Treasurers to Scavengers

The usual “treasure hunt” that Nana (me) always provided for the grands for their birthday each year until they aged out of it, was differen for Brennan's 16th this year. I explained to the 18 participants about how my grands always had a treasure hunt with a rhyming clue that led to the next location and another clue – with a big birthday treasure gift at the end. This year Brennan’s treasure hunt was a scavenger hunt. With 18 participants and 18 items to find, it was a sight to behold. This scavenger hunt required that they had to use their sense of teamwork, creative thinking and skill that led to some hilarious photo opportunities. We customized our hunt for the beach and oh what antics ensued – from burying one of their team mates in the sand to asking a stranger to sing happy birthday to Brennan or to make up a team cheer.

Using technology (their phone cameras to record the singing and team cheer as well taking photos) and with using their minds – the three teams of six were back with photos of their 18 items in less than 20 minutes. Two teams tied because while one team came in first, they found a boogie board instead of the surf board on the list, while the team who came in second actually found a surf board. We called it a tie, but they weren’t satisfied with a tie so they played a corn hole toss game for the championship. Of course, my competitive two grandsons, Brennan’s and Payton’s team, won. Oh, what fun!

I admit it.....I love the notion of hunting and finding hidden treasures. That must have been my impetus for treasure hunts for my grandkids for every birthday since they understood what it was about.

The fact is.....we're ALL on “hunts” as we journey through life. God made us for the journey. AND, best of all, He gives us so many clues in His Word to find the hidden treasures and the stuff we need for success in life. Every place He says "IF you....." is a CLUE to success. And when we follow the CLUE to the nth degree, then we are assured of finding the treasure that causes us to be completely successful in life. I loved the creativity of those kids when they were searching for their items. Of course, it was easier for one team to bury a five-year-old little girl in sand in much faster time than the big guy buried on the other team. Of course, it was easier to take photos of items than to have to actually bring those items back to us. And, of course, God has short cuts and a faster way of blessing us when we pursue His wisdom and creativity instead of “doing it my way”!

Example: "IF YOU pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep His covenant of love with you....." Deuteronomy 7:12
"IF YOU make the Most High your dwelling – even the LORD, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your dwelling." Psalm 91:9-10

Have you been searching for the key to your success, the open door that leads to prosperity, the matchmaker that brings you your significant other, the magic potion that gives you restored health, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Then I urge you, today, to begin searching for the treasures in God's Word. The Bible is God’s treasure chest where He has so many valuables just waiting for you!

And here's the real clincher -- God considers us His treasure. Oh, how He loves you and me! "IF YOU obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession." Exodus 19:5

Being Contented in Whatever State, City or Home We’re In

I loved it when we went around our Thanksgiving table sharing what we are grateful for, especially when we all spoke of people – not things – the things money can’t buy. Thanksgiving usually brings families "home". "Home' isn't necessarily the brick and mortar of the home we live in. For example, my oldest two grandsons and Ruthie (Braden’s wife) couldn't make it "home" to us this year. They were “home” with friends and family in Tennessee. I've realized "home" is where I am at the time. Home is Austin, Frisco, Tulsa and anything in between where I seem to "light". Home is family, friends, our church, the places where "contentment” abounds.

Before coming to us on Friday, Ryan, Shawntel, and the two younger boys traveled to Tulsa to see Granny for a couple of hours. Granny is my husband's Mom, and at 97 everyone wants to see her again – just in case. We just don't know if it could be the last time, so spending time with her is so important. Contentment in what matters most.

Then they headed to Spiro, OK, where Shawntel’s grandmother lives and where they eat outdoors to accommodate all of them. I love this year's photo of their big family gathering of 67 family members. It was pouring down rain so Grandma’s church opened their doors for them. I loved seeing them "home" with their precious grandmother – not at her home as usual, but her church “home”. Contentment.

