How Rich I Am

An inheritance is what we get for being part of a family that’s rightfully ours. If I am an heir to a multi-billionaire, and he dies, you’d better believe I’ll be there for the reading of his will. I am certain that I don’t have a wealthy grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle or anyone else who has named me in their will. I know that because every one of those family members have gone on to heaven already and my name was never called at the reading of their wills – if there were wills. I came to terms with the fact, long ago, that I wasn’t going to be wealthy in things that money can buy. I'm okay with that.

It's not the things or treasures or inheritance -- the tangible things that make us. What makes us, and the legacy we leave to our children, are the things that money could never buy. The influence of my passed family members are the values they left me and even if I didn't have faith and value-filled family members, God has given me mentors and role models who showed me what matters most -- to be honest, to love and care passionately, to put my faith in God during the best and worst of times, to give, to suck it up when I've been hurt or offended, to trust in God's plans for my life and to leave my family with something much more than the things that can be bought.

The Bible says, “Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Such good news! I AM in line for a “priceless inheritance” and so are you! But even better news -- we don't have to wait one minute longer. We have real reasons for hope because God's "will" has already been read and we can be living in the riches of His grace now.

What a shame it would be if we went through our entire lives and we didn’t know what benefits were available to us as children of God right here and now! Our loving Father didn't write a document that He put away in a safety deposit box and someday we’ll find out what the document says about our inheritance. He offers it to us now and for all eternity. We can already be enjoying the benefits of peace, joy, hope, love, overcoming faith, and walking in confidence in Whose we are, and best of all -- living eternally with Him! On this side of heaven, there seems to be so many reasons to be hopeless. Thank God, we are not those who live without hope. We are the rich kids of our Father Who paid the price for an abundant life right here. Right now! On this Thanksgiving Eve, let's get the gratitude on for our great inheritance!

What is it Like to be You?

We’ve all played “ice breaker” games with a group of people who we may know very little about. It’s a great way to get to know each other in a very open environment. But, instead of the usual questions: “What do you do for fun? What was your most embarrassing moment? What was your favorite vacation?”, what if this question were asked: “What is it like to be you?”

I assure you – it would depend on how we felt physically, mentally, socially, economically, relationally, and spiritually on that given day. If we felt good – no real aches or pains; if we were calm and at peace in our souls; if we were in a happy place with our spouse or friends; loved our job, and if we were in a right place with God, our answer may be something like: “It is great to be me because I am healthy, my family loves me, I have great friends, an awesome job, and God is so good to me!”

Good answer -- on a good day! And, if it were a faith confession of "speaking of things that be not as though they were" (Romans 4:17) -- it would still be a good answer. I may have answered it differently last week after recovering from a minor surgery. I developed an excruciating, painful skin issue. Having cloth of any kind next to my skin hurt beyond explanation (good thing I was alone). If I had been asked “What is it like to be you?”, though I would have tried desperately to describe myself in a faith-filled, upbeat, hallelujah voice, if I were honest to the bone, I would have told you that I felt miserable and in pain like I have never known. Being me would have come down to what I felt in that one season of time. I thought how I have taken my good health for granted. I thought about those who were living their lives without a thought about how good they feel and for those who were in far more pain than I was in. But fast forward to today when there is no more pain and suffering, I’d tell you “My life is like birds singing, bells ringing, blue skies, raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, and walking on sunshine.”

This experience made me realize that I don’t want to take God and His blessings for granted in any way. God is good. Really, really, really good…..all the time!" Nothing that comes our way in this one life, is surprising to God. Why He allows us to experience tough times is up to Him – there is always a reason. Whether or not we understand His reasons, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. When bad things happen to us that we simply don't understand, instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). I was saying that scripture a lot last week.

The best news of all is this one life here on earth is short-lived in light of eternity. It is the ensuring that whatever this life looks like here is nothing to be compared to what our lives will look like in heaven. As it has been written: "What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not entered into heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

So, in reply to “What is it like to be you?”, I’m saying it is a blessed life of living one day at a time, embracing each and every moment of it, celebrating that I’m a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In sickness and in health, in death, we will never part….because He’s prepared a heavenly place for me……and YOU! And, then, when asked "What is it like to be you?", our answer will always...for eternity be...."HEAVENLY!"

That Annoying Fly and Our First Line of Defense

It is Saturday morning and my blog inspiration is slow in coming, Soon the creative juices start to flow. It starts with an annoying, over-sized, buzzing horse fly that overflew his bounds since the night before. I attempt tactical warfare -- swatting and spraying – but the beast lives on. Then, while sitting at my desk, he has the nerve to land on me. I think: “This is one of satan’s little imps on assignment to steal my joy and annoy me!” He, obviously, doesn’t know I am in “beast-mode” after a week of faith-filled injections of God’s Word at VBS. I grab my trusty flying insect spray and nail him. He is down for the count! Victory!

