Those Unwelcome Webworms and Heartworms

This picture of a beautifully, fully-in-bloom crepe myrtle is what crepe myrtles should look like. Don’t be misled by the picture – it isn't one of mine. It came from the internet. All nine of my crepe myrtles are home to the uninvited webworms. They came to inhabit my branches with their yucky webs that consume and kill the leaves on them. I didn’t spray them with pesticide this year because it didn’t seem to help last year. Maybe I should reconsider the idea for next year.

I followed the lead of my neighbors with pruning last year to help rid them of those pesky webbed webworms. There was nothing but a trunk and few limbs remaining on them at the end of blooming season. Bare-necked, they looked miserable when I strung Christmas lights on them. Most people don’t notice the Fall webworms’ webs in Spring, because of the season’s lush tree foliage, but now, they have set up residence. These Fall webworms hatched weeks ago. Subtle at first, but now those worms have taken over.

As I thought about these webworms and their sly and subtle strategies, I thought about the subtle, tactical ways the enemy of our souls invades our lives. Anger, jealousy, fear, worry, dread, tendencies to lie and cheat, to watch shows that offer profanity, adultery, and other tools of the enemy that we may think don't affect us, but they do. We ignore the subtle ways the enemy invades our hearts. We make no big deal about them and allow them to remain. In the meantime, the enemy uses all of those "issues" to eventually take us – our families, our marriages, our businesses, our relationships, and our children down, and even out. Those are the matters-of-the-heart "worms", that left to themselves – can deceive and consume us.

But we have a triple threat pesticide for the heart “worm” killer when we apply them in the right places. We have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit –- the TRIPLE THREAT -- who are our defenders and when we trust in their super powers and seek them with our hearts, we will be immune to the attacks of any enemy.

For tripling up the protection, apply Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sits in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose LEAF DOES NOT WITHER. Whatever he does prospers.”

Yes, those who have those beautiful trees who want to be rid of webworms, must go to drastic measures to see them destroyed. And, those of us who desire to be rid of those things in our lives -- the heart worms -- that have tried to destroy us -- we generously apply God’s Word to our TREES -- and to our lives and hearts. Best pesticide ever is Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony".

My Bucket List is Complete .... or is it?

When I went to Israel a few years ago, my Bucket List was complete. Sure I'll take on more adventures, but I don't have to. I am good to GO! No longer have a need for a bucket!

According to the 2007 movie “The Bucket List” where Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson (both of whose characters are dying of cancer) create a bucket list of things to do before they die – and then they actually do them. But, historians say that it dates to the Middle Ages when a method of execution involved the victim standing on a bucket with a noose tied around their necks. The bucket would then be kicked away, and good-bye to the victim. It is easy to see how the term could have been adapted to do those things that you would want to do today if you thought it possible that you might die tomorrow.

Another way to look at "bucket lists", is making a list of goals that we hope to accomplish before "heaven" calls our names. My husband was a relentless goal setter -- not just those he hoped to accomplish before he "went home", but before the year ended. So much so, that he made a Vision Board each year, casting the vision for what we were believing to accomplish in that year. Habakkuk 2:2 says "Write the vision, make it plain so that he who reads it can run with it." I still have a Vision Board that Ron not only wrote out the vision, but he made it plain by attaching photos of what he was believing for.

Alexia, my granddaughter and I had already been on a shopping spree before her birthday yesterday. I bought her birthday gift then, but since her parents are out of town, yesterday morning, I took a Chick-fil-A breakfast to her and a couple other gifts. She had told me that, when she moves out on her own, she wants to get a cat. So, to drive that vision home for her, I bought a 2021 calendar full of pictures of cats. AND, I bought her a furry little electronic, meowing cat. “Write the vision and make it plain – OR, show up with visuals that define it.

Another way to look at "bucket lists", is making a list of goals that we hope to accomplish before "heaven" calls our names. My husband was a relentless goal setter -- not just those he hoped to accomplish before he "went home", but before the year ended. So much so, that he made a Vision Board each year, casting the vision for what we were believing to accomplish in that year. Habakkuk 2:2 says "Write the vision, make it plain so that he who reads it can run with it." I still have a Vision Board that Ron not only wrote out the vision, but he made it plain by attaching photos of what he was believing for.

Alexia, my granddaughter and I had already been on a shopping spree before her birthday yesterday. I bought her birthday gifts then, but since her parents are out of town, yesterday morning, I took a Chick-fil-A breakfast to her and a couple other gifts. She had told me that, when she moves out on her own, she wants to get a cat. So, to drive that vision home for her, I bought a 2021 calendar full of pictures of cats. AND, I bought her a furry little electronic, meowing cat. “Write the vision and make it plain – OR, show up with visuals that define it.

Though my husband made plans and goals, not everything came to pass. But that's when, those of us who trust in God and His best "bucket list" for our lives, defer to "His ways that are higher than our ways." (Isaiah 55:9)

Think about Mary, Jesus' Mother. She must have had a detailed “bucket list” for her upcoming marriage to Joseph. She probably dreamed one day she would have a baby – maybe even calling him Joseph Junior. But all those dreams still had to make way for God's "bucket list". Mary's greatest accomplishment happened when she put aside her own goals and said "YES" to whatever God's bucket list had on it. Mary shows us that saying "yes" to God's plan for our lives can be far more rewarding than any list we could ever come up with.

We should continue to set goals, cast vision, dream big dreams, live with audacious and unwavering faith, but, let's stay open to God's Master Plan for our lives and be willing to trade in our bucket list for His. The best news is....His list comes with great rewards -- peace, joy, happiness AND life everlasting, as well as GREAT adventures and excitement of having a really awesome relationship with Almighty God.

The Thrill of Victory

I make my blog post and move over to my emails and, first thing, my eyes about bug out as I see that our Dallas Stars Hockey Team won their Western Conference Championship the night before. For the first time in 20 years, the Dallas Stars are heading to the Stanley Cup Final! Now they have my attention.

Isn’t it funny how we get lackadaisical to our teams when they aren't making their marks in their game seasons? As I walked my two Frisco grand-dogs a couple of weeks ago, I saw homes with Dallas Stars team flags in their front yards. I simply thought “loyal fans – wonder if they know someone on the team” – not once thinking that they may be doing well in their season. Suddenly, I am a fan! Suddenly, it feels good to have a win during this season when there have been so many loses. I am amused as I watch the final seconds of play, hearing the mega-crowd cheering with all out abandonment. Amused, that there are NO fans in the stands and what we hear is just a sound bite. Still, a win is a win is a win!!

