Being a Peacemaker

Thanks to Adam and Eve and their "fall", we are all hardwired with certain tendencies that aren't so pretty and sweet. One tendency is to get angry. But, thanks to Jesus and His sacrifice, He gave us a higher standard. He calls us to be peacemakers — not just peacekeepers. Peacekeepers usually avoid conflict, but peacemakers resolve conflict and reconcile relationships.

We need a world of peacemakers! And, that includes you and me. The Bible promises this: “Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness” (James 3:18). We planted a lot of seed on our Oklahoma ranch. We had huge vegetable gardens and we found that planting a few seeds could yield a bumper crop. We also had an apple orchard that started from a few apple seeds. Those good seeds resulted in many apple trees and delicious apples that made the best pies and jams. It’s the law of sowing and reaping. The same is true in planting seeds of anger and hate or peace and love. If we plant seeds of hate, we’ll reap anger, bitterness and trouble. But the Bible says if we plant seeds of peace, we will reap a harvest of peace, kindness, and goodness in return.

One of the most important life skills we will ever learn is conflict resolution. Let’s consider a bitter argument between a husband and wife. Someone must make the first move toward peace. I remember sleeping on the far edge of our bed because I wasn't about to start the peace conversation. I waited for my husband to make the first move. These many years later, I found the better person is the one who takes the initiative to resolve conflict and make amends.

Jesus took the initiative to show mercy to us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:8,10). Jesus didn’t wait for us to apologize. He didn’t even wait for us to feel bad about our behavior. Jesus made the first move. And he wants us to do the same thing. He wants us to call for Peace Summits – where the expected result is always peace!

I know this blog today comes from God's prompting to me. More than anything, He wants us to live in peace with each other. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Being a peacemaker is one who doesn’t come forward with accusations and ways they've been hurt or speaking about whose fault it was. Peacemakers start with humility – “I apologize for anything I did or said that created this conflict. Will you please forgive me? Jesus made the first move -- shouldn't we?

Our Hearts have Eyes

New land-scape and ocean-scape to take in this week. My Austin family and friends are in Port Aransas taking in everything beach and ocean for Brennan’s 16th birthday celebration. I was the first one up and at ‘em at 5 am to post my blog. Then I made my way to the beach to take in the magnificent beauty of the sun coming up over the ocean. It was a sight to behold. And, of all things God-given, I saw this cross. It was then I realized my heart must also have eyes because I sensed God’s presence and realized I want my heart’s eyes to see what He sees. I just need to open them up.

That reminded me of a song: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You.” I want to see Him more than in my family and nature, the skies, and the oceans. I want my heart’s eyes to open up to all His wonders and grace. That song makes sense as I read this scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will SEE God.” Matthew 5:8. That "pure in heart’ must be the prescription for 20/20 vision for seeing God! I want that vision!

A pure heart doesn’t mean we are perfect people. If our purest intention is to see God, we will. I’ve said it in so many of my blogs that while I can’t see the Lord’s physical form, I do see evidence of Him all around me. So, in that case, we should always be asking God to open our eyes to the many things in our life that speak to His presence. We can keep our eyes wide open as we look for evidence of God around us. It’s amazing: The more we recognize even the smallest things as gifts from God, the more we start to realize how present He is in our lives.

If what I’m saying seems too difficult to understand – the part about being able to SEE God, then maybe there is something dividing your heart and distracting you from seeing Him. That’s when we ask God to help us SEE. It may be that it’s a simple distraction of our technology gadgets or people who come between us and God in nature, in daily potential encounters when we have an awareness of Him. And, maybe, we need to look closer at the people around us -- just maybe we’ll see God in them as they help someone with food or clothing or encouraging words. The truth is – the more we purpose to place our focus on Him – in scripture, in people, in our daily activities, the more we'll see Him.

I love you, my precious friends. I believe with all my heart God isn’t trying to hide from us. He’s everywhere. He’s just waiting for us to open our eyes to Him.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...was blind but now I see!”

I Love My High-Tech Life

See that alarm clock! I remember every night's routine of winding it up to keep it going – especially so that the alarm would go off the next morning. Fast forward to today and my “Alexa” plays a comfortable sound that wakes me up!

A few days ago, I blogged about high discernment being better than high-tech. Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking our world of technology. Even when one of my high-tech devices goes on the fritz, doing life the good-old-days way, is a hassle. You know – the microwave, the dishwasher, etc. We are so high tech that we get whatever we need for whatever we are doing at the time -- from driving to all kinds of gadgets in every place -- the kitchen, the car, garage, music, fitness, watches. I'm so grateful to be able to move through my life with less to be concerned about – like when I drive so many miles to Tulsa or down to Austin. The technology in my car -- a GPS sytem and indicators let me know when a tire is too low or it’s time for an oil change.

