A Different Valentine's Day

It’s 5 am, Valentine’s Day morning. Nothing new about that. That’s my usual get-up-and-go time to first thing post my blog for this day. But, something’s different about this day.

It’s 28 degrees outside – the coldest morning so far this year here in Frisco. And, I’m all geared up in my husband’s ski-pants, my ski jacket, ski gloves and Alaskan fur hat (all are about 30+ years old). I’m out walking pint-size, Miss Emma, at 5:15 am. She hears me make a tiny noise when I get up and she is raring to go do her business outside. BTW, Miss Emma is my Wallace family’s "super cute", 5-pound Yorkie. Her brother -- burly, hairy, 75-pound Australian Shepherd, Buddy, took to the road in the big truck and RV with the Wallace’s the day before. And, I, who normally have only the responsibility of myself to make it through the day – has this girly-girl Emma for six days until Alexia, my granddaughter, flies back home and resumes Miss Emma's caregiving.

Donna, why don't you just let her out in your back yard to do her business? My backyard is sitting in so much water from all the rain we’ve had recently. My mistake.A bath was called for to get rid of the wet mud. I know you're laughing at this dog saga and me – the one who admits to only being a dog-liker, not a dog lover. At my young, but ripe age – it’s a lot of love for my family that gets me out of my routine for little responsibilities for living beings (including plants). But the walks and having someone to talk to is good medicine on this Valentine’s Day. After all, I could be a wimpy, whiny mess. But, not me! I’m on assignment!

As I’m walking this girl, I think about this “lovers” day. No lover, but a compact, 11-year old, Yorkie (Thankfully, in dog years, she's older than me!). But, I leave her side to re-enact some Valentine's memories when my Sweetheart and I typically enjoyed going out for a movie and dinner together. So, I do on this day. To top it off, I come home to beautiful flowers from the Wuerch's and along with the pooch hand-off, the Wallaces give me a sweet card and a $25 gift card.

I think of the novelty of having my Sweetheart with me in my heart AND little Emma with me. This photo is a cherished one of Emma and Papa snoozing. How could I complain that he got to go to heaven much earlier than we expected? His race was finished on this side of heaven and mine is still ongoing.

I’ve had a love of my own, you see. I would NEVER want to bring him back, but, one thing’s for sure, I am determined to be with him in heaven someday. So, I’m purposing to live each remaining day as if it is my last day on earth. That means I’m endeavoring to spend each day wisely, acknowledging the Lord in prayer, spending time in His Word, worshipping Him, serving Him, loving others, AND loving this 5-pound Yorkie.

I am celebrating love with all of you lovers out there. I urge you to live in the moments and treasure the moments God has given you. Please don’t take those moments for granted. Be brave and faithful and true. Cling very close to each other and make everyday sweeter than the day before. I promise you -- you'll be so glad you did -- especially when your only companion happens to be a 4-legged friend!

Mary’s Assignment – My Assignment

I’ve received many assignments from God in my life – many that involved the care for those closest to me, several in my places of employment, others that took us from one state to another, to another country and back to the U.S., missions’ assignments and other assignments that focused on me.

This week, of all times of the year, I am on an assignment to help my Frisco children get packed up and moved from their home that sold at a surprising time-of-the-year (right here at Christmas) and then helping them move and unpack at their new home – just a few miles away. The timing wasn’t exactly according to our plans. It could have easily come in the warmer, less busy time of the year! But God knew and He is the way-maker -- and His ways are higher and better than our ways! God is the Master of assigning and giving sweet assurances along the way -- and even many little miracles come that assures us “this is God’s perfect timing”.

My kids aren't the first to have received an assignment that wasn’t planned or expected. Just look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her change of plans was much greater than a few-miles- down-the-road move. Let’s picture her -- engaged to a great guy. Wedding plans in motion. Excitement is building about "the day"! But, then, her dreams are interrupted: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.’” (Luke 1:30-31) When Mary received this news, she didn’t react in fear or doubt. Instead her reaction was grounded in faith: “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38)

Mary responded with confidence because her confidence began with her relationship with God. She built her confidence in Him, not on something that was outside her control. Not on someone, like Joseph. For all she knew, he would leave her once he learned she was pregnant. Did Mary understand everything God was doing? Unlikely. Or resent what He was doing? Doesn’t appear so. Would others judge her? No doubt they would, but Mary didn’t allow people’s opinions to prevent her from embracing God’s calling, even if she didn’t understand it. The lack of details didn’t impact her confidence in His plans for her life, nor her trust in Him to take care of her.