Now, it is time to head out for a 7 am appointment. I turn the ignition on my car. It does not start. All the lights, music, and a/c are working just fine. I know it's not the battery. I call my children for help, but, alas, this is their morning to sleep in. No cell phones on. One last attempt before canceling my appointment. I call my grandson who picks up the call. He is gracious to get me. It is worth the annoyance to have this precious few minutes together. He fills me in on his new real estate career and so much more. He waits while in my appointment. We go for breakfast at Chick-Fil-A where my granddaughter serves us. Then, we’re back to my home where I start to figure out what to do about my car. It’s Saturday and my auto repair shop is closed. I call and leave a message that I’ll have AAA to tow the car to them on Monday. I call and ask my family to please take me to church tomorrow because I’m on for serving this Sunday. I think “This is all a hassle with towing, a repair bill that I’m not looking forward to, and my family going out of their way for me, but I’ll get it done and soon this will be behind me!

I sit down for my morning devotion and prayer time when suddenly, I remember that on Thursday night I was the speaker for our Rejoice Healing Night at my church. I spoke about our “first line of defense” when trouble comes. Jesus used it for those who approached Him for healing or help. The example I used was from Mark 5 -- the story of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who came to Jesus begging Him to come and heal his dying daughter. After the interruption of a crowd and a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years who was healed as she touched the hem of His garment, Jairus and Jesus were on their way again. But Jairus was met by people from his home who said: “Don’t bother the Teacher – your daughter is dead!” Before Jairus could say a word, Jesus said to him: “Do not fear – only believe!” The first line of defense. The little girl was healed.

An "aha" hits me. I start praying for my car right here in my chair. “Nothing is impossible with You, God!" I go to my car and pray. “Please heal my car, Lord. I am not fearing. I am believing that nothing is impossible with You!” I turn the ignition. Nothing. But, something (actually, Someone), tells me to look to my right. I see that my car’s gear stick is in neutral – not in park. I put it in park, turn the ignition, the car starts -- and in my heart, I hear bands playing and choirs singing “Alleluia” and so am I!

Oh me. Had I not prayed and just pondered “What do I do? Who do I call? Where do I go?” instead of applying my "first line of defense", I would be waiting for the tow truck on Monday and no telling what charges would have been incurred. So many repercussions when, instead, I use Jesus' tips for quick answers to prayer: "Do not fear; only believe!"

I think back on my Saturday morning fly and car annoyances. I feel that way about the enemy of our souls – how annoying he can be. But, when we use the right plan of attack on him, he and all his tactics to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10) will be swatted and lambasted out of our lives. Remember. Jesus and I told you so: "Do not fear; only believe!"

It's Not Broken -- Just Wrong Programming

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the fitness center in my community to run on the treadmill. As I ran, I watched the Dallas Cowboys game and they got off to a great start but, apparently they were "out of order" because they lost to Atlanta 7 to 27. On the same note, occasionally, you’ll see a sign on one of the treadmills in my fitness center that says “temporarily out of order”. I heard about one gal who was running on a treadmill and it started picking up speed -- a lot of speed -- and she nearly fell before she could get it to stop. But, it wasn’t about the equipment malfunctioning – it was because she "entered" a program she wasn’t capable of handling. It was “user error” and wrong programming. Now I know why they have some treadmills with a sign on them that says “This treadmill is for those members who prefer a slower pace.” So far, I’ve stayed clear of those machines!

Here’s my point for today’s post. We could be going about our daily routines -- coasting along -- business as usual. When, all of a sudden, our world feels like it's out of control and can't seem to stop the all-too-fast pace we are keeping. We realize we're about to lose it.....and we know we MUST push the STOP button, or we'll crash and burn. When we stop, we realize something is wrong -- is it my circumstances or is it ME that is out of order or I need reprogramming?

God created us as powerful, fully equipped "machines" that have everything we need to perform at full capacity, but occasionally "stuff" happens that causes our programming to become dysfunctional. For example, a couple of weeks ago, I was hit with an "issue" and I needed to go see my doctor as sson as possible. After tests were run, while giving the diagnosis, my doctor asked “How much water are you drinking?” I was caught by my doctor AND my body. I was drinking mostly tea and coffee and NOT drinking enough water, so my body AND my “programming” malfunctioned.

