Need Motivation? Attend a Good Funeral.

That may sound like an oxymoron, a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other, like “motivation and good” combined with "funeral". Four motivational, good funerals were those I attended in the last four months because each one was a celebration of life of those who positively impacted the lives of their friends and loved ones.

Monday’s funeral, this week, was no exception. This one packed a punch -- of memories of old songs that stirred up the sweetest memories of congregations and choirs belting out praises to God. I grew up on those familiar songs -- singing, verse after verse, without a need for the song sheets. There were memories of family get-togethers, childhood orneriness, beautiful reflections of divine set-ups that brought love and marriage of immigrants to this country and laughter at the recollections. But most of all, I left with desiring to live on purpose in this life because it really is short – in the light of eternity that really is forever, and forever is a long time!

This was the celebration of life of Aunt Iris Litke (my husband’s dad’s sister). I heard it said many times and I see it clearly now. She favored Queen Elizabeth, in looks, style and elegance. She was an influencer. A cousin shared that Aunt Iris gave her love, attention and compliments that carried over to her becoming that kind of person to others today. Another cousin, a self-proclaimed introvert, was greatly impacted when Aunt Iris spoke into her: “You are and will be a great helper to others.” Those words impacted her and that’s exactly her strength today as helping others is her greatest desire and goal. Another cousin recalled her providing the best meals and was responsible for introducing him to tacos for the first time. Another cousin touted "She introduced me to a new restaurant, McDonald's!"

Pastor Wesley Wuerch, another cousin, officiated the service, and gave a beautiful overview of the genealogy of this family that hailed from Austria, Germany and Russia and immigrated to the safety nets of the U.S and Canada during the heat of World War II. A beautiful story of finding true love in countries they came to love, build homes, farm, and raise families there.

Wesley’s most impactful words to me were those from Proverbs 31 where the question is asked “Who can find a virtuous woman?” He said, “You'll find the answer to the question in verse 30: “The one who fears the Lord.” That was Aunt Iris. Different ones said: “She had an infectious smile that invited you into her presence. She accepted everyone. She smiled so much they just wanted to be around her. It certainly gave me the desire to bear an infectious smile, too! Wesley went on to talk about her infectious voice and song. As a matter of fact, this family is still exceptionally talented as I heard 4-part harmony as they raised the rafters in that little chapel singing out songs about heaven. Beautiful, heavenly music. Bottom line -- Aunt Iris loved big because Jesus was the center of her life.

If you haven’t been to a funeral lately and you could use a boost of motivation that makes you want to be a role model and imitator of Christ to others, too, I recommend you take one in and celebrate the gift of life. When you get there, you’ll hear the best things about that person. It will make a lasting impression on you. Just hearing such words of admiration, can sure make us want to stand taller, smile more and live with gusto each day. Concern for how we look doesn't matter in the least -- well unless you look like a queen or king, but I’m thinking I want to represent well the life that God has given me. Only one. Maybe it’s time we all begin today with eternity in mind and the potential words that will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

💥💥💥💥 2,000 and Still Counting 💥💥💥💥

This day, July 11, 2019 -- is the BIG ONE! The BIG ONE as in posting my 2,000th blog. Pardon the personal high-fives! 🤚🤚 I’m beyond grateful for God's faithfulness to me to inspire, motivate, encourage, drop nuggets of His fresh Word, opened my eyes to see the beauty in each day and to savor the moments when I would get an “aha” lightning bolt revelation to share with you. Most of all, I am so thankful for those who commented or “secretly” sent me private messages about how one of my posts was “right-on” for what you needed for that day. Thank you to those who privately asked me for counsel and advice and to pray for you. The praise all goes to God! 🙏🙏

On April 26, 2010, I wrote my first-ever blog. It was the beginning of the faith journey of our lives and I knew God wanted me to live our journey out-loud to document the abiding and constant love that we knew that the Father would pour out on us. We wanted our light to brighten the way for others who may have been facing similar situations. We were embarking on travels that were not without God's oversight and provision. While we had always considered our walk with Christ to be an amazing faith journey, with its many twists and turns and ups and downs, we were always secure in knowing He was on board with us, come what may. But, this new road we were on, was one that came out of the clear blue, unexpected and we needed to put on our combat boots and gear to handle this one. We were so full of faith, determination and great expectancy. Here is that first blog, just in case you’re interested in reading it:
https://mypeacezone.com/our-great-faith-adventure-begins/

