Happy Mother’s Day to the Sisterhood!

And that is YOU even if you’ve never borne down in the battle cry of birth or not! Of course, I honor my own precious mother today because if it weren’t for her – I wouldn’t be and neither would these children and grandchildren of mine. The best of me came from her. I thank God for that precious saint that I’ll throw my arms around one day and thank her again and again for giving me -- ME!

I believe that all of us are called to mother another – whether we call it mothering or not. We mother because we’re called to it. We are the ones who reach out to a struggling sister, child, college student, teenager, grandmother or couple. We mother the one who shows up at our doorstep to hear a positive word that she can make it one more day of home-schooling her children. We mother whether we’re married or not, and have a slew of kids or not.

We mother because we can’t not mother. We can't help ourselves, because there is a friend who has been hurt and needs a soft, safe place to land. We mother because we’ve watched our mothers make TLC soup for the sick. We mother because the older woman at the mall locked her keys in her car and we call for help for her and we wait and encourage her until help comes (true story). Because, we mother.

We love with genuine affection in our hearts. We delight in honoring each other. We give ourselves away — little bits and pieces of who we are, of our courage, of our deep faith, of our hope and peace. We bear down and we find ways to bring life to people desperate for air. Because it’s what we do – we mother.

Every single woman who loves, sacrifices, encourages, tends, cares, raises, praises, shapes, forms, nurtures, and cheers on others, no matter how you came to be connected with them, is doing an amazing, mothering work. And today -- as we celebrate our earthly (or heavenly) mothers, we celebrate you, too.

I honor you, believe in you and champion you! Happy Mother’s Day to my Sisterhood! Thank you for all you are and all you do!

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:10)

The Year We Came Together

If there’s anything we learned from it all -- it’s we’ll never take a handshake, a hug or a kiss for granted again. (That's why I can't help but kiss and hug you so much!)To my future grandchildren and great grandchildren:
WOW! What a year 2020 was! Before the BIG “C-Virus”, our world was so divided. There were literal wars and political wars beyond belief. So many people were selfish and talked so bad to and about each other. The heroes before the C-virus were the highly paid professional athletes, musicians, recording artists, politicians and movie stars. While in the quarantine of the C-virus, the true heroes became those in the medical field and grocery store shelf stockers and moms and dads teaching their kids at home and those who were near-poverty because their store or business was shut down. Can you even imagine this? Grocery store refrigerators and shelves were empty. We had to stand in line to get toilet paper and paper towels. There were no professional, college or high school sports games played. No March Madness – well, there was madness, but not with basketball. Businesses – big and small were either closed altogether or their employees were working from home. Food establishments stopped indoor dining and only provided drive-thru meals. We quickly ran in and out of grocery stores in a hurry. People even wore gloves and masks. When they got home, they took off the clothes they wore and washed them right away. Our churches were closed. Online worshipping was the norm. “Social distancing” was the main theme. We had to stay away from closeness in public. Online connectedness was the best way to stay close to each other.

But, that C-Virus did something to us and for us. It brought us together as families and friends. Technology helped with that because we couldn’t go to each other’s homes. We were connected by the internet. Thank God for the internet. Thank God for our phones. Thank God for a wise President who led our Country to wholeness again. Now, there’s a vaccine that stops the spread of the virus and a vaccine that we can take to keep us from ever getting it. Once again, we are free to go about our lives and businesses and friendships.

We’ll never take full shelves and refrigerators at the grocery stores for granted. We’ll never take for granted: a crowded theater, going to church, the taste of communion, a routine check-up, the school rush each morning, the stadiums roaring, taking each breath deeply, the reasons for washing our hands many times a day.

And, my precious grandchild and great grandchild, just look at us now. We have so much to be grateful for. Like in the story of Joseph in the Bible -- "What the enemy meant for evil, God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20. That’s how we came out of our C-Virus nightmare. God turned all of the chaos into so much beauty because we became more like the people we wanted to be, called to be, hoped to be and just look at us now. We are so much better because of the worst. God brought neighbors back together again. Our family units were restored. We ate together as a family. We slowed down our lives and appreciated what mattered most. Most of all, we learned that it is God who changed everything for us. We humbled ourselves, we turned from our wicked ways and we surrendered to His will and His ways. We trusted Him more than our money and our material possessions. We prayed. We cried out to Him and He heard our prayers and He healed our lands and our people. I'm so thankful I went through that experience so that I can tell you that living for Jesus, loving Him with all my heart and trusting Him kept me strong enough to tell you about it.
I love you so, so much, my beloved grands!
Nana

Living Like There’s No Tomorrow

I know that’s easy for me to say. I’ve long passed raising a family, working a full-time job and lots of other responsibilities. But having the grands with me has sure reminded me of what it takes to feed, nurture, wash their clothes, plan their days and activities, and keep them busy enough to not be glued to their phones social media and gaming. It’s a work-out and I feel you, moms and dads. I once was there right with you. Well, maybe not with the cell phone activities, but I did know it was a work out to keep them entertained. I don’t ever hear: “I’m so bored” these days, like I heard when raising my children. There are so many options when traveling or just waiting for us.

