I Didn’t See That Coming

I just can’t make this stuff up. It’s Monday morning, 5:45 am. I am amped up and ready to attack this day with my ear buds in for my morning power walk I can see the sunrise barely peeking through. I walk on the street which is much kinder than some of the sidewalks that have little heaves in them. Out of nowhere, BAM, I go down like a wrecking ball! Nose, hands, knees bloodied with scrapes and contusions. I do a self-bone check. Thank God. No broken bones and no one seeing me cave!

My ear buds stayed securely in during the blow-out. The song, “Up Again” by Dan Bremnes, comes on with these chorus lyrics:
"Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win
You gotta get up, up again
Keep holding on, it's not the end
You gotta get up, up again. You can get up, up again!"

Laughing at God's sense of humor, I think, “I AM up again. Praise God. Nothing is broken so carry on!" But, reality sets in. I know I need to get home and assess the damages. I get almost home and realize, “Oh, no! I remember putting my glasses on my head because I didn’t need them to see. They must have gone flying when my nose hit the pavement.”

Oh me! The last place of remembrance before the fall was noticing a neighbor’s home under contract. I know beyond that is where the fall took place. I walked ever so slowly, scanning both sides of the street. Nothing. I walk back to the sold house and start over again. Nothing still. All the while, I am praying for my angels to guide me to my glasses. After all they are my ministering servants (Hebrews 1:14). I know I am partnered with my heavenly helpers.

Then, my lightning-fast-mind remembers. There had to have been a slight heave in the street that caught my foot that caused the stumble and fall. I scan the street up ahead and sure enough, there is an almost 3/4 inch heave. And just beyond it, are my glasses – unbroken, and so am I – slightly battered, but not broken. Thank God, no cars had come down that street.

The outcome. New rules for Donna. Eyes-wide-open to ensure stable footing. I didn’t realize that my blog, yesterday, would be Part 1 to this day's sequence of events. Bananas and a Good Idea, yesterday. Today’s Part 2 confirms again how Holy Spirit is with us -- bringing insight and wisdom when we need it.

There are just times when life happens, stuff happens, and inconveniences happen -- maybe from a lack of focus or simple carelessness or from not paying attention to God's Spirit in us. We could really get down on ourselves if we focused on the mistakes rather than the victories. I'm so glad that God forgives us time and time again. We should follow His lead and forgive ourselves for some of those crazy things we get ourselves into!

In times of uncertainty and literal up-heaval, we get up again and again, When I prayed and meditated, all that info about heaved places in the road came to mind. God is our all-sufficient One for everything we need. How could we NOT seek Him daily with our whole hearts? He isn’t a Holy slot machine that we put in a coin to get a win. But, He is a faithful, devoted Friend Who is always with us to help lead and guide us to what we need when we need it. The place to be to assure this kind of tight friendship is right here, right now. Thank goodness!

Pot Luck or Pot Blessings -- It's About Hospitality

I am an experienced "Pot Luck" covered-dish toter. I can't begin to tell you how many covered dishes, salads, main dishes and desserts I have made over the many years of my church-going or friends-celebrating-together life. And less I offend some of my sweet Bible-toting friends with the "luck" part of pot luck, I also refer to those amazing food-out-of-control events as "Pot Blessings". I can't think of any times when there were too much of one food item, because the cooks, I'm quite sure, are inspired from Heaven Central when they plan out their culinary treat.

Truly they are blessings because we are sharing a "family" meal together to celebrate our friendship with each other and our friendship with Jesus. I witness that every month when I attend a wonderful fellowship group in my community. This fellowship group's common language is kindness, generosity, love -- or better put, it's about Jesus. We literally break bread, chicken, and all kinds of other goodies together. You don't hear talk about politics, the economy, complaints about what's going on here or there or everywhere. You just hear positive people talking about positive things.

Christ started that fellowship when He broke bread with His disciples. Coming together to celebrate Him in us and us in Him. Some of my favorite memories involve yummy food and sharing God's love and caring like this. Scripture shows us how important it was to God for us to break bread together. Acts 2:42,46: "They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart."

When we share our gifts, talents and ordinary household meals and items to bless and serve others, we aren’t just being nice. We’re being obedient to God’s Word as this verse says: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

Our aim should be the same for everyone. We shouldn't offer hospitality — or a home-cooked meal — to impress others. Instead, we want to refresh them. To give them a place where they can relax and unwind. To provide a setting where they can talk and question and contemplate. When we offer hospitality with gusto, without grumbling, or complaining, or fretting over our not-so-nice-anymore home or stuff, we are doing exactly what pleases God — using our gifts for His glory.

With a Little Help From My Friends

Woody and Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story" sang "You've got a friend in me!" There’s this thing about friendships. True friendships. Those friendships that pick us up just by showing up. And it doesn’t even have to be in person. It can be a phone call, text message, email, a Facebook comment, or a card. They seem to know when we need a pick-me-up -- an encouraging word or "You've been on my heart lately" or they’re just checking in to see what’s up in our world.

