What is YOUR Motivation for Change?

What is YOUR Motivation for Change?
The Great Escape -- so, I’ve been in Austin with my family since last week. Talk about change – from my quiet, non-eventful life, to nearly non-stop activity with this crew. My quiet peace zone at home has certainly been interrupted, which is fine with me.

My second to the oldest grandson, Bear, asked for a date-night with me. Be still my heart. He drove to downtown Austin for a take-out meal fit for a queen. We enjoyed our “date” out by the pool and commenced to go to the theater (rather, the theater room) to see an epic movie “The Two Popes”. (Recommend it!) The attention to his planned night touched me so much. Then I loved spending time with his adorable girl friend when she came down on Sunday.

The youngest grandson, Bryson, age 13, still wants to sleep with me. I hope that doesn’t end any time soon. Sweet memories of chattering about this and that, praying together, and falling to sleep. And, yesterday taking a trip to nearby Reimer's Park. He had told his Dad “Nana would be inspired with a blog if she were here.” And, yes I was!

Oldest grandson, Braden, and his precious wife, Ruth, spent three days with us. I loved catching up with their dreams, aspirations and hopes. Sweet Ruth worked many extra hours as a neonatal NICU nurse during the quarantine and right in the middle of it had to have an appendectomy. She’s doing great, and she’s oh, so precious! I love the love these grands have for each other, playing games and spending time together.

Number #4 grandson, age 15, called on his mama and I to assist in two of his school projects. During this homeschooling, the students are doing virtual learning and reports or speeches that would usually be given in the classroom. This creative one, Brennan, had two presentations to give. His mom and I were his film crew. She was the camera-gal; I was the teleprompter supervisor. Oh, my, the hilarious times we had on Take 1, Take 2, Take 52, etc. And, oh, the precarious places were our locations! Thank goodness, this Nana has still got game!

Thanks for letting me bring you up-to-speed at the Wuerch's Austin ranch. The greatest take-away from my get-away from isolation-days has been how much sweeter are the days than I ever hoped for before. Gratitude just gets stronger for those things that don’t come as easy as they were before. There’s something about realizing that what seemed to be the greatest upset in our own personal lives, became a lot easier and faster to deal with than what we ever thought.

Sincerely – changes needed to be made. God probably shakes His head as He thinks “Why do my kids get so caught up on so much that is just temporary?” There is one guarantee in life: CHANGE will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we feel out of control. But we have this blessed assurance. God NEVER changes. "I am the Lord, and I do not CHANGE.” (Malachi 3:6). He walks with us in every season of life -- no matter how easy or difficult. We can choose to accept CHANGE because God has a plan for our lives – to give us hope, a great future, and to prosper us. If we trust in God and allow the CHANGE to mature us in our faith and to grow us in becoming more like Him in how we respond and act, then we are promised that “Everything will work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

God orders our days. He knows the seasons we are exiting from and He also knows those we are about to enter. It’s a new day – yesterday is gone. Why don’t we awaken to the assurance that He KNOWS ALL and if we’ll board His ways, we’ll travel higher, further and safer than we could ever imagine. I think I hear Him saying to us “I’ve got this so let go and let Me carry you through each CHANGE. Relax. Enjoy the ride. Trust Me!”

Can You Spare a Little Change?

Play on words. Not really the spare change found in our pockets or purse -- but the changing of seasons that we may be going through in our personal and family's lives. In Texas, we get four distinctive seasons. Sometimes, more or less distinctive but I enjoy the change in creation and the cooler weather Fall brings. We may not have white Christmases, but we can enjoy lighted snowmen in our yards. I’ll admit, I do miss a little of that ton of snow in Canada's Winter Wonderland.

Once upon a time, I changed the decor of my home at the turn of every season. I’d get rid of the old so we could embrace the new. In my quest to declutter, my seasonal décor is now driven by a "less is more" mentality. The Bible says there is a season for everything in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). If only we could embrace the seasons of our lives as willingly as we embrace the seasons of the year. But we tend to resist change that goes outside our comfort zones.

God planned the seasons of our lives with infinite wisdom. He ordained each one, knowing exactly what fruit is to be harvested during each time frame. I believe that since His desire is to do us only good, He plans each season for us. So why are we prone to resist the season we’re in? When it’s summer, we want fall. When it’s winter, we want summer. When we are single, we want to be married. When we are married, we want children. When we have children, we want them to be grown and out of the house. When the nest is finally empty, we miss them and want them back -- at least occasionally! 😁

We are so like the children of Israel. They murmured and complained and kept demanding more. God brought them out of 400 years of slavery, gave them rest from their enemies, and provided daily food, water and protection. But no matter what He did, it wasn’t enough. They refused to place their total dependence on God whose plans were for their good (Jeremiah 29:11). So, an entire generation perished before seeing their promised inheritance. The wilderness journey was not a picnic. It was an adventure into the unknown, and it was a change of season for an entire nation. But the Lord knew the way through the wilderness, just as He knows the way through ours.

