Our Mission is Possible Wherever We Are

When you hear “mission”, maybe you think about Tom Cruise and his exploits in the Mission Impossible spy film series. Or, when you hear “mission”, you may think about missionaries in a third world country, dedicated to bringing lost souls to Christ. The truth is we are all called to a mission – right here or over there. God doesn’t value a far-off there more than an ordinary right here. Every there for us is someone else’s here.

Yes, some are called to go but most are called to stay and this is no lesser of a story to be living. If God is everywhere, and He tells us that He is, then He loves all the earth and we can serve Him in any corner of it -- including the one at the end of our own street. We are all missionaries because none of us are “home.” We are all in a foreign place, in a culture where we are not true citizens but wanderers. "Our citizenship is in heaven." (Philippians 3:20)

The good news is we can honor God in what is familiar to us. We can seek Him in the everyday sameness of our lives. We don't have to go anywhere but TO HIM in order for us to be useful in His Kingdom. For those called to step on a plane or boat, you go with the blessing of God. For those called to stay in a kitchen or a check-out line at a store or a conference room or a a desk in a class, you stay right where you are -- with the blessing of God.

“Missionary” simply means someone who has or is on a mission. If that’s the case, then we all bear that name. I’m by no means taking away the special care and honor that should be given to those for whom it is also an occupation. I’m just saying “Let’s not diminish the privilege we all have of being part of a great mission, too." You have been sent. I have been sent. We were sent the second the first spark of life flickered in our mother’s womb. To this earth. And now to wherever we are today.

Let’s not believe that there is a more “spiritual” location to be. Let’s never let our hearts be convinced God is not as fully here as He is on some distant continent. Instead let’s take off our shoes and declare that right here where we stand is holy ground, too. Because God is here -- in this moment. Perhaps even more miraculous, He is in us. God Himself is Who He wants us to bring wherever we are, wherever we go.

Do you want to know where God is asking you to serve and bless right now? You only need to look down at the one-foot square of humble, sacred earth beneath your feet. The only place on this spinning globe where both you and God are present in this moment. That's where we can always make a difference.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Before You Were Born, You Were Set Apart

On Fridays, I attend a Book of Galatians Bible Study. During the week before, we complete the homework of the session and during class, we go around our table and provide our answers to the questions. Yesterday, at my turn, the question was: “In verse 15 (of Galatians 1), Paul says "God chose me before I was born”. What does this teach us about the call of God?”

I was excited to respond to this question because, when I first read it, I knew the answer. Those “before I was born” words gave it away. I knew Paul often referred, in his writings, to scriptures from the Old Testament. I remembered Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Paul knew that he had been called from his mother’s womb – which meant that Paul was PRO-LIFE! I am PRO-LIFE because I believe that I, too, was called from my mother’s womb, and, so were you! My mom wasn’t excited when she heard that she was pregnant (12 years after having my sister). She thought she was done with child-bearing and could have been one of those who chose death over life. But, thank God, she chose life and not only was I her “baby” all 94 years of her life, but she was my ministry "baby" after my dad passed away. God set me apart to be her caregiver, and I thank God for that privilege.

I thought back to the National Pro-Life Prayer Luncheon that I attended on Monday. I was there to support LIFE and help provide God-given options to those who were making the decision to bring (or not bring) their baby full term to life. To say that I was proud to be counted among those men and women who are for life from conception puts it mildly. It is heart-wrenching to think that anyone could believe otherwise, especially when we read Paul’s and Jeremiah’s words that speak of the calling of God on our lives BEFORE we were we were even formed in our mothers' wombs.

A beautiful man, who is a stay-at-home dad for his family, sits next to me with his two-month-old baby girl. I chose that seat from the outset of the study. He gives me the joy of cuddling his little angel during the study. Be still, my heart! He commented after the response to my question: “Just think about the babies who have been killed by abortion whose lives were stolen from being prophets to our nation!”