If you read it, I know you might think "Bless her heart, with all that faith, their prayers weren't answered.” Oh, contraire! They were answered when he survived the first surgery which the medical industry says is the most life-threatening surgery there is. They were answered when God gave us a first-class medical team -- second to none. They were answered when we laughed and celebrated in the midst of the pain. They were answered when God supplied our needs during the loss of income times. They were answered when friends and family co-partnered with us in prayer, providing meals, and support. They were answered when doctors, nurses, other patients and visitors were touched by the strong courage we maintained. They were answered when the most incredible peace that passed all understanding kept our hearts and minds throughout the journey. And they were answered as this widow still maintains that wholehearted trust in God's faithfulness.

At that time, I was randomly blogging about our faith journey and then in January of 2011, after he passed away, I asked God what my new mission would be for that year. It was as clear as any message I would hear from someone who was face-to-face with me. God nudged me to continue my blogging in my new season of widowhood – to keep letting His light shine in my every day musings. It was still random blogging until 2014 when I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I was to make blogging a life mission DAILY, posting before 6 am each day. Not just aimless blogging but mind-of-Christ blogging. Being a social media missionary. Consistently being a light in the darkness. Every day. To start the day. For those who needed some gas-in-their-tank, a fresh word of hope, a breath of fresh air, a reason to live, and the knowing – nothing is impossible with God.

Often, it's all about ME because I need those reasons to start my own day. I know I need to get out of bed on the RIGHT side of being a determined, strong, fearless and powerful woman who believes we were ALL created to make a difference in this world, in our workplaces, in our communities, our schools, our churches and our homes!

Here’s the deal. Aimless, selfish, my four-and-no-more thinking isn’t why God created us. He created us to be the ones to step up and out of our comfort zones and our comfortable homes and comfortable mindsets. Our world needs "behind the scenes prayer warriors", social media missionaries, powerful living-out-loud faith-filled, devil-chasing, armor-bearing believers who light up their corners, workplaces, homes, churches, schools, and even the marketplaces with God’s presence and light.

Maybe you are being nudged by God today – to begin blogging, or volunteering for your church or community center. Pay close attention. If God nudges, we best get after it! And, as we go, I'm quite sure when we open our mouths, it will be filled with God's wisdom, and the teaching of kindness will open doors to bring healing and wholeness to our world -- being peace-makers, joy-givers, hope-bringers, lovers, and compassionate healers!
See you tomorrow, for blog 2,001!

Heaven Sent and Heaven's Scent

I have several friends who have recently welcomed new babies into their homes Oh, how they must relate to the Baby Boy born in Bethlehem at this time of the year. I sure did, when my baby girl was born on December 8th. I’ve told each of those friends how much I want to get my hands on their angels. Most of all – to smell their “heaven’s scent”. Don’t you love that smell? After all, that's where those precious little angels came from, so of course, they still carry the scent of heaven on them. And, how I love kissing those "heavenly" little faces. I just can't help myself. There is something indescribable in the face of a baby -- that subconscious awareness of the heart and face of God.

Don’t you know how astounded Mary must have been to hold her newborn baby and when it came to “heaven’s scent” – that was an understatement. Mark Lowery’s song, “Mary Did You Know” asked the question “Mary did you know that when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God?”

Morgan Weistling, the artist of this amazing painting of Mary and Baby Jesus said: “I started to contemplate the awesome privilege that Mary was given, being able to hold God in her arms, but also keeping in mind that He was still her baby. This cute little child whom she bore was also God in the flesh. And yet, she cuddled and kissed Him, just as all mothers do with their babies. This thought propelled me right into this painting which I wanted to be a very human representation of divinity. My prayer is that the viewer will be struck, as I am, with the amazing way that God chose to send His Son into this world — in pure humility.”

As precious as little babies are, especially Baby Jesus, anyone who carries God's light within them, also has the "face of God", and especially those who let that LIGHT shine through them to others. Nothing explains that better than when I saw the incredible volunteers at Operation Care’s Birthday Party for Jesus on December 15th.