In 2018, it was our Winnipeg Jets who beat the Nashville Predators 5–4 and clinched a spot in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. Our Winnipeg cousins, Gord and Sher, brought me a Winnipeg Jet shirts that season and, suddenly, we are amped up and become loyal fans of their home team (and ours from when we lived there for seven years in the 80s & 90s).

Aw! The thrill of victory! We could use many of those days – right? And, there are “wins” happening all around us if we would but SEE them instead of the agonies of defeat that have seemed way too common in these last few months.

This season is just temporary anyway. It’s merely a season – and seasons come and go. I have friends and family members who saw the passing on of loved ones and I have friends who welcomed precious babies and new life into their homes. There were those who lost their jobs but found better ones. There were those who had some big wins by using their abilities to be innovative and creative. I have seen two churches in Austin merge and become one gigantic church that can reach the lost of their city in a greater way. I heard that some churches have thrived so much with online church that they have fed more hungry people, helped many financially and created more programming and outreaches than ever before. So many joys of victory – if we would but SEE.

Here’s an agony of defeat and thrill of victory story that changes the way we SEE our seasons. Jesus came to this earth for you and me – showed us the way to live in victory by following His lead, trusting in Him and His promises – showing us that even in times of defeat – we still win. He suffered the agony of our defeat on the cross and the joy of victory in His resurrection. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see defeat and failures. He sees victors who are made clean through the blood of Jesus. He won the victory for us and now we get to cheer on the “home” team. We get to show people how important our Savior (aka our Coach) is. We get to help others get ready. Because ready or not, Jesus is coming. We are all team-players when it comes to being devoted followers of Christ. We suit up daily, we exercise our faith by studying God’s Word, praying, spending time with our Coach. He has all the team plays and staying in His presence, we have the wisdom of our Coach. We will not know the agony of defeat because our relationship with our Coach assures us the thrill of victory that awaits us. Now, let’s do everything we can to spread the word about our TEAM so others can celebrate with us. Let’s do everything we can so they will never have to know the agony of defeat!

Running our Races with Purpose

It’s been almost ten years since our eleven children and grands along with about twenty others ran or walked with us in Tulsa’s Route 66 Marathon to honor my husband who had graduated to heaven the Tuesday before.

That Sunday morning we wore our red “Run for Ron” t-shirts. It had all been planned before he surprised us by graduating to heaven just a few days before the marathon. He couldn’t move back then, but we could – so we did. For my son, the little boy who was born with club feet and dramatically healed, ran this 26.2 marathon in honor of his dad. He started out at 7:30 a.m. Our 17-year-old grandson, Braden, ran the half-marathon (13.1 miles). The rest of us started out on our 5K run/walk at 8:00 am. Not many of the rest of us were runners, but it brought such joy to see the solidarity of our group — running/walking with such passion — so appreciative we could.

Once we completed our 5K, we rushed to the Finish Line to cheer for Braden who ran the half marathon in his personal best time ever. He told me he felt his Papa pushing him all the way. When we went to meet up and cheer Ryan on at Mile 16, we got a call from him instead. A man collapsed just in front of him. What marathon runners don’t do, is stop running mid-way through a marathon as it seizes up their legs, but Ryan stopped to help him. He was unconscious and Ryan held his feet and prayed while others were performing CPR for over 16 minutes. He stayed with the man until the ambulance took him away. Later we found out the 27-year old man died during that time. We envisioned that divine orchestration had taken place — even perhaps that my Ron was there to meet that young man when he went to the other side. Later, we would cheer for Ryan as he crossed the Finish Line — not his best time because of the delay — but God’s best time, because he put himself aside and responded to “the call” of God to be there for one of His kids.

This was a sweet memory last Saturday, September 12th, which was my Ron’s birthday. It was an endearing day of celebrating him with my granddaughter, plus my son was running in the virtual 2020 Boston Marathon for his dad and the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Boston which he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for this worthy cause for twelve years now. Unable to hold the live and in-person 2020 Boston Marathon originally scheduled for April 20th, runners were able to receive their bib and make the run within certain dates and qualify for finishing.

I loved my cheer-leading family who showed up to cheer their dad on to another marathon victory. My early morning text cheered him on from Frisco with these words: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” —Isaiah 40:29–31

And, he did it – for himself, his family and his dad. I suspect his dad was also cheering him on from heaven’s grandstands where he was having the ultimate birthday party. And, in my case, I will continue to run (actually, walk) my race with diligence to my finish line where, one day, we’ll all celebrate in grand heavenly style! That's the most important purpose behind running our life races.

Can't You Feel It? The Feeling is Everywhere!

Those are some of the words to David Foster's theme song of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. We were there and we felt it from our vantage point at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies where our daughter was a member of the Coca Cola World Chorus. What a time we all had!

Actually that paragraph was a sweet memory as the words of that song flooded my mind yesterday when I was choosing a "Fall" colored outfit to wear to church. The heavy rains last week literally brought Fall to us -- the cooler temperatures and going into Bath and Body Works with their Fall scented candles made me remember why I love the Fall season so much. I feel it. The feeling is everywhere.

But, my conscience is disturbed with all this feel-good feeling while people's lives have been disrupted by the West's raging fires, the East's Hurricane Isaias and this North, South, East and West pandemic! Lord, have mercy! King Solomon provides us some comfort with the words he penned in Ecclesiastes 3. "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace." Those words are especially poignant as I think about my friend's father passing on and three weeks later her grandson was born. The cycle of seasons and of life.

King Solomon experienced the seasons and so do we. Best "seasonal" news is God is right there with us in all of our seasons. And, in all those seasons, He is working out His plans and purposes for our good. All of the seasons are necessary for us to learn, grow, and be resilient and determined to press through “the seasons”. The seasons are by God's design to cause us to trust Him more -- no matter the season.