At last my gang made their way to Frisco on Friday where we all sat around my table with added leaves, carrying on great conversation before starting to play a new game called “Chamaeleon” (I highly recommend it – so much fun). I held yet another treasure hunt for my Bryson’s 13th birthday celebration. My traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Waikiki meatballs were served with all the trimmings. Then on Saturday, we had our traditional breakfast at Larry and Staci’s, then our annual Thanksgiving movie. This year it was “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (Mr. Roger’s story with Tom Hanks). It was a movie we older kids can wrap our minds around about what “nice guy” looks like. It would serve us all well to be reminded how we should be in this age of so many not-so-nice-guys-and-gals. Then it was our "traditional" day-after-Thanksgiving dinner -- Mexican food. Our time together at Thanksgiving has always included my annual family photo being taken. It’s a must-do and though it was raining outside – my little home was the spot of contentment. Contentment in embracing family.

It won't be long before all these grandkids will be grown up with families of their own. Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of “contentment”. The greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

My buddy, the Apostle Paul, inspired another blog today as a read: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.” Philippians 4:11

This is the time for counting our blessings and in finding contentment in all those things that money can’t buy. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Contentment shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to be contented with what we have.

We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life in the neighborhood and our beautiful life in Christ our Savior. Our lives are made up of far more beauty than what we realize. I had many “contented” moments over the last several days. We celebrated so many blessings of this year – so many that were all about life’s treasures – each other. I am contented.

We Have a Treasure Inside

I have been known for notorious treasure hunts for years -- since my oldest grandchildren were too young to read the clues. We had to read for them and then they’d run to the location. It was always Nana and Papa's way of spicing up birthday fun. It’s a work out to get the rhyming clues together then hiding them at specific locations. Then it’s the birthday boy or girl running to all the locations for the next clue until it concludes with the grand finale treasure found. I have loved making those memories.

But my two children never experienced treasure hunts – it started with the grands. So, I did something about that for my son’s birthday yesterday. It was hilarious for us to follow him around to each of nine locations. I made it so easy for him – NOT hard-to-find locations by any means. As Braden, his oldest son said, “Good thing you did it that way, Nana! He doesn't have to overwork his mind!" Clear, concise clues out-in-the-open and obvious next-clues. For example: The first clue sent him to their fitness room. A box of popcorn was found with a note that read: “Our heart pops for pop-u-lar YOU! The clue read: “Go to the billiard room and find your next clue!” There he found a plastic lion and note that said “You are the King of our jungle!” The next clue was “Go to the patio. Under a chair, you’ll find your next clue there!” There he found a light bulb and highlighting markers with a note that said: “You light up our lives!”

There were several more “love you” items and clue locations that led to the finale treasure: lots of Braum’s chocolate almond ice cream quarts and cones that should last him for several months. A true treasure indeed when there are no Braums here in Austin, and for a guy whose favorite ice cream is that one. He was hilarious and a good sport going here and there like my grandchildren have done for years.

This “treasure hunt” led me to consider the scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay that the excellency of the power may be of God and not out of us.” This verse not only says we’re jars of clay. Perhaps we’d rather be heavenly angels, not earthly jars made out of clay. Why did God make us as clay jars, so easily broken and seemingly not worth so much?

Oh, but that's not how God sees it. He made no mistake when He created us. He already had myriads of angels. He wanted something new and even more special. He made man of the dust of the ground to be on the earth, not as angelic beings in the heavens. He had a plan and a special purpose for us, even in our earthen-clay-jars. In that state – we don’t get the credit. We aren’t the treasure. Christ is. He is the treasure within us that shines out of us. Instead of creating us as strong, independent creatures to express our own glory, God created us clay jars, desiring that we would express His remarkable glory.

Now we can see the preciousness of being jars of clay. We can do this because we’re containers of the greatest treasure that empowers us, fills us to overflowing measures of love and grace, expressing Him to the world around us. So, in reality we are “Treasure" chests that carry the precious treasure of Him and overflow with Him to express Him to a world that needs Him as their greatest treasure, too!

We may be clay jars, but we’re something so special to God. We’re the center of His plan, His heart’s desire, and we fulfill our purpose by being continually open to His filling so He can overflow from within us. The clues to this "Treasure Hunt" are simple. The Apostle Paul said it this way in 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?”

The Little Things Can Mean So Much

When itemizing those things we are grateful for, we'll often list things that money affords, like our home, car, food, clothes, electronics, and those things that add to our comfort. Since my washer and dryer are 25+ years old, I thank God each time I get my washing and drying done, But this Thanksgiving week, my gratitude goes way beyond the big “things”. I've come to realize that the little things, that money can't buy, mean so much!