I’m desperately trying to follow Mary’s lead. I’m learning that confidence built on people or positions is a confidence built on unsolid ground. Someone, something or some place will let us all down at some point. When we build our confidence on Christ when difficult times come, our foundation will be firm in Him. The Lord uses changes and moves to faithfully bring us to a place where our gifts will grow. We should always know, just like He was to Mary, the Lord is always faithful.

Hebrews 10:35-36, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”.

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.

God Doesn’t Call the Equipped -- He Equips the Called

Many times I have felt inadequate to fulfill the call of God on my life. I sincerely wanted to be the picture of a dutiful homemaker (okay, I know you women libbers out there are gagging at the thought), but that was my desire. I married young and I wanted to be a model wife for my young husband. I was woefully inadequate when we started out. I could cook the recipes I learned in Home Economics. Once “my calling” was given some time, I was equipped to be a devoted, washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning-machine wife. I also worked a full-time job and served at my church. My young 17-year-old self could do all that, plus – just a year later, become a mother, who by the time our little guy showed up on planet earth, I had nipped the childcare role in the bud. After all, I had been a baby sitter since the age of 12, so I knew the ropes…well, except for when he was sick, and God equipped me to handle those challenges. He “called” me to be a wife and mother. He equipped me. I yielded to His instructions -- sometimes. Other times, I’d regrettably take matters in my own hands – only to rewind and let God do what He does best – equip me with His special, handcrafted abilities.

Within each of us are all the tools we need to fulfill God’s call on our lives. I didn’t realize how equipped I was for widowhood until I became one. This girl could actually live life to its fullest on her own. She could run her business, sell her home, then, buy and build a new home, do her own accounting, become a blogger, repair many things in her home and car, take to the road travelling many miles to see family and friends. This girl, ME, was called to widowhood. I was equipped to handle it.

It’s like a bird – God gave them wings; He equipped them with what they need, but they don’t use them until they have to. I witnessed that with the little cardinals and doves that nested around my home. Initially they clung close to the nest, waiting for mama or papa bird to bring them what they needed, but before long…..they found that within them was the equipment they needed to soar.

We often find ourselves wondering what God has equipped us with – only to discover that we weren’t choosing to use what we had been given unless we absolutely had to. Maybe you find yourself struggling with purpose or fearful to take a step in the direction that God is nudging you towards. God has already equipped you to serve Him wherever you are right now. He will give you the strength to use all you have been given, so get ready to step up to the task. God doesn’t call the equipped, Child of God. God equips the called. And you have been called.

"Now may the God of peace.....EQUIP you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20)

When We’ve Run Out of Hope……

This is my second day in a row to blog about hope. Maybe it has to do with some of the assignments God has given me in the last few months to encourage others to hold onto hope.

So many are sick. Sick and tired. Sick of hearing so much negativity and hate. Sick of trying so hard to make changes in their lives. Sick of being sick. A scripture that answers that SICK-ness is this one: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12)

When we lose hope, we lose our health, our ability to dream, our determination to keep trying and our desire to face another day. No wonder so many are sick, hopeless and even die from heart illnesses or suicide. It’s truly a matter of the heart. The question, “Is there hope?” is asked every day:

~ When someone is sitting in the doctor’s office awaiting test results.
~ When a couple gets nowhere despite months and months in counseling.
~ When talking to an accountant before walking into a bankruptcy court.
~ When waiting for the results of a passing grade.
~ When waiting for a callback from a job interview.
~ When wondering if we can come together as a nation

Hope is a necessary source of life. Because hope is in such short supply today, people easily fall for all kinds of scams. They trust in false hopes, like get-rich-quick schemes, psychic hotlines, palm readings, and quack cures. Nothing disappoints worse than false hope. So where do we turn to find real hope? In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul gives us the answer – the answer is in God: “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Now that’s what I call a HOPE boat riding on a HOPE river – overflowing in hope. God is the only source of hope that will never disappoint. When we place our faith in Him, He provides joy, peace, and hope that overflows. Oh, how our world needs that hope.

