With a Little Help From My Friends

Woody and Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story" sang "You've got a friend in me!" There’s this thing about friendships. True friendships. Those friendships that pick us up just by showing up. And it doesn’t even have to be in person. It can be a phone call, text message, email, a Facebook comment, or a card. They seem to know when we need a pick-me-up -- an encouraging word or "You've been on my heart lately" or they’re just checking in to see what’s up in our world.

Those are the friends that we know we can call any time of the day – they’ll be there. As busy as they may be – they’ll come to a screeching halt when they see our name pop up on their phone. And when they show up for us – we can tell we have their undivided attention. They make us feel we matter. When we’re together, they do that thing — that thing where they look right into our eyes and whisper secret truths to us. They surprise us with a hot fudge sundae when we’re under the weather.

They’re the ones who hold our hand tight while we're trying to exhale. That thing they do? It’s life-giving. It’s oxygen and courage and conviction all rolled into one. It’s the kind of gift that can turn a day inside out. This is God-given, God-infused friendships. It's what true friendships can do for one another. The ones that see through our words and heal us with the power of a word or laughter. Of encouragement. Of acceptance. And hospitality that’s contagious.

Sometimes we’re so busy wondering if we’re getting it right, so busy worrying we’re not measuring up, so caught up in thinking we need to be just like her or him that we forget they love us just the way we are. They love the joy and Jesus and friendship. Forget awkward, forget feeling small or insecure or worried about what they’re thinking.

This version of friendship is a true story, an old story, the same story that we’ve all been living. This is purposeful commitment of friendship that connects, mends, restores and heals us. This kind of friendship is the gift. It is the testimony of the brave who chose friendship in spite of fear. It's the loud voice of comparison squashed down, drowned out, overcome by a choice to love, to love because Christ first loved us.

This brave choice is the laying down of jealousy, the raising up of encouragement. This is the cheering for someone else and feeling the powerful joy in return. This is where it’s okay to cry. This is where we nod our heads and open our arms and say, “Me, too. Yes, me too.” This is friendship on purpose. I see it in each of you who are my friends -- in how you encourage, pray and reach out a kind hand in the comments on my blog and in other's posts who reach out in distress. Day in and day out. I see you. I see how you believe the best, and hold up tired arms, and encourage the spirits here -- how you whisper in other's ears and in mind how brave you think we are. More importantly, God sees you and applauds you. On behalf of those of us who really, really need and want your friendship, just know how grateful we are -- how grateful I am to call you friends.

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

Happy Five Year Anniversary "No Limits Life Group"!

Who would have thought that when I felt God's nudge five years ago to start a Life Group in my home in Tulsa that I would have met some of the most remarkable women that sincerely realize, like Queen Esther, they are HERE on this earth, at this time, "for such a time as this". We named ourselves the “No Limits Life Group” because there should be “no limits” to our faith and trust that “Nothing is impossible with God”. These are ordinary women who have experienced some of the most difficult tests, trials, disappointments, losses, and painful circumstances., but with the help of our extraordinary God, today, they are feisty, undaunted women on purpose and on assignment and they are using their past experiences as testimonies of God's amazing grace. Only four of us could make this reunion last night, but it was a foursome that shook the gates of heaven in our praise and prayer time together.

This photo with Michael Jordan was the end-of-night comic relief. Michael was perfect in every photo – didn’t even flinch, but we were either too high, too low, too wide or too hidden. It made for hilarious antics and merry hearts that sure did us good like a medicine. What a joy it was to reminisce back to the early days of our group when we met for the first time. We were all newbies in our circle of friends, but we grew to not only love each other, but we also walked hand in hand with each other through some really serious and tough times and helped each other unpack some of that baggage that we had carried way too long.

These women's families and friends have been positively impacted by their incredible lives of faith-in-action. I have seen them step up in boldness and courage when it comes to facing life head-on -- relentless in their attitude to never give up.
These women were just what “the doctor” ordered for me. They pushed me to study more, pray more, be accountable more, give more, receive more, celebrate more and live out my faith with a fervor more -- so much so that week after week, we saw God's grace in action He answered our prayers.