Thanksgiving usually brings families "home". "Home" isn't necessarily the brick and mortar of the home we live in. For example, my oldest grandson and wife, and 2nd oldest grandson didn’t make it to Frisco this year and that’s okay. They were “home” where they were. I've realized "home" is WHERE I AM at the time. Home is Austin, Frisco, Tulsa and anything in between where I "light". Home is family, friends, church, the places where "the little things" are really the big things.

My Frisco family and I and an invited guest had our traditional Thanksgiving meal and celebration on Thursday. My "Austin" family, on their way to Muldrow, OK to celebrate Thanksgiving with Shawntel's family, detoured to Tulsa to see Granny for a couple of hours. Granny is my husband's Mom, and at 96, though she's still sharp-as-a-tack and moving about, we just don't know if it could be the last time, so spending time with her is so important. It’s the little things that mean so much.

Then they traveled to spend time with Shawntel's family where 54 family members gathered at her precious 90-year old grandmother’s home for their traditional Thanksgiving meal and celebration. The little things that are really huge things to a sweet grandmother. Then, they made their way to Frisco where I had Bryson's "traditional" scavenger hunt ready for his birthday that was on November 17th. The four cousins helped him decipher the clues and find the treasure. Yesterday’s hunt won treasures for all of them – including the wax lips. LOL! My traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Waikiki meatballs were on the menu. Today, we’re heading to the Wallace’s for breakfast of huevos rancheros then we'll go to a movie -- another family tradition. We'll have our traditional Mexican food for lunch. It’s the little things that mean so much.

Thanksgiving traditions always included my annual family photo being taken. It was a must do that everyone tolerated and because it meant so much to me -- they always complied. I was excited that my big milestone birthday in August meant I could let the family off the hook for another photo. But, my two sweet girls, without my usual need-to-plead, wrangled up everyone for a quick Thanksgiving photo. They know it’s the little things that mean so much to me.

It won't be long before all these grandkids will be grown up with families of their own, so I realize these little things, little traditions; little intentional, purposeful moments mean so much. Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of the simple, little things and family and friends that keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

How often is it that the BIG things are what stresses us out? Notice that the things that fill our hearts with warmth are things that we didn't have to look far to find. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware of how much we've been given. Gratitude shifts our focus from what our life lacks, to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "little things".

Treasure Your Treasures

Still here in Austin, I was able to celebrate my youngest grandson’s 11th birthday. His birthday isn't until November 17th, but they’ll be out of the country on that date – so Nana must do what Nana always does. I threw my Bryson a birthday celebration last night, complete with the fam’s favorite – Waikiki Meatballs, followed by Nana’s chocolate cake (I have to give credit where credit is due – it’s Great Granny’s recipe), and then the Pièce De Résistance – Nana’s family tradition for years – the Birthday Treasure Hunt.

My grandmother's claim-to-fame, in my books, is that she introduced me to my future husband when we were just 13 and 12 years old. Her words were "Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you". My reply was "Tell him I like him, too!" From that point forward, we were destined to be together forever. I loved my grandparents and they loved me so much -- their prayers for me are still working. As precious as they were in my eyes as a young child, I never knew that "hands on" grand-parenting, like my grandchildren do. I didn't even realize I didn't have it, until years later when I became a grandparent. When our grand-parenting time came, we knew we wanted an "up close and personal" relationship with our grandchildren. So from the get-go, we set out to be those doting, over-the-top, in love in words and deeds, grandparents. Way before our first grandson was born, I had a "Hope Chest" of toys, puzzles and books.....that would stay at Papa & Nana's house. In fact, to this day, I still have the old Nintendo 64 controllers and games. I still have their favorite book "Barbapapa" and I still have the Lincoln Logs and Legos. They all know they'll find those "treasures" at Nana's house! Maybe I’ll soon have great grandchildren and they’ll have their own “Romper Room” at Nana’s. No pressure -- Braden & Ruth! LOL!

