Make Every Day Count -- the Diary and Photo Album of the Wandering Widow!

That's my new slogan and it sure worked for this weekend. Since I had spent so much quality time with my kids and grandkids over the last seven months of my transition from Oklahoma to Texas, I determined to make Mother's Day weekend one that I was able to spread the love to other dear friends and family. I know "Give, and it shall be given" -- that's just God's law of giving and receiving.

Saturday morning, I headed to Oklahoma City for my great nephew's high school graduation. It was a nostalgic drive from Dallas to OKC because as newlyweds and young parents in Dallas, we made many trips to Lake Murray, Turner Falls and Lake Texoma for overnight camping trips. I had many Memory Lane thoughts. That's what we "mature" folks get to do, and I urge you, "young" folks, to make lots of memories so you'll have something to do when you're taking long drives in the future! LOL!

My nephew (my sister-in-heaven's son, Mark David Lawrence and his sweet wife, Donna Lawrence had just about an entire section reserved for their own family in the Cox Convention Center for the graduation. There were about 30 of us. I love that this family celebrates each other and it's a great excuse for a "family reunion" afterwards! Congrats to my great nephew, Caleb Lawrence, on his graduation. Oh, the places he will go!

Then it was a drive to Tulsa to spend Mother's Day weekend with my sweet 94-year-old mother-in-law. I treasure this time. We talk and talk about everything -- but especially what she has meant to me over the years. Those two "besties" (she and my mom) made sure that my husband and I would eventually marry.....and stay married! Oh the storms they calmed through their prayers for us! LOL! Mom hasn't quit. Right now, she's on the phone encouraging and supporting a dear friend. She gives and she keeps getting back!

Then it was to Madalene Church where I was able to reconnect with my dear long-time friends (17 years) and my sweet godson and his family. Because I had been so ill with the flu in April, I missed the First Communion of 24 sweet kids, and especially my godson's sister. We made up for it yesterday. Also, I was able to connect with a wonderful seminarian, James Porter, who in just two more years will become a priest. He's definitely one of God's chosen vessels to be His hands extended. Since I first met him, I knew God had special things in store for him and God's people. He is never without a beautiful smile and he draws you into his heart and soul. He's one of those that brightens up the room when he walks inl

Then it was time to celebrate Mom's family (her daughter, Karen). Four generations there for Mom! Seven mothers enjoyed a great meal prepared by the men. The only one missing was my sweetheart, but I sensed him smiling at the group of us. Well, also my kids were celebrating Mother's Day with their own families in Austin and Frisco.

The big finale of this day was spending time with my dearest friends in the world, Mick & Sheila Michie in their beautiful new home that is so blessed by God. It's like we're never apart because we reconnect in such special ways, remembering the past blessings, today's and our hopes for tomorrow's blessings. We've seen God answer our prayers in so many ways. Of course, being seranaded by Mick is the icing on the Mother's Day cake!

Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Thanks for indulging me. It was my way of sharing how we can make our days count. We won't ever have this day again, so why shouldn't we make the most of it that we can? What we choose to spend time on can unlock blessings for us today, and every day to come.

In Proverbs 3:1-2, we hear instructions for making the best of our days: "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."

Let's make our days count by recalling God's goodness, spreading His love around in word and deed, and being grateful for a new day.

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."

It's Mother's Day Weekend -- Time to Reminisce!

Of course I'm reminiscing. I get to celebrate motherhood. Of all the joys that this life has afforded me, being a mother is right at the top of the list. Did I make mistakes? Whew! The fact that my kids survived being raised by two inexperienced, novice "kid" parents, is remarkable! But, by God's grace, they survived. It's really quite a miracle:
• that they survived a mother that drank coffee and tea while she was pregnant;
• that I put them to sleep on their tummy in a baby crib that was covered with white lead-based paint;
• that they made it without having childproof medicine bottles, lids, doors and cabinets
• that they rode their bicycles, with no helmets; not to mention that they stood up by me in the car with no seat belt on;
• that I let them drink water from the garden hose.
• that I let them eat cupcakes, white bread, and drink Kool-Aid made with sugar, and they weren't overweight because they played outside all the time;
• that we couldn't send them to ivy-league universities, but we taught them "hard work, a never quit attitude and tenacity" and that seems to have worked out just fine for them.
• that they didn't have a Playstation or X-Box or 150 channels on TV to watch or an I-pod or a computer or internet.

