Keep On Keeping On

Of course this precious man's photo is my inspiration for today. Heaven is a wonderful place and every time I hear about someone's loved one getting to go there, it seems to get sweeter and sweeter. At least it sure does for me.

I am a team member on a Faith & Grief support group that helps those who have suffered a loss of a loved one and are struggling to move on. In fact we don’t say “move on” because moving on denotes “forgetting the past and getting over the loss”. Better stated is “keep on, keeping on.” I embrace those words because I was given an assignment by God at my birth, and it’s MY assignment until I get to “go home” to heaven.

My best friend, my husband, lover, sweetheart, and my kids' beloved father and papa went to his home in heaven this day nine years ago. I don't take his death anniversary as an opportunity to cry over that moment of departure. Instead, I celebrate his life by living mine. I live his list, my list and everything in between. I've spent the last nine years of my life, evolving and growing. It's my legacy to a man who loved and lived life in his God-given purpose on purpose. He was always KEEPING ON. Most importantly at 9 years post his graduation, I know I'm carrying on his and my legacy. If one person makes a decision to live a beautiful life because I share my journey, then my Ron lives on. That's our collective gift to this world.

I tell you to KEEP ON keeping on living with audacious and relentless faith because Ron would tell you to live like there is no tomorrow. I invite you to live because I know firsthand it's the best choice for anyone who grieves and can’t seem to keep on going. We can't bring them back, but we can honor all they were by being and doing all we can. Go live. You are still here for a reason. Take in the view. Live for others and bring them along with you to heaven. I tell you this because Ron taught me one valuable lesson throughout our forty-nine years together. He taught me to keep on keeping on – no matter the storms or circumstances, no matter the bumps or bruises -- all because of the cross of Jesus that we can keep on, keeping on.

On this day, I ponder: It’s been 9 years since I laid next to him. It’s been 9 years since I kissed him. It’s been 9 years since I've seen him hug our children and grandchildren. It’s been 9 years since I've heard him say, "I love you." Oh, but, because I keep on, keeping on, look what 9 years has done for me: It’s been 9 years of personal growth and living daily with determination and purpose. It’s been 9 years of new adventures – new places I never saw, new people I’ve come to love, and a new mission. It’s been 9 years of rediscovery of learning to love myself alone. I am enough because God is enough.

I've moved forward boldly while honoring my past. I still miss that man as much as I ever have, but that “missing” has changed and evolved as I have. He will forever have a special place in my heart and the hearts of my children and grandchildren. What I can tell you today is that nine years ago I didn’t know what my future would look like without this larger-than-life man in my life. What I didn't know is that my life didn't end. It had just begun.

Everything I am. Everything I've learned. Every part of my heart and soul is better today than it was nine years ago. His leaving was my opportunity to make ME so much better. I didn't die on November 16th, 2010, and I'm thankful that I realized I am still here for a reason. Regardless of what you are going through today, you have a purpose, and you can survive it. Take small daily baby steps, listen to your heart and remember to live. I can’t promise that the pain will ever go away, but I will promise that you are strong, brave and capable of anything. How do I know that? Because you have made it this far. The sun came up on this day so we can face this day with the goal of living and loving this life with all that is in us. Let’s face this day and keep on keeping on for everyone who no longer can.

What I Learned From an Escape Room

Last week a group of us from my community headed out for a fun-filled day that started with going to the “Countdown 2 Escape” here in Frisco. It is an Escape Room adventure where you go into one room and through a series of opening up boxes, drawers, and closets to find riddles, puzzles and clues to get through another door where even more challenges await us. It was my second time for this kind of adventure. My family took me on one for my birthday last year in Austin. It takes a ton of mental ability (Lord, have mercy!), lots of patience, thinking outside the box, teamwork and communication. There were about 25 of us who went and were divided into three different experiences. You have an hour to escape.

That experience made me think about this life we live and figuring out God’s ways and desires for us in this room called earth to eventually escape to our home sweet home in heaven. It takes a lot of patience, sticking to the rules, communication, teamwork and if we do our part, we’ll eat the good of the land here even before we go there. Isaiah 1:19 says “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.” I see my co-adventurers out there in social media land. I love watching your life adventures and most of all seeing you communicate your faith and even your times of difficulty and then see you weather the season and come “out of the room” with victories.