Here we are five years later – still living the “no limits” life. I’m not sharing this to impress you, but I am sharing to impress upon you that we need strong, faith-filled believers in our lives to help us shoulder the responsibilities of motherhood, wives, singles,, widows, daughters, friends, businesswomen, students and everyone in between. Don’t go it alone. Traveling this journey of faith with other believers sure makes the journey oh, so sweet.
Indeed, there are NO LIMITS to what God can do with a little band of women (or men) who are completely surrendered to His will and ways. Oh, there is telling....the Samaritan woman at the well who ran to town to tell about Christ, and Mary Magdalene -- running to tell about the resurrection of the Lord -- both of them were women with "pasts". But, they, too, ran into an extraordinary God....yes, we are in mighty good company.

A Good Sense of Humor and a Merry Heart -- Good Like Medicine

Sense of Humor: funny side, amusement, hilarity, good humor, merry, funniness, lighthearted, spirited. A good sense of humor just happens in everyday conversations. It doesn't mean memorizing jokes and jamming them into conversations. A good sense of humor can turn messes and unfortunate circumstances into a great relief from the stress of it all. A good sense of humor can shine a light on the darkness of a moment.

My sis, Karen, and I have always had a good sense of humor. We could make the simplest mistake turn into tear-dropping, floor stomping, run-to-the-restroom-quick laughter! And that came in handy when we went into the Estate Sales business years ago just after my husband and I purchased land with its old home, barn, chicken coop, and farm equipment, along with most of the contents in the house. This experience amped up our sense of humor. Our merry hearts led the way for getting into the yucky crooks and crannies of that old house when we were cleaning it. Dead AND alive rats. spiders and their webs, cockroaches, etc., BUT, we also found many vintage treasures. There were relics and vintage finds that we didn't even know what they were or used for. Our set-up of that sale was so professional and our merry-hearts' attitudes with the folks that came to the sale, caused them to want us to do an estate sale for them. That spurred us on and, whoa la -- A-1 Estate Sales began. Merry hearts and a good sense of humor opened the door for us to have a thriving, successful business of which people would tell us “You’re the BEST!” The estate sale business is a work-out, but if you have a merry heart, a good sense of humor, love people and want to help them in times of transition and need, it's a great business AND mission field.

We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. We’re now working on ONE LAST SALE (we think). Precious Mom, at age 95, was moved to Karen and George’s a couple of months ago. Mom has been a trooper – giving away so many of her things to friends and families, but, oh my goodness, there is still so much to be sold. We have laughed at HUMOROUS memories from some of those items, and cried bucketfuls of precious family times in this home.

Karen and I are “eating this elephant one bite at a time”. That’s what we said at each “sale” we took on. Initially, it would be overwhelming – but we’d LAUGH our way through it and before long, another successful sale and satisfied clients.

My post today was inspired by last week’s HUMOR that kept us going. Karen came into Mom's house while I was working in a back room and surprised me with a loud GOOD MORNING! I nearly jumped out of my skin. She jumped and started blinking and said, “Oh, NO! I’ve lost my contact!” We got on our hands and knees, looking AND praying for about 20 minutes, when she started belly-laughing out loud, and said, “Oh my goodness! I never put my contacts in this morning!" Then there was the Montgomery Ward "vintage" heat massager we found (shown here). We laughed hysterically as we thought we needed to put a sign on it -- "Use at your own risk"!

One morning, Karen came into the house, with something tucked under her arm. She said, “I dreamed that Sheila (my BFF) was here at the house shopping and you went to her and said, ‘Sheila, I know you want to buy me something from this sale, don’t you?’ To which Sheila said, “Uh, sure I do. What would you like?” And I said, “This frog!” That’s the frog pictured here that Karen had remembered in the garage and brought it to me. Of course that brought on our belly-laughter that ensued for several minutes. Oh, yes, that frog will stay with me -- for a memory -- and MAYBE it represents a prince coming my way!

