The World of Virtual Reality

I thought I had seen just about everything until I played in a virtual reality world. Virtual reality is a simulation of a three‐dimensional image or environment that you (Hannah and me, in this case) can interact within this seemingly real way using special electronic equipment, like helmet/goggles with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. That's Bear in the middle of this collage laughing hysterically at his girl and me!

A friend left his virtual reality system at my children’s home. It was the opportune time for my grandson, his girl friend and me to play with it! First, Bear, with the system, virtually outlined the field of play that kept us from running into furniture or walls. Hannah was up first. She put on the goggles, held the hand grips and whoa-la, she was moving about the room that Bear had outlined. It was funny watching her make her way getting through whatever I could only imagine.

Then it was my turn. First, I held the hand grips and saw that I was in a Star Wars setting. That's me oohing and awwing at the sci-fi room I was in. I could see that my hand grips were electronic gloves and before I knew it, I was exclaiming “Oh, I’ve got a lightsaber! Oh, did you see that?” (Of course, they didn’t. I was the only one in this world.) I heard them laughing at me like I was laughing at Hannah. THEN, Bear changed the scene, and in this world, I was on the floor but in virtual reality, I had boarded a kayak and used paddles to make my way through glaciers in Antarctica. I saw penguins everywhere, a whale and other fish jumping beside me. At one point, I even felt the cold of being there, but that part was my imagination – I think!

What a great experience to see what virtual reality is and what it promises to be in the future. We’ve come a long way, Baby! Just look at the real “reality” of online church, teleconferencing, and so many other computer-generated opportunities for us to carry on life during this pandemic. Technology is quickly changing the world that we live in and the way that we do most things. I hear that Virtual Reality technology just might be the new way of attending church and doing business in the future.

It’s “Twilight Zone” reality to me, but so was internet technology forty years ago. I understand that businesses and churches might not need physical space and will even opt into virtual office and worship experiences. Businesses and churches will literally be without walls. You won’t need to drive anywhere. Just plug the family in, download your Sunday outfit, and materialize in worship. I’m wondering if I’ll still be alive to see it. Sure makes me wonder what is in the mind of God because He surely isn’t surprised by any of this.

Here’s what will never, ever change. Regardless of technology and split-second visuals of each other, our goal should and will forever be all about loving God and loving each other. We will still be called to care for the poor, and the sick and help those in need. We will still be charged with living intentional lives that give praise and glory to God in what we do, say and how we live. Particularly, with all of our new technology and creative abilities, we’ll, more than likely, need to practice humility and love and service even more – because THAT reality is what it means to faithfully follow Jesus.

So, maybe we should be practicing Jesus’ example of servitude in the reality of caring more about others than we do ourselves. Seriously, I believe we are in training for what God is coming up with on His Holy radar. I suspect He’s preparing us to see and appreciate the awe, beauty and splendor of how He is ever right here with us, never changing, in our vastly changing world.

Back and Forth -- Embracing the Past and Gearing up for an Amazing Future!

In usual "Wallace" fashion, we went to the opening night of the new Star Wars "Solo" movie. Indeed we are "star" struck with Star Wars, but, I'll admit, during the movie, I whispered to my daughter, "What's the matter with me? This isn't at all like one of my Hallmark movies! LOL!" Believe me, it wasn't! Spoiler Alert: The movie goes BACK in the Star Wars storyline to fill in the backstory of Harrison Ford's character of Han Solo. No doubt, a sequel will soon come that will take us FORTH to the future.

Last night we celebrated Payton's 18th birthday by going BACK and FORTH. Staci put together a slideshow that took us BACK to the past AND many of us wrote letters of advice for Payton's FUTURE. Staci and I were talking about this benchmark year and the hopes and dreams that Payton has for his future, but not before she reminisced about two-year-old Payton and 3 months old Alexia going with her clothes shopping.

Staci was in a department store dressing room of a department store with both little ones in tow. Overseeing Alexia was no problem. She was confined to her infant carrier. Staci undressed to start trying on some clothes when big brother scooted under the door and the captive was set free. Staci, barely clothed, ran from the dressing room to capture her escapee only to be alarmed that he had disappeared. With customers and employees of the store, the manhunt, rather toddler-hunt ensued. The escapee was finally apprehended sitting under a rack of clothes with a smile that could melt any heart. We went BACK in time and then we came back FORTH in time to embrace the Rite of Passage of this boy-to-man celebration.

