Getting a Breather from the Heat

Red River, New Mexico – Here we are at the Sangre de Christo Mountains aka Blood of Jesus Mountains at the town of Red River. That gives me holy chilly bumps to know we are surrounded and covered by the "blood of Jesus" in God's creation and in His blood that keeps us healthy and alive in Him. "Oh the blood of Jesus -- it washes white as snow." (chorus of an old song). Heaven on earth puts it mildly. Oh, the sweet ride God takes us on when we chill out and let Him lead us to the mountains. "I lift up my eyes to the hills (aka mountains) where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1

"Chill out" is literally what we're doing. From the Dallas 102 degrees heat to the 70s high in the day and 40s low at night. I look at these sweet times as heaven to earth. I sense it because my heart is overflowing in gratitude for these off-the-chart moments. Here we are right in the midst what seems to be a whole lotta’ hell on earth around us – if we allowed ourselves to live in that zone – but those who choose to take the higher peace-zone way – will find places like this -- literally AND spiritually.

My children (both sets) purchased “homes-on-wheels” last year. I know that it was God leading them for “such-a-time-as-this” that we are living in right now. They are able to be safe-at-home when at their at their residences AND in their travel homes. I’m a beneficiary of their blessings. Larry and Staci bought their RV when they both turned 50 so they named theirs: “Jubilee “, which means “50 years” and in Biblical terms, blessing.

When they got theirs in January, they announced to their two children, and me: “Pick out a destination you’d like to go to and we’ll take you there.” It didn’t take long for me to tell them mine because my cousin had just invited me to Red River, NM where they’d be enjoying their own travel-home this summer. My bestie-cousin (my dad’s brother’s daughter) and I had a world of fun as kids. So, here we are in this spectacular weather, majestic mountains, tall pine trees, lakes, rivers, a great resort town AND trout! Heading out to fish in a few minutes!

We made it here on Saturday evening, and getting to hang out with my cousins. Their RV is across from ours amidst spectacular pine trees. Yesterday started with quiet times watching online church, a great breakfast and then we headed out to drive around to get the lay of the land and waters. Hold on for updates on fishing adventures in these plethora-of-trout waters. I’m so grateful. And, were it not for these travel vehicles, we wouldn’t be able to be here. The media call these RVs/motorhomes “pandemic palaces” because families are able to get out during these times for family get-aways. Staci prefers to call theirs “blessing-palaces”.

Actually "Heaven on earth" is when we pause to bring worship from earth to heaven and then God brings heaven to earth. When we take time to be thankful for journey, whether they are winding and twisting, or 4-lane smooth highways, and have gratitude in it all, heaven shows up on earth. Any time we pray, “God, let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re asking God to declare the truths of heaven into this world.

I know what heaven on earth is and every day I invest my time in looking for and living there. One day, we’ll get to graduate from this earth to heaven. I sincerely believe God delights in our appreciating the heaven we can have daily as we commune with Him and let Him make His presence known in every facet of our lives. All those "heaven on earth" times sure makes this journey sweet on the way to "heaven in heaven". Every day, we can make the choice to have "heaven on earth" moments. Maybe it's time to take stock in YOUR "heaven on earth" blessings, too!

So Much Heaven-on-Earth Packed Into One Day

On Saturday, Bryson and I started with breakfast at Ollie’s – a Tulsa family favorite since our first grandson was born 26 years ago. Of course, we had to make some memories there – so many trains running around the walls of the restaurant along with train memorabilia everywhere.

When my oldest grandson came to Tulsa not long ago – he had to go there for “old times sake”! It's a must-see for your children and grandchildren!

Then it was spending the day with Great Granny, Aunt Karen and Uncle George. Bryson was the kingpin. So much love packed into one little boy in one day!

The best part of the time was a baking class and making a chocolate cake Now, Bryson and I have the step-by-step recipe indelibly imprinted into our minds, on paper, and on photos. So much joy seeing Great Granny in her element. Oh, how Bryson loves his Great Granny – just loves to sit in her presence. Then it was playing the Game of Life while I went to church.

This day's Grand Finale was breathtaking. It was my joy to be the confirmation sponsor for the oldest daughter of my precious Tulsa “Anderson” Family. My husband and I "adopted" the whole family years ago. Owen, son #2, is my godson and now this special blessing. What an honor to be asked to walk her life journey with her. Bishop David Kondrela anointed Grace and declared “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” I love the beauty, the sacred ceremony and the “knowing” the day and the time of this beautiful sacrament forever.

