Promises Made. Promises Kept.

I promise you….if elected, I’ll…..
I promise you….for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, till death parts us…..
I promise you….I’ll never tell your secret….
I promise you….I'll be at your game (recital, performance).…
I promise you….I’ll be there right on time….
You know – all those promises someone made, or we made, maybe kept – maybe didn’t and regret it? Maybe we couldn’t help it when we broke the promise, but still, we were a promise-breaker. Oh, that we were able to ALWAYS be promise keepers. People of integrity, honor, commitment. People you can count on -- who are good for the promise they made.

I sincerely want to be a promise keeper, but who hasn’t, in weakness, fallen short on keeping a promise? Which brings me to the ONE infallible One Who we CAN count on. If He said it, we can believe it – it will come to pass. Maybe not in our timing – but always His.

Most of us who are Christ's followers have a favorite scripture promise we’ve memorized. It is the one we cling to during tough times and very often there are more than one. I am partial to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I also remind myself, on a regular basis, of this promise from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” God kept those promises to me.

Some people take those promises and think if we click our heels three times, squeeze our eyes shut, like a great Almighty “treat” dispenser, all they’ve requested will be delivered as fast as Amazon Prime. God’s promises are not true because we believe in them. They don’t come to pass because our faith is great. God’s promises come to pass simply because God said them.

Our God is faithful. Everything He promised will surely come to pass. Sometimes it's not in a minute, month or year. We may have to wait for it. God promised the Israelites the promised land, but not all of them saw it. Some perished in the desert due to plagues, some due to earthquake, etc. Yet God was faithful in His word. He fulfilled what He said He would. There was a delay because the people disobeyed and sinned against Him and doubted Him despite seeing His mighty acts and power. If God says it, we can count on it. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

I wrote this blog because I’m thinking about the many who don’t believe in God because they've only known promise breakers. We live in a "fatherless" generation. So many don't know our Father God of promises and love and faithfulness. They live hopeless -- void of truth. I’m sorry for them. I pray for laborers into their pathways -- that their eyes will be opened to the love and mercy of our great God. He never fails in His promises. Maybe you've only known promise-breakers. I pray that you will come to know God Who is our great promise-keeper. And, for those of us who do know Him, may our purpose-driven lives be full of assurance that He will never fail us. He is our promise-keeper. Delays are meant for our good. The promise may seem slow in getting here, but I assure you – it will come to pass.

"Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4:20-21

Would You Be Impeached if You Were President?

Could You Be Impeaced if You Were President?
I'd like to take the credit for this blog today -- meaning, that God had given me this insight. It rang so true for me and I wish I had seen it a couple of days ago when I was defending my President with what he has done for our Country and someone challenged me about him -- in fact, calling him "Satan in the flesh". But, this speaks so much louder to who and whose we are. This is a post from a powerful godly woman, Janet Denison. I hope you get out of it as much as I did:

"I remember seeing the video of President Nixon entering the helicopter and waving at the cameras with his famous two-handed peace sign. It was 1974 and I was a sophomore in high school. I remember when the impeachment proceedings were initiated against President Clinton. It was 1998 and I was trying to steer my two sons away from the ugly descriptions in the television news. My boys were both in elementary school. Last week, I couldn’t help but wonder what my grandkids were hearing. I wondered if my oldest were asking, “Dad, what is impeach?” How would you answer that question?

Impeach is a verb and means “call into question the integrity or validity of (a practice).” The word is used most often in America to “charge (the holder of a public office) with misconduct.” From my limited knowledge of politics, I would ask this question: Who in Washington D.C. isn’t impeachable?

In my memory, integrity has not really been a standard we use to measure our leaders. If that were the case, we wouldn’t have slanderous campaign ads that flood the airwaves and that continue once they are in office—and especially once they campaign for office again. Would we have the problems in Washington today if we had voted for leaders who believed that integrity was a high standard for their campaigns? Can a person of high integrity ever win? Is winning more important than maintaining personal integrity?