In that Escape Room, you can’t escape with duct tape over your mouth. You have to communicate to your group when you’ve found something. If you run into a stalemate, there is a Game Master watching you from another room, and if you ask, he or she will help you via a monitor. Doesn’t that sound like us? Especially when we’ve done all we can do on our own and we turn to God for help. He gives us an idea or a creative plan to get us out. We get to share our “how-to’s” with each other.

In our Escape Room, teamwork was huge in our success. All of us shared the same goal – to escape within the allotted sixty minutes. Thank God for all the various ways that teamwork plays such a significant role in our “life’s great escape” – our church, Bible Study, loving and faithful friends, family members, support groups and so many others who assist us in being devoted followers of Christ and help us escape on time. We need each other.

Every single thing in the Escape Room had a use – be it to distract us from the real thing or the key we found in a drawer that opens another thing. Every one of our life experiences has a meaningful use to it. I know that now as I look back on my life and realize that everything was making me stronger and wiser and more on purpose.

Consistency was key in our Escape Room. Some folks found a chair and gave up, but others of us refused to give up. We were persistent and determined. Our Game Master was always there to help get us out of tough spots. So does our Heavenly Game Master Who promises to never leave us or forsake us. He ensures that we complete our mission.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Soaring Above it All

I saw this photo on a friend's FB post about her recent vacation. Right away a blog started forming in my head. Her FB comment was: “Oh, today, let’s be adventurers! Feel the wind and fly.” Obviously, she and her husband took her words to action. I commented on her post: "I love that! I sense that’s a word from God telling us to rise above anything that is keeping us earthbound. He will carry us above all as we place our trust in Him. God gives us wings as eagles to fly and strength to rise above it all. When our feet begin to stumble and our dreams begin to crumble, we mount up on eagle’s wings. Instead of doubt and fear, we get adventurous!! Count me in!"

Their adventure reminded me of my parasailing two years ago while in Zihuatanejo, Mexico for my son’s birthday celebration (2nd photo here). It looked like a cinch to me to be strapped into the harness and take to soaring behind the boat. But, I missed an important detail: “Sit back in the harness.” I didn’t and for the entire experience, I prayed and held on for dear life hoping I wouldn’t fall out of it. It felt so loose. I wouldn’t have fallen out, but still my mind wasn’t on soaring but staying locked in.” Indeed, it was an adventure for me.

No matter whether we’re walking on water with Peter (yesterday’s blog), earthbound and never flying in an airplane or a para-sail or jumping from an airplane in a parachute – there is no 100% guarantee that we will arrive safely to our destination. We don't know the equipment, the pilots and, as trained and skilled as they are, they just can't predict everything. Then what about the potential wackiness of other passengers on an airplane? With bombs found in shoes and bags, everyone is suspect when boarding a plane. The reality is that many things can go wrong and, despite the airline's stellar track record, and parachutes and para-sails working properly -- history has proven that bad things can happen.

Still, I fly. Still I para-sail. Still I raise my hand “Pick me!” when offered an adventure. And, the same is true about my faith. Like that enormous aircraft getting off the ground -- my faith even defies human logic. We are told our Savior is one who died, then came back to life. How can that be possible? But I BELIEVE. We're asked to trust God Who we can’t even see. But when we do, and we put our lives in His hands and have faith that His flight plan is the best course for us, we arrive safely at our faith destination -- fulfilling our destiny and purpose.

We were handcrafted by our Creator to soar far above this earth, going to places that would be impossible to go under our own power and doing things we never imagined. If we let go of inhibitions and fears, we can expect a faith journey of soaring high above this earth's worries and concerns, and, He guarantees 100% ON-TIME arrival! WOW! That's a record that can't be beat! Come, fly with me!

Is There a Red Sea Between You and Your Miracle?

After my "animal patrol" duty for nearly three weeks, my family finally made it back home from their summer vacay! I was headed back home when my two youngest grandsons asked to go home with me. I loved it! Sweet words to my ears.

Those two boys have had quite the full summer which started with church youth camp where there is always the opportunity to learn more about God's love, get closer to Him, and, many times, have a radical life change. It happened to me in my youth.. And, it happened to these two. So much so, that 15-years-old Brennan seems like a brand new young man.