Karen went with us to almost every doctor appointment for my husband. She would provide that shoulder to cry AND laugh on during some of our darkest times. We still laugh about so many hilarious experiences we had at the treatment center and hospitals. Those are the GOOD things we love to think about. Why was “sense of humor” my word for today? Because I want to give you a treasure – like the treasures we found in many of our estate sales. What treasures could be found in your junk and funk? Maybe you're so loaded down with care and concern that your "presence" dims the lights in the room and your soul is downcast. King David said, “Why be downcast oh my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5

It's time to amp up the "SENSE OF HUMOR" light that's been hidden far too long. God is ready to shine through us and turn us into a beautiful lights that He can use as a precious vessel of encouragement, peace and joy to bless others. Your SENSE of HUMOR, your joy-filled face and spirit -- just might be the what they need today. .Go ahead and let the laughter roll After all, it's very good medicine for the soul! "A merry heart does good like a medicine."Proverbs 17:22."

A Journal of Joy & Laughter

I was in Tulsa for the last couple of days to check in on Mom and my other besties. So my “sugar and spice and everything nice” awaited me.

When I arrived at Mom’s, Karen (my sis-in-law) and her home health nurse were with her and Mom was cringing as the nurse tended to some tender areas of pain. When the nurse finished, Mom’s wit and sense of humor kicked in. “Donna, I went to my podiatrist and he had to remove my big toe nail because of the infection under it. First, he deadened my toe, then he put a rubber ring on it to work on it, and I said, “Doc, are we engaged now?” LOL” We laughed at each other with our “toe” issues (my two broken toes, still on the mend) and her toe.

There is nothing like laughter that lifts the spirits and invites in joy. In the afternoon, Mom’s 4-year old great granddaughter came by. The minute she walked in the door, joy came in with that little cutie pie, making us laugh without even trying.

We made hairy play dough snakes with bows on! She has brought so much joy into Mom's world, who will celebrate her 95th birthday next month.

Then I made a quick stop-over to my BFF’s Mick & Sheila, whose 2 year old grandson was at their home – even more laughter and joy as that very talkative, energized and hilarious little guy stole the show.

AND, he loved helping me open my birthday gift and blow out my birthday cake!

To top my day off, I had precious time (and a yummy roast beef dinner) with my godson and his family. The day lit up for me when I heard incredible stories about my sweet godson and the health strides he is making. I gave them all treasures from my Holy Lands trip, and, with my Sea of Galiliee map, showed them where Jesus walked and performed so many miracles.

Nothing can give more joy than talking about our Lord.

Yesterday, Karen and I had some “sister” alone time for lunch. I know of no one that can compare with this gal who serves others so selflessly. Not only does she see after Mom on a daily basis, but she serves others with a heart of servitude that inspires me so much. We laughed. We cried. We both know the love of God so much that we just can’t help ourselves in returning that love in loving and serving others.

You’ve just read my joy-filled journal for the last two days. There was so much joy wrapped up in all of those little visits that I couldn’t help but share them with you.

Here’s what I’ve come to know and appreciate so much: “Good humor, laughter, kindness, and hearts of gratitude and thanksgiving are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.” That’s why I love making my little visits to those people who bring the heart of God into my life.

But, life isn't always “sugar and spice”. I found that out when I arrived back in Frisco. I needed to fill my car up when I made it back home because I’m headed to Austin. After trying 8 gas stations that were out of gas, I finally saw a 7-11 with a long line of cars at one entrance and just a few cars at the entrance that I was driving by. I pulled in and in a matter of 10 minutes, I was filling my car up. I think some of that “sugar and spice favor” was still on me. But while I was there, I witnessed frustrated drivers yelling at each other. A woman cut in line ahead of another car and a screaming match ensued that I could hardly believe. As I understand it, there really isn’t a shortage of gas, simply a delay getting the fuel to the stations, but fear and panic are gripping people’s lives who don’t know God's loving heart.