Yesterday, I walked out to check on my little herb garden and was pleasantly surprised to see a gardenia bush growing right beside the garden. I've lived in this home for over a year now and never realized I had a gardenia bush. That, immediately took me BACK in time, to my Aunt Lillie Mae's home here in Dallas. Oh, how well I remember her incredibly fragrant and beautiful gardenia bush. It became one of my favorite flowers. Here I am way into the future and I am getting to love that "back" memory and my present and future thoughts.

For many circumstances in our lives, we're encouraged to NOT look BACK because of the stinging, hurtful and disappointing things we encountered. But, as God encouraged the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6 to remember how they were slaves to Pharoah but were freed, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea and most of all to go FORTH in faith and trust in their delivering God.

Maybe, today, it would be good to look BACK at your own life. If God healed, restored, opened doors for you before, He can and WILL do it again. The FUTURE is bright. Let's go FORTH in the light of a new day with goodness and mercy chasing us down. Maybe it's time to look BACK -- to see how far we've come!

Live as Children of the LIGHT.

My word for today is LIGHT: the brightness that dispels darkness. Christmas LIGHTS are getting scarce now as most of us have taken down the LIGHTS from our homes and businesses, and packed them away for another year.

Now, it’s up to us to represent and be THE LIGHT to our family, our neighbors and our world. We are "the chosen ones" to be the peacemakers, servants, joy and hope bearers to this world that needs that LIGHT so much. We must live as Children of the Light! Ephesians 5:8 "For you were once darkness, but now you are LIGHT in the Lord. Live as children of LIGHT."

Just before Christmas my family and I went to see the new Star Wars movie: The Final Jedi. As with any Star Wars movie, the LIGHT Side and the Dark Side are at war with each other. You can sure tell that jealousy, hate, bitterness, anger and revenge caused Kylo Ren to champion the Dark Side. When we examine our hearts, it’s quite possible, we won’t find that we hate anyone, but every little “dark” thing that we allow to remain in our hearts can have a “dark” effect on us. We might not be in darkness, but we certainly might find ourselves in the “shade”.

In 1 John 2:5-7, John writes “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is LIGHT and in Him is NO darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness, but He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 "YOU are the LIGHT of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house. Even so let YOUR LIGHT shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

What if OUR LIGHTS were shining so brightly that when people pass our way, they draw toward THE LIGHT and their world of darkness is dispelled? Maybe at the beginning of this new year, we should have a winter clear-ance sale and clear out all those things that hinder the LIGHT in us. Let’s open ourselves to His healing and empowering LIGHT today. When we declare with the Psalmist, “The Lord IS MY LIGHT and my salvation, who should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge, of whom should I be afraid?” – then there will never be a shadow of doubt which side we’re on, and all the dark forces that try to draw us to their side, will never win! May we BE the LIGHT that keeps on shining -- all year long!

Low Profile, Low Pressure, High Impact

Those were my husband's life statement words that were full of wisdom. He realized the pressure that can come from those high profile individuals who expose themselves to public opinion and scrutiny. Though he spoke publicly to many various audiences in business and ministry, he was most pleased to nudge others to the places of prominence and limelight.

As you can see from the comments and photos we've made over the last few days about our family trip to Disney World, it seems we lean toward the "high profile" mentality. In reality, we do desire to have a high impact on this generation, their families and the lives they live. That's why I continually post so much about the joys of making memories, living in the moments, celebrating family and friends' victories and living life with gusto.

I realize there are those who prefer a low profile, who run from the idea of being on social media at all, and they stay quite comfortable in their quiet, untouchable world. And if that is their bent, then I say "different strokes for different folks". But, sharing a zest for life and all that comes with it -- the lessons we learn from the ups and downs and those we learn from the tough times and the triumphant times -- and still realize the blessings of God in the midst of it all, shows others that this life is worth living and celebrating. It's about the abundant life Christ came to give us -- not that we have to go anywhere other than our back yard, or to our children's sports games or events.....it is embracing them and their lives the best we can.