In order for them to go home with me, Brennan had one more day of football camp before he could leave, so I hung back for the extra day. Usually, I depart for home from Austin at 6 am to avoid the traffic, but this day, waiting to 2 pm to leave raised concern about the traffic leaving Austin, the Temple and Waco traffic and then arriving at rush-hour-traffic in Dallas. We were all packed up and after praying a short, journey-mercies prayer, we were on our way when Brennan said, "Nana, pull over and close your eyes. I want to pray." I did. He prayed "Lord, I ask you, like with Moses, to please part the Red Sea of traffic that faces us. Thank you. We love you. Amen" He was serious. Serious business with God.

I'm completely honest here. In my many travels to and from Austin, I have never seen so little traffic. We breezed through Temple (after stopping at Buc-ees), sailed through Waco. We kept thanking God. Of course, the Big Kahuna Dallas traffic awaited us. But even there, as we made it into downtown Dallas at 5:30-ish -- mild traffic, but I could see it was picking up toward the Dallas North Tollway. Brennan said, "Let's pray!" And again he prayed the same "Red Sea" prayer. I quickly hit my Waze app and it redirected me from the usual way home. I trusted it and followed that direction to the 35-N Express Lane which I had never seen before. It zoomed us by dead-stopped traffic to a less-driven road but virtually no traffic on it. We made it home in the same amount of time that it takes me when I leave early-morning. We were high-5'ing and thanking God.

Imagine how this "small" yet so significant scenario meant in the life of a teenager in realizing "nothing is impossible" when it comes to asking and receiving from God. Yesterday, we went over to see Uncle Larry & Aunt Staci. We were telling them about his football camp and his hopes for being a receiver in this year's football season. We also told them about our "Red Sea-parting" story. Aunt Staci said, "Hey that might be a good prayer for you to pray when you're being faced with big defensive ends! I loved it. And, I love how God "practically" gives us illustrative stories that carry us through every challenge and situation we face. God never changes. He parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites. He parted the Red Sea for my grandsons and me. Maybe you have a "Red Sea" that you are facing. May I suggest that you turn to God in "child-like" faith and ask Him to part the waters for you today?

Exodus 14:13-22 -- "And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left."

There’s No Place Like Home, But There’s Also Nothing Like Epic Adventures

This post was inspired as I was having a phone conversation with a friend yesterday by the chicken pen at my children’s home in Austin. Our conversation was interrupted when I saw two little renegade chickens out of the pen again. Those who follow me will remember the last time I was here in Austin. I was on a daily mission to shore up holes around the pen where the younger chickens were escaping. When I returned home to Frisco, I heard that these two chickens weren’t escaping through holes, but flying out and back in the pen.

Here I am on "animal patrol" again. It’s a work-out, but I find being here is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on earth. It’s back to nature and profound appreciation for God’s creation. AND, I get “aha” moments to share with you.

These two little black chickens have learned there’s fun, living-life-large adventures, as well as yummy bugs and treats outside of the pen, so they fly outside the safety and comfort of home. I don't worry about them roaming around anymore because they know where home sweet home is. When they need water or hanging out with their “family” – they’ll fly right back in. On the other hand, take a look at the photo on the right of the renegades. Those are older, mature hens and roosters who are watching what the renegades are doing, but they aren’t tempted to follow them. They are quite comfortable in their familiar surroundings of home.

To the right of the chicken photos is a quote by Helen Keller from her book published in 1940: "Let Us Have Faith” and a chapter titled “Faith Fears Not” contained the passage: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Don't you love that a blind woman speaks about faith AND adventure?

Have you ever done something that took you out of your comfort zone like becoming a pilot? Have you joined a new group that required you to meet total strangers? Have you spoken in front of a room to a group of people you don’t know? Have you gone on a 21-day trip with total strangers to Europe? Or eaten at a restaurant and were the only one in your booth? Have you taken on a crazy assignment like the care of a motley crew of animals? All of those questions, I've said “yes” to. Those all speak to the season I am in. I could stay at home in the comfort and safety of home or I could take risks and enjoy the adventures that are “outside the pen” like those adventurous chickens. If you have, maybe you’ve made the same discovery: adventure breaks monotony.