The most common lie that satan uses to instill fear into us is to make us feel our desires, dreams and goals are hopeless. If you've felt that way -- welcome to the club! We've all had that uneasy feeling of hopelessness, but the sooner we squelch that lie and trust in God Who is the source of our hope, the sooner we will begin to be filled with joy and peace.....and even start to see positive results to all those hopes and dreams.

God is always with us. He’s in our past, in our present, and in our future. He’s with us in the good and bad places. He is everywhere. And we are never, ever alone. Where God is, hope is. So for a good physical, mental and spiritual report? Bring on the hope!

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

Yesterday I stopped by my children’s home and I saw this aluminum foil creation with a point on the top (and, of course, a bow to show it was designed with a woman in mind!). Alexia (my creative granddaughter) had made it the night before.

I'm not sure where her imagination was going to but immediately Star Trek came to mind and “Beam me up, Scotty!” Those words were used when the crew of the Enterprise “transponded” down onto an unexplored planet or, when things got out of hand, back up to the safety of the Enterprise as it continued to go where no one had gone before. Scotty was the engineer who operated the transponder and was responsible for those who were being sent out on a mission. Those being sent seemed to “atomize” before our eyes as they disappeared and then reappeared somewhere else.

Before I left to go home, Staci put the foil cap on me and she, Larry and I had a time of prayer for their ministry mission in Alvin, TX this weekend. We prayed for protection and an outpouring of God’s Spirit to the precious people in Alvin, many of whom lost their homes and businesses in Hurricane Harvey and are still recovering and trying to get their lives back again. Wearing the foil cap during prayer wasn’t in any way to spiritualize the cap which was rather funny, but then I started thinking about one day when my mission here is completed, I’ll say “Beam me up, Lord. Mission accomplished.”

In the meantime, we have on our helmets of salvation (Ephesians 6:17) which not only protects our minds, but we have Holy Spirit Who is always helping us to discern, understand and know God’s love and heart for us. “Beam me up, Lord”, is a way of saying “Lord, I’m keeping my mind off of so many distractions in my world. Beam me up to where you have a 30,000-foot view of all that is earthbound and temporary. Beam me up to trusting and believing in your ways that are so much higher than my ways. Beam me up to be conscious of my blessings instead of my worries and concerns.

God has given us so many “mission” tools that will help us successfully run our race and complete each assignment and mission He has given us until we’re beamed up to heaven. We have been equipped for great adventures and awesome explorations that have been deployed to us. God, our great navigator, and captain of our “Enterprise” ship, always has a plan for us to accomplish our mission. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I’ve heard some folks say “If I can just make through this old world to my mansion in the sky'. If that's what life is all about, the minute we become a follower of Christ, God would beam us out of here. But, here’s the truth in this silly little aluminum cap story of mine. We are here for a purpose. We are not here just to take up space! God's master plan is for us to live our life with excitement, enjoyment, determination, and zeal......and to fill that space with loving, caring and spreading God's love everywhere and to everyone! With that mindset, when our time here has ended, we’ll know that we lived with no regrets because we gave this life everything we had. Let’s finish what God started in us……right to our finish line. In the meantime, let’s believe we’re here for a purpose and assignment…..and when that assignment is completed, God WILL beam us up right out of here!

Forward.....MARCH!

In honor of this month of MARCH, and in honor of our service men and women who, on our behalf, are MARCHING to the beat of the love of their country, my word for today is MARCH.

It’s MARCH 4th -- the only day of the year that can also be a sentence -- MARCH Forth! Time is marching forth and so are we! An Army platoon marches FORWARD, not backward. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or on the battlefield, they are on assignment until their mission has been accomplished. St. Paul wrote "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

My daily goal is to MARCH forward. No backward marching for me because I want to make daily progress. Some folks have lost their hope and expectancy for good things to come their way so they HALT, and are at a stand-still. I get that because for over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with my dear husband and his earth assignments ended when Heaven called his name. My life could be HALTED, too, but Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here! I'd lose momentum in accomplishing my assignments if I stayed in backward thinking.

My precious 95-year-old mother-in-law often asks “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And we always tell her “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!” You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments. Keep marching!