I can’t imagine how long it would take me to write my daily blogs without my computer and access to the internet. The Internet has forever changed the way we relate to one another. Getting messages out to a large list of people in an instant, at one time, unlike the days of phoning all those people or snail mail. The good old days, were good, but, hallelujah, for these good NEW days when we get so much accomplished so much faster.

My little world of technology makes so much difference to me, but it's truly a miracle for those who can see now because of specialized glasses, for those who can hear because of implants, and those without limbs or even a voice have access to technology that gives them the ability to speak.

What a privilege it is to be alive today and see how many people are benefited because of man’s creation. Our Great Creator creates through His children. Every creative act is a partnership with The Creator! I am so privileged. You are so privileged. How often we take our blessings for granted. I’m impressed to consider the gifts in my life that are not available to others -- the ability to see, read, write, or have access to running water, electricity, the internet, transportation, a safe space to call home. If you are reading this blog -- you are so blessed!

God started all this “technology” business. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He created life itself. That is who we are: Children of the Creator. This blog today is pretty basic in its message but quite advanced in us recognizing that technology is a gift from Him, our Creator, and He operates through His skilled image-bearers. It is His Genius that inspires innovators with innovations, artists with art, creators with creations AND you and me who should open up our hearts and lives to Him -- and just perhaps, we might come up with the next technology that creates something that will be used to know Him better, love each other more and glorify Him above all! Let's live with expectant, anticipatory waiting -- not listening like we are chilling in a rocking chair, but listening like we are on the edge of our seat … like we are anticipating a God-idea!

🎈🎈🎈🎈 A Tribute to my Beloved Sister 🎈🎈🎈🎈

Because she's alive and well and it's her birthday!
Tributes to those we love generally come after they have passed on. I can’t wait to give that tribute because, quite frankly, I may get my heavenly-orders before she gets hers. One advantage of marrying young has been that I have had many years, not only to grow up together with my husband, Ron, but also his sister, Karen. I had no younger siblings, but Ron’s 4-years younger sister, became my sister and dear friend.

Karen was the giggling little 9-year-old sister that got to see her 13-year old brother and 12-year-old ME holding hands under the table at Kip’s Big Boy Restaurant in South Oak Cliff Dallas after Sunday night church services. She adored her big brother and believed anything he told her. She would gladly trade her dime for his penny or nickel because “Sis, I’m happy to give you this big coin for your little one.” Allies, the two of them, who could conjure up some brilliant child-versions of mighty exploits.

Years later, Karen and I had a niche-market estate sales business. We marketed the home and its contents. Our merry hearts, sense of humor and out-spoken faith opened the doors for us to have a thriving, successful business of which people would tell us “You're the BEST!" The estate sale business is a work-out, but loving and helping people in time of need became not just a business, but our mission field.

It was at about the same time that Ron became very ill with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. Karen and I were close but never closer than this season. She went with us to almost every doctor appointment. She provided a shoulder to cry on during some of our toughest times and a merry heart to laugh with us during hilarious times. Karen and I were Ron’s prayer team. We would go for walks during “stressful times’ at the hospital. Worry could have consumed us, but we turned those times into stretching-our-faith-muscles times.

After Dad passed away, Karen assured Mom “You’ll always have a home with us when you're ready." George and Karen made sure that happened when Mom could no longer live alone. They have been hopelessly devoted to mom in every way. Karen has been relentless in her faith, determined in hope,and unparalled in her care for mom. I can’t begin to adequately explain the kindness in her heart or the depth of her love that even goes beyond mom and her immediate family. She has always had a one or two-at-a-time ministry to those who were mistreated or misguided in some way. She is not only beautiful on the outside, she has a beautiful soul. She sees the beauty in others. She is remarkable. She has become known for caring for the uncared for right until they pass onto heaven.

Truly, to convey all I want to say is inadequate in a mere blog, but I hope I've at least conveyed my deepest love and utmost respect for my sis. Karen, I was chosen by your brother and he chose me to be your sister. And I am the blessed one. Happy Birthday, my faithful and beloved sister. 🎈🎈🎈

One Hot Mess Because Life Can Be Messy

I have served on faith-based women's teams and was amused when I heard some of the young women, after a long day of being "mom” to their young family, exclaim “I’m a hot mess!” I’ll admit I didn't know what that meant but it did seem they were frazzled and welcomed being a part of a faith group where they could “chill” a while. I googled "hot mess"! It's a state of extreme disarray; disheveled or unbalanced person, particularly one who is nevertheless still attractive! Aw! So I wasn’t too far off when I saw them frazzled and beautiful!