It doesn’t matter which teams you root for in this world. Integrity should be a standard we value more than winning. We look for integrity in our preachers, teachers, and medical professionals. We would appreciate integrity in our lawyers, but we demand integrity from the lawyers on the other side of the table. We want integrity in our bankers, but do we require it of our tax accountants? We want the service industries to help us with integrity, but what about the realtor negotiating the sale of our home?

We are angry with the baseball teams that cheat their way to the top. How would we feel if it were our team that had won the trophy? I remember when Tom Brady was suspended for several games after “deflategate.” He won the Super Bowl that year and another two years later. It’s possible, even probable, that deflategate cost his team a title the year Brady was suspended for four games. But, did Brady’s suspension change his sport or just the way footballs are checked on snowy days?

I loved a letter to the Astros franchise that a friend posted on Facebook. He is an avid fan who is greatly disappointed in his team. But, he will still be a fan—if they clean up their standards for winning and return to a place of integrity in their sport. His Facebook post prompted this blog post. Washington DC didn’t change because of Watergate and Brady’s suspension didn’t cause everyone in sports to stop cheating.

If winning matters most, then people will continue to compromise their integrity to win. If God matters most, then people will continue to aim at integrity. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Lost people will always act lost. The real point of this blog post is to ask us: Will Christians act saved? We need to choose to love God most and be called to his purpose, especially this week. Like it or not, Christians are the light in this culture. We tend to get angry at lost people who act lost more than saved people who act lost. We have grace for the saved because, after all, that’s our team.

Americans are all part of the fallen human race and therefore we are all flawed. But there are a lot of us who are also part of God’s eternal family. When King Solomon was commissioning God’s children, he spoke for God, saying, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

King Solomon was a faithful, strong, and flawed leader. Maybe that’s why God chose him to deliver some of the most important words in Scripture. The key to 2 Chronicles 7:14 is found in the first three words of the verse: “If my people . . . .” The integrity of our culture is not the fault of, nor the responsibility of, the lost. God’s people are supposed to be “the light of the world.” We are supposed to humble ourselves, turn from our mistakes, and pray and seek God’s face.

God’s promise of blessing was not contingent upon the lost people doing the right things; it was contingent upon God’s people doing the right things. Whatever “team” you are on in politics, remember that you are there to love God and serve his purpose. Romans 8:28 is the responsibility of every Christian so that God can redeem all things to his great and perfect purpose.

Will we humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face? We are God’s people, and 2 Chronicles 7:14 explains that his blessings are a direct response to our obedience. Christians are the light of the world because the light of the world indwells us. Don’t let the world shove your light under a basket. This is an important time to shine. Humble yourself, seek God’s face, and turn from the wrong words and ways that will be easy to slip into this week. Please God if you want to win.

God can and will redeem anything for his good, if his people are called to his ways. That is our role in the impeachment proceeding.

Honoring President George H.W. Bush -- Character is What Mattered Most

A gift of two tickets from my children to the OU vs Texas Big-12 game on Saturday sure made me giddy and proud to represent our Oklahoma team well. It was a thrill to be on the “winning” side in the Cowboys’ incredible AT&T Stadium. On our way back home, my Waze app directed us to go down the President George Bush Tollway (PGBT). It was Saturday so the usual traffic was way less and we made it home quickly.

Not until I heard about our 41st President George H.W. Bush passing away late Saturday, did I think much about a toll road named after him. Suffice it to say, that person must have lived a stellar life and done some remarkable things, to have something named after them. I remember my daughter's comments about his genuine kindness to her after she sang "God Bless America" and "I'm Proud to be an American" at an event where she shared the stage with him at a motivational event. His "talk" was about character and freedom.

I've read many stories that came with many accolades and acknowledgments of his character, integrity, and honor. He was the last U.S. president to have served in combat. He and his adoring wife, Barbara, hold the record for the longest marriage in presidential history. A young man of "means", he enlisted in the armed forces on his 18th birthday. The youngest pilot in the Navy when he got his wings, he flew 58 combat missions during the World War II. On a mission over the Pacific, he was shot down and rescued by a US submarine. He was elected to two terms in the House of Representatives, then served as Ambassador to the UN, then Director of the CIA, vice president, and president.