Treasure Hunts have always been a part of our grandchildren’s lives. It was my way of spicing up the Nana & Papa fun. It’s a work out to get the rhyming clues together then hiding them at specific locations, then it’s the birthday boy or girl running to all the locations for the next clue until it concludes with the grand finale gift found. I love making these memories.

Since Bryson is home-schooled, I had to get up early yesterday morning to make the cake, before he woke up. But I knew the wonderful aroma would be lingering, so I had to hide the cooked cake, by quickly baking cinnamon rolls that hid the cake aroma. Talk about secret tactical operations!!!

I had to stay up late putting the clues together the night before as well as wrap his birthday finale gift, and then when Bryson was at his golf lesson in the afternoon, I hid all my clues, and decorated the kitchen table area (our usual birthday location) with birthday balloons and décor. Oh, how I love this sweet season of grand-parenting. I’m making memories that will outlive me and I know they’ll be carried on to my grandkids’, grandkids. I’m leaving fingerprints and footprints.

Maybe you’re still in the parenting mode – but, before long (Trust me…..the time flies!), grand-parenting will become a part of your world, and in that case, my “professional grandmother” recommendation to you is to get intimately involved in their lives. While moms and dads are no doubt the greatest influencers, grandparents can come in a close second.

We always wanted our grandchildren to know that we pray for them, stand ready to be there for them, and to support them as best we could, given there are miles that may separate us. I'm, by no means, wanting to be dishing out a guilt trip to anyone that doesn't have that "bent", but I assure you, there is nothing to compare with that precious love. There is nothing sweeter on this earth than to hear "Nana, I love you so much!"

What is YOUR Aroma?

On the the way to church, yesterday morning, there was a sweet aroma in my car – a fragrance that brings me to tears. Oh but first before I go there.....I'll tell you what created that lovely aroma. Leading up to Saturday, the 16th, there were 16 days of celebrating my granddaughter's Sweet 16 birthday. Her Mom, Alexia and I started the month with an adventurous trip to Six Flags and now it was my turn to finish out the celebrations on Saturday. We celebrated in Nana/Alexia style!

The first thing on Saturday, I headed to the Wallace home for our final day to begin. After my "legacy" talk that I spoke about yesterday in my post/blog, it was time for Nana’s birthday treasure hunt. Unlike other years when a clue leads to another clue until the BIG treasure is found, this year, there were six clues, each representing a letter in Alexia’s name that sent her to places to look around their home. At each location was a paragraph of "wisdom" for her and the treasure that went with the letter. For example, A = Alexia. "The A in Alexia represents ALEXIA which means “helper and defender of mankind”. Indeed, my sweet girl, God’s anointing is on you and you WILL be helping men, women, boys and girls through your beautiful heart of love. You have the DNA of a warrior and a strong, mighty woman of God with a heart to touch so many with God’s love and power. The A has a treasure ahead! Go find it near your Mom & Dad’s bed. Maybe there’s something there that will remind you of “defending mankind”!"
The A treasure was AMC Theater (that would be a part of our day). She’s a strong warrior already so of course, I knew she wanted to see “Spiderman” yet again. There were other clues, treasures and adventures that made for a very special 16th birthday complete.

After the treasure hunt we headed out for lunch, the movie, and some retail therapy which inspired this day's post/blog. At the mall, we walked by a store that ALWAYS takes me back to my sweetheart and HIS aroma. Maybe this is too much information, but here goes anyway! One of my favorite characteristics about him was he always desired to smell good, so throughout the day, he would splash on a little more cologne. So when Alexia and I were passing by the Abercrombie & Fitch store, Alexia said, “Nana, you want to go in?” She knew my heart. We did. We sprayed his and my favorite -- that wonderful “Fierce” cologne on the little cards. Momentarily, I couldn't hold back the tears. When we got to the car, Alexia put her card in the vent of my air conditioner – thus, the aroma in my car yesterday morning going to and from church.

I breathed in that wonderful aroma and I had precious thoughts about my sweetheart. He's certainly basking in heavenly scents now. And, on this side of heaven, God wants all of us to exude His own sweet aroma to the world.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says this: "But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, He has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel LIKE A SWEET PERFUME.”

