She Needed a Hero So She Became One

A dear friend who is going through some really tough times sent me a private message after I had said to her “You are your own hero -- you + God = courageous and strong, mighty woman of God!” She replied: Is that ok, to be your own hero?” The following helps explain my response to her:.

If ever we needed our sisterhood, we need it today. To have friends that encourage us, cry with us, rejoice with us and pray for us is worth more than silver and gold. I do that a lot on Facebook. When I see friends’ photos of their child’s wedding, I rejoice with them. I celebrate with my friends when they celebrate the accomplishments of their family – the school wins, graduations, awards, baby births, and anniversaries. I also love it when friends are bold enough to ask for prayer.

This photo says “She Needed a Hero, So She Became One!” I’m so proud of my friends and those women I don’t know, who aspire to be strong, resilient, determined, tenacious women and who say “I can do this. I can survive this. I am an overcomer. I am powerful – not because of my own abilities and my own self-talk – but I am powerful because the Greater One lives in me. (1 John 4:4) I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)”

I learned very quickly, after I became a widow, that I had a choice to make. I could whine and I could wallow in self-pity because I didn’t have my hero to lean on or give me advice on important decisions, or to repair something around the house. I could have thought “I need a hero to see after me!” If I stayed in that mindset, I would have never realized all I could do on my own. Now I know I am a woman of wisdom. I daily purpose to be powerful, passionate, positive, and, above all – peaceful. Rarely do I call out for help from anyone, but I also know my limitations. So when my daughter asked what I’d like for my birthday and since they live nearby, I was quick to say “Coupons for around-the-house jobs” (see photo). And, that's what they gave me. Yay!! I'll definitely use those coupons!

Honestly, there are times I think about how awesome it would be to have a hero again who I could go to for support and who would give me that extra hug, soothe my troubled soul, and boost me up with encouragement and compliments. But, I know I have God Who is more than enough. He is faithful to me. "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5. He lifts me up with His love. I may be alone, but I’m not lonely. He is for me and encourages me daily with His Word.

Still, there are times when it's up to ME to set me free. It's up to me to apply the band-aids to my body and my spirit. It's up to me to change the channel of "pitiful me" to "powerful me". It's up to me to do what King David did. "When King David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or mother or friend and it’s ME. I never leave me. I never forsake me. I don’t EVER let me beat ME up and I don't let me pity me. I put on my armor, pick up my sword and raise it high. I have come to realize I am my own HERO. Yes…..there are times when we need a HERO......and that's when it's up to us to BECOME ONE

My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I'm done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I've been giving a brief overview of my weekend's celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn't slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.

Spoiler Alert – He Lives!

I have two word phrases today:
~ Good News: Something or someone pleasant, fortunate, or otherwise positive. In Christianity, it is the message of Jesus Christ concerning the salvation of the faithful (as elaborated in the Gospels). I love that definition – that means we can wake up each day, and EVERYDAY, with GOOD NEWS!!

~ Spoiler Alert: In a discussion or review of a film, book, television, movie, drama, etc., it is a warning that an important detail of the plot development is about to be revealed.

This photo is of the front of a birthday card I received: "Spoiler alert -- the hero comes back to life". Hilarious! And that's the truth. The guy in the book store has the Bible in his hands -- and the message he's hearing is the Hero – Jesus, rose from the grave and LIVES! The inside of the card said, "Happy Birthday and many happy RETURNS! I loved it when I received it, and I still love the message today, this day after Easter. Spoiler Alert again....There's even more to this "happy ending". Those of us who claim Him as our Lord and Savior will really live forever and ever because our HERO paid the price for us to spend eternity with Him. Now, that's REALLY GOOD NEWS!

I felt that Easter Spirit in church with my Frisco family yesterday. We sang, raised our hearts and hands in joyous praise as we couldn't contain our gratitude for what this day brought us. It meant spending ETERNITY with our Savior. The diabolical plot against our Lord was spoiled by His resurrection and now we can look forward to this Easter joy FOREVER!

It really is a phenomenon that from 12 ragtag men: fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, and a doctor exponentially multiplied to billions of followers throughout the ages. How incredible it is that Jesus never wrote a book yet there are more books written about Him than any other subject in the world. He never composed a song, but there is more music written about Him than any other subject in history. Jesus never painted a picture or carved a sculpture, but there is more art paintings and sculptures made about Him than any other subject in history. Jesus never traveled more than 100 miles from where He was born, and yet, there are followers of Jesus in every nook and cranny of the planet.

The HERO mentioned on this card, really is about GREAT NEWS. It's great news because, when it's understood, we are radically transformed by such indescribable love, peace, joy and so many other benefits that cause us to have a full, vibrant, abundant life on this side of heaven......AND BEYOND!!! Jesus defeated death so we don't have to fear it. We can be certain of our future in heaven, but the best part is while we are still here, God gives so much purpose to our lives.

I don't know who your hero is, but mine still lives.....He walks with me and talks with and tells me I am His own. He lives. He lives. Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives......He lives within my heart!