More than all those accomplishments, President Bush has been remembered most for his personal character. President Trump celebrated Mr. Bush’s “authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country.” NATO Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison added, “He represented the best of our country with generosity, dignity, humility, and kindness.” His son, Jeb, called him simply “the greatest human being that I will ever know.”

Two commitments explain Mr. Bush’s legacy: his desire to live with integrity, and his love for Christ. It had to be his faith that produced such a legacy of character. Here’s what is most important for us to learn from someone who has lived a value-based life. A life of such character does not end when its days on earth are over. The Bible says of the righteous Abel, “Through his faith, though he died, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

We can certainly learn from his legacy and resolve to emulate his life of character and commitment to Jesus. If we make those choices, our lives will speak on earth long after we are in heaven. Dr. Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts – not on marble.”

We will remember you, President Bush! Thank you for living your life with honor and integrity. This day, I’m being challenged with taking my own character up a notch because of the inspiration of your life and death. RIP.

Are We Behaving Wisely?

Typically, we use the word, misbehaving, when it comes to the way our children act up. But, I'm sure you will agree that we have been inundated with "misbehaving" adults lately, particularly in the political arena. But, that's them, what about us? We faith-talking, Bible-toting, cross-wearing, Christ-following people are being watched by those in our sphere of influence. They scrutinize us and the life we live at home and outside the home is one we cannot afford to compromise or lose. Like David, we need to BEHAVE ourselves wisely. Take a look at his example:

We first hear about David` as a shepherd boy keeping watch over his father's sheep. Then we read about him being anointed by Samuel to become king one day. Soon he started serving King Saul in a musical capacity and though he still tended his sheep, when Saul called for him to play his music, he showed up. Not long after that, he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath.

That conquest was greater than only killing Goliath. When the Philistines saw that their leader was dead, they ran in terror. That's when the Israeli armies ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the goods and treasures with them.

The crowd's victory cheers went like this "Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands." From that point on, Saul's jealousy made him bound and determined to kill David, but all his attempts were foiled. This leads me back to my main point in today's post. In 1 Samuel 18:5, we read "So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he BEHAVED wisely." Verse 14: "And David BEHAVED in all his ways, and the Lord was with him." In Verse 30, "David BEHAVED more wisely than all the servants of Saul so that his name became highly esteemed."

David did the right thing when the wrong thing was done to him. He could have become arrogant and self-serving when he received all the acclaim, but he BEHAVED well. He could have taken revenge on Saul, but he BEHAVED well. He BEHAVED well even when he carried a lot of responsibilities. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. He served patiently and faithfully and he was noticed and respected for that.

Our country is in desperate need of Godly leadership. We need those who will live a life of integrity before God and others. Integrity is not just measured by who we are in public, but who we are in private when no one else is around. Integrity and character are doing the right thing when no one is watching. As followers of Christ, we should BEHAVE ourselves in such a way that it pleases and honors God. Shouldn't we, in every situation, be men and women of integrity? Shouldn't we consistently be asking ourselves: "Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me? Do we hear God saying about us "She/He behaved wisely." If not, shouldn't we make it a priority to start NOW?

This is Where the Best of Me Came From

My sweet Mom, Edna Pearl Wheat, is 107 years old today and she’s having the time of her “forever after” life in heaven. These photos are of her and my granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, 15 years ago. She was in her element when she was holding the babies. I love the "before" and "after" of Alexia getting hold of that bottle. LOL!

I treasure photos like this because it reminds me of where the best of me came from. If ever there was an angel on earth, it was her. 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: "It's okay that they (my siblings that lived in other states) don't write or call me much. I love and pray for them anyway." Her integrity and honesty were of 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 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 marched me back into the store 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." It was those words that guided me 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 on Sunday. She sacrificed her own needs for my needs. She demonstrated undaunted faith and determination in the toughest of times when my dad was so sick and when our finances were so meager. I heard her praying for me and my siblings from her bedroom. She was the most tender, kind-hearted, loving, gentle, caring and pure woman I have ever known. She was my hero, and to this day, she remains my hero. Her example made me a better me.

