Happy New Year's Eve! 2015 is Almost Here!

This was the headline from Sydney, Australia at their midnight this morning:  "Kiss 2014 goodbye! Sydney kicks off New Year celebrations with seven tonnes of fireworks in spectacular display over Harbour Bridgen."

But it's still New Year's Eve to us in North America -- and my celebration, tonight, will include my little grandsons who will be nestled in bed, long before the new year rolls in.  It's been this way for 14 years -- peaceful and quiet New Year's Eve -- as we were always the "on duty" Papa and Nana on New Year's Eve with our grandsons.  We always loved it because we were able to peacefully and intimately hold each other, praise God, and truly be grateful for another year gone, and optimistic and hopeful for the new and great opportunities to come in our new year.  For the last 4 years, it's been just me and God -- but what a twosome we make.  He who understands my yesterdays, and holds my tomorrows.  The PERFECT match!  

In Times Square, tonight, there will be thousands of people bundled up in freezing New York weather to witness a few short seconds when the descending ball of light announces the arrival of 2015.  Those hardy people will endure the freezing air to mark the passage of time, but even more, because they are anticipating a "new beginning!" Saying goodbye to a tumultuous 2014, they will be looking forward to making a fresh start in 2015!

One thing we all have in common, rich or poor — is the desire for a blessed and sucessful new year. It gives us hope and great expectancy to think about the potential of good things coming our way in the new year.  Reflecting over 2014, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass.    And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really embracing each day, taking time to "smell the roses" -- being "present" in the moments and to cherish the people in my life -- and when I'm with them -- to be "with them" -- without distractions.  Every day should be treated as a gift from God and we should cherish each one with thanksgiving.  We can't change the past, but we can always determine to celebrate each day we have in the future as the day God made for us and to determine to use our time wisely, with the purpose to make a difference in the world around us!  May you all experience a new year of much laughter, joy, happiness, love and peace!
#HappyNewYear

Train Up a Child -- It is Worth the Effort

For over 12 years, our daughter, Staci Wallace, travelled, sang and spoke at the "Get Motivated" seminars with Peter Lowe, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, and always on the guest speaker list were former presidents, prime ministers, professional athletes, and many other dignitaries. I don't share this to impress you, but it impresses me about the mightiness of God's orchestration of our lives.

My husband and I had planned on being at a conference in Maui, but something altered our plans, and since we had already paid for the conference, we insisted that our daughter take our place to just get strengthened, motivated and encouraged at a very vulnerable time in her life -- long before meeting her wonderful husband, Larry. Staci's Dad (my sweet husband) was her coach (better known as Sargeant Dad because he was relentless in pulling every ability, talent and gifting out of her -- when it came to her basketball playing, her singing, and her public speaking). And, I was relentless in being a Stage Mom -- entering her into vocal competitions, pageants and speaking opportunities. As she was about to leave for the trip to Maui, her Dad, as always, said, "Be prepared just in case they ask you to sing -- take your accompaniment tracks with you!" Which, she always did. And, sure enough, she was asked to sing at the event. She WAS prepared, and belted out a song in her usual passionate style. This time, Peter Lowe was at the back of the room and heard her. At the end of the session, he introduced himself to her and asked if she'd like to be a part of his "Get Motivated" events. And, that began a remarkable journey for both of us -- I was her travel companion, photographer, and product sales manager. It was a thrill, and joy -- on so many levels. We knew it was a divine set-up!

I shared this story with you to urge you to cultivate, embrace, celebrate, coach and nurture the giftings of your children and grandchildren. There is no greater gift or asset that God gives us than our children. God gives them to us and what we help them become.....is our gift back to God. It is worth every effort, every investment of time and resources, when we see them excel and become all God has destined them to be. At those "Get Motivated" events, Staci always opened the day with her "American Medley" song. Later Tom Hopkins asked her to record an album of motivational songs for his speaking tour, which included this song. The backdrop of the song was compelling photos, videos and scenes of our great country, the men and women who serve our country and those who have given their lives to give us the freedoms we have today. I gift this song and my precious daughter to you today in honor of this glorious land that we live in, the freedoms that we have, and the blessings of God to call this land our HOME on this side of heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sZH8qGwqMk

Names are Important -- They Define Us

Names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us just to know each other. Names are a gift from God, and they contain His power. Remember Abraham (father of many nations)? And yes, that's who he became. Every time God, and others, spoke his name, they were adding to the potential of His name. He DID become father of many nations.

We realized that, when we chose Ryan as our son's name -- it means "little king", and our daughter's name, Staci, means "resurrection life", and indeed we have watched how the names we chose, have "marked" their character and destiny. I encourage soon-to-be moms and dads to choose their child's name wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they want to see their child become.

My grandson, that just graduated high school, is named Barrett Wuerch (Wuerch is a German name, coming from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "bear strength". We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I thought it would be fitting at this very significant time, to find out just what the significance of "Bear" means. I wasn't surprised when I saw the meaning, and so thankful we see him with these qualities now, and in the future. I was also drawn to a bear family figurine to give him as one of his graduation gifts from Nana -- to go with the words. Yes, our family makes celebrations of each other a "big deal". We are "big deals" to God, and that's what matters most. The fact is.....He knew us when we were still in our mother's womb.....and He set us apart....to be difference makers in our world. I just know that's what our "Bear" is going to do!

The Bear represents:
Strength, Might, Honor, Confidence, Wisdom, Bravery, Protection, and Love.
A bear is a strong animal with great parenting instincts. In Native American culture, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind, standing against adversity; taking action and leadership.

Bear sure sounds like a WINNER to me!Names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us just to know each other. Names are a gift from God, and they contain His power. Remember Abraham (father of many nations)? And yes, that's who he became. Every time God, and others, spoke his name, they were adding to the potential of His name. He DID become father of many nations.

We realized that, when we chose Ryan as our son's name -- it means "little king", and our daughter's name, Staci, means "resurrection life", and indeed we have watched how the names we chose, have "marked" their character and destiny. I encourage soon-to-be moms and dads to choose their child's name wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they want to see their child become.

My grandson, that just graduated high school, is named Barrett Wuerch (Wuerch is a German name, coming from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "bear strength". We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I thought it would be fitting at this very significant time, to find out just what the significance of "Bear" means. I wasn't surprised when I saw the meaning, and so thankful we see him with these qualities now, and in the future. I was also drawn to a bear family figurine to give him as one of his graduation gifts from Nana -- to go with the words. Yes, our family makes celebrations of each other a "big deal". We are "big deals" to God, and that's what matters most. The fact is.....He knew us when we were still in our mother's womb.....and He set us apart....to be difference makers in our world. I just know that's what our "Bear" is going to do!

The Bear represents:
Strength, Might, Honor, Confidence, Wisdom, Bravery, Protection, and Love.
A bear is a strong animal with great parenting instincts. In Native American culture, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind, standing against adversity; taking action and leadership.

Bear sure sounds like a WINNER to me!