Learning to Dance -- Whatever the Weather

Within 12 hours our temperature dropped 30 degrees. I was still surprised yesterday when I left my warm garage wearing a light jacket and when I exited my car a few minutes later, I shouted “Holy Tundra!” It felt like I walked into a freezer blowing icy winds. Burrrr! I received a text message from an Oklahoma friend who told me they were in a polar vortex! I was impressed with those words – after all, my friend is highly intelligent, but I, not having heard those words and neither am I highly intelligent, decided to look it up.

I found out that when the winter temperature abruptly plunges to a brutally cold low and you're shivering despite wearing thermal underwear and a down parka, it probably doesn't help much to hear the TV meteorologist cheerfully explain that the cause of your misery is a distortion of something called the polar vortex. The term got another workout when some of the coldest temps in a generation hit the U.S. recently. Some 90 million Americans experienced temps of below zero F (-18 C). The polar vortex is an atmospheric phenomenon of strong winds surrounding an extremely cold pocket of Arctic air that can travel far south, causing the temperature to plunge in places accustomed to having mild winters. That’s us, here in the South, right now! It’s being called Winter Storm Lucian and is responsible for ice-covered highways, sleet and snow, many vehicle accidents, thousands without electricity and several deaths.

We lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada for seven years, so we know what it is to plug your car into a heater at night, wearing boots and a fur coat as a necessity (not a fashion statement) and enjoying piles of snow until April. Winnipeg is one of the five coldest cities (below -21 C to -50C) in the world, according to AccuWeather. Despite the cold, people around the city embrace the chilly conditions by getting outside. Winnipeggers own winter. Perhaps Winnipeg received the nickname “Winterpeg” for the ability to winterize summer activities. The city hosts canoe and bike races in the snow. When their rivers freeze over, they make the longest skating trail in the country and gussy it up with art and warming huts along the way. And making the most of the situation, the Festival Du Voyageur turns the snow into impressive sculptures. The two-week festival makes some of the coldest weeks of the year, some of the most fun ones.

The weather – wherever we live and play – is subject to change daily. There will be extreme peaks of cold and heat and we can choose to sit out those times or we can celebrate and find the fun in those extremes. And in the same manner, when the winter and summer storms of life come, we can hunker down and just wait for them to pass. After all, who wants to go outside when it’s lightning and thundering and the winds are blowing 90 miles an hour? Or below freezing and risk getting frostbite? In the winter – we groan about the cold, and in the summer we whine about the heat. Don’t you love it when you see kids, completely CARE-FREE, bundling up for winter fun, building snowmen, sledding, ice skating, or running out, dancing and splashing in the rain? And, don’t you love it when little kids play in the summer – not paying any attention to the heat – so much so, that we have to remind them to put on sunscreen?

I’ve figured it out. Life isn’t about being concerned and worried about the storms, waiting for the storms to pass, or the winter or summer to pass – or STUFF that comes our way to pass. It’s about embracing the journey and learning how to dance whatever season, or whatever the weather might be, and even while going through the storms of life. I’ve been through some real snowstorms and downpours in my life, and I’m here to tell you I survived and, in fact, this gal has become quite the accomplished “weather dancer”. I know how to bend, and not break; I know how to do the “quick step” and I know how to “slow dance”, and, best of all, I’ve learned to depend on my Dance Partner, and following His “lead”. And in case you’re wondering who my Dance Partner is ----- He’s the ONE Who calms the storms and He’s the one Who created the dance!!

Matthew 7:25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on THE ROCK.”

It’s Inevitable – Storms Will Come

It’s Inevitable – Storms Will Come
Storm: a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow; tempest, squall, trouble, controversy, unsettledness

Just this week, while outdoors in extremely gusting winds, my friend expressed concern about our weather. She was from the North and moving to Texas was already on her radar screen for the inevitability of tornadoes. My encouragement: “Be smart, stay out of harm’s way, get your heart right with God AND pray!” That’s my recommendation even when there are NO storms.

I checked out her concerns and I found that emergency officials in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas are bracing for the start of what’s historically the most active time of year for tornadoes. In the past three years there were more than 600 tornadoes in April, May and June. Having lived in Oklahoma and Texas, I’ve grown accustomed to preparing for multiple emergency situations happening at once. I remember the crazy hailstorms AND the tornadoes that devastated roofs in my subdivision last year – mine included. Wherever we may live, we must brace ourselves and our homes for uncertain weather conditions.

When the storms of life come, we can hunker down and just wait for them to pass. After all, who wants to go outside when it’s lightning and thundering and the winds are blowing 90 miles an hour? And we can complain about the weather. In the winter – we groan about the cold, and in the summer we whine about the heat. Don’t you love it when you see kids, completely CARE-FREE, bundling all up for winter fun, or running out, dancing and splashing in the rain? And, don’t you love it when little kids play in the summer – not paying any attention to the heat – so much so, that we have to remind them to put on sunscreen?