I'm sure I could have said that about myself as a young mom. I dreamed of being the perfect mom and pastor's wife. I wanted my "two" to be exemplary model children for others. But, they were normal kids who could act up and out just like the others. It perplexed me and I went down to the altar for prayer to be THAT mom and wife who merited the gold-star-winning, woman of the year. An older, wiser woman knelt down beside me, wrapped her loving arms around me and said, “Sweet girl, let go of your need for perfection. God just wants you to “Come as you are” – just keep coming to Him. He will turn what seems to be a mess into a beautiful message for others." Oh, my! She had "read my mail" and my heart. I felt refreshed and assured that my kids and I were going to be okay – just as we were. Suddenly it seemed attainable to raise a couple of kids, keeping life in order, and everything running smoothly, happy and clean.

But, then I went home and life had its messy moments again. Some days, wife-ing and parenting is just a hot mess. It doesn’t always go as planned. We get tired. When we’ve finally figured out one stage, another begins. We look for someone, like my "church" friend to wrap their arms around us and tell us everything’s gonna’ be alright. “You’re doing a good job.”

We listen to accusing lies that we know are not from God, but play over and over in our minds, “a good mom would never do that, why can’t you get it together, why can’t you be more like…” We start believing it to be the truth. The days seem so long. The ones when you’ve had more than enough of being a chauffeur, or referee between the kids, or hearing “mom” every few seconds. And just when you hear a friend tell you she’s headed with her hubby to a remote island for a week….

You stop and take a deep breath. You look into the eyes of these treasures who call you Mom…who you love more than life itself…and you realize how very blessed you are. And you notice not only the days have gone by, but some years have too. And suddenly you long for it to slow down. The “Aha” moment happens and you realize that maybe you are doing it. Maybe you are living a dream that is the right one for you. And you breathe in God's grace…again. Because life was never meant to be perfect. Life was just meant to be lived. Hope arises. You let go of those high expectations of perfect bliss somewhere else.

You realize your "hot mess" isn't really hot at all. It is a place of sweet life words found in the mess of the toys on the floor and fingerprints on the wall. Words of grace, straight from the heart of a joy-filled 5-year-old soul who knows what it is to live and to love. Love God, love your family, love yourself. So simple and so true. “Wherever you go, God goes with you.” (Joshua 1:9) He is in our mess, in our imperfections, in our day to day, in the ordinary, in the times when no one else sees, or knows, or cares. He’s there. With us. Perfect doesn’t matter. It never did. And all the other stuff we stress and worry about, it doesn’t really matter either. But love, it matters. He whispers His words of life and love over you today: “Good job, Mom, I am with you. And, together…..we’re gonna rock this!

Are We So Spoiled Because We’re So Blessed?

I am here for my volunteer work at Children’s Hospital and it starts out slow this morning. The radiology techs give me a sweet card of thanks and a great set of earbuds. I am blessed. I have time to read my scriptures for today and then have an “aha” moment.

In Acts 3:26, Peter was speaking about when God said to Abraham, “In your offspring, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” I begin to think “What did “blessing for his offspring” really mean to Abraham back then?" New and more well-crafted tents; stronger, faster and more trustworthy camels; more tolerable winds in the sandy deserts; wives that are more sensitive the needs of their husbands; obedient children; fruitful crops and clean water?

As I type this post in this bright, fluorescent LIGHTS reception area, using WIFI on my COMPUTER, at this state-of-the-art HOSPITAL, responding to text messages on my CELL PHONE, sitting at a clean and sterilized DESK, in a ergonomic CHAIR that I can move up because the last volunteer was a shorty, take patients back to RADIOLOGY where their fractures and broken limbs are X-RAYED. I’m drinking coffee poured from my Keurig COFFEEMAKER in my YETI MUG guaranteed for 12 hours hot or cold liquid. I’m hearing the sounds of the HD resolution TELEVISION in the waiting room. There’s a HAND SANITIZER machine near me. And, the restroom, complete with indoor, self-flushing TOILETS is just down the hall. I am smelling the mouth-watering popcorn that is popped from a huge ELECTRIC popcorn machine that, by the way, I must always take some with me as I’m leaving for home in my CAR!