God ushers in the seasons in our lives and walks us through them. He desires that we embrace what He is doing in our lives with faith and gratitude. During the season of planting, when there is no harvest, God is watering, nurturing, and fertilizing us so that in due season we can bring forth the fruit He desires. Then, after harvest, it's a time of pruning. Ouch! As painful as it may be, God knows how good it is for us so we'll produce more fruit. We can trust God to do whatever He needs to do in our lives today because of His proven faithfulness yesterday

Tomorrow begins Thanksgiving week, the time to count our blessings and enjoy, as God does, this season right now. Every day is a gift so let's savor all the sights, sounds, smells, family, friendships, fellowship, food and fun of the season. God, in His infinite wisdom, planned our lives and leads us through many fruitful seasons. Instead of wishing we were in a different one, may we be grateful and embrace THIS ONE!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Oh, the Entertainment Value of God’s Creation

Change is in the air and change is in God’s creation. Austin’s Hill Country behind my children’s home is a display of God’s handiwork. Many of the trees are showing off their radiant, colored leaves and the evergreens are just that -- ever green. And there has been changes and additions to our family here. I sure get amused at us. I can only imagine how amused God must get at His creation. He certainly doesn’t need a TV for entertainment. Speaking of entertainment – I headed out to get the car washed and what did my wandering eyes would appear but all eight goats out of their corral. Seems Oreo, the black and white goat, fiesty one, has learned to open the latch of the stable! Fortunately, Bryson is their shepherd, or is it goat-herd and they know his voice and they follow him home.

Since my last visit to Austin, we have two new grand-puppies. Braden & Ruth, my oldest grandson and his wife, adopted a beautiful, white, 8-month-old Lab, Bella Mae (a southern name for a southern girl). "Lucky Lab Rescue" saved Bella Mae from an owner who had cruelly abused her and she was severely malnourished. She was put into a foster home and my kids adopted her. Now she is secure, happy, and the beloved pet of my grands. I love the love they have given her and the love she has given them. My second to the oldest grandson, Barrett aka Bear, at the same time, adopted a precious, 8-week-old Aussie-Doodle, Mayra, in Oklahoma. Yay! We have an Okie puppy at last. We are multi-state animal lovers. The Lab is from Texas, the Aussie Doodle, Oklahoma, the two back in Frisco, Buddy, the Australian Shepherd, is from Washington State, and Emma, the Yorkie, hails from Arkansas. And sweet and beloved, 10-year-old Bentley, the Havanese, is from Iowa and lives here with my youngest grands.

I read this scripture: "He is God of the living, “for to Him all are alive” (Luke 20:38). Oh, I know that scripture pertains to our life evermore, even after we die, but I thought about how God is everywhere in all of His living creation – the God of the living. He cares for all living things: the flowers, the birds, the grass. The Creator created everything for a purpose. He even uses them in describing how we should live. Colossians 1:16 says “….all things have been created through Him and FOR Him!” I just know this family of mine keeps Him entertained.

As cute, loveable, and adoring as my grand-dogs and my grand-farm animals are – it’s really their owners that I love the most – and I never take them for granted – it was them that gave me grandchildren and grandpets. Thanks, kids, for your contribution to my full of love and blessed life!

Our Master-Planned, Changeable Lives

I’m seeing commercials and promos that talk about pumpkin spice candles and coffee, falling in love with fall and promos about the exciting new fall clothes colors. It hit me. Fall has literally sprung up on us. School is back in session and college teams' fans are out in numbers as they sport their favorite team shirts and colors. Soon the leaves will be changing colors. I’ve changed out some of my summer wardrobe for my fall/winter ones – even though we’re still having scorching hot summer days. I also took down my spring/fall home décor. Bring on fall -- my favorite time of the year! I'm ready for change!

I get amused at the FB posts bearing photos of their little ones and mamas crying out to their children: “Stop growing so fast. Don’t get any older!” I know they really don’t mean those words because how awful would it be for our children to stop growing and not getting older but staying as their little baby selves! But I get those mamas, because they are witnessing “time flying” right before their eyes.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, King Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season.” Many of us would be much more comfortable if everything stayed the same; yet it doesn’t. Everything has its seasons. Though we may like the seasons changing in nature, we may get frightened about the seasons changing in our lives. We grip so tightly to the present that it becomes traumatic when things change. Change can be difficult, but not so if we know God’s divine purposes are being fulfilled. God does have a purpose and a season for everything and right now each of us is in one of His seasons. It’s not about the seasons changing. It's about seeing God in the seasons.

Master Planned Communities are everywhere. The developer master-plans a clubhouse, pool, the number of homes, streets, curbs and amenities. I live in one like that. Well, we have the Master Developer and Planner...who is perfectly Master-planning our lives, the seasons we go through. He plans them with our ultimate success in mind. Isn't it time we relax and enjoy each season of our lives.....both in the climate, and in the transitions we go through? And, for goodness sake, mamas and papas, STOP wishing your babies to stop growing. It’s a part of the Master’s Plan to grow them into strong, self-sufficient and God-sufficient human beings that will change our world for good. Trust the Man with the Plan for your good!