Maybe you're not "feeling" the feel-good feelings about the season that you're in -- maybe your missing your child that's gone away to college. Maybe you're home schooling your kids again. Maybe you're still looking for a job. Maybe you're enduring the pain of a loved one in their final hours. Maybe hope doesn't seem to be on the horizon for you today. The journey from here to there may seem like a dark and endless tunnel, but I assure you, one day, you'll see the light and you'll realize the gifts you received during these "seasons". If we remember that there is a gift in every crisis or challenge -- in every transition of life -- we will purpose to "feel it". That feeling is the presence of God in the ups and downs of every season. As we discover the gift of His presence in every season, we will learn to trust God's loving, divine purpose in it.

If we purpose to respond to each each season from the “eye” of God's presence within, where perfect peace and wisdom dwell, we will emerge even stronger, wiser, and freer than before. We may even morph into a beautiful, free butterfly for the first time because of the inner workings of God in our lives during these "seasons". Can't you feel it? The feeling is everywhere!

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

Creators! Let's Create!

I went to church with my grandsons on Sunday. This was the first time the church was fully opened since the pandemic began. Opened, with the exception of limited seating that was maxed out and distanced. What amused me the most was when we walked up to the front doors, tables were set up outside with these bowls of wrist bands on them. Each color had a specific meaning for each one's social desires: Red = “So glad to be here, but please keep a safe distance”; Yellow = “Ready to chat but prefer not touch”; Green = “Ready for hugs & handshakes”. I’m sure introverts loved the red ones; the non-huggers, the yellow ones; and, the social butterflies, the green ones.

I liked that creativity. I also appreciated the thoughtful way the rows of chairs were spaced a good distance apart with two seats between families. Creativity seems to have been a major plus during these times. Sometimes a crisis becomes a strong driver of creativity and innovation. We’ve witnessed it on many levels – families who became creative within their family dynamics – more outdoors activities, indoor games, creative projects and creativity and innovation at national, state and in educational levels here at the start of another school year.

Anyone who spends time on social media has probably noticed that hidden between the political rants and Covid fears are more interesting posts sharing someone’s latest craft-work, recipe, a talent being shown off, or a Facebook Live inspirational talk or some other kind of hilarious situation – many of which have gone viral. Most represent small, but important moments of creativity. I’ve seen many of my friends completing jigsaw puzzles. One couple was so creative that the 1,000-piece puzzles became an opportunity. When they placed a piece, they would offer up a prayer. 1,000 pieces meant 1,000 prayers.

The examples of everyday imagination we see on our timeline may not strike us as creative-with-a-capital-C. Clever family photos, meme creations, or Zoom singalongs may not be the best-of-talents, but we can’t let comparison diminish their value. If creativity is a light, it does not have an on/off switch. My view is that creativity has a dimmer switch, growing from a tiny bit creative to a little creative to creative enough to light up the whole room. I’ve seen that in the way my own family has come up with creative work spaces for school projects and backgrounds for videos.

The truth is we are ALL creators because we were made in the image of OUR Creator. Erwin McManus says: "Creativity should be an everyday experience -- as common as breathing. We breathe, therefore we create.” And on another level of creativity is everyday we have the opportunity to not only create beauty in others by the way we speak to them, but we have the opportunity to create environments conducive to turning darkness to light, animosity to tenderness and kindness, hatred to love and sadness to joy!

So, CREATORS!!! Let’s CREATE!!! Let’s get our “creative” juices flowing and start creating beauty and life with OUR words AND actions! Wouldn’t it be great if we could look at OUR creations, and, like God, say, “It is very good!” (Genesis 1:31)

You are Welcome at my House!

I’m going to be a bit feisty in today’s blog. I can, because this Facebook/Blog space is my house, so to speak. I welcome you to stop by and check out what’s going on and to see what God’s download is for us. I have some "house" rules that include kindness, encouraging each other and everyone is especially welcome if you need a friend, a confidant, or a shoulder to cry on and to have someone who will pray with and for you. I’m expressing my heart and the absolute non-negotiables in my life. I’m sharing the values that we built our faith and family upon for generations.

This blog was inspired by my 16-year-old grandson, Brennan, who I’ve hung out with over the last several days and when he came to Frisco a few weeks ago. Something, rather, Someone, of monumental importance has happened to him. This guy has had a major encounter with God – not that he hadn’t before, but this time, he is all in and is undaunted in making his love for God known. He is daily on Tik-Tok and Instagram speaking to young people about making the most important decision in their lives, which is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is unashamed --- Mr. Cooler than Cool guy has had a radical transformation. And the best part, is that others have noticed this 180 – as he lives by example now. He wants to be a difference-maker. I was so blessed on Sunday when I saw him up at the front of the church on Sunday with other young people -- singing and raising their hands in praise and worship to God.

This year, he has taken this new zeal for Christ seriously and is taking it to school with him in an audacious way. His friends have noticed. Not everyone is excited about it as he was the cut-up, attention-getting, not-taking-God-real-serious guy. I saw him in his room playing a video game, while listening to a minister speaking on his computer. We binged on the three “God’s Not Dead” movies and ended with “The Case for Christ” movie. Brennan and these movies fired me up too -- with the certainty of the reality of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Among the many reasons for knowing it is true, over 500 eyewitnesses saw Him alive. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

Brennan inspired me so much that I want to make my values and beliefs known too. My values are found in the Bible, God's Holy Word. I agree with the psalmist’s words “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105) And in Joshua 1:8-9: “This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth, but I shall meditate on it day and night, that I may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then I will make my way prosperous, and then I will have good success." Scriptures undergird my values which are the absolute non-negotiables in my life. These are some of my statements of faith and my "house" rules:

** Love, peace, joy and God’s grace are fluently spoken here
** I believe in God our Father. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son. I believe in the Holy Spirit – our God, all three in one. I believe in the resurrection. I believe that in the name of Jesus, we can be healed and set free from any bondage. I believe in a real enemy of our souls, but more importantly, I believe we can live in complete freedom because “Greater is He who lives in us, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
**I believe that if we applied Jesus' "house rules" to our life -- we would make our world a better place. His "house rules" (aka commandments) are to “Love God with all our heart, mind and soul” and to “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Matthew 22:37-38) Keeping those "rules", reveals the depth of love we have for God and each other.
** I am Pro-Life. I believe ALL LIVES MATTER from the moment of conception to the grave.
** I believe in our “one nation under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance; in supporting our military; in supporting and praying for Israel; in the ability to worship God and practice our faith without being hindered by government; in patriotism where I stand for my National Anthem and my American flag.