Those are the friends that we know we can call any time of the day – they’ll be there. As busy as they may be – they’ll come to a screeching halt when they see our name pop up on their phone. And when they show up for us – we can tell we have their undivided attention. They make us feel we matter. When we’re together, they do that thing — that thing where they look right into our eyes and whisper secret truths to us. They surprise us with a hot fudge sundae when we’re under the weather.

They’re the ones who hold our hand tight while we're trying to exhale. That thing they do? It’s life-giving. It’s oxygen and courage and conviction all rolled into one. It’s the kind of gift that can turn a day inside out. This is God-given, God-infused friendships. It's what true friendships can do for one another. The ones that see through our words and heal us with the power of a word or laughter. Of encouragement. Of acceptance. And hospitality that’s contagious.

Sometimes we’re so busy wondering if we’re getting it right, so busy worrying we’re not measuring up, so caught up in thinking we need to be just like her or him that we forget they love us just the way we are. They love the joy and Jesus and friendship. Forget awkward, forget feeling small or insecure or worried about what they’re thinking.

This version of friendship is a true story, an old story, the same story that we’ve all been living. This is purposeful commitment of friendship that connects, mends, restores and heals us. This kind of friendship is the gift. It is the testimony of the brave who chose friendship in spite of fear. It's the loud voice of comparison squashed down, drowned out, overcome by a choice to love, to love because Christ first loved us.

This brave choice is the laying down of jealousy, the raising up of encouragement. This is the cheering for someone else and feeling the powerful joy in return. This is where it’s okay to cry. This is where we nod our heads and open our arms and say, “Me, too. Yes, me too.” This is friendship on purpose. I see it in each of you who are my friends -- in how you encourage, pray and reach out a kind hand in the comments on my blog and in other's posts who reach out in distress. Day in and day out. I see you. I see how you believe the best, and hold up tired arms, and encourage the spirits here -- how you whisper in other's ears and in mind how brave you think we are. More importantly, God sees you and applauds you. On behalf of those of us who really, really need and want your friendship, just know how grateful we are -- how grateful I am to call you friends.

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

Whatever it is -- Let’s Face it Together

Have you had that kind of friend who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. You may have said, “No, I can do it myself” or “No, I’ll be okay” or “No, I’ll figure out a way to handle this myself.” But, they would not leave you or forsake you. They were relentless in their efforts to help you. Don’t we want that kind of friend -- even though we don’t want to put them out or take their time? Well, I have friends like that – especially since I’ve been here in Tulsa the last couple of weeks. They have been relentless in seeing after me, bringing me meals, taking me to the doctor, and checking in on me. I’m okay -- nothing serious on my part – but they are friends who don’t take “no” for an answer.

It is a reminder to me of the story in the Book of Ruth of Naomi and her two daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth. All three women had recently suffered the loss of their husbands. In the depths of Naomi’s grief, she encouraged the girls to go back to their people, and to start a new life. It didn’t take much convincing for Orpah to leave. But Ruth saw right through Naomi’s pain. She refused to go, doubling down on her commitment to Naomi. Ruth was blessed with generosity, compassion and empathy. Even though she had no obligation to Naomi, her love for her mother-in-law and friend made her fiercely loyal.

“‘Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16)
I have read that story many times and my husband and I even said Ruth’s words to Naomi in our wedding vows. “Ruth” means compassion for the misery of another; empathetic, and “ruthless” means without ruth; not empathetic.

So, the question is: Do we have a Ruth in our life? Do we have someone who won’t let us have a pity party? In reality, we may want grievers with us but what we need is a Ruth -- someone who refuses to leave us when we’re down-and-out. We all experience moments of disappointment, great loss, grief, and despair. Our human nature wants to recoil, to withdraw, to turn so inward that we lose sight of the Light.

But, what we need are good friends who refuse to leave us. We need good friends who encourage us to just keep swimming, telling us that they will not abandon or forsake us. Remember Dory in the “Finding Nemo” movie? She kept saying to Nemo "just keep swimming", meaning "don't give up." We need good friends who love us like they love themselves. The Lord brings so much healing to our hearts through the Ruths in our lives.

Maybe today, you are a Naomi, and you need a Ruth. We pray that God brings a Ruth to you – but maybe your way of rebounding is to be a Ruth in someone’s life. You can either be ruthless (bad and not empathetic) or a Ruth (good and empathetic).

Friendship is supposed to be entering into a relationship not because of what we can get out of it but because of what it is. We are called to be examples of Christ’s love to the world. When we break free of the selfishness that poisons so many of our relationships and focus on giving our time, effort, and love to those around us, we portray a beautiful image of Christ’s own self-giving. No matter where we are in life or where we stand with our faith, we have the opportunity to bring others (and ourselves) closer to God by being a Ruth to someone today. Thank you to all the “Ruths” that have blessed me in my life so much!

Want Something to Celebrate? Celebrate YOU!

I love the saying “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” When we were kids, we couldn’t count the months and days fast enough until another birthday rolled around. But, the older we get we’d just as soon let the next birthday roll around unnoticed – that is unless you’re my dear friend, Peggy Boerner. This birthday was a milestone one and she owned it because she’s the pilot of her “plane”. She’s a “can-do” gal who takes matters into her own hands and makes what matters – matter.