Who Said I'm Not a Dog Lover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Christmas Cardinals

After I had my moment of gifting my envelopes and sharing my heart with the family, my daughter remarked: “After all our gifts were opened with excitement and lots of silliness and laughter and oohs and aahs mixed in, It was always Papaw or Papa who reeled us back to the sweet and tenderness of what Christmas is all about. Now Nana is carrying it on for us. Thank you, Nana!” I knew that the changes I made were worth the effort.

As we “mature” we start to tweak some of our traditions and make accommodations for new ones. It comes with the territory of “Senior”! Rather than resisting the changes, I decided to take hold of them and embrace them. It seems “change” has been my life since the passing of my sweetheart eight years ago. I’ve become quite savvy at accepting change and doing my best to create moments right in the middle of it.

This was my year to make changes to my typical Christmas gift buying frenzy and transition to money envelopes as Papa and Granny did. What a relief it was instead of trying to find a gift that could be used or even wanted plus trying to keep within my budget where I wanted to always ensure spending the same amount for everyone. So that was my plan – an envelope with $$. But that plan became one of sweet sentimentality when I saw a little cardinal on a rooftop ornament and I thought about the object lessons of cardinals that have blessed me so much. It was a “kiss” from heaven that I could pass along. I bought 12 of those little ornaments.

Cardinals would be my theme for this year’s giving. I wasn’t even looking for a box when I found this one with Cardinals on it and I knew it would hold my gift bags that held the ornament and the envelope as well as a letter of explanation and Cardinal photo. One box went to my Austin family (that I hid under their tree when I was with them two weeks ago) and another box made its debut to my Frisco family on Christmas Eve. I share a portion of my letter with you:

Merry Christmas to My Precious Family…………………..
Of course, you know how much I miss Papa, and I know you do, too. I really try to keep his memory alive and it does stay alive when you all are worshiping God, playing and singing your hearts out, laughing, having family fun AND, of course, fishing.
This year’s theme is the “Visiting Cardinal”. I remember at my home in Tulsa, when, one morning I opened up the shades in my bedroom and there, perched on the fence was a beautiful Cardinal. And inside the bush were a mama and her babies. The Cardinal is said to symbolize hope, joy, health, rejuvenation, and celebration -- especially for those who choose to hold the Cardinal dear. It's said you're a special type of person who is willing to care for those in need, if you love the Cardinals. I love the Cardinals! On the day that the Cardinal appeared in my backyard, and many times since, I feel like it is a kiss from heaven to me. I like to think that my daddy, mama, grandparents AND, most of all, your Papa is sending me kisses from heaven, too and cheering us on.

I'm using the Cardinal as an object lesson to remind us to look for signs that remind us of sweet times, precious people and wonderful memories. I'm in good company in doing so. Jesus was the grandest storyteller using object lessons. He often used the objects at hand around Him to teach people about God and His Kingdom. When He was by a well, He used water. After He fed 5,000 people, He taught them about the Bread of Life. When He was on a fishing boat, He said the Kingdom was like a fishing net. He told His listeners to consider the lilies, the sparrows, and the hairs on their head. When He said, consider the sparrows, there were probably sparrows flying around. When He taught the parable of the sower, there probably was a sower in the next field where He was teaching. Jesus asked the disciples to remember Him as they took bread and wine at the Last Supper. The Bible is filled with visible reminders of God’s constant communication and connection with His people.

So WHY wouldn't we see a Cardinal and think of hope, joy, and celebration AND sweet loved ones that could just be sending their love to us in the most beautiful way? So, I’ve given each of you a little Cardinal to remind you of Papa and grandparents who are cheering you on from heaven. If one happens to show up in your yard, then remember to look up to heaven and say, “Thanks, God! I needed that. Hi Papa! Keep praying for me! I promise to catch up with you one day!”

This was my subtle way of keeping Papa alive, giving Jesus the credit for it all and, hopefully, leaving a lasting impression of Nana’s Christmas message! Now I’m already thinking about what next year’s theme will be because you’d better believe – I want to leave footprints and handprints of the ONE that Christmas and EVERYDAY is all about!

Welcome, Fall. Welcome, Change

Sandwiched between blazing summer and chilly winter, fall is the "cooling off" season. The rain brought CHANGE to us quickly here in Frisco. When I arrived back home from a quick trip to Austin, my home was so chilly that I put the fireplace on. My kids came over and smelled the “pumpkin spice” aroma that is in my air freshener and pumpkin spice coffee was ready to brew. Soon, the leaves will be changing colors. Last month, it changed on the inside of my home. My little fall vignettes are pictured here.