The reason why I'm spotlighting her today is to emphasize it's not the things, treasures, inheritance or jewelry that matter. She had very few tangible things to leave us. Oh, but what she left us exceeded anything tangible. She left a legacy 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 pass on something so much more than the things that can be bought.

I intend to leave my children 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

Happy Birthday, sweet Mom!

The Legacy of Billy Graham

These were some of the headlines of news releases yesterday: From U.S. News: “Billy Graham, America's pastor, has died”; From CNN: “Billy Graham, whose 'matchless voice changed the lives of millions,' dies at 99; NBC News: “Billy Graham, evangelist, pastor and counselor to presidents, dead at age 99”.

No words of defamation. No words of scandal. No words of scorn. Only words of character, honor, dignity and integrity about a true servant of God who had the biggest heart for winning people to Christ. He redefined American life by popularizing Christianity's core message — Christ died for your sins — downplaying denominational details and proclaiming the joys found in faith.

The accolades inspired me to write this post today. Only God knows the number of souls that came into a relationship with Jesus of Billy Graham's life and message. My earliest memories of Billy Graham were of hearing his message of placing our lives in the hands of God, and then the song "Just As I Am" would be sung by the massive choir, and there would be droves of people who went forward to receive Christ as their Savior.

Two years ago, I was walking through the halls of Northwestern University, St. Paul, MN, while at the NCFCA National Speech & Debate Competition with my grandchildren. I passed this portrait of Billy Graham many times. I knew I needed to take a photo of it. His portrait is 2nd in line of all the other presidents. In 1947, at age 30, Billy Graham became the 2nd president there, and at the time, was the youngest person to serve as a sitting president of any U.S. college or university. He served as president from 1948 to 1952 when he resigned to become a full-time minister.

I thought about his legacy, the seeds he planted in the future generations there, and how that legacy laid the foundation of "seed time and harvest" of his future. While Billy has crossed his finish line, those young people in that university and the rest of us who were impacted by his ministry, will continue to plant seeds that will influence others for Christ. Surely this scripture applies: "Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit." John 12:24.

Billy Graham's heart for reaching out to the masses with the love of Jesus could not be confined to a university. He carried it to the world and millions came to know Christ because of his message. No doubt, the heavenly choirs were assembled and the bands were already tuning up for Billy’s grand entrance into heaven. Hearing about his passing and remembering those halls of Northwestern University, has increased my own desire to live with a determined purpose to know Christ more and to share His love passionately.

A General of Faith went home yesterday, but we’re still here to pick up the baton he left for us to run with. That baton in our hands is the same baton Christ gave us and it is to continue to spread the Good News, sow into this generation encouragement and help steer them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Then we, too, will not only impact this generation, but the generations to come.

With all the scandalous stories of high profile individuals that seem to come down the pipe daily, it gives me such appreciation for someone (anyone) who stays the course of faithfulness to God and family, who lives what he preaches, and who lives with passion of taking as many souls with him to heaven as possible.

In his autobiography, Just As I Am, he wrote, "If anything has been accomplished through my life, it has been solely God's doing, not mine, and He-not I-must get the credit." Along with God's words to Billy when he entered the pearly gates, I'm joining in with mine, too! "Well done, good and faithful servant, Billy Graham. Thank you, God, for giving us a true and faithful role model to follow." RIP, Billy Graham.

Army VALUES. Family VALUES.

Yesterday morning at church, a man from my neighborhood and I visited a few minutes and our conversation led to his two sons who have made serving in the Air Force a career. One was just promoted to Colonel. He quickly pulled up a photo of his sons and two of his grandsons, who all serve in the armed forces. Those four men are bringing such pride and joy to this man, who is himself, retired from the army. I was inspired enough to hone in on some of those values that this family lives by.

My word for today is VALUES -- a person's principles of behavior; standards, ethics, moral code, morals. VALUES are those specifics that define who we are and are the absolute non-negotiables in our lives.