Still, as long as I have these grandchildren with me, I’m “living like there’s no tomorrow”! Making memories, being silly, playing games, eating at their favorite restaurants, cooking their favorite meals, etc. I’ll admit I’m running out of options so those phones come in handy when I’m writing my next day’s blog.

The boys wanted me to see the new Spiderman and so we went on Saturday. Confession: I’m a Spiderman fan. I like his youth and innocence, his courage and the fact that a youth is the superhero. Spoiler Alert – if you haven’t seen it yet (and, believe me, it’s worth seeing)! Spider Man and his high school buddies do some major globe-hopping. They make it to Venice and I recall the precious memory of my husband and I celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary there. Riding in a gondola (like Spiderman and his buddies), we called home to our children. Another scene was in Berlin and a flashback came of us with our backpacks traveling via ferry, taxi on the autobahn, and the train and into Berlin (one of our rare “flying by the seat of our pants” adventure). Another scene was in Holland and I recalled to the boys that I was there with my friends at the Tulip Festival.

I titled this blog “Living Like There is No Tomorrow” and I realize that I/we have done that – in the meager times when we’d go camping in tents, roasting marshmallows and fishing with our young children to make memories and moments count. The trip to Sweden, Denmark and Germany came as a result of my husband winning an 8-day all-expense-paid trip – a true blessing from God and my husband’s winning putt at an LPGA tournament contest. We lived like there was no tomorrow by being willing to back-pack to places we had never been before and my trip to Holland was an adventure with friends.

Having this precious time with my grandchildren is a change from my normal and comfortable routine, but living like there is no tomorrow means making every minute count in this day. I’m doing that today. We are heading back to Austin to spend several days celebrating my son’s birthday. We will laugh, eat, reminisce and celebrate his life. We’ll live and celebrate like there is no tomorrow. That's just the way our family rolls.

My encouragement to you is to join me in living like there is no tomorrow. Maybe, not so much with the need to travel to distant locations, but to live with no regrets. Live now like there is no tomorrow. Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?” explains that we have no guarantee of tomorrow because we don't know when it’s time for us to leave earth. We are famous for postponing things where we shouldn't. Our schedules may be busy, but making time for things and people that matter – in the light of eternity.

Today’s blog motive is an encouragement to us to live everyday like there's no tomorrow. Tomorrow just may not come – it didn’t for my sweet grandfather who went to bed beside his beloved wife and never woke up. It didn’t for those in the Twin Towers on 9/11 who went to their routine job and never saw another day. Don’t postpone anything, do it now. Don’t stress over little or big things – like my guest bathroom toilet overflowing yesterday. Breathe, get the plunger, clean up the mess... and let it go. Choose love over anger and hate. Spend time with God – getting right with Him – settling once and for all “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Since God is in control, and we’re not – we can make choices to be happy, to smile, laugh, use wisdom when we speak, and answer with love. Living this day and every day like there is no tomorrow.

Just Taking it All In with a Let-it-Go Frame-of-Mind

I’m an “all in” kind-of-gal. I’ll admit that being all-in is easy when it comes to savoring the moments with my grandchildren. Sweet one-on-one time with my grown-up ones -- Braden and his wife, Ruth, and Barrett, while I was in Austin doing animal care. Braden and Ruth are still "honeymooning" after nearly three years of marriage. Maybe 2020 will be the year for a great grand-baby; at least that’s what a little bird told me! I’m not holding my breath, but, after seeing “The Lion King”, yesterday with the four younger grands, I started getting excited about the potential of the “circle of life” continuing in our family.

I’m an “all in” kind-of-gal. I’ll admit that being all-in is easy when it comes to savoring the moments with my grandchildren. Sweet one-on-one time with my grown-up ones -- Braden and his wife, Ruth, and Barrett, while I was in Austin doing animal care. Braden and Ruth are still "honeymooning" after nearly three years of marriage. Maybe 2020 will be the year for a great grand-baby; at least that’s what a little bird told me! I’m not holding my breath, but, after seeing “Lion King” with the four younger grands, I started getting excited about the potential of the “circle of life” continuing in our family.

When trying to decide “What should we do today?” and the suggestion of Chuck-E-Cheese came up – we were all in…. again! (Yes, this crew STILL wants to hang out there) – so funny to see them all so determined to chalk up more tickets than ever before – final count after pizza and two hours of play: 3,150! The next day they chose Ninja Nation – an American Ninja Warrior-like facility where obstacle courses give kids and adults body challenging action. Only problem was the blisters on their softy hands from hanging on bars and other obstacles. The new "Lion King" movie gave us all great feel-good feelings. The story line is similar to the original animated version, but the computer-generated life-like characters, music and current one-liners made for such a great afternoon.

