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!

Love and Death are Delicately Intertwined

Along with me, my son, and three of my grandsons are in the kitchen and dining area, having great conversation and, of course, silliness abounds with the two younger ones. I speak: “Alexa, play Michael Buble”, and “I’m Going Home” starts to play. My son says “I love that song!” The next song is “You Don’t Know Me” and I grab the youngest grandson and we start to dance, then the 15-year-old cuts in and wants to show me his box step, but then, big 27-year-old brother (my first-born grandson) cuts in and draws me in close – really close. His cologne smells so good, and with his arms wrapped around me, my brain suddenly connects to my sweetheart’s cologne and feeling his arms around me ever so tight and us in a romantic couple’s dance. I start to cry – I mean really, really ugly cry and my grandson pulls me tighter to him and he brings his head in closer to mine. It was if I had time traveled and was again with my Sweetheart cheek-to-cheek, so in love, and showing it on the dance floor. I remember.

Though death pierces our hearts, I am consoled that we will dance again in heaven one day. What is abundantly clear to me is that, more than anything, I am deeply satisfied to have had the opportunity to know and love my husband for so many years. And, his absence makes my love for him even more real. I sent my grandson a text message thanking him for giving me that moment of remembrance which made me think: “I wish we had danced more”. I urged my grandson to dance more with his sweet wife. I think I took too much for granted when my sweetheart was alive. I urge my married friends: “Don’t do that! Don’t take your love for each other – for granted.”

And now, I segue to this day, Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent – the 40 days (46-days period with Sundays) that precede Resurrection Sunday. Remembering. As real as it felt for me to be dancing with my husband again and cherishing the memories we had is what it feels like during these 40 days. Yes, it’s about fasting and drawing closer to God, but, one of my personal favorites is “dancing” with my Savior. I mean placing myself in the moments of my Savior’s life – hearing scriptures that come alive, seeing Jesus as God and Man, reliving His touch to the many who were healed and restored, taking in the moments of awe and wonder as He was interrupted over and over again, but never said “No. I’m too busy” or “I’m too tired”.

I take in His great sacrifice as my Lord in heaven Who came to earth to show us what sacrifice and love is all about. I will spend the next 40 days dancing with Him daily – in my thoughts and actions. The effort and soul-searching is worth it. I will do my best to comprehend how beautiful and precious life truly is. Love is the picture of the whole. In life, we love. In death, we love. Whether we live or die, we forever belong to each other. My Lord and me. My husband and me. And, forever is a long, long time! Oh the delicately intertwined love of lovers.

His Heart Went Out to Her

I scroll through my FB timeline. I see a post that stops me in my tracks. It features a photo of a beautiful, toddler boy. His eyes of an angel draw me in. So does his name. Bryson. The same name as my youngest grandson. I read further. My heart aches. He has been diagnosed with a rare cancer. His life expectancy is no more than 2-1/2 years. Per the medical team. I take time with this one. I look up scriptures which promise God's faithfulness and His miracle-working power. I share them with the family.

I really do want to be an imitator of Christ. He certainly talked the talk AND walked the walk to show us how to live. Take this one as an example: "As He approached the town gate, a dead man was being carried out — the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord SAW HER, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” (Luke 7:11-14). HE SAW HER. He didn't just see her. He didn't just give her a "comment" or a "pat on the back" or "I hope you'll get better." He went over to the funeral procession and said "Get up" to the boy and he came back to life. Jesus was a do-something-about-it-kind-of-Savior.

The day before I see this "Bryson" photo, I receive a call from my daughter who is suffering from an extreme migraine headache. One that makes her retreat to her bed in a dark room. Now, please understand this is a powerful woman who just doesn't yield to pain -- not even with natural childbirth two times. I know this calls for a warrior mama's intercessory prayer. I go to my "war room" and am in full-on warfare prayer mode. I'm pleased to say that while we pray, my daughter's pain decreases and eventually goes away! Thanks be to God!

What an intenseness I have for praying for MY child. In that "Jesus" story above, it says "His heart went out to her". His heart joined hers. He felt her grief. He met her emotions with kindness, gentleness and mercy. He went to work to show His power and healing. I desire a heart like His.

What part of this blog speaks to you the most today? Bryson? The death of a child? A grieving widow? Or, the heart of Jesus? Put it altogether, God is there -- right in the middle of our lives. He shows up because His heart goes out to those who need a miracle. He shows up for me today. I want to be more like Him. But, I know there are many who need a miracle today. I can't help but think that I am writing this blog to remind YOU that He is the ONE whose heart goes out to you. Jesus can and will work a miracle in your situation. Why? Because He loves you and His heart goes out to you. You may feel that you are going to drown in your own tears, but hear the voice of our Savior. He is whispering to your heart, “Don’t cry.”