Proverbs 31:25 says about the virtuous woman, “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and SHE LAUGHS without fear of the future.” I sure want to be this woman. There is no need to fear when God is our Father. I love that “SHE LAUGHS”. And, in a day when there is so much doom and gloom all around, we can LAUGH and rejoice away the darkness as we let our little lights shine with the loving and tender heart of God! Maybe it would be a good idea to go hang out with some jolly, merry and happy souls that will fill up our joy tank today or maybe we could be THAT joy tank that fills others up with the joy of the Lord.

Little Bands of Women are EVERYWHERE!

Payton, my 16-year-old grandson, is going on a missions trip to Guatemala in June, so in efforts to raise the monies to go, he posted in a neighborhood community app that he would do odd jobs for people. So when a lady called and asked him to get some things down from her attic, as well as to put together some boxes for her upcoming move, he earned some nice cash to put towards his trip. When she mentioned that she was going to have an estate sale, he told her about his Nana who once had an estate sale business. She wanted to meet me so Payton called and asked me to come over. I did. We had several things in common. She was moving to the same community where I'll be moving to in a few weeks, she has a Buick Enclave – just like me….and she loves the Lord – just like me. She invited me to her home for her Life Group for single women that meets every Saturday night. Once again, I sensed God smiling at me and throwing me a kiss!

I attended that Life Group last night where 18 women came together for a great pot luck (blessing) meal and then we sat in a big circle and each of us had the opportunity to share a praise report or request prayer for something or someone, or both. There was much laughter, tears of gratitude and tears of heartfelt desire for God to intervene in areas of their lives, and sweet support on so many levels. When it came around to me, I told the ladies that I’m looking up to heaven and saying “Thanks God, because I know it was You that brought me here tonight! He showed me that He has little bands of women everywhere, just like when Jesus walked this earth, He always had a band of women that loved and served Him. God must be smiling big and sending lots of kisses to this group!” Like my home in Tulsa where the precious sisters in my Life Group met, this home, last night, was a safe place and you could tell all of these women were fully devoted followers of Christ who live believing there are NO LIMITS to what God can do in and through us.

In so many places in this world, women are so marginalized and ostracized – simply because they are women. If only our world used the example of Jesus and how He loved and respected us. He really "upset the apple cart" in His culture in the way He related to women. In Luke 8 we see there was a band of women followers who traveled with Jesus and His 12 motley crew of men disciples as He ministered all around Galilee. Those women came from all walks of life, they were single, married, and some had questionable backgrounds, but here’s the common thread – each of them experienced healing through their encounter with Christ. He loved them, taught them and could have cared less about what the pious religious folk thought.

The little bands of women that Jesus touched and loved is a mighty indicator of His love for us. The women at the foot of the cross and at the tomb held a tiny flame of faith that He would rise as He promised. That flame of faith may have burned high, and it may have burned low, but the flame never went out, and their faith was rewarded. Like the women of the Bible, our flame of faith may burn high and it may burn low, but our flame never goes out and because we have faith in His Word that “nothing is impossible with Him”, He rewards us.
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God didn’t waste any time showing me that He is leading me every step of the way on my journey of faith. I’ve said it before, “If you want to have friends, show yourself friendly.” It took getting out of my comfort zone to go to that Life Group last night. I didn’t know those ladies – even the gal that invited me except for a simple conversation a couple of weeks ago. If we want friends, it means we just might have to be willing to get out of our comfort zone. We may find it by joining a community group or small group at our church. We may want to volunteer to facilitate a Bible Study or join a Sunday School Class or a Choir or another group where they're living a life of purpose and destiny. As we trust God with every area of our lives, He will open doors of blessing to us. Perhaps there's a little band of women OR, if you're a man or a couple, a band of believers who are just waiting for you to show up and be a blessing to you, and you, to them.

Enthusiasm is Contagious! Be a Carrier!

Chuck E Cheese goes way back in our family. It started with my two kids and has continued through the decades with the grandkids -- and still now, with the youngest, 10 year-old Bryson. He needs his "fix" every time Nana comes into town. Older brother stopped going last year because, you know...."Chuck E is just for little kids!"

