A Big Thumbs Up – All is Well!

That fiasco last week of trying to find a replacement for my daughter's peace sign hand that I accidentally broke, led me to this “thumbs-up hand”. Of course, I had to buy it for sweet memories’ sake. In this photo, my husband was talking to our children shortly after surgery and giving them the "All is well -- thumbs up sign". From there, I went into wimpy-mode, shedding a few tears, as I pulled out the album I made him for his 60th birthday, and saw the words our children and close friends and family wrote to him. Perfect timing because today is that sweet man’s birthday. Please indulge me as I remember the love of my life in the letter I gave him on that 60th birthday. He might be looking on as I share this with you today. I hope so because I still mean every word. I'm sure he'll also be running with our son, Ryan, as he runs his "virtual" Boston Marathon today:

My Sweetheart......Happy Birthday!
It is difficult to put my thoughts around the notion that you are 60-years old. How can that be? I still remember feasting my eyes on that good looking, dark-haired boy in the choir. Little did I realize that he would one day be mine. All I can say to that is "God bless the day I found you!"
I hope you know how much you are loved, honored, respected, and admired by everyone. This is a time of celebrating a man that has made his mark on so many lives, the least of whom is ME! I am more today than I could have ever dreamed possible because of you -- your relentless pushing and encouraging me to be all I could be. You have always made me feel like a sexy, voluptuous, and beautiful woman. When I didn't believe in myself -- you believed in me! I am so thankful for the amazing husband, father, and grandfather that you are. You have always given of yourself so freely to so many. I will never forget the precious, caring and giving way you treated my mom. You always made her feel like a queen. You went above and beyond in the love you had for my family -- you not only opened the door to them, but you fed them, clothed them and gave them truly the Father's love. You really are a replica of Christ's love. There are so many adjectives for this man named "Ronald Wuerch" and so many reasons why I celebrate your life of 60 years, but here are just a few. I love Ronald because.....
• He plays the piano and sings so beautifully
• He can build a house from ground up and make it a home for many
• He can fly an airplane
• He can fix anything
• He has so much wisdom and creativity
• He is a gifted storyteller
• He is a great fisherman and campfire builder
• He cooks great spaghetti
• He is the world's best masseuse
• He helps around the house
• He is so giving to those in need
• He is so thoughtful and romantic, and always holds my hand in public.
• He never makes me feel bad about an impulse purchase
• He is my greatest cheerleader
• He sees the good in everyone and has led our family in the optimistic, positive faith message of God’s Word that has caused ultimate success in each of our lives.
• He is really my best friend, lover, confidante, my hero, and the love of my life. I cannot imagine living one day without him.
• And there's not enough room here to continue with all that you are to me......but I want you to know that I wish you dreams come true, desires fulfilled and blessings beyond what you could ask or think.......because, my Love, you deserve it all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DARLING!
Love, Donna

We’ve Got the Power! It’s Pentecost Sunday!

Happy Birthday to YOU! Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. So, it is YOUR birthday, because you ARE the Church going and coming. At every birthday celebration, a gift always shows up! This day of celebration commemorates the Gift of the Holy Spirit to us. And what a gift He was AND is to us today!

Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter) -- the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and others in the Upper Room. They were in one accord in one place. We, the Church, need a Pentecost today! To turn from blame and shame to Godly, courageous, bold witnesses for Christ. To become people of compassion, kindness, and love for each other. In a world of violence and cultural unrest, if ever we needed a Pentecost, it is today!

Pentecost fulfilled Jesus' promise "to send the Holy Spirit to you!" (John 16:5-15). It launched Peter as a powerful witness for Christ. How did he go from being cowardly to courageous, from being frightened to fearless? How did he go from denying Jesus to defending Jesus? It was the power of Pentecost that made the difference in his life. And that is the same power we need in our lives if the Church is to have a positive and lasting impact upon the world. Peter was changed. (Acts 4:13)

Acts 2:41 records that Peter spoke to the crowd and 3,000 people were baptized. Power-less to power-full! And that’s what Holy Spirit does for us, too! My story is similar to Peter's. I was weak, timid and afraid, but because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, I weathered and overcame many storms in my life. The Holy Spirit gives me the power and confidence to share the Good News boldly and unafraid. The power of the Holy Spirit is available to anyone who is a believing and obedient Christian and who desires the fullness of God’s Spirit.