Adventure breaks monotony not only in the roles I play, but it also breaks any ho-hum-ness in my relationship with God.
Sometimes … my consistency, my predictability, my same-way-every-day when it comes to the way I interact with God can get downright "ordinary", and ordinary sometimes is BORING! God didn’t create us for ordinary and boring. He created us for EXTRAordinary. In John 10:10, Jesus said He came to give us a rich, abundant and satisfying life. Are we taking Him up on His offer? Taking on some out-of-the-comfort-zone adventures with the Holy Spirit can sure break ordinary.

Life is a great adventure. Seriously....there is so much awe and wonder to life if we live with the attitude of adventure. Let's blaze a trail for others to follow. Let's live life with gusto. Let's pursue it. Let's hunt for it. Let's say "no" to the whines of those who have settled for a mediocre life and who want us to do the same so they won't feel guilty. It seems our options are quite clear: On one side, there is the voice of safety. We can nestle into the pen (our home), settle for living for “us four and no more” and we can watch others that are spreading their wings and are flying to places of wonder and delight. We can hear the voice of adventure -- God's adventures. Instead of nestling in, we can ignite a fire in our hearts. We can follow God's impulses -- maybe......adopt the child; move to a new place; change careers; run for office, give blood, accept that teaching position at church or school, join that group with a cause to change the world and determine to make a difference in other people's lives. What a way to live! What a GREAT adventure!!

The Thrills, Chills, and Spills of Kayaking

Our recent trip to Beavers Bend included a leisurely, afternoon, 2-1/2 mile kayak trip down the Mountain Fork River. Right away, Staci and I decided to get a 2-man kayak. We asked which of us should sit at the back or front. The kayak rental guy said, “It depends on brains or brawn”. Evidently, I have the brains, because he recommended Staci take the back seat as it would require more focus on rowing. As it turned out, we both enjoyed casually rowing and occasionally giving it a heave-ho. We meandered off the beaten path…er the water-way and paddled into a grove of trees and just chilled out and then we found a huge flat rock formation and “beached” our kayak on it. We disembarked and cooled off in those chilly river waters. The rest of our kayaking buddies thought that was such a great idea that they joined us. This kayaking ride was a joy ride – just basking in God’s creation and enjoying His peace throughout.

Now let me tell you about a kayaking adventure that was quite different. It included thrills, chills, and spills. This one was with my husband and our two oldest grandsons, then 12 and 14 (11 years ago). Our plan was for a leisurely float trip down the Illinois River. The river was up to 8+ feet because of recent rains so it was mandatory that we all wear life jackets. My husband and younger grandson had the 2-man kayak and the 14-year old and I each had a 1-man kayak. It was impressed upon us to avoid any fallen trees because that is where the more dangerous rapids would be. Being the adventurous team that we were, we opted for the 12-mile, instead of the 6-mile trip.

We were off and rowing. We were having a great time enjoying each other and the Illinois River's beauty and serenity. At 4 miles in, Barrett (Bear), the 12-year old, assured us he was now well trained and ready to have his turn in the 1-man kayak. So he took it on for his solo ride while Ron and I took over the 2-man.

Then our guardian angels went into double duty. Not 5 minutes into Bear’s "solo ride”, rushing water pulled him into the "fallen trees with heavy rapids" waters. He was stuck. Papa and I quickly rowed to assist him, but no sooner than we reached him, he laid back on his kayak, and was freed from the perilous waters and floated on down the river. We weren’t so fortunate. The fierce rapids pulled us into the trees and turned our kayak over. In a matter of seconds, I was stuck under the kayak. I had the momentary thought that I could drown right here. At the same time, my husband was using all the strength he had to pull the kayak off of me. Then, as if an escape hatch was opened, the kayak came off of me and I popped up out of the rushing water. I am convinced, was it not for divine intervention, my husband's strength, and the life jacket, the sharp branches of the tree and the rushing waters would have resulted in someone else sharing this story with you. When we were toppled, we lost our oars and the kayak took off down the river without us. We were free-riding in the rushing river with only our life jackets keeping us bobbing.

Braden, the 14-year old, caught the 2-man kayak, but in the process lost his 1-man into a clump of fallen trees and rushing water. During this whole perilous experience, a family in a raft (the first people we'd seen since we started), witnessed our predicament. They pulled off to shore to see how they could help. They were able to retrieve our oars as they floated down the river. They were expert swimmers with experience in whitewater rapids and insisted on helping us free the kayak that was stuck in trees. As their two young children, our grandsons, my husband and I watched from shore, this precious couple took our 2-man kayak, and with great skill dislodged the 1-man sending it on down the river. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude when we made it to their camp. They were "angels on assignment" for us. Their presence was divine intervention.