In December, when I came down to Austin, we ventured out to find a Chuck E Cheese. It took us 1-1/2 hours to get to it in the evening traffic, but we were rewarded for our drive because, on a Wednesday night, Bryson, myself and one other family were the only ones there. Bryson thought he was in heaven because Chuck E would come out every hour and encourage dancing and then he'd throw out a boatload of tickets. Bryson made a haul that night -- not to mention, because it was his birthday (I'm on Chuck E Cheese's mailing list), he got lots more free tickets. He played and played to his heart's content. In fact, we were the last ones there at 9 pm, when the doors closed. When we got home, he couldn't stop talking about the fun night we had. Big brother, 12-years-old Brennan, heard all the praises and I could see in his eyes that he wished he had gone with us. By the way, it only took us 20 minutes to get back home. Timing is everything.

Fast forward to this last Thursday night. Bryson has been relentless in wanting to go back to Chuck E Cheese before I leave for Frisco next week, so we headed out for another Chuck E adventure. Remember, Bryson's enthusiasm when we last went there? His enthusiasm was so contagious, that this time, BIG brother was not going to miss out on the fun, so he joined us. And fun they had! We arrived at 4:15 and left at 7:15. Three hours of non-stop fun, except for the pizza, which Brennan admitted "This is my favorite pizza -- I love the crust!" Brennan broke the record on the basketball throw machine, plus so much fun on all the other machines. The first time Chuck E came out....Brennan was not about to dance with Bryson and the other "little" kids and capture all those tickets that were blown out. Next time around, however, Brennan announced, "Nana, get your camera ready! This is the only time you're going to get me dancing with Chuck E. He did AND he even chased Chuck E down to get a photo with him. Both boys, yesterday, were trying to convince me to take them back again. My reply was "Next time!"

I shared this Chuck E Cheese saga, to reiterate what I shared yesterday, "Never postpone joy" to all of us -- young AND old. Oftentimes we think "acting our age" is to skip the kids' games, the kids' lines, the kids' fun -- because we've passed that age. We're big kids now and big kids act differently. NOT! You can count me OUT on that attitude. Bryson's enthusiasm was contagious. What if our enthusiasm for joy, laughter and fun was contagious to those around us? Wouldn't they want to join us for the thrills we're enjoying AT OUR AGE? Like Brennan, he had no idea the fun he was missing until he heard and saw "a kid's" expression of joy. Maybe it's time to follow the Master's lead and become like little children again!

Matthew 18:2-4 "Calling a little child forward, He had him stand among them. Then he said, “I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Savor Life and the Blessings

It's quiet in my home tonight.  The "gang" have all left for their homes in Texas and Seattle.  I'm savoring the sweet times we were able to cram into such a short span of time. I'm archiving so many things that I'll remember for a lifetime.

My not-so-big home handled all eleven of us.  My big concerns about how we'd make it, were for naught.  We were together -- and that's what mattered. Laughter, sweet stories of the past, playing pickleball, and getting our family photos taken at such a fun place and fun is what we had.  The sweetest memory I'll carry with me is Alexia and her little buddy-cousin, Bryson, with their blow-up mattresses in my closet, turned out to be their favorite adventure.

Alexia built a box movie theater that held her iPad for their movie. When I went in to check on them, they shused me out -- they didn't want to be disturbed. LOL!

Then today, the doorbell rang, and there was a big box sitting on my porch.  It was a beautiful new HD TV.  My 14-year old Payton (the entrepreneur and technological whiz-kid) went to Best Buy and negotiated the best deal he could for his Nana.  My family has been patient with me in my reluctance to get rid of the "dinosaur" TVs in my home.  Why would I want to get rid of something that works just fine for me?  But I think the big football games they didn't see in high definition (HD), gave Payton the desire to bless his Nana.  And that he did today.

I was overwhelmed by his precious love for me. He spent so much time investigating to get just the right one -- speaking to the Team Manager, then the Master Team Manager, then the Store Manager.  He got the best deal.