The moment we received Christ, the Holy Spirit not only came to live in us, but He also imparted the power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. "Be filled" means to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His attitudes and actions in the life of the believer. We received amazing gifts of the Holy Spirit when we received Christ and a big bushel of fruit. Galatians 5:22: "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

The change this world needs begins with you and me. When we point to others, there are four fingers pointing back to us. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in me!" Won’t you pray this prayer to be changed and empowered to be bold witnesses of God's love through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?

“Dear Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I know You live in me. I know that You are my helper, my counselor, my confidant, my comforter and my peace. I ask You to take complete control of my life. I ask for Your gifts and fruit to be evident in my life. Lord, I ask that You fill me to overflowing with Your precious Holy Spirit. Baptize me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet – the same way You filled those in the Upper Room. I ask You for a radical transformation like the disciples had when they went from fear, anxiety, and timidity to empowered people of faith, boldness, and courage. Come Holy Spirit! Consume me! I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Joy to the Fishes in the Deep Blue Sea

Joy to the world – all the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me! Blast from the past. That’s a couple of lines from 1970’s, “Jeremiah was a Bull Frog” sung by the band, Three Dog Night! Has really nothing to do with Christmas but “Joy to the World” sure does.

What makes us all so much more joyful this time of year? Could it be that the angel's message to the shepherds holds true for us still today? "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY!" Christ is that good news that no matter how dismal everything around us might be, there is always GOOD NEWS of great joy that can change everything for us.

I took that "good news" personally for my daughter. December 8th was her big 5-0 birthday. Thanks to so many who joined me in wishing her a “Happy Birthday”. She was in Florida at a 7-day conference on her birthday, but she got the message from so many friends via social media and the surprise party we gave her before she left. You can see in these photos it was more than a birthday celebration -- it was a restitution celebration.

A few months back, Staci’s son’s car was stolen from a Dallas parking garage. Traumatic enough, but not as painful as when the car was found, it had been devoured like some kind of monster movie. Every part of the car had been removed, along with the precious treasures that were in the trunk. Payton kept those treasures close by in case he got the urge to go fishing, he was prepared. Those treasures were my husband’s beloved fishing equipment: rods, tackle, vest, etc. All had been passed onto their family because they are the avid fisher-people who learned their skills from my husband aka dad aka papa. All of it was stolen in that fiasco. So, what’s a mother to do? Carry on. That’s the way I roll and my family rolls. We don’t give the enemy the upper hand by bemoaning his tactics. We don’t give up. We get up and get over it because we are too blessed otherwise.

In this case, I asked Larry (Staci’s husband) to make a list of all that was in that trunk. He did and I got to be a restitution maker. It’s one thing to have things returned; it’s a another thing to get restitution. Staci explained it in her tears while opening each item I had wrapped in “fishing” fabric (couldn’t find fishing wrapping paper). The items stolen could have been returned in their original state (some items were worn and tattered). I was able to help bring about restitution -- making up for damages or harm. Brand new items that made up for the loss. What a JOY to see my girl so full of JOY!

“The Bible tells us in Psalm 16:11 that ‘In His presence is fullness of joy.’ If we want joy in our life, we need to revisit the Nativity scene and realize that's where God's presence was experienced in the form of that tiny baby boy. That baby boy grew up and is our living King of Kings! Daily, we can experience His presence and know that GREAT JOY! We can experience it at a birthday party or a busy restaurant. We can experience it when facing a crisis or a disappointment. Joy isn't the same as happiness. Happiness is based on those ooey, gooey feelings when everything is going right. But JOY is based on the CONSTANT of He Who lives big within us. He is that GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY so we can belt out singing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room......" That's the key....preparing room for Him inside to be our joy-giver, and peace-maker no matter the circumstances.

Sincerely, God wants us to GET IT – about why He sent His Son Jesus -- the good tidings of great joy which is for all people. “So, here -- take that good news of great joy with you today!” And, all you little fishes in the deep blue sea, better watch out, Staci and all her fishing gear are coming to town!

Service With a Smile and Excellence

It’s Saturday and Mom, Karen and I meet at i-Hop for breakfast. This is our annual go-to birthday celebration place and since I’m in Tulsa town this weekend and my birthday is next week – they jump on it. I love these two women so much. They have been sources of anchoring me for so many years -- since I fell in love with Karen’s big brother and Mom’s son when I was 12. We have many precious and cherished memories together.

What makes this celebration even sweeter is this beaming waitress. Just look at her sweet shining light! This is Jacquie! Karen is taking a phone call so I roll Mom in her wheel chair to the booth. I get her settled in and take her wheelchair to a corner out of the way. When I return, this precious girl is bent over helping Mom get out of her sweater. That’s when I am first attracted to her serving beyond her call-of-duty.