Did I make my point? We are BLESSED! We take so much for granted because we missed out on having to deal with life without our modern conveniences. We are so privileged that we are spoiled. We don’t know real hardship. We aren’t being persecuted and we aren’t living in a poor country. We don’t know what it’s like to live in a country where we can’t drive to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner. We don’t know what it’s like to live through the bombings in Syria. Our country isn’t in shambles!

Bottom line, my dear friends, we need to stop being so melodramatic over all the "the stuff" going on in our lives. We need to take a deep breath and express how thankful we are for the century we are living in and that God, in all His sovereignty, deemed us to be here NOW!

Back to Abraham and the blessings that God was pouring out on him. The actual definition of the word “blessed” is “made holy; consecrated; endowed with divine favor and protection. I find it encouraging that the primary definition of blessing is not wealth or comfort, but rather “being made holy”. I think that’s what Abraham and we -- have in common. In the midst of all our conveniences and privileges, may we become people of holiness as we make Dad proud of how we live out our faith in gratitude and in praise to Him. Yes, we are privileged HOLY people.


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Oh, Yes, My Dear – You ARE a Star

At my weekly Bible study group, we were discussing the famous words: “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) And then Paul the Apostle added “So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:6,9) Those words pack a punch. Abraham (the father of our faith) continued to believe that indeed he would be a father of many nations and here we are today – one of those stars that God pointed Abraham to when he said, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!" (Genesis 15:5) Just look at us – we are one of those stars! We are the stars – the descendants – the seeds of Abraham!

Continuing on with our discussions, when I heard those words “His faith was accounted to him as righteousness”, I thought about the faith journey of Abby Johnson’s parents who kept praying and believing for their daughter to come to her senses during the eight years that she worked for Planned Parenthood. I’m sure it seemed hopeless to them as Abby continued to “sell” over 22,000 abortions to women, but they didn’t give up on God and their prayers were answered.

I mentioned to my group, “I know what that kind of faith is all about. You see, my husband and I had that relentless faith when we were believing for his healing from cancer. We refused to believe anything other than his healing. We really weren’t in denial. We were in faith.” But, some would say “But, your husband died. Your prayers weren’t answered.” And I contend that they were answered. He was healed. Maybe that wasn’t what we had believed for, but God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. We believed. Others believed with us from around the world. At the end of the day – no one can say “You didn’t have enough faith!” Oh, we did and look at me, now! I’m stronger in faith than I ever was before. My sweetheart is still alive so big in my heart and helping me help others to believe, to trust God, to live for Him and to serve Him with all their hearts.

And, I say to you, my dear, dear friends – know the prayers you’ve prayed – those gut-wrenching, heartfelt prayers for your children, grandchildren, and loved ones, are still on God’s heart too. Don’t give up! That faith “stand” that you’re taking? Don’t stop standing! I pray that you are filled with the Abraham kind-of-faith that will be accounted to you for righteousness, too! Let your faith vision be one of prayers answered, children coming home, families reunited, and many joy-filled times of celebration! After all – that’s what STARS do – they brighten the sky with the wonders of God’s infinite love and grace.

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

Set Apart and Consecrated

The word, consecrate, stood out to me in my devotions yesterday. Consecrate: to make something or declare something sacred, blessed, sanctified, make holy, dedicated to God, devoted, reserved, anointed, set apart.

In Luke 2, we read that Jesus' parents took Him to the temple to be consecrated to God. We took that seriously as the template for consecrating our children to God when they were babies. We verbally, from our hearts, consecrated them to God and we prayed that they would be set apart by God, for God.

Often we attribute that word to only religious connotations when we're in church or to those "religious" people who are becoming pastors, priests, deacons, evangelists, nuns, etc. But Joshua told the Hebrews in Joshua 3:5 "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Israel needed to remember what kind of people God was calling them to be. They were moving into the Promised Land to establish a nation that would display God’s character and will that fulfilled God's promise to bless all nations through His people (Genesis 12:1-3). God was setting them apart as His holy people for His work that required holiness in their lives.

Yesterday morning as I read about "consecration", the words to this old hymn by Fannie Crosby, "Draw Me Nearer" came to me:
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

What if that were the prayer we prayed, not just for ourselves, but for our families, our marriages, our children, and our businesses? "Lord, I ask you to "consecrate" (set apart, make holy, bless, make sacred) my family, my children, my business, my marriage." That prayer means stepping away from things and actions that are outside of a "consecrated" life, like the way we manage our personal funds, the way we treat our husband or wife; the way we dress and the way we use our time and talents; what we watch like questionable internet sites, movies, literature and from the priorities we set for ourselves to the way we love and respect each other -- in our homes, business and the marketplace. Consecrating our families means building homes of integrity and honor that will build a legacy; giving God priority in decision making; making God CENTER of everything.