Just before the Wallace's headed out for home, they had to have a final pickleball match, while my sweet Alexia sang on the clubhouse speaker system.  And the finale of the day, was hide-n-go-seek in the clubhouse.  We all laughed and ran around trying to keep from being caught.  Precious times!

Now, Christmas music is playing in the background as I'm putting up Christmas decorations.  It's quiet and peaceful here, but I'm already missing the sweet sound of laughter, the sibling tiffs, the life that my precious family brings.

And here's what I want to leave with you on this Friday night of Thanksgiving weekend.  I refuse to call this day "Black Friday" and to get caught up in the buying frenzy of this day.  Every Friday, is Good Friday, and here is what I wish for you as we approach the most beautiful time of the year:  That you STOP to FEEL and SMELL and SAVOR  and ACKNOWLEDGE  the precious gifts that God provides for you every single day.  That  you fully appreciate the blessings in your life and not miss a moment.  That you take them in and savor them in your senses as if you might lose them tomorrow.

Savor your life and blessings. And thank our God for the gift of it all.  And, to know that my life taught you something about your own, would truly be your gift to me.  I hope you embrace the moments, the season, the joys and the hopes that this beautiful season of Christmas brings.

Smile - May Even Be Able To Break Ice With It

Ever delivered a message or announcement to a group or crowd of people and did your best to overcome those mellow, icy stares or frowning faces looking back at you? You gotta' hand it to pastors, ministers, speakers and leaders who can motivate audiences who are looking back at them with those seemingly unhappy, sullen and serious faces. I know some folks just can't help it, because they have a natural frown and they're not really unhappy. In fact, I often walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me that I didn't get to pose for, and I think "Donna -- be on purpose with smiling -- think about it, and SMILE!" Here are some good reasons for us to SMILE:
1. Smiling can make you happy (even when you're not).
2. Smiling can make others happy.
3. Smiling makes you more attractive.
4. Smiling can help you de-stress.
5. Smiling can help you land a job.
6. Smiling can lead to laughter.
7. Smiling just feels good.

Proverbs says: "A merry heart does good like a medicine,,,,", and we just can't be merry without a big smile planted across our face. This isn't profound, but I know that a smile says "In spite of my circumstances -- good or bad -- I am blessed and I win!" I love that old Nat King Cole song "SMILE" -- these lyrics just confirm what a smile can do:

Smile though your heart is aching; smile even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow; smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness; hide every trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near.
That's the time you must keep on trying; smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile; if you just smile.

I'll take that! Life really is so worthwhile! I'm smiling BIG! Let's ALL smile BIG! Let's give out smiles -- it just may be the turn-around someone needs to brighten, and lighten their day and load! And we may even be able to break ICE with it!

Wedding Memories Passed On

Awww -- more memories made last night! Payton and Lexi had never seen their Mom & Dad's Wedding Video. It was such a special celebration as Larry & Staci showed it to them. I'm so thrilled I could be a part of this treasured time. On the video (after they were married), Staci & Larry went to a recording studio and taped their purity story. Their "look" in 1997 made Alexia & Payton laugh so hard. That's the first photo here. Alexia with her usual style of quick comic relief, named her mom "Hair Girl" and her dad, "Suspenders Boy" -- LOL!

The next part of the video is the actual wedding. Of course, watching the wedding that began with beautiful worship music and singing, gave us such a sweet time of thanksgiving. Seeing precious people, like Larry's Mom, his grandparents, my Ron and his Dad, my Mom, sister and brother in law, and Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty in the video, are all, now Larry & Staci's cheerleaders from heaven's grandstands, brought tears to our eyes.

So many memories and miracles that occurred on that day -- February 7, 1997 -- winter wonderland on the inside, and snowing outside in Tulsa, OK. As they kissed at the end and walked out to Steven Curtis Chapman singing, "Great Adventure", Alexia exclaimed, "When I get married, I want to drive off in my Shelby Cobra with cans flopping behind us and a sign that said, 'Just Married' -- ended our celebration with joy and laughter once again. #SuchIsLifeWithLexi