I spot her almost ear-to-ear smile. I am drawn to her radiance -- her countenance. I tell her so. She graciously accepts my compliment with an even bigger smile. I'm reminded of Proverbs 15:13 "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face..." She asks if she can get us coffee and within seconds, she returns. Karen joins us and our “shining” waitress is ready to take our order. I ask: “What’s that big smile about? Is it because you love God?” And, instantly, she replies, “Oh, yes. Very, very much!” I say: “Keep shining because this world needs to see what God looks like and how He serves.”

To Mom and Karen, I say: “A blog is on its way!” And here it is for you today! Now you know what Jesus in human flesh looks like. It’s a look of joy, love and kindness. It is excellence in attitude and service. We can’t help but give her an extra good tip because she is all about “service with a smile”. She makes this little birthday celebration so pleasant with responding to our every request without delay, including allowing me to get a photo of her and her taking a photo of us.

I could go on about being a bright light to our world and if ever our world needed more smiles and service like this, it does today! How much more would we want to “bless” those who come with a heart of a servant in excellence and quality customer service? St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words." The beautiful young woman is preaching the good news every day with her happy heart and encouraging smile.

Whether in the service industry or the servant-of-God-ministry (and we should always be in the latter as devoted followers of Christ), we should always be practicing the Golden Rule -- putting ourselves in other people’s chairs and treating them the way we would want to be treated in any given situation.

Service with a smile should be more than a catchy phrase. It should be a heartfelt, everyday commitment to exit the doors of our homes as people-pleasers, people-lovers, people-servers, and people who exemplify the good works of Jesus by bearing His fruit to a world that needs role models who make a difference.

Thanksgiving Starts With “Thank You”!

Happy Thanksgiving to All of My Wonderful Facebook Friends and Family. THANK YOU for your encouragement to me and being a bright light that brightens our world with God’s love.

The turkey will soon be in the oven and all the other delicacies will be readied that go along with my family's celebration of this wonderful holiday. THANK YOU, God, for my family! Notice I'm capitalizing "THANK YOU" today! As a child, did you get a tap on your shoulder by a parent when you received a gift, and you heard them whisper "Say, thank you!" Were you one of those parents that had to remind your children to say “Thank you”? Oh, but what pride and joy our parents had when they heard us and we heard our children, out of grateful hearts say "THANK YOU!"....and meant it! I challenge you to think of two more beautiful words.

It’s easy for all of us to breeze through life without stopping to say "Thank you." Whether we’re facing a clerk at the store, a restaurant employee or family member, we can move on quickly instead of pausing to give thanks and show appreciation.

Apparently people moved along quickly in the Bible, too. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when ten men, who had leprosy standing far away, called out to Him for mercy. He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. he priest was the one who could issue a life-giving letter of release that indicated they were disease-free and could return to their homes and public life. As they obeyed Jesus’ orders to go, they were healed of their leprosy. Imagine their joy as they saw their skin repair itself and look like new again -- impossible apart from God’s power!

But, only one of the 10 returned and thanked Jesus: “when he saw he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him — and he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16). Jesus completely and wonderfully changed 10 lives, but only one came back to say “thank you”.

The nine Jewish men didn’t return to acknowledge the Giver. The most unlikely to return — the Samaritan who knew the least about God — was the one to receive not only a physical healing, but a spiritual one. Jesus said to him in verse 19, “Rise and go; your faith has made you whole.” The power of God cleansed him outwardly in his body AND cleansed him inwardly from sin when he returned to give thanks. Gratitude paved the way for a double blessing: healing for body and soul.

Gratitude also paves the way to blessing in our bodies and souls.
As we celebrate this national day of Thanksgiving, may we learn from those 10 men. May we purposely pause, look that one in the eyes who served us, gave us of themselves in some way or blessed us with something -- and say “THANK YOU!”

Most of all may we ask God for forgiveness for not saying “Thank You.” May we repent of focusing on the things we don’t have, instead of the blessings He has given us. May we be like the one who returned to express gratitude. Thank you, Father God, for saving us, forgiving us, and providing for our needs each day! Thank YOU, Lord, for your goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I'm done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I've been giving a brief overview of my weekend's celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn't slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.

Fire Hazard Warning – There'll Be 70 Candles on my Cake!

I'm saluting my age 70+ friends today and counting my blessings because in two days I'll join you as I embark on my own 70+ ride! My Frisco family and I are making our way down to Austin for my "7-0 party" weekend. I’m so thankful that I made another year, particularly when I consider the alternative! I'm not downplaying having another birthday and thinking "no big deal". How silly would that be, especially when we throw a gigantic, blow-out of a birthday for a one-year-old that won’t even remember? Those here for DECADES are the ones that should be celebrated. Every year we're still here, we should own it and take in all the congratulatory celebrations we can!! We earned it BIG TIME!