When God made us, He planted within us certain things that we value deeply. They’re hardwired in our heart. Through our life experiences – from the environment we are raised in, the schools we go to, the friends we associate with, and the religious foundation we receive, God makes them clear to us. Those things are our core values. Now, you know mine.

In it for the Long Hull aka Long Haul

While Ryan and Shawntel have been away a few days, I’ve stayed here with their boys. I loved big brother, Bear, his girlfriend, Hannah, and oldest brother, Braden, and his wife, Ruth, hanging out with us. My heart has been filled with love. Four boys in this Wuerch family here in Austin – so I must tell you about the joy and fun it was to have some “girl” time, talking girl "talk". It was easy to talk that talk because of the family wedding this weekend.

Ruth, my grandson Braden’s wife, my “granddaughter”, is a triplet. The last of the triplets married her dream man on Friday here in Austin. Of all the places in the world where these two sisters would end up is here in Austin. The wedding had been planned for a later date, but they couldn’t wait any longer. They married in a sweet and intimate outdoor setting (the groom’s parent’s home) here in Austin. Pictured here is Rebeca, her new husband, Ben, and that’s my Ruth, the Matron of Honor, behind her. Photo with Braden, Ruth, Rebeca & Ben includes the third triplet, Ruben, who is a Navy Officer, with his wife. Covid kept them from traveling.

We three girls oohed and aahed at the tender and precious moments as Ruth played the wedding video for us. Both bride and groom had written their own vows, so beautifully said through tears and laughter. My heart was touched seeing this strong man, cry his way through almost the whole wedding. He was marrying the love of his life. The three of us teared up when Rebeca, while saying her vows said “I must stop a moment so I can make a vow to someone else”. Rebeca walked over to Ben’s younger sister and vowed to love her, protect her, and care for her all the days of her life. That’s when the tears flowed from everyone at the wedding and we three girls who were enamored by the beauty of that special moment.

I always love hearing the words from I Corinthians 13 that most often are heard at weddings. The minister started with these words: “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing. But rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” As soon as the minister started speaking those words, it started to rain and, so the next words were: “I’ve been told on many occasions that rain is a sign that the marriage will be long and enduring. I think we’re looking at a couple who are going to celebrate 75 or 80 years of marriage.” That is when a pause came to reconvene under the patio. Moments they’ll never forget for those 75 or 80 years to come.

Now, with great expectations, Ben and Rebeca have begun their lives together. I’m so faith-filled that I believe their vows before God of loving, caring, sharing, and helping-each-other-reach-their-full-potential marriage will be blessed by God. A beautiful rite-of-passage that once were two hearts, are now one. As I type this blog, I pray those words for my readers today – to remember 1 Corinthians 13, with those love words, and to do a self-analysis. “Is our love still defined by the words of St. Paul? If not – then why not begin again to remember and put those words first place for the long haul? Ben’s last name is Hull – so that was the theme of the wedding “In it for the long Hull”. I pray the long Hull and long HAUL for them and you, too!

Perhaps This is the Moment for Which We Were Created

I almost bought this metal wall hanging, shown here, because it spoke to me. I took a photo instead. It spoke to me because I remember at the birth of my children – I knew I was created to bring them into this world. It spoke to me because there have been times when I encouraged someone to carry on and not give up. Maybe I was the one that helped save their life. Right now, I am gently and intentionally encouraging a friend toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m not force-feeding them and I’m seeing a difference in their “tone” and softening of their heart. I keep thinking about this sign as I pray for them. I believe, in all of us, God placed potential and purpose for moments that assure us why we were created.

I love the story of Queen Esther. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people, Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, may be experiencing turmoil, chaos, and even loss. I'm reminded -- that just like Esther, “I may have come here for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) As children of God, every day we can suit up for our royal positions too! We belong to our King. We have been set apart. Christ died on the cross for us. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. Immersed in His truth, there should be no doubt in our minds that there is a purpose for us.

The story of how God worked in Esther's life encourages me to move forward in faith. With all the negativity and dreadful "stuff" that's in our world today, it's quite easy to pull the cover over our heads, ignore it all, and hope it goes away. We think "That's not my responsibility to get involved. Leave that to politicians or missionaries or other people that are 'called' to do that." We even close our eyes to our neighbors who need a word of encouragement or a gesture that says "I care".

You and I are here on this earth right now, during these times, and it's not by accident that we ARE here for a greater purpose than "our four and no more". What if we are supposed to be part of the solution in turning the tide of a crisis in someone's life, in our community's need for change, and in our world's need for hope. I know this....God's master plan for our lives includes us being a conduit of hope and peace to others.

We should feel honored that God purposed and planned us to be here RIGHT NOW, for a reason that's bigger than ourselves. What if He put us HERE to be His light in the darkness, to be the "chosen ones" to positively impact and make a difference in this world -- that so needs life and light? Are we realizing that God has us here ""FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS" to be that life and light?

Lord, Please Give Me PEACE about this PEACE Sign

While being my kids' dogs' sitter, I've enjoyed the inspirations at their home for my blogs. After I blogged a few days ago about the peace-sign hand on my daughter's wall where she does her video shows, of all things, when going to look at one of the books under it, I knocked the hand off the shelf and it broke into all these pieces shown here. I was dismayed, especially because it was purposed for that spot. I found a tag under the bottom piece, tried to order it from that store, but all their stores were sold out. When I couldn't subtlety get a replacement, I called and confessed to my daughter. In her encouragement-mode, she said, “Mom, don’t let that broken peace sign steal your PEACE. Don’t worry about it!” I tried to keep my peace. After all, my blogs carry a common theme -- living in peace.

I would not be denied. I tried the internet and found the exact peace sign figurine on Amazon and ordered it. It came the next day, but to my chagrin, it was in an envelope instead of wrapped in a box -- broken into pieces (seen in this photo)! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I sent the photo to Staci. She replied: “Devil can’t break my PEACE!” And, he won’t break my PEACE either. I reordered it again and my intention with this blog was to show it -- all tightly back in place!

