We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself

That was a line from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Inaugural Address in 1933. But are FDR's words true, especially when we hear about the coronavirus more each day? No question -- if we only thought, read, studied and listened to the news about it, we could seriously get ourselves into a world of fear.

I loved hanging with my #4 grandson (in order of ages), my #3 grandson and #1 granddaughter the last couple of days. #4, Brennan, from Austin, is here as his school is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, and next week is Spring break for him. Word has it that officials from his school are already talking about home-schooling. He loves that idea!

In the midst of the chaos, we are having intelligent family discussions about the pandemic. Most of the discussions are about “having no fear” because we have been inoculated with God’s Holy Word. Jesus said this in John 14: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; also, trust in Me.”

But how can we trust, if we really don’t know what the Bible says? It’s time to get to the equipping station to power up on God’s Word. Look at what Psalm 91:1-16 says:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you FROM DEADLY DISEASE. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the DISEASE that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; NO PLAGUE will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Those are words direct from Heaven Central. God ALWAYS presents reasons for us to TRUST in His sovereignty and power to keep us in peace when everything else in the world screams out for us to FEAR. Reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the "what if's" is a hard place to dwell.

I struggled with fear and worry for years -- so much so that I developed acute colitis. My amazing Christian doctor coached me to healing by giving me the prescription of taking God's Word into my heart and meditating on it, when anxiety would come up. And, I did. I learned to call on the Prince of Peace (Jesus) to give me peace. Through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down a spiral of fear, no longer had the same effect. I read words of life and truth like those above. I soaked them in, prayed them out loud, until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I had battled against.

Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish. Worry let go of its constant grip. God's words became "life" words, soothing to my soul, calming my spirit, giving power to my days. It wasn't always easy, and it often came down to a choice. Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control my life. Choosing to guard my heart. Choosing to focus my mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertainty.

We are living in times when we can rationalize that it’s okay to be afraid, but not according to God’s Word. When we feel out of control and not able to make sense of it all, we can rest assured that God is IN control and already has a plan for keeping us safe and sound. .If FEAR has you in its grip, I urge you to take the same prescription that Dr. Gregory gave me. Over and over again, as many times a day as you can -- take God's Word in, speak it, pray it, meditate on it and be healed.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

PEACE be with you!

My Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

I was awake in the night praying for my granddaughter. She was leaving on her first driving-trip alone to Austin yesterday morning. At 17 she's a great driver, but I send off a quick text message to her: “Looks like lots of rain this morning, sweet girl. Please, please be careful and cautious. Praying angels around you.” I go back to sleep and wake up thinking about her. I better text her and remind her that the Dallas traffic really picks up the later she leaves. (I drive these roads often so I know what lies ahead of her!) I better tell her to leave early before the traffic gets heavy! My text: “Good morning, precious girl. Are you close to heading out? I pray angels all around you, sweet girl. As you’re going down Dallas Tollway, don’t be like me switching lanes. Pick a lane and just stay in it. That’s the best way. Sorry, I’m being a Nana nag. But I love you so much I want you protected and safe. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to hearing all about it. I love you so so much!”

I call her a couple of hours later and find out she’s safely made it to Italy, Texas and past Carl’s Corner. All is well. What in the world is the matter with this doting Nana? Yes. I am. Proud of it. Each one of my grandchildren has had my special attention, but this girl of five boys, I’m smitten. I think the love dosage has increased of late as I’m seeing my girl blossom into a beautiful young woman who not only cracks me up with her wit but now true wisdom has kicked in on so many levels. I’m so proud of her as she just graduated from high school. And to celebrate, all she asked for was to spend last weekend at her Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shawntel’s home with the boys. (I missed out because I was in Tulsa for a reunion with friends.)

I realize I’m having to continue to untie my “Nana” apron strings with the older grands. After Alexia, came Brennan (14) and Bryson (12) so I have more letting go to do with them eventually, but for now I’ll continue to do what I do best. Love them, spend as much time with them as I can…..and pray for them.

It’s expected that a good Mom and Nana keeps her heart and eyes open for them – right? I’ve been on this life path for many years, going before them. I know my subtle “recommendations” to them are often overkill and unneeded, but it’s innate to want them safe and protected and I think it’s my job to ensure that happens. Oh me! Then, the best reality check comes to mind. It isn’t my frugal attempts to keep them safe that makes the difference – it is our all-sufficient and all-loving God Who is overabundant in grace and mercy to handle all that for me.

Reality check. No matter what path we (and our children) walk or drive down, God is one step ahead. No matter what mountain we (and our children) come up against, He is already climbing it. No matter what journey of uncertainty we (and our children) encounter, God is 100 steps further. He’s laying out our path and their path and preparing our steps.