I’m justifying my family "putting on the dog" this weekend for me and it’s bound to be quite the celebration based on “the older we get the more we should be celebrated.” I’ve made it to 70 years – 7 decades. OMG! I told my son to be sure there's a fire extinguisher around if they're putting 70 candles on my cake! How can it be? Where did the years go? We’ve ALL been sort of shocked that I’m turning 70. Oh, I know “70 is just a number", BUT, it’s a BIG number! Suddenly I’m getting more calls and more attention. I'm glad I've made it a habit to send "love" text messages to my children every morning. If they don't get that message from here on out....well, let's say I'll be sending kisses from heaven instead!!

I’m so thankful for this attention. They’ve planned this weekend for months. I have no idea what’s going to happen, except that I requested Franklin’s BBQ at some point”. The rest is top secret. Well, except for the text I received from my son: “Make sure you bring your swimsuit….hot at 70!”

I’m totally on a bandwagon of celebrating our lives – the only one that God gave us. Children anticipate their birthdays so much. In fact, they will say “I’m 8 and a half” with excitement that in a few months they’ll turn 9. They embrace turning 10 because it’s double digits. And, 13, because they'll be a teenager and 16 because they can get their driver's license. As children, we believed in the magic of birthdays. We counted down and planned for our party's theme: Princess, Super Hero, etc. We treasured the people who made our birthdays special, like the grandmother (me) who created a treasure hunt trail of rhyming notes that led to the grand finale's supremo birthday gift. We were stoked that our friends came bearing gifts and shared our yummy cake after we blew out the candles in one breath!

Let’s be clear – it’s not as much about the presents, as it is of the PRESENCE of those who love us and make us feel special. Here’s the real crux of the matter: We always were and always will be a treasure of God's, and on our birthday, we get to rock that truth. I’m rocking even as I type this post today. If my family wasn’t throwing me a party for this BIG 7-0, I’d be throwing myself one to celebrate I've made it this far and this long!

Birthdays are a big deal because birthdays represent our God-given mission and destiny and every year that we’re here, we get to celebrate our journey. And with each year, we have the opportunity to celebrate -- not for just THE day, but EACH day that God gives us. Celebrating it with a merry heart, a glad heart, a thankful heart, a forgiving heart, a heart open to the abundance of God's love and bringing forth fruit, being vigorous and flourishing. So, today, you’re invited to party right along on with me. Whether you are 27 or 57 or 97.....you are to be celebrated. You're still bearing fruit. We're still here so we're not done! We're not giving up until we're taken up!

"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be vigorous and flourishing." Psalm 92:14

Why Am I Still Here?

Other than a few cousins, it occurred to me, yesterday, these two gals have known me almost longer than anyone else. The three of us hung pretty tight, yesterday, on Mom Lydia's 95th birthday. We were ready to throw her a big birthday celebration --after all, 95 years on this earth is worth celebrating -- BIG TIME! But, Mom, preferred the three of us to hang together in her cozy, warm home. I made it to Tulsa by 10 am and it was a day filled with memories which created so much laughter and a few tears, and big discussions about the tomorrows which Mom, quite frankly, continues to ask "Why am I still here?"

Mom (aka mother-in-law) and Karen (aka sister-in-law), and me have been a part of each other's lives through some of the best and worst of times well over 57 years. Mom and my Mom were best of friends that literally prayed my husband and I together from a very early age, and little sister, Karen, three years younger than me, was like our little mascot -- tagging along with us in our teenage years.

Oh, the joys of remembering -- but back to Mom's question "Why am I still here?" Like my Mom, when she was 94 asking the same question, I answered Mom Lydia with these words "Because God isn't finished with you yet. There are more people to pray for -- including me. There are more people to encourage. When He's good and ready, He'll say 'Well done, good and faithful servant -- now it's time to come home for your rewards.'" I loved how that message played out yesterday.

In my FB post, the day before, I asked for those who had been inspired and encouraged by Mom to please send an email to me to give her yesterday on her birthday. The response was overwhelming. Particularly, receiving an email from her Pastor and his wife who were in Berlin, Germany and taking the time to express what a blessing she has been to them and their church family. The sweet emails, phone calls and cards from others brightened her day so much that we never heard her complain one time about pain in her body, which is a miracle as she has been in tremendous pain for months now.