In between all the go-to activities is always Nana’s standby oldie but goodie, Nintendo 64 – Mario Party, and other games that make me laugh, considering the current high-tech versions of video games on their phones and theater screens at home. A bocce championship on the courts in my community made for hilarious competition: Bryson and I on one team and Payton and Brennan on the other. Bryson and I, calmly accepting or not getting another “closest to the palino” score, while the other two highly-competitive guys throwing themselves on the ground in defeat or chest-bumping each other in the win. We had to have a play-off for the championship game and Bryson and I, gracefully, congratulated the winners in all their glory!

Maybe you’re still in the parenting mode, but, before long (Trust me…..the time flies!), grand-parenting will become a part of your world, and in that case, my PRO-Nana recommendation is to get intimately involved in their lives. Moms and dads are no doubt the greatest influencers, but grandparents can come in a close second. My husband and I teamed up for the first many years of the older kids’ lives. The youngest two only get me – so I have to step it up and be all in for both of us now. It isn’t a hard task. It’s a circle-of-life pleasure for me.

We always wanted our grandchildren to know that we pray for them, stand ready to be there for them, and to support them as best we could. I'm, by no means, wanting to be dishing out a guilt trip to anyone that doesn't have that "bent", but I assure you, there is nothing to compare to that precious love and hearing: "Nana, I love you so much! Am I your favorite?” And my reply, “Yes, you’re my favorite Payton! Alexia! Bryson! Brennan!” Along with this over-the-top, care-free spirit of this grandmother, is a brilliant one who knows…I love them too much to compare them or to even want them to be alike in any way. Just like God, I love them with the love of a devoted, grateful, and indescribable love that only grandparents AND God understands.

"The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent." -- Sam Levenson

Slow Down and Listen to the Frogs

My inspiration for today’s blog came from a friend’s FB post. These were her words that captioned this precious photo so beautifully: “When I’m really trying to get a workout in (aka, not stopping every 2 minutes), I’m reminded to slow down when my daughter wants to listen to the frogs. I know one day she won’t ask to go with me, so for today, I’ll slow down and listen to frogs.” I thought, “This is the stuff that brings us to a place of gratitude and embracing the gift of this moment in this day!”

How’s that for a wake-up call? How’s that for conceding to cherishing the most precious moments that will never pass our way again? This sweet mama understands how important it is to slow down and “smell the roses” AND “listen to the frogs”.

Then, yesterday, I had my own “stopping to smell the roses” moments when my two Frisco grandchildren (ages 17 & 18) called me for a date night to see the new Dumbo movie with them. I was on a mission to getting off some important emails, making some necessary calls about an upcoming event and finish working on a script for a play I'm writing, but I was reminded to slow down to watch a flying elephant!

As I began typing this blog, my thoughts turned to how Mary, the Mother of our Lord, must have slowed down to prioritize her time with her boy! She was probably overcome with the responsibility of raising this boy. After all, he was no ordinary boy. He was the Son of God. No doubt, she poured time into him while being a devoted wife to her husband and his carpentry business, but I like to think that she savored the moments when her boy was a little guy, too! Remembering how He played in the water when she heard Him saying “I am the water that when you drink of it, you will never be thirsty again.” She watched Him playing with His friends and when one of His pals fell, I'm sure she noticed Him lovingly care for him. I'm sure she lived in the moments when she saw Him caring for and playing with animals. Can you imagine that she was thinking “He created them”?

That’s why, when my grandchildren take me by the hand and say “Nana, let’s go…….” that I rarely put them off. This Frisco grandson is presently writing a book and starting up a new business. He often comes to my home for serenity. I love that. He acknowledges my “peace zone”! He understands how inspiration and being present in the moments happen here. I love to imagine that he’ll remember that he received inspiration at Nana’s home one day – long after I’m gone.

I started out speaking about a young mom who is keeping her priorities in order. I’m desiring to keep mine in order too! Watching for God’s favors and signs along the way! Knowing when I recognize Him in my children, my grandchildren, and the frogs and flowers along the way, there will be plenty of time for making up the time on everything else!

I'm in My Happy Place

Just look at those smiles! Those are my grandchildren who all live here in Austin, their new "happy place", after having been strung out from Georgia to Seattle. What an amazing turn of events. I can’t begin to express the joy of their dad and mom, Ryan and Shawntel, having their boys (and our Ruthie, Braden’s wife) close to them. When I arrived on Friday, everyone was here at the Wuerch’s for dinner – laughing, sharing, contributing advice, offering genuine understanding to each other and such sincerely respecting each other. It is a "happy place".

After going to church together (sweetest “happy place”) yesterday morning, we went out for lunch and then back home for “my” famous chocolate cake. It was once called “Granny’s cake”, but now it’s been renamed “Nana’s cake”. I finally mastered the recipe. Lord, have mercy – it took me long enough. I could never get the icing to the hard fudge icing. But practice makes perfect – I did it!