I've always loved decorating my home with seasonal changes. September isn’t too soon for me to decorate my home with harvest and fall decor'. Most of all, I love the heart of gratitude that naturally comes with it. And, wonderful things happen when we are grateful. It not only brings honor to God when we speak of His goodness, but our faith seems to soar to new heights because that attitude of gratitude opens shut doors and brings joy into the open windows of our souls.

With leaves changing colors, changing our home's decor', changing the a/c to heat, changing our summer to fall wardrobe, we know that change is inevitable. It's not only about accepting the changes, but I say triumphantly, “BRING IT ON!” We all experience changes and I’ve found that accepting those changes with gratitude makes the changes bearable. Like the birds I see flying South for the winter, my sweet grandchildren, Braden and Ruth, are changing their “habitats” with their move to Austin on October 24th. Thanks, God! I know You orchestrated that one. Their home in Atlanta sold in less than three days on the market. Ruth’s application for a NICU nursing position in Austin was not only immediately accepted, but she received a substantial pay increase, The first home they saw was perfect and they’ll be moving in without any delay. And, to top it off, Ruth’s “triplet” sister lives within five minutes of their home. Yes, thanks, God! You showed off on this one!

Sometimes “change” is wonderful, and sometimes “change” isn’t so easy. In fact, it can be downright painful. When my husband graduated to heaven, my status changed from "married" to "widow". I've learned that we should expect changes because it's that part of life that we CAN'T change. Change is inevitable, so why not begin to accept the changes with the grace that God gives us, and be thankful that He will carry us through those changes -- to an even better place of destiny and purpose?

Maybe we should begin our change from dissatisfaction and opposition to change, to the willingness to accept change. What if this month of October we started a NEW season of gratitude and thanksgiving? I don't know what tomorrow and its changes will hold for me, but I know I'm sensing God camping out with me in this atmosphere of thanksgiving. Once again, I hear Him saying "Trust Me. I've got this....in every CHANGE of life."

Determined to be TWEAKABLE!

Tweakable: making fine adjustments, alterations, change, modification, adaptable

I know it's hard to believe, but I was a shy, timid introvert in my youth years. I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that created the MUST to interact with people. So, obviously, I was not voted to be "Most Popular". And, I know it's even harder to believe that, in some respects, I am still not, by my nature, outgoing. I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation. But, who wants to be THAT girl? I didn't, so I became TWEAKABLE. I realized, long ago, that if I remained being an introvert, I would never have friends. "If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly." Proverbs 18:24

In one of the devotional emails that I received from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, he said : "Here's some good news. You aren't stuck with today's personality. You aren't condemned to "grumpydom". You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don't have to die one. Where did we get the idea we can't change? Where do statements come from such as "It's just my nature to worry," or...."I'll always be pessimistic. I'm just that way." Or, "I have a bad temper. I can't help the way I react." Who says? Would we say, "It's just my nature to have a broken leg. I can't do anything about it." Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn't we do the same with our hearts? Can't we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like His!" He wants to tweak us!

And, I add to Max's words, if I desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, I must move out of my comfort zone, and be the gal that I want to hang with. When I'm that gal -- others will be drawn to me, and I will be drawn to those who need me and I need them.

And speaking of tweak-able, I'm so tweak-able that today, after spending two days in Tulsa, visiting dear friends and family, I'm taking a quick drive over to Oklahoma City to hang out with my Austin family. My son, Ryan Wuerch, will be running his 50th marathon on Sunday at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This "tweakable" gal ran that OKC marathon as my first half-marathon seven years ago. I was tweakable enough to go from jaunts around the neighborhood and on my treadmill to all out gusto running my first half marathon (13.1 miles). That feat and all the other feats I've managed to accomplish would have never been possible if I had stayed in a mindset "I'll never change!" Change is possible -- and when we are willing to change -- the doors to adventure open wide!

Ready or Not -- Here Comes Change!

Change: to make (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone

Speaking of CHANGES…..I was born and raised in Dallas when there were still trolleys here. Yikes! Trolleys stopped running in the 50's -- a hint just how old this ole’ gal is. I remember those rides with my daddy. If I had been in a time sleep from then to now, I wouldn’t recognize my city. I live in Frisco now, which is just north of Dallas. This once sleepy little farm town of Frisco, is the 4th fastest growing cities in the U.S. It’s a magnet for new businesses and residential home purchases. CHANGES!

My post today isn't about fast growth in our cities. It's about welcoming CHANGE. Our lives really are seasonal and when we are unwilling to accept change, we become stagnant in our physical, spiritual and mental state. To come into a new season and to grow in our faith, we must let go of the old one. Isaiah 43:18 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." One of the many lessons life teaches us is to let go. Whew! That's not an easy one when we're sending our little ones off to school for the first time or for our high schoolers to go off to college and leave the nest. It's okay to be inclined to feel the pangs of what once was, but NEVER should we stay there.

