Mercy Me! Bring on the Light!

It's my annual rant time! That expletive isn’t about the Christian vocal group, Mercy Me! It’s about the ghosts, goblins, zombies, witches, and other Halloween paraphernalia that “haunts” us at retail stores and homes this time of year.

Wait! Before you Halloween enthusiasts stop reading this blog, please know I'm not judging anyone who celebrates Halloween! I know what Jesus said "Do not judge, or you too will be judged!" (Matthew 7:1) If I judge people who celebrate Halloween then those people can judge me for celebrating my birthday. Yikes! A whole day to celebrate ME? To bring me gifts and light a candle on a sugary idol with my name on it?

Honestly, my awareness of seeking THE LIGHT and being a light has come from years of growth in my walk with Jesus.
I was a trick or treater and, as you can see in these cute photos, we celebrated Halloween along with everyone else. (That first one is my son and the others are grandchildren). And, October 31st is a day we love because it's Mom's (my mom-in-law's) birthday. And, I know there are hundreds of things worse than cute kids dressed like Elsa or Buzz Lightyear.

Heaven forbid that I sound like a kill-joy! It's a heart matter for me. I don't want to rain on anyone’s Halloween Parade, but this chick prefers the "light" side. I have long removed myself from horror flicks that I watched as a kid. I wondered why I couldn’t sleep at night. Well, duh? I don’t read books that cause me to entertain thoughts of darkness, and neither do I put myself into situations that draw me into darkness or create darkness – anger, envy, strife, jealousy, sadness, grief, etc. If I find myself getting close to those places -- I look for the closest “escape hatch” that I can find. My motto scripture is “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8.

This Bible thumper just can't help but use this season to share the good news of the One who was raised from the dead. I want to preach Jesus. I want to find people to encourage, call that family member who needs hope, pray for professed witches and satanists who need Jesus and use my tongue and social media to communicate life, joy and peace. And, I want to see evil become good: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

I live in the light -- on purpose. I lean toward the LIGHT – God and His Word. That’s why the scriptures are so vital to me – they’re my absolute statements of faith, peace, comfort and joy. ”You will keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he (she) trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

If you find yourself depressed, sad, afraid, doubting -- living in those places of darkness -- I lovingly encourage you to move toward THE LIGHT. Put light in your heart and home. I promise you…..you’ll find the SWEET SPOT…..where I live! There’s nothing like it!

Celebrating the Light and our Heroes of Faith

The older I get, and closer I've become with my Lord, the sweeter and more peaceful is my journey. I'm consistently drawn to His Light. I steer clear of darkness and anything that is remotely identified with evil: ghosts, goblins, witches, skeletons,, and paranormal. For that reason, I am so thankful that Halloween is over! Bring on the bright Light of Christ! Talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. The more familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness of any kind!

“Halloween” is a contraction of “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day. The trick or treaters are celebrating all that candy they retrieved yesterday. But, this day, November 1st (BTW – Happy November!!) we get to focus on saints. This tradition began in AD 609 and encourages us to remember and emulate the heroes of faith. What a gift it is to us that there were those who paved the way for us with lives devoted to God and were Light-bearers of Christ and many of whom were martyred for their faith in Him.

Tomorrow, November 2nd is All Souls’ Day. Both of these days touch me so much -- two beautiful days of celebration. Those of us who have a relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, look at death as leaving our “temporary” home on earth to go to our home sweet, eternal home in heaven. There are many who consider death an unpleasant topic and don’t even want to discuss the subject. Some people even refuse to make a will because that forces them to consider their mortality. Of course, none of us like the idea of someone we deeply love dying, except for knowing they are no longer suffering.

Here’s the positive way of looking at death. This earth has been our “boot camp” for the real deal. It's the "holding room" for the ride of our life. The older I get, the more I embrace getting closer to that "ride". You and I, and everyone we love is going to die, so if death is going to eventually come and take us away, then death had better be our friend and not our enemy. All Saints Day and All Souls Day offer us a wonderful consoling and beautiful way of looking at death. On All Saints Day, we celebrate the glory of the saints in heaven. The Church teaches that everyone in heaven is a saint. There are many men and women, who are canonized (official) saints, and each one has a day assigned to them. On All Saints Day, we celebrate everybody else in heaven. Think of our loved ones who have died and gone to heaven. This is a chance for us to be happy for, and with them. You and I rejoice that they are happy being with God and everyone else in heaven. They have no pain, no frustration, and all they know is absolute, complete happiness because they are in the presence of God. We rejoice with them on this day!