Oh, but not so! The second one came to me the next day – same packaging – and broken. I talked to a kind young man at Amazon support who assured me via his personal email to me: “I sent over your feed back to the company you purchased the item from to make sure your item arrives in perfect condition.” I keep reminding myself “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me” (Isaiah 26:3). I knew the PEACE sign would get here, tomorrow, and this time – the day I leave for Austin to take care of my two youngest grands for a few days. Dogs-sitting to boys-sitting!

Thursday, September 3rd: Doorbell rings. Buddy, the 85-pound Australian Shepherd is barking like a wild, man-eating machine. I peek through the blinds. Oh, it’s the Amazon guy with my package, but OH NO! It’s packaged the same. I quickly open the door to nab the delivery guy before he leaves the package and Buddy rushes past me and nabs the guy for me – on the leg! Dear God! Help! The guy gets out through the gate as I am pleading for his forgiveness. I ask to see his leg and thank, God – only scratched. That was my fault – Buddy is a great guard dog, but his protection isn’t needed when it’s a friendly visitor. We typically put him in another room when a stranger comes to the door! But, here’s the absolute determining factor that satan has zeroed in on my peace zone – to steal it from me. The PEACE hand in the same packaging, is also broken. And, poor Buddy, with his ears back is in time-out!

I pour my heart out to Staci about this inability to maintain my peace. What is wrong with me? I say it again – my President is running an entire country and has so many reasons to REALLY be stressed-out – and here I am in this little Peace Zone space – losing it. Staci says “Mom, let it go! Let the peace come. Maybe this is all for good. I have let it go. Maybe someone might be watching one of my shows and see that peace hand and for some reason it offends them.” She gives me so much reinforcement that I need this day. So I do let it go! Lord, have mercy! I have conquered way more stressful situations than this. I get it. The enemy's goal is to steal our peace that comes from our Prince of Peace.

So, here I am crawling, limping, and wimping back into my Peace Zone. I’m getting bandaged up, wiped up, and straightened up to be God’s girl of peace, sweet peace again. Why shouldn’t I be in peace? God promised it to me if I would live in that place. It’s a choice I must make daily. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” I shall go forward — embracing these sweet days with these doggies and onto my people in Austin. I’m choosing to be care-free and unafraid and daily living in my peace zone! I’m sending that peace out to you today – AND NOT, with that very breakable peace hand sign!

Rain, Rain! Don’t Go Away – You are Welcome in this Day

Oh, the wonderful rain that has come to us in Frisco. Two days in a row means the blistering heat has subsided and I don’t have to water plants and grass. My two fur-pals haven’t been too crazy about it – they don’t like playing or walking in the rain. I've learned not to complain about the heat, the cold or rain, because, here in Texas, it's subject to change daily. We might as well brace ourselves and go with the flow!

Isn't that like our personal "climates", too? One day we are bright with a sunny disposition. Things are going our way -- even the lights are turning green before we get to them. And, another day, it's cloudy, rainy with thunderstorms overtaking us. The thrills of that "shout-hallelujah" victory can be overtaken by that "woe is me" agony of defeat.

But it's inevitable that there will be ups and downs in our lives. And, Lord, have mercy – we have had plenty of ups and downs the last few months, haven’t we? A country music legend, Lynn Anderson, made the song "Rose Garden" famous. The lyrics were: “I beg your pardon. I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s got to be a little rain sometime.”

When we read the writings of the Apostle Paul, we might think that he and Lynn Anderson partnered up in writing that song. Paul knew suffering and he wrote to us about it, but he weathered it, because he also knew God’s peace in the suffering. He was talking about a calm that comes because of God's love for us. The calm that comes even when the storm clouds gather. Paul even had the audacity to tell us to "rejoice in our sufferings"! He said in Romans 3:3-5 "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Really? We're supposed to rejoice in our sufferings? Sufferings like being in isolation, having to home school our kids, an illness, a relationship break-up, a divorce, facing bankruptcy, the death of a loved one, wayward children, losing a job or even suffering through this presidential election rancor-- we are supposed to rejoice in those sufferings? God didn't mean for us to celebrate loses or even ignore pain or suffering. No, no, no. Instead, he meant that suffering is a part of life. No matter how many times we complain that life is not fair, Paul wants us to know that suffering (a little rain) is the part of our lives that helps us grow to be hope-filled people of character and determination. That rain gives us hope for tomorrow’s beautiful rose gardens in our lives.

What Lynn Anderson's song doesn't tell us, and what Paul wanted so desperately for us to know, is that God loves us so much that He promised never to leave us alone. The rain comes and suffering comes, but with God, we'll receive patient endurance. And patience leads to character. And character leads to hope. And hope will not disappoint us. That's a mighty fine recipe for pulling us from the darkest of times, to the brightest sunshine times EVER. That's when we'll be singing "Rain, rain – don’t go away – you are welcome in this day!” Because, tomorrow we’ll be singing “I’m walking on sunshine – whoa oh! – and don’t it feel good?"

This Painting is Worth the Search

I spotted this painting in Larry’s office. It’s considered a treasure to he and Staci because Payton, their son, painted it for them years ago. In terms of value in dollars and cents, it might not have a high sticker price at the At Home store. But in terms of value in sentiment – priceless.

When Staci and Larry moved into their new town-home here in Frisco Square, Staci and I were on a mission to find items like accent pillows and rugs that would pull the living area together. This painting had the exact colors in it that we were looking for. We headed to the At Home store to find our accessories, toting the painting with us. I put the painting in the shopping cart and we began our search. Before long, we had what we needed, made our purchases and headed back to their home.

The next day, my lightning-fast mind didn’t remember the painting coming out of the car with our purchases. I realized that I must have left the painting in the shopping cart. I called the store and inquired about the painting. No one had seen it, but promised they’d watch for it. Mind you – it is on a canvas, very similar to their paintings. I couldn’t wait. I headed to the store -- spoke to a manager, but it had not shown up. Now, I was in high-energy prayer-mode. What is lost -- must be found! I saw a young man stocking in that area and asked if he had seen it. He said “No, ma’am, but if someone found it without a price on it and took it to check-out, they would probably set a price for it.” That was no comfort at all. Isn’t that just like the enemy who makes us quit believing – to come up with reasons that a relationship can’t be restored or keys or a precious treasure can’t be found?