TRon, Bear and I boarded the two-man kayak, Braden was on the one-man, and before long, we saw the kayak stuck in another treed area, with oar and cooler still attached to it. This time, my hero, Ron, climbed the treed area, worked his way through poison oak vines, limbs, and branches, enduring lacerations, cuts, and a terrible poison oak rash that last for days, but released the kayak. Thankfully, the kayak floated to a shore up ahead where we were elated to stop and express our thanksgiving to God for safety, protection, and to eat our lunch that, unbelievably, was completely dry. After lunch, we continued on down the river, for an uneventful 5 more miles.

Our most recent kayaking adventure reminds me of the times that our faith journey is more routine, uneventful, calm and often extremely filled with joyful and peaceful times. God is with us in those times of smooth-sailing waters.

The other death-and-harm defying kayaking adventure is a reminder of the times that our faith journey is filled with highs and lows, pitfalls and pretty scary and painful times. It’s in those times that we don’t take life for granted and we call on divine intervention. Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our lives may be spared as we may be in near-death situations, near-devastation circumstances – but God is with us in those stormy, perilous waters times. The reassurance of it all – God NEVER leaves us or forsakes us in ALL our kayaking experiences of life. We just need to hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Make Life an Epic Adventure

Yes, that first photo here is ME -- on a zip line! Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing!" She proved that as she overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th century's leading humanitarians, fully embracing the adventures of life.

Adventures begin right from the womb. Infants soon become crawlers getting into everything. Toddlers figure out how to get out of their baby cribs. We'll even find them climbing pantry shelves. They live "on the edge"! Somehow, they survive those adventures, even though they'll get a few bumps and bruises along the way!

They are secure in their risk taking. Where did that confidence come from? They went from crawling to being confident enough to walk because they had family members who coaxed them, trained them, and who said over and over "You can do this!" They became more and more confident, and now there's no end to their grand, daring adventures.

Speaking of grand adventures, I’m here in Austin again with my two youngest grandsons. Creativity and adventure seem to be their mode of operation. I saw 10 bags (numbered 1 to 10) on the kitchen counter – with something in each one. Brennan (the 13-year old) commenced to set up a table outside and placed the bags on the table. He had the camera set up on a tripod because the Brennan “Challenge Your Bro” Show was about to be videoed. Oh the creativity and adventure of the young!

First, each boy picked 5 bags, and whatever was in the bag had to be poured into a bowl. Bryson (the 10 year old), opened his bags that included syrup, Cheetos, Catalina dressing, vinegar, and ketchup. Brennan’s was Hershey chocolate, mustard, honey, tomato soup and peanut butter

After pouring some of each into their bowls, they took their concoctions into the house and it was blending and tasting time -- 5 sips each. Oh my! I was thoroughly entertained by these boys and their epic, creative adventure that was filled with crazy antics, lots of gagging and uncontrollable laughter and fun.

Oh, but that adventure wasn’t enough – then the Brennan “Challenge Your Bro” Show included the “Bro” challenge of pumpkin carving. Both of his shows are soon to be on his YouTube channel. I was amazed as I watched him him spend hours on perfecting his video -- researching on Google how to add emojis and intros to it. He’s a self-taught producer.

Oh the places he will go because of that adventurous spirit. I was the judge and determined I couldn't choose a First Place Winner. After all, I am Nana which means I'm impartial. Besides, they were both too good, so Brennan said, "Let's do it the man way! Rock, paper scissors!" Bryson won! LOL!

I still want to live with that mindset of living out-loud, and being adventure bound. It doesn't take much to talk ourselves out of challenging ourselves and only seeking a comfort zone that makes us feel warm and fuzzy, but doesn’t help us stay alive to all the possibilities that this life holds.

We can know that kind of confidence -- whether we're taking a risk, or simply endeavoring to conquer a challenging situation that we may be in. God is coaxing us, telling us "You can do this!" I'm talking about putting our trust in God -- so much so -- that He becomes our safety harness and our security.