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
‘The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf…” Deuteronomy 1:30

God is famous for caring and preparing us and our children for greater things. He walks ahead to fight our battles. He calms the storms we’re convinced we can’t beat. He softens the blows we worry will take us down. He knows our roads.

Here’s what I know: I worry less when I hand over the worry and concerns to He Who is the waymaker, provider, and caregiver – extraordinaire!

FYI – just got a text from her – “Just stopped at CFA (Chick-fil-A) in Waco! Got a yummy breakfast!” The girl works at CFA and still wants to eat there! No need to worry or fret! The girl’s got game……and chicken!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Yesterday, a precious woman at church commented: "I just love watching how much your granddaughter loves you and snuggles up to you during church. I sure hope my granddaughter loves me like that someday! She won't have anything to do with me now." Saddened for her, I asked, "How old is your granddaughter?" Her response: "18 months old". I smiled, hugged her and said, "Oh Girl, you have plenty of time to show her plenty of love that will pay you back in measureless proportions."

Before long that little granddaughter will start using her inbred child psychology on her grandmother. She'll learn the more she loves, the more her grandmother gives. Children can sure teach us something about psychology, especially for us grandparents. It's just hard to say "no" to their requests. In fact, I've said very few "no's" to mine. See this photo of my cutie. A few months ago I heard this: "Nana, you know that cute brown purse in your closet that you never use....." My quick reply was: "Yes, I know. Do you want it?" Of course, she did and I am elated that here we are, months later, and it's the only purse she carries.

Think about the psychology of this child who says these words to his dad: "Daddy, I love you so much. You are the best dad in the world. You have given me everything I need. You make me feel so safe when you are with me. I am never afraid. Thank you for my clothes and my food. Thank you for the times when you put me in time out because I disobeyed you. I really do want to please you and be better at obeying you. I feel your love with me all the time. I know you are always watching out for me."

That little paragraph was brought to you by Psalm 23 “The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. It is the picture of a child’s loving father. Wasn’t it so tender and uplifting? Can you fathom the love that a father has for his child that comes to him so raw, relevant and appreciative of his father’s love?

We are God's children and oh how much He longs for our love.
Back to that grandmother longing for her 18-month old to love her. There are so many ways we can bring joy to our Heavenly Father. I pick Alexia up on Sunday mornings to go to their church service. Her family goes early for praying and serving. That 30-minute drive is non-stop talking about this and that and sometimes I get to coach her on some things she might be dealing with. I always love our special times together.

In the same way, we can be driving in our car and acknowledge our Heavenly Father by simply saying “I sure love you, Father!” We may be in a world of conflict and worry is concerning us. We cry out “Daddy, please help me!” One of the ways I love to communicate with Him is meditating on scripture and putting it in the first person, like that first paragraph above.

For example, here’s how we might pray and praise with Psalm 23: “Thank you, Lord, for being my Shepherd. Thank you for making me lie down in green pastures. Thank you for leading me beside quiet waters. Thank you for restoring my soul. Thank you for guiding me in the paths of righteousness."

Meditating on Scripture (God's words to us) is a great way of “having a little talk with Jesus to make things right, or to simply give Father God a big old hug – loving Him for all He is, was and is to come. Snuggling up to Him and loving Him, I'm sure, causes Him to want to pour out the blessings on us even more!

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!"

The Debut of Two Girls Into Our World

On this special day, September 16th, 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 was on the 15th. We had a wonderful time together celebrating this beautiful woman (inside and out), 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 good excuse. Just after Ryan proposed, we received 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 drove lightning speed from Tulsa to Dallas and though the doctors were telling Staci to "push", she refused to....."My Mom and 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 my 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 will always be MY GIRL. I'm so thankful for her Mom and Dad's love that brought her to this world for all of us to love her.

And, then there's my hilarious, beautiful, talented, loving, granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, who celebrates her 16th birthday today. Where has 16 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 that loves God and loves to serve Him with all her heart.

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

Hammer on Pause to Live With No Regrets

Some of life's greatest lessons come from first hand experience. And those experiences teach us the "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did" moments. You know those "living WITH regrets" or "living with NO regrets". The latter on both of those statements is truly the best way to go. Believe me, I've known both. Those times we "miss it" are surely those times we learn from the most. Life is so short and making the most of everything we can when the opportunities arise, not only gives us sweet memories, but it makes for deepening our relationships with each other.

A couple of days ago I divulged my news on FB that my home sold in Tulsa and I'll be moving to Texas. "Hammer down" was the term I used for the non-stop mode of getting my home all packed up before the movers get there next Tuesday. With limited sleep and many hours a day of relentless crunching the "have to's", it would have been easy and understandable by my granddaughter, to miss being with her this year on her birthday. Nevertheless, my motto "Live With No Regrets" kept me grounded on what's most important.

