Our Hearts have Eyes

New land-scape and ocean-scape to take in this week. My Austin family and friends are in Port Aransas taking in everything beach and ocean for Brennan’s 16th birthday celebration. I was the first one up and at ‘em at 5 am to post my blog. Then I made my way to the beach to take in the magnificent beauty of the sun coming up over the ocean. It was a sight to behold. And, of all things God-given, I saw this cross. It was then I realized my heart must also have eyes because I sensed God’s presence and realized I want my heart’s eyes to see what He sees. I just need to open them up.

That reminded me of a song: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You.” I want to see Him more than in my family and nature, the skies, and the oceans. I want my heart’s eyes to open up to all His wonders and grace. That song makes sense as I read this scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will SEE God.” Matthew 5:8. That "pure in heart’ must be the prescription for 20/20 vision for seeing God! I want that vision!

A pure heart doesn’t mean we are perfect people. If our purest intention is to see God, we will. I’ve said it in so many of my blogs that while I can’t see the Lord’s physical form, I do see evidence of Him all around me. So, in that case, we should always be asking God to open our eyes to the many things in our life that speak to His presence. We can keep our eyes wide open as we look for evidence of God around us. It’s amazing: The more we recognize even the smallest things as gifts from God, the more we start to realize how present He is in our lives.

If what I’m saying seems too difficult to understand – the part about being able to SEE God, then maybe there is something dividing your heart and distracting you from seeing Him. That’s when we ask God to help us SEE. It may be that it’s a simple distraction of our technology gadgets or people who come between us and God in nature, in daily potential encounters when we have an awareness of Him. And, maybe, we need to look closer at the people around us -- just maybe we’ll see God in them as they help someone with food or clothing or encouraging words. The truth is – the more we purpose to place our focus on Him – in scripture, in people, in our daily activities, the more we'll see Him.

I love you, my precious friends. I believe with all my heart God isn’t trying to hide from us. He’s everywhere. He’s just waiting for us to open our eyes to Him.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...was blind but now I see!”

The Debut of Two Girls Into Our World

Day 255 of Photo Inspirations -- The Debut of Two Girls Into Our World
On this special day, I'm celebrating two of my girls.

It was actually September 15th when our son asked us to join him and Shawntel's family for a surprise birthday party for her at her home. Her birthday was September 16th, but the party needed to be on the 15th.  We had a wonderful time together celebrating this beautiful woman, but the party went to a whole new level, when Ryan got down on one knee and proposed to her.  We rejoiced when she said "YES"!    We knew God brought them together.   Three months later they were married.

Larry and Staci were absent from this celebration -- but they had a pretty good excuse.  Just after Ryan proposed, we got the call from Larry....."Staci's contractions are just minutes apart."  That meant we had to make a quick exit from this fabulous party.....to be at another fabulous "debut" party. Our little Alexia was coming into the family as well.  

We rushed to Dallas and though the doctors were telling Staci to "push", she refused to....."My Mom & Dad must be here!"    As we were running down the hallway of the hospital our precious little girl started coming.  We made it....but not a minute too soon!  

Our hearts were full -- our son was engaged to the "love of his life", and Larry and Staci brought another precious treasure to love into this world.  And to make it even more special, Ryan and Shawntel drove from Oklahoma to Texas to meet their new little niece on both girls' birth-days.  It was a joyous celebration!

So, today, September 16th, I get to celebrate two precious girls that have brought so much sunshine and joy to our family.  I can't begin to thank God enough for my Shawntel (aka Angel -- always has been to our family) who is the most devoted and loving wife to Ryan, and incredible mother to our boys.  She calls me Mom, which is one of the greatest privileges.  We're bonded.  We've shared so many blessings and though we're physically miles apart -- when we are back together again, it's as though we were never apart.  She's my girl and has always been.

And, then there's my hilarious, beautiful, talented, loving, one-and-only granddaughter, Alexia -- 14 years old today.  Where has 14 years gone?  It seems just a little while ago that we were rushing to meet her, and now she is becoming a young woman of destiny and purpose.  With 5 grandsons who are ALL about "guy" stuff....this precious girl gives me the bows, ruffles, shopping, girly-girl things that I love so much.

Happy Birthday, Shawntel Wuerch​ and Alexia Wallace​ -- my two September 16th GIFTS FROM GOD!