Two different times Mom has had to have a Home Health Nurse -- and each time, (one about 7 years ago and the other assisting her now at this time) not only were the nurses a blessing to her, but she was a blessing to them as she would encourage them and pray for them. Yesterday, both of those nurses, not because of a call of duty, but because of their love and appreciation for Mom, one came by with flowers for her, thanking her for her prayers for her that have been answered (she recently married the man of her dreams), and the other brought a big bowl of candy and declared "This is to tell you that you are the sweetest TREAT EVER!" And, she went on to tell Mom and Karen how much their prayers for her have been answered and how much they have meant to her.

To any one reading this post today, and maybe you're only 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 or like Mom, 95 years old and you're asking "Why am I here?" , the same is true for you -- "You are here to be a blessing, to encourage someone, to pray for someone, to be a light-bearer, and a blessing giver." Maybe it's time to start today -- instead of being just a taker of blessings -BE a GIVER of BLESSINGS! Check YOUR pulse. Feel that heart beating!!! Yes....you're still HERE, so you're not done! Now, let's go make something out of that GIFT OF LIFE!!!

The Debut of Two Girls Into Our World

On this special day, September 16th, I'm celebrating two of my girls. It was actually September 15th when our son asked us to join him and Shawntel's family for a surprise birthday party for her at her home. Her birthday was September 16th, but the party was on the 15th. We had a wonderful time together celebrating this beautiful woman (inside and out), but the party went to a whole new level, when Ryan got down on one knee and proposed to her. We rejoiced when she said "YES"! We knew God brought them together. Three months later they were married.

Larry and Staci were absent from this celebration -- but they had a good excuse. Just after Ryan proposed, we received the call from Larry....."Staci's contractions are just minutes apart." That meant we had to make a quick exit from this fabulous party.....to be at another fabulous "debut" party. Our little Alexia was coming into the family as well.

We drove lightning speed from Tulsa to Dallas and though the doctors were telling Staci to "push", she refused to....."My Mom and Dad must be here!" As we were running down the hallway of the hospital our precious little girl started coming. We made it....but not a minute too soon!

Our hearts were full -- our son was engaged to the "love of his life", and Larry and Staci brought another precious treasure to love into this world. And to make it even more special, Ryan and Shawntel drove from Oklahoma to Texas to meet their new little niece on both girls' birth-days. It was a joyous celebration!

So, today, September 16th, I get to celebrate two precious girls that have brought so much sunshine and joy to our family. I can't begin to thank God enough for my Shawntel (aka Angel -- always has been to our family) who is the most devoted and loving wife to Ryan, and incredible mother to our boys. She calls me Mom, which is one of my greatest privileges. We're bonded. We've shared so many blessings and though we're physically miles apart -- when we are back together again, it's as though we were never apart. She will always be MY GIRL. I'm so thankful for her Mom and Dad's love that brought her to this world for all of us to love her.

And, then there's my hilarious, beautiful, talented, loving, granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, who celebrates her 16th birthday today. Where has 16 years gone? It seems just a little while ago that we were rushing to meet her, and now she is becoming a young woman of destiny and purpose that loves God and loves to serve Him with all her heart.

Happy Birthday, Shawntel and Alexia -- my two September 16th GIFTS FROM GOD!

This is Your Life! What Does it Look Like?

At the Bible Study I attend, a gal said, “I wonder if God videos our lives and one day, when we get to heaven, we’ll see the video and then be able to thank all those who influenced and encouraged us? Another gal, said “And what about the video that you’ll be in of someone you encouraged and helped?”

That resonated with me. Every day we cross paths with many people and there may very well be playbacks in heaven of those we walked past, or were so busy on our phones – we didn’t notice them. On the other hand, we’ll get to see the ones we took the time to befriend; those we took meals to; those we may have encouraged and invited them to go to church with us.

My Mom didn’t have to have a video tape played of those she helped. It played out LIVE for her on her 70th birthday when we surprised her with a “This is Your Life” birthday party. “This is Your Life” was a “Reality” TV Show back in the 50s to the 70s. It was originally hosted by its creator and producer, Ralph Edwards. In the program, the host would surprise guests and then take them through a retrospective of their lives in front of an audience, with "surprise" appearances by friends, and family. The idea for "This Is Your Life" arose while Edwards was working on "Truth or Consequences". He had been asked by the U.S. Army to "do something" for paraplegic soldiers at an Army rehabilitation hospital. Edwards chose a "particularly despondent young soldier and hit on the idea of presenting his life on the air, in order to integrate the wreckage of the present with his happier past and the promise of a hopeful future. The show was always a feel-good, tear-jerker because we witnessed people helping people.