You’ve probably heard about the “Unplanned” movie coming out on March 29th which reveals the story of former Planned Parenthood Clinic Director, Abby Johnson, who was responsible for convincing 22,000+ women to have abortions. She had never seen an abortion from an ultrasound until her clinic was short a staff member and needed her to hold the scope for the abortionist. She was devastated at what she saw, went on to resign, became a Pro-Life advocate, wrote a book that fully disclosed the horror and was later approached by movie directors to produce the movie. She, and the actress, Ashley Bratcher, who plays her in the movie, gave their stories at the luncheon. Most compelling was hearing Ashley tell her mother's story. She knew that her mother had an abortion at age 16, but her mother also revealed that she almost had an abortion at 19 when she was pregnant with Ashley. She said her mom was at the abortion clinic in the examination room, but changed her mind when a pregnant nurse entered the room. "I got up and I walked out and I chose you," Bratcher recalled her mom saying, "And I never knew that. It blows my mind."

I share this story with you today because my heart is so torn to know we live in a city, a state, a country where abortion is just casual conversation. It is a birth-control measure, instead of being a people who are responsible, caring about God’s Word, His words of life – like Jeremiah 1:5. "Before I formed YOU -- I set you apart......to be LIFE-GIVERS!

My Purpose Filled Life Comes Without a Drill Sergeant

I want to start off by saying I know God has always been with me -- even before my conception. Cheers to my mom and dad’s hardcore belief in life. I was an unexpected baby (not to God, but to mom and dad). It had been 12 years since their last child, but mom was in a trainwreck that upset her “apple cart”, rather, her birthing cart. All the biological factors came together and whoa-la, here came Donna Sue! At first, I wasn’t a welcomed surprise. Mom was older and done with being a baby manufacturer, but God wasn’t done and if she were alive, she’d tell you I was her blessing. We were besties, inseparable, and eventually, I became her caregiver.

Once mom grasped the notion that I was a blessing and not a curse, she loved me with all her heart. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur at birth and she prayed for my healing to live. Obviously her prayers were answered and obviously, God purposely planned my existence. He created a unique path for my life. He created a unique path for your life, too -- even before your conception. In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a believer and lover of God and His Word, too. If you’re not, I pray this is the day you join me on the most remarkable journey of sweet assurance of OUR manufacturer and His purpose for our lives.

I wish I could say since I became a Christian at 8-years-old that I had completely understood God’s love for me. I wish I had always been on fire for Him and tight with Him, but, rather than “I wish I hads”, I am learning that's just not His requirements. Sometimes we see Him as a Drill Sergeant who requires a certain way to stand, act, dress, speak and "Oh, YES SIR! I promise to seek You more, read my Bible more. I'll get more involved. I'll reach out to others more!" But with all the ups and downs of life, those promises get a little watered-down. After all, we are just human, right? But what if it was for a different reason altogether?

What if the whole time we were trying so hard to draw into God, we were going about it the wrong way? We were making it a routine, a drill, a rigid, religious exercise that once we completed the tasks, we had completed our requirements, because, of course, that’s what a good Christian does…..right? But then one day, I realized God wasn’t my drill sergeant yelling at me to “Get up! Get going! Give me 10 (push-ups)!” I realized He shows up in the softness of a gentle breeze, or that big hug from a fellow believer or a worship song, or scripture that pops off the thin page of my Bible that was “right on” and what I needed for that day. That has been the ebb and flow that eventually got me to this day and time that pulled me into blogging and sharing my faith.

Now I am using the gifts HE has given me to glorify Him. I am able to understand what He is teaching me even more. I am confident when He says "yes" OR "no" to me because I know He has my best interests at heart. Now, out of my sweet relationship with the One Who loves me most, I want to serve Him. I want to read my Bible to find out more about Him and now read it in a way that sticks with me, sinks into my heart and sets me on my path and it may even be the catalyst for my next blog.

My relationship with Jesus has become radically different. It’s a built-in, 24-hour open-shop with Him. I just love HIm so much, I truly want, with all my heart to please Him out of a thankful heart. My thought life hinges on pleasing Him. “Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that!” “Thanks, God, for that advice.” It was sitting right there in front of me just waiting for me to discover the path that was made for me and embracing it. If you find yourself in a similar situation of wanting more from your relationship with God, don’t give up. You'll get there because He's always right there with you, for you and waiting for you. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelation 3:20

Mission IMPOSSIBLE or Mission POSSIBLE?