Everyday we have the opportunity to MARCH to the beat of our Divine Drummer who has perfect rhythm so we can make daily progress on our journey of faith. No more rear-view-mirror glimpses of regret, unforgiveness or shame from the past. No MARCHING backward. We have assignments to complete. This year, with its surprises and joys, AND with some bumpy roads along the way, let's keep MARCH FORWARD to conquer whatever comes our way, hand in hand with our Commanding Officer, Joy-Bringer, Deliverer, Comforter, Guide, Peace-Giver.

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU? Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders today – our MISSION is possible!

We're Thoroughbreds in the Making

Each of us have our own assignment to fulfill and we were created, individually and uniquely, to run our OWN race.

We might think, "If I just had their good looks, or money, or their skills, or their talent -- I could be successful." Bottom line -- God's sovereign hand of blessing is on OUR lives -- for OUR personal, God-given assignments.

My granddaughter re-ignited my love for horses when she became an equestrian rider. Horses are such stately, graceful, beautiful creatures. I know God made them for specific reasons -- providing transportation, pulling heavy loads, devoted companions to their owners, but, when I hear about the ones (thoroughbreds) that have sold for over $14 million because of their racing abilities, I am amazed. Even horses were created on purpose by their Creator.

And, God created us as Thoroughbreds (bred from the best bloodline -- in His image and from His lineage). There's something to be said for Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbred horses are known for their agility, speed and spirit. When they run, they wear blinders to keep their eyes focused straight ahead with no distractions from the other horses. They run their own race.

That's what you and I have been created to do. No need to compare ourselves with others. We just need to run our own race with sheer focus, determination, agility, speed and spirit! Now let's giddy-up and RUN OUR RACE to the Finish Line!

"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1

DisAPPOINTMENT or His APPOINTMENT

Day 301 of Photo Inspirations -- DisAPPOINTMENT or His APPOINTMENT
Did some-ONE or some-THING really disappoint you?   We can't stop disappointment, but we can stop staying stuck in it. I know how easy it is to dwell on something or someone that hurt me.  But, that gets us nowhere.  I remember the void I felt when my sweetheart graduated to heaven.  When I would dwell on that void, sadness and grief would try to fill me and I would become miserable.  But, when I would snap out of that dwelling place to go to the "secret place of the Most High" -- the better place, I'd experience joy, gladness, comfort and peace.  .

God has incredible plans for us and the enemy of our souls would like to keep us from ever experiencing those plans and just stay "put" in woe and distress. God's purpose for our lives goes way beyond times of disappointment. In fact, that disappointment today may just be the SET UP for His APPOINTMENT where hope is found and comeback has major assignments that produce many successes and joys. That's what happened to me.  My days are filled with purpose and I know that I'm walking in my destiny, getting to bring others with me on this road.

I saw Christine Caine's daily post a few days ago that really inspired me. She said "Isn’t it interesting that the word "appointment" comes from within the word disappointment? I’ve often marveled at that because I’ve seen again and again how disappointments take something FROM us: a dream, a piece of our hearts – maybe whole chunks of it. But disappointment GIVES us something too: a gift, an opportunity, the possibility of creating change. This means we can move from the valley of the shadow of death to new horizons and bring others with us on that road."

Yesterday my blog was about the steps of a comedian's joke.  First he provides the set up, then he goes another direction with the punchline.  For example, Michael Jr. told how his 4 year old son came to him and said, "Daddy I want to be a doctor when I grow up!"  Michael Jr. was so excited and happy about his son's aspirations.  Then his son said "Or a dinosaur!" LOL!  (The set up.....shift happened.....and then the punchline.)

Let's remember God is in the "set-up" and appointment business.  There are many future God-appointments on the other side of whatever disappointment we may be encountering today.

God has got your name on His appointment schedule.  He'll be right on time.  Don't you be a minute late!

Half Way Through.....And Still on Mission!

Day 184 of Photo Inspirations -- Half Way Through....And Still on Mission!
I started out this year, on task from Heaven Central, to not only post a positive and/or inspirational post (as I had for the last 4+ years since my Sweetheart went to heaven), but I sensed God urging me to find a "Photo Inspiration" to go along with my posts. It's been such a blessing to, purposefully, be attentive and mindful of what those would be each day. Sometimes the photos have come AFTER the message I sensed. It's been even more inspiring for me to be on this quest, than those of you who have been such faithful followers of these posts. Many of you have said "The message you posted today was just what I needed!" And, each time I point heavenward -- it's "His doing!"