Back to my Mom and her 70th – we invited friends and family from all over the U.S. to come to the celebration, but she thought that only local friends from church and her community would be there. What she didn’t know, however, were the long-distance friends and family that we had hidden in another room. My husband was the emcee of the night. He’d share sweet stories from his relationship with her and other people were giving their own stories about how Mom exuded God's love to them. But, then the BIG SURPRISE! Mom would hear a voice over the loud speaker saying “Edna, you and Roscoe (my dad), saved my life and marriage when you came to the bars and took me home. You showed me the love of Jesus.” My Mom, shocked, said “Is that you David?” Indeed it was and he and his wife came out and hugged Mom who was elated to see them. Another said, “Edna, you were my best friend and you always encouraged me.” She would come out and they would embrace. Many family members and friends came great distances to express how Mom had changed their life.

In a world that often seems so self-serving, isn't it a breath of fresh air to be around those who have hearts of service -- who seemingly live to give. I pray that this post today encourages us to keep our eyes and hearts wide open to the little nudges that someone needs today. Another gal at the Bible Study said to another gal “You influenced me to come to this Bible Study and I’m so glad you did. It is just what I needed” Another gal, with tears in her eyes, looked at another gal and said, “Thank you for the time you give to my daughter. You have changed her life.”

The video tape is recording. What will we see at the end of the day? One of the greatest things about becoming a Christian is the heart-change we have about wanting to be a difference maker in other people’s iives. We give others what we have been given: hope, comfort, peace, love and compassion. We become a mentor to someone who needs extra help in following after God. What better way to mentor than to be the example of caring for others. Lord, please make us to be "Doers of the Word, and not just Hearers, only!" (James 1:22)

Birthdays Really Matter

I’m heading back home today after several days of celebrating my son’s birthday with his entire family. How precious for me to be able to be there for all the festivities and moments of sheer awesomeness. And, what a joy for me to be able to hang with the older kids because our sleeping arrangements were in a beautiful 2-bedroom suite overlooking this incredible heaven-on-earth place. I like to think that God gave my kids a heart for including this mama and it sure brings me so much joy.

Our family is BIG on birthdays, and while it may sound child-like to make such a big deal about birthdays, it really shouldn’t, because birthdays mean we made it through another year, and we're still here for a reason. That should be a BIG DEAL to us!

I heard someone say “I’m not having any more birthdays. In fact, I don’t even know how old I am anymore.” And I quickly replied, “Goodness gracious, I'm thrilled to celebrate my birthday. It means I made it through another year." I heard Christine Caine's remarks about birthdays. She said, "The older we get, we downplay having another birthday. We don't want any 'big deals' or ANY attention given to us having another birthday. How silly it is to throw a gigantic, blow-out of a birthday for a one-year old. What has a one year old done to deserve that birthday? Those who have been here for half a century and more are the ones to be celebrated. For goodness sakes, every year that we're still here, we deserve fireworks, celebrations, recognition and tributes..... because we EARNED this birthday and every other birthday! We made it another year."

I remember anticipating my birthdays as a child. As children, we counted down, waited and planned for our birthdays. We wanted special themes: Princess, Super Heroes, Fishing & Hunting, Football, Basketball, etc. We treasured the people who made our birthdays special, the grandmother (me) who created a treasure hunt trail of rhyming notes that led to the grand finale – supremo birthday gift. We were stoked that our friends came bearing gifts and shared our yummy cake, and we loved making a wish and blowing out the candles with just one huge breath.

Let’s be clear – it’s not as much about the presents, as it is of the PRESENCE of those who love us and make us feel…..”I am special”. Here’s the real crux of the matter: No matter who you are or whether or not you had an ideal family life, you always were and always will be a treasure, and on your birthday, you get to rock that truth.

Birthdays say, “You’re special!” That’s what we do with the red “special plate” for the birthday guy or girl and we take turning sharing why they are special to us. Birthdays say, “Hey, you, you’re great! I’m so glad you’re in my life.” And that’s why birthdays are a big deal – because birthdays represent our God-given mission and destiny and every year that we’re here, we get to celebrate our journey.

And with each year.....we have the opportunity to celebrate -- not for just THE day, but EACH day that God gives us. Celebrating it with a merry heart, a glad heart, a thankful heart, a forgiving heart, a heart open to the abundance of God's love and bringing forth fruit, being vigorous and flourishing.

I have a dear friend who doesn't wait for someone to throw her a party. She throws a birthday bash for herself, and she invites us all to join her for her BIG DAY. I love that. She knows she is special to us, so, of course, we celebrate her.

