I’m a Miracle – so Happy Birthday to Me!

Today my soliloquy goes like this: "It's my birthday! It's my birthday and it's a MIRACLE! In spite of all the odds, I am still here!" On this my B-day, I’m dog-sitting my children’s 85-pound, Australian Shepherd, Buddy, and their 5-pound Yorkie, Emma, while the fam is hanging out and enjoying the cool temps and fishing opportunities in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains this week. I’m on doggie and plant-duty and having a little vacay of my own at their home here in Frisco Square.

I’m hanging out where there are so many sights-to-see on a morning, noon, afternoon and evening walk with these two canines! Yesterday, in the cool of the early morning, we made our way to Frisco Square's historical area. Arriving there, I noticed this little house on a post, full of books with a sign that read: Little Free Library “Take a Book – Share a Book”. I did, and I'm sharing with you! "Miracles" is the book I chose. I didn't take time to see if it merited a read, but the title, alone, reminded me that I am a “Miracle” – my mama was never to have been able to give birth again after my sister was born, 12 years earlier. First miracle -- I was conceived. Second miracle -- I was born with a heart murmur. But – here I am -- alive and well!

Today, I hold my head up high and announce – I've turned 72. Does that alarm me? Am I sad? Do I feel old? Do I have regrets? Nope, nope, nope and nope! I'm a strong, vibrant, happy, very alive woman, lover of God and people, and ready to embrace another year. Bring it on! Thank you, Pastor Craig Groeschel for giving me this quote: “I’m still here – so I’m not done!” I'm living my passion daily – my mission, my family, my friends, my blog, and hopefully, letting my little light shine! I know what to value in this life and I know what matters. What matters are the blessings of family and friends and the “blessing of the LORD that makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22) And, indeed I am very rich in joy, peace, love, hope, and with the prospect of living forever and ever with my Lord. Oh how blessed I am.

Thanks to my sweet kids for the "birthday eve" gifts of love! By the way, that “Miracles” book I found – I read the foreword later in the day. This is an excerpt – how befitting for this day! “If your Christian life is boring, this book offers a cure. Disciples live on the edge, asking, “How can I serve you today, Lord? Who can I touch for you?” And at the end of the day, they can pray, “Thanks for using me, Jesus.” They don’t think about the day’s sacrifices. They think about the sheer joy of being used by God to touch the lives of others – to meet their needs, love them and share the truth about Jesus through their actions and their words. When Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,: he wasn’t kidding!” I'd say that sums up who I desire to be daily! Thanks, God, for the MIRACLE of life and the reminder that living for YOU is the best gift EVER!

Turning Difficulty into Opportunity

When I’m out and about, I can always count on lots of content for my daily blogs. I’ll admit that when we were placed into this season of “stay at home”, I wondered if I would get enough subject matter, but, oh not so! It seems every day brings a fresh word and fresh inspiration. I’m so thankful.

But, on this day, I hang out with my furry bestie, 80-pound Australian Shepherd, Buddy. My kids live in a trendy area of town called Frisco Square. Right now, other than the occasional dog-walker, it’s very quiet there. The theater and library and other historical places are closed. Restaurants are open – but only drive-thru or drive-up for your order. Apparently, Fruitealicious, where my granddaughter works (basically specialty teas, fruit and frozen drinks), remains open as an “essential”. My favorite is the fresh peach and strawberry frozen drink. Yum (and she adds extra peach chunks to mine – she knows my loves)!

Buddy and I take a nice stroll through the historical district. Everything is closed but we enjoy the “history” we find there. Buddy falls in love with the bronzed statute of John Milton Turner’s seeing-eye dog. Mr. Turner was born in Frisco. He lost his sight as a teenager yet became very successful in business and was appointed by six Governors to serve more than three decades on the Texas Commission for the Blind. This photo is of John with one of his eight seeing-eye dogs. He outlived them all. I love this quote on the memorial: “Blindness is an inconvenience, not a handicap.”

Wonder if we’re “blind” in this inconvenient time we’re experiencing right now. I learned something from this excursion around Frisco. No matter our situation-in-life (i.e., isolated to our homes, without work, having to be home-schooled, detachment from our friends and family, unable to go to church, etc.), we can turn difficulties into opportunities. That’s the quote of Albert Einstein “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

We can find the good in every circumstance, AND, like John Turner we can make something out of our inconveniences. This time is not forever but what we make of this time can possibly be a miracle break-through with the idea we received. It can be a closer connection to our family than ever before. It can be a first-time EVER of connecting – REALLY CONNECTING – with God.