I knew heaven was a part of this most sacred and beautiful time as I saw the gorgeous “yellow roses” floral arrangement at the altar. I like to think my sweetheart had something to do with them and, in fact, was a part of this special day and occasion. Yellow roses were the flowers at our wedding. Every home we lived in, after that, we planted a yellow rose bush and for every special occasion, I received yellow roses from my sweetheart.

"Heaven on earth" is when we pause to bring worship from earth to heaven and then God brings heaven to earth. When we take time to be thankful for the journeys, whether they are winding and twisting, or 4-lane smooth highways, and have gratitude in it all, heaven shows up on earth. Any time we pray, “Father, let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re asking God to declare the truths of heaven into this world.

I know what heaven on earth is and every day I invest my time in looking for and living in my heaven on earth. Yes, one day, I'll get to graduate from this earth to heaven, but I sincerely believe God delights in our appreciating the heaven we can have daily as we commune with Him and let Him make His presence known in every facet of our lives. This day was about “heaven on earth” moments. I recognized them all. I savored them all and now I’m blogging and posting and I’m hearing that God just may have used me to encourage someone to start experiencing heaven on earth in your daily living.

Yes, all those "heaven on earth" times sure makes this journey so sweet on the way to "heaven in heaven". Every day, we can make the choice to have "heaven on earth" moments. Maybe it's time to take stock in YOUR "heaven on earth" blessings, too!

Our Room With a View

After a sweet heaven-on-earth few days at Beavers Bend with my family, we parted ways as they returned to Frisco, and I headed to Tulsa because the next day I would be attending a Confirmation Retreat as a sponsor to a precious teenage girl. First things first when I go to Tulsa -- I go to see Mom and spend time with her while Karen and George get to have a date night. As it turned out, the night became one that we had to rush Mom to the hospital ER because of medical concerns, which ended up being two days of Mom, Karen and I being “guests” of the Oklahoma Heart Institute Hospital for Mom to undergo many tests and procedures. Thankfully, I can report, as of last night, Mom is back at home in Tulsa and I am back home in Frisco.After a sweet heaven-on-earth few days at Beavers Bend with my family, we parted ways as they returned to Frisco, and I headed to Tulsa because the next day I would be attending a Confirmation Retreat as a sponsor to a precious teenage girl. First things first when I get to Tulsa -- go see Mom and spend time with her while Karen and George get to have a date night. As it turned out, the night became one that we had to rush Mom to the hospital ER, which ended up being two days of Mom, Karen and I being “guests” of the Oklahoma Heart Institute Hospital for Mom to undergo many tests and procedures. Thankfully, I can report, as of last night, Mom is back at home in Tulsa and I am back home in Frisco.

God’s timing was impeccable. Of all times for me to be in Tulsa when I could be a moral support to Sis and help carry the responsibility of the next couple of days. Teamwork lightens the load. We grabbed a couple of hours of sleep with one of us in the chair and the other on the window seat. When the sun came up, that first morning and we looked out the window, we saw our view from Mom’s room. We realized we had a “Room with a View” in this 5-Star Hotel --er’ hospital! The gorgeous Tulsa skyline welcomed us to this new day of faith and hope. It’s a matter of perspective – being IN a room that accommodates every medical device and equipment imaginable which could accompany all kinds of concerns and wonderings about what this day and tomorrow could hold. Or, it could be looking OUTSIDE that room to the beautiful skies, the Tulsa skyline, as well as the fond remembrances of walking in Pro-Life marches, participating in charitable organizations benefits, remembering the Route 66 marathons that I and family and friends ran on those streets, the great restaurants and shopping that THAT VIEW gave us instead of worries and concerns.

A special memory that came back to us was 10 years ago when in this same hospital when Mom was a patient and we were snowed in for days. Karen and I were Mom’s roommates then and because of the impassable roads, medical personnel had to use vacant rooms to sleep in. We had other memories in this hospital as my sweet husband was in there two separate times. I reminisced about our “Trust Me and relax" message from God during times of overwhelming concern and worry.