My son is in his “happy place”. I witnessed it when I heard his big boys seeking his wise counsel. I witnessed it when the boys acted on that counsel. I love the relationship of Shawntel and Ruthie – finally, another girl to add to the mix of all that testosterone!! Such a happy place!

I share these personal highlights today to emphasize “happy place”. Do these family members agree on everything? NOT! Do they have the same likes and dislikes when it comes to food or movies or games or sports events? NOT! But they all agree they are in a “happy place” when it comes to celebrating each other and their achievements. They agree that they are here for each other – no matter what!

We all want to be happy and have places of happiness, but sometimes trying to find happiness can be a challenge. Often times we search for it in all the wrong places or ways, when the answer is much simpler. The places, the people, the sweet times can represent being in a happy place, but far more important is wherever we are and whoever we are with, shouldn’t determine our “happy place”. Psalm 144:15 says "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord." And, Psalm 119:1,2 says “Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the LORD’s teachings. Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey Him with their whole heart.” Our “happy place” is wherever we are when our WHOEVER is God and we listen and heed His wise counsel.
Welcome to MY "happy place".

Growing Older is Fun, as Long as You Do It With the Right People

This is my dear friend, Jo Silvey Our birthdays are just a couple of weeks apart so we celebrated and "caught up" yesterday.
Jo has been our family's hair stylist for years along with the many other attributes she has that has blessed our family for a very long time. She drove to Tulsa from Frisco to give my Sweetheart his last haircut on this earth. She opened her home to my kids when they moved to Frisco while waiting to move into their new home. She continues to have a full schedule of clients who come to her home for their hair appointments. We have "widowhood" in common and we are living audaciously in this season of our lives.

We talked about our husbands and the trying times during their illnesses -- hers was lengthier than mine, but she persevered with relentless determination -- caring for him while carrying on her very successful hair salon business.

We talked about this Road of Life being unpredictable despite our most careful planning. Our best-laid plans in life were upended by unexpected changes, which were both challenging and exhilarating. We've come to realize that setbacks, losses of loved ones, illnesses or accidents, broken hearts or troubled souls, are not uncommon occurrences in our lives. On the other hand, at another turn in the road, we have found unanticipated blessings and exciting experiences.

Going through life, we've both confronted setbacks and losses and that's when we heard clichés abounding from others. We're advised to “Ride the waves, get on the roller coaster and enjoy the ride, and roll with the punches,” etc. And though we've complied with all that advice, we are still sensitive and emotional beings, not robots. We've shed tears and wondered if we could make it to the end. And, based on the faith and determination that she and I both have -- no doubt we'll not only make it to the end, but we'll be riding that wave in and yelling "What a ride!"

We know what it is to gather our thoughts, remind ourselves how strong we are and we do overcome. We've both come to appreciate so much good in our lives. She recently took her granddaughter for a graduation trip to Colorado. I just returned from a trip to Austin to see and make momentous times with my grandchildren and returned to make even more memories with these Frisco grandchildren.

We talked "girl talk" -- what we're doing to maintain and sustain good health and fitness habits. That's typical for women of our age. But, most of all we talked about the blessings of God and the "fun" we have celebrated, along with the joy of having the Lord as our companion as we travel on down the Road of Life. He makes the journey fun and He fills our days with sunshine, even on cloudy days.

I’m happy to report that Jo and I both feel that with each passing year, the ordinary feels more extraordinary, simple kindnesses matter more, time with family and cherished loved ones becomes increasingly precious, and life’s small enrichments bring greater contentment to our hearts than any material riches ever could. Now that's what I call FUN!

Psalm 91:16 "With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

These Moments Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It is isn't the money in my wallet or the car I drive or home I live in. It isn't the TV show that made me laugh or the movie I saw that inspired me. Nothing can compare with the priceless gratitude moments that represent my favorite things.

I was thrilled to have my children and grandchildren (except for my "big" grands, Braden, Ruth (who had to work) and Barrett who couldn't make it here, to my home for our traditional Thanksgiving meal and time together. I was never in a panic mode, but, thanks be to God, I was relaxed, steady, motivated and excited to prepare the "grand" meal for those I love so much. It brought so much joy to my heart for us to sit around the table and talk about all the many blessings in our lives. Indeed, these moments are a few of my favorite things.

Ryan and Shawntel stay at my home, and their boys stay at the Wallace’s home so that the cousins can hang together. I love their love for each other, though Payton, age 17 and Alexia, age 16, are the older cousins of Brennan, age 13, and Bryson, age 11. Payton plays with them like he was their age and Alexia is like a little mother to Bryson -- cuddling and loving on him. Yes, this is another of my favorite things.