Yes, I know it is challenging in so many ways to be cooped up. But, taking a walk to get closer to God in creation can sure be an eye-opener. When we spend time with God, everybody else knows it. We become calmer, we're easier to get along with, and we don't lose control of our emotions as quickly. Our patience increases, and our heart soon understands what God likes, and the more time we spend with God, the more like Him we become. He’s the ULTIMATE Creator – being like Him means we have creative abilities inside us. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons He has allowed this crisis – for us to tap into His genius.

I'm on my way to spend that time with Him, right now. God knows....that's the secret to my inward peace and comfort, and I sure do want everybody to know by what they see in me, that I've been hanging out with Him AND my pal, Buddy -- regularly.

It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World Out There

That phrase is used to describe a situation in which people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms other people. We don't have to look far to see that phrase a reality. No matter the business or profession, it's clear that phrase is true.
But, how much more beneficial it is to be in a “Dog-Love-Dog” World – both in the canine species and the human species.

Who would have thought that some of my best “pals” these days are dogs. It comes with my territory and my family. There’s my grand-dogs: Buddy, the 75-pound Australian Shepherd and Emma, the 4-pound Yorkie, who, I happen to be their caregiver right now while their family is out of town. I get a kick out of throwing the ball to Buddy (with a ball-thrower or else slimy-ball would be the case) and he retrieves it often in one catch in the air. As soon as I walk in the door, he runs to the backdoor for our “play ball” time. Little Emma, who often seems the alpha-dog of the pair, incessantly yaps at me wanting her time with me. There’s Bentley, a 25-pound Havanese who belongs to my Austin family. I also have another grand-dog, rock-solid and gentle, 79-pound bulldog, Athena, belonging to Braden and Ruth. I smile as I write this post because I’m not what you would consider a dog-lover. I profess to be a dog-liker because they ALL belong to those people-lovers in my life.

I think God must have a special love and delight for those who care for his creation. Jesus seemed to be enamored by animals as He often referred to them as a source of praise to God and revelation of the nature of faith, humility and peace. When we see Jesus’ interactions with creatures, we can better understand how we are called to relate to other creatures.

We’ve all heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I never thought that the roles could be reversed and that my grand-dogs could teach ME some life-lessons in turning this world into a dog-love-dog world:

Lesson 1: Restrictions are Good. Once all these grand-dogs were kennel trained – it was a great option when the families were away or night-time sleeping. Believe me – we knew the damage done when my “young” daughter’s dog, Desi, was left behind, free in the house. She had separation anxiety and tore our door-blinds to shreds. Now, all my grand-dogs are more “mature” and it's "open to roam" home policy. But, like the restrictions placed on our furry friends, we, too, need restrictions that hold us to safe and peaceful living. Thank God for the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ new commandments “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind….and your neighbor as yourself.” Those aren’t restrictions – they are freedom to love and be loved. What “dog” doesn’t want that?

Lesson 2 -- Bond with Others – When I lived a few months with my Frisco family, I would take Buddy for a morning walk. We would encounter dogs in fenced yards, barking like crazy and defending their territory. Buddy was leash trained, so he would look at them like “What is your problem?” I think, if he could talk, he’d tell those dogs “Let’s make love – not war!” As busy adults, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, forgetting to make time for loved ones. Interaction with others can be a much-needed source of joy. We don't have to go it alone. Reaching out to a friend, or making a new friend, can truly make a difference in that other person’s life. And, spending time with others can be the first step on the path to making a difference in our lives.

Lesson 3: Run to Greet Those You Love; Hang Out with Those You Love -- There is something wonderful about coming home to those dogs so excited to see us. As soon as Buddy and Emma hear my car-door slam, they are at the front door barking and welcoming me home. Even sitting down, they just have to nudge in as close as they can to us. So why don’t we do this for each other? Appreciating the people we love and care about isn’t just something we feel, it’s also something we do. And what better way to show someone you care than by greeting them with a big hug or a kiss when they arrive home? And, what better way to show our love to someone, by getting as close as we can to them when we’re watching TV or just sitting down to relax. As adults, it’s easy to take our relationships for granted. But dogs know that every time you see someone you love can be just as exciting as the first. Remembering this can only strengthen our relationships.

Lesson 4: Live in the Moment -- Dogs don’t have some big master plan. They aren’t worried about the past, and aren’t terrified of the future. They live right here in the present moment. What a truly a joyous and positive way of living our life! Stop to smell the roses. Breathe in the fresh air. Put our phone down and fully experience where we are. Maybe we should stick our heads out the car window with the wind blowing in our faces to remind us to live in the present.

Thanks to our great Creator for creating some of our best friends and teachers and if we'd live in gratitude and love like them, then, for sure it would be a dog-love-dog world!

Who Said I'm Not a Dog Lover?