She Needed a Hero So She Became One

The recent indiscretions of high profile men has been the topic of conversation lately. The good news is that women are “coming out of the closet” to reveal their stories that were hidden for years, for fear of loss of job or other consequences. They are stepping up to, hopefully, help other women stand up for making wrongs right. This post isn’t to express my opinion “on the news”, but it is to speak out on behalf of “sisterhood”.

Sisters, if ever we need our sisterhood, we need it today. To have friends that encourage us, cry with us, rejoice with us and pray for us is worth more than silver and gold. I do that a lot on Facebook. When I see friends’ photos of their child’s wedding, I rejoice with them. I celebrate with my friends when they celebrate the accomplishments of their family – the school wins, the graduations, the awards, birth of babies, and I also love it when friends are bold enough to ask for prayer. then I pray with them.

This photo says “She Needed a Hero, So She Became One!” I’m so proud of my friends, and even those women I don’t know, who aspire to being strong, resilient, determined, tenacious women and who say “I can do this. I can survive this. I am an overcomer. I am powerful – not because of my own abilities and my own self-talk – but I am powerful because the Greater One lives in me. (1 John 4:4) I am more than a conqueror.(Romans 8:37) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)”

I learned very quickly, after I became a widow, that I had a choice to make. I could whine and I could wallow in self-pity because I didn’t have MY HERO to lean on or give me advice on important decisions, or to repair something around the house. I could have thought “I need a HERO to see after me!” If I stayed in that mindset, I would have never realized all I could accomplish, on my own. Now I know I am a wonder woman with wisdom and I will be powerful, passionate, positive, and, above all – peaceful. Rarely do I call out for help from anyone, but I also know my limitations. For example, I needed help pulling down that heavy, high attic door in my garage to bring down my Christmas decorations. I knew I needed some “man-power” to lift those heavy boxes and bring them down for me. Fortunately, both of my sons and grandson were my heroes on the day after Thanksgiving.

Honestly, there really are times I think about how awesome it would be to have a HERO again, like I once did, who I could go to for support and who would give me that extra hug, soothe my troubled soul, and boost me up with encouragement and compliments. But, I know I have God Who is more than enough. He is faithful to me. "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5. He lifts me up with His love. I may be alone, but I’m not lonely. He is for me and encourages me daily with His Word

Still, there are times when, it's up to ME to set ME free. It's up to me to apply the band-aids to my body and my spirit. It's up to me to change the channel of "pitiful me" to "powerful me". It's up to me to do what King David did. "When King David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, David ENCOURAGED himself n the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or mother or FRIEND and it’s ME. I never leave me. I never forsake me. I don’t EVER let ME beat ME up and I don't let me pity me. I put on my armor, pick up my sword and raise it high. I have come to realize I am my own HERO.

Yes…..there are times when we need a HERO......and that's when it's up to us to BECOME ONE! Excuse me, I most end this post, because I need to get my 6' ladder out to repair my garage door opener!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama

July 12th, 2011 -- The Carpenters (one of my favorite 60s duo) sang…”On the day that you were born the angels got together, and decided to create a dream come true. So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue” (Song was “Close to You”). And today, I feel close to my angel Mama, Edna Pearl (Halbert) Wheat.

I treasure photos like this, because it reminds me of where the best of me came from. If you read my posts, you know how I make a big deal about memories and my desire to keep those who made the biggest difference in my life….alive. If ever there was an angel on earth, it was my mom. She was my mentor, role model and everything a mother should be. She selflessly gave -- "Just give me the fried chicken neck -- that's good enough for me." She always forgave -- "It's okay. God forgives me all the time. I sure can forgive you." She unconditionally loved. Her integrity and honesty were of the utmost importance to her. I'll never forget the day as a tiny tot that I saw a package of gum on the floor in the grocery store and put it in my pocket. I reasoned that "if it's on the floor, it's okay to have it". When she found it in my pocket, she took me back to the store and I had to admit my wrong-doing.

That incident and lesson stuck with me like glue. She gave me boundaries that worked -- "Let your conscience be your guide." And those words always rang in my ears when I was choosing right or wrong. She rarely missed a church service -- Wednesday night, Friday prayer meeting, women's meetings, Sunday School AND church -- twice each Sunday. That’s why, to this day, I love attending church and the sweet fellowship I find there. She sacrificed her own personal needs for my needs. She showed me undaunted faith and determination in the toughest of times when my daddy was so sick and when our finances were so meager. I heard her praying for me and my siblings from her bedroom. She was unquestionably the most tender, kind-hearted, loving, gentle, caring and pure woman I have ever known. She was and is my hero. Her example made me a better me.

The photos I’ve included in this post include Staci’s wedding and that “pretty as a picture Mom in the middle of us”, and that’s who she was in life. Right in the middle of praying for us, and praying for Staci’s soul mate to come into her life – he did! The photo of her standing up at church – is her giving praise to God – she just had to stand up and tell it. That’s how she rolled! The photo of her sitting with my siblings, is at her 90th birthday celebration. I’m the only one, in the group, still here to keep the memory alive!