It's been six months (today is day 184 -- I'm well over halfway of 365 days). Oftentimes my posts are a mini-sermon that I needed to hear, take to heart, and adhere to myself.

I've, also, been on another assignment, this year. I'm so grateful that God opened my heart to amping up my prayer life that came by way of reading two books, "Draw the Circle -- a 40 days devotional" and "The Circle Maker", both by Mark Batterson. Those books have radically impacted my family's lives, as well as the lives of my "walking buddies". We "walk with purpose" -- circling our subdivision. We walk, talk and pray -- for our families, our friends, our community, and our country.

We know we're not going to solve the problems of the whole world with our prayers, but just maybe we can help solve some of those problems in our little world. You know the story of the guy that was questioned why he was throwing the starfish back in the ocean when there were so many. He said, "I can't save all the starfish....but I can save this one." That's what we've been sensing that God has directed us to do. Help solve the problems, lift up and encourage those who need it....one by one.

As exciting as this half-year has been, I'm buckling up my seatbelt, because God seems to be in turbo-charge mode -- desiring that His people be on purpose for Him -- to be His hands extended. If each of us pick up the baton and run our race with persistence and diligence....we CAN make a difference in this world. Perhaps this post, toay, is "the little nudge" you've been waiting for.  Maybe it's time to start paying attention to those nudges. Just maybe, He's got an assignment for you, too!   I promise you, getting orders from Headquarters each day, and partnering up with God....certainly does create excitement and energy -- not to mention it sure makes the journey an awesome adventure.

If He Cares for the Sparrows, How Much More Does He Care for Us?

Day 21 of Photo Inspirations.
My sweet Alexia, and her passion for animals (big and small) just keeps being more and more evident.  She found this little bird all alone and it appeared to be wounded. She picked him up and tenderly held him. She brought him to me to see her newfound friend.  She saw his leg was twisted underneath him and when she straightened it out, his family showed up and he was able to fly away to meet up with them. All he needed was someone to help him out of his tangled mess.

I think about us, or those in our lives, who are tangled all up in circumstances and situations that have left them paralyzed -- unable to move forward -- unable to progress -- unable to be free, and I think about how we could help that one -- like Alexia did -- to lend them a hand or give them a word of encouragement or to pray with them or to put an arm around them. If God cares so much about the birds of the air (or, in the case of this little bird), that He would bring a little girl to his aid, how much more does He care about you and me?   And, how much more does He ask that we be His hands and heart extended to those around us to give them the help, hope, and support they need to get out of their tangled mess?

What if we could be the answer to someone's prayer today?  What if that "someone" was our assignment from God?  If it's to be for those around us.....it could be up to you and me, to be the difference maker in their lives.

I Was Hungry and You Fed Me

My Life Group meets at my home every Thursday night. These women are amazing, faith-filled, fully devoted followers of Christ, and I'm inspired by them every week. It seems that God hand-picked our group -- each one has unique talents and abilities, and has unique circumstances going on their life, but watching how God answers our prayers in ways beyond our understanding has been such a testament to combining our "natural" to His SUPER and we're seeing supernatural results right before our eyes.

A couple of weeks ago, one of our members, Karla Worthington, asked for prayer for a family that desperately needed food. I mentioned that Catholic Charities is a good place for them to go to, and another member said, "I know that LifeChurch.tv - Jenks sends people to a food pantry." Hesitantly, she said, "Well, I'm the church's food pantry, and we're out of food to give out." We were all touched so much, she had such a heart for the hungry, that immediately we were ready to react. I went to my pantry and pulled out several cans of food to send home with her. Others contributed monetarily. Another one of the members posted on FB about the food pantry, and she received $100 from someone who wanted to be a part. It's the ripple effect -- throw a tiny rock in the river.....and watch how the ripple gets bigger and bigger.

Karla's birthday was this week so our group's gift to her was lots of food to help restock her food pantry. Our Life Group has been asking God for THAT charity or place to plant in -- one that resonated in our hearts, and lo and behold, right in our midst, God answered our prayer. Karla's spirit of reaching out to the hungry is her God-given assignment. Being able to support her assignment with not just prayers.....but tangibly helping to make a difference, is OUR assignment. Are you watching and listening for your assignment? After all, you, too, just might be the answer to someone's prayer today!