In retrospect, I guess I shouldn't apologize, because their dad and I must have done something right. We watched them, over the years, become great risk-takers and problem solvers. Oh, they had some setbacks.....but they never failed to have tremendous comebacks. It must have been a "God" thing.....that He used us, with all of our inexperience to be a part of this successful, motivated, optimistic, incredible man and woman who possess such creativity and bulldog tenacity in everything they do today.

My nephew, a Baptist pastor in Vernon, Texas, sent me a private Facebook message a few days ago asking me "Besides teaching your children faith, what would you consider being the most important task of a mother? Bonus: What do you want your children to remember you by?"

And my response was: " The 'I can' attitude! "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Every thing, every dream, every hope, every prayer is possible because "NOTHING is impossible with our God." Basically, the Zig Ziglar mentality of being the best, being a WWJD kind of devoted follower of Christ. Never giving up -- like the little engine that could....ALWAYS, "I think I can. I think I can!" Negative thinking NOT ALLOWED in this house. Wimpy attitudes NOT ALLOWED in this house. I Can't NOT ALLOWED in this house. We create the atmosphere around us. Either we're the light that comes in or the dark that comes in! Whew! You didn't ask for all that, but it's sincerely the basis for the success of our family and it's God's Word, so, yes, faith is the crux of it all, but faith is boosted when we live in an attitude of gratitude and optimism." Whew -- my words are never FEW!

If I had further words of wisdom to offer to young moms and dads today, I'd say "Cherish the moments...every one of them!" I read this not too long ago, and I pass it along to encourage each and everyone to "take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. Your kids will make it, too, but, take it from me.....treasure the moments!"

If I Had My Child To Raise All Over Again
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point my finger less.
I would do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, (my add, "I'd take my eyes off my phone") and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I'd see the Oak Tree in the acorn more often.
I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more.
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd model less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!

I'm so grateful these two made me such a proud, happy blessed Mom and Nana!

Happy Mother's Day to all my sweet mothers, sisters and friends out there. After all, God gave us all the opportunity to "mother". Some of us, naturally, and all of us the ability to share God's love by mothering through hugs, encouragement and prayers to all those who need that mother's love all around us!

Happy Labor Day, Laborers AND Moms!

Happy Labor Day!! I still laugh as I recall my son's telephone call to me on Labor Day three years ago. With the family in the background hollering, "Happy Mother's Day", I said, "What?" And Ryan replied, "It's Labor Day, so we're thanking you for your "labor" in bringing me into this world! So Happy Mother's Day!" LOL! Labor Day has a whole new meaning to me each year!

But we all know that Labor Day isn't about me and the contribution I made to this world. (Sigh!) And, though we love the idea of a "paid holiday" or just the day off at the beginning of a new school year, it's way more than that. It's the day we get to honor all of our hard working American people who make life so much better for us. Vince Lombardi said, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

I thank all of this country's hard working laborers. So many unsung heroes, so many that are behind the scenes, and particularly those of you who don't usually get the acclaim & recognition. You know who you are --: the garbage truck workers, restaurant cooks & waiters, cashiers, secretaries, janitors, home care workers, domestic workers, street repair workers, construction crews, utility crews, lawn maintenance crews, and to the millions of other people who believe that true success comes from rolling up your sleeves and dedicating yourselves to not just a paycheck....but to making a difference in other people's lives!! You are the quiet heroes in our lives and I applaud you and thank you today!!