Mom only saw my two oldest grandsons, Braden and Brennan, in the photo with their dad. That’s another reason to keep the memory alive for the four grandchildren that came after she went to heaven.

The photo of Mom and Shawntel is when they came to see her on November 27, 2003 to tell her “We have a baby coming!” (That baby was Brennan – our 13 year old.)

Of course I had to include my sweet mama on our wedding day. She sacrificed so much to give us such a beautiful wedding. BTW – that’s my sister’s wedding dress that I was wearing -- that saved a lot on the wedding finances!

The reason why I'm emphasizing her today, as my greatest role model, is for you and me to realize -- it's not the things or treasures or inheritance or life insurance or jewelry -- the tangible things that make us. What makes us, and the legacy we leave to our children, are the things that money could never buy. Her influence on me caused me to be honest, to love and care passionately, to put my faith in God during the best and worst of times, to give and to suck it up when I've been hurt or offended, to trust in God's plans for my life and to leave my family with something so much more than the things that can be bought. I intend to leave them the very best of me......and the very best of me is my precious mother's example.

What are those things that you'll leave to your children and grandchildren? "Her children rise up, and call her blessed...." Proverbs 31:28

She Needed a Hero, So She Became One!

Lately, I’ve noticed that I've been getting "surprise" bruises on my hands, legs and arms. Most of the time I don't even remember bumping into anything. I understand that it's incredibly common in the 60s+ to have thinner skin that's more susceptible to bruising. I'm taking matters into my own handsand amping up the Vitamin C which I understand is a good remedy and my nutritionist gave me a supplement that should help curb the bruising.

Since I fell a couple of times last year, which required many chiropractic appointments, I’m paying closer attention to my walking and running. During this time of year I go up into my attic to get my seasonal decor and bring it down. I’m being very wise with my maneuvers in getting there. In fact, I'm becoming even more wise in lifting those boxes that are up in the attic, because my back sure feels it after.

Not often, but when I could use help with lifting those heavy boxes or someone to give me advice on important decisions, someone to lean on, someone to repair something around the house, I start thinking I need a HERO to see after me! Honestly, there really are times I think about how awesome it would be to have a HERO again, like I once did, who I could go to for support and encouragement and who would give me that extra hug, soothe my troubled soul, boost me up with compliments and encouragement.

Of course I know I have my Father God Who is more than enough. He is so faithful to me. "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5. He lifts me up with His indescribable love. I may be alone but I’m not lonely. He is for me and encourages me with His Word on a daily basis.

BUT, still there are times when, it's up to ME to set ME free. It's up to me to apply the bandaids to my body and my spirit. It's up to me to change the channel of "woe is me" or "pitiful me" to POWERFUL ME! It's up to me to do what King David did in 1 Samuel 30:6 "When King David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him...David ENCOURAGED HIMSELF in the LORD his God."

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or mother or sister or FRIEND and it’s ME. I never leave me. I never forsake me. I don’t EVER let ME beat ME up and I don't let me pity me. I put on my armor and hold my sword high. I have come to realize I am my own HERO.

Yes…..there are times when we need a HERO......and that's when it's up to us to JUST BECOME ONE!

Excuse me, I need to get my 6' ladder and climb it to change the air filter in my 10' ceiling!!!

Spoiler Alert

Day 287 of Photo Inspirations -- Spoiler Alert
I was just getting ready to file the sweet birthday cards I received for my birthday and I saw this one again:  "Spoiler alert -- the hero comes back to life".  In case you don't get it, the guy is in a book store and has the Bible in his hands -- and the message he's hearing is the Hero -- Jesus rose from the grave and LIVES! The inside of the card said, "Happy Birthday and many happy RETURNS!  I loved it when I received it, and I still love the message today.

The fact is Christ's resurrection changed everything for all of us.  Spoiler Alert again:  Those of us who claim Him as our Lord and Savior will really live forever and ever because our HERO paid the price for us to spend eternity with Him.

It really is a phenomenon that 12 peasant fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, a doctor exponentially multiplied to billions of followers throughout the ages.  It's amazing that Jesus never wrote a book yet there are more books written about Him than any other subject in the world.  He never composed a song, but there is more music written about Jesus Christ than any other subject in history.  Jesus never drew any pictures or sculpted any sculpture, but there is more art made about Him than any other subject in history.  Jesus never traveled more than 100 miles from where he was born, and yet, we can find followers of Jesus in every nook and cranny of the planet.

The HERO mentioned on this card, really is about GOOD NEWS.  It's not bad news. It's actually GREAT news!   It's great news because, when it's understood, we are radically impacted by such indescribable love, peace, joy and so many other benefits that cause us to have a full, vibrant, abundant life on this side of heaven......AND BEYOND!!!  Jesus defeated death so we don't have to fear it.  We can be certain of our future in heaven, but the best part is while we are still here, God gives so much purpose for our lives.

I don't know who your hero is, but mine still lives.....He walks with me and talks with and tells me I am His own.  He lives.  He lives.  Salvation to impart.  You ask me how I know He lives......He lives within my heart!