My granddaughter's 15th birthday was yesterday. It is rare that I/we ever missed one of our grandchildren's birthdays. I've told how our family always makes a big deal of each other's birthdays. Alexia knew my moving schedule, so she didn't expect me, but how could I NOT be there to celebrate my girl when she's only 3-1/2 hours away? So, at 5:20 am, I hit the road. While driving, I called to wish her happy birthday and I told her how much I wish I were there for her and that we would make up for the time lost. That was just before I arrived at her home. She came out of the room, and all cameras were on her as she saw me. Oh, sweet surprise. Not being one that can usually be surprised, I surprised her and said, "I surprised you. I surprised you. I wouldn't miss my girl's birthday. Are you kidding me?"

That effort enabled me to be a part of a day of fun surprises and adventures. First we headed to our 5th year in a row, lunch at Neiman Marcus' Mariposa Restaurant for her favorite broth soup and popovers with strawberry butter. Then after a little shopping at Willow Bend, it was off to Grapevine Mall, where another surprise awaited Alexia. She was just 5 years old the last time she went to one of her favorite restaurants, Rainforest Cafe. She "remembered" being so scared as a little girl when the lightning and thunder would come and the animals would roar. This time she treasured those memories then and the memories made yesterday.

It was topped off by Larry, Payton and Will surprising her by meeting us there. Then it was home with a house filled with kids from her church's youth group to surprise her. Laughing, running, playing music,going to the park, watching movies, playing games -- all a part of celebrating life. Wonderful gifts from her friends: money, new shoes from Payton, tickets to the Carrie Underwood Concert next Tuesday night. The biggest surprises of all were Larry & Staci's gift of tickets to "Phantom of the Opera" -- a dream she's had for a long time, and Will's gift of the Phantom mask pendant/necklace. With this outpouring of life, I know Alexia felt loved and celebrated. And, I was here to see it all and be a part of yet another year of thanksgiving and appreciation. Now, I'm hitting the road back to Tulsa -- hammer down -- finishing up this elephant with memories that will last my lifetime!

And God Said, "Ta-da!"

When my granddaughter was little, she loved wearing princess dresses. Right from the start, she was introduced to princess-dom because her room and crib were all arrayed in princess décor. Even at our home, we had a frilly, girly room with all kinds of reminders of how special she was to us. After all, she was our only granddaughter, amongst five boys. So Alexia knew, right from the start, that she was special. Even today, we continue to remind her how beautiful, precious and special she is.

I thought about all that when I read an article by one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs. The article was entitled “And God Said, “Ta da!”

I love that. God made the earth. God made the stars, the moon, the oceans, the dry ground. He made man and woman. And the scripture that followed was “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). In essence, God said, “Ta da!” It’s like the dramatic entrance of royalty into the court when a servant announces “I present to you…..” God made the announcement “What I made is very good! Ta da! And THAT includes YOU!”

My post today is to remind all my friends that God says “Ta-da! I present (add your name here) and I call her/him very good!” Maybe you’re not feeling so “ta da-ish” today, but maybe you should. Psalm 149:4 says “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people.” You bring Him pleasure. Maybe you don’t feel so beautiful, but maybe you need to be looking at YOU through your Father’s eyes. He doesn’t simply accept you, forgive you or put up with you. He delights in you. Think about this “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:5

My grandson will be marrying his precious fiancé on October 1st. I can hardly wait to see the look in his eyes when she comes down the aisle. It will, no doubt be a “Ta-da!” moment. You better believe that he’ll be rejoicing over his bride…….but nothing can compare to the rejoicing that God has over us.

When God looks at you and me, He doesn’t evaluate us based on our family history, or how cute and spunky we are, or how popular we are. He doesn’t consider our education, our resume OR even our bank balance. What may impress others, doesn’t impress God. None of that changes how He values us. In fact, whether we behave well, or not, His love for us is unconditional. He doesn’t love us because we’re wealthy or smart or good. He loves us because we’re HIS! “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God” 1 John 3:1

I started this post out talking about my granddaughter and how she has grown up knowing how precious and special she is to us. Let me give YOU some good news. God says “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and precious and special – not just slightly attractive, but BEAUTIFUL. My mom used to say “Pretty is as pretty does.” I remember those words and they are true, but whether we are on our best behavior or not, God sees us BEAUTIFUL, because we look JUST LIKE OUR DAD. “God (Dad) created mankind in His own image.” Genesis 1:27. And that includes you AND me.

God doesn’t compare us to others. We are a unique work of His creation. And we are His definition of BEAUTIFUL. Isn’t it time we see ourselves as God sees us?

Maybe it’s time for us to stand in front of the mirror (this exercise may work better with clothes on – LOL!) and say it like we mean it…..”Ta-da!” And the ultimate “Ta-da” comes when we know that we know that our Father is holding his outstretched arms and announcing His daughter or son with the greatest pride and joy any Father could have “I see what I have made, and she/he is VERY GOOD!”

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!