Yesterday morning, Ryan, Shawntel and I sat at my dining room table – enjoying our delicious breakfast burritos that dear Neicey made for us. I realized I was sitting in a different chair than I typically sit in. I usually face my living area but, this day I sat in the opposite chair and I saw a red berry bush outside my window that I never realized was a "red berry" bush. I had a new perspective and a new little “Thank you, God!” moment. Those moments are a few of my favorite things.

The two sets of parents had their private time together. I love seeing my grown children relating and encouraging each other in such peace and harmony. This is another one of my favorite things. I took the grandchildren up to the pickle ball and bocce ball courts where they played for hours. We came back to my house and they wanted “Nana’s sippy cups (Yes, I still have the sippy cups from their younger years that they still want to drink chocolate milk out of). Alexia and Bryson wanted me to pull out my Lincoln Logs (Yes, I still keep a few of their favorite “Nana and Papa” toys). Years ago, when they were all so small, Papa insisted on getting Lincoln Logs for the grandkids that stayed at our home. He handcrafted a thin board that he painted roads and rivers on for the set up of the logs. Those memories and these moments are among my favorites things.

I’m sure you’ve read enough of my "favorite things" moments, and I think you "get my drift". We live in such motion and speed. We get up early and go to bed late and have no time to savor "the moments". Do we want our epitaph to read "She/He was always on the go -- but she/he went nowhere!" When we are clear on what matters most in our lives, life will become so meaningful and joyful. What matters most is God's sweet moments -- those heaven to earth moments.

A lot of folks talk about wanting an “experience” as if it's going to come in the future. Yet what could be a more beautiful experience than THIS moment, right now? Though their Mom and Dad had to go home yesterday, the two boys talked their Mom and Dad into letting them stay over in Frisco until Sunday night, because Ryan’s associate, who lives in Southlake (a community just miles from here) is heading to Austin and can take them home. These are all "sweet surprise" moments that represent my favorite things.

This moment right now is beautiful and marvelous, and I’m in full appreciation of it. Who knows what the next moment will bring? Who cares? I’m here now having a glorious experience in this precious moment. Indeed these moments ARE among MY FAVORITE THINGS.

Treasure Your Treasures

Still here in Austin, I was able to celebrate my youngest grandson’s 11th birthday. His birthday isn't until November 17th, but they’ll be out of the country on that date – so Nana must do what Nana always does. I threw my Bryson a birthday celebration last night, complete with the fam’s favorite – Waikiki Meatballs, followed by Nana’s chocolate cake (I have to give credit where credit is due – it’s Great Granny’s recipe), and then the Pièce De Résistance – Nana’s family tradition for years – the Birthday Treasure Hunt.

My grandmother's claim-to-fame, in my books, is that she introduced me to my future husband when we were just 13 and 12 years old. Her words were "Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you". My reply was "Tell him I like him, too!" From that point forward, we were destined to be together forever. I loved my grandparents and they loved me so much -- their prayers for me are still working. As precious as they were in my eyes as a young child, I never knew that "hands on" grand-parenting, like my grandchildren do. I didn't even realize I didn't have it, until years later when I became a grandparent. When our grand-parenting time came, we knew we wanted an "up close and personal" relationship with our grandchildren. So from the get-go, we set out to be those doting, over-the-top, in love in words and deeds, grandparents. Way before our first grandson was born, I had a "Hope Chest" of toys, puzzles and books.....that would stay at Papa & Nana's house. In fact, to this day, I still have the old Nintendo 64 controllers and games. I still have their favorite book "Barbapapa" and I still have the Lincoln Logs and Legos. They all know they'll find those "treasures" at Nana's house! Maybe I’ll soon have great grandchildren and they’ll have their own “Romper Room” at Nana’s. No pressure -- Braden & Ruth! LOL!

Treasure Hunts have always been a part of our grandchildren’s lives. It was my way of spicing up the Nana & Papa fun. It’s a work out to get the rhyming clues together then hiding them at specific locations, then it’s the birthday boy or girl running to all the locations for the next clue until it concludes with the grand finale gift found. I love making these memories.

Since Bryson is home-schooled, I had to get up early yesterday morning to make the cake, before he woke up. But I knew the wonderful aroma would be lingering, so I had to hide the cooked cake, by quickly baking cinnamon rolls that hid the cake aroma. Talk about secret tactical operations!!!

I had to stay up late putting the clues together the night before as well as wrap his birthday finale gift, and then when Bryson was at his golf lesson in the afternoon, I hid all my clues, and decorated the kitchen table area (our usual birthday location) with birthday balloons and décor. Oh, how I love this sweet season of grand-parenting. I’m making memories that will outlive me and I know they’ll be carried on to my grandkids’, grandkids. I’m leaving fingerprints and footprints.

Maybe you’re still in the parenting mode – but, before long (Trust me…..the time flies!), grand-parenting will become a part of your world, and in that case, my “professional grandmother” recommendation to you is to get intimately involved in their lives. While moms and dads are no doubt the greatest influencers, grandparents can come in a close second.

