass of iced tea. The cashier said, "No charge!" WHAT are you saying to me, Lord? "The Favor of God".

As many of you are aware that since my home in Tulsa sold back in September, I've been living between the homes of a dear friend and my mother-in-law in Tulsa, and my children in Frisco and Austin. Though I looked for possible homes to establish myself in Frisco (it's halfway between Austin and Tulsa), I never had the sense "Buy me!" That is, until this same day -- Monday. I had made an appointment with a realtor that I first met when I was introduced to Frisco Lakes and saw a couple of his homes but I just wasn't interested to the point of buying. That is, until Monday. The first home I went into, I sensed "This is it! This is that place you'll call 'home'! By the end of the day, without my children's approval or them even seeing the property, I made an offer on that home. Yesterday, I signed the final deal. I like to think that the month-long hiatus with God was producing His favor to me. I abided in His sweet presence -- seeking Him for the plans and purposes He had for me. I had peace and I know it was that peace that led me to this day and this place.

Staci was videoing me at my new house (closing will be April 3rd) and she asked what made the difference this time in making a decision. My response was Peace led me. That Peace that passed my understanding. That Peace that I've lived in way back before just recently. It was the same Peace that has kept me through some of my toughest times, but sweetest times, the Peace that came when my home in Tulsa sold when I wasn't even trying to sell it. It was the Peace that assured me that if I trusted Him with my whole heart and would not lean to my own understanding, but if in all my ways I would acknowledge Him, He would direct my steps and my pathways. He did and on this day, I give Him the utmost CREDIT where CREDIT is due. I give Him the praise and thanksgiving for loving me so much, that He never left me, but gave me the assurance that His favor was with me.

Trust Me -- I Have a Plan....God

My month-long hiatus ended yesterday, and today I’m moving over to the main house to reconnect with my family. What a great day to return to the real world – the newlyweds arrived (grandkids, Braden and Ruth) and oh how sweet it is to catch up with them. After all, I haven’t seen them since their wedding weekend. They are every bit as in love today (and more) than on that beautiful day in October. I know I’ve been immersed in this month of love with acknowledging God’s love for us and our love for Him, our love for our loved ones and our love for our babies……but I don’t think any love compares to that of finding that sweet romantic, everlasting love between a man and a woman. And, my grandson and his bride clearly demonstrate that sweet love.

Now I'm reflecting on the incredible opportunity to have spent an entire month of solitude -- really focusing on my relationship with God (with the exception of a few times when I needed to be on "Nana duty"). Did I get all the answers I was asking for during this sweet time? No, but something big changed inside me. Though I’m not so much a planner as I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of gal, I really did want to know where my journey, this year, was going to take me. A clear, defined destination would have been a wowzer result of my time alone with God. But I realized, God was offering me His hand instead of an itinerary and a map. I continue to hear His words: “Trust Me! Trust Me enough to know you don’t have to know the way ahead. I do. Hold onto Me. I’m holding onto you. Tomorrow will come and I will be there with you. I know where you’re headed and that’s what matters most."

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I’ve learned to practice more listening to God’s voice each day. Since this day is the one He made and I’m told to rejoice in it…..I’ve come to realize I don’t need to overthink my tomorrows. I know I need to be intentional to stop and listen to His voice. That Voice is calling me, and YOU, to stop worrying and planning for tomorrow as a way of distraction and procrastination — and listen to what He has to say to us today.

This Voice is kinder and more loving than all the voices that push us, rush us, and criticize us. This Voice wants to provide just what we need this very moment. And calls us to trust Him beyond what we can’t see ahead.

This day….we need to let go of some things that seem so pressing, so that we can be im-pressed by our loving Father that says “Peace be still” and “Be still and know that I am God” and “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

It's That Looney Cardinal Again

My son and family live in Austin on a large acreage which includes a lovely guest house that they offer to visiting missionaries, ministers and other visitors. I'm always at the main house when I'm there visiting, but I wanted a day of solitude a couple of weeks ago to meditate and finalize my thoughts for the upcoming Advent event I would be speaking at today here in Tulsa.