As most know, I'm a Hallmark Movie kind-of-gal, but I still love an action thriller now and then. So, Sunday night I joined my family in their theater room to watch the last Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation movie. That prepped us to see the latest Mission Impossible - Fallout movie Monday night. Okay, I'm still reeling from two nights of fast-paced, sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying the comedy relief moments when my son, Larry's laughs make me laugh louder -- not to mention the crazy stunts of Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. When I watched the movie, I knew that Ethan Hunt's stunts were always Tom Cruise doing those stunts. It's remarkable because, in this film, the stunts only got more difficult and Cruise is now 53. If you can stand the twists and turns, death-defying stunts and so many other surprises that are in it from beginning to end, you might want to see it.

No sooner does Ethan Hunt makes it through one crisis, than another crisis tops that one. When you think it's time for a little R&R, then comes the crazies out to get him. His greatest mission in life, besides preventing a disaster of epic proportions, is to stay alive. Spoiler alert! When I was starting to panic a little, Larry whispered, "Mom, this is Ethan Hunt -- He will survive!" No doubt, Ethan Hunt knows why he was put here on this planet.

Of course, I was inspired by that riveting 2-1/2 hour movie. But my inspiration for today's post comes from the title "Mission Impossible" -- which is definitely NOT what our Manufacturer equipped us with. Our MISSION is POSSIBLE because each of us has shown up on planet earth with our Manufacturer's LIFETIME, and beyond, guarantee. That is, those of us who acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The guarantee says this: "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a spokesperson to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5) In Psalm 139:16 we read "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." God knows the beginning of our lives, the length of our lives and the plan for our lives. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to that mission and plan. 'We are ordinary people on an extraordinary mission to love and serve and help others to see the plan of God in their lives; to save them from the bad guys (the enemy of our souls). In the words of the voice in the box that will self-destruct in five seconds, "Do you accept this mission?"

For those of us who did accept the mission, we can verify -- it will give you the thrills, chills, ups and downs, challenges, victories, but more importantly the results are peace, joy, hope, love, and so many other promises that God gave us through Christ, Jesus in John 10:10 -- "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The best part of this mission.....it never ends. It brings life everlasting!

My daughter, Staci Wallace, wrote the book "Mission: Possible", with the foreword by Zig Ziglar. It's her best-selling book that helps the reader to "unleash their full potential" as they discover "Why am I here?" Check it out here: https://www.staciwallace.com/store
Mission IMPOSSIBLE or Mission POSSIBLE?
As most know, I'm a Hallmark Movie kind-of-gal, but I still love an action thriller now and then. So, Sunday night I joined my family in their theater room to watch the last Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation movie. That prepped us to see the latest Mission Impossible: Fallout movie Monday night. Okay, I'm still reeling from two nights of fast-paced action, sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying the comedy relief moments when my son, Larry's laughs make me laugh louder -- not to mention the crazy stunts of Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. When I watched the movie, I knew that Ethan Hunt's stunts were always Tom Cruise doing those stunts. It's remarkable because, in this film, the stunts only got more difficult and Cruise is now 53. If you can stand the twists and turns, death-defying stunts and so many other surprises, from beginning to end, you'll want to see it.

No sooner does Ethan Hunt makes it through one crisis, than another crisis tops that one. When you think it's time for a little R&R, then comes the crazies out to get him. His greatest mission in life, besides preventing a disaster of epic proportions, is to stay alive. Spoiler alert! When I was starting to panic a little, Larry whispered, "Mom, it's Ethan Hunt! He will survive!"

Of course, I was inspired by that riveting 2-1/2 hour movie. But my inspiration for today's post comes from the title "Mission: Impossible", which is definitely NOT how our Manufacturer equipped us. Ours is a Mission: Possible. Each of us showed up on planet earth with our Manufacturer's LIFETIME, and beyond, guarantee. That is, those of us who acknowledge Him as our Creator and Lord. The guarantee says this: "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a spokesperson to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5). In Psalm 139:16 we read "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." God knows the beginning of our lives, the length of our lives and the plan for our lives. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to that mission and plan. We are ordinary people on an extraordinary mission to love and serve and help others to see the plan of God in their lives; to save them from the bad guys (the enemy of our souls). In the words of the voice in the case that says it will self-destruct in five seconds, "Do you accept this mission?"