Yesterday, we hung out at Hollywood Studios, and there is no doubt, it was the favorite so far because Payton and Alexia's fondness for anything "Star Wars" was richly fed. No sooner than we walked through the gates that the Storm Troopers led by Captain Phasma marched down the street. Getting photos with Chewbacca and so many other Star Wars and other Disney characters made their day. In fact, we're going back there tomorrow -- they just didn't get enough!

It was a day packed with thrills, chills and literal ups and downs in the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and when the family headed back to trade more items with the Jawas, collect more pins and take it all in again, I found my sweet spot on a park bench. There's something to be said for being a "people watcher". As I sat there enjoying this gorgeous day (the weather has been fabulous), the Storm Troopers were headed down the street again and the crowds gathered for their look-see at those Star Wars favorites. I was amazed at the varieties of people there -- every shape and size, every nationality and cultural background and every age -- big and small. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone. I watched families having their pictures taken as they celebrated their moments. I saw physically challenged people being pushed in wheel chairs while others rode their electronic scooters and children being pushed in strollers -- each, in their own way -- embracing life and giving it their best shot!

Will those little ones remember this day? Probably not. Ten years passed since Alexia and Payton were here and they remembered very little, but it didn't matter because we remembered. It's really not about Disney or any other park -- it's taking time to give quality time to those we love and make memories and share time together like this could be the last time together. With Papa, it was, but I assure you he was with us throughout this trip. More times than I can count, we said, "I'm thinking about Papa!" I'm so thankful my husband and I made a big deal about celebrations. Our two children never saw Disney until they took their kids there. But, we sure spent a lot of time at Six Flags Over Texas -- back in the day. In fact, we're already talking about making some new memories there very soon. And you better believe, we'll be talking there about that man who really was HIGH profile and HIGH impact to us.

Living on the Light Side

I'm down in the hills of Texas for a few weeks and when it's dark here....IT'S DARK. I keep a flashlight with me when I venture out at night. That made me think again about Star Wars. Two years in a row, my family and I caught the latest Star Wars flick. Star Wars is a big deal to us – so much so that my 10 year old grandson wanted to turn in his Christmas gift from me so he could order the latest Star Wars costume. We did. He loves his costumes and light sabers and even my 16-year old, Payton, is a Star Wars junkie – with his room in all kinds of Star Wars memorabilia. The Star Wars craze always makes me ponder the notion of the “Light Side” versus the “Dark Side”. The Jedi were major practitioners of the Light Side, and were the mortal enemies of the Dark Side of the Force. Light versus Dark – that’s been mankind’s opposing forces since the very beginning of time.

In the creation story in Genesis, God “speaks” things into existence “Let there be light….” It’s a sign of God’s creative power that every single word He utters, brings forth something new, vibrant, and wondrous. Then Adam and Eve fell to the voice of the “Dark Side” when the enemy tempted them and succeeded, that caused them to be banished from the beauty of the garden.

In 1 John 2:5-7, John writes “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is LIGHT and in Him is NO darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” That’s the difference between the LIGHT side and the DARK side. You can sure tell that jealousy, hate, bitterness and anger caused Anakin Skywalker to go wrong and turn to the Dark Side. It’s quite possible, when we examine our hearts, we won’t find that we hate anyone. But every little thing that we allow to remain in our hearts can have a “dark” effect on us. We might not be in darkness, but we certainly might find ourselves in the “shade”.

The beginning of this new year is the perfect time to clear out those things that hinder the LIGHT in us. Let’s open ourselves to His healing and empowering light. When we declare with the Psalmist in Psalm 21:1 “The Lord IS MY LIGHT and my salvation, who should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge, of whom should I be afraid?” – then there will never be a shadow of doubt which side we’re on, and all the dark forces that try to draw us to their side, will never win! The FORCE (the LIGHT source Whom lives within us) Who comes with peace and calm, will always be in us and with us.

May THE FORCE – God’s LIGHT Source -- be with you!