On All Souls Day, we acknowledge our loved ones who died and we embrace our memories with them and the great hope of meeting up with them in heaven. On this day, I purposely recall my precious grandmother who introduced me to my future husband, my firey-preacher grandfather, my angel mom, and wonderful dad, my beloved husband and so many others who influenced and impacted my life. On this day I get to admit that I miss them and I’m not even ashamed to shed a few tears for them. After all, Jesus wept over the death of His friend, Lazarus. I don’t shed tears because I lack faith or because my faith is weak. I shed tears because I miss them. It's okay. It's just temporary for me because I carry on with the joy of seeing them one day soon! I continue to let Jesus make sense of it all for me! How about you?

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord Has Made! Let's LIGHT It Up!

Indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad for it!” (Psalm 118:24) This day was created by God from the very beginning for His will and good pleasure. It’s a day of great joy to be alive and to celebrate His goodness and mercy that endures forever. I raise His banner of love high on this 31st day of October and I sing out His praises for His greatness and unfathomable love.

I said all that to urge us to light up this day with the Light of Christ. I’ll admit that talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. I've seen lots of photos, on my FB newsfeed, of cute little kiddos being introduced to their first Trick or Treat experience, as well as photos of some quite spooky, blood-curdling Halloween costumes donned by fun-loving grown-ups. I know it’s all about the fun of sporting those costumes and acting out their characters…..BUT!

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate and familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness and evil on TV, in books and movies, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become. How precious that is to me. I steer clear of darkness with intentional determination-- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT. So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I really desire to share why I am wrapped up in THE LIGHT.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we hauled in lots of candy (Easter, being the other). I would usually dress up in some homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's. Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed so much since my childhood.

Over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day. So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day. I'm posting this because I'm compelled by the LIGHT that has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be God's fully devoted follower in every way. I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder, consider and seek God's wisdom as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, ask God to show you His LIGHT on the subject. We all want our families to have the best, most blessed options....every day. May we humbly ask God for His wisdom and then allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is darkness all around us and it's up to us to make God (The Light) famous. It may be a good idea to have a discussion with our family about the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns AND then focus on the abundant life and LIGHT of our Savior! If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE and the LIGHT! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

🎃🎃🎃The TREAT of October 31st, 1922🎃🎃🎃

This sweet little lady is my dear mother-in-law, Lydia (Winick) Wuerch, who was born on October 31st, 1922, 95 years ago. Though she was born on the day attributed to Halloween -- she was always the TREAT -- not the trick.

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈For those who have known Mom as their dear friend, mentor, close relative or pastor's wife who always encouraged, supported and caused you to laugh at her wit and sense of humor -- it would be wonderful if she could hear from you via my email at: dwuerch@cox.net and I will copy off and give to her when I go to Tulsa tomorrow to celebrate her. She will love hearing from you. 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

I'll let you in on my thoughts of her -- that I shared in her card that I'll give her tomorrow. She's not a social media gal -- so she won't know these words until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Precious Mom -- the Sweetest TREAT Ever!!
“This is the day the Lord made YOU -- and I’m rejoicing and so glad for it!” I can’t begin to express all you have meant to me for the 57 years you’ve been in my life, but here are some of the ways:
1) You were my role model as I watched you be a strong woman of God who served so beautifully as a loving, faithful and devoted pastor’s wife, organist, Sunday School teacher, women and children’s leader, and so many other ministries that you devoted your heart and life to.

2) I will forever be grateful that my grandparents were the first to know you and introduced you to my family. You and Dad loved my grandparents and gave them so much love and support, especially as you would drive the distance across Dallas to pick them up and take them home from church. You loved and cared for so many others as "Mom" and "Mother" to many more than Ron & Karen.

3) You loved my family and showed so much hospitality to us. Oh the joys of Kip’s Big Boy on Sunday nights. You and my Mom became best of friends that prayed endlessly for us.

4) You and Dad were so loving and kind to me, welcoming me into your lives even as a young girl. You picked me to be Mahlah in the Church Christmas Play. I felt so special. I loved the sweet Christmas programs that you led all those little kids with such patience and love. Thank you for letting me wear your mink stole at prom. I felt like a Hollywood star. ;-)

5) The greatest gift you gave me was your beloved son. That beautiful boy who became a beautiful man stole my heart forever. There is no one that could ever compare to his talents and abilities. Our love for each other stood the test of time, the test of tough and good times, the test of sickness and in health, the test of raising kids, the test of trusting God through every challenge. I thank you for instilling such strong faith into him, for the man of God he was, for the sense of humor, and, even for those “perfection” qualities that made him to always expect excellence from all of us. I thank you for instilling in him his musical gifts that gave so many such encouragement and joy. I thank you for everything about this precious man that filled my life with love and joy....most of the time! ;-)

6) You were always supportive to me as a daughter -- not just a daughter-in-law. You were there many times when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I’ll always remember and treasure your support.