Feeling Some Nudges? Having Some "Aha" Moments?

So you've been feeling some nudges, hearing some still small voices, having some "aha" moments? I'd like to suggest that God is trying to get through to you! If you are tight in your relationship with God -- you go to Him in prayer and study of His Word, you embrace His love and care for you, you KNOW Him -- then, it's definitely Him, and I highly encourage you to respond to His nudges.

And, when I talk about "nudges", I'm talking about the Holy Spirit Who Jesus promised would come when He went away. "However, I'm telling you the truth. It's for your advantage that I'm going away, because if I don't go away, the Helper/Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7.

I talk a lot about "being on assignment" -- and it's so simple to know what that assignment is when we realize He who knows everything about everything lives big in us. We don't have to jump through hoops or any other actions to merit His favor or love. He is our Father so we should just live "tuned in" to His nudges and still small voice and the "knowing" that He is leading and guiding us. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

So, let's start following Him -- His little nudges. He has so much wonder and awesome experiences awaiting us -- let's start pursuing them. We could take the "safe" route and the easy way by living a mundane life, or we can follow God’s impulses that lead to the "above and beyond" in our lives. Let's tune into the nudges that God is giving us -- those nudges to live, pursue, hunt, give, climb, dig, jump, walk, run, research, and focus on the assignment -- the nudges -- and the "aha" moments will surely follow close behind!

No Man is an Island

English poet John Donne penned the words: "No man is an island", which paved the way for this beautiful song:
"No man is an island,
No man stands alone.
Each man's joy is joy to me.
Each man's grief is my own.
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother,
Each man as my friend."

I love my independence, and, particularly, this sweet season of life that I'm in. Though I miss my sweetheart beyond words, there are still perks to being a widow, or being single. Noone tells me what to do; I go to bed when I want to; I get up when I want to; I eat what I want to, and spend my time the way I want to. And I don't have to share my clothes closet with anyone else. I say, "I may be alone, but I'm never lonely."

BUT, independence isn't what God called us to. We need each other. And, bottom line -- I don't want to be so independent that I withdraw from the assignment God called me to, and has for me to do. He didn't call us to live on islands by ourselves. We are here on this earth, at this time, and this place, to touch others, and affect others by our actions and our words. We should be INTENTIONAL with our daily interactions. Everytime we walk out our door to this world, we are carrying the LIGHT to brighten our world and other people's lives with God's love and peace. We can leave an imprint on every person we meet -- even in a small way -- but, nothing is small in God's sight when we allow His light to shine in and through us. We just might be a difference maker for someone today! So, let's get out of that "island mentality", and get on the "crowded places mentality" -- where we get to rub shoulders with others, and perhaps our LIGHT will rub off on them and they will start "shining", too!

Gratitude = Love, Peace, Hope & Joy

In June, I'll travel to Seattle to be a part of my 2nd oldest grandson's high school graduation celebrations. I'm so excited. I love being out there with my family. It's always a time of watching my grandchildren perform in their music and sports activities, going on hikes, having parties, playing games, and having so much fun! I'm looking forward to hugs and kisses and "Nana, watch this movie with me" or "Nana, let's go for a walk." I'm so grateful for those times of making memories.

BUT, on the other hand.....I could get in an all-out tizzy if I let myself think about what it takes to get there, and back home again. All that packing, and a day of travelling. And, remembering the stormy weather that meant spending the night in DFW airport. I could think about the flight delays and crying babies on my flight. My baggage was lost too many times to count -- not to mention dealing with cranky passengers and flight attendants. Why in the world would I consider taking another flight?

Wherever we are, wherever we go, whatever we do -- we will encounter "stuff". It's life. Life throws some crazy things our way. But, the bigger picture is.....what are we making of those times? If we exude an attitude of gratitude no matter what comes our way, blessings and God's favors can happen right in the middle of those times if we think and believe, "Good things are coming my way today!" I've learned to pray for divine encounters on my travels -- "What if this flight delay was "heaven sent" so that I could encourage someone?" In fact, that did happen during that DFW overnight experience. We were able to wrap our arms and hearts around a precious elderly woman and bring her peace, in the middle of her storm.