These photos show a group of Hyde Park friends (where I lived in Tulsa) who were invited by Peggy to celebrate and enjoy an evening out together. Riding in a limo bus to a wonderful restaurant and then to the historic Mayo Hotel for great views of Tulsa and more fun times together. I was honored to be among the invitees!

Proverbs 18:24 says “To have friends, show yourself friendly.” The Proverbs contain much wisdom about being a friend and how to find a friend. Peggy has been a dear friend to me in so many ways, the most of which is her "welcome mat". She always has “my room” ready for me in her beautiful, peaceful home and makes me feel so loved and welcomed.

I’ve heard adults and children say that they didn’t have any friends or that they had trouble finding friends. And there's probably a reason for it. There is a key to having loyal friends or making friends in the first place. We have to show ourselves friendly. And Peggy is outstanding at that – so friendly that she has her birthday celebration with her pals.

May I suggest that we all become better friends – having celebrations of life and living. We can’t do anything about the past, but we can sure do things differently now and in the future. We can enjoy the ride much more. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, it is like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more. It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make moments, minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most.

I speak a lot about it, but I repeat: Treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship.

The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT Who holds our future in the palm of His hands! And, I assure you, if indeed “time flies when you’re having fun”, then Peggy and I are having a blast!

Who Do You Run to When You Need a Friend?

Today’s inspiration for this blog came from the graphic posted by my friend, Michael Beaudoin. Thank you, Michael! “The first one to recognize Jesus was an unborn child.” Here's what that line means:

Mary had just heard from Gabriel that she was going to give birth to the Son of God. Did you catch that? She was going to give birth to the “Holy, Son of God”!!! I’m not using that as slang! I’m just saying that a young peasant girl received the announcement that she was going to give birth WITHOUT relations with a man, and the clincher is: THAT baby is the Son of God! Then…. what’s a girl to do? Stay in the spot and wonder “How can this be?” “How will Joseph take this news?” “What will the neighbors think?” “What about my wedding and my wedding dress and all the plans I’ve made?” We don’t read any such questions, though she may have had them running through her mind. She simply responded to Gabriel’s message: “Yes. Be it unto me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Back to that first photo...after hearing Gabriel’s message and giving her “yes”, Mary ran with haste to get to her cousin, Elizabeth, who had been barren, but Gabriel told Mary a miracle had taken place and Elizabeth is six months pregnant. After all, NOTHING is impossible with God! And when Elizabeth heard her greeting, her baby recognized the Son of God in her and leaped for joy in her womb. (Luke 1:39-40).

God is the world’s greatest matchmaker EVER! I’m not talking about the kind of romantic matches made online, but rather about "divine" connections made between women in need and those who can help. I have many of those connections and before I would share "my load" with just anyone, I would go to those gals who have my back and I have theirs. Those are the women I do life with. In this Luke 1 Christmas Story, God gives us a beautiful picture of what it looks like when He gives the gift of that kind of friends to help us in challenging times. Here, He joins together a young Mary, with an older woman, Elizabeth, and encourages both of them in the linking. If we’ll zoom in a little, there are some important lessons for us.

Why did Mary need to pack up and leave home to go see Elizabeth? Where was her mother? Her friends? No matter the answers, one fact is clear. Mary needed a faith-filled woman with whom she could connect. In fact, she hurried there! We live in a world where people are lonely and hurting and we know the saying "Misery loves company”. Mary could have sat at home and worried about this new startling info and turn to a nearby friend for support. But, what friend could understand THIS dilemma? She didn’t look for a friend who knew little of life to give her news to, but, Gabriel had given her Elizabeth's miracle, nothing-is-impossible-with-God story! She knew she was the kind of friend she needed.


There was such joy in their connection. The rest of this story is so beautiful that I can hardly explain it adequately. Elizabeth was elated to hear Mary’s voice and her baby boy leaped in her womb. She cried out in a loud voice, and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Two anointed-with-the-Holy-Spirit boys were inside these women And then Mary started singing with joy and praising and magnifying God.

The outcome of these women’s connection was great joy. Not only were they happy in the moment, but they were forever enriched by the match that God had made between the two of them. God calls us to connect so we can mature. Mary was supported, and Elizabeth had a chance to share her maturity and support. That same joy can be in store for you and me! Let's connect, Girl Friends, with those who are connected by the Holy Spirit. If ever we needed each other, it is today!

Lord, thank You for giving us divine connections with others who not only encourage us in our faith, but we encourage them with your faithfulness!

Being an Influencer

Okay....this is longer than my usual "long", but it describes major influencers in my life. When I come to Tulsa, I squeeze in as much as possible because there are so many precious friends and family here. Yesterday was no exception. First was attending mass at my home parish and sitting beside my Tulsa “family” who mean the world to me. My godson brought us all together when he was a very sick newborn. My husband and I fell in love with this family long before his birth, but it was his little precious and vulnerable life that cemented us all together. Isn’t it amazing how what seems to be the worst of times, brings out the best in people and the best of times? Owen is 13 now so it’s been 13 years of watching God perform miracle after miracle in his life. Since my husband passed away, Owen has taken his place beside me in church and he still holds my hand and wraps his arms around me with abandon. Be still my heart! I was thrilled to have lunch with them and seeing the two youngest in their costumes for Trunk or Treat that followed. This family has been amazing influencers in my life.