I would not be denied. I slowly paced up and down the aisles – looking in all the stacks of canvas paintings, and if you know the At Home store, you know they have hundreds and hundreds of paintings. Now, I’m praying in my heavenly prayer language (tongues) – yes, I’m bilingual AND in English. I am interceding and I’m asking all my heavenly support team to intercede for divine intervention with me! God knew right where that painting was and I would not relent. After more than an hour of flipping through paintings, tightly squeezed in between two larger paintings was Payton’s painting. My heart was overcome with gratitude – so much so that tears began to flow. My young store clerk saw me and rejoiced with me. He took this photo that you can see my red, tear-stained face! Oh, happy day!

What once was lost – now was found. Like I said – the price tag would not have been very high to someone else – but it was priceless for us. Did you know that is how priceless we are to God? He paid a great price to redeem mankind. We use the term "priceless" today to illustrate that there is no amount of money on earth that could buy or purchase something "priceless." And, all the wealth of the earth couldn’t purchase man's redemption. It took something of far greater value to pay the price, so God sent the most valuable and precious gift He had, to pay the price for our salvation and that was His dear Son, Jesus. So, in God's eyes we are "priceless." Nothing on earth could purchase us but the value God saw in His Son is the value He sees in us. Thank you, Lord, for the incomparable price you paid for us. And, as for you and me, our Lord calls us "priceless" too, so we should start treating ourselves and others as treasures -- like God does!
"For you are bought with a great price. Glorify and bear God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20

Comfort and Peace in the Storm

I’m continuing my blog series about these two furry grand-dogs that I’m keeping while my children are away. It’s Sunday morning and I get a wake-up call, rather a wake-up barking at 4:30 am from Emma, the Yorkie. I’m not a happy camper. Who wants to be awakened by a barking alarm? My sleep is very important to me because I get so little of it. So the little I get doesn't want to be disturbed. I prance into my granddaughter’s bedroom where Emma sleeps and I shoosh her. I get back to my room and determine to get just a few more minutes of shut-eye, then I hear thunder bellowing loudly. Aw! So that’s why Emma is barking. She is afraid. I go pick her up and bring her to my bed. She snuggles in closely to me. She is comforted. She is at peace because I represent peace and comfort to her.

Rarely do I veer off-course from my life experiences in my blogs. That’s on purpose. St. Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 1:4 "That you may be comforted with the same comfort that I have been comforted with." And, indeed, that is my desire to bring comfort – not to just a furry friend, but to comfort others with the many times of comfort that I have been comforted with during my own “thunderous, stormy and difficult times. I want to help others learn their lessons.....much faster than I do.

I found that when the storms come, it’s our nature to get worried –- like little Emma. She doesn’t understand loud thunder. And, maybe we don’t either. Oftentimes, praying and seeking God for the answer is the last thing we do to escape our storms. "Well, I've tried everything else.....so as a last resort, I'll ask God for help!" We do our best to try to figure it all out, when He Who knows everything about everything has it all figured out. He is just waiting for us to cry out to Him for the answers.

The disciples knew Jesus was on the mountain praying. They discounted the fact that He was the authentic, unparalleled storm chaser and peace maker. They toiled and feared in their boat on the stormy waters, but Christ was praying on the mountainside for them because He saw the storm come up and He saw their fear. And we should realize that He sees and knows the storms we're going through and He is hearing our prayers in the midst of OUR storms.

Little Emma snuggles in close to me and even as I type this blog this early Sunday morning, she sleeps on, and, in fact -- snoring. If my tender heart cares for the concerns of this little dog, how much more does our loving Heavenly Father care about us? He is always inviting us to “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. We can snuggle in close to Him and face our difficult times with courage because He promised to ALWAYS be with us! I love knowing that His peace is ours during our storms....and how reassuring to know that right behind this storm is a rainbow of blessing! He promised it, and I've come to count on it!

Has Grace Got You?

My Saturday early morning walk with my two fur-friends before the blistering heat made its way to us, gave me these two photo opts. I saw this beautiful Grace Church in front of me and the street sign read: “Grace Street”. We turned east and ran into this morning glory of God’s grace shining through to us. My “inside voice” was singing Mercy Me’s song, “Grace Got You” that put a skip to the beat in my feet:

Have you ever met those who
Have you ever met those who
Keep humming when the song's through?
It's like they're living life to
A whole different tune.
And have you ever met those that
keep hoping when it's hopeless?
It's like they figured out / what the rest haven't yet.
The second when you realize / what you have inside
It's only just a matter of time / 'til you
Chorus:
Sing, so the back row hears you
Glide, 'cause walking just won't do
Dance, you don't have to know how to
Ever since, ever since grace got you
Laugh, 'til your whole side's hurting
Smile like you just got away with something
Why? 'Cause you just got away with something
Ever since, ever since grace got you

So when you're standing in the rain again
You might as well be dancing
Why? 'Cause there ain't no storm that
Can change how this ends
So, next time when you feel blue / Don't let that smile leave you
Why? 'Cause you have every reason just to....sing

For the uplifting beat and words that make you raise a praise to the Grace-Giver, check out the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtiUjNT_vAM

I live in God’s grace. I just know it. We all do! No matter what kind of mistake we make, there is always a solution for restitution. It comes in the form of grace. God’s grace that heals and restores. He exchanges our tarnished slate, for a fresh, clean slate so we can begin again. Mistakes are inevitable, but the good news, as God’s repentant kids, all our mistakes are forgivable. That kind of grace is so amazing, God can even turn those mistakes to something good. Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Most importantly, it reminds me that my God is bigger than my faults and weaknesses and He can turn anything around for His glory!

Maybe all kinds of stuff is being thrown at you -- like the media or your co-workers or your friends or family seem just too much to handle and it seems there’s no hope for tomorrow. I have good news for you. You are not alone. The ONE who created you and loves you and wants your life to be full of joy, peace and happiness…LIVES! And because He lives, your life is worth living. His grace will carry you through! Go ahead — tell tomorrow — “I’m alive. I live in the abundance of God’s grace and that grace HAS GOT ME!"

We Become What We Feed Ourselves

Being here at my children’s home while they are away to care for their two furry critters, sure gives me plenty of content for my blogs. You see, my girl cherishes the things and the people that helped get her here to this time and place. Everywhere you look around here, she has vignettes of treasured memories.