So, today, whether you or 15, 50 or 95.....you are to be celebrated. You're still bearing fruit. You're still here....you're not done!

What a Day This Has Been!

"What a day this has been. What a rare mood I'm in -- why it's almost like being in love. There's a smile on my face, for the whole human race -- why it's almost like being in love!" Old song that I was singing at the end of yesterday!

That's because I sat out to live out loud with others, yesterday, on our 51st Wedding Anniversary, instead of having any woe-is-me moments. Too much "living and loving" opportunities! I knew God would have me on assignment this weekend. Friday afternoon I drove to Tulsa, gave hugs to my precious mother-in-law and headed out for a night with the girls -- my dear single women friends in Hyde Park, where I lived here in Tulsa. What a great time we had catching up! I loved hearing that most of these gals have found their "home" church with a pastor they respect and love, attend regularly and are continually inviting others to join them. They've become missionaries! That makes me smile so big.

Yesterday morning, Mom declared "I woke in up in the middle of the night because my toe was hurting so much. I sat on the side of the bed and looked at the clock. It said 3:16 -- John 3:16 -- I said 'Thank you, Lord, for giving me your one and only Son. By His stripes, I am healed!" I love it. She knew God was loving on her at 3:16 am! What a blessing it is to have these sweet times of "heavenly" love together! Mom continues to be such an inspiration to me and everyone else!

I headed out to meet with my two "walking" buddies from when I lived here. We walked and prayed back then, and yesterday, I rejoiced at so many answers to those prayers. In particular, my friend whose daughter recently gave birth to twins -- a double miracle and answer to our prayers.

My next assignment was to go visit my precious friend and mentor, Sister Marie Pierre at St. Joseph Monastery. She hadn't been feeling well (she's 88 now), and I think my little visit and our time talking about God's goodness perked her up. I was thrilled to help her with a project she's working on, and love on her -- and her making me so loved. She loved my husband so much, so it was perfect to visit her on our anniversary.

As I left Sister Pierre, I saw an Estate Sale sign, and I stopped to check it out, and I'm so glad I did because, here on my anniversary day -- when my sweetheart always gave me yellow roses, along with planting a yellow rose bush at every home we've lived in, as well as yellow roses being our wedding flowers -- was this porcelain yellow rose that called out my name. I knew God nudged me to stop to be romanced by Him and my Sweetheart. Of course I bought it. I knew it was heaven-sent!

After taking Mom a meal from Cracker Barrel, the finale of my day was Sheila Michie's, my dear friend's birthday celebration. What joy it was to be a part of this night of blessings -- in particular, seeing my sweet friend with her adorable grandson, who is full of energy and joy, lots of singing and laughter, as well as meeting the priest that my Hyde Park girl friends say "is the best" -- small world -- that he would be a friend to my friends and show up for this night of celebration!

I'm here to tell you -- we have choices to make everyday. The choice to be an introvert and stay within our walls and give ourselves pity parties for what we don't have, or we can go from person to person, home to home, street to street, and city to city -- to spread good news -- that Christ came to give us. Eternity awaits us....but why go there until it calls our name. Why not LIVE STRONG, in the Land of the Living as long as God gives us breath on this side of eternity?

"Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the LORD's favor in the land of the living?" Psalm 27:13

Happy Anniversary #51

A few days ago, I was with a group of ladies, and in casual conversation, I asked the gal beside me how long she’d been married. She said “44 long years – some days I think ‘That’s enough, already!’” Then she laughed and I knew she was just kidding, but that didn’t stop me from saying “Oh, my dear, I was married 44 years and that’s all I had with my sweetheart – it wasn’t enough!”

A dear Canadian friend of mine was celebrating her 51st anniversary with her husband and she was expressing the joys she had of being married to her wonderful husband. I commented on her post “This would've been our 51st anniversary on July 8th. Keep celebrating those as long as you can. Much love and blessings to you.”

And, to all you sweet married women today, I say “Cherish, embrace, celebrate, and romance the relationship you have with your husbands – and to the men, with your wives.” This life is so short and making every minute count with those we love on this side of heaven is so precious. And it will carry us through to eternity – on that side of heaven!

