We Become What We Feed Ourselves

Being here at my children’s home while they are away to care for their two furry critters, sure gives me plenty of content for my blogs. You see, my girl cherishes the things and the people that helped get her here to this time and place. Everywhere you look around here, she has vignettes of treasured memories.

Case in point is this vignette of the peace sign figurine. If you’ve ever seen one of Staci's videos, you’ll see her use that sign at the end. Under the figurine are books written by three of her favorite authors and speakers who impacted her life. "Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren is one of my favorites, too. We believe we are here on Planet Earth at this time and this place, intentionally, by God for purposes beyond coincidence. We believe that before we were born, God wanted us to discover the life He created for us to live – here on earth and forever in eternity. I love what St. Paul says in Ephesians 1:11 “Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.” I am forever grateful to know we are products of His divine purpose for our lives.

Next in the stack is “The 360-degree Leader” by another of her favorite authors, John Maxwell. Staci would tell you that her business acumen has come from her thirst for knowledge by reading and devouring successful leaders’ advice and training. She has been driven to be a devoted Christ-follower and leader in the marketplace and books like this have helped her become the leader worth following in her faith, her business, in relationships and her personal life.

And, the book at the bottom which represents the foundation (besides the Bible) of her positive, optimistic, can-do attitude, is "Over the Top". That is just one of the many other books she consumed by her mentor and beloved father-figure while travelling with him for twelve years, Zig Ziglar. Before we were introduced to Zig, we were his followers, so much so that we became little Zigs. His life philosophies, motivational speaking, his Christian witness and his personal “walk” made him our mentor. We raised our kids on those principles and I attribute much of their success to what we spoke into them and lived before them. My husband taught those principles in his own "Born to Win" seminars in churches and organizations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Belize. We desired that others achieve what we knew were life-changing principles. We wanted to pay-it-forward and make the difference in people’s lives, too. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

Even in something as simple as dog-sitting, we can find reasons to be grateful for who or what made us the best we can be. It’s reminded me to be thankful for the blessings of ups and downs that showed us how to navigate the waters and come safely to the other side. I’ll bet you’ve had wisdom and knowledge poured into your life that helped you navigate, too. Maybe you can think about them right now and thank God for His plan and purposes that caused you to be the amazing person that you are today!

Made to Last Forever

Yesterday, my daughter and I attended the Celebration of Life service for Ron Haake, the precious husband of our dear cousin, Noreen. The family knew his graduation day was close at hand because his health had declined, but no matter when the time comes, we still experience the sudden jolt of separation of the one we have loved, done life with, dreamed and made memories with and served. It was an honor to attend the memorial service because we heard so much more about this wonderful man than what we had known before. The common theme throughout the service was that he was a man of wisdom, great humor, joy-giver, a mentor, patient, strong, and loved God and his family with all his heart.

There are so many emotions wrapped up in times of saying goodbye to a loved one: gladness/sadness, rejoicing/grieving, remembering/forgetting, keeping their things/giving things away, making decisions quick/slow. The words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 are so true: “There's "a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" -- and oh, so many more highs and lows.

From this widow's firsthand experience to Noreen and others, I say this: you'll have a roller coaster ride of emotions. I, too, know how much it hurts to see a loved one in so much pain. I know what it is for my loved one to "go home". I know what it is to not know what tomorrow holds. But, hold on children! Trust me when I tell you that the time comes when reality sets in and we realize "My loved one is gone. But, I'm not. I'm still here, so God isn't finished with me yet. Now it's time to run my race strong to my Finish Line!"

A resource book I've held dear to my heart is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". My favorite chapter is the one that is entitled "Made to Last Forever". This excerpt blesses me so much: "This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death, in eternity, than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9. For those who have a relationship with God through Jesus, we don't need to fear death. It is the door to eternity. It will be the last hour of our time on earth, but it won't be the last of us. Rather than being the end of our life, it will be our birthday into eternal life."