I've developed a way of positively viewing change in my life. Watching the love of my life pass away was one of the most life-changing times for me. When he took his last breath, of course I had mixed feelings. I had joy that his suffering was over, but painfully aware that he was no longer here with me. Talk about change. That morning I was married, and that night I was a widow. Now, I think I've mastered the art of "change" -- enough so, that I can share some of the "change" lessons I've learned to perhaps help you with change:

1. Life is About the Cycle of Life -- When we realize the cycle of life is part of our journey of life, we'll embrace every moment we have with each other. Enjoy the good times, and realize the not so good times are just temporary.

2. Wisdom Is Earned -- There is no amount of money in the world that would convince me to go back in time. I am so happy to be where I am, and to have the knowledge that I have. I EARNED where I am, and the wisdom I've achieved was through change and experience. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

3. Learn To Let Go -- When I hear, "That's easy for you to say. I don't think I can handle it!" And my response, "Oh, yes you can. God's grace will be with you and you will make the necessary changes. God gave your children, your friends and loved ones to you for a season. Now free them to live in their season. Accept it, and move forward. And when a loved one goes HOME, their assignment on earth ends. Our assignment continues. This is OUR race -- we MUST keep running. Let them GO!

4. Change Always Leads To Good -- The reality about change is we may not like it, but, inevitably it leads to something good. I look back at my life and I see a common thread. When something “bad” happened, it always led us to a better place. The tough times didn't last for us, but we became tough people.... THAT HAS lasted. I became ONE TOUGH COOKIE!

I promise you.....the ability to go from resisting change to embracing change can happen, but maybe not overnight. And it wasn't overnight that all those trees came down, that buildings and roads and highways were put into and through my city. But today, there are bright lights all around that represent the beauty of the changes. We must surrender “our ways and our plans” to “God’s ways and God’s plans”. Jeremiah 29:11 clearly gives us God’s way “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What an amazing trade off...to be in His ways.

Now I pray this prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot CHANGE; courage to CHANGE the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Now, look at the bright lights of change in your world. You'll find them -- just be willing to CHANGE!

Subject to CHANGE Daily

I'm pulling my "female" card. Yes, I am a woman and I am subject to CHANGE daily. I can CHANGE my mind about this or that. I can CHANGE clothes – just because I want to. I can CHANGE occupations (and I did). I’m also a “single” so I can CHANGE TV channels whenever I so choose. Widow bonus! I can CHANGE directions if I want to (That gal in my GPS system really doesn’t know it all!). The fact is life is about CHANGE.

CHANGE – to alter, replace with another, make a shift from one to another, modify, transform, switch

Every day we experience CHANGE. You may be in that mid-life crisis aka “the change of life” stage if you're eyeing that slick convertible sports car. You may be considering moving to another city and state. CHANGE is a reminder of what it is for a season to end and a new one begin. How often have I witnessed the passing of a friend or loved one and within hours or days, in the same family, was the birth of a precious baby. That is the CHANGE and the cycle of life.

Here’s the really good news. God assures us He’s watching over all our seasons of CHANGE – all our entrances and exits: in exiting high school and entering college, in ending single life to begin married life, in leaving one job to begin another, in checking the "married" box to the "single" or "widow" box. Even in the animal kingdom, we see changes. A couple of days ago, I saw my grandson’s gecko shedding his skin – he was CHANGING. Bottom line -- among all the exits and entrances and all the in-betweens, life, in any form….is just temporary.

We can throw a tantrum, a pity party, a protest, a sit-in, a march, stay in bed and cover our heads, put our heads in the sand, wail, jump up and down and we can resist the CHANGES, but all the while, God probably shakes His head as He thinks “Why do my kids get so caught up on so much that is just temporary?” There is one guarantee in life…..CHANGE will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we feel out of control. But we have this blessed assurance. God NEVER changes. "I am the Lord, and I do not CHANGE.” Malachi 3:6. He walks with us in every season of life -- no matter how easy or difficult. We can choose to accept CHANGE because God has a plan for our lives – to give us hope and a great future, and to prosper us. If we trust in God and allow the CHANGE to grow us to become more like Him in how we respond and act, then we are promised that “Everything will work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

God orders our days. He knows the seasons we are exiting from and He also knows those we are about to enter. It’s a new day – yesterday is gone. Why don’t we awaken to the assurance that He KNOWS ALL and if we’ll board His ways, we’ll travel higher, further and safer than we could ever imagine. I think I hear Him saying to us “I’ve got this so let go and let Me carry you through each CHANGE. Relax. Enjoy the ride. Trust Me!” Rather than resisting CHANGE – let’s embrace it and fly higher than we’ve ever been before!

Embracing Change

This week the Wallace clan, Denise and myself are engaged in Payton and Alexia’s Speech and Debate competitions. This is my 3rd year to serve as a judge and I love it. I’ve not only watched the growth, physically, in Payton and Alexia (the photos tell the tale), but their growth in their confidence, articulation and knowledge since their start of this season of their lives. I’m embracing the changes that have made them so much better.