Sure, some of those risks present some bumps and bruises and some may even make us want to throw up – like my boys with their concoctions yesterday, but when we are confident in His ability and His ever watchful eye on us, we will go at it again and risk living life to the fullest, becoming like little kids and having some grand adventures.

In the great words of Dr Suess (from his "Oh the Places You Will Go")....

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai, Ali, Van, Allen O'Shea,
You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
SO....GET ON YOUR WAY!

Lord, Please Help Me to be a Lifetime Adventurer

Life can be a great adventure, especially when it starts out with my furry friend, Buddy. Adventure is defined as an unusual, exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. What's so unusual and hazardous about walking a dog?
~ The Terrain -- there's cracks and unlevel walking paths, curbs, roads that have high traffic patterns and if raining, slippery paths
~ Creatures -- there are walkers, runners, bicycle riders, skate boarders, dogs of all shapes and sizes, and, potential critters
~ Physical -- our body parts can be over-used and over-extended
~ Sense of Direction -- can be led astray and even get lost

With all those possible hazards along the way, it would seem that it's better to be a spectator on a bus, where we're safe and secure. BORRRR-ing!! Right? Did God call us to be bus riders and stay-at-home, see after my 4-and-no-more kinds of people?

This thought came to me as Buddy and I took a new trail yesterday. It was beautiful and more secluded than where we usually walk. We walked by a creek, crossed bridges and soon we took a trail that ended right smack dab on The Trails at Frisco Golf Course. To go back where we came from meant same-o, same-o. To go forward meant potential walking distance way further than we planned. To go forward meant a new adventure. We went forward. As it turned out, we did walk about twice the distance we usually walk, but it was rewarding as golfers waved at us, were asked what kind of dog Buddy is, yelled FORE from time-to-time, and we enjoyed the course's beauty, along with those golfers. Once back on our usual trail, we saw a garage sale sign so, of course, we had to stop. There we met an older couple that seemed to need Buddy and I as visitors. Buddy reminded them of the collie they had years before. He gave them some sweet memories and I was able to share my faith and my trust in God's timing with them.

The Bible says that God instills in every believer a phenomenon called a "spiritual gift" which is a divine enablement so that we can share in the adventures of God's plan. It may be the gift of teaching, of giving, of mercy, of encouragement, etc. We are here to be adventurers that make a difference in others' lives.

I've made up my mind that I don't want to be a "tour bus" spectator. I know I've been called to be a participant as one of God's representatives. I don't want to be insulated from the excitement of life and the excitement of doing God's work. For all of us, our adventures begin when we get off the tour bus and go into action!

"Lord, I want to play a role in your grand adventures. Please use me. Use me to impact a teenager's life. Use me to ease someone's loneliness. Use me to help deepen someone's faith. Use me to encourage a broken and wounded person. Use me to feed someone's hunger. Use me to touch lives in Your name. Make me a life-time Adventurer for You!

The Happiest Place on Earth

Disney World -- it's supposed to be the happiest place on earth -- but I guess it depends on who's saying it and feeling it. That's where the Wallace's and I are heading today. I know it's a stretch to think I would be interrupting my Lenten "desert" and solemnity for going to that fantasy/magical/wonder/pixie dust world, but, in reality, I like to think that this long-planned adventure is no surprise to God and He might even have orchestrated it because He wants us to put into perspective the ability we have to dream and believe in miracles.

In reality, we're heading there because Payton and Alexia were given Disney World as their big incentive for achieving "nationals" in their Debate and Speech competitions last year, and to make matters even more special, it's the 10th anniversary of Papa and Alexia's birthday celebration when he turned 60 and she turned 6. This year, Papa would be 70 and Alexia turns 16. I love that we get to still include that sweet man on our adventures. After all, he is still so present in our hearts and lives.

I commented to the kids "Well, you're probably not wanting to re-enact riding in the tea-cups and the "It's a small world after all" ride, are you?" To which, both said, "Oh yes we are -- we're not missing a thing!" Which immediately caused us all to break into song "It's a small world after all!"

While Disney is such a sweet adventure with little kids in tow, I'm looking forward to this trip because it represents nostalgia for me as a young girl, when times were simpler and sweeter. Some folks enjoy the artistry and the detail (I know that to be so for Payton, as he has friends who work at Disney and, who knows, maybe with his musical talents, a door may open for him there one day). And some folks have discovered that they can be "kids" without even being a child and they can let that kid come out and play! COUNT ME IN!