Karen and I were Ron’s (my husband/her brother) prayer team. We would go for walks during “stressful times’ at the hospital. We could have worried, but we turned those times into opportunities for stretching our faith muscles. During one of those “faith walk” times, we noticed a mama cat and her baby kitten, lying on the grass at the corner of the hospital grounds. They watched us intently, and unlike wild cats, they never flinched. Immediately, we could sense God saying to us "Just like these cats….. RELAX – be in peace -- I am with you." After those sweet prayer moments, we could go to sleep….completely at peace, knowing that God would be orchestrating the plans for the next day. And, He most certainly did. That’s where we are with Mom. At 95, there are expected AND unexpected ups and downs along the way. After all, lots of body parts in these bodies that have many miles on them. You just never know when a replacement or tune-up is necessary. At the end of a couple of days of little sleep, we cherished our “Room with a View” because the view we’ve come to know is God’s view.

Maybe the view of your circumstances has you overwhelmed and your heart is heavy with troubles that loom in the “room” you are in. Maybe it’s time to take a little walk and have a talk with He Who knows everything about everything and He wants you to turn your cares over to Him. He knows what tomorrow holds, so why not allow Him to orchestrate the details? In the meantime, take a deep breath and RELAX…..God has got this! Turn that ROOM you are in, into a ROOM WITH A VIEW of God’s faithfulness, of His promises to never leave you or forsake you, of turning your mourning into dancing and the spirit of heaviness into joy. THAT room, my friends, is better than a 5-Star hotel!

There’s a Light at the End of the Tunnel and it’s Not a Train!!!

Determination: firmness of purpose; resoluteness, willpower, tenacity, single-minded, persistence, true grit

Today is Day 1 of our Estate Sale at Mom’s home here in Tulsa (see local ad at Craigslist https://tulsa.craigslist.org/gms/d/huge-west-highland-3-day/6549423053.html Whew! With great DETERMINATION – we made it. We “ate this elephant one bite at a time”. That’s what we always said when Karen and I would take on another estate sale as that was our business for years. Months ago we wondered if this day would ever come because Mom, at 95, was ready to transition from living on her own to moving in with her daughter (my sister in law), Karen, and husband, George.

After Dad passed away, 25 years ago, Karen told Mom “If the time comes when you don’t want to live alone, you’ll always have a home with us (their home for 39 years). Dad helped them add on to their house, enlarging the guest bedroom, adding a huge clothes and storage closet and additional square footage to tha room. Now that bedroom has accommodated their daughter, then their first granddaughter, then years later – their second granddaughter – and NOW, Mom. Dad, as in touch with God as he was (he was a pastor for over 50 years), probably had insider information from God that Mom would live in that room one day. He was DETERMINED to take good care of her.

Now, Mom’s space is filled with her simple needs -- photos of her loved ones, her furniture and furnishings. It is “not too big and not too little – it is just right for this season of her life. There’s a little area for her office, a sitting area, bed and TV area and a huge bathroom attached. She is so secure in her new surroundings. What once was so important (a large home to accommodate family and friends gatherings, Bible studies, prayer meetings, an extra room for guests, Dad’s office where he had many “talks” with those who needed an encouraging word) – is no longer needed in Mom’s new simple, just right world.

The beautiful part of Mom’s new small and SIMPLE world has been her desire to rid herself of anything but what’s most important. Mom has been overjoyed with giving away so many of her treasures -- that at one time -- seemed so important. Now, we have a packed full sale going on that will surely bring blessings to many that attend. Mom has been giddy about the sale as she helped sort and price items, put items in packages, sorting through books and greeting cards. She has loved staying busy and busy she has been. Here, in this photo, in her room, she’s helping sort cards. On Wednesday, she made her last trip over to the house to give her stamp of approval to our set up. Often she'd say "Where did THAT come from?" to which Karen would say "At the back of that closet or the back of that cabinet!"

Initially, the transition wasn’t easy for her. She didn’t want to be rushed. She wanted to wait a little longer and a little longer, became really longer. Mom had become very weak and feeble so the move had to be amped up. Back then, the home health nurse didn’t think she would be with us much longer, but now that she’s settled in her new space, she has become sassy and frisky and has regained such added peace and joy. The transition that once was because of necessity has become one of great relief. And our DETERMINATION to help her get there, as well as put on this sale, has never wavered. The tasks had to be done and now there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and, thanks be to God – it is God’s light of hope, great expectation and, for Mom – that light is the ONE she will meet face to face and FOREVER be in the home that she was prepared for – for all eternity.