Of course I’m thinking those thoughts today because 51 years ago today, July 8, 1966 -- I married the love of my life, I was 17; he was 18 -- and that was after a LONG 5 years courtship -- since 12 & 13! And, if I had it to do over again, I’d do it ALL OVER AGAIN! Though many said “It will never last – you’re too young – don't get tied down yet -- you have so much life to live -- you’ll miss out on so much fun", I thought it then and I think it now – “You’re too late with your words of gloom and despair, because this ship has already left dock!” LOL! NEVER did I think "tied down" -- we lived life to its fullest, and had SO MUCH FUN! Yes, we WERE young and immature. We made a LOT of mistakes – but we did so much that was right!! We had a blast living life, and a blast "overcoming" life, and its many surprises and challenges.

When my sweetheart graduated to heaven in 2010 -- I realized how blessed I was to have had him in my life for so many years. This precious man was my cheerleader, coach, counselor, confidante, caring and compassionate friend, and romantic lover. Most importantly, he brought out the best in me – literally, as I was a shy introvert, with so many insecurities, lacking in confidence, yet he saw so much more in me. He urged, coerced, and pushed me to be the best I could be. Because of him, I became a Mom to two truly great children, grandmother to six grandchildren (plus one, my sweet Ruth, wife of Braden) and also, an accomplished organist & pianist, a pilot, a real estate and securities broker, a fisherman (woman), a slalom water skier, a snow skier, a businesswoman, an administrator, a public speaker and, lover of God's Word and fully desiring to serve Him all the days of my life.
I miss him today – more than ever, but because I love him so much, I am overwhelmed with joy that he could be in heaven ahead of me -- he's on his heavenly assignment -- he earned and deserves this. And, of all the beautiful things he gave me, and urged me to become, I absolutely know that the peace, joy and happiness I’m experiencing today, is because of the impact he had on my life – to always look for the good in every circumstance, to be grateful for everything, to be determined to finish this race strong. Happy Anniversary, my Sweetheart! I'm having a blast here.....and I guarantee I'll keep your legacy strong until I BLAST OUT OF HERE to be THERE with you!

The Last Word....And Many More

Are you one of those who has to have the last word? If so, then you, at the conclusion of singing "Happy Birthday" to someone, added the big finish….”and many more!!" I’ve come to find those words reassuring, so I always sing “and many more” under my breath in hopes that my quiet wish might help to safeguard the birthday boy or girl’s longevity. I know it’s not a sure fire guarantee because life has taught me that “many more” is something we can never be sure of. So, each and every birthday we have with our loved ones is a gift. I realized this when my sweetheart received the diagnosis that changed his “many mores” to “one more.”

“No more” is a sad thought, and I suspect if you’re reading this, you understand what I mean. Even though their passing means our loved ones never grow a year older, however, to those of us who are still here on this side of heaven, their birthday continues to happen year after year. Though they’re gone, their birthday still belongs to them; and to us, there’s no such thing as “no more”. We’re still here on this earth to REMEMBER there will be “many mores”. I’m here to tell you – significant days like birthdays, anniversaries and other special celebrations means we still love our loved ones despite their absence. That’s one of the things I love about Facebook and seeing when people post about their loved ones – years past their “going home” date. They are fondly remembering.

So all of that was to give justification for celebrating the one man, the one love of my life once again – on this, his birthday. Our family celebrates each other’s birthdays by pulling out the “Special Plate” and telling the honoree what they mean to us. I’m looking up to heaven and singing "Happy Birthday....and many more" to my Sweetheart today! I'll let you listen in as I say to him:

“My Sweetheart, you are so loved, honored, respected, and admired by me and all those who know you. I’m celebrating you and the mark you made on so many lives, the least of whom is ME! I am more today than I could have ever dreamed possible because of you.....your relentless urging, pushing, prodding, and encouraging me to be all I could be. You have always made me feel beautiful -- especially when I didn't feel it. When I didn't believe in myself, you believed in me! I am so thankful for the amazing husband, father, and grandfather that you were. You always gave yourself so freely to so many. I will never forget the precious, caring and giving way you treated others. You not only opened the door to them, but you fed them and clothed them and tolerated them and gave them truly the Father's love. You really were a "life enhancer" and a beautiful example, on earth, of Christ's love. There's not enough room here to tell you how much you meant to me......but one thing's for sure.......you received your ultimate reward by getting to go on the fast track to heaven. My greatest determination is to be there with you someday and to get to have the ultimate in birthday bashes there! And, to all my FB friends and family -- YOU ARE ALL INVITED!!!

Oh, and by the way, maybe it's time you and your family have special plate days, too. For those here on this side of heaven. It is sure a confidence builder to those we love! And, maybe it's time to get out the special plate for your loved ones in heaven and reminisce and celebrate how they made in difference in your life. It will keep their memory alive, and bring gratitude back to those who helped make you who you are today!