My post today is about welcoming change. I’m saying that because what we don’t welcome, we tend to unwelcome, or resist! I’ve come to realize that change can be a beautiful thing. Why is it that some embrace change while others do everything in their power to prevent it? It boils down to perspective.

I've developed a way of positively viewing change in my life. Watching the love of my life pass away was one of the most life-changing times of my life. When he took his last breath, of course I had mixed feelings. I had joy that his suffering was over, but painfully aware that he was no longer here with me. Talk about change. That morning I was married, and that night I was a widow.
I think I've mastered the art of "change", so much so that I can share some of the "change" lessons I've learned to help others with change:

1. Life is About the Cycle of Life -- When we realize the cycle of life is part of our journey of life, we'll embrace every moment we have with each other. Enjoy the good times, and realize the not so good times are just temporary.

2. Wisdom is Earned -- There is no amount of money in the world that would convince me to go back in time. I am so happy to be where I am, and to have the knowledge that I have. I EARNED where I am, and the wisdom I've achieved was through change and experience. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

3. Learn To Let Go -- Some might say, "That's easy for you to say. I don't think I can handle it!" And my response, "Oh, yes you can. God's grace will be with you and you will make the necessary changes. God gave your children, your friends and loved ones to you for a season. Now free them to live in their season. Accept it, and move forward. When a loved one goes HOME, their assignment on earth ends. Their race ended. Our assignment continues. This is OUR race -- we MUST keep running to our finish line.

4. Change Always Leads to Good -- The reality about change is we just may not like it, but, inevitably it leads to something good. I look back at my life and I see a common trend. When something “bad” happened, it always resulted, eventually, in taking us to a better place. The tough times didn't last for us, but we became tough people....and THAT HAS lasted. Today, I'm ONE TOUGH COOKIE!

I promise you.....the ability to go from resisting change to embracing change can happen, but we must let go and surrender “our ways and our plans” to “God’s ways and God’s plans”. Jeremiah 29:11 clearly gives us God’s way “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What an amazing trade off...to be in His ways. That gives me every reason in the world to say God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

God Never Changes

On Friday, we witnessed a president’s departure and exit from office. On the outside, President Obama and Michelle were composed, gracious, stately (I was always impressed with President Obama’s eloquence of speech and composure), but I suspect, once behind closed doors, they were high 5-ing each other and celebrating that they are free of those ominous responsibilities and the scrutiny of the public.

And at the same time, we witnessed President Trump's “entering” and “embarking” on his presidency with all the wide-eyed wonder, expectancy, anticipation, aspirations, and desire to help our country be a shining star that leads the way in economic growth, world peace, blessings to its citizens, and so many other hopes and dreams. I was glued to the TV. After all, history was being made right before our eyes – history that will be taught to our young children and grandchildren for years to come.

Exits and entrances. Deaths and births. Endings and beginnings. Goodbyes and hellos. Departures and arrivals. Going and coming.
All those synonyms and antonyms (I looked them up) are reminders of what it is for a season to end and new one begin. Isn’t that life? How often have I witnessed the passing of a friend or loved one and within hours or days, in the same family, was the birth of a precious baby in the same family. It is the cycle of life.

Here’s the really good news. God assures us He’s watching over all our seasons – all our exits and our entrances – in passings and births, in ending kindergarten to begin first grade, in exiting high school and entering college, in exiting single life to enter into married life, in leaving one job to begin another one, in departing one country and entering another. Bottom line…..among all the exits and entrances and all the in-betweens, life, in any form…..is just temporary.

We can throw a tantrum, a pity party, a protest, a sit-in, a march, stay in bed and cover our heads, put our heads in the sand, wail, jump up and down and we can resist the changes……but all the while, I’m picturing God shaking His head as He thinks “Why do my kids get so caught up on so much that is just temporary?” There is one guarantee in life…..change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we feel out of control. But there is One who doesn’t change, Who walks with us in every season of life—no matter how easy or difficult. The good news is that God has a plan for our lives to hope, to give us a future, and to prosper us. If we trust in God and allow the change to grow us to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond and act, then we are promised that “All things will work together for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments!” (Romans 8:28)

Just to reinforce how much God loves us and sincerely cares about us and the changes we face, here are scriptures that affirm His steadfast walk with us.

~ "I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6
~ “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb13:8
~ “I will teach you the way you should go; 
 I will instruct you and advise you.” Psalm 32:8
~ “The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.” Deut 31:8

Bottom line – God orders our days. He knows the seasons we are exiting from and He also knows those we are about to enter. It’s a new day – yesterday is gone. Why don’t we awaken to the assurance that He KNOWS ALL and if we’ll board His ways, we’ll travel higher, further and safer than we could ever imagine. I think I hear Him saying to us --His kids…..”I’ve got this so let go and let Me carry you through each season. Relax. Enjoy the ride. Trust Me!”