We always wanted our grandchildren to know that we pray for them, stand ready to be there for them, and to support them as best we could, given there are miles that may separate us. I'm, by no means, wanting to be dishing out a guilt trip to anyone that doesn't have that "bent", but I assure you, there is nothing to compare with that precious love. There is nothing sweeter on this earth than to hear "Nana, I love you so much!"

They Opened Their Mouths With Wisdom

Happy Mother's Day to ALL my girl friends and sisters, and that includes all women who have been gifted with that "maternal instinct" of nurturing and caring for others. It’s true what they say about women — “we are life givers”. Mothering is the thing all women do, with the small and big kids under our care or it may be the kids at our church or the neighbor boys and girls up the street. It may be the paper boy, our students, our grandchildren and our nieces and nephews.

I've been blessed with my own precious children, but I'm also called "Mom" by many others who have given me the opportunity to mother them as well. Nothing is so dear as seeing the results of a hug or a word I shared with someone who needed it.

I'm proof positive that we survive every challenge and every situation..... and believe me.....there were many to overcome, but God's grace equipped me for conquering. I left home when I married my husband at such a young age of 17, so there were sure a lot of things I still needed my mother for. Besides washing clothes and cooking tips, I remember the time I wanted to run "back home" to her because of what seemed to be the biggest "spat" EVER with my husband. I'm so glad she wouldn't let me. She reminded me that I HAD left "home", and my new home was with the man I loved and "this little spat would pass". It did. I still needed my Mama's wisdom and instruction. Then, just one year later, I gave birth to our son and I found myself in this same spot several times: the times he got sick (AND, the times I got sick), the times when, as a couple, we hit a rough patch and life seemed so out of control, the times when I needed her voice to comfort me. In God’s sovereign plan for motherhood, He gave me a mother that was my mentor, my best friend and my confidant. And, not only did He give me my mother, but He gave me the dearest mother-in-law EVER (those two women are pictured here on Mother's Day, 2002). God also gave me other older women in age and in faith (and continues to do so) that have come alongside and loved me “like a mother.”

After all these many seasons of my life, watching and learning from my resilient, strong, and determined Mom during the time of my daddy's long illness, and then as a single mom after he graduated to heaven, to my own learning to be a Mom to my children and to other young women, I can assure you that God has special plans for women. He gave us life to give life to others. God's plans for us ensure that we are "mothered" and that we "mother". We don’t have to bear children to mother those who need a loving hug, an encouraging word, a kick in their royal bootie that gets them out of their doldrums, or to pray with them that they overcome and conquer.

On this Mother's Day, I'm so very thankful for my angel mom (on the right, Edna Pearl Wheat -- she's in heaven's grandstands cheering me on), and my dear mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still going strong at age 94) -- two women that have been such amazing role models in faith and life, to me! Most importantly, these two "best friends" prayed together, strategized and conspired for our "match made on earth and in heaven". We definitely had an "arranged" marriage -- one that was arranged by these two, and arranged by God. I honor both of these two Godly women who knew God's plans long before we did. Their wisdom ran deep in their lives and in mine. My deepest thanksgiving to God for His handiwork through them!

And, I am so thankful for these two precious girls that God blessed me with -- my Staci Wallace and my Shawntel Wuerch. I have such respect for them as incredible Moms who diligently pour themselves into their kids -- leading by example -- in word AND deed. The greatest gifts they gave to me are my precious grandchildren who call me "Nana"! AND, I'm so grateful to be Mom to these two amazing men, Ryan Wuerch and Larry Wallace that also call me "Mom" and who fill me with so much joy as they celebrate their beautiful wives and my precious grandkids each and every day.

I honor all the beautiful and selfless ladies that "mother" those around them with God's love that is unconditional, kind, tender-hearted, caring and loving. Let's emember who we are and who God called us to be! May God’s grace, peace, and love surround you this Mother's Day, making you feel as special -- and exceptional -- as you truly are.

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

My 2017 Nana Resolutions

Of all the joys in my life, my sweet six grandkids are right at the top! This season of my life is providing even more opportunities to bond and relish in the treasures that they are to me.

Since my home sold in Tulsa last September, I've known God's nudges for this new season of life and my grandkids have had my attention more than ever. My oldest grandson, 24 year old Braden, married the love of his life, Ruth, on October 1st, after graduating from firefighter and paramedic training, and Ruth graduating from ICIU neonatal school. They purchased their first home and now are settled in their careers in Georgia. They just had their 6th anniversary of their first date. I love that they found their true loves and that God gave me another granddaughter in Ruth. She is the answer to my prayers and dream-come-true for Braden AND me!