Living with a heart of gratitude, keeps the heart and mind from looking at what we don't have, to what we do have -- and in that place, I've come to experience love, hope and peace that gives me the "knowing" that whatever happens, God is surely a part of the equation to bring about beautiful things for me, as well as for those that God sets up as "my assignment". SEATTLE, here I come!!!!

Mama's Got Game

This Mama's "Got Game"! When someone says that about me, it means “She’s NOT just a fan watching from the sidelines or the stands -– she’s in the game, playing on the field, and not only hitting the ball – but knocking it out of the ballpark (well, at least in my imagination).” And I've got game in many areas of my life, but, I just felt it's time to explain my WHY about playing in the Solavei Game!

In October, 2011, my son, Ryan, and his amazing wife, Shawntel, were talking strategies about what their next business enterprise would be. After all, Ryan had, just a few months prior, exited from the company he founded, built to a $1.2 billion valuation and took it public on Nasdaq. After 10 years of diligence and hard work, they could have relaxed back and enjoyed the fruit of their labors.

It was in that same month that Ryan had an epiphany – to create a company, uncharacteristic of typical “big enterprise mentality”. This company would be one that placed its values on relationships and core values and providing a tangible means of helping people make a better living for themselves and their family. Of course, I wanted to be a part of something that had that vision leading it. When I first heard that vision, I said, “Game on!” But, then Ryan said, “Mom, I told Dad I was going to take care of you. You just be the grandmother of Solavei (the new company). Initially, I thought, “Beautiful – Mama can be a cheerleader and support the “Sol Train” (aka Solavei Team)! But after hearing my daughter, Staci, share her passion for seeing our country’s economy revived and many people’s lives transformed, I could just hear my Honey speaking to me from heaven and saying “Donna, what are you thinking? Really, you’re going to sit back and watch what we believed, prayed and planted the seeds for – for over 40 years? Do you really want to be the grandmother of anything besides our six grandchildren?” And to that, I responded with a resounding, “NO!”

So, then, I had to put a plan together, a case for Mama being in the game. No handouts expected. No rules of engagement any different from any other player on the field. I couldn't just “talk the talk”. I had to “walk the walk” and put my plan to action. I set out to be the “Poster Mama” – showing others what can happen when we stop whining about being “too little or too big; too old or too young; too female or too male; too black or too white; it’s too difficult or too easy”……and to JUST DO IT!! And, so I did, and so I am!!

Yes, here I am today….playing in this game. I’m loving it. And, my team is loving it too! I’m a Founding Member of Solavei, on the Social Commerce Advisory Committee and blessed with the extra $$ I really needed at this time of my life. My son said, “Mom, you’re a machine!” Some of my friends are probably thinking, “What happened to Donna? Where is she?” Would you please tell them for me? “Donna’s in the batting cage – she’s practicing her swing, throwing the ball – practicing her pitches, she’s on the field doing her warm-ups, getting the plays down and working hard to be her best -- from sun-up to sun-down.” Oh, yes, Donna’s got game! And, it’s not a competition with anyone other than ME! And at the end of this game season, I will have fulfilled my game assignment!! And you won’t hear me saying “I wish I had!” Oh, no! I’ll be saying “I’m so glad I did!" Now, Bat - Her - Up!

Bitter or Better?

I have an Aunt who has been in a British Columbia hospital for over 15 months now -- Crohn's Disease -- and, after all she's gone through -- so many surgeries, in so much pain, and many other complications -- she remains joy-filled, thankful, and continues to give God praise to be alive. Her faithful husband rides the bus for 45 minutes each way to go see her each day. I continue to tell them...."You are on assignment! People are encountering THE LIGHT when they see you! You have been seasoned with God's peace, His joy and His faithfulness.....'for such a time as this'! All roads of your life have led you to this time!"
And, I see that in my life.....the faith journeys have led me to this time of "singing in the rain", of "coming through the fire -- and not smelling like smoke"!
What have the experiences of your life brought you to? Are you bitter.....or better because of them? Are those problems making you....or breaking you? Are you a Victor or a Victim? Are you comforting others with the comfort that you've been comforted with? If you are....you KNOW you're on assignment.....are on purpose....living in GOD's master plan.....and are causing people to come face-to-face with a BETTER WAY! Indeed....you are BETTER and are a VICTOR.....and you're causing others to be that, too!