Changing is Possible

I know it’s hard to believe, but in all honesty, I was a shy,timid introvert as I grew up. I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that would cause me to HAVE to interact with people. So, obviously, I was not chosen to be “Most Popular”. And, I know it’s even harder to believe that I am still, not by nature, outgoing. I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation. BUT, I realized, long ago, that if I remained in that mind-set, I would never have friends. “If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly.” I had to be willing to get out of my comfort zone and be willing to change. I had to become "tweak-able"!

One of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, puts it this way: “Here’s some good news. You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You aren’t condemned to “grumpydom.” You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don’t have to die one. Where did we get the idea we can’t change? Where do statements come from such as, “It’s just my nature to worry,” or. . . “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way.” Or, “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react.” Who says? Would we say, “It’s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Can’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like His!”

And, I add to Max’s words, if we desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, we must purpose to live outside our comfort zones. We need to be the gal or guy that we want to hang with. When we're that gal or guy – others will gravitate to our "sunny" and even "funny" dispositions. They'll want to hang with us because we exude He Who lives BIG in us AND His personality ROCKS with joy, peace, abundance, patience, beauty and a merry heart!

Embracing Change

Day 73 of Photo Inspirations -- Embracing Change
A lot of trees were there before the CHANGE came for the land to become a shopping and entertainment area.  Yesterday, when I returned home from Texas, just north of my subdivision, this new store, Gander Mtn, having its Grand Opening.  I stopped in to see all the excitement -- the place was overcome with droves of people checking it out.  

Hunting and fishing equipment, archery, boating, running -- you name it, they've got it, at least when it comes to needs for enjoying the great outdoors!  Soon there will be a 12-screen theater, restaurants and retail stores in that area. Things have sure changed around here.

My post today isn't about trees or Gander Mtn.  It's about welcoming change.  Change is a beautiful thing, but often we resist change. Why is it that some folks can easily embrace change while others do everything in their power to prevent it?  It boils down to perspective. We can welcome change or we can resist it and become stagnant, accomplishing nothing -- not moving forward at all.

I've developed a way of positively viewing change in my life.  Watching the love of my life pass away was one of the most life-changing times of my life.  When he took his last breath, of course I had mixed feelings. I had joy that his suffering was over, but painfully aware that he was no longer here with me.   Talk about change.  That morning I was married, and that night I was a widow.

I think I've mastered the art of "change" -- enough so, that I can share some of the  "change" lessons I've learned to perhaps help you with change:
1.  Life is About the Cycle of Life -- When we realize the cycle of life is part of our journey of life, we'll embrace every moment we have with each other.  Enjoy the good times, and realize the not so good times are just temporary.

2. Wisdom Is Earned -- There is no amount of money in the world that would convince me to go back in time. I am so happy to be where I am, and to have the knowledge that I have. I earned where I am, and the wisdom I've achieved was through change and experience.   WOW -- LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

3. Learn To Let Go -- Some might say, "That's easy for you to say.   I don't think I can handle it!"  And my response, "Oh, yes you can.  God's grace will be with you and you will make the necessary changes.   God gave your children, your friends and loved ones to you for a season.  Now free them to live in their season.  Accept it, and move forward.  And when a loved one goes HOME, their assignment on earth ends.  Our assignment continues.  This is OUR race -- we MUST keep running.

4. Change Always Leads To Good -- The reality about change is we just may not like it, but, inevitably it leads to something good.  I look back at my life and I see a common trend. When something “bad” happened, it always culminated in the realization that took us to a better place.  The tough times didn't last for us, but we became tough people....and THAT HAS lasted.  I'm ONE TOUGH COOKIE!

I promise you.....the ability to go from resisting change to embracing change can happen, but maybe not overnight.  And it wasn't overnight that all those trees came down, that buildings and houses and roads were put in.  But today, there are bright lights all around that represent the beauty of the changes.  Now, look at the bright lights of change in your world.  You'll find them -- just be willing to CHANGE!  #Change #LifeIsBeautiful #ToughCookie

It's Time to Make a Change

A blender is a necessity at my house. I make a lot of thick protein-packed smoothies and lots of thick milk shakes for my grandkids when they come to town. The blender gets a good work-out. I've gone through several because I always bought the lower-priced version -- thinking it would do, but after a few weeks or months, the machine just can't take the work-out it was not intended for, and, like the others, it sees its last days. Last week, I was making one of those yummy thick shakes for my granddaughter, and once again, the blender broke. This time I got the message loud and clear -- "CHANGE". Pay a little more and get one that will last. It took several trips around the same mountain of purchase cheap-o -- cheap-o breaks -- and REPEAT, before I got it. BUT, this time, I decided to bite the bullet and pay triple the cost of the ones I'd purchased before. To my wonder and amazement, when I made my protein smoothie this morning, my turbo charged, 700 watt, stainless-steel blade, wonder machine made the smoothie without labor and in 1/4 time it usually did before. I scolded myself for waiting so long to make the CHANGE.