We live in a world when it's often difficult to distinguish whose side we're on, but when we take Joshua's words seriously from Joshua 24:14,15 "Choose you this day who you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," then there's no question whose side we're on. We've been consecrated and we're on the Lord's side.

This is Where the Best of Me Came From

My sweet Mom, Edna Pearl Wheat, is 107 years old today and she’s having the time of her “forever after” life in heaven. These photos are of her and my granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, 15 years ago. She was in her element when she was holding the babies. I love the "before" and "after" of Alexia getting hold of that bottle. LOL!

I treasure photos like this because it reminds me of where the best of me came from. If ever there was an angel on earth, it was her. She was my mentor, role model and everything a mother should be. She selflessly gave: "Just give me the fried chicken neck -- that's good enough for me." She always forgave -- "It's okay. God forgives me all the time. I sure can forgive you." She unconditionally loved: "It's okay that they (my siblings that lived in other states) don't write or call me much. I love and pray for them anyway." Her integrity and honesty were of utmost importance to her. I'll never forget the day as a tiny tot that I saw a package of gum on the floor in the store and put it in my pocket. I reasoned that "if it's on the floor, it's okay to have it". When she found it in my pocket, she marched me back into the store to admit my wrong-doing. That incident and lesson stuck with me like glue.

She gave me boundaries that worked: "Let your conscience be your guide." It was those words that guided me when I was choosing right or wrong. She rarely missed a church service -- Wednesday night, Friday prayer meeting, women's meetings, Sunday School AND church -- twice on Sunday. She sacrificed her own needs for my needs. She demonstrated undaunted faith and determination in the toughest of times when my dad was so sick and when our finances were so meager. I heard her praying for me and my siblings from her bedroom. She was the most tender, kind-hearted, loving, gentle, caring and pure woman I have ever known. She was my hero, and to this day, she remains my hero. Her example made me a better me.

The reason why I'm spotlighting her today is to emphasize it's not the things, treasures, inheritance or jewelry that matter. She had very few tangible things to leave us. Oh, but what she left us exceeded anything tangible. She left a legacy that money could never buy. Her influence on me caused me to be honest, to love and care passionately, to put my faith in God during the best and worst of times, to give and to suck it up when I've been hurt or offended, to trust in God's plans for my life and to pass on something so much more than the things that can be bought.

I intend to leave my children the very best of me......and the very best of me is my precious mother's example. What are those things that you'll leave to your children and grandchildren? "Her children rise up, and call her blessed...." Proverbs 31:28

Happy Birthday, sweet Mom!

Even Mistakes Can Become Blessings

My word for today is MISTAKE: error, slip-up, blunder, miscalculation, misunderstanding, oversight, misinterpretation, gaffe, faux pas. Goodness gracious, I didn’t realize that a mistake had so many synonyms. Now I can see how easy it is to feel so guilty from making a simple MISTAKE.

My cousin (who lives just a few blocks from me) and I had a girls’ day out in early November when we went to the Junior League of Collin County’s fundraiser, Holiday Gift Market. It sure put us in the Christmas spirit. They always have yummy food samples, and unique one-of-a-kind items from artisans selling their wares. We bought a few nominally priced items, but I kept going back to a booth that had beautiful wood crafted items with “BLESSED” on them. I couldn’t help myself, even though the item I wanted was pricier than I had planned or needed to have expensed.

That night, I had buyer’s remorse. I was going to gift it, but then I couldn't picture it in any of the homes that I had potentially purchased it for. As silly as it was, I lost sleep over my “impulse” purchase. I put it away under a bed because I didn’t want to think about it. I just had to admit my MISTAKE and do my best to get over it. I even asked God to forgive me for being so impulsive. I never gifted it. I took down my Christmas decor and I thought, "maybe that wood décor would look good on my mantle." And, to my joy and delight, it seemed to have been designed to go under my desert painting that reminded me of Israel. The cactus in the wood flowed right into the picture.

That’s when I could almost hear God saying “Merry Christmas, Donna!” I realized Romans 8:28 “ALL things work together for good (even MISTAKES) to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” I fretted over something so minor, yet God was so intentional in teaching me another life lesson.