Five years ago, Payton, my then 13-year-old grandson, was quite the entrepreneur repairing and selling cell phones. He earned enough money to purchase his Australian Shepherd pedigreed puppy that came with a pretty hefty price tag! They lived in the Seattle area and had to drive a couple of hours north to see and purchase him, but left him until he was old enough to be weaned from his mama. What a twosome they were!

I was a dog-liker, not a dog-lover. I lived in Tulsa and was visiting them. When I saw "Buddy" for the first time, Payton had sprayed his Papa’s (my husband’s) favorite cologne on him to be sure I was attracted to the little guy. I was. It probably didn’t take the cologne, but it sure made me want to cuddle him even more.

Fast forward five years this month, and these two “buddies” have grown up! And, so have I. Now, my visits to the Wallace’s include Buddy meeting me at the door with tail wagging and running to the back door – his indicator for me to pitch the tennis ball to him. He loves it. And, I love him! Did you catch that? I became a dog lover! What’s that about?

We are creatures of habits when we say “I’ll never have a dog or cat or we’ll remark “I’ll never eat that food or go to that place, or sit through that concert, etc., but then the habits get tossed out the window when a “shift” takes place in our thinking. Suddenly new likes and habits are acquired. Maybe you can think of something that you’d never do and you’re smiling as you read this post, because you did it and love it. The fact is life is about CHANGE.

Thank God. He never changes. He is the one constant we can assure ourselves of daily. "I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6. “He’s the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13: 8.

I love hearing stories of people who said, “I’ll never be able to give up smoking” and with grit and determination, today, they are literally “smoke-free”! And stories of an abused woman who thought she would never have a new life, and through Christ’s mercy and her tenacity, is now an overcomer.

We may waiver in our “I will never……” but God won’t. Maybe today’s a good day to say “I’ll never say never and I’ll be open to any change that makes me love greater and open up myself to whatever possibilities that God has in store for me." May we awaken to the assurance that He KNOWS ALL and if we’ll adapt to His ways, we’ll come to appreciate what we didn’t like before and even fall in love with them. Maybe part of our future includes changes that will cause us to enjoy the ride a little more! I’m throwing in the towel and opening up my mind to possibilities! How about you?

When We’re Afraid to Trust Him

You may have witnessed our “family” mishap a few weeks ago. Our “stud muffin” Buddy (The Wallace Family’s 75-pound Australian Shepherd) had a precious, equally beautiful, female Australian Shepherd come from Austin for a lovefest. In case you’re not following my delicate way of putting it, Moana’s master brought her to start a family of Australian Shepherd babies. Moana wasn’t so receptive to the plan and in an effort to give them “alone” time in the backyard, they escaped. Buddy didn’t go far, but Moana was on the run. Family and friends were on the hunt and as soon as someone got close to her, she ran from them – over and over again. Each time someone would call her name and go to help her, that little girl raced away. She was offered food and protection, but each time, afraid, not knowing that no one meant her harm, she would run and run.

She ran for the next 19 hours. Nineteen hours of fear. Nineteen hours afraid to accept food and help from strangers. Nineteen hours of living unprotected from the cold and feeling abandoned. We felt helpless when we went home at midnight to rest until sunrise when we could continue our search. Our hearts hurt for her and her master.

How often do we live this way, afraid to trust, refusing the assurance that God will shelter us, running from the safety of His protection? I sensed that from the homeless people we served last weekend. They were choosing to live on the streets, abusing their bodies and their souls as they continued to refuse to trust when the assurance that God’s arms are open wide to protect them and to give them a place of refuge, if only they would submit to His call. He who says, “Peace, be still,” and calms the waters can surely calm them, too! He offers more than food and blankets and the comfort of a safe place to live. He offers Himself, all that they need. The God of the universe woos them with His perfect love and there is no need to be afraid.

Perhaps you are living like this little dog or the homeless people who are refusing the help that God offers to us through His Word and even Godly brothers and sisters who are reaching out as the hands and feet of Jesus. Psalm 37:40 says “The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him.”

I wish this story had a happy ending that she finally gave in and responded to our calls. But after 19 hours of searching, praying and calling out her name, we received the call that she had been hit by a car and was rushed by a witness to a nearby emergency animal hospital. Moana was seriously injured in her pelvic area, but her vital organs were good. After two major surgeries, in a walk-a-bout harness (unable to put pressure on her legs for several weeks) Moana returned home. Her healing will come, but it will take time. The upside of this story is Moana’s master came into a beautiful relationship with Christ in the process of this story. “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." Romans 8:28

Oh, that those of us who are like Moana, afraid to trust, would come to know our God, in Whom we trust! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your steps.” Proverbs 3:5-6

This Christmas and always, God is offering Himself, all that we need, to us today. That's why we celebrate Christ's birth. The angels said to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid!" We have nothing to fear because He is on our side. Won’t you respond to His call today? He has such great plans for you and your future!