I am always touched when I see a young man or woman in their military uniform or fatigues. They represent such commitment and selfless sacrifice. The Army's 7 Core Values are: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Courage. It causes me to look introspectively at my own values..

When God made us, He planted within us certain things that we value deeply. They’re hardwired in our heart. Through our life experiences – from the environment we are raised in, the schools we go to, the friends we associate with, and the religious foundation we receive, God made them clear to us. These are the things that we would be willing to die for. They explain how we come by our personal priorities AND the absolutes . If our values include the 10 Commandments, God’s Word and God’s love….I’d say, “We’re making this world a better place.”

Every one of our politicians came from families – either they were taught the Golden Rule or they weren’t. They were taught character, honor, respect, human dignity…..or they weren’t. If family values are instilled in each other, all those qualities of how we want to live our family life will be passed down through all generations. Values help define the way we behave in various situations. They help us make right and good choices, and they solidify the bonds we have together. If our family members respect each other – chances are very good, they’ll respect others. If they live by “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” that’s how they’ll treat others. If they support each other, they’ll support their fellow man. If they respect their family’s lives, they’ll respect other lives.

Moses delivered God's Ten Commandments on a tablet of stone and if those commandments were followed, the Israelites would experience God's favor and blessings. Just imagine the blessings that would be on our families if we not only followed God's Ten Commandments, but also the family values (non-negotiables) that we stood for in our homes and lives.

Perhaps it's time to put a stake in the ground on behalf of our families and define those things that matter most to us and when we do, then we'll be blessed in our homes and we'll pass them on to our children and their children. Indeed it would be a HOME SWEET HOME.

Psalm 128:1 “Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways!”

Bless Your Heart

I’m a Southern girl -- born and raised by a Southern girl. My expression of "Southern girl" isn't exclusive to Southern girls. I'm quite sure what I learned from my Mama, is still impressive and important for all of us girls -- Southern or not. Manners matter and chivalry and respect shouldn't be dead. I love it when a man offers to put my carry on suitcase in the upper bin of the airplane for me or gives up his seat so I can sit down (or a very pregnant woman to sit down) or when one of my grandsons (or any other man) opens the car door for me. In return, those guys will know this sweet, polite Southern belle that her momma raised her to be. You’ll for sure hear me say “Bless your heart, Darlin'! Keeping my word, and you keeping your word is key and I really pay attention to honesty and integrity…..and especially kindness. I think if I had to sum it all up in one word…..it would be KINDNESS. Kindness goes a long way in showing the caliber of GENTLE-man that you are.

I’m sure just about everyone gets all kinds of "Friend Requests" on social media. I sure do and I really do want to welcome anyone to be my FB “friend”, because I want them to be encouraged by my positive posts that, hopefully, their day will be brighter and off to a better start when they read what I believe God directed me to post. But I have some fail-proof ways to know if those asking hold up to my measure of rule (The Southern Girl’s Rule). Before I “Accept” them as my friend, I’ll check their language and lifestyle and, above all, I’ll check their posts to see if they reflect kindness.

Yesterday, I received a Friend Request and went to the individual’s FB page and saw several hate-filled and hurtful comments. I am shocked at how mean people can be. I mean really shocked. Words so heartbreaking, they can bring tears to your eyes. I get that name-calling and blaming and judging abound from the sense of security they feel behind their computer screens and phones.

Where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties. But, where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
There’s that word again: kindness. Someone may have just lost their job and they don’t know how they will pay the rent. Someone’s loved one may have just been diagnosed with cancer. Someone may have just lost a child. We don’t know. So just be kind. Be compassionate. We should be freely sharing kind words, love, and encouragement, being quick to uplift and encourage, rather than judge.

I sincerely want to be the person who encourages. I want to be acutely aware of the needs of others. I know what it is to witness so many levels of suffering that I didn’t know or even relate to before I walked alongside my sweetheart in his battle against cancer, and eventually his graduation to heaven. As I reflect back, I am reminded of kind words spoken to me and how God used them as healing ointment for my soul. I consistently clung to God for strength, but it was the encouraging words, the delicious home-cooked meals, the calls, the support and offers to help us, was like a shelter in the midst of our raging storm. Today, seven years later, those kind words still comfort me and bring me solace.