For those of us who did accept the mission, we can verify -- it will give you plenty of thrills, chills, ups and downs, challenges, victories, but more importantly the results are peace, joy, hope, love, and so many other promises that God gave us through Christ, Jesus in John 10:10 -- "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The best part of this mission.....it never ends. It brings life everlasting!

My daughter, Staci Wallace, wrote the book "Mission: Possible", with the foreword by Zig Ziglar. It's her best-selling book that helps the reader to "unleash their full potential" as they discover "Why am I here?" Check it out here: https://www.staciwallace.com/store

Graduates -- Oh the Places You Will Go!

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the graduate photos and accolades that you moms and dads, friends and family members have been posting. No question -- Graduation Day is exciting, sweet and, oftentimes, combined with fear and trepidation about what the future holds. "Where are they going? What are they going to do? Where am I going? What am I going to do? Will they be okay? Will I be okay?" It's a wonderful time of realizing dreams and goals were accomplished and it's also an uneasy time of wondering about what the future holds.

No doubt, these graduations bring joys and the immense feeling of accomplishment AND a “Whew! We did it!” said by those who made a huge investment of their time and treasure into this big day. That long-lasting commencement ceremony is over, along with the speeches about pursuing your dreams, trusting yourself, taking risks and embracing change. For many graduates, well, the future is bright and exciting and nothing short of fantastic. For, others, it may be a stretch and a process of figuring out what to do with all this acquired knowledge along with the apparent responsibilities that loom up ahead.

Whether or not we realize it, we all have expectations of how our lives are going to go. We have pictured it time and time again in our heads. Some picture traveling the world while pursuing their dream job. Some picture a white picket fence with four beautiful, well-behaved children and an always-loving husband or wife, while others see themselves owning a Fortune 500 company by the time they turn 25. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with pursuing dreams, but first and foremost we must know the importance of including God's plans in our plans.

Here’s the best case scenario for these wonderful and accomplished graduates AND you and me. Jeremiah 1:5 & Psalm 139:14 says “Before you ever came into being, God called your name. He formed you with love and intricately designed part of who you would become. You truly are made in an amazing and wonderful way". The fact is none of us are on this path by coincidence. We are here because God looked out over all of history and chose you and me for a particular time and purpose. We could have entered the world a hundred years ago or a thousand years from now. But we are in this generation, this time, and there will never be another you and me or another opportunity to do what only you and I are chosen to complete.

So, to all you Graduates – here’s my prayer and thoughts for you….”Go out there in boldness knowing that you don't have to be like anyone else. You don't have to do what any other person has done. You are CHOSEN for one life — yours. And the wonderful news? Whatever God CHOOSES for you to do, He will equip you. Being CHOSEN means you will be given all you need. Being CHOSEN means that success is simply obedience and trusting God will do the rest. Being CHOSEN means that you have a great big God as your partner every step of the way. Those who love you will be cheering you on every step, too! The best is yet to be for you and we can't wait to see it unfold.

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

A Queen's Responsibility? Sharing Love and Joy is a MUST!

This first photo is one of the first my friends, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, took when we arrived together in Rome. It continued to be a photo shared of "the queen"! LOL! Not by planning, but I guess providence, I stood exactly under a crown on the Roma photo. So, I guess, if the crown fits, then I'll just wear it! And, our guide in Israel, continued to call me Queen Donna. I should go ahead and own that title.

After all, I am certainly in the royal family of God, and I like to think that being in that royal family has its privileges of being loved and favored, but along with royal privileges, comes royal responsibilities. I know that I should always be sharing my Father's love and joy, because that's just Who He is -- the Giver of life -- and the Giver of joy and love.

I drove to Austin early yesterday morning. It's a BIG birthday month for my champ, Brennan (the BIG 13) and my son, Ryan (the BIG 50)! I can hardly believe I said those words, because it puts a number on me! LOL! 68 to be exact! Thanks be to God for birthdays! Celebrating birthdays of friends and family is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate life. If we're having birthdays, we're still here, so God's plans and purposes for our lives are still in progress. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, (even before our birth-day, He knew us), before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Aw! We're all prophets to declare the good news and good word to those around us.