I’ve figured it out. Life isn’t about being concerned and worried about the storms, waiting for the storms to pass, or the winter or summer to pass – or STUFF that comes our way to pass. It’s about embracing the journey, whatever season it is, or whatever the weather might be -- and even while going through the storms of life. It's about learning how to dance in the rain, in the storms of life and in the seasons of life.

I’ve been through some real downpours in my life, and I’m here to tell you “I survived and, in fact, this gal has become quite the accomplished “dancer”. I know how to bend, and not break; I know how to do the “quick step” and I know how to “slow dance”, and, best of all, I’ve learned to depend on my Dance Partner, and how to follow His “lead”. And in case you’re wondering who my Dance Partner is ----- He’s the ONE Who calms the storms and He’s the one Who created the dance!!

Matthew 7:25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on THE ROCK.”

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!

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!

Flying By the Seat of My Pants = Kisses From Heaven

Missing my home church service yesterday morning because of timing, I headed out for Texas. It was a spendidly gorgeous day with the sun shining so brilliantly. I was bound and determined to attend service somewhere, and as it turned out, the timing was perfect for me to stop in Durant, OK.

Durant has a special connotation for me. It is where my 19 year old Mother and my 31 year old father drove to where Dad's best friends lived, who stood up for them as they got married in Durant. There were 12 years difference in their ages, but it was a match made in heaven. Sweet memory for me as I drove through that sleepy little town, past Southeastern OK State University and made my way to St. Williams Church.

As I drove up to the church, I knew I was going to be in the minority. Most of the attendees I saw going in were beautiful Hispanic people wearing their Sunday best. At first I thought the service would be only in Spanish, but I was pleased that it was all in English. What pleased me even more were the beautiful young girls all dressed in gorgeous white gowns and veils (looking like little brides) and the boys in their Sunday best, standing in the foyer when I walked in. I had to grab a photo of them. I made a spectacle of myself when I said, "Everyone look here -- smile big and say cheese!" They did. It is such a beautiful sight and such a momentous and touching occasion.

First Holy Communion (usually in second grade), is a defining moment and really big celebration for Catholic families. The day of First Communion is one they've spent months preparing for, learning the significance of the price Christ paid when He died on the cross for us, and then as He commanded at the Last Supper "As often as you do this (receive Holy Communion), do it in remembrance of Me." These kids have looked forward to this day with great anticipation -- the day when they are intimately united with Jesus Christ. This day is one the kids will never forget -- and it will be up to the parents', families' and friends' prayers and examples that will help ensure it.

The final little photo is a precious little girl and boy that sat behind me in church. The little girl kept tapping me on my back. I felt her love. I think she knew I was a Nana, just like at my home church where my godson and his sister, give me love-taps, hugs and kisses. I know they are heaven sent...in Tulsa AND in Durant, OK.

I love schedules and I also love "winging" it because when I just run with the wind and I trust that my steps are ordered of the Lord, He gives me some of most precious moments. I felt it big time yesterday. Psalm 37:23 "The steps of a good man (good woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he (she) delights in His way" -- (the way that led me to Durant, OK to witness a little piece of heaven on my way to my little piece of heaven with my kids in Texas). I'm just thanking God, once again, for shining His light brightly into my world.

Sometimes Life Gives You a 360

I was born in Dallas, Texas “a few” years ago! LOL! Then our son and daughter were born there, too. That makes us Texans through and through. When my Canadian husband, myself and our two children left Dallas in 1971 for Oklahoma, who knew there would be a “coming back home” someday -- at least for our children?

Two years ago, Larry Wallace (who was also born in Dallas) and Staci Wallace, and their two kids, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace (also born in Dallas), moved from Washington back home to Texas. They all feel they’re “planted”. I love it -- it's so close for me to drive to them!

I drove down to spend the night with them on Sunday evening, and then the next morning, I drove on south to Austin -- the NEW HOME of who I've called my "Washington Family". Ryan, Shawntel and the boys are now at home inTexas, too!

They knew this day would come because, three years ago, they helped their dearest friends, Ryan Malouff and Dana Malouff start Expression Church in Austin and they know God has called them to continue to build alongside them. All on purpose. I love seeing them with such passion for doing God's work and wanting to positively impact peoples' lives for Him. They purchased a beautiful ranch with amazing Austin Hill Country views -- complete with a barn, goats, a horse, a miniature donkey and the river lines their property. Really good news for my "fishing" family -- the river is filled with fish and the water is so clear, you can see them swimming! AND, YAY for Nana – my family are ALL closer to me now!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not harm you; to give you hope and a future.”

Who knows the paths that we will take in life? God does. He has plans that exceed our very thoughts and imaginations and in due season, if we "follow His lead" and the amazing plans He has for us, He'll supersede our greatest expectations.

The best part of Monday, was the boys' first day of school in Austin. School assembly was the first event of the day, and of course, the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. And, next, of course, was the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas flag! Yes, as the saying goes…."Welcome to the COUNTRY of Texas!"

Pay ATTENTION!