I am forever grateful for those who have spoken grace and encouragement into me. My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters in your own life when a kind word ministered more deeply than the speaker could have ever imagined. Those kind words from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. So, I end this post with my favorite Southern belle words “Bless your heart, Darlin'!”

Wisdom is the Principal Thing -- Get Wisdom!

We have all heard the phrase “right place at the right time”. That was my daughter when she just happened to be at a conference in Hawaii and the conference director asked if she would sing a song at one of the events. Always prepared with a soundtrack back then, she did sing and belted out the lyrics like there was no tomorrow. At the back of that room was Peter Lowe, the host/director of the notorious Get Motivated Success Events that included speakers: presidents and wives, like George & Laura Bush, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, football legends like Joe Montana and , motivational speakers to the likes of Zig Ziglar and Tom Hopkins. Peter asked Staci to sing at his next event and for the next 12 years she was honored to be a part of those events around the country. That was definitely right place; right time.

But what about wrong place; wrong time? As I was reading my Facebook/OnThisDay – a few days ago, this first photo from 2012 came up along with the explanation: “ As a statement of faith, Ryan Lochte has said all year that his time has come. On Saturday evening he matched deeds to words by surging to a majestic victory over Michael Phelps in the first of their two London Olympics medley duels at the Aquatics Centre. "I feel amazing, knowing that for the last four years I have put in all that hard work. I have said this before, that this is my year." My comment on that post read "Lochte sets a great example for anyone who has a huge dream and goal: speaking the faith-filled words and putting those words to action with the hard work it takes the achieve the prize!!" Oh me!

That was in 2012. Fast forward to the 2016 Olympics when he, along with other swimmers, were returning to the Olympic Village from a party, and they stopped at a gas station to use the restroom. Days later, Rio police held a news conference and said the athletes had vandalized the restroom, breaking a soap dispenser and mirror, as well as destroying a poster outside the bathroom. There was outrage against Lochte in media accounts around the world. Wrong place; wrong time.

Some good news came a couple of weeks ago -- after 10 months of grueling investigations, enormous legal expenses and efforts to repair his name. “We are pleased that the court has finally dismissed the criminal prosecution against Mr. Lochte, while at the same time, appropriately recognizing that he committed no crime. It has been a long year, but in the end, justice prevailed,” said Jeff Ostrow, Lochte’s Florida-based attorney, in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. Good news for Lochte, but think about the implications of being at the wrong place; wrong time. At the 2016 Olympic games Lochte was ridiculed publicly for days and lost sponsors after Rio police asserted his story was a fabrication – infamously claiming one of the assailants put a gun to his forehead. The USA TODAY investigation found no evidence that the men had vandalized a bathroom at the gas station that night, as authorities had alleged. Lochte acknowledged he was intoxicated at the time and apologized for the negative attention he brought on the U.S. swim team. He was suspended from the U.S. national swim team for 10 months for his actions at the gas station, a penalty that ended July 1.

Every day we have the opportunity to be people of integrity, honor and character, and everyday we have the opportunity to be at the right place at the right time. I remember asking my mom could I go here or there and her response to me was “Let your conscience be your guide.” That simple phrase said “Be sure to be at the right place at the right time – not the wrong place at the wrong time.”

My grandson and his buddy were all hyped about the release of the latest “Star Wars” movie and decided to don their Star Wars costumes with their light sabers and run around the neighborhood to save the day for anyone in distress. What they didn’t realize that it was the wrong place at the wrong time when a concerned parent thought they could be individuals who could potentially bring harm to the children that were outside playing, so he contacted the police. The boys were confronted with “wisdom” in the form of a police officer that night.

Wisdom goes a long way when we realize that even the most innocent of intentions could be misconstrued if it’s the “wrong place at the wrong time”. Perhaps a good dose of wisdom could have saved the day and time and financial means for Ryan Lochte and I’m quite sure he would tell us that today. Perhaps, we need to hang out more with her...WISDOM!