Case in point is this vignette of the peace sign figurine. If you’ve ever seen one of Staci's videos, you’ll see her use that sign at the end. Under the figurine are books written by three of her favorite authors and speakers who impacted her life. "Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren is one of my favorites, too. We believe we are here on Planet Earth at this time and this place, intentionally, by God for purposes beyond coincidence. We believe that before we were born, God wanted us to discover the life He created for us to live – here on earth and forever in eternity. I love what St. Paul says in Ephesians 1:11 “Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.” I am forever grateful to know we are products of His divine purpose for our lives.

Next in the stack is “The 360-degree Leader” by another of her favorite authors, John Maxwell. Staci would tell you that her business acumen has come from her thirst for knowledge by reading and devouring successful leaders’ advice and training. She has been driven to be a devoted Christ-follower and leader in the marketplace and books like this have helped her become the leader worth following in her faith, her business, in relationships and her personal life.

And, the book at the bottom which represents the foundation (besides the Bible) of her positive, optimistic, can-do attitude, is "Over the Top". That is just one of the many other books she consumed by her mentor and beloved father-figure while travelling with him for twelve years, Zig Ziglar. Before we were introduced to Zig, we were his followers, so much so that we became little Zigs. His life philosophies, motivational speaking, his Christian witness and his personal “walk” made him our mentor. We raised our kids on those principles and I attribute much of their success to what we spoke into them and lived before them. My husband taught those principles in his own "Born to Win" seminars in churches and organizations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Belize. We desired that others achieve what we knew were life-changing principles. We wanted to pay-it-forward and make the difference in people’s lives, too. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

Even in something as simple as dog-sitting, we can find reasons to be grateful for who or what made us the best we can be. It’s reminded me to be thankful for the blessings of ups and downs that showed us how to navigate the waters and come safely to the other side. I’ll bet you’ve had wisdom and knowledge poured into your life that helped you navigate, too. Maybe you can think about them right now and thank God for His plan and purposes that caused you to be the amazing person that you are today!

This is What a “Comeback” Story Looks Like

It’s one thing to get inspired by this wall hanging in my daughter’s home, but it’s a testament to the words when you have a live and in-person comeback story that walks in your front door. These are Christina’s beautiful two grandsons who she is raising to be mighty men of God. They surprised me with love and this yummy red velvet cake on my birthday. And, now, today, it’s Christina’s birthday. I get to reciprocate the love here.

First of all, happy birthday to this beautiful gal, Christina Willis, who is someone this world should know, then endeavor to emulate the tenacity and determination of what an overcomer looks and acts like. Christina, I pray you are blessed beyond words for your commitment to changing lives daily. As a devoted follower of Christ, you serve passionately and are relentless in helping others have a comeback story, too. Carry on, sweet girl! Your best is yet to be! I love you so much! <3 Christina is a bright light that has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. If ever there was a story of God’s amazing grace that took someone from the lowest lows to the highest highs – that’s this gal’s story. In August, 2017, Christina was homeless and living in a hotel with her daughter and her two sons. They were struggling financially -- evicted and homeless many times over the previous 20 years. Although she was attending church and Bible studies, she still felt lost and hopeless. She knew she needed someone to show her how to apply her faith and teach her life-skills to get her life turned around. Then she met my daughter, Staci. Christina started attending her “Mission Possible --Unlocking Your Full Potential” Bible study course that she had written. From that first night of attending the class, Christina’s world began to change. It was as if God gave her sight after being blind for so many years. During the Mission Possible study, she was delivered from a major paranormal addiction and deep-rooted shame. She found forgiveness and freedom and learned how to forgive others, despite the years of rejection, abuse and brokenness she had experienced. She then began a journey of learning how to apply biblical wisdom to practical life choices in the organization my daughter heads up, EMwomen, a non-profit organization that equips and empowers women by helping them learn life-skills to become stronger leaders in the marketplace, their homes and community. EMwomen’s motto “Every woman has a story and every story can change the world” certainly is true for Christina. There isn’t room here to share Christina’s full story, but suffice it to say, Christina’s life was radically and fully reversed (her COMEBACK). Christina shares: “My story began to transform when I began to make better choices. My alignment with EMwomen changed the trajectory of my life. The communication and life-skills I learned enabled me to get a job in the medical industry, making more money than I have ever made in my life.” Now she has a beautiful home and is raising her two beautiful grandsons.

Christina is now EMwomen’s Director of Outreach where she oversees programs that specifically reach single moms and girls who are running from domestic violence, struggling through abuse, homelessness or perhaps they have suffered from divorce or human trafficking or other areas that have held women from achieving God’s best.They are loved right where they are, but they are walked through spiritual deliverance, practical life-skills training and personal coaching to help them emerge from their past into quality jobs, better relationships and an abundant life in Christ.

Christina has found that rather than having been given just a fish, she was taught how to fish with the skills and spiritual fortitude necessary to thrive in life – and now she is paying it forward. Perhaps, it’s time to write your “comeback” story – where you rise out of the ashes and step up into the bright light of God’s mercy and love -- where you consider where you’ve been and where you are now, and become a blessing to those who need to hear your story for God’s glory. Christina had a major comeback. So can anyone who is living in hopelessness and who would welcome God to be the Lord of your life. Perhaps you’ll have a comeback story that will change the trajectory of your life, too!

To Catch a Thief

That was the title of a 50s movie starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelley. Honestly, I’m not THAT old to remember it, but I do remember the TV series in the late 60s and early 70s called “It Takes a Thief” with Robert Wagner. The premise of the movie and the TV series was about a thief who stole to finance his sophisticated playboy lifestyle. He did quite well at it until he was caught, then was pardoned because he aided the government by catching thieves for them.