Since I'm a romantic at heart, I still embrace the "Dreams come true" likes of Cinderella, Belle, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and all the other Disney memories from my childhood that initiated my love for Hallmark movies where, though the ending is always expected to be happy, it still brings sweetness and joy.

I know there are those of you who are reading this today and are thinking "Get a life, Donna. In fact, get back in your prayer closet, Donna! Face up to the real nasty and dirty world we live in. Forget the imagery of "And they lived happy ever after" because it's just not so!" And with that thought, I say, "I beg to differ!" This life may have it's disappointments and tribulations....but the greatest BELIEVE-IT-WILL-COME-TRUE-STORY is a true story. John 10:10 "Jesus came to give us abundant life!" It's THE ONE about a Prince and a shoe and a girl who believed in the impossible. Though the Cinderella story, itself isn't true, we CAN believe that there is a Prince of Peace who gave each of us specific shoes that only we can walk in, and He promises that He will dance with us for ALL ETERNITY if we truly BELIEVE IN HIM". John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER (that's you and me) believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!" That's a FOR SURE promise of "And they will live happy ever after!"

I started this post with "The Happiest Place on Earth". It really isn't Disney....it's that place of inner peace that comes with knowing the Prince of Peace, and abiding in Him 24/7. That, my friends.....is truly "The Happiest Place on Earth"!!!

Enthusiasm is Contagious! Be a Carrier!

Chuck E Cheese goes way back in our family. It started with my two kids and has continued through the decades with the grandkids -- and still now, with the youngest, 10 year-old Bryson. He needs his "fix" every time Nana comes into town. Older brother stopped going last year because, you know...."Chuck E is just for little kids!"

In December, when I came down to Austin, we ventured out to find a Chuck E Cheese. It took us 1-1/2 hours to get to it in the evening traffic, but we were rewarded for our drive because, on a Wednesday night, Bryson, myself and one other family were the only ones there. Bryson thought he was in heaven because Chuck E would come out every hour and encourage dancing and then he'd throw out a boatload of tickets. Bryson made a haul that night -- not to mention, because it was his birthday (I'm on Chuck E Cheese's mailing list), he got lots more free tickets. He played and played to his heart's content. In fact, we were the last ones there at 9 pm, when the doors closed. When we got home, he couldn't stop talking about the fun night we had. Big brother, 12-years-old Brennan, heard all the praises and I could see in his eyes that he wished he had gone with us. By the way, it only took us 20 minutes to get back home. Timing is everything.

Fast forward to this last Thursday night. Bryson has been relentless in wanting to go back to Chuck E Cheese before I leave for Frisco next week, so we headed out for another Chuck E adventure. Remember, Bryson's enthusiasm when we last went there? His enthusiasm was so contagious, that this time, BIG brother was not going to miss out on the fun, so he joined us. And fun they had! We arrived at 4:15 and left at 7:15. Three hours of non-stop fun, except for the pizza, which Brennan admitted "This is my favorite pizza -- I love the crust!" Brennan broke the record on the basketball throw machine, plus so much fun on all the other machines. The first time Chuck E came out....Brennan was not about to dance with Bryson and the other "little" kids and capture all those tickets that were blown out. Next time around, however, Brennan announced, "Nana, get your camera ready! This is the only time you're going to get me dancing with Chuck E. He did AND he even chased Chuck E down to get a photo with him. Both boys, yesterday, were trying to convince me to take them back again. My reply was "Next time!"

I shared this Chuck E Cheese saga, to reiterate what I shared yesterday, "Never postpone joy" to all of us -- young AND old. Oftentimes we think "acting our age" is to skip the kids' games, the kids' lines, the kids' fun -- because we've passed that age. We're big kids now and big kids act differently. NOT! You can count me OUT on that attitude. Bryson's enthusiasm was contagious. What if our enthusiasm for joy, laughter and fun was contagious to those around us? Wouldn't they want to join us for the thrills we're enjoying AT OUR AGE? Like Brennan, he had no idea the fun he was missing until he heard and saw "a kid's" expression of joy. Maybe it's time to follow the Master's lead and become like little children again!

Matthew 18:2-4 "Calling a little child forward, He had him stand among them. Then he said, “I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

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!