I thought about Albert Einstein's famous quote "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." It’s easy to cozy up to the comfort of traditional ways of doing things. It’s easy to find excuses about why things can’t be different. But the thing is, if we keep doing things the way we’ve always done things, we’ll keep getting the same things we’ve always gotten -- things like unhealthy relationships, passionless work, extra pounds, financial struggle, low self-esteem, a cheap-o blender!! What is it that we need to "bite the bullet" about today? How can life be different for us -- so different that we wake-up with a smile on our face, we feel light-hearted, and we get new determination to make a CHANGE!

If we want things to change—if we want different results in our life in any area—it's time to make a decision to CHANGE. It's time to stop the frustrations, the time wasters, the energy consumers and GET THAT NEW BLENDER, or the new job, or the new car, or the new perspective. It's time to make a CHANGE!

Stop Playing the Waiting Game and Start Enjoying the Journey

We've all played "The Waiting Game" -- waiting for the birth of a baby or a doctor's report, waiting for a job, waiting in line to buy a ticket, or to ride a thriller roller coaster, or for a cashier to stop chatting and get on with checking us out. In due time, our wait comes to an end. Our situation or "wait" can change suddenly. Waiting is a fact of life — no one gets out of it. So the question is not IF we'll wait, but rather HOW we’ll wait -- and often-times, HOW we wait during the journey -- determines HOW LONG we wait.

If we are expectant and hopeful, praising and trusting God in the middle of the "wait" -- believing the answer is just around the corner, and expecting this problem to be solved at any moment. then "suddenly" what we've been waiting for actually happens.

A pregnant woman carries inside her the promise of a baby, and even though she can’t see it, she knows it's there. And she begins to plan for her baby's arrival. She loves collecting items the baby will need, is excited about the baby shower, and gets the nursery ready. She actively prepares for the arrival of the baby because she knows the promise will be fulfilled—it's just a matter of time. And, even better -- is when she embraces the season of waiting -- enjoying the journey of hearing the first heartbeat, seeing the first ultrasound, feeling the first kick in her womb, and celebrating the sweet moments of expectancy with her husband.

When we settle down, and start praising God in the middle of the WAIT, full of hope and expectation, God, whose power is limitless -- WILL break through for us. So let's stop playing the "Waiting Game" and let's start enjoying the sweet journey to our promised answer -- it will be so WORTH THE WAIT!!

We Will Change the World

What a Motley Crew the disciples were. There's Peter -- one minute he was walking on water by faith, and the next, he was sinking in doubts. He was impulsive, emotional, and, then His worst failure was denying Jesus. And, then there’s Matthew, a dishonest tax collector. And, you gotta’ love Thomas who, to this date, is known as “doubting Thomas". But, then....old things passed away. Peter became a bold evangelist/missionary and one of the greatest leaders of the early church. Matthew heard Jesus words, “Follow me”, and he left everything and obeyed. His eyewitness account, is the first Gospel of the New Testament. And, I love that Thomas, though he initially doubted the resurrection, became a man of great faith. He found the truth and also became a great evangelist and missionary. Yes, they changed the world.

And here we are 2,000+ years later -- do you see in this photo how Jesus is pointing His finger at you and me? Though this is a photo and script from "The Bible Series", the message is clear….God is calling US to change our world, also. Though we may have hang-ups, fears, doubts, and other character flaws, and even, like Peter, deny our Lord by our actions, the transforming power of Christ can change US from being a member of the Motley Crew to dynamic and devoted followers of Christ. Like Peter, Matthew, Thomas, and the millions of others throughout the ages.....let's heed the call, and do our part. Could it be that's why God put us here, at this time, to carry on the message, and be a WORLD CHANGER, too?

Break Free of That Cocoon

I’ve been through some painful seasons when it felt like God had a deaf ear to my heart cries. The seasons of financial concerns, children’s illnesses, broken relationships, disappointments, family deaths – including, my own precious husband’s passing. I was in the cocoon during those times – going through what seemed to be, personal death, but, God was using those seasons to instill in me, hope, trust and belief that He was in control, and that He was creating a butterfly that could soar further and higher than I could have imagined. It was in those dark seasons that my faith grew stronger and stronger. And, I assure you, I have broken free from the cocoon and I am flying today. No question -- the cocoon WAS painful. But were it not for the transition and change, I would have never known the joy, freedom and beauty of flying to such heights today. To be able to dance in the rain, to celebrate each new day with the wonderment of a child, to laugh at myself, to look in the mirror and see LIFE being lived to its fullest is wonderful. Winter and living in the cocoon was yesterday, but Springtime has come -- and my new life as a butterfly was worth the stillness and death and preparation. Isn't it time for you to break free of your cocoon, too? The vantage point from up here to down there as a caterpillar, sure does make a difference!! "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." Psalms 30:11