If we desire to be victorious, strong, confident, and faith-filled, always ready to run our race with vigor and vitality, we must keep up with maintenance checks -- to be sure we're programmed for efficiency. If that programming starts malfunctioning -- i.e., our physical bodies start breaking down, or we allow negative thoughts to bombard our minds – thoughts of fear, lack of self esteem, quitting thoughts, inferiority – it’s time to update our programming and get a tune-up -- from the neck up. Our thinking probably needs to be reprogrammed.
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Our Master Technician's instruction manual (The Bible) has all the operating standards we need to run at best performance. And, it gives us all the basics we need to "Troubleshoot", "Reboot" and "Reprogram". Once we apply this technique -- we'll be guaranteed to continue to run with efficiency and success. Here's one of the BEST peak performance tips:

Joshua 1:8 "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

From This Day Forward

We're in Atlanta at last -- celebrating the love and marriage of my firstborn grandson, Braden Wuerch and his darling fiancee, Ruth Hays. Last night was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner -- hosted by Ryan Wuerch and Shawntel Wuerch. It was quite the spectacular affair that included not only the wedding party, but also out of town family and friends -- from Canada, Japan, Germany, and around the U.S. What a beautiful night we had. Lots of photo opts with our precious Braden and Ruth, and I finally got to meet Ruth's parents and siblings (they're triplets) for the first time -- as well as all those beautiful people who love Ruth and Braden so much. Our precious Shawntel was the hostess with the mostest -- The Crossing, a former train station, was turned into a romantic, warm, floral and candlelit haven. Braden and Ruth's favorite love songs were played by a talented musician and singer. It was a delightful night for making memories, as well as remininiscing (a video of Braden and Ruth made by Ruth's sister was played), with an incredible 5-course meal.

I'll never forget the Christmas just after my husband had passed away in November 2010. Braden was always on the phone with Ruth -- almost non-stop over the holidays. Last night Ryan talked about the night they met just a few weeks before and they couldn't keep their eyes off of each other. It seemed like just a "crush" at the time, but here we are six years later, at last watching them so much in love, and today they'll tie the knot....officially, as husband and wife. I'll admit I've been longing and praying for this day as I watched these two be inseparable even though they attended two separate colleges, lived in different states, and pursued their dream vocations. They did it and now starting their lives forever together. I like to think that this marriage is a match made in heaven.....with the help of my sweetheart (Papa). Papa sure loved Braden -- so why not put in a good word -- after all, his prayers MUST be stronger there than here. ;-)

Last night was about the rehearsal before this big day. Like other young couples they have dreamed about this day. I remember way back when -- that I told Braden "Find yourself a Spanish senorita and the two of you will make beautiful babies!" LOL! He did. These two love each other like crazy. You see it in their big beautiful eyes and you sense that this is a FOREVER LOVE!

Now, with great expectations they will begin their lives together. I'm so faith-filled that I believe their loving, thriving, helping-each-other-reach-their-full-potential relationship will be blessed by God. Tonight I'll shed a few tears -- I just know it. That's what Nanas get to do. Another rite of passage is taking place today. It will be with my prayers and my blessings. I wrote that on a little note yesterday. "Keep God at the Center of your marriage and you will go the distance together -- so blessed "FROM THIS DAY FORWARD!"

Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers

Day 141 of Photo Inspirations -- Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers
Yesterday was Payton's birthday party -- he had planned it for weeks -- pool party, pool games, outdoor fun.  But then we had to think about Plan B -- the forecast was 92% chance of rain.

Yesterday, I posted about how I am honing in on taking my prayer life to another level -- drawing circles around my prayers and instead of timid prayers, praying faith-filled, walking-on-water prayers.    So during our morning devotion and prayer around the breakfast table -- we prayed for a beautiful day that gave opportunity to the fun and games at the pool, as well as the Plan B games we had ready to go.

The party was set for Noon to 6 pm.  During those six hours, we had completely clear, warm and beautiful weather.  The party was a complete success.  It started with music by Payton and Chris, then ping pong  and pizza....and then, as Payton had believed.....pool games (in and out of the water), one of which included a stick of gum covered with whipped cream in a plate.  With hands behind their backs, they had to go face-first into the whipped cream to get the gum in their mouth.  The first one to get their gum and blow a bubble was the winner.  And, there they enjoyed their chocolate chip cookie dessert.  Smart idea to have the messiest part of the party at the pool!

It was brilliant of us to have a Plan B -- that added to the fun of our Birthday Olympics.  Back at the house, we had all kinds of "Minute to Win It" games:  Moving Skittles with straws, Stack Attack (stacking cups and taking down); Cookie Eater (Forehead to mouth -- no hands); Defy Gravity -- keeping 3 balloons up with one hand the longest; Rapid Fire -- using rubber bands to knock 3 cups off the table.