The house is tucked in heavy trees, off the beaten path, so it’s a perfect place to be still and hear from God. And that I did. As I settled down at the dining room table with my Bible, computer, notes, and cup of coffee, soon my envisioned “quiet and secret” place was interrupted by the constant beating on the windows of a hard-headed red cardinal. Poor bird -- I was concerned he was about to break his neck. It was annoying to say the least, until I thought “If I’m truly trusting God with all my heart and leaning not to my own understanding, and in all my ways acknowledging Him and trusting that He is directing my paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6), He must be using that cardinal to speak to me.

I remembered two winters ago that a cardinal family made their home in a crepe myrtle just outside my bedroom window. I began to cherish the cardinal because I came to understand that the cardinal is said to symbolize hope, joy, health, rejuvenation and celebration, the blood of Jesus that was shed for us, as well as to remind us of a dear loved one that may have passed from this earth.

A friend of mine, on the anniversary of her Dad's passing, was at her Mom and Dad's home, organizing family photos into envelopes for each of her eight siblings. When she put the last photo in the envelope, she looked out the window and saw a red cardinal in their backyard. Her dad loved cardinals. It was a sweet memory, and she knew that cardinal was heaven sent as she heard the words in her heart "Well done, good and faithful servant."

And, on this day in Austin, what seemed earlier like a looney cardinal, I knew now was a kiss from heaven to me. I like to think that my daddy, mama, grandparents AND, most of all, my sweetheart were sending me kisses from heaven to speak about the signs of Advent -- and talk about the many other "heaven sent" signs and messages from God that occur on a daily basis. Jesus used objects and "signs" to convey messages all the time. All those analogies that He used were probably from actual situations where He'd be by a well, and He'd talk about "living water" where we'd never thirst again; or the lilies of the field how they never toil -- He was probably by a field of lilies at the time; or when He said, "Consider the sparrows -- there were probably sparrows flying over head.. When He taught the parable of the sower, it's by no means a major stretch of our imagination to think that there was a sower in the next field where Jesus was.

So WHY wouldn't we see a cardinal and think of hope, joy, celebration AND sweet loved ones that could just be sending their love to us in the most beautiful way?

I knew my message tonight would include reference to the cardinal as a "sign" of hope and peace. And, all of that was confirmed when I arrived at Mom's house on Saturday.. When I walked in and saw her Christmas decorations with obvious "signs" of the cardinal -- the placemat, the pillow, the ceramic house and the sign. I knew I was on track.

It's about being a "Noticer" -- noticing those objects, signs, things, scriptures, nudges and hugs, where God reminds us of His love, His presence, His peace and hope. I'm just trusting Him so much that I'm willing to keep "noticing" how vast, how wide and deep is His love for me AND you.

Where Oh Where is Donna?

Yesterday, someone I just met said, "So where do you live?" It was the first time I needed to explain this season of my life. So I said, "Well, I fly by the seat of my pants, so wherever I land!" LOL!

So, here's the way I roll. I do my best to trust that in each day, I'm on point -- that is, God's point. To be where He guides, provides and selects for my good. After all, His Word declares "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6.

So since my home sold in Tulsa, when I wasn't even trying to sell it, I've been doing my best to acknowledge Him and trusting that my steps were right where He gave me the clear path to walk on. Initially, I thought I needed to quickly find a home in Texas to move to, but by all signs, or the lack thereof, it wasn't time yet. So my life has taken a turn for even greater trusting. Here's how I've rolled:
~ Home in Tulsa sold July 24th; Home closes September 23rd
~ Friend in Tulsa offers me to stay at her home as she is away until December; I finish personal, ministry and business commitments and then make my way to Texas.
~ November 8th -- Leave Tulsa (AFTER voting), and stopover in Frisco for a couple of days and then on November 10th -- arrived in Austin for a few days

The must gratifying part of this journey is being closer to my children and both families have graciously said "Mom/Nana, live with us!" Whew! I'm not homeless! LOL!

Actually, my stopover to Austin includes the celebration of my youngest grandson's birthday. Next stopover will be back to Frisco for a big event that Staci's two will be in and then it's back to Tulsa for a ministry event that I'll be speaking at and then back to Frisco for Staci's birthday. So, you can see, I really am flying by the seat of my pants. I keep myself amused because this isn't "my way". I'm one who likes the comfort and stability of my own bed in my own home, but "It's a new season. It's a new day. A fresh anointing of God's wisdom and direction is flowing my way!" (That's a song I love!)