After church and before lunch, I made a couple of quick visits to see two amazing “older” women. My first visit was to see Margaret, the mother of my brother-in-law, She lives in a skilled nursing facility, If you need a pick-me-up, go see her. I walked in her room and she was beaming from ear-to-ear and excited to tell me “I’m 96 years old now! Just look at these paintings on my walls. I painted them all!” Margaret is a dear, optimistic, light-hearted friend that as long as I’ve known her, her outgoing, and warm personality made me feel loved. She influenced me.

Then I headed over to spend time with my mother-in-law. I took her dinner the night before and we caught up then, but yesterday I savored our time together once again. She's gone through a lot physically, but now that she lives with Karen, my husband’s sister, she's become stronger and filled with so much vitality. She boasted “I’ve gained five pounds!” And that says a lot! I can’t begin to tell you how much she has influenced my life -- the most of which are her prayers for us. I asked her “What are you going to do today?” She quickly responded, “I’ve got lots of calls to make!” She has a list of people she calls to encourage. She is sure not done yet. She’ll be 96 on Wednesday.

Lastly, I made my way to another dear friend and mentor. Oh, how I love this precious saint, Sister Marie Pierre. After 50+ years of ministry, she retired and lives in a small space at St. Joseph's Monastery but it is everything she hoped for in this season of her life. A few months ago she had a pretty bad fall and had to have hip surgery. I was shocked to see that she was waiting at the door with her walker for me when I arrived. She wasn’t setting any records, but she was up and moving. Another nun waited with her and she asked: “Are you a teacher?” I replied, “Yes, I am, but I’m also one of Sister Pierre’s children.” We made each other cry as we shared sweet memories, and about our future....getting to graduate to heaven. We talked about how our loved ones and the saints and Jesus are cheering us on to the finish line. I could tell she is longing for the day when she'll go home, but in the meantime, sitting at her feet, feeling God's presence and His peace all around her, is the place to be. God continues to use her to touch our lives. She has MANY children -- of course, not biologically, but she sure had a hand in raising many of us in the ways we should go.

Why do I go into so much detail about my life and share it on social media? One, it will be forever an archive to remind me of those people who passed my way. I’m quite sure they were all a part of God’s Master Plan for my life. Placing value on those people and acknowledging them as precious and valuable makes them matter in the grand scheme of God’s almighty handiwork. I love to give credit where credit is due. Each teacher, mentor, encourager, family member, friend, and even casual acquaintance are strategic in God’s wisdom to co-partner with Him. I am so grateful for those who helped “make” me.

The point is to embrace God’s plan AND people that come into our lives – there’s a reason for them all. I’m so thankful that mine has made me purposeful in my mission and determination to finish strong. Perhaps you’re thinking of your own life and those who have contributed to who you are today. Maybe phone them or pay them a visit to let them know how thankful you are for them. Why do I go into so much detail about my life and share it on social media? One, it will be archived to remind me of those people who partnered with God to fulfill His Master Plan in my life. Acknowledging them is giving credit where credit is due. Each teacher, mentor, encourager, family member, friend, and even casual acquaintance are strategically placed in our lives by God. I am so grateful for those who helped “make” me.

The point is to embrace God’s plan AND people that come into our lives. There is a reason for them all. I’m so thankful that mine has made me purposeful in my mission and determination to finish strong. Perhaps you’re thinking of your own life and those who have contributed to who you are today. Maybe phone them or pay them a visit to let them know how thankful you are for them.

We All Need Somebody to Lean On!

This post is a follow-up to my “No Man is an Island” post from yesterday. My heart ached when I heard about Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain recently taking their lives. I didn't know them, but I remembered a precious friend, who recently took her life. Depression is real. Heartbreak is real. Loneliness is real. Desiring-to-end-the-pain is real.

C. S. Lewis noted, "Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and harder to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say my tooth is aching than to say my heart is broken."

With all of my good news, uplifting, encouraging, positive and motivational posts daily, I am still very aware that life is really hard for some of us. Sometimes it’s gut-wrenching, “I can’t go on this way” kind-of-gut-wrenching. Some of my precious friends have shared bits and pieces of their stories with me. I see the pain. I get it. I connect with it. I hear the struggle, and I want nothing more than to take them up in my arms and make it all better for them.

As I said yesterday, we need each other. We need community.
We need to get back to embracing co-dependency (I’m still working on that one, myself!). I gave scriptures for it yesterday. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Luke 15:4). God gives His example of co-dependency. He does everything with Jesus and the Holy Spirit and likewise, they don't operate outside of Him. Three in one. We’re made in His image. So, why would we want to do life independently? It goes against the way God made us.

I have a small close-knit group of people that I trust with my life. Literally. They have lived life with me for years. They’ve shared high and low moments with me. And when life became difficult for me, they were there to encourage me by just being there with me until I found my way out. Words cannot express the depth of love I have for these people. They've seen my ugly cry. They've listened to my crazy rants. They know the depth of me and champion me to the core. (You know who you are. And I love and thank you so much.)