7) You were always an incredible grandmother to my two -- and great granny to my grandchildren. They all loved your homes that were filled with so much love and warmth -- that included lots of places to run around and play, the best toast ever, playing your organ, your mustard plasters, your swimming pool, your apple pies and chocolate cake. Your gardens produced so many delicious vegetables. And, your canned pickles were the best EVER!

8) Being at the organ will always be a precious memory of you -- and me getting to play the piano with you at church. You always encouraged me and helped me so much to play without music.

9) You have been an incredible example of serving God with all your heart, at church, home or at work. I was always impressed by your sales abilities at Sears. Everyone loved the discounted clothes you got us. Ron’s pastel colored shirts and pants and his long hair were the hot topic by all the church folk, but you defended him all the way!

10) You always had the greatest wit and sense of humor. You could make us laugh without even trying.

Mom, God must have loved us so much, that He gave you to us as the best TREAT ever. I celebrate this special day, honor you and give thanks to God for your life, your continual prayers for us and the living example of a Proverbs 31 woman of God.
Happy “95th” Birthday, Mom! I love you so much......Donna <3

This is the Day the Lord Has Made

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord has made!   It was God's from the beginning and it is still the DAY He made -- so let's be joyful in it!

I've watched my newsfeed this morning, I've seen countless photos of cute little kids all ready to go on their first Trick or Treating experience, lots of photos of Halloweens past and some quite spooky costumes donned by fun-loving grown ups.  I know they are all decked out for the holiday fun.

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate I've become with my Savior, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become.  Oh, how precious that is to me in this season of my life.  I steer clear of darkness -- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT.  So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I just feel I must share mine.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we got lots of candy (Easter being the other). I would usually dress up in some  homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's -- none were ever store bought and I and a friend would go door-to-door "soliciting" in our neighborhood.Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed drastically since I was a child.  

My church always had a Fall Harvest parties where we'd go all dressed up in "fun" -- not gory or sinister -- costumes.

We took our kids trick or treating -- it was my husband's and my goal to help them bring in as much loot as possible. They only knew Halloween meant fun dressing up and getting lots of goods.

But over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day.  So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day.  I'm posting this because God's Word has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be His fully devoted follower in every way.  I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder and consider as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, study to show yourselves approved to give your family the best, most blessed options.  Perhaps it may open the door for you to discuss the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns as well as the abundant incredible life that comes from our Savior!  If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE!

1 Thessalonians 5:22  "Abstain from every form of evil."

Living in the Sweet Spot

Want to know the secret to my joy, my peace, my place of absolute contentment?

I’ll admit – “I’m in a sweet spot!” Even, the very day of the “big reveal” of my Sweetheart’s diagnosis – Stage 4 Kidney Cancer – I was enveloped in a blanket of peace. And to this very day, I know what it is to live in that peace. And, I am absolutely adamant about protecting that blanket with everything that’s within me…..and outside of me. Indeed, it is my “security” blanket.

I don’t watch horror flicks – on TV or theaters. I don’t read books that cause me to entertain thoughts of darkness, and neither do I put myself into situations that draw me into darkness, nor those “issues” that create darkness – anger, envy, strife, jealousy, sadness, grief, etc. If I find myself even getting close to those places…..I look for the closest “escape hatch” that I can find.

That’s why I, along with about 30 others who were with me, all got up and left a Broadway play that was displaying those “dark” emotions: anger, jealousy, killing a husband, cheating on a wife, and lots of cursing.

And that’s why I made a decision many years ago…..to forego Halloween. I live in the light…..why would I choose to be part of a custom that applauds the darkness? Witches, ghosts, devils, death, horror, blood, violence, skeletons, haunted houses?

I found that what we entertain, welcome, and think about is what we’ll get more of. And my greatest LIGHT source – is God’s Word. That’s why the scriptures are so vital to me – they’re my absolute Statements of Faith, Peace, Comfort and Joy -- Isaiah 26:3 ”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” And, Philippians 4:8-9 “...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (words of St. Paul)

So, today, if you find yourself depressed, sad, afraid, doubting -- those places of darkness -- I lovingly encourage you to move toward THE LIGHT. Put light in your heart and home by eliminating the sources of darkness. I promise you…..you’ll find the SWEET SPOT…..where I live! There’s nothing like it! It’s Candyland everyday!
— feeling peaceful.