Barrett (aka Bear), age 21, my #2 grandson, who I adore, is in his 2nd year of Interns at City Church in Kirkland, Washington. He blesses me so much with his easy-going style and he told me on this trip, “Nana, the more in love with Jesus that I become, the more I am at peace with my life today and what He has for my future.” I’m so glad he was with the two younger brothers and I during this week of Christmas to New Year’s. We’ve had so many good talks and I've heard him give such wise and tender words to his two little brothers.

Payton, age 16, is so very special to me because he has carried on so many of his Papa’s loves – fishing, hunting, piano playing. I believe he often plays the piano with Papa in mind which, of course, draws me into his heart. He’ll often say things like “I remember when Papa…..or ask “Nana, did Papa ever….?” Several years ago, Payton chose to be home schooled. He wasn’t the typical athletic jock as sports held little interest for him, but being home schooled, he has been afforded the opportunity to volunteer countless hours at his church where he plays the piano for the youth and carries a church master key and is a servant leader in the stage crew and music departments.

My beautiful 15-year old Alexia (aka Lexi) was my first, and only granddaughter until Braden married Ruth. She has been such a bright spot in my life. She is girly as can be, has the most hilarious sense of humor, has her own style, and she, too, chose to be home schooled. Since birth, Alexia has been a free spirit which gives her the ability to be her own girl. She has so many artistic abilities, sings beautifully and is on her youth group’s worship team. I love her sense of humor and perfect timing of comic relief! She keeps us in stitches!

Brennan is my charming and complimentary (knows what to say to make this Nana blush) 12 year-old athlete. He is an outstanding, all-around baseball player, playing on select teams. He is the one closest to his daddy’s personality and keen awareness for business. I suspect he will follow in his dad's footsteps as an entrepreneur. He does a great job creating movies on his iPhone and just recently I was with him when he finished a school project that required a lot of computer graphic skills in creating a cereal box cover. It was no surprise that he won first place.

I’m savoring every moment I can with youngest, 10-year old, Bryson, who still loves sitting in my lap and letting me cuddle him. He loves being home schooled and has excelled because of the individual attention he has received from his “hot” (his words) for his mom, teacher and principal. His love for animals and their love for him is such a gift. He is passionate about his goats, horse, donkey, and his dog, Bentley, providing their daily care, without having to remind him. He is such a sweet boy and that sweet smile and heart melts my heart! He’s also a great golfer. That’s his game and getting better at it all the time.

If you’ve never stopped by my FB page or my blog at LivingInThePeaceZone.blogspot.com, well, you’ve just met my seven grandchildren and why I adore each and everyone of them.

But this post today is not as much about them as it is about me, and the influencer I can be in this new year of 2017. I desire to continue to be the most awesome, positive, loving, encouraging and devoted Nana aka Grandmother that I can possibly be to those seven precious grandchildren. Hey, I’m a grandmother. I don’t have to be humble. Bragging is part of the rules of grandparenting! LOL!
But this post today is not as much about them as it is about me, and what I can be in this new year of 2017 in continuing to be the most awesome, positive, loving, encouraging and devoted Nana aka Grandmother that I could possibly be to those 7 precious grandchildren. Hey, I’m a grandmother. I don’t have to be humble. Bragging is part of the rules of being an awesome grandparent.

But this year, I’m making not just New Year’s Resolutions, but making 2017 Nana Resolutions. Though I try to live up to the lofty ideal set by Hallmark movies (I love that channel – I’m a romantic at heart) and those crafty grandmothers who make costumes and projects, I know that I will inevitably fall short of the mark. Nevertheless I will do my best to be my best at who God made me to be. Here are my 2017 Nana Resolutions:

#1. Worry less and pray more. I will give my concerns for my grandchildren to God. I will pray that He guides their steps and He opens their ears to hear His voice, and, ultimately, that they make choices based upon what they know is right. And when they don’t….to worry less and pray more, because if Holy Spirit can’t get through to them, who do I think I am that I can?

#2. Disconnect my mind from my mouth. I know this is key. Sure the grandparent brain is packed full of firsthand experience of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and we want to save our grandchildren (and their parents, for that matter) so much time and energy. But, I resolve to hold my mouth from unsolicited advice, opinions and/or judgments…..UNLESS, of course, I am asked to be an Advisor, then "Katie, bar the door, because I’m coming in, loaded for bear!!!"

#3. Give 100% focus and attention to my grandchildren when I’m in their presence. That means putting away my phone AND computer and look eye-to-eye in their sweet eyes and listen, full on, like they are the single most valuable and treasured, important persons in my world….AND THEY ARE!

#4. Be an example of showing them WHO my best friend is. Of course my best friend is Jesus. A best friend is someone we talk about a lot. We imitate our best friend. We tell stories about our best friend. I want my best friend to be their best friend so I'll continue to introduce Him, and share Him with them every chance I get. I'll teach them a lot about "What would Jesus do?"