Proverbs 4:6-7 “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Doing the Right Thing

After 18 years as a Real Estate Broker, today, I will be completing my Real Estate Broker-in-Charge requirements for another 3-year term. My sweetheart had over 30 years under his belt when he went to heaven. After obtaining my initial R/E Associate License, he urged me to obtain my Broker's license to further assist him in our Sonlife Properties R/E Company. At the time, it seemed so unneeded (better said, UN-wanted -- it meant I had to use a lot of brain power to learn so much), but I am so grateful he was relentless in encouraging me to finish strong. Now I know why. The blessings, for both of us in our years of real estate, have been so many, and since he went to heaven, it has served me so well.

I always learn so much when I attend these continuing education courses which are also "refresher" courses. These few days have been no exception. So many rules, regulations, do's and don'ts, attention to details, ethics, standards, laws, codes, provisions! Ugh! Laws....all those things that restrain us, keep us from fun and living it up. OR, is it those things that FREE us and PROTECT us and give us a meaningful, blessed and prosperous life? In these classes, plenty of tragic stories are heard of how negligence or lack of integrity destroyed a family's life. But, at the same time, we heard stories that "saved the day" because of law-abiding, generous, kind and thoughtful actions that were taken.

Whether it be in real estate, or any profession, or being a good citizen who adheres to the laws of the land, we will be known by our actions. J.C. Watts said, "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught." And, the Apostle Paul said in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits."

Our reputation of honesty and integrity is worth its weight in gold in all of our business relations, our human relations, and our relationship with God. There will be so many opportunities in our life to take a shortcut or do the wrong thing or even to justify bad behavior as a reaction to someone else’s bad behavior. Let's live our lives in such a way that when each day comes to a close we can look in the mirror and say, “Today I did the right thing.”

Good or Bad Name?

When we hear someone's name, quite often their character and integrity accompanies our thoughts about them. "Phil is such a kind man." "Kim is so generous." "I wouldn't trust Sam for that position."

King Solomon said, "A good name is more desirable than great riches....." Proverbs 22:1, and he also said, "A good name is better than fine perfume.” Ecclesiastes 7:1.

In the ancient world, they would often use very rare oils and sweet-smelling perfumes for special occasions. King Solomon wanted us to understand that even as expensive as those precious ointments were, their value and all the riches in the world, didn't compare to a good name.

Our good name stays with us wherever we go and in every setting of life. It will last past our lifetime. What do people think when they hear your name? Do they think about your integrity, your honesty, your heart of giving and serving?

I'm certain that the more we live in the mindset of WWJD "What Would Jesus Do?", the more His character will be seen in us....and our GOOD NAME will go before us, opening doors of blessings and friendships beyond what we can imagine!

We can't take the riches with us when we leave this world......but we sure can take our good name! I'm counting on that!

JUST DO IT

Day 308 of Photo Inspirations -- JUST DO IT!
Yesterday's Bible Study was on the Fruit of the Spirit's quality of Faithfulness.   What does "faithfulness" look like to you?  If God is our standard for faithfulness, then we have a lot to measure up to.  Just the thought of His faithfulness, overwhelms me.  He never gives up on us.  He's ALWAYS there for us. We never have to question His fidelity, loyalty and integrity.  He just DOES IT!

Nike's slogan "Just Do It" is a good slogan for Faithfulness -- just doing it -- the right thing -- no matter what.  Doing it regardless of feelings, moods or desires.  

Of course, we look to God for His strength on a daily basis.  Every day we're tempted to give excuses for NOT DOING IT.  We're tired, so we say “I can’t do it.”  We're just plain lazy, so we say, "I don’t want to do it."  We're feeling hopeless, so we say, "It doesn’t matter if I do it.  Why try?"  We procrastinate, so we say, “I’ll do it later."  We rationalize that we don't need to do it, so we say, "Someone else will do it."  We're apathetic to it all, so we say, “I don’t care if I do it."   We're rebellious, so we say, "I won't do it!"
 
