See Ya' Later

Unlike attending a funeral before these times, within the last two months, I traveled to two funerals via cyberspace -- Facebook Live. While it’s not the same as being there in person to support and encourage those whose loved one passed on, it is a blessing to be in this technology age that affords us the opportunity to watch from the comfort of our homes.

Such was the case on Tuesday, when I, from my home in Frisco, TX and my dear 97-year-old mother-in-law in Tulsa, OK, could go all the way to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada via Facebook Live for the funeral/memorial service of mom’s 92-year-old sister. We watched it all as my cousins and mom's nieces and nephews sang and gave beautiful remarks about their mom and grandmother. The theme throughout was Alma's love for her Lord, her knowledge of God's Word, always quoting scriptures, singing about Him with her sisters, leading her children to Him, her hospality, the best baker of sweets -- oh, those tarts -- and loving her family with all her heart. What a legacy!

Auntie Alma’s health drastically declined over the last few months. Mom, the older sister at 97, would daily call her to check in and to encourage her until she was hospitalized. Mom told me she’d say to Alma: “I’m calling to make you laugh again!” And, every time, Alma’s spirit was lifted. One such time, Mom said: “Alma, do you remember when playing Hide and Go Seek, we were all found but we couldn’t find you? We looked and looked but you were nowhere to be found. We were so worried we ran in and told Dad. He came out with his lantern, went straight to his Model T in the garage and found you on the floor board, sound asleep.” The last time mom was able to talk to Alma she told mom, “I’m just too tired to talk today.” Then, Mom starting praying that the Lord would take her home. He did.

My cousin let me know about Auntie Alma's passing on and I let Karen, my sis-in-law know. She found the best time to tell mom. When she told her, mom raised her hands to heaven and shouted: “Hallelujah!” I called then to check on her and she was in a rejoicing-state-of-mind! “I didn't shed a tear and have no sorrow. She’s where I want to be. I remember when we talked about our ten siblings already in heaven and only two seats remained at the table for Alma and me. We wondered which one of us would take the next seat. Now, there’s just one seat left and I’ll soon take it and close the door behind me.”

I love mom’s spirit. She is the last of the 12 siblings on this side of heaven. She is still so on purpose with her life. Only God knows how much longer she’ll be here, but I love her attitude. No grief. No mourning. She just keeps saying “See ya’ later” to those that go before her.

From my own firsthand experience, I know about "passing on" of my husband, parents, and all my siblings. Notice I say “Pass on – not pass away”. “Away” sounds like over and done with, but “on” is like going ON home, going ON a vacation, carrying ON. So, like Mom said “See ya’ later” to Alma – that’s the eternal perspective we can have too! Parting is just temporary!

Alma’s bags were packed. (Actually, I think Mom, mentally, has her bags packed, too). One of these days, Mom’s prayers will be answered, and she’ll walk through the door to eternity. Mom was Auntie Alma's midwife. She helped push her through that door. And here’s the best news for us. We'll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. Our loved ones, there before us, will be on the sidelines cheering for us 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!

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.”

God's Recovery Team -- Welcome to Oklahoma -- Birthplace of the BlizzaFloodQuakeNado

It warmed up to melt ALL that big snow (about an inch) in Tulsa and tomorrow, the weather guy is forecasting 70 degrees. Since Oklahoma was our home for 38 years, I can vouch for the authenticity of this sign in the photo, as well as the distinct four seasons that could happen in a week, accompany all those weather conditions. Sounds humorous, but we’ve seen some devastating results from those conditions. During those times, we witnessed the incredible humanity and rescue efforts of Oklahoma’s citizens.

I posted about the sprinkling of snow in Tulsa on Friday. I was so amused when this Facebook Group popped up in my newsfeed. "Oklahoma Winter Recovery" -- not because of the great idea of people helping people, but having lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada for seven years, with its 40+ below temperatures, over 30 inches of snow, and remembering that Winter Recovery there included plugging our cars’ heaters in at night, being always prepared to shovel snow off of cars and driveways, and dressing in many layers. The City of Winnipeg was resilient in handling the abundance of snow. Their snow remover vehicles had the streets cleared long before we needed to drive to work. I was also amused that the Tulsa schools were closed on Friday. If they did that in Winnipeg, school would be out for the entire winter.