Though it may appear that we're weak during really challenging times....if we hang on with great DETERMINATION....those are the very times that we are being strengthened and empowered, which equips us to be resilient and unconquerable, because we recognize that it is in those times of weakness.....that God is taking over. "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Awareness of God is Possible 24/7

Being in Mexico with my kids for the last several days was a delight -- incredible food, birthday celebrations, playing in the surf on boogie boards, laying out on the beach under umbrellas (this very white girl stays covered for the most part), parasailing (you better believe this spring chicken didn't miss out on that thrill), jet ski riding (Brennan was the driver -- I held on tight to him shouting "Ride 'em cowboy" for which he shouted "Nana, you're like a 30-year old!" LOL! I'll take that. It really was a little piece of heaven on earth to spend such precious time with my family.

Flying home yesterday, I realized I had been out of sync with my normal prayer routines. That's okay, because I know I was in the moments of celebrating God's precious gift of family so, as a matter of fact, when we where speaking about God's blessings, about the beauty of His creation, about the love our family has for each other, about finding Braden's wedding ring that was temporarily lost in the ocean only to be found by a worker two days later, about the family times of prayer offering thanksgiving around the meal tables -- we were still in a prayer rhythm. I get that. When we're in love with the SOMEONE Who represents all of these blessings, we stay on a frequency of awareness of Him 24/7.

My flight from Zihuatanejo to Mexico City got me back into my prayer routine/rhythm. You see, for me, rather than setting specific times to pray, I do my best to lean into God throughout my day -- acknowledging Him and His love for me, so it's not surprising when He sets me up with divine appointments. Seems He surprises me quite often with special encounters -- only He could orchestrate. When I headed to my window seat on the airplane, a Mexican man in the aisle seat asked his wife on the other aisle seat to trade with him. She quickly told me he doesn't speak English and because she does, he thought it would be a good idea for her to sit by me. She was very conversational and asked about our vacation -- the usual "talk" between two tourists. When the talking subsided, I got out my devotional book and started to read, and then I started taking notes. She asked if I was a minister. I told her, if that means "Am I someone who loves to talk about God's love and faithfulness wherever I go, then "Yes, I'm a minister." She said she knew that by the way I talked -- and I had only used phrases like "so blessed", "so thankful", "beauty of God's creation". I loved that. She asked me to pray for her, and I didn't say, "Yes, I will." I said, "Let's pray now." After I prayed for her, her family, her heart's desire and for her to come to know Christ in a real and personal way, she prayed for me. Her prayer was that my life would continue to inspire people like I inspired her.

I share this sweet home-bound moment with you, my FB friends today, to let you know that God is looking for messengers who sincerely believe we are on assignment at this time, on this earth, to get involved with His plans and purposes.

Once upon a time, I felt pressured to share my faith. Now, it's a part of being in the moment, being relaxed and waiting for the obvious moment -- an open door -- to be a light -- His light to others. What if flights became God's meeting place for divine appointments? What if a grocery line, a doctor's waiting room, a nail or hair appointment became meeting places for divine appointments?

Did you know that we have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's prayer daily by simply staying aware of God's little nudges -- and being His voice and His hands extended to a hurting world that needs His love and peace?

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8.

On Your Mark -- Get Set.......GO!

Shopping is in full force this morning -- well, actually, it was in full force at 5 pm yesterday. Seems "Black Friday" is no longer reserved for just Friday. In fact, I purchased an item several days ago that was advertised as a "Black Friday" sale. Clearly, the Thanksgiving holiday is done for another year. Yes, we'll be watching out for Christmas sales now. After all -- Christmas is only one month away.

But, as I posted earlier this week, Thanksgiving doesn't have to end when the Christmas season begins, Christmas is too big for just one day and Thanksgiving is too important to only be reserved for one day. Thank God that President Lincoln in 1863 signed a proclamation calling for "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficient Father who dwells in the Heavens…..." We need our leaders to consistently remind us of being grateful. WE NEED to BE leaders that remind ourselves and others to be grateful. Gratitude is so good for us -- it makes us kinder, more patient and humble. And, I’ll take that one step farther, one day is just not enough to offer enough thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for his goodness and mercy to us. Just think, if we carried over Thanksgiving right into the Christmas season and if we purposely live with an “attitude of gratitude”, maybe those frenzied shoppers wouldn't bug us when they almost run us over to get that "special".