When You Choose HOPE, Anything is Possible

HOPE, means “the exciting expectation that something GOOD is about to happen”. Yesterday, I knew what that's about -- based on my grandchildren's GREAT EXPECTATIONS about what last night held for them. When the tickets could first be bought, my grandson, Payton Wallace purchased tickets for his whole family (me and his friend included) to the premier showing of the new Star Wars Rogue One movie. Needless to say, he is quite the avid Star Wars fan. Check out his bedroom decor' here! He has looked forward to the new movie since he first heard it was coming out. When my Austin grandson, Brennan, heard about Payton going to the 10:30 pm showing last night in Frisco, he one-upped Payton and bought tickets for him and his friend to see it at the 7:30 pm showing in Austin. I love the "cousin" rivalry! Needless to say, their hope and great expectations became reality when we all saw it last night.

This post isn't so much about Star Wars as it is for us to be putting our hope and great expectations for our lives out there. Those of us who have experienced “expecting” a baby – know quite well, that it's a process. We don’t get half way through our pregnancy and say – “I’m through with this – I’m done with ‘expecting’!” No, we know it’s a process, and if we patiently wait for “the appointed time” of delivery, we’ll be blessed with a precious bundle of love and joy. Payton and Brennan, and the rest of us for that matter, did our best to patiently wait for this new episode of Star Wars and it was worth the wait.

This post really isn't about STAR Wars, but THE STAR of the show in this beautiful season of Advent -- expecting and waiting for Him. The birth of Christ gives us the hope, and possibility, that we can live life in a radical way – the way of trusting, believing, and expecting that all He’s promised us will be ours if we patiently wait for His perfect plan for our lives. During this beautiful season, may we find that place of peace -- a time of loving and deepening our relationship with God – delighting in Him. It’s a radical way of living, but the infant in the manger is a beautiful “memory” – our King of Kings is not there. He grew up, and He sacrificed His life so that we can live a life of hope and GREAT EXPECTATION.

Don’t give up! Keep your hope up! Get your EXPECTOR expecting! Remember ….. it’s a process! Your “baby” (your hopes, your dreams) will get here….and you’ll soon be blessed with God’s bundles of love and joy.

Living on the LIGHT SIDE

Living on the Light Side
I must be on Star Wars overload.  Watching the newest episode 3 times, as well as watching several of the earlier episodes with my two youngest grandsons, and seeing them donning their Star Wars costumes and light sabers over the last week, caused me to ponder the notion of the “Light Side” versus the “Dark Side”.  The Jedi were major practitioners of the Light Side, and were the mortal enemies of the Dark Side of the Force.  Light versus Dark.  Isn’t that mankind’s opposing forces since the very beginning of time?

In the creation story in Genesis, God “speaks” things into existence “Let there be light….”  It’s a sign of God’s creative power that every single word He utters, brings forth something new, vibrant, and wondrous.  Then Adam and Eve fell to the voice of the “Dark Side” when the enemy tempted them and succeeded, that caused them to be banished from the beauty of the garden.

In 1 John 2:5-7, John writes “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is LIGHT and in Him is NO darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”   That’s the difference between the LIGHT side and the DARK side.  You can sure tell that jealousy, hate, bitterness and anger caused Anakin Skywalker and Kylo Ren to go wrong and turn to the Dark Side.  It’s quite possible, when we examine our hearts, we won’t find that we hate anyone.  But every little thing that we allow to remain in our hearts can have a “dark” effect on us.  We might not be in darkness, but we certainly might find ourselves in the “shade”.

The beginning of this new year is the perfect time to clear out those things that hinder the LIGHT in us.  Let’s open ourselves to His healing and empowering light.  When we declare with the Psalmist, “The Lord IS MY LIGHT and my salvation, who should I fear?  The Lord is my life’s refuge, of whom should I be afraid?” – then there will never be a shadow of doubt which side we’re on, and all the dark forces that try to draw us to their side, will never win!  The FORCE (the LIGHT source) that comes with peace and calm will always be in us and with us.

May THE FORCE be with you!

An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us

Happy 2016!   An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us
Our brand new year is officially here with its clean slate to start fresh and new, and my two boys and I celebrated each time zone from East coast to West coast.