History Repeats Itself!

Don't you love it when history repeats itself -- especially the history that was so sweet at the time, the memories that lasted and now, 40 years later, it's coming around again? This post today was inspired by photos my son sent me with the caption, "Does this bring back memories?" Oh yes it did!

Our sweet Bryson, age 9, is starting his Cub Scout adventures. In 2015, Cub Scouting changed the advancement system to an "adventure" system. And, I love that my son, Ryan, has joined Bryson as an Assistant Webelos Troop Leader! I expect memorable days ahead for the two of them and if Bryson catches even a measure of what his Dad caught during his Cub Scouts season, his trajectory will be one where we "fasten our seatbelts and enjoy the ride!"

It was such a precious time when Ryan was a Cub Scout. I well remember watching him and his dad so on purpose with creating his Pinewood Derby car. And I also remember the Scout-a-Rama outdoor event where Scouting groups showcased their skills. It included all kinds of activities, but the one that began our son's entrepreneurial spirit was the competition to sell the most Scout-a-Rama tickets. He was relentless to win the big prize. We lived out in the country -- off the beaten path. So selling tickets had to be strategic. Yes, church and driving him to other communities to sell tickets were part of the game plan. But, Ryan, with his little sister in tow, took matters into his own hands when he would stop the cars coming down our country road and the two of them would use their cuteness appeal to sell lots of those tickets. I love to tell that story, because no doubt, that competitive spirit, quick thinking and realizing that sales can be very lucrative propelled that little guy to be the big guy today that is still relentless in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Stay tuned for the biggest one yet, soon to be launched!

No doubt Bryson will accomplish much in his future, but getting this little guy in organizations that promote leadership qualities that are so needed in our world today, is the most significant. Here's the Scout law -- a scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent -- all qualities that we certainly look for in our leaders. The three promises of the Scout Oath are duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to self. What if we assumed THOSE duties, also?

What I hope, more than anything, is that this is another important milestone that will help Bryson become the best version of himself that he could possibly be. When we provide sources of positivity and teach our children the value of honor, integrity and good character, we can expect their trajectory to be that of strong leaders and citizens that will lead by the examples they were taught. HISTORY is already in the making!

God's Gentle Nudges

We all know how sweet it is when heaven taps us on the shoulder – and we totally recognize that it was God’s way of reassuring us or pointing us in a direction we know we should go or simply to feel His warm embrace…..right when we need it most.

I’m official. Texas license plates on my car….that means I’m committed to this new adventure. The longing has been there for some time. I’ve missed way too many of my grandchildren’s events – that’s reason enough to go. And God's gentle nudges seem to push me that direction. Yesterday, while finishing up the final removal of “stuff” from my home, I sat down for a quick lunch on the only sitting area – my fireplace hearth. I no sooner sat down, than I looked out my dining room window – and on the outside gazing right between two elephant ears, was the Texas flag flying in the distance. I know that flag represents the new Texas Roadhouse restaurant that just went in, but I choose to believe that it was heaven tapping me on the shoulder to remind me once again…..that I’m Texas-bound.

In the meantime, I carried my belongings over to my friend’s home. She was kind enough to offer her home to me while I’m finishing up responsibilities and commitments I have here in Tulsa. I took her to the airport this morning – she’ll be in her “other” home in Virginia for the next 2-1/2 months. What a blessing for me to be in this beautiful home. I laughed as we were leaving for the airport and I heard her tell her stuffed dog to keep a watch over me. And, to top it off, a tall, dark and handsome guy is here with me…..and I’ve heard that he plays a pretty good game of basketball, too. How’s that for full package deal? A home, a guard dog and a man – he’s a stiff, but he looks good, doesn’t complain and I never have to wash his clothes!

I’m amped up on listening for God’s voice, feeling His gentle nudges and even His kick-in-the-pants to keep me pressing onward. This is why God is so wonderful! He wants to help and guide us through the mazes of our lives, even when we don't ask. Now, just imagine if we actively seek his assistance through prayer and daily conversations with Him, the nudge will then turn into a treasure map of spiritual growth and the more we follow His guidance, the more treasures we will discover.

So, let’s pay attention to God’s gentle nudges. As long as we don’t push back, our lives will come ALIVE and adventures will await us!

"God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me with His eye." (Psalm 32:8)