Ron's bags were packed. He was prepared and when his name was called, he walked through that door to eternity. As I was my sweetheart's midwife pushing him through that door, so was Noreen as she watched him go home last week. I loved how their son, Eric, concluded his talk about his dad. He said “My dad gave us another lesson for us to live by when my mom bent down to kiss him – he puckered up his lips. It was his last action on this earth and his last lesson for us to live by. I suggest that it be the rule to live by, too! Husbands and wives, pucker up more and life will be a lot sweeter.

Here's the best news of all.....we didn't say "Goodbye, Ron"; we just said, "See ya' later!" And, if we live each day as if it were our last, then we'll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. The bands will be playing, the choirs will be singing and our loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line. In the meantime, let's give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you!
I'll see ya' later!

What Matters Most is Walking in Love

The Love Month is well underway, love is in the air, and today is my children's 22nd wedding anniversary (see my separate post that honors their love story). I'm on purpose to awaken our senses to not just "talk the talk" but "walk the walk of love".

God IS LOVE and the lesson He wants us to learn on earth is how to love. To say “I love you” can sound like a cliché if our actions don’t measure up to those words. We say “I love you” in the same sentence that we say “I love chocolate cake” and there are times when it seems the one saying those words loves chocolate cake more than us. We say “I love my neighbor” in the same thought as “I wish my neighbor would keep his kids off my lawn”. Rick Warren says: “Learning to love unselfishly is certainly not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centered nature. That’s why we’re given a lifetime to learn it."

Of course, God wants us to love everyone, but He’s particularly concerned that we learn to love others in His family. Paul wrote: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10) That’s why it’s so awesome to be in the Family of God. Not because we are a “click” or “club unto ourselves”. It’s because we resemble our Father. We act like Him, talk like Him, walk like Him, forgive like Him and LOVE like Him. That’s why our character, being in His likeness, should speak volumes over those who are outside the Family of God.

Rick Warren asks: "Why does God insist that we give special love and attention to other believers? Why do they get priority in loving? Because God wants His family to be known for its love more than anything else. Jesus said our love for each other – not our doctrinal beliefs – is our greatest witness to the world. He said, 'Your strong love for each other will PROVE TO THE WORLD that you are My disciples.” (John 13:35)

Love isn’t learned from hiding out. We must be around people, even those cranky, grumpy and even frustrating people around us because God's LIGHT of LOVE in us is what the world needs NOW. Walking in love is really what life is all about. It matters most. It takes top priority. So, let’s be LOVE show-offs and go spread some of God's love today.

So Heavenly Minded, No Earthly Good

Clever and catchy cliché, isn’t it?
Heavenly Minded: Having the thoughts and affections on heaven and heavenly things, devout, holy, godly

I confess I said “She’s so heavenly minded, she’s no earthly good” about this super pious Bible college student who stayed in her apartment, fasted and prayed, and studied the Bible all day. At the same time, she hadn’t paid her rent or college fees because she didn’t work to earn an income. She expected God to provide for her since she was devoting her time and life to Him. Whether she was right or wrong in her thinking, how shameful of me to have judged her.

I stand corrected because it occurred to me that this quote may be more accurate than not. In fact, I wish that it were said of me in this way “She’s so heavenly minded, she’s SO GOOD on earth.” Colossians 3:2 says “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth."

When we get ready to go on a vacation, our minds are fixed on where we're going. We count the days. We plan our wardrobe. We calculate the cost and plan the timing. We fine-tune everything at home for being away a period of time. We ask someone to take in our mail and to watch over things while we’re away, and we look forward, with great anticipation to the great time we'll have once we get to our vacation site!

Contrary to popular opinion, being heavenly minded really does inspire us to be more earthly good. So, our goal as Christians should be on planning our one-way trip to heaven, and also to love and faithfully serve the Lord on this side of heaven. C.S. Lewis offered these quotes about heaven:
~ “It’s not that we think about heaven too much, we think about it too little!”
~ “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
~ “The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can't supply, is proof that Heaven must be our home.”