Packed into our last day of the year was seeing Star Wars again, but this time in 3D, recliner seats -- all cozy comfy and we were just as enamored as we were the first time we saw it.  Then to Chuck E Cheese for a little game play before heading home for our traditional photo-opts and Brennan, the Producer's, latest movie.

We toasted to the new year in style with our sparkling grape juice.  We watched the giant ball of sparkles descend in Times Square, had lots of goodies to eat,  and we prayed the New Year in together for those who lived in each time zone we celebrated.  

We celebrated with dancing, hoverboard antics, fireworks, laughing, and hugging!   As has been the tradition for 14 years now, hanging with my boys makes New Year's Eve a night to remember.  Best dates a gal could have....at least at this season of my life. ;-)

One thing we ALL have in common, rich or poor — is the desire for a blessed and successful new year. Reflecting over 2015, I ask myself, "Did I really embrace each day, taking time to 'smell the roses' -- being 'present' in the moments and to cherish the people in my life -- and when I'm with them -- to be 'with them' -- without distractions?" I've thought a lot about that during the visit with my family in Texas and here in Washington -- really cherishing these times.

You've probably seen my postings about that.   In reality, every day should be treated as a gift from God and we should cherish each one with thanksgiving. We can't change the past, but we can always determine to celebrate each new day in our todays and tomorrows as the days God made for us and to determine to use our time wisely, with the purpose of LIVING every moment, LAUGHING every day, and LOVING beyond words....after all, we will NEVER have these moments again!

Our future is so bright. Let's purpose to wake each day to the prospects of what each day will hold by Him Who knows everything about everything -- and with that kind of ADVISOR -- if we pay close attention -- He'll guide us into making 2016 to be our best, most blessed year EVER!  A happy and blessed 2016 is my prayer for all of my FB friends and family today!

Wise Men AND Women Still Seek Him

Day 364 of Photo Inspirations -- Wise Men AND Women Still Seek Him
It's a "Silent Night", here in Washington, as the children are nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums (or at least the Cinnabon sticks and popcorn they ate) are dancing in their heads.

But before now, it's been busy around here.  Bryson put his Lego sets from Christmas together, we took down ALL the Christmas decorations (with the help of sweet Kristina), went shopping to buy some things with "Christmas cash" (notice ever-so-thrilled Bryson with his new Star Wars costume on), Brennan washed the dog to snowy white, we watched another old Star Wars movie -- notice Brennan's signs for the movie showing, and the tickets he made so we could get in the home theater that led to his first class treatment of cozy blankets for us, popcorn, chocolate shakes and homemade chocolate chip cookies (with no help from me) and their own Star Wars wars,  These boys give me constant entertainment!  I love it!  I cherish these times.

While we were out and about today, we noticed that the Christmas cleanup has begun.  Christmas trees are already on the curbs of some homes.  Yet, there were still beautiful decorations up in the mall and on Snowflake Lane, here in Bellevue, where the beautiful music, band, performers and dancers continue to entertain and be in Christmas spirit until New Year's Eve.

But, before long, it will all come to an end -- the lights will turn out, the decorations will be put up until next year. Presents of mis-sized clothing and that not-so-exciting game will be exchanged. Christmas candy, decorations, toys and other items are on sale for at least half-price, plus. Life will soon be back to normal again very soon.

"Normal" often means that the magic of the season will begin to fade. But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. I sense it. Maybe that’s why I’m able to type this blog in such sweet peace.  The boys are fast asleep -- how can all that ever-so-high energy be reduced to such stillness, quietness and peacefulness?  And in this stillness, I'm still savoring the spirit just a bit more.   Though the lights that represented the LIGHT of this season were taken down at this household yesterday, I pray that the brilliant LIGHT of Christ that we beheld last weekm that we will still be looking to Him throughout 2016.  And I can’t help but think: if we could give Him so much thought and homage during December, how much more would we live in the spirit of Christmas, if we thought of Him every day?

It's true.....WISE men and WOMEN still seek Him, and when we SEEK, we will FIND Him.  He's not hiding.  His LIGHT is brilliant for all of us to SEE Him......Jesus said, "I am the LIGHT of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life.".......EVERYDAY!