What if our lives sent out an aroma that attracted people to God? Our aroma will either attract others to Him or repel them. The sweet scent of the likeness of Christ can be an irresistible pull toward the Savior. When we walk with God and are imitators of His character (love, joy, peace, kindness, etc.) we will leave behind an aroma that can inspire others to follow. So many need to experience that aroma....and they will, as we continue to "splash on" His fragrance. So....what is YOUR aroma today?

He Tells Me I’m Never Alone

Because of the 24/7 hours a day of living/working/playing together for most of our 44 years of marriage, I really never knew loneliness, or for that matter, being alone. But, seasons changed when he graduated to heaven and I had the opportunity for both: being alone and being lonely. Great news is I didn't choose either. I chose a sweet place of solitude. Loneliness is inner emptiness and solitude is inner plenty especially when our inner plenty includes acknowledging our Plentiful Father is always with us..

Now don’t get me wrong. I love hanging out with my friends, attending church, shopping, playing games, socializing, being a part of women’s groups, prayer groups and spending as much time with my kids and grandkids as possible. But, right here at the front side of 2017 I'm embracing this sweet journey of solitude. It’s a journey of choice -- from “It’s all about me and what I don’t have and what I need”, TO “It’s about personal maturity and communion with God Who assures me I am NEVER alone, that He is has plans and a future for me and His plans for me outweigh my plans for me.”

Jesus explained His solitude like this in Matthew 16:32 “The hour is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone for the Father is with me."

I understand solitude is the opposite of companionship and both have their places. I love spending time with my besties and my family. And, I even enjoy my iPhone that gives me news updates and music at a push of a button. But I also understand the importance of “being still and knowing He is God.” Psalm 46:10. That is where my strength for today and hope for tomorrow comes from. I know that "The Way" I need to go, "The Truth" I need to know, and "The Life" I live is in Him alone. (John 14:6).

I’ve tucked myself away in this little secret place of diving deep into the waters of God’s love and grace. I have several resource books with me, my Bible, my computer, my journal – all for use in this “Treasure Hunt” of “seeking and finding, knocking and waiting for the door to open to me.” I have no idea where this search and rescue will end, but I do know that I will come out knowing I am loved more than I knew possible and I will love Him more.

Need love? Seek Him. His arms are open wide and when you hug Him? No contest. He will always be hugging you way longer than you could ever hold Him. After all, He’s our “Good, Good Father” and He knows what’s best for us. Oh, how I love Chris Tomlin’s song, “You’re a Good, Good Father”. It describes our Father's deep love and His tender whispers that tell us we're never alone. Here are some of the words::

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like,
But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night.
And You tell me that You're pleased, and that I'm never alone.

You're a good, good Father.
It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.

Listen to this beautiful song and feel His Father love to you today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_m5ZWchiZo

Grandparenting Taken to a Whole New Level

My Dad's parents were already in heaven before I was sent from heaven to earth, but I had the most precious grandmother and grandfather (my Mom's Mom & Dad). My grandmother's claim-to-fame in my books, is that she introduced my husband and I when we were just 13 and 12 years old. Her words were "Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you". My reply was "Tell him I like him, too!" From that point forward, we were destined to be together forever. I loved my grandparents and they loved me so much -- their prayers for me are still working. Their love for God and His Word had such a tremendous impact on my life. As precious as they were in my eyes as a young child, I never knew that "hands on" grandparenting. . I didn't even realize I didn't have it, until years later when I became a grandparent. When our grandparenting time came, we knew we wanted an "up close and personal" relationship with our grandchildren. So from the get-go, we set out to be those doting, over-the-top in love in words and deeds. Way before my first grandson was born, I had a "Hope Chest" of toys, puzzles and books.....that would be at Papa & Nana's house. In fact, to this day, I still have the old Nintendo 64 controllers and games. I still have their favorite book "Barbapapa" and I still have the Lincoln Logs and Legos. They all know they'll find those "treasures" at Nana's house!

If grandparenting hasn't become a part of your world yet, before long, it just may be and my best recommendation to you is to get intimately involved in their lives. While moms and dads are no doubt the greatest influencers, grandparents can come in a close second. We always wanted our grandchildren to know that we pray for them, stand ready to be there for them, and to support them as best we could, given though the miles that may have separated us. I'm, by no means, wanting to be dishing out a guilt trip to anyone that doesn't have that "bent", but I assure you, there is nothing to compare with that precious love. There is nothing sweeter on this earth than to hear "Nana, I love you so much!"