Whatever the circumstances of your life, hear this widow tell you: Jesus has a heart for you and He is ready to perform a miracle in your life today. Dry your tears, hold your head up and trust in the Miracle Maker. For all of us, may our hearts go out to others -- just like Jesus.

That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Day 332 of Photo Inspirations -- That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Happy 23rd Birthday to my precious, first-born grandson, Braden Wuerch!  Of course, these would be my photo inspirations for remembering this special day.

Though the love is no stronger for any of my six grandchildren from the other,  there is still "just something" about the FIRST.  Who knew that all those silly, photo-toting, beaming-from-ear-to-ear, incessantly jabbering about their grandkids -- were really just being authentic, and desperately in love grandparents?  And that would describe ME when our first little grandson was born.  It just didn't make sense, until my heart fell in love like that, too.  So here is my birthday love letter to my #1-in-placement of birthdate.

Braden, your arrival into this world changed me irrevocably.  I prayed for your arrival and I prayed over you as I held you in my arms, as I watched you sleeping in your crib, and as we witnessed so many of your "firsts".  Papa and I worked with you so diligently to help you take your first steps.....and our claim to fame was that indeed you did start walking for us. We prayed for your protection, your strength, your wisdom and your God-given destiny in life, and that you would always know God's love for you.

Of course, I’m reminiscing about you today! You were the most precious and beautiful little baby boy -- such joy and happiness we thought we knew before -- but none could ever compare to having a grandson and especially if that grandson was you.  I remember being able to make you laugh, uncontrollably, and I remember how amazed we were at the awe and wonder you had about life. From the first time I laid eyes on the Fax message your Dad sent me of you in your Mama’s tummy -- though you looked like a tadpole -- but for me, it was love at first sight.  And it’s been that way for me ever since.  I am forever thank God for you.     I know God’s hands are on you and I pray you will always so grateful for the gift of you to me and I will know how much He loves you.  You are HERE on purpose -- God’s purpose, and I know you will fulfill every part of His plan for you!

I will celebrate your triumphs and successes as long as I live.  I will pray for you to be tough and strong during times of challenge.   I will love who you love, and she will be my granddaughter who will always hold such a special place in heart.  Because she loves you.....I love her.  I am already feeling such joy and pride in seeing how you are making the world a better place as you serve our country in the Army and as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

Braden Cole Wuerch, you are loved.  You are a such a treasured gift to me, and to this world.  You are a man marked for a specific purpose and you are needed, deeply, by all of us who love and cherish you.  I will endeavor to keep reminding you, as often as I can, that you are a treasure beyond anything I could imagine, and I love you.....TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

Happy, happy birthday, my sweetheart!
I love you so, so, so, so, much!    Nana

Look What's on My BFF's Front Porch

 Day 189 of Photo Inspirations -- Look What's on My BFF's Front Porch!
So my BFFs, Charles & Sheila Michie​  and us (my husband and I) go way back.  We've celebrated the blessings of God for years, in so many ways. We've travelled together, celebrated many momentous occasions together, ministered together in conferences and seminars and have been together in the start of a new business.  

A few days ago, it was Sheila's birthday and I'm sure she would tell us that the VIP at her bd party was her new grandson, Benjamin Liam.  I loved it when I drove up to their house and saw that baby stroller on their front porch -- the epic symbol of "a baby is near....and he's HERE!"

I was thrilled to host the Grand-Baby Shower for their precious first grandchild at the clubhouse where I live.  They asked me to say a few words and I shared how this couple and my husband and I had lots of wonderful times together. Most significantly, was the time during my sweet husband's illness when they supported us on such a regular basis -- bringing communion to us, praying with us, bringing meals to us and going on prayer of faith walks around hospitals with us.  We've had a lot of things in common, but one missing was a grandchild. My oldest grandson is 23 now, so being able to celebrate this special season of their lives is so sweet.

Now, they know the profound love that a grandparent has for a little one.   They can glow with pride as they watch their son so endeared to his new son. Now, they understand what all those silly grandparents were talking about when they incessantly talked about their grandkids and showed off the latest photo of them.  In fact, as

I'm typing this post, Sheila just sent me this photo of little Benji all tuckered out from all the excitement.  Sheila is well on her way to being one of us -- one of those doting, adoring grandmothers.   I love it.

As I continued to share, I talked about friendship and what this precious couple has meant to me. "People come and go in our lives: some will be friends for a reason; some will be friends for a season, but Mick & Sheila are my friends for a lifetime.   Yes, they are LIFERS.   What a great joy it is for me to celebrate little Benji and all of his accomplishments for so many years to come.....AND, he's already on track to be the subject of many conversations.  In fact, He's already turning over.  The firsts of many firsts. And, best of all for Sheila and I -- now when she asks how my grandkids are doing,  I can reciprocate by asking, "And how is yours?"   Oh the blessings of living smack dab in the middle of God's "goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives"!