It’s so easy to fixate on yesterdays and yester-years and the guilts associated with mistakes we may have made. MISTAKES can be as little as an “oopsie” or as big as a devastating catastrophe that alters the course of our lives. No matter what kind of MISTAKE we make, there is always a solution for restitution. It comes in the form of grace. God’s grace that heals and restores, and He exchanges our tarnished slate, for a fresh, clean slate so we can begin again. Oftentimes, our mistakes and failures are gifts, gems, and guideposts, so we should embrace mistakes, failures, screw ups and shortcomings because they not only make us uniquely who we are, but also teach us powerful lessons.

As God's repentant kids, the good news about making MISTAKES, is our mistakes are forgivable. God's amazing grace can turn any MISTAKE into something good. Again, Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." Most importantly, it reminds me that my God is bigger than my faults and weaknesses and He can turn anything around for His glory!

The Attitude of Gratitude

I've loved seeing FB posts by many of you who are expressing 30 days of gratitude in this month of Thanksgiving. Others are just randomly posting how grateful they are for their faith, God's love and life's sweetest blessings -- their family, friends, their health, their precious times together making memories -- all those things that money just can't buy.

I love it! And, if you and I have let that attitude of gratitude slip us by, just maybe it's a perfect way for us to start our day and week -- this week -- with simple words and thoughts of gratitude!

Zig Ziglar was such a dear friend and such had such a tremendous influence in our family's lives -- in so many ways. You could tell where he came from -- and that an attitude of gratitude was right up there in his values. What was Zig's secret? Zig's widowed mother of eleven raised her children alone. Though extremely poor, Mrs. Ziglar instilled a strong work ethic in her children and raised them to believe that both she and God loved them. She also taught her children to practice saying "please" and "thank you." Those lessons stuck. Her formula of work, love and faith made their difficult lives easier and enjoyable.

Zig said, "When we neglect to require our children to say `thank you' when someone gives them a gift or does something for them, we raise ungrateful children who are highly unlikely to be content. Without gratitude, happiness is rare. With gratitude, the odds for happiness go up dramatically."

And even more so, how much our Father God wants to bless His kids as He sees our attitudes of gratitude! To acknowledge Him for not just the big things, but all the daily blessings in each and every day.. So, today, I'm starting with saying "Dear God. Today I woke up. I am healthy. I am alive. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Thank you."

What's Your Story?

I attended an event where one of the men at our table told how he knew he had been touched by God two years' ago, and though he is still waiting for a liver transplant, he's telling his story to young people of how he abused his body with alcohol and medications. No doubt, his story of a tough road back then and now, will cause those young people to seriously consider the roads they're on.

We were so blessed by his story, but then as we talked and looked around our table, we realized that each, and every one of us, has a STORY of our own of how God's grace kept us, delivered us, spared us, healed us and restored us.

We realized that's why we have a STORY -- why God allows us to go through "stuff" so that we can share His love and faithfulness to others. We really are on the same road.....coming from all directions, but each of us are here to grab the hand of someone and help them through because "we've been there, too".

God's plans are always to use us to build each other's faith and trust in Him. I know I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say "Because of you, I didn't give up." Are you sharing YOUR story with others? Maybe yours is the one that will comfort, bless and encourage someone today!

Treasure Hunt for Treasures

Day 330 of Photo Inspirations -- Treasure Hunt for Treasures
Thanksgiving Week is well underway at Nana's house.  The Treasure Hunt for Bryson was a success that led to awesome treasures, not just for him, but everyone!  $5 Dollar Tree cards.  It's a "must-have" trip while they're here.

Plungers were the big buy last time they were here.  I know that sounds gross -- but not when they're turned into swords or batons, and NOT used for that which they were originally intended!   LOL!  

On their own, a couple of years ago, the kids, with their $5 in hand for their trip to the $1 store, started the tradition of having a White Elephant/Dirty Santa" gift exchange with their $1 store items.    They meticulouly choose their items and when they're back home, the mayheim begins.  They get out gift wrapping paper and gift bags and go to an individual secret wrapping place and wrap each of their $1 treasures.

Then the gift exchange begins.  You would think those bags/wrapped gifts contained $50 items instead of $1 by the excitement. Honestly, it is worth the effort, because it's such a fun adventure and exchange.  One of them bought the Santa hat -- thus Lexi's stylin' in this photo; Bryson had purchased a $1 t-shirt and came home and wrote "I love Lexi on it" -- he wanted to keep it when he drew it for himself.  They have so much fun -- it's honestly a highlight of coming to Nana's at Thanksgiving.