Yesterday and today, 12-year old Brennan is in a baseball tournament. I love being here to celebrate and cheer him on. At this field are some signs that speak to my season.

FIELD of DREAMS -- Remember that movie? An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the Chicago White Sox come. I'm living in a field of dreams -- where I dream of being an ambassador of Christ -- sharing His love wherever I go. I'm building it in my heart -- and I believe God will use me here AND there.

MEMORIES BEGIN HERE -- Yes, each day I have the opportunity to make memories with my family, my loved ones and my friends. This season has just begun and I plan on memory-making every day!

"REMEMBER: These are kids. This is a game. Umpires are human. Your child does not play in the MLB." I loved this sign which was on every baseball field. You know those unruly parents that can lose their common sense over an umpire's call. In other words -- taking life WAY TOO SERIOUSLY!! In the grand scheme of things, WE are God's kids. Our lives are a game we play daily -- sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.....it's HOW we play the game that matters. Others are human (like us) and when they falter, we love them anyway and hope they do better next time. And God's children aren't expected to be perfect......but most certainly, we do our best to strive for perfection -- to be our very best for our FATHER -- Who really does KNOW BEST!

So, here I am on this grand adventure....taking it one day at a time and trusting that where He leads, I will follow. I'll let you know when I land.....in the meantime, battan down the hatches because the "Donna" jetstream just might be heading your way.....any day!

Take the First Step

Martin Luther King said, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

I know what was at the top of those two stairs in the photo. The first set was in my home in Sapulpa, OK that I moved from four years ago. Going UP those stairs, you'd find two more bedrooms, an office, a bathroom and a game room. But it didn't end there. There was a pull-down ladder that took you to a massive floored attic with plenty of storage space. It was great to have until my Sweetheart passed away, and when I went up there to see what he'd been storing up there, I gasped and hollered "Ronald Wuerch, what were you thinking -- leaving me with all this stuff to deal with?" LOL! Going back downstairs, you'd find the master bedroom, two baths, a dining room, great room and office. Going outside, there was a small lake at the back of the property that my kids and grandkids loved to hang out at and catch lots of fish.

The second set of steps in this photo take you FROM a crystal-clear, flowing creek, filled with an abundance of fish and waterfalls which all are a play area for my grandsons in Austin. Going UP those steps you'd find a beautiful pool, tennis court, barn, and house -- all of which my kids have made home.

Both of those sets of stairs started with taking STEPS of faith. My husband and I didn't know that would be the last home we would live in together, but having faith in God and His perfect plans and timing for our lives, we purchased that home -- that, by the way, needed a lot of renovations. It was long and hard work, but it was so worth it for the memories we made there, the precious family times, the Bible Studies and people's lives that were transformed there.

The steps on the 2nd photo represent the faith that my kids, Ryan and Shawntel, had in making a huge move from Seattle, the city, friends, church and the major league baseball and football teams they loved so much, to move all the way to Austin, TX. Sure they had walked up and down those steps many times before they took a giant step of faith to move there. They didn't see how it would all pan out, but their faith in God, caused them to take the first step. And, they, too, are making beautiful memories, meeting lots of new friends, sharing their home with missionaries and others as they invite family and friends in to their warm, welcoming home filled with God's love and peace.

Will there always be blue skies, birds chirping, and fish jumping in our lives once we take those FIRST STEPS? No, there won't. There WILL be days that climbing those steps seem insurmountable. There will be times when refusing to climb altogether is the easiest thing to do. There will be moments when we may wonder "Was this STEP OF FAITH really faith in action or presumption in action?" Here's the good news. Faith is not a matter of seeing what God is doing. Rather, faith is a matter of seeing God. Or, to put it another way, I may not know where God is leading, but I can trust that it is sufficient that He knows.

We can say to the Lord, "I am not going to put my faith in what I THINK you are doing. Rather, I am going to put my faith in YOU -- and be willing to see the Truth about what you are doing."

We are told to do this in Proverbs 3,5. "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not upon your own understanding." It isn't that God won't bring understanding. But it is, by faith that we TRUST.