I’m using “To Catch a Thief”, as a way to describe how to catch the enemy of our souls who “comes to kill us, steal from us and destroy us ” (John 10:10). It’s his mode of operation. But, when we catch him, he won’t get pardoned. He will have to pay us back seven-fold (restitution). Proverbs 6:31 says “If a thief is caught, he must pay seven-fold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.” And then there's the story of Job who lost everything -- family, home, his wealth....but in the end, he received double for his trouble. "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10)

Never, EVER think for a minute that God is a thief. He is quite the opposite. "He is the GIVER of every good and perfect gift". (James 1:17) I know what it is to be stolen from and I also know what it is to receive the blessings of what came back to us because we trusted that God would ensure the enemy repaid us. Maybe it didn’t come back the same as it was before – it was always better. Here’s a recent case-in-point:

A few months ago, my grandson's car was stolen.Three weeks later, the car was found, stripped completely of all usable parts. But that wasn’t the most hurtful part. It was what was in the trunk of the car that mattered most. My husband, Payton’s Papa, was a master angler. Oh how he loved to fish. Over time, he collected a lot of fishing gear, tackle, rods, vest, and many other tools-of-the-trade. When Papa passed on, because Payton was the "grand" who most loved fishing, I passed on Papa’s fishing treasures to him. Because Payton would stop randomly at a pond, lake or river to fish, he kept all Papa’s fishing gear in the trunk of his car. The enemy stole it all. Though I bought some of the gear that was lost for birthday gifts for Payton and his mom (who, by the way, is equally the fisher-woman as the guys), it wasn’t at all back to the original bounty.

So, Payton, last week, knowing he and his family were heading to Tennessee's Smokey Mountains for two weeks to fish, he went on the NextDoor app and shared his story and his loss. He expressed how he would sure appreciate anyone that has fishing equipment and no longer use it, to let him know. In a matter of minutes, he had over 17 replies of “neighbors” expressing their condolences, among which were four men who, altogether, presented Payton with "above and beyond" more fishing equipment than he could have imagined. When I talked to Payton, yesterday, and confirmed what I’m telling you, he said he had received way more than a seven-fold return.

And God has plans to bless your life with so much more, too! But, the enemy wants you to doubt God. Remember “doubting” Thomas? But, Jesus appeared to Thomas and said, “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27). When the devil tempts you to doubt God, don’t let your circumstances determine your God. Let your God determine your circumstances. Don’t let what the enemy has stolen from you keep you from remembering that enemy MUST repay you 7-fold....or, like Job, at least "double" for your trouble. Our God is an "exceeding abundant" God. Let's live with that expectancy!

I Noticed Him and He Made a Difference

On Sunday, I had a long-ago, precious memory of a man who attended our church in Shawnee, OK. What I remembered about him was that he was always in an electric wheelchair accompanied by his devoted mother. I remembered he was a “beamer”. You know -- a sunbeam that lit up the room. His quick wit made everyone laugh. We were magnetically drawn to him because he exuded a peace beyond description -- especially considering his circumstances. What stirred me most in this memory was that his hands were strapped to the arms of the wheelchair where he could use the controls to maneuver it. And, the most vivid remembrance I have of him was when we would sing, his eyes would close and he would lift his hands as much as he could, even though they were strapped down.

That memory comes from well over 40+ years ago. I noticed him and his joy and his peace and his humor and raising those hands from the wrist up. With what he had – he used it all. Amazingly, I remembered his name so I googled him – Larry Williams, Shawnee, OK. His obituary came up with his picture. He was 60 when he passed on. “Larry became a quadriplegic when he was 19 from an auto accident but still had high spirits and always could make people laugh. We know he is walking in heaven. Larry touched many lives in his lifetime.” So what I remembered about him, was true all his life.

I also remembered when the pastor asked people to raise their hands in worship to God, many people wouldn’t, but Larry always did what he could – he raised his hands. When people were urged to sing with all their hearts – many wouldn’t, but Larry did. He used what he had.

I called a friend who attended that church with us. I asked if he remembered Larry. He replied: “Oh, yes. He was in the same nursing home as my mom. Everyone adored him. He was friendly to everyone and always had a kind word to say to all. Why am I elaborating about a man from so many years ago and who is no longer living on this side of heaven? Because he made a difference. He made such an impression on me that here I am 40+ years later, remembering the strong and mighty man that he was. Oh, no – I’m not talking about his physical abilities because those were very few. But, I am talking about a man that rose up higher and spoke louder and appreciated life greater than anyone I think I have ever known. He took what he had and made a difference.

I appreciate the quote: “Who you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift back to God!" I think that’s what Larry did and that’s what I am determined to do, too. If Larry could make a difference in this world from where he sat – then with my two good legs and arms and hands and a voice, I can make a difference too. I can spread the Good News in my actions, in what I say and what I do. I can “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words". (Thanks, St. Francis, for that quote.) Would you consider what you could do to make a difference to those in your corner of the world, too?

I want to be noticed as a joy, peace and hope pusher like Larry. I want to be noticed and remembered for what I had been given that made a difference in this world. I know I can because if Larry could – so can I! And, so can you!

It’s a Brand New Day

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but this day is the day we have an opportunity to practice recognizing God’s blessings in everything – even in the things we don’t especially like! It’s a big deal to wake up to a new day, because yesterday was the very last day on this earth for many.

It’s a brand new day with potential and possibilities! It’s also a brand new day to posture ourselves with a “can-do-anything, all-is-well” mindset. At the beginning of each day, we step into the world and, if we’re intentional, we’ll avoid the news and the bickering and the sensational soundbites. That will be a good thing. We can be on purpose in avoiding the yuck of this world so that we are clear-headed and clear-hearted.

It’s a brand new day. We are still here, and God has a reason for it! We keep reminding my almost 98-year-old mother-in-law of that when she says: "I'm done. Take me home, Lord!" We know there's a reason for her life AND yours and mine. Life is a matter of perspective. No blessing is too small or unimportant. And even if this day comes with some unwelcome surprises, we remember God has a master plan in place….and, if we’ll look, we’ll even see the blessings tucked in-between those surprises. We take the good with the bad, and God is gracious to give us both as a reminder that every good and perfect thing starts with Him. (James 1:17)

Take heart, my friends. It’s a brand new day and we can lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving for it. All is well. Let’s take deep breaths…because we can. We aren’t on ventilators. We aren’t bed-fast. We aren’t in prison. We aren’t on a street begging for bread. We aren't a lost cause.

So what can we do well today? We can do our part. We can fight the good fight. We can work for justice and freedom. We can offer grace to those who need God’s grace and He can use us to give it to them. Let’s move about with mercy and understanding and even though folks can’t see us doing it through our masks – let’s SMILE. That smile radiates in our eyes that twinkle with God’s love. Folks will “eye” it. Let’s be kind. Let’s love.

It’s a brand new day. Clean slate. Let’s make new memories, celebrate life and all its many thrills – after all, this is the last day we have today.