I love this special time together.  All eleven of us are packed in my not-so-big house.  Only 2 or 3 times a year, do I think about back when we had a huge home with plenty beds and bedrooms that accommodated all of us so nicely.  But I've figured out....even in cramped places, love, celebration and great silliness can abound.  Blow-up and fold-up mattresses  in my office and closet -- create a just  fine, "camping indoors"  experience for the kids.  And, there is no way to complain or wish for the "good ole' days" when I consider the meager existence that so many in our world live in -- barely a roof over their head to call home, no running water, dirt floors, with just a mat to sleep on.  According to the United Nations Development Programme, more than a billion people in the world live with less than a dollar per day; almost almost half of the global population, live with less than 2 dollars per day.  That puts a whole new perspective on a "trip to the $1 Store.   When we give ourselves mental visuals like that, then "BLESSED beyond description" is how we should feel -- no matter what our living conditions might be.

And, BLESSED, is the operative word -- not, "lucky","fortunate",  "deserved" or "privileged".  We ARE BLESSED!   And we are blessed -- to be a BLESSING!.  We can't just simply say "THANK YOU", and go on our way.  We MUST do something about those blessings.  In fact, we're held accountable for them.   Luke 12:48 says ".......when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."  There is responsibility that comes with blessings.  Actually, it becomes a cycle of blessings, because we see in Proverbs 11:25,  "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."  It's that "give and it shall be given", law of reciprocity....that just keeps on giving.

So, this Thanksgiving week, while we're in an attitude of gratitude, let's remember that we are blessed to bless; gifted to give; forgiven to forgive; loved to love.  Instead of Thanksgiving, just maybe our mindset should be Thanks AND Giving!

BLESSED

Day 129 of Photo Inspirations -- B-L-E-S-S-E-D
To make running on my treadmill more enjoyable, AND causes time to fly, is watching pre-recorded TV programs: The Voice, American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, Fixer Upper, Shark Tank, Biggest Loser, etc. -- yes, my guilty pleasure is reality shows. You know the saying "She's so heavenly minded, she's no earthly good!"  Well, that's not me.  I know I'm still earthbound, but, I also do what I can to keep me heavenly-minded as much as possible.  My heaven-on-earth photo inspiration came from Beth Moore.  This photo is a screen shot from her teaching yesterday -- the acronym for BLESSED.   For almost 5 years now, I've been posting the most optimistic, positive and meaningful posts that I can.....even though during these 5 years, I've met with disappointments, times of sorrow, some  painful experiences, and challenges.  But who wants to hear about somebody else's woes, when they've got plenty of their own to deal with...and especially, on social media?

Beth Moore's message reminded me of why I try to only speak about the best things in my life.  I'll admit I cringe when I see women post about their struggles when their kids mess up their house or when those kids are whiny.  I so want to say: "STOP!!!  There are women who would do anything to just be able to conceive and have children!  Count yourself BLESSED!"  Then I see women post about the shortcomings of their husbands.  And I want to shout "STOP!!!!  There are women who have never been married or whose husband passed away and would do anything to be married! Count yourself BLESSED!"

Yesterday, a friend was sharing with me about all the negativity that is going on in her life......and there were so many things.  In fact, I thought to myself, but didn't say it, "If it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all!"  But what came out of my mouth to her is "You are still so blessed.  You are healthy.  You are strong.  This won't last forever."  She agreed.

When I post about God's blessings, it's not bragging, it's "boasting about the Lord's goodness"  (1 Corinthians 1:31).  I will ALWAYS choose the BLESSINGS to talk about, rather than complaining about ANYTHING!   Between the lines, there may always be something to fuss about -- but why grumble when I'm so bountifully BLESSED with God's extravagant love?  He has saved me from what I deserve, and empowered me with His Holy Spirit and I've been delivered from a life of sadness, pain and grief.  The next time we start to utter a complaint, let's flip it on the enemy and say, "Thank you for reminding me how BLESSED I am!"

Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn and Blessings

Day 99 of Photo Inspirations -- Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn AND Blessings
I run or walk at least 15 miles a week.  Where my Jacuzzi tub would have been installed, I had my builder to simply put the plumbing in the wall, in case I ever wanted to install it.  Instead, that’s where my treadmill is located.  I’m on purpose.  I know the health benefits of running/walking/jogging.  I’ve been running for many years.  Best of all, it keeps my goal weight intact, especially when I love eating all kinds of foods as well as the occasional sweet treat!

But, my daily walk has gone to a new level, as I’m walking with friends.  We are walking on purpose – not just for the health benefits, but doing the Joshua “walk around the wall” walk. We walk, talk and pray. We are being BLESSED.