Oftentimes our "community" is our phones and laptops. Just let me say this to you, my FB, blog and social media community -- my faithful readers, I love you so much. You are my people. You are the breath of what I am made to do. Every “like and love” emoji and every word you type on here, every response and comment, I cherish. Deeply cherish. You are my reason for getting up at 5 am each morning to give a word to you that just might give you the breath of fresh air you need to be able to BREATHE in God's grace, love, and hope for each new day.

I know that I'm a by-God’s-design listener. If we met for coffee, I’d listen to you and capture every word you said. I’d ask questions and listen some more. After processing, I’d respond. It’s how I’m made. In many ways, this is what this FB post and blog has become for me. It’s my heart to yours. It’s what I need for me, and when I hit that POST button, it's what I sense you may need, too!

We all need community. People who understand and champion us. When we take off the masks, we find that we are all very much the same. We all have hurt. We all have stories. We all have hopes. We all have dreams. We all long to be known and connected. When we begin to see all people as "our brother, our sister and friend", we gain respect for them. And out of that comes love. Real. Authentic.Love. It is then that we begin to look a whole lot like Jesus. The resemblance is undeniable. And, out of all the lives we help to save, one just may be our own.

Life Lessons Can Be Learned From Bocce

On April 14th, I celebrated living here in Frisco for one year. I can hardly believe it’s already been a year and I’ve grown to love my community. I’m so busy with my church and ministry activities, my traveling and my children and grandchildren that I haven’t met that many people here. That’s changing as I joined yet another really enjoyable team sport, Bocce. It's a sport played between two teams with from 1 to 4 players on each team. A set of bocce balls is composed of 8 large bocce balls (4 of one color and 4 of another color) and one smaller ball called the ”pallino” (Italian word for 'cue ball'). One point is given for each bocce ball that is closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s bocce balls. While bocce can be played on lawns, we have 12 courts here at Frisco Lakes.

Throwing balls toward a target is the oldest game known to mankind. As early as 5000 B.C. the Egyptians played a form of bocce with polished rocks. From Egypt, the game made its way to Greece around 800 B.C. The Romans learned the game from the Greeks, and then introduced it throughout the empire. From the early Greek physician Hippocrates to the Italian Renaissance man Galileo, the early participants of Bocce noted that the game’s athleticism and spirit of competition rejuvenates the body. Thanks to many Italian immigrants at the turn of the century, Bocce has flourished in the U.S. -- now more than 25 million Bocce enthusiasts here. Next to Soccer and Golf, Bocce is the third most participated sport in the world and is considered the oldest known sport in world history. So, you’re welcome – now you know about Bocce.

This photo is of my league team “The Lady Rollers” and we are all about friendship, celebrating each other – win or lose (like yesterday’s game when we cheered for our opposing team when they won the match as it was the birthday of one of their players. The score was tied -- 1 game to 1 game and the 3rd game was neck and neck. The birthday girl’s team, the Bocce Angels, won. If we're going to lose, it's worth it to help make someone's birthday extra special.

I've learned some valuable lessons from the game:
1) Never give up. We’ve been down and it looked like a shoo-in for the other team to win, and lo and behold we would win because all four of our balls were the closest to the pallino and we won the game. We check each other, if at any point, we start speaking negatively about our playing, because – whiners never win, and winners who think like winners, never lose -- well sometime that do, but not because they were whiners.

2) Never say “SORRY”! I love that about the game. We’re all doing our best and if we make an inadvertent mistake, you don’t say “SORRY”. And, if you do, you'll quickly be corrected. The definition of SORRY is feeling distress, feeling upset, downcast, in a poor or pitiful state or condition and we are none of those. Yesterday, we said, “Why say “sorry” – it’s just a game and in the light of eternity, does it really matter? We hold our heads high and think "I'll do better next time!"

3) Cheer and congratulate when someone does well – even if it’s an opposing team member. I love it when I make a really good play to save the game and those gals make me feel like a rock star – rather, a bocce star.

4) Those who are the best…..mentor those of us who are still learning. And they do it with such a sense of TLC. I’m already mentoring the new gals because, after all, I’m a veteran now – having played last year and now this year.

5) No name calling or trash talk allowed. I know that’s common in many sports, but I love the genuine sportsmanship and comradery in this game. Even if we call ourselves names or trash talk ourselves because of a dumb error, others are quick to steer us the other direction.

6) Making friends – Bocce is a great social sport and it gives us a chance to make new friends or bond more closely with old ones. It doesn’t take too much motivation for us to want to play, but just in case we were in a little lazy mode, our friends motivate us to “get our game on”. And that we do.

6) And, here is the best part -- bocce has great health benefits:
-- It helps lower our blood pressure -- our bodies get rejuvenated and our heart gets strengthened
-- It improves balance -- navigating the bocce balls down a court provides helps with our balance.

As I’ve said many times before, I don’t plan on giving up until I’m taken up…..and if that day comes while I’m playing bocce, I just hope and pray my roll was the winning roll that rolls me straight on through the pearly gates! In the meantime, how about a game of BOCCE?!!