It warmed up to melt ALL that big snow (about an inch) in Tulsa and tomorrow, the weather guy is forecasting 70 degrees. Since Oklahoma was our home for 38 years, I can vouch for the authenticity of this sign in the photo, as well as the distinct four seasons that could happen in a week, accompany all those weather conditions. Sounds humorous, but we’ve seen some devastating results from those conditions. During those times, we witnessed the incredible humanity and rescue efforts of Oklahoma’s citizens.

I posted about the sprinkling of snow in Tulsa on Friday. I was so amused when this Facebook Group popped up in my newsfeed. "Oklahoma Winter Recovery" -- not because of the great idea of people helping people, but having lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada for seven years, with its 40+ below temperatures, over 30 inches of snow, and remembering that Winter Recovery there included plugging our cars’ heaters in at night, being always prepared to shovel snow off of cars and driveways, and dressing in many layers. The City of Winnipeg was resilient in handling the abundance of snow. Their snow remover vehicles had the streets cleared long before we needed to drive to work. I was also amused that the Tulsa schools were closed on Friday. If they did that in Winnipeg, school would be out for the entire winter.

This was a post I saw under the Oklahoma Winter Recovery Facebook Group -- **At this time, please only post a new thread if you or someone else is stuck. This will help to keep the page easier to get assistance to the motorist** When posting about a vehicle that is stuck, please make sure to list the location, make and model of vehicle and at least one good phone number (either yours or the stranded motorist if you personally know them). This will help in getting assistance more easily and quickly, and this way it will be known whether or not they have been rescued already, so that someone else does not head that way. If you have Google Maps on your phone, drop a pin. This will also help determine the exact location. Be excellent. Make good choices.”

Impressive, right? Technology provides for people helping people -- and caring enough about their fellow man that they set up a place for support and help during winter storms. Isn't that the mentality and heart for having an attitude to serve and help others.

Helping others is such a great diversion from so much negavity in social media, the news and even those who are bound and determined to look at the "glass half empty". Doesn't it makesense for us to rewind, reload, and shoot some straight arrows toward targets that sincerely make a difference. Instead of being relentless to look for something else to complain about, wouldn't it be great to refocus on matters that matter? Matters like doing what we can to serve and support each other; doing what we can to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Matthew 22:39); and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31).

Just maybe our little caring "stone" could cause a ripple effect to a world that needs role models and examples of TRUE Christianity. TRUE Christianity is when our love for Christ is at the core of our life and He becomes so bright in us that we radiate that love and light to others in how we live, how we talk AND walk. So much so, that we can’t help ourselves….we see a need, we desire to meet it. We see someone hurting, we endeavor to ease the pain. We act like Him….He Who was willing to model “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13).

Maybe it's time when we ALL could enlist for being a recruit on God’s Recovery Team!

BIG Moving Day! An EPIC Adventure Awaits Me!

So, this is my big moving day -- well, at least my "stuff's" moving day! The movers will be here in an hour or so and my earthly belongings will be headed to Texas, from whence I came from. It's time for an EPIC adventure! I'll still be hanging around here in Tulsa until after November 6th, so I've packed up my "portable office" -- printer, computer and supplies, my clothes and necessities and taking over to a friend's home just around the corner from my home. I'll be moving in stages.....first the furniture and furnishings going to Frisco in storage, and later I'll meet up with it all. Who knew my life would have this turn of events? Oh, I know. God did. He must have had this up His sovereign sleeve since the beginning of "my time". Now, I just need to get this adventure started!

It was 1971 when the little Ronald Wuerch Family aka Ron, Donna, Ryan and Staci, moved to Lake Keystone to start a Bible College. Ron's dad and his close friend, Dr. Charles Duncombe, from England, had the vision to do something really outrageous for God -- train people to be devoted, well-trained followers of Christ who desired to be used by God to spread the gospel around the world. Dad found the building (a former nightclub) and turned it into offices, class rooms, a sanctuary, prayer room, and meeting rooms. International Faith Bible College. How's that for making something beautiful out of what the enemy once used for his kingdom?