I took "joy" with me when I left Frisco, because I realize all the joys of the past, and all the months and years that lie ahead, and I plan to pass those blessings on.

The love we have for God and for each other should be passed along -- like a contagious virus -- except a contagious flood of love and joy. Ever noticed how showing a little love to someone can change their mood from sour to sweet in a matter of a little hug or a little word of kindness? We can shed a little sunshine in the heart of one and that one is cheered to pass it on, and so God's vitalizing joy-giving message goes on.

A few days ago, Bryson (the 10 year old) had to have oral surgery -- an unneeded tooth taken out, and he hadn't been feeling so good. I got here in time to wake him up with tickles and hugs and a Super Bryson story. He was full of joy and energy. His mom told me that they hadn't seen that energy since his surgery. I like to think it was me, but it was more about the transmission of joy. The veterinarian came by the house today to check the animals -- the longhorn, goats and donkeys and to teach Bryson (their caregiver) how to give them medicine. Bryson sure snapped out of his doldrums and into a boy who loves his animals. He caught the love, laughter and cheer. And, so did Brennan when his friends gave him a birthday cake! We came home and I shared about my Israel trip and gave them all their Israel treasures. I loved being a transmitter of love, laughter, and cheer!

Yes, I'm feeling the love since I arrived with a big chocolate cake in hand, along with the presents from the Holy Lands for all, as well as birthday presents for my boys. I see God in giving gifts. I see God in the laughter of these children and I see God in the tender loving care that their mom and dad give them. It only takes a spark to get a fire of love going. It seems to be burning brightly here in Austin

What's Do They Think When They Hear Your Name?

One of the many perks of my residence here in Frisco, TX is that my sweet cousins, Charles & Mary Ellen Snow, live in the same community as me. Just a couple of days ago we spent nearly three hours “remembering” so many family traditions and moments, while looking at old photos and doing our best to remember names. We were laughing when we thought about the names of the 12 children of our grandparents: Mary Ellen’s mom was Shaddie Ruth, my mom, Edna Pearl, and then there was Lillie Mae, Bonnie Lou, Lassie Jo, John (Johnnie) Wooldridge Jr., Adrian N., Napoleon Bonaporte (NB for short), Robert Carroll, Sam Houston, and Donald. Whew!! Can you imagine keeping up with a clan like that?

The fact is: names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us just to know each other. They are the first thing someone knows about us. Names are a gift from God, and they contain His power. Remember Abraham (father of many nations)? And yes, that's who he became. Every time God, and others, spoke his name, they were adding to the potential of His name. He DID become father of many nations.

We realized that, when we chose Ryan as our son's name -- it means "little king", and our daughter's name, Staci, means "resurrection life", and indeed we have watched how the names we chose, have "marked" their character and destiny. I encourage soon-to-be moms and dads to choose their children’s names wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they desire to see their child become.

My 2nd grandson is named Barrett Wuerch (the Wuerch name comes from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "mighty as a bear”. We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I often remind him of the significance of what "Bear" means. I wasn't surprised when I saw the meaning, and so thankful we see him with these qualities now, and in the future. I’ve given him several bear figurines over the years to keep reminding him of his destiny. Names are such a big deal – we all remember the many hours of decision-making about what our children’s names should be. The fact is we are "big deals" to God, and that's what matters most. The fact is.....He knew us when we were still in our mother's womb.....and He set us apart....to be difference makers in our world. (Jeremiah 1:5)

On many occasions, I’ve looked up friends and family members names to help them appreciate who they are and who they can become. If you don’t know already, look up your name (now it’s easy on the internet) and see how your personality and character traits measure up to that name. It’s astounding to see the parallels. I doubt that my mom and dad paid much attention to my name’s meaning – my sister named me, but it turns out my name, Donna means “lady” and Sue means “graceful lily”. Maybe, at times, it’s debatable whether those definitions best describe me, but I like to think, being a graceful lily lady is what God would like me to strive for daily.

Whether you are a Tom, Dick or Harry or a Mary, Sally or Sue……your name is the best thing going for you IF you treasure it and realize that every action, reaction, character flaw or character strength, honorable act or shameful act are remembered when others hear your name. Don’t we want our name to be synonymous with "a good name"? “A good name is to be more desired than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” – Proverbs 22:1