This post today was actually inspired by a sweet grandmother that saw my post yesterday, where I was sharing about the treasure hunts I've provided since all of my grandchildren were little. It's been "Nana's tradition". The treasure hunts end at age 18, but I remember my oldest grandson's dismay when on his 18th birthday I didn't have the treasure hunt ready to go for him, and when I saw that pout, I went into "turbo charge" mode to get it together. LOL! That FB grandmother asked me about those treasure hunts for her grandkids, and rather than just telling her, I share it with you, too, .......just in case......

~ Nana's Treasure Hunts ~
What's Needed: creativity, some extra time, rhyming ability (use the internet -- great for helping us find words that rhyme -- like "Go to the Rose Garden where it smells so sweet; Did I tell you....you have smelly feet?"), pick out places to hide the clues -- the younger they are, the easier the places and when they're older, it really is about "search and rescue", a birthday card that starts the treasure hunt with a clue, notes that have the clue on them and put in a box or envelope -- oftentimes with a bow attached that makes it easier to find in a tree or behind a rock, etc.)
Let the Treasure Hunt Begin:
~ Child opens card -- if younger, an older sibling or parent reads the clue and the fun begins. Note: be careful to not let the older sibling help too much -- it's all about the birthday boy or girl to know it's THEIR Treasure Hunt to find. If they're having trouble with finding the clue, it's okay to provide extra verbal clues along the way.

~ I usually have about 6 to 8 locations with accompanying clues that lead to the final clue and the BIG TREASURE (really not all that big, but it's the birthday gift from the grandparents instead of that gift just being among the mix of all the other gifts the child is given on their birthday.)

~ Simple, but memorable and that's what I'm into. Memorable for them AND me. I sometimes spice it up by using a golf cart to drive them around (that was easy for me living in a 55+ community) to find their clues. Also, sometimes I start the hunt with a theme, like a couple of years ago on Bryson's birthday, the theme was "What does the fox say?" If it's raining -- treasure hunt is in the house. If it's dark, have clues stationed closer to home and use flashlights.

~ Here is a sample of the clues used at my oldest grandson's 9 year old birthday (14 years ago) -- yes, I'm an archiver -- gotta' hang on to the memories! LOL!

Braden, Braden, You’re Our Man
If you can’t find this, no one can!
Now that you’ve been fed --
Your next clue you’ll find in Payton’s baby bed!

One, two, three, four,
Braden’s birthdays have numbered more,
Five, six, seven, eight,
It’s time to celebrate.
Braden is a great big nine.
Oh my goodness, He’s so fine.
Go look inside the washing machine!
You’re next clue may be green!

Where oh where has our little boy gone?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his eyes so big and his legs so long!
Oh where oh where is he?
And where is the next clue?
Try Papa’s closet - near his shoes!

Braden & Barrett sitting in a tree,
Counting apples - one, two, three,
Up comes the doctor, Up comes the
nurse, then comes the lady with the
alligator purse! Purse?????
Look in Nana’s closet by her purse!

I love you. You love me.
We’re a happy family.
With a great big hug and
a kiss from me to you
Look under the table where
you chew, chew, chew!

Braden Cole is so cool!
He’s the best when it comes to school!
He’s kind and sweet to everyone!
That’s why we think he’s so much fun!
Now look by the tree in the big backyard!
That’s where you’ll find the very last card!

NOW -- go out there and make a difference in your grandchildren's world. Be silly and energetic and bring wonder to their eyes and hearts with your love that makes them feel so happy you're in their lives. I promise you -- it will be worth the effort!

Treasure Hunt for Treasures

Day 330 of Photo Inspirations -- Treasure Hunt for Treasures
Thanksgiving Week is well underway at Nana's house.  The Treasure Hunt for Bryson was a success that led to awesome treasures, not just for him, but everyone!  $5 Dollar Tree cards.  It's a "must-have" trip while they're here.