And, the health benefits have gone to a whole new level also.  I found it quite interesting a few days ago when I came upon the idea of walking to increase our BRAIN size.  It said, “Just 1 mile keeps our brain from shrinking.  Apparently, our brains tend to shrink as we age, just like a piece of fruit on the counter. But you can help keep your brain plump and young just by walking about a mile a day.  AWESOME!    

The article at www.sharecare.com went on to say that “in a 9-year study, people who walked just 6 to 9 miles each week preserved significantly more gray matter as they aged, compared with their more sedentary peers. What's so great about a big brain? It likely means more mental power. In the study, not only did the walkers have less brain shrinkage, but also that translated into a two-fold reduction in their risk for cognitive impairment. What's more, the researchers also looked at the benefits of physical activity in people already suffering from cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and found that a mere 5 miles a week of walking seemed to slow progression of the condition. So when it comes to brains, bigger really is better. Let’s strap on those walking shoes and walk  for BRAIN, BRAWN AND BLESSINGS!
#WalkingWithPurpose

Blessed to be a Blessing

Thanksgiving Week is here and I'm so thankful! My family are on their way to me! I'm ready for them! I've got the Treasure Hunt ready to go for my big 8-year birthday boy. Most of my baking and cooking is done, and all that goes with 11 of us in my not-so-big house. Only 3 or 4 times a year, do I think about "back when" I had a big house that had plenty of beds and bedrooms for all of us. But it's okay -- I've got the blow-up and fold-up mattresses ready to go -- and soon the "camping indoors" at Nana's will begin. But, there is just no way to complain or wish for the "good ole' days"!!! Our trip to Mexico last month, certainly put an exclamation point on that! Witnessing the numbers of people there that have such a meager existence -- they live in one room (if you could even call it a room), have no running water, and no adequate roof or walls in what they call "home". Having that "visual" certainly causes me to capitalize THANKSGIVING! We are blessed.

And, BLESSED, is the operative word -- not, "lucky" or "fortunate" or "deserved" or "privileged". We ARE BLESSED! And we are blessed -- to be a BLESSING!. We can't just simply say "THANK YOU", and go on our way. We MUST do something about those blessings. In fact, we're held accountable for them. Luke 12:48 says ".......when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." There is responsibility that comes with blessings. Actually, it becomes a cycle of blessings, because we see in Proverbs 11:25, "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." It's that "give and it shall be given", law of reciprocity....that just keeps on giving.

So, this Thanksgiving week, while we're in an attitude of gratitude, let's remember that we are blessed to bless; gifted to give; forgiven to forgive; loved to love.

Love Transforms an Enemy Into a Friend

Yesterday I posted about an “upside down world – but, it’s a matter of perspective”. I started thinking about how upside down Jesus’ words seem to be in Matthew 5:44. “Love your enemies! Bless them that curse you! Do good to them that hate you! Pray for them who spitefully use you, and persecute you!"

How is it possible to love our enemies? How can we do good to anyone that hates us, curses us, uses us and persecutes us? And, even a step further, “bless them and pray for them”? How absolutely IMPOSSIBLE these words seem to be!

I think Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words explain it so well: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, 'Love your enemies'. It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says 'love'. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies."

I like to live by the words, What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD), in determining what action I should take in any given situation. He set the example for us in every area of our lives. He had enemies – plenty of them. They even killed Him. He loved them anyway. And if we believe in Him, it’s time to turn things “upside down” and “inside out”, and say to our enemies, “I love you. I would rather die than hate you.” When we live that way, we’ll find the strength to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who spitefully use us. Let’s don’t get even with our enemies. Let’s ask God to bless them instead. If we can let go of our anger long enough to pray like this, we’ll discover an amazing benefit – we’ll be putting ourselves in a position TO BE blessed and loved!

CEO of my Business -- CEO of my Life

My tip of the day.....there's no greater way to begin a new day and week than to have a meeting with the CEO of our business -- especially with the desire for success in every way! My CEO is God, my Heavenly Father.

Through the years of having early morning commitments, my body just naturally wakes up early. I have a built-in alarm clock. So, it sure makes sense to me, to get in touch with the One who created the day -- to begin my day by spending a few minutes alone with God each morning. It's just a great way to get the "wisdom and guidance" download from my CEO, and my day and life will be enriched and blessed as the day progresses! Spending time in His Word, and sharing with Him, through prayer, I know I've set my day in the proper order! It always helps me to be in the right frame of mind. I recognize it, and others recognize it, when we've had those meetings.....and when we haven't. I urge you to call for an Executive Meeting with your CEO today!