Hebrews 12:11-13 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

I Am a Friend of God

As a young girl, I wasn’t in with the “in” crowd when I was in school. I was by no means one of those popular girls that hung out with those cool cheerleaders and the hunky football team. I wasn’t even in the “nerd” crowd because I sure wasn’t a really smart kid either. I was a shy, average grade student who went to school, did average work, came home and played with my friend next door.

That sounds pitiful, doesn't it? But don’t feel sorry for me because it was in those years that my friendship with God began and grew and that friendship sustained and carried me through some of the toughest times as a little girl AND as a big girl. You see, my Dad was very ill from a brain tumor and after the surgery to remove it, he lived, but became more like a sibling to me than my Daddy. I watched my Mom be so brave and undaunted in her care for him and me. Mom was the best friend I didn’t have in girl friends, because she modeled what it is to be strong, loving, supportive, AND model her friendship with God. She’d talk to Him all the time. She’d sing and praise Him in the midst of such troubling times with my Dad’s illness and having to financially provide for us all. I’m so grateful for what she taught me in what it is to trust God and for Him to be her dearest friend.

Today, I am who I am because early on God was my “bestie”. Without a doubt, I know He’s with me and even when I don’t talk to Him, I know it’s okay, because friends don’t have to always be talking to each other. Sometimes, it’s just being in each other’s presence, so I practice His presence. You see, my FRIEND, is sitting right beside me as I type this post. I know it. I even sense Him smiling with His arm around me as I type “I am a friend of God.”

I’ve come to realize my peace, joy, courage and comfort come from the friendship I have with Him. Oh, I’m right in the thick of life just like others are, and it may look like I live unrealistically, but I assure you, this is the way to live above the fray that comes with “the thick of things". As important as it is to have close friendships, I assure you there is nothing to compare to having God as best friend.

Yesterday, I took a long walk and I started singing “I am a friend of God” (a great Israel Houghton song), and I started thinking about it’s one thing for God to be MY friend, but I want to be HIS friend. Unlike my childhood, I have lots of friends today, but really only a couple of “besties”, and I’m not sure what I would do without them. I know they are there for me any time.

And, as much as I love my girl friends, there is nothing to compare with God calling me His friend – and better yet, I like to think I’m one of His “besties”. After all, I’ve known Him most all my life – since I was 8 years old at a summer church camp, when I invited Him into my heart and asked Him to be my best friend. And, better than the girls in the “in” crowd, or my Mom, or even my “bestie” girl friends today, He’s perfect and I don’t have to look for Him. He’s always there when I need Him. He'll listen to anything I want to talk about, He holds my heart in his hand when life's too painful, and He whispers comfort to me when I'm afraid. James 4:8 says "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." The more I want to cozy up to Him, the more He cozies up to me! Thank you, Lord!

And I have to remember that my friends, even my besties, and I aren't God. We can only do our best to be like Him. He's my everything -- my Savior, my Helper, my Healer, my Shield, my Protector, my Father -- my Everything. And I like to think that I'm His best friend because, after all, He loved me so much that He gave His life for me. How's that for a "bestie"? He even encourages me to sit down and chat with Him, dump my worries and cares into His arms, to allow Him to carry my burdens and to remember all that He's done for me. Then, He gives me a little nudge and says, "Now, go love others, like you love Me!"

John 15:15 " I don’t call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. But I’ve called you friends because I’ve made known to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father."

Celebrating Faith and Friendship

Day 251 of Photo Inspirations -- Celebrating Faith and Friendship -- That's Christmas!

Yes, my photo inspirations for today are these precious women that I do life with. That's what a small group is all about. We share and celebrate each others' victories and we pray and encourage each other in times of need. These women inspire me in so many ways.  

Last night, we had the sweetest time of celebrating this wonderful time of the year. After a yummy "pot blessing" meal (better known as "pot luck") which we do each week, and since this is the last meeting we'll have until January, we reflected on the good things God has done for us in 2015. We heard about babies on the way for children who couldn't conceive before, children's fresh commitment to God and attending church regularly, healing from insomnia, no surgeries needed, healing from feet and leg issues, gift of steady work, healthy grandchildren born, husband having steady work, God meeting the needs of others, etc. As I listened to these praises and thanksgiving words, I thought "When our praises go up, His blessings come down!" That's just the goodness of our Heavenly Father Who inhabits our praises and Who takes pleasure in blessing us. 

Then lots of laughter ensued as we played the Nativity Ornament or Gift Exchange Game. We each had brought a wrapped ornament. You might want to do this fun game with a group -- it's quite humorous and the message of Christ's birth comes through loud and clear. This is the website: http://www.diva-girl-parties-and-stuff.com/right-left-christmas-game.html

God is always speaking to His kids. Fact is, are we always listening to Him? He speaks to us when we're still, and even in the fun, merry-heart times. These photo inspirations are the ornaments we received at the conclusion of the game. One of our ladies' received an ornament that had owls in it. She was so inspired because lately God has been speaking to her about cultivating His wisdom -- the owl represents "wisdom". It was a vivid reminder that God is speaking to her -- not just in her private, quiet times, but right when there's laughter and celebration -- in the unexpected times.