Let’s bring it home.  What are the true marks of faithfulness that we want to bear and emulate with a JUST DO IT attitude:

We follow through…on whatever we have to do and we finish it.
We come through….no matter what.
We deliver the goods…..a borrowed cup of sugar.or a finished project.
We show up…..even early so others won’t worry.
We keep our word….our 'yes' means yes and our 'no' means no
We keep our commitments and appointments….we don't cancel.
We are regular church attenders......we don’t neglect worshipping our FAITHFUL God.
We are devoted to fidelity, loyalty, integrity and honor in friendships and marriage.
We live by the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments.  

We may stumble from time to time, but we don’t stay down for long -- for we are faithful and devoted followers of Christ.  One day we’ll be rewarded because of our FAITHFULNESS and we'll hear these beautiful words: ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant! You have been FAITHFUL with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

Choose FAITHFULNESS!

Character is Doing the Right Thing -- When No One is Looking

Character is doing the RIGHT THING – when no one is looking. You know – putting the grocery cart in the stall instead of just leaving it in a parking space, or putting the lettuce back in the produce department instead of conveniently slipping it in the laundry detergent department. Our logic says “After all, those store clerks are paid to put stuff back where it belongs”. Or, how about the extra change that we received from the cashier and telling her she overpaid you? Or, how about the items in our grocery cart that we weren’t charged for, and taking the time to go back into the store to pay for them?

What are the life rules that we play by? The ones that are just obvious because “they’re the rules”, or, though inconvenienced, the ones that are simply just the right thing to do? I think about our kids and grandkids that watch our every move and, quite frankly, they pay more attention to what we do rather than what we say. When we, on purpose, are people of honor, integrity, character, sportsmanship, appreciation, and courtesy, we are demonstrating the lessons of life, and quite frankly, rules won’t even be necessary. As I’m typing this, I’m thinking about a Sunday School song that I sang as a kid. If we lived our lives with these words, and with the "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) state of mind and state of actions……we would be known by others, and God, as men and women of great character.

O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above, and He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see

And, replace the first line above with these:

O be careful little ears what you hear.......
O be careful little hands what you do.......
O be careful little feet where you go........
O be careful little mouth what you say....

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Fathers out there! Father’s Day brings me precious memories and so much gratitude -- for my own sweet daddy and my precious husband, who are celebrating this Father’s Day together in heaven. And especially for two of the most amazing Dads ever -- my two precious sons: Ryan Wuerch & Larry Wallace -- who are role models of love, integrity and honor for their children. I love you all today!, and my two awesome sons: Ryan & Larry, who are amazing fathers and who lead their families by God’s example of to them.

Yesterday, I asked my two youngest grandsons “What makes someone a good dad?” Of course, they thought about their own dad, when they said, “They are kind, they play outside with you, they give you love, they work hard for your family, they’re strong like my daddy, they love you, and my dad flips his eyelids inside out, and he makes us laugh.” Oh, my! The joy they bring me.

One of my all-time favorite songs for today’s celebration is by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, “I Want to Be Just Like You” – a prayer from a dad who wants to do his best to be like Father God, because his little boy wants to be like him. These words touch my heart so much. Following these lyrics is the link for this beautiful song. I pray you are so impressed by God's love, that you, too, want to be just like Him.

He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug; He calls me Dad and I call him Bub, With his faded old pillow, a bear named Pooh, He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you."

I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight; trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light; I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see. He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me.

Lord, I want to be just like You; 'Cause he wants to be just like me,
I want to be a holy example, for his innocent eyes to see.
Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little boy can read.
I want to be just like You; 'Cause he wants to be like me.

Got to admit I've got so far to go; make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know.Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try, with all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right,

But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best; being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness; 'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees, and the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me.

Right now from where he stands, I may seem mighty tall, But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all. Lord, I want to be just like You; 'Cause he wants to be just like me, Want to be a holy example; for his innocent eyes to see. Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little boy can read. I want to be just like You; 'Cause he wants to be like me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z8bXcBRIU0 — with Larry Wallace and 2 others.