Plungers were the big buy last time they were here.  I know that sounds gross -- but not when they're turned into swords or batons, and NOT used for that which they were originally intended!   LOL!  

On their own, a couple of years ago, the kids, with their $5 in hand for their trip to the $1 store, started the tradition of having a White Elephant/Dirty Santa" gift exchange with their $1 store items.    They meticulouly choose their items and when they're back home, the mayheim begins.  They get out gift wrapping paper and gift bags and go to an individual secret wrapping place and wrap each of their $1 treasures.

Then the gift exchange begins.  You would think those bags/wrapped gifts contained $50 items instead of $1 by the excitement. Honestly, it is worth the effort, because it's such a fun adventure and exchange.  One of them bought the Santa hat -- thus Lexi's stylin' in this photo; Bryson had purchased a $1 t-shirt and came home and wrote "I love Lexi on it" -- he wanted to keep it when he drew it for himself.  They have so much fun -- it's honestly a highlight of coming to Nana's at Thanksgiving.

I love this special time together.  All eleven of us are packed in my not-so-big house.  Only 2 or 3 times a year, do I think about back when we had a huge home with plenty beds and bedrooms that accommodated all of us so nicely.  But I've figured out....even in cramped places, love, celebration and great silliness can abound.  Blow-up and fold-up mattresses  in my office and closet -- create a just  fine, "camping indoors"  experience for the kids.  And, there is no way to complain or wish for the "good ole' days" when I consider the meager existence that so many in our world live in -- barely a roof over their head to call home, no running water, dirt floors, with just a mat to sleep on.  According to the United Nations Development Programme, more than a billion people in the world live with less than a dollar per day; almost almost half of the global population, live with less than 2 dollars per day.  That puts a whole new perspective on a "trip to the $1 Store.   When we give ourselves mental visuals like that, then "BLESSED beyond description" is how we should feel -- no matter what our living conditions might be.

And, BLESSED, is the operative word -- not, "lucky","fortunate",  "deserved" or "privileged".  We ARE BLESSED!   And we are blessed -- to be a BLESSING!.  We can't just simply say "THANK YOU", and go on our way.  We MUST do something about those blessings.  In fact, we're held accountable for them.   Luke 12:48 says ".......when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."  There is responsibility that comes with blessings.  Actually, it becomes a cycle of blessings, because we see in Proverbs 11:25,  "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."  It's that "give and it shall be given", law of reciprocity....that just keeps on giving.

So, this Thanksgiving week, while we're in an attitude of gratitude, let's remember that we are blessed to bless; gifted to give; forgiven to forgive; loved to love.  Instead of Thanksgiving, just maybe our mindset should be Thanks AND Giving!

Let's Go On A Treasure Hunt

Day 146 of Photo Inspirations -- Let's Go On A Treasure Hunt
I admit it.....I love the notion of finding hidden treasures.  This must be my impedus for doing treasure hunts for my grandkids -- for every birthday since they understood what it was about -- but even before they could read.  The big kids handled the reading of the clues, and quite often, because they could read, they'd head out to the next clue location before the little guys could get there.  Now, we hold back the big kids so the little kids can find the clue.  And once all the clues have been found, they find their hidden treasure -- the wrapped up "treasure" from Nana.

And, we adults totally get caught up in the journey of watching them look here and there, doing their best to understand Nana's methodology, and finally figuring out the clues along the way!   I love their wide eyes of excitement.

The fact is.....we're ALL on a treasure hunt as we journey through life.  God made us for the journey. AND, best of all, He gives us so many clues in His Word to find the hidden treasures.  Every place He says "IF you....." is a CLUE to success.  And when we follow the CLUE to the nth degree, then we are assured of finding the treasure.  Example:  "IF you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as He swore to your forefathers."
Deuteronomy 7:12
"IF you make the Most High your dwelling – even the LORD, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent."
Psalm 91:9-10
Jesus said: "IF you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:14-15

Have you been searching and searching for the key to your success, the open door that leads to prosperity, the matchmaker that brings you your significant other, the magic potion that gives you restored health, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?  Then I urge you, today, to begin searching for the treasures in God's Word.   The Bible is God’s treasure chest where He has so many valuables just waiting for you!