Isn't that God's normal mode of operation. When we least expect it, He shows up. He gives us an illustrated sermon that verifies His Word to us. Jesus lives in His children, so since He is inside us, how could we expect anything less than hearing His voice. From Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone HEARS MY VOICE and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”

God in us! How profound is that promise? With God in us, we have a wealth of information dwelling inside us. Having trouble making a decision? Christ can help. He lives within us. Can’t stop worrying? Christ can help. Can’t forget the past and forgive the one who hurt us, or forsake a bad habit? Christ can! And He lives in us. We just have to watch and listen. Emmanuel -- God is with us.

Everybody Deserves Somebody

Day 261 of Photo Inspirations -- Everybody Deserves Somebody
I have the solution for relationships that last, whether it be a marriage, partnership, or friendship.  It's also the solution for raising kids, caring for elderly parents, maintaining healthy appreciation and cooperation in dealing with extended family.

There are so many opportunities for conflict and disputes in whatever relationship we may have. But....if this one criteria is met, I can guarantee success.  It is being CENTER-FOCUSED on the PEACEMAKER.  He who speaks "PEACE BE STILL" and He who is the epitome of unconditional love --- is the ONE who, if placed at the core of every relationship we are in, we will be operating in HIS LOVE and will have appreciation for each one in our lives -- regardless how sweet OR not so sweet they may be.  How can that be?  God IS LOVE and when He is invited into the equation of our friendships and relationships, then His love will be in us and going through us to others.  

This kind of love is only possible, when we fix our eyes and hearts on the ONE who loves us unconditionally even though we fail Him and disappoint Him. He gives us forgiveness over and over. He overlooks our faults and He lavishes His grace upon us when we sure don't deserve it.  If we follow His lead and always consider WWJD "What Would Jesus Do?", then we'll become more and more like Him.  

This first photo inspiration came from the Amish Restaurant that we went to yesterday.  It absolutely described me. "Everybody deserves somebody who makes them LOOK forward to tomorrow."  I had been looking forward to this day for days.  So, of course our day, yesterday, prompted this post.

My two walking buddies, and I, took a road trip to celebrate Nancy Crow​'s birthday.  We planned this day for weeks.  There's nothing like "girl time" when we can be silly (especially with a selfie stick), talk about lots of things, go shopping, and eat lots of yummy food.  But, here's the glue that has bonded us together.  We each love God with all our hearts.  Most of our conversations are about the goodness of God, and if one of us veers off into any worry or concern, we tenderly rein each other back in with encouraging each other from promises in God's Word.  We love to celebrate, appreciate and inspire each other.  For a fact, I know that girl friends make us healthier, happier, less stressed, and I know we'll live longer because of each other.  Seriously, we ALL need friends.

These two gals inspire me so much.  In fact, many of my FB posts and blogs come from something they said in a casual moment.  These women make me stronger. I see them caring for others and in spite of some "stuff" in their own lives that are not perfect, their inner strength that comes from their relationship with God, causes them to rise and shine daily.

If today, you are lonely or tired of going it alone through life, go out and BE a friend.  Show yourself friendly.  Be an encourager.  Brighten someone's life with generosity.  Pray for a friend.  Pray God gives you true friendships -- and make sure that THE FRIEND who sticks closer than any brother is RIGHT in the middle of those relationships.

Courage, Kindness, Friendship & Loyalty Go A Long Way

Day 199 of Photo Inspirations -- Courage, Kindness, Friendship & Loyalty Go A Long Way
I don’t watch movies with violence, immorality or crude language in them.  Quite frankly, I do my best to keep my mind in a place of serenity, joy, morality and sweetness.  I know that's an ooey gooey girly mindset, but having this mindset has served me well.  I don’t have nightmares.  I am adamant about “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon me.”  Isaiah 26:3  Horror flicks, watching immorality and listening to profanity subjects me to an unhappy place. I know that sounds like goody-two-shoes but what a sweet place to be.
 
Flying to Seattle, a movie option was the new Cinderella movie. Of course I watched it. It didn’t depart far from the original Grimms’ Fairy Tale, which has always been one of my favorites.  “Cinderella” is heavy on moral lessons.  Throughout the movie, Cinderella would not only repeat her mother’s parting words, but she lived them:  “Have courage and be kind.” This version of "Cinderella" doesn't show her as just a weak girl, but one who does what she has to do for peace.  She doesn’t complain or whine, but she dreams of a new day and a new life.  Of course the handsome prince is her knight in shining armor and her dreams for a better life come true.  Most of all, the film gives inspiring lessons about the values of courage and kindness.
 

Yesterday, we saw the new Minions Movie.  This was the first Minions Movie that I've seen.  It's quite bizarre how these little guys are so popular EVERYWHERE.  You can't understand much of what they say, but one thing's for sure, they know about triendship and loyalty.  And that seems to be two of the most solid minion traits, and their traits most certainly are worth taking note of.   The minions look out for each other, like true friends should.  The lesson for us is:  If a friend is put down in front of everyone, cheer them back up again with a pat on the back. A bit of love always helps.  And, they treat scary situations like an adventure -- which makes it way more fun.