Maybe that little Bible College student needed to be a little more balanced in her desire to please God, but I can’t say those words anymore “So heavenly minded, no earthly good”. Being heavenly-minded, changes our perspective about everything. The fact is one day our heart will stop beating. That will be the end of our body and our time on earth, but it will not be the end of US. Our earthly body is just a temporary residence for our spirit.

In Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose-Driven Life", he says this about heaven: "When we fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and we realize that life is just preparation for eternity, we will begin to live differently.. We will start living in the light of eternity and that will color how we handle every relationship, task and circumstance. Suddenly many activities, goals and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty and unworthy of our attention. The closer we live to God, the smaller everything else appears. When we live in light of eternity, our values change. We use our time and money more wisely. We place a higher premium on relationships and character instead of fame or wealth or achievements or even fun. Our priorities are reordered. Keeping up with trends, fashions and popular values just doesn’t matter as much anymore."

God has a purpose for our life on this earth, but it doesn’t end here. His plan involves far more than the few decades we will spend on this planet. I’m thinking – I want others to say that about me…..”She’s so heavenly minded – she is earthly AND heavenly good!” How about you?

Treasuring the Treasures of Life and in the Light of Eternity

If you keep up with my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been going back and forth to Tulsa over the last few weeks to help with my 95-year old Mother-in-Law‘s move to Karen’s (my sis-in-law's) home. It was Mom’s admission of not wanting to live alone “in this big house” any longer, when she told Karen, that she was ready to move. How beautiful that Mom made that decision on her own. We all knew that was soon-at-hand because she hasn’t been feeling well for some time now. Though Mom's room at Karen's was beautifully prepared and ready for her weeks ago, Karen never pushed her to move as she wanted her to still fill in control on the timing. But a couple of days ago, she announced that she was ready and within a couple of hours, they had her at her new home with them.

It came after many sweet and precious moments of her letting go of so many treasures that she had accumulated over her 95 years, and 52 years of marriage. Treasures that were so important to her at one time, now are only important enough to pay-them-forward. The reality of heaven getting so close for her, motivated her to part with those things that, in the light of eternity – just won't matter any more.

How beautiful that many years ago, Mom started writing different ones’ names and the date under the bottom of some of those treasures. With the things not marked, she invited the children and grandchildren to come and select what they wanted. It has been a process, for sure, because Mom wanted to go through drawers, book shelves, cabinets and closets to be able to assign any particular item to one of five places: 1) take with her to Karen’s; 2) leave for children, grandchildren, close friends and relatives to select from; 3) to place in the estate sale that Karen and I will have in the Spring; 4) to give to charity and finally, 5) throw away.

You can just imagine that years of memories and collections of treasures presented many opportunities for story-telling times about “where, when, why and who I got that from”. How thankful we have been to be able to slow our own schedules down to patiently listen and savor the moments with her. And, even greater, that God gave us this time with her while she's still with us, instead of after she graduates to heaven.

One of the dearest treasures I found was a binder of poems that she wrote. She had so many talents – cooking, sewing, playing the organ, ceramics painting, making others laugh at her wit and humor, praying, giving, and now, we knew her brilliant ability to write poetry.  

On Saturday, I drove to Mom’s sister-in-law (Dad’s sister), Aunt Joyce Litke’s home in Waxahachie TX to deliver many of Mom’s clothes, as well as other items that Mom had designated just for her.

Among those things were ceramic reindeer that Grandma Lena Wuerch (Joyce’s Mom) painted and Mom wanted Joyce to have them. Aunt Joyce and I had such a special time together, recalling so many family times together, but the one I treasured most was when she teared up and said, “I miss Ron so much (that’s my husband). He cared for me and encouraged me so much during Adolf’s illness and passing.” I loved that she remembered and it made me remember how devoted he was to her with daily telephone calls and trips to see and encourage her. She gave me an intangible treasure to take home with me. It was worth the trip.

