Need Motivation? Attend a Good Funeral.

That may sound like an oxymoron, a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other, like “motivation and good” combined with "funeral". Four motivational, good funerals were those I attended in the last four months because each one was a celebration of life of those who positively impacted the lives of their friends and loved ones.

Monday’s funeral, this week, was no exception. This one packed a punch -- of memories of old songs that stirred up the sweetest memories of congregations and choirs belting out praises to God. I grew up on those familiar songs -- singing, verse after verse, without a need for the song sheets. There were memories of family get-togethers, childhood orneriness, beautiful reflections of divine set-ups that brought love and marriage of immigrants to this country and laughter at the recollections. But most of all, I left with desiring to live on purpose in this life because it really is short – in the light of eternity that really is forever, and forever is a long time!

This was the celebration of life of Aunt Iris Litke (my husband’s dad’s sister). I heard it said many times and I see it clearly now. She favored Queen Elizabeth, in looks, style and elegance. She was an influencer. A cousin shared that Aunt Iris gave her love, attention and compliments that carried over to her becoming that kind of person to others today. Another cousin, a self-proclaimed introvert, was greatly impacted when Aunt Iris spoke into her: “You are and will be a great helper to others.” Those words impacted her and that’s exactly her strength today as helping others is her greatest desire and goal. Another cousin recalled her providing the best meals and was responsible for introducing him to tacos for the first time. Another cousin touted "She introduced me to a new restaurant, McDonald's!"

Pastor Wesley Wuerch, another cousin, officiated the service, and gave a beautiful overview of the genealogy of this family that hailed from Austria, Germany and Russia and immigrated to the safety nets of the U.S and Canada during the heat of World War II. A beautiful story of finding true love in countries they came to love, build homes, farm, and raise families there.

Wesley’s most impactful words to me were those from Proverbs 31 where the question is asked “Who can find a virtuous woman?” He said, “You'll find the answer to the question in verse 30: “The one who fears the Lord.” That was Aunt Iris. Different ones said: “She had an infectious smile that invited you into her presence. She accepted everyone. She smiled so much they just wanted to be around her. It certainly gave me the desire to bear an infectious smile, too! Wesley went on to talk about her infectious voice and song. As a matter of fact, this family is still exceptionally talented as I heard 4-part harmony as they raised the rafters in that little chapel singing out songs about heaven. Beautiful, heavenly music. Bottom line -- Aunt Iris loved big because Jesus was the center of her life.

If you haven’t been to a funeral lately and you could use a boost of motivation that makes you want to be a role model and imitator of Christ to others, too, I recommend you take one in and celebrate the gift of life. When you get there, you’ll hear the best things about that person. It will make a lasting impression on you. Just hearing such words of admiration, can sure make us want to stand taller, smile more and live with gusto each day. Concern for how we look doesn't matter in the least -- well unless you look like a queen or king, but I’m thinking I want to represent well the life that God has given me. Only one. Maybe it’s time we all begin today with eternity in mind and the potential words that will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Royalty Comes With Great Responsibility

For so many fairy-tale-loving little girls and even big girls like me, we are captivated from our home’s front row seats as we watch the real life, regal ceremonies and celebrations of the marriage of Prince Harry and Megan Markle today. A good love story is hard to resist. And, in this case, a “commoner” and Prince Charming rank right up there with my Hallmark movies that I adore! This one is for the record books. I heard a commentator say that little girls everywhere can now dream and really believe for a “Prince Charming” wherever or whoever they come from. Meghan is the first divorced, biracial, American actress to marry into the royal family.

Meghan bent the royal rules a few times during their engagement period, but much of that distinctive style will, no doubt, change once she actually becomes royalty when their wedding vows are said. While eagle-eyeing all this hoopla, I noticed, more than ever, that royalty comes with great responsibility. Meghan had to delete all her social media accounts and she can no longer take selfies. Her nail polish must be “natural looking”. And, she is permitted to pick up her fork at meals only after the queen begins eating. She’s required to learn British terminology.

I’m on stand-by with my DVR today for recording every moment of the grandeur of this ROYAL day. I wish the couple a most blessed marriage and I pray they will continue to support charities and philanthropy in tangible ways. Word has it that they have asked for donations to charities in lieu of wedding gifts.

I can’t help but think of Portugal's Queen Elizabeth, a Spanish princess given in marriage to King Denis of Portugal in the 1200s. She was well known for going to the countryside and taking food to the poor peasant children, but she'd also take her crown with her for the children to put on. As she placed the crown on their heads, she would remind them that regardless of their situation in life, as children of God, they are royalty because they are members of God's royal family. Queen Elizabeth (St. Elizabeth) became known for practicing this custom throughout her life. It was her way of spreading the Gospel message to simply remind us all that we are God's children.

Royalty does come with great responsibility and I’m sure we’ll be hearing and seeing many news stories about the newly married Duke and Duchess for many years to come, but royalty isn’t for only those with royal titles. As previous royal divorces show, marrying Prince Harry doesn't guarantee that Meghan Markle will remain a member of the royal family for life. But here's the best ROYAL news for you and me. When we became a child of God, we entered His royal family for eternity.

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

Royalty Comes With Great Responsibility

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

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

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

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

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