God tells us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" (Psalms 100:4). Gratitude is that gate and doorway to God’s joy and peace, and praise is the key to His presence. Being aware of His presence may just be the key to having one of the best Christmas seasons EVER. Instead of today being "Black Friday" to us.....we coud turn it into a "Good Friday", that becomes the doorway to that beautiful season of Advent which begins this Sunday -- that sacred, focused and deliberate time when we ponder the coming of our Lord from His heavenly throne to earth to become one of us. It really was a time of HEAVEN ON EARTH. Unlike the innkeeper who said, "No room in the inn", may we cross over from the hustle, bustle, stress and mess that can accompany this season and do our best to make room for Him.. And while we're at it, let's continue to make room for gratitude to God for His love that gave us the Reason for this Season -- the gift that keeps on giving -- our Heaven on Earth -- our Savior and our Lord! May this Black Friday.....become a Good Friday to YOU today!

Do you have Heaven-on-Earth moments?

Nearly 49 years ago, when my son was just 6-weeks old, I remember a little mini-vacation to Hilltop Lakes, Texas, that my husband and I took with cousins, Ron Haake and Noreen Haake. It was one of those 3-day, 2 night FREE gift packages to encourage guests to come and enjoy the place, with the hopes they would want to purchase property there. "FREE" was so inviting for these newlyweds. This was the first time we were away from our baby boy, so there were already anxious moments while we were on our much-needed vacation.....which ended up being somewhat like the movie, National Lampoon's Vacation. LOL!

The first thing we did when we arrived at our "get-away" house was turn the air conditioner up as high as it would go, so that we could turn the fireplace on. We wanted romantic ambience, but what we got was a smoke-filled house. Wanting to check-out the facilities, we headed over to the clubhouse and all we saw were ping pong tables, broken and folded up against the wall. In the same area was a "greasy spoon" diner which didn't appeal to our desires for a fine dining meal. The guys wanted to take us girls out for a romantic canoe ride, but when the guys got in the canoe and shoved it off the bank, the canoe tipped over with both guys falling into the water. My Ron's banlon shirt was stretched to his knees. We checked out horseback riding, but the poor horses were so exhausted that they had no vitality for this foursome. When we were out in the paddleboats, our big paddle fell off into the lake. After all those misadventures, you can imagine the "panic" mode Noreen and I went into, when our guys gave us the news that they had bought a lake lot there. How relieved we were when those mischievious guys fessed up.

In spite of it all, we have those "now" hilarious memories of our romantic get-away. Indeed, we could call it our "heaven on earth" that gave two couples, so desperately in love with their spouses, to have memories that have lasted a lifetime.

"Heaven on earth" is when we pause to bring worship from earth to heaven and then God brings heaven to earth. When we take time to be thankful for the journeys, whether they are winding and twisting, or 4-lane smooth highways, and have gratitude in it all, heaven shows up on earth. Any time we pray, “God, let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re asking God to declare the truths of heaven into this world.

I know what heaven on earth is and everyday I invest my time in looking for and living in my heaven on earth. Yes, one day, I'll get to graduate for this earth to heaven, but I sincerely believe God delights in our appreciating the heaven we can have daily as we commune with Him and let Him make His presence known in every facet of our lives. Here's some of my "heaven on earth" moments:

~ savoring the "kisses from heaven" in nature, in children, in sweet friends and family.
~ seeing my kids and grandkids loving and worshipping God, singing His praises, and speaking His Word.
~ watching my kids and grandkids excel in their careers, in their schoolwork, in sports, in music, in their friendships
~ celebrating God's goodness each week with the women in my Life Group and hearing answers to our prayers.
~ eating my favorite foods
~ blogging and posting and hearing that God used me to encourage someone.
~ being used by God to speak and encourage people to know God and His unconditional love for them -- and then watching them become fully devoted followers of Christ.
~ hearing someone talk about the impact that my husband and I had on their lives -- like yesterday morning in church when a man just had to say "I remember your strong, distinguished husband, Ron, and was so impressed with the love you had for each other."
~ feeling alive and filled with God's love, peace, joy, strength and courage.

Yes, all those "heaven on earth" times sure makes this journey so sweet on the way to "heaven in heaven". Every day, we can make the choice to have "heaven on earth" moments. Maybe it's time to take stock in YOUR "heaven on earth" blessings, too!