Mom and Dad met with many challenges over the years, but none were as devastating as the tornado that tore through their home and church at Lake Keystone, OK. So much was lost, but a few treasures remained for us to enjoy. Joyce has a ceramic rabbit that made it through the storm and it sits in a prominent spot in her home. After the tornado, Karen’s daughter found a hand painted picture in a frame that was torn and broken. Mom had it repaired and that is the treasure that Georgianne requested Brad, Karen’s son, selected a painting done by another aunt. My Staci chose one of her Bibles and a ceramic flower that she remembered from before the tornado. Ryan wanted anything to do with the “Wuerch” family legacy, so he wanted legacy photos.

Shawntel was given a beautiful Lenox-like teapot, sugar and cream holders that Dad bought Mom when they were ministering in Alberta, Canada and when she was pregnant with my husband, Ron. I received the mink stole that she let me wear to Ron’s Senior Prom. I was also overjoyed to be the recipient of Mom’s little Christmas Tree that sat prominently in her den year after year that Karen had decorated so beautifully (pictured here), as well as her hand-painted nativity set. We all took home many other treasures from our visits with Mom -- that we will all treasure, on earth, until we start to see "in the light of eternity" and pay them forward to our families.

I’m sharing with you this really “big moment” for our family of transition time from one earthly home that was dear to Mom and Dad, and all of us for many years, to her new home with Karen and George. It is a major transition time for them as well. We know that God is the conductor of this symphony of life. It may appear that Mom is getting closer to her transition to her heavenly home, and, indeed it is. One day soon, Jesus will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come to your home sweet home."

Rick Warren, in his wonderful book “The Purpose Driven Life” said, "When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will begin to live differently. You will start living in “light of eternity”, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance." St. Paul said “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Philippians 3:7

I think that’s the way Mom is living these days. That’s why when she’s feeling pretty good, she calls people to encourage them and pray with them. She gets it. In the light of eternity. nothing else matters except for Jesus. We’ll treasure her treasures until “the light of eternity” draws us home, too.

What Matters Most is Love

Yesterday, I posted about it being the “The Love Month”, sincerely hoping to awaken our senses to being people that love from the heart this month.

It was like getting a high-5 from God when later in the day, I opened one of my resource books, Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Drive Life”, to the chapter I was about to read next. Imagine the “Atta’ Girl” I sensed when I saw that the title of this chapter was “What Matters Most” is that we "walk in love".

This life we live is truly all about love. Of course it is, because God IS LOVE and the most important lesson He wants us to learn on earth is how to love. To say “I love you” can sound like a cliché if our actions don’t measure up to those words. We say “I love you” in the same sentence that we say “I love chocolate cake” and there are times when it seems the one saying those words loves chocolate cake more than us. We express our love in actions by giving someone a gift as a token of our love, while evaluating the size or cost of the gift based on “What did the gift THEY gave me cost – I don’t want to spend more than what they spent on me?” We say “I love my neighbor” in the same thought as “I wish my neighbor would keep his kids off my lawn”.

Rick Warren says: “Learning to love unselfishly is certainly not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centered nature. That’s why we’re given a lifetime to learn it. Of course, God wants us to love everyone, but He’s particularly concerned that we learn to love others in His family. Paul wrote: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10.

That’s why it’s so awesome to be in the Family of God. Not because we are a “click” or “club unto ourselves”. It’s because we resemble our Father. We act like Him. We talk like Him. We walk like Him. We forgive like Him. We LOVE like Him. That’s why our character, being in His likeness, should speak volumes over those who are outside the Family of God.

Back to Rick Warren’s words “Why does God insist that we give special love and attention to other believers? Why do they get priority in loving? Because God wants his family to be known for its love more than anything else. Jesus said our love for each other – not our doctrinal beliefs – is our greatest witness to the world. He said, “Your strong love for each other will PROVE TO THE WORLD that you are my disciples.” John 13:35.