Faith is never a mistake because faith is trust in the One who never makes a mistake. God will not fail to get us to where He desires if we continue to believe and trust Him. So, let's go ahead and take that first step. It's NO STEP for a STEPPER!

He Didn't Say "Yes, Dear!"

Day 221 of Photo Inspirations -- He Didn't Say "Yes, Dear!"
#TBT We were married just a couple of months when a friend convinced us we needed to let him send his vacuum cleaner salesman over to show us his "super duper electric dirt scooper" -- the AMAZING Filter Queen.  Being friends who cared about friends, we set up the appointment for "his guy" to come by.  He did, and with a convincing demo and an easy payment plan, we signed up for our almost do-it-by-itself vacuum.  The easy payment plan included....if we find other friends who would invite our salesman into their home, every time one of those friends purchased, that month would be free for us.  That sounded so easy that we signed on the dotted line.  Only thing was, we found out who OUR friends were....or were not.  So that $17 a month payment was a load of stress on our already overloaded budget.  I'll never forget how much faith it took to get that $17 a month bill paid.  Little did we realize it would be the first of many and far greater faith opportunities in future years.

It's amazing how far we've come since those early days.  That payment is a drop-in-the-bucket now compared to the lofty purchases and payments we made along the way.  But, that little $17 seed experience showed us God's faithfulness in the SMALL and the HUMANGOUS things we encountered.  It's all about trusting God with all our hearts -- no matter what our needs are....He promises to meet them as we wholeheartedly serve Him and lean on His understanding and His abilities working in and through us.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6.

But my vacuum cleaner story doesn't end there.  After several other vacuums through the years, ten years ago we needed a lighter and easier one to maneuver.  I was pleased with the one I found -- a reasonably priced model that would do the job just fine.  But, that wasn't my husband's plan.  He was convinced that we MUST have the ORECK vacuum -- a  lightweight, upright vacuum with incredible suction, a HEPA inner bag, furniture-friendly moves and a LIFETIME WARRANTY. The price for it was over $700.  With as many persuasive moves that I could muster up for negating this costly idea, my husband would not be moved.  He made the decision against my wishes.  I'll admit I sulked at spending that much money for a vacuum.  I reasoned that I could buy 4 vacuums for the one he purchased.  That was 10 years ago and 10 years of enjoying this fabulous vacuum.   I must say...."It was one of the best purchases we ever made."  It is light.  It moves automatically with very little pressure from me.  It's so light I can load it easily into my car or carry it up the stairs.  The least little thing needs repair -- it's free.  Annual maintenance check and cleaning is free.  The moral to this story is yet again....."You get what you pay for!"  I'm a bargain shopper with the best of bargain shoppers.  I am a great steward of my finances.  I love a deal.  I go to sale racks before EVER going to the full price racks.  But, there are just times when wisdom is the best pursuit -- in decision making, in purchases, in relationships and in overall experiencing life.  That purchase was just ONE of those times, he DIDN'T say, "Yes, Dear!"  And I'm so glad he didn't.

Take the Leap of Faith

Day 187 of Photo Inspirations -- Take the Leap of Faith
I  heard a very interesting message about the Impala, a medium sized African antelope, last weekend.  The only "Impala" I ever knew about was the Chevrolet Impala -- particularly because it was my husband's first car.  Little did I realize that the name "Impala" was selected for the Chevy because of the characteristics of the animal, the Impala.  The Impala's most characteristic movement is its unique leap. In the wild, they can run at very high speeds and jump to heights of 10 feet over bushes and even other Impala, and they can cover distances of up to 33 feet in one leaping bound.  That's pretty amazing that their inbred abilities give them that extra "protection" against being prey for more dominant animals.

But, here's the most interesting fact about the Impala.  If they are held captive in zoos by a mere 36 inch wall, they will not act on their natural instincts.  That's because they simply can't see what's on the other side of that little wall.  What stands between them and freedom is taking a leap of faith.