Anyone who stops to give a hug or a loving touch to someone that is hurting has the face of God. I believe it's in the one who serves at a food pantry or homeless shelter or hospital or nursery worker, church leader and caregivers of every kind -- anyone who volunteers their time and reaches out and touches someone less fortunate. Those are the ones who are obviously the face of God in our world. Mother Teresa had more wrinkles than anyone I've ever seen, but she had more love in her, and had the most beautiful face of God, giving His love as she touched so many.

Especially at this special time of year, isn't it time, we put on our "Game Face" -- our "God Face" that others see Him in us? They recognize "God's Face" on us. Isn't it time we lived on purpose to be "His face" to a dying, hurting world and show them LOVE in ACTION -- after all, we were all made in HIS IMAGE -- and that image is what this world needs so much? Indeed, "To love others, is to see the FACE OF GOD".

We are the Light of the World

It is so refreshing to be in the presence of positive, optimistic and encouraging women. Many of my dear “sisters” from our 2017 Fall ACTS Retreat met on Friday for our one-year reunion. Just being around those precious women not only on Friday but throughout the year, energizes me. Their spirit of encouragement is contagious. I can't be down in their presence because they are such bright lights. Their “glow” rubs off on everyone they touch. They have their own stories of tough times, but they have found the “Light of Christ” that has turned their darkness to light. And, when there is someone who is facing a challenge of some sort, they are quick to offer their love, care, support, and prayer.

Why is that? What do these women have that others don’t? It has a lot to do with how rich they are in their faith, love, and commitment to God, embracing His character and striving to follow His lead -- in word and deed. We exposed “our light” Friday night, not only with our light sticks, but we went to one of our ACTS sister’s home to bring light and love to her daughter who is battling leukemia. This mama and her daughter are lights in their own right as they daily share about their relentless faith on social media in the midst of challenging times. We pray for a miracle for this precious young woman, while in practical and tangible ways, these wonderful ACTS women have served this family. On Friday night, we reminded them of God’s light in the midst of the darkness. We sang our “retreat” song, Kari Jobe’s “We Are the Light of the World” to Morgan and we saw her sweet face “light up” with God’s light.

We have ALL been called to be "Light" bearers. If our lights are shining out from within, we can be THE LIGHTS that brighten our world. On the other hand, if our lights are dim, even out, not only will we not brighten the corners where we are, but we may very well be the circuit breaker switch that darkens the whole room AND house. How does that happen? When we go the way of those who are bitter, angry, cynical, fearful, and anxious, then darkness enters our lives. We have a choice -- to stay there or turn on the light because when light stands next to darkness, LIGHT will always win.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world" Matthew 5:14. WOW!! How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts the onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

If you're reading this and think "She's sure not talking about me!" Then, I urge you to get connected to the “Light Source”, the Lord Jesus Christ AND get connected to other “light” bearers so that you become THAT "bright light" to those around you. They need YOUR light to shine brightly! Before long, you’ll hear others say to you “You light up my life!”

The Face of God

Oh how I love the smell of a newborn baby. They carry "heaven's scent" -- I just know it!   After all -- that's where those precious little angels came from, so of course they still carry that scent of heaven on them.  Oh, how I love kissing those "heavenly" little faces. I just can't help myself.  Indeed, there is something indescribable when we look into the face of a baby -- that subconscious awareness of the heart and face of God.

As precious as those little babies are, anyone who carries God's light within them, also has the "face of God", and especially those who let that LIGHT shine through them to others.  Nothing explains that better that seeing the precious women in my Life Group bringing groceries for needy families for a Food Pantry that we assist every week.  And, this week, they also brought Christmas gifts for children who would, otherwise, not be having Christmas.

Anyone who stops to give a hug or a loving touch to someone that is hurting has the face of God. I believe it's in the one who runs and/or serves at a food pantry or homeless shelter or hospital or children's church leader, nursery worker and caregivers of every kind -- just  anyone who volunteers their time in any way to reach out and touch someone less fortunate. Those are the ones who are obviously the face of God in our world.  Mother Teresa had more wrinkles than anyone I've ever seen, but she had more love in her, and had the most beautiful face of God, giving His love as she touched so many.

Especially at this special time of year, isn't it time, we put on our "Game Face" -- our "God Face" that others see Him in us?  They recognize "God's Face" on us.   Isn't it time we lived on purpose to be "His face" to a dying, hurting world and show them LOVE in ACTION -- after all, we were made in HIS IMAGE -- and that image is what this world needs so much?

Indeed, "To love others, is to see the FACE OF GOD".