I loved the positive values in each of these movies.  In the “Cinderella” movie, being courageous in the middle of rejection, abuse, and pain speaks volumes about standing strong in spite of adversity.  And, rather than returning evil for evil, return kindness.  Jesus spoke about that:  1 Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

With the Minions, we find the values of friendship and loyalty…..be the friend that you want to have in your life."A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."  Proverbs 12:12

The Imelda Marcos Award

Day 145 of Photo Inspirations -- The Imelda Marcos Award
#TBT -- Imelda Marcos, best known for her 3,000+ pairs of shoes, was the wife of the former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.

So, this photo is ME (check out that hair)  -- 23 years ago when I was Associate Director of Communications at the University of Manitoba.  It was a privilege to work with such great people at such a phenomenal university.  This event....was our Department's Christmas Party where I was presented with The Imelda Marcos "Gold Shoe" Award -- because of my passion for shoes.  I had plenty of them.  If I saw a great pair of shoes on sale (the operative word here is "sale" -- I was, and AM a bargain shopper), I would buy them......and THEN find the outfit to go with them.  I accepted my award with all humility and gratitude.  LOL!  

When I saw this photo, I laughed -- thinking how far I've come since those days.  Back then, it was striving for significance and relevance and climbing the career ladder.  It was a special season of my life -- it was a part of the "making of Donna".  I gained so much knowledge and leadership abilities during those years.

FAST FORWARD -- 23 years -- to today. A LOT of water under the bridge. Everything in life that I encountered -- in business, in relationships, in growing in faith, in valuing everything and every circumstance that got me here -- have been a part of God's Master Plan.  My priorities have changed. My responsibilities have changed.  What once seemed important to me, has been downgraded.  What was unimportant to me......has ranked up.  And what is most important to me today.....are those things that money can't buy.  It is those friendships, those intentional moments of making a difference in someone's life, it is making memories, it is cherishing the moments,  it is the opportunity to live care-FREE -- not losing sleep on those things that matter so little, and the absolute privilege of living with the mindset of "in the light of eternity".  

Matthew 6:19-21 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves.  If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too."    Yes, I'm thinking more about heaven than ever before......and taking lots of folks with me.  And, shoes aren't such a big deal anymore -- sure won't be taking those shoes with me when I go!  ;-)

I'm Supposed to Love My Neighbor as Myself, BUT Myself Doesn't Have a Barking Dog!

Day 56 of Photo Inspirations:  I'm Supposed to Love My Neighbor as Myself....BUT Myself Doesn't Have a Barking Dog!

I live in the most amazing community with some delightful residents in it, except for a few cranky ones.  But, cranky, is just the nature of some folks.  

So that was my dilemma.  When wonderful new residents moved in......so did their two large dogs.  In a new community where there's cement trucks,  contractors hammering or sawing, geese, walkers, etc.-- those dogs have every excuse in the world to do what they do so naturally: BARK, BARK, BARK!  They have a dog door, so when their owners are at work, they can go in and out all day. Not wanting to be one of the CRANKY neighbors, I sucked it in.  I thanked God that I had such good ears that could hear them. I prayed. I put louder music on to drown out their incessant barking. But, I (and other neighbors) had enough.  

I spoke to their Builder and asked his advice.  He recommended that I get a device that uses ultrasonic sound to deter their barking.  It's completely safe and detects barking up to 50 feet away.  And he told me where I could find one.  $70 later I came home with my solution for a quiet and peaceful day. Quite slyly, I sat out my little "miracle birdhouse" and it appeared to work.  The barking seemed to curb, but not for long.  I think they got wise and stayed more than 50 feet away -- most of the time.

"Okay, I'll bite the bullet and go meet with the dogs' owners."  And,  I did that last night.  And by the way, the dogs were NOT barking -- because their masters were home. They were happy campers.  What beautiful people they are and after a little chit chat and expessing how apologetic I was to have to be there, I announced that their barking dogs were giving the neighbors a lot of grief.  I took a deep breath to hear how they took it.....and, to my absolute joy, they were so apologetic, so willing to do whatever it takes to rectify the situation.  I was told that the owner comes home at noon everyday and could let the dogs out then, instead of leaving the dog door open all day for free rein.  Whew!  Friendship salvaged.

Why did I share this story with you?  I wanted you to learn from my experience.  I could have saved $70 and a lot of frustration and lack of peace if I had only talked to them in a kind and loving way in the first place.  I didn't want to risk a friendship -- but as it turned out a friendship was strengthened because of my honesty and true desire to help the cause.  Once again, I defer to the best Role Model -- Who handled difficult situations and difficult people in exemplary ways.  Our behavior toward people really does influence their behavior toward us.  It's up to us to take the high road to convey warmth, to seek the ultimate good for others, to build up and not destroy, and to forgive.   It's ALL about LOVE!   Love draws out the best in people and situations.  Bottom line...if love is at the core of our motives, then LOVE will conquer ALL.
#BarkingDogsMakesBarkingPeople  #LoveConquers