Here's the REAL deal:  we prayed an audacious prayer for a beautiful rain-less day, and we received it.  We celebrated the faithfulness of God.  But what if it had rained out the pool party?  No BIG deal -- sometimes it's the rain that causes us to dance and party in the rain.  The joys in life are making the plans.....and allowing God to direct our paths.  That way....it's a WIN - WIN -- however it turns out.  "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

I Was Hungry and You Fed Me

My Life Group meets at my home every Thursday night. These women are amazing, faith-filled, fully devoted followers of Christ, and I'm inspired by them every week. It seems that God hand-picked our group -- each one has unique talents and abilities, and has unique circumstances going on their life, but watching how God answers our prayers in ways beyond our understanding has been such a testament to combining our "natural" to His SUPER and we're seeing supernatural results right before our eyes.

A couple of weeks ago, one of our members, Karla Worthington, asked for prayer for a family that desperately needed food. I mentioned that Catholic Charities is a good place for them to go to, and another member said, "I know that LifeChurch.tv - Jenks sends people to a food pantry." Hesitantly, she said, "Well, I'm the church's food pantry, and we're out of food to give out." We were all touched so much, she had such a heart for the hungry, that immediately we were ready to react. I went to my pantry and pulled out several cans of food to send home with her. Others contributed monetarily. Another one of the members posted on FB about the food pantry, and she received $100 from someone who wanted to be a part. It's the ripple effect -- throw a tiny rock in the river.....and watch how the ripple gets bigger and bigger.

Karla's birthday was this week so our group's gift to her was lots of food to help restock her food pantry. Our Life Group has been asking God for THAT charity or place to plant in -- one that resonated in our hearts, and lo and behold, right in our midst, God answered our prayer. Karla's spirit of reaching out to the hungry is her God-given assignment. Being able to support her assignment with not just prayers.....but tangibly helping to make a difference, is OUR assignment. Are you watching and listening for your assignment? After all, you, too, just might be the answer to someone's prayer today!

A Roller Coaster Ride is Great....But Sometimes You Just Want to Throw Up!

Early on in my blogging I described our faith journey as a roller coaster ride -- twists and turns, and ups and down, and throwing our hands up in the air and enjoying the ride!! But, as a friend shared with recently….roller coaster rides make her want to throw up! And, I'll admit..I've had days like that recently. Just when we thought we'd made some progress, another "mechanical" difficulty causes our ride to come to a screeching halt and the "TEMPORARILY OUT OF ORDER" sign is put on the gate.

The above photo is of Ron a few weeks ago enjoying a ride on the jump seat of a Gulf Stream Jet, which we enjoyed traveling on with our son and his team as we flew to New York City to be a part of his company going public on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Indeed, we were flying high…and now, here we are….updating our blog from his hospital room again.

It’s been another faith-challenged, but faith-filled, week. Whew!! Wednesday night I rushed Ron to the E.R. at the Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital at the instructions of his neuro surgeon. He was experiencing excruciating, debilitating pain in his back (comparing it to a knife). Immediately they administered IVs, did blood tests, MRIs, CT scans and x-rays. The pain was so extreme they had to give him sedatives that put him out, literally, until Friday evening. On Thursday night he began running a fever of 104 degrees, and had a high white blood cell count, plus other factors that showed inflammation in his body. Today, we received the confirmed report that he has a serious staph infection that will require weeks of antibiotics via I.V. They expect to keep him here in the hospital through the end of next week. That is the immediate course of action. And, then there’s the other factor – we were suppose to have started chemo on Thursday, but this current challenge prohibited that, and the infection doctor says that chemo needs to be stalled until the infection is cleared up. Then there’s the oncologist that says the cancer is so fast moving that he must start the chemo as soon as possible.

Early on in this journey, we, as a family, agreed that Ron would be the "Pilot of this jet ride" and agreed that the decisions God led him to make regarding his own health course of action, would be the direction we would take. Little did we realize there might be times when we had to step in as the co-pilots, to make serious decisions for him. I’ll admit my vulnerability in the natural – just seeing this strong, man of action and power being in such a place, but as I watch him sleep, I continue to stand in faith and believe that “God is making him lie down in green pastures, leading him beside still waters to restore his soul and body”. I ultimately believe that God is working this all for our good, that there is an awesome Master Plan going on. It was such a testimony of that plan as the Infectious Disease doctor heard Ron, today, tell the story of his Dad's healing from cancer and then Ron declared "God is no respecter of persons" -- He can do that for me." Daily I declare my favorite scripture these days -- Psalms 118:17 -- "He will live and not die and will declare the works of our God." Actually, I’m going to start looking for a renown publisher very soon, to be able to support our best selling book on “Peace in the Midst of the Storm; Walking on the Water; Do Not Fear – Only Believe; God is Faithful; etc. etc. etc.” Please continue to pray for us, specifically, that this infection must bow to the name of Jesus and that the intended purposes of the medications are successful and the side effects of any and all medications that he takes are rendered null and void; that the medical team we have is hearing God’s voice and acting on His wisdom and that we remain calm, focused on God’s unfailing promises and that we will be strong soldiers in this “good fight of faith”! Love you all so much! Donna