Goodness gracious! I love my GPS system. They're so much better than those old folded up maps. Those "Global Positioning Systems" are found in vehicles and on smartphones all over the world. And, I’m so grateful to be here at this time to take advantage of this amazing technology. That gal in the GPS knows where to go and she even redirects us if we get off the beaten path.

So, yesterday I was making my trek to Texas to see my Frisco kids. My brag was "I don’t need my GPS to get to my Frisco family – I think my car goes on auto pilot when I go there because I’ve travelled that route many times!!"

Well, that's the "brag" when I'm paying attention to my driving. I was talking on the phone to my sister-in-law (using my car's hands-free) and all carried away in conversation, saw the exit up ahead and took it. I had driven for probably 10 miles before I realized, this road doesn't look familiar and neither did the towns I was going through. Well, at least I'm going West and that's the direction I need to be going. NOT! I stopped at a service station and asked "Can I take this road to Atoka?" And the attendant said, "Yes, just take this road on for 10 miles and then go south on Hwy 75." First off, I asked the wrong question. I should have said "Should I turn around and go back to the turnpike to Dallas?" As it turned out, I went through major road construction on 2-lane roads, through little towns, and I went out of my way over 45-minutes -- BACK to Atoka and not going South to Dallas. I got to Frisco at 8:15 pm instead of 7:30 pm.

Back to that awesome GPS system. And, more importantly, back to focus and being present in the moment and not allowing distractions to keep us from our goals. The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we don't use it and won't follow its directions. My goodness, if I had kept going West, I could have ended up in New Mexico! LOL!

And, our most supreme, all-knowing God can't speak to us and give us directions for driving AND living, when we're caught up in "our own little world" either. If we simply PAY ATTENTION to the road, listen to God's voice and follow His instructions... then, there will be no question about getting lost -- He'll ensure we'll get to where we need to go!!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Celebration Time in Texas

Day 252 of Photo Inspirations -- Celebration Time in Texas
I love making my trek to Texas for family fun and no matter how long it's been since I've seen them, my Payton and Alexia love to bring me up to date on their accomplishments since I last saw them. They always are ready to give me "a show". The very first thing Payton does is heads to the piano to play for me, and show me the schedule he has for playing for his worship team at church.

He knows what I love the most -- his piano playing is such a gift -- a chip off the ole' block...er.. key off the ole' piano -- straight from Papa.  This boy seems to know how to get to my heart....right from the start. AND, he always wears Papa's favorite cologne.  Be still my heart!

And, Alexia, with her wit and enthusiasm shows me "her" office and give me a tour of her bedroom -- that she so meticulously cleaned and organized for me to see.

What I noticed most.....is that since I was here last, the book shelves Papa made for Payton....before he was ever born, have been put up in this house -- one section in Payton's room with his vast array of outdoorsman paraphernalia and in Alexia's room -- those things that represent her "girly girl" ways.

When I went to "my room" (aka "the guest room"), Denise pointed out the scripture she had opened to in he Bible -- just for me.  Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever."  She knows me and she knows my heart for being used by God to possess and convey His wisdom -- to shine bright for Him and lead many to Him.

It's just another trip to see my kids and grandkids....or is it?  Is it one of those sweet stop-overs on my pilgrimage to heaven -- to present me with so many joys as He can here, on my way to THERE!!  How sweet it is!
#Wallace64

We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

Day 8 of 365 Photo Inspirations:
I have the joy of still being at my daughter's home in Texas for a few more days. until after our Leadership Summit in East Texas this weekend. What a priviIege it is to stay in their beautiful Guest Room. The first time I visited them here, Staci asked me to let her know if there was anything that was missing for a guest to have everything they need for a restful and peaceful experience. The only thing missing was a hair dryer. This time, it's there, as well as this stencil drawing just above the closet door, and directly across from the comfy and cozy bed. When I wake up, there it is....."We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7.

What perfect words to see, meditate on, and embrace throughout my day -- especially knowing, that "walking by faith" is a journey of tremendous blessing and reward. It is a journey that is exciting, often, life-altering, and mind-boggling.

Walking by faith and not by sight requires us to go to a place we don't know, but one that God will reveal as we walk in obedience to Him.

Walking by faith means that we continue to cling to the dreams God has planted in our heart, even though it seems those dreams are risky and it's taking a long time for them to come true.

Walking by faith requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless what life throws our way.

Walking by faith means we may have to do some pretty crazy things. Think about Noah building an ark for a flood when it had never even rained on earth. Think about Abraham clinging to the promise that he would be the father of many nations even though he was childless at the age of 100.

Choosing the "walking by faith" life, means we get out of our comfort zone, willing to let God take our world and turn it upside down, shake it up, and start all over again. And, in doing so, we let God out of the neat little box that we have put Him in, and let Him show up when He's good and ready -- with his PERFECT timing.

I don’t know where you are on this journey of walking by faith, but I encourage you to take the first step of the walk. That first step is the first step to success. It's a decision we'll never regret!