My Purpose Filled Life Comes Without a Drill Sergeant

I want to start off by saying I know God has always been with me -- even before my conception. Cheers to my mom and dad’s hardcore belief in life. I was an unexpected baby (not to God, but to mom and dad). It had been 12 years since their last child, but mom was in a trainwreck that upset her “apple cart”, rather, her birthing cart. All the biological factors came together and whoa-la, here came Donna Sue! At first, I wasn’t a welcomed surprise. Mom was older and done with being a baby manufacturer, but God wasn’t done and if she were alive, she’d tell you I was her blessing. We were besties, inseparable, and eventually, I became her caregiver.

Once mom grasped the notion that I was a blessing and not a curse, she loved me with all her heart. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur at birth and she prayed for my healing to live. Obviously her prayers were answered and obviously, God purposely planned my existence. He created a unique path for my life. He created a unique path for your life, too -- even before your conception. In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a believer and lover of God and His Word, too. If you’re not, I pray this is the day you join me on the most remarkable journey of sweet assurance of OUR manufacturer and His purpose for our lives.

I wish I could say since I became a Christian at 8-years-old that I had completely understood God’s love for me. I wish I had always been on fire for Him and tight with Him, but, rather than “I wish I hads”, I am learning that's just not His requirements. Sometimes we see Him as a Drill Sergeant who requires a certain way to stand, act, dress, speak and "Oh, YES SIR! I promise to seek You more, read my Bible more. I'll get more involved. I'll reach out to others more!" But with all the ups and downs of life, those promises get a little watered-down. After all, we are just human, right? But what if it was for a different reason altogether?

What if the whole time we were trying so hard to draw into God, we were going about it the wrong way? We were making it a routine, a drill, a rigid, religious exercise that once we completed the tasks, we had completed our requirements, because, of course, that’s what a good Christian does…..right? But then one day, I realized God wasn’t my drill sergeant yelling at me to “Get up! Get going! Give me 10 (push-ups)!” I realized He shows up in the softness of a gentle breeze, or that big hug from a fellow believer or a worship song, or scripture that pops off the thin page of my Bible that was “right on” and what I needed for that day. That has been the ebb and flow that eventually got me to this day and time that pulled me into blogging and sharing my faith.

Now I am using the gifts HE has given me to glorify Him. I am able to understand what He is teaching me even more. I am confident when He says "yes" OR "no" to me because I know He has my best interests at heart. Now, out of my sweet relationship with the One Who loves me most, I want to serve Him. I want to read my Bible to find out more about Him and now read it in a way that sticks with me, sinks into my heart and sets me on my path and it may even be the catalyst for my next blog.

My relationship with Jesus has become radically different. It’s a built-in, 24-hour open-shop with Him. I just love HIm so much, I truly want, with all my heart to please Him out of a thankful heart. My thought life hinges on pleasing Him. “Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that!” “Thanks, God, for that advice.” It was sitting right there in front of me just waiting for me to discover the path that was made for me and embracing it. If you find yourself in a similar situation of wanting more from your relationship with God, don’t give up. You'll get there because He's always right there with you, for you and waiting for you. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelation 3:20

A Queen's Responsibility? Sharing Love and Joy is a MUST!

This first photo is one of the first my friends, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, took when we arrived together in Rome. It continued to be a photo shared of "the queen"! LOL! Not by planning, but I guess providence, I stood exactly under a crown on the Roma photo. So, I guess, if the crown fits, then I'll just wear it! And, our guide in Israel, continued to call me Queen Donna. I should go ahead and own that title.

After all, I am certainly in the royal family of God, and I like to think that being in that royal family has its privileges of being loved and favored, but along with royal privileges, comes royal responsibilities. I know that I should always be sharing my Father's love and joy, because that's just Who He is -- the Giver of life -- and the Giver of joy and love.

I drove to Austin early yesterday morning. It's a BIG birthday month for my champ, Brennan (the BIG 13) and my son, Ryan (the BIG 50)! I can hardly believe I said those words, because it puts a number on me! LOL! 68 to be exact! Thanks be to God for birthdays! Celebrating birthdays of friends and family is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate life. If we're having birthdays, we're still here, so God's plans and purposes for our lives are still in progress. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, (even before our birth-day, He knew us), before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Aw! We're all prophets to declare the good news and good word to those around us.

I took "joy" with me when I left Frisco, because I realize all the joys of the past, and all the months and years that lie ahead, and I plan to pass those blessings on.

The love we have for God and for each other should be passed along -- like a contagious virus -- except a contagious flood of love and joy. Ever noticed how showing a little love to someone can change their mood from sour to sweet in a matter of a little hug or a little word of kindness? We can shed a little sunshine in the heart of one and that one is cheered to pass it on, and so God's vitalizing joy-giving message goes on.

A few days ago, Bryson (the 10 year old) had to have oral surgery -- an unneeded tooth taken out, and he hadn't been feeling so good. I got here in time to wake him up with tickles and hugs and a Super Bryson story. He was full of joy and energy. His mom told me that they hadn't seen that energy since his surgery. I like to think it was me, but it was more about the transmission of joy. The veterinarian came by the house today to check the animals -- the longhorn, goats and donkeys and to teach Bryson (their caregiver) how to give them medicine. Bryson sure snapped out of his doldrums and into a boy who loves his animals. He caught the love, laughter and cheer. And, so did Brennan when his friends gave him a birthday cake! We came home and I shared about my Israel trip and gave them all their Israel treasures. I loved being a transmitter of love, laughter, and cheer!

Yes, I'm feeling the love since I arrived with a big chocolate cake in hand, along with the presents from the Holy Lands for all, as well as birthday presents for my boys. I see God in giving gifts. I see God in the laughter of these children and I see God in the tender loving care that their mom and dad give them. It only takes a spark to get a fire of love going. It seems to be burning brightly here in Austin