We started out living in that building -- the offices would be our bedrooms and the kids would bath in the commercial kitchen's huge sinks! Cleveland, OK was where our kids' elementary alma mater. We would eventually train and graduate many students to go into the highways and byways to share the love of Christ. Lots of stories of radical life changes during those years -- sending students to the mission fields and to other places of ministry.

Lots of water under the bridge -- from Keystone to Shawnee, OK, to Oklahoma City, to Winnipeg Canada and back to Tulsa until today. Now, full circle -- I will go back to Texas, where this girl's life began. That Canadian guy took me on many epic adventures in the 44 years we were married.

So, why stop now? Forty-five years since adventuring from Texas to Oklahoma and now from Oklahoma back to Texas. I'm turning the page in my life-book and starting a new chapter. I have no idea what the future will hold. But here's one sure thing I do know. God knows. He holds my future in the palms of His hands. I'm excited about what the future holds -- well, excitement with some trepidation. When the trepidation comes....I take a deep breath in and breathe out....."God's got this. He promised it in His Word," Jeremiah 29:11 "Oh the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future!" I'm at the starting gate....and I'm ready to run this new leg of my race with determination and with all-out great expectation! After all, I'm not running it alone. God is with me, for me, in me and already setting up divine appointments where I'll get to share His love, His light and His liberty with those who need it most. It will be an EPIC adventure! Get ready. Get set. GO!

Life-Changing Experiences When Trusting the Master and His Plan

That's me -- Director of Telecommunications and Mail Services at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada -- 22 years ago.  This was the cover of MTS' (Manitoba Telephone Service), magazine.

What a blessing to have worked at the U of M for the 7 years that we lived in Winnipeg.  Of course, Winnipeg was home for my husband -- he was borne and bred, Canadian -- and always remained a loyal patriot and lover of his Canadian roots.  And, what a blessing for our entire family to have had such remarkable and life-changing experiences there.  Our son, Ryan, at only 19 years old was ranked in the Top 10 Winnipeg Realtors. Our daughter, Staci, became Miss Winnipeg and went on to compete in the Miss Canada Pageant and won overall talent, with a hefty $$ reward.  She also was selected to represent Canada in David Foster's Coca Cola World Chorus at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

And, I, having the most wonderful experiences at the U of M.  Originally hired in the President's Grant's Office, eventually moved to the Communications Offices, and though the position for Director of Telecommunications was advertised for someone with a Master's Degree in Communications, this little Southern gal, with only a high school education, but who burned with passion and desire and strong work ethics, loyalty, determination, drive, and willingness to learn WHATEVER -- was hired to that position. I received several awards for some of the innovations I brought to the university -- one of which was "Voice Mail".  (Who would have thought that those days in telecommunications would pave the way for my "telecommunications" business in Solavei today and getting to a make a huge difference in people's lives with FREE mobile service and also residual income? )

Why do I share this story?  Because I want everyone to know -- God has plans for our lives -- we went to Canada on a faith venture -- didn't know what our future would hold, but we KNEW that we KNEW God had great things in store for us there.  It was a faith journey that led to life-change because we BELIEVED.   Often, folks wait for the "just perfect circumstances" to make a life-change, to start a family, to take a risk on an opportunity that comes their way.  And, often, folks aren't willing to take ANY job to help make ends meet.  First, I proved myself in the UM's President's Office as a "Temporary" Office Assistant, was eventually hired to a salaried position and became an Administrative Assistant in Communications until I was promoted to Director of Telecommunications. What in the world would cause us to leave Canada and me, to EVER leave that position?  Our first-born grandson in Oklahoma.  The rest is history.

How awesome it is to be hooked up to the MASTER, Who has the MASTER PLAN for our lives.  When we trust Him with all our hearts -- risk taking, living on the edge,  and venturing out into the unknown becomes a WAY OF LIFE -- and oh, WHAT A LIFE IT IS!  Try it!  "For I know the plans I have for you -- plans to prosper and not harm you -- to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11