Now, go ahead and enjoy this Labor Day -- you earned it and deserve it. And, I think I'll just rest and relax from two BIG labors that brought two BIG joys and blessings into my life! So all you Laborers and all you Moms out there.....Happy Labor AND Mother's (Labor) Day to you, too!

They Opened Their Mouths With Wisdom

One of the greatest joys in life is to be a mother....to my own children AND to those God put into my life "to mother". Nothing is so dear as the results of a hug or a word I shared with someone who needed that hug or word. There is something unique and special about how God designed a woman’s heart to love tenderly, teach wisely, and nurture selflessly.

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.”

Our stories are all different. No matter what our stories are, our Heavenly Father desires to meet all our needs so that whatever we lack, He will provide. And, 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".

Is your Mom with you today? Treasure her. I heard someone talk negatively about their mother who was most certainly a less-than-perfect mom, and she asked me, "What did she ever do for me?" My reply: "She gave you life!" Not only is today a day of celebrating our moms, but perhaps we might consider being “like a mother” to a younger woman the Lord is leading us to mentor. Just maybe we are the answer to someone's prayers.

Today, I honor my Mom, my sweet Mother-in-Law, and all the beautiful and selfless ladies that "mother" those around them with God's love that is unconditional, kind, tender-hearted, caring and loving. Happy Mother's Day!

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

Happy Mother's Day

On this Mother's Day, I'm so 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 93) -- 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 from 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 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'm saying "Happy Mother's Day" to them, and to all you beautiful and precious mothers out there today!

My Greatest Blessings Call Me "Mom" and "Nana"

Day 127 of Photo Inspirations -- My Greatest Blessings Call Me "Mom" and "Nana"
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms....and that includes all women who have been gifted with that "maternal instinct" of nurturing and caring for others.  I not only have been blessed with my precious children by birth, but I'm also called "Mom" by many others that have afforded me the opportunity to mother them as well.   And the best part of being a Mom is God has given us the promise of not being alone in doing it.

Moms are the everyday heroes and He is the divine power that gives us everything we need the moment we need 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.  Mamas and Moms.....you've got this!   May His grace, peace, and love surround you this Mother's Day, making you feel as special-- and exceptional--as you truly are.
Much love and blessings,
Donna Wuerch

Happy Mother's Day to My Two Mothers

Day 124 of Photo Inspirations - #TBT -- Happy Mother's Day to My Two Mothers
These two precious women, on the left -- my mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch, and on the right, my Mom, Edna Wheat -- were my mentors and the greatest influences I could have ever had as Godly women and mothers. Best friends, they were also visionaries.  They KNEW that their two kids were meant for each other.   I owe so much of who I am to them.   They were prayer warriors who didn't stop until they had an answer.

They literally prayed my husband and I together -- and those prayers kept us together.   We watched their own example as they went through tough times, and came through them because of their unwavering faith.  They impressed upon us that tough times don't last, but tough people who believe in commitment, keeping their promises and vows -- that they'll be honored for keeping them.  How I thank them for their unwavering support and relentless prayers for us.  They not only talked the talk -- they walked the walk in their own lives. My Mom is heaven.  Mom2 at age 92 is still here to celebrate this Mother's Day with me.

So on this Throwback Thursday, I honor them and all they've stood for, lived for and set the example for.  By their example, I've learned that:

A mother is someone who loves unconditionally and places the needs of her children above her own, and not only with words, but also actions.

A mother is someone who loves and cares for you in every way -- even when you don't deserve it.

A mother is the woman who raises you, who is there to hold and comfort you when you are sick or hurt, the woman who laughs with you, who cries with you, who loves you, even when you aren't exactly lovable.

A mother goes to whatever means it takes to instill in you that there isn't anything that you can't accomplish.  

All that I am and ever hope to be.....I owe it to my mothers!  Happy Mother's Day, Mom and Mom2!