I shared this with you today because I really do want to spare you from some of the mistakes I’ve made over the 24 years of being a grandparent. I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but by now, I’ve pretty well mastered the right things to do. Why is it so important? Because of all the jewels I could have around my neck, the arms of my grandkids are the most precious to me! I am embracing every moment that I can watch them in their own zones --- each of them individually and perfectly designed by their Master Designer. We're making memories, and Nana's counting her blessings. Of all the joys that life brings.....there is nothing sweeter, than being loved by little people and the big ones when they grow up!

Seed Time and Harvest Time

Yesterday morning, I was on the road again! Willie Nelson, thanks for the song to accompany my travels to here and there and back again. I made my way back to Frisco from Austin and what a joy it was to arrive just in time for the performances of my Wallace grandchildren (and their Mama) as they performed at the Createvations Showcase last night. Lots of practice and hard work merited outstanding performances. It was another sweet night of celebrating these kids AND recalling to how we got here.

Here comes another blast from the past. From a very early age, we knew our daughter had a God-given talent to sing. She was always known as the little girl with the big voice. But that little girl needed vocal training -- proper technique and breathing, stage presence and lots and lots of practice to mature the gift. Who knew better how to develop those giftings than her daddy who had likewise been given incredible vocal abilities. It didn't take long for him to realize that God's giftings in her required an investment of his time to help cultivate her talents. Soon, his goal was to pour himself into our girl. He knew his investment of time could have the potential of yielding a huge harvest. Seed time and harvest time.

They spent hours and hours of time in our basement in Canada..... practicing and practicing. Staci would often be in tears when her daddy said “Sing it again, but this time..........” Today, Staci would be the first to tell you how grateful she is for her Dad’s relentless persistence and diligence in training her.

The icing on the cake is that those often miserable times of rehearsals and practices (the seed time) resulted in the opening of many doors of opportunity. Her musical abilities have served her well (the harvest time).

My husband was also a gifted and talented pianist. I can't begin to tell you the joy he had when Payton, Staci's son, wanted to follow in Papa’s footprints….er....rather, Papa’s fingerprints on the piano keys. Since four years old, Payton has been honing his love for playing the piano. Last night, what a joy it was to see, for the first time, Staci singing, with her son, Payton – Papa’s protégé, accompanying her on the piano. Papa must have been leaning over the rails of heaven cheering them on.

I shared this with my FB family today to emphasize the importance of seed time and harvest – what we plant, will eventually yield a fruitful harvest if we don’t quit. I’m so grateful to be a part of the harvest today as I repetitively see the fruits of our labors in our children and grandchildren

I encourage you to consider the seeds you plant each day into those you influence -- your children and maybe you don’t have children, but you have friends, loved ones, and neighbors that you could be planting seeds of faith, hope, confidence, and encouragement into them. Not only does your influence represent seed time into their lives -- but just maybe, you’ll get to be there when their harvest comes in AND when you watch them plant seeds into others, too.

Earth to Heaven -- Heaven to Earth

Yesterday, I posted about my Sweetheart's debut into heaven on the 16th of November, 2010. But today, November 17th, it’s all about heaven-on-earth!! My sweet Bryson James Wuerch made his debut into earth 10 years ago today and what a blessing and special joy that boy is to us! He’s the youngest – number 6 in the chain of our grandchildren. God put “icing on the cake” when he came along.
He lights up the room when he walks in. He's hilarious -- without trying, and best of all for this Nana – he’s still my lovey, cuddly boy and I'll hang onto that as long as I can. He's a unique, one-of-a-kind ORIGINAL!

I’m so happy I’m here in Austin today for the big celebration that starts this morning at breakfast and when he gets in from school, we’ll have our annual birthday treasure hunt where he'll get clues I’ve made up for the special treasure he’ll eventually find. It only happens once a year and for years that's how I've rolled. Honestly, it's not the treasure or the gift that my grandchildren remember. It is the feeling of excitement that Nana stirs up. I make every effort to fill my grandchildren's love tanks. It takes a lot of energy to undertake such audacious activities, but it's so worth it. In the grand scheme of things, they'll remember how much they are extremely loved and how special they are to me.

While I'm celebrating my sweet boy's birthday today, I'm thinking about the most important thing we can do for others is to celebrate them and help them to know THEY MATTER. Why does it matter? Because it matters to our Creator. He specifically planned each of us individually and uniquely with the funny little quirky smile we might have, the color of our hair and eyes, the freckles on our nose. We are so special that His eyes are on us ALL the time. He knows everything about us. We're His special treasures......and He thinks about us ALL THE TIME....so shouldn't we think about others in a way that God uses our arms to hug them, our mouths to tell them how special and beautiful they are. After all, they're our sisters and our brothers in this royal family of God. I can't explain it in mere words, but God sure can! Just take a look at how He masterfully and lovingly planned us and created us! We are ALL so special to Him. I hope these words convince you of that!

Psalm 139:1-5; 13-18 "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away, you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book! How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!"