Yesterday, my post encouraged us to reach out with love during this love month and beyond. Love isn’t learned from hiding out. We must be around people, even those cranky, grumpy and even frustrating people around us, because God's LIGHT of LOVE in us is what the world needs NOW.

Life really is all about love. It matters most. It takes top priority. So, let’s be LOVE show-offs and go spread some of the love today!!

Made to Last Forever

Jack Silvey, husband, of my dear friend, Jo Silvey, graduated to heaven yesterday. We knew this day was close because Jack has been ill for quite some time, but nevertheless when the time comes, we still experience the sudden jolt of separation from the one whom we have loved, adored, celebrated, served, made memories with, and dreamed with. So many emotions wrapped up in theses times: gladness/sadness, remembering/forgetting, rejoicing/grieving, funeral/graveside, keep their things/give away things, make decisions quick/slow, and with King Solomon we live his words from Ecclesiastes 3: There's "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance"....... and oh, so many more highs and lows. From this widow's first hand experience to Jo and others, I can tell you, it's a roller coaster ride of emotions. I know what it means to watch my loved one in so much pain; I know what it is for my loved one to "go home"; I know what it is to have to deal with financial issues; I know what it is to not know what tomorrow holds. But I can tell you the opportunity will soon be given to realize "My loved one is gone....but I'm not. I'm still here, so God isn't finished with me yet. Now it's time to run MY RACE strong to the Finish Line!"

One of the resource books I'm reading during my one month hiatus with God, is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". How applicable was the chapter, "Made to Last Forever" that was in my readings, yesterday. Listen to this excerpt: "This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on on the other side of death -- in eternity -- than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9. If you have a relationship with God through Jesus, you don't need to fear death. It is the door to eternity. It will be the last hour of your time on earth, but it won't be the last of you. Rather than being the end of your life, it will be your birthday into eternal life. Years ago a popular slogan encouraged people to live each day as "the first day of the rest of your life." Actually, it would be wiser to live each day as if it were the last day of your life. Matthew Henry said, "It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day."

With those words, I'd like to congratulate my friend, Jack Silvey, because his bags were packed, he was prepared and when his name was called, he walked through that door to eternity. As I was my sweetheart's midwife pushing him through that door, so was Jo as she watched him go home yesterday. Here's the best news of all.....we didn't say "Good bye, Jack"; we just said, "See ya' later", because as we live each day as if it were our last.....then we'll walk through that door to our HOME SWEET HOME, too, and the bands will be playing, choirs will be singing and all our beloved loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line. In the meantime, let's give our best to God in each day on this side of heaven while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with You and You and You! See ya' later!

In the Light of Eternity

One of my favorite sayings is “In the light of eternity….it just won’t matter”! And, I usually say it when discussions go controversial, or when I'm making a trivial decision. Bottom line, like the “God quote” here, this life is just so short, why should we sweat the small stuff? We’re going to spend much more time in heaven, than we are on earth. In his book, "Purpose Driven Life", Rick Warren said “Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next”.

When we really understand that there is so much more to life than just the here and now, and we understand that this life is just preparation for eternity, we’ll begin to live differently. And, my saying “in the light of eternity” will make much more sense. We’ll be able to handle every task, every circumstance, every relationship “in the light of eternity”. Those things that once seemed so important to us—the activities, the problems, the conquests will seem quite unimportant on the radar. Maybe on this earth’s radar, a BIG DEAL. On heaven’s radar, not even a blip on the radar screen.

That’s why, on the day of my Sweetheart’s graduation to heaven, I became his Mid-Wife. I coached him to “Push, Baby, Push!” to the other side….for there he would be living where the wonder and splendor of heaven is beyond explanation. What I knew, is that I loved him too much to keep him from one more minute of the bliss that awaited him. It was time for his BIRTH-day in heaven -- where "in the light of eternity", he was home sweet home.