Perhaps we are like the Impala -- if we can see where we're headed, if we know what our destination is, if we know the end-result -- we'll give it all we've got.   But what if the way isn't clear?  What if we don't know what tomorrow holds?  What if we don't have all the answers?  But still, what if we take a LEAP OF FAITH even though we don't know what is on the other side?  It's about TRUSTING in He Who already knows and has the plans for our tomorrows.  We simply TRUST.  Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acnowledge Him and He will direct your paths" -- and,  I might add.....even give you extra turbo-charged energy and power to "run through a troop and LEAP OVER THE WALL!" Psalm 18:29.

I don't know about you, but as for me, I'm climbing over, digging under, and even leaping over those walls that stand between me and my goals and dreams and answered prayer.  "There ain't no mountain (or walls) high enough to keep me from leaping over them!"

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart

Day 105 of Photo Inspirations -- Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
"Trust in the Lord with all heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6
I read this scripture in my devotion this morning and I knew it should be my post for this day.  This are two friends I"m travelling with on this amazing journey, Nancy Crow​ and Marilynn Hays (and Nancy's husband, Don Crow​).  This is because of those "acknowledging Him and He shall direct your paths" special times in my life.

It's a gorgeous day voyaging in the Atlantic Ocean.  We're headed to Halifax, Nova Scotia enroute to Ireland.  Seems like an off-the-beaten path way to go -- but it's trusting the Captain.  He knows what He's doing and why.  And isn't that the way it is with trusting in our CAPTAIN, as this scripture states.

Going to Canada holds special significance for me.  Our beloved Canada gave me my sweetheart, and the sweet memories of living there, takes me back to this great country.  Funny how I ate with a couple this morning from Toronto and we had such a great talk.  I was singing "Oh Canada, our home and native land" to them.  I recalled to them about our time in Toronto with relatives that lived there, 100 Huntley Street TV Show where my daughter, Staci, was a guest speaker and singer, and about her special time representing Manitoba in the Miss Canada Pageant in Toronto.

I read this scripture -- about living in all out abandonment of total trust in God and letting what seems logical get in the way of His guidance which may take us in such illogical directions.  God took the Israelites into the wilderness to get them to their Promised Land, but because of their grumbling at God's ideas, they ended up taking 40 years instead of the 15 days journey He could have given them.  Yes, trusting in Him may just give us exciting trips like this one I'm on by voyaging to Ireland by way of Canada!  I am SO NOT grumbling or complaining -- just enjoying the journey.

The Thing Is NOT The Thing

Day 35 of Photo Inspirations -- The Thing is NOT The Thing!
I saw this photo of an iceberg and it reminded me of the Alaskan Cruise we took several years ago when our ship docked in Juneau and we took the tour to the Mendenhall Glacier.  This amazing glacier is 12 miles long, a half-mile wide and from 300 to 1,800 feet deep. And an iceberg is what breaks off from a glacier and can be hundreds of feet in depth.  From the Titanic catastrophe, we know what an iceberg can cause.

So, "The Thing is NOT The Thing"!  Hidden below the surface it is far deeper than it is high.  In fact, what is on top is just "the tip of the iceberg".  And to relate that to our lives -- we may be going through a major circumstance or challenge that seems to be THE THING.  But when we look at it from another perspective, it's not THE THING at all.  There is a Master-minded plan that is far greater than what it looks like on the surface.  Could it be that the financial upheaval, is really the opportunity to turn our life around and into THE THING that takes us to ultimate success?    The THING is NOT the THING.

Remember the 9/11 stories that THINGS kept them from getting to work on time and thereby saved their lives?  One fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.  One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.   One of them missed his bus.  One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. One's car wouldn't start.  One went back to answer the telephone. One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.  Then there was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, but before he got to work, developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

The point I'm making is for us to realize stuff happens in our day -- but that stuff (THE THING) may not be THE THING.  It just may be God's way of sparing us from certain harm or accident.  It may be that THOSE THINGS are THE THINGS God is using to effect His perfect plan for our lives.

The next time we're stuck in traffic, break a glass and it goes everywhere, get a flat tire, receive a call from yet another telemarketer, or we are on hold in a telephone queue, or wait in a long check-out line -- all the little things that annoy or perplex us, let's think that this is exactly where God wants us to be at this very moment.   Let's credit it to our all-knowing, all--seeing God Who is at work in our lives. His THING is THE very best THING for our lives!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5
#PerfectTiming #Trust #TheThingIsNotTheThing