Why Can’t We Just Be Lovers and Sharers?

So I was a little ticked when I saw this sign. After all, this is the Red River – a public waterway, yet a landowner put up barbed wire and this sign to keep what is public to himself. It didn’t bother my kids but it did me when I saw my girl fishing in a narrow place between the bridge and the barbed wire AND on the other side of the barbed wire – fish jumping everywhere. I researched what the New Mexico laws are about public waterways. And, sure enough it has been an ongoing statewide dilemma for years. The main problem is the public getting to the waterways through private property. I can understand that is an issue. But, what about just riding in your kayak or walking up or fishing the river and you come to that barbed wire fencing and the sign that says $1,000 fine and 364 days in jail?

I was in a setting where I could put time into research. It seems that in 2015, it was ruled that the public can wade and fish in streams running through private property, as long as they remain in the stream which is in line with common doctrine in most states. BUT, landowners and outfitters protested and in 2018, the state began a process to allow landowners to certify streambeds as private property. But, public access advocates are still fighting back by working to strike down the law as unconstitutional, but the effort won’t be cheap. “The tragedy is that the public is going to have to spend millions to win back something that was ours in the first place,” says a public representative, “by suing the entity that’s supposed to act in the public’s best interest and be the steward of a public resource.”

I told my kids about this blog and they told me they saw a man and woman with two children ask the old man who owns the property if they can come over and let their children fish there. He was obliged to let them. Staci said the kids were adorable when they caught a nice-sized fish and when all done, they thanked the landowner and so did the kids. I love that ending to my saga. Well, it may not be an ending, but at least knowing the landowner might have a generous heart after all.

I amuse myself that this controversary intrigued me because it reminds me of our little ones when they were over-protective of their toys. Something innate in them caused them to be selfish with their blessings of toys that had been given to them. That’s what I saw in this old man’s property and so many other times we’ve witnessed the selfishness of people wanting it their way – which is, most of the time, the selfish way – instead of allowing others to share in the bounty.

Someone once said that Jesus began the most revolutionary movement in human history. A movement grounded in the unconditional love of God for the world - and a movement mandating people to live that love, and in so doing to change not only their lives but the very life of the world itself.

That's what love is. Love is not selfish and self-centered. And, that unselfish, sacrificial love changes lives, and it can change this world. Think and imagine a world where love is the way. Imagine our homes and families where love is the way. Imagine neighborhoods and communities where love is the way. Imagine governments and nations where love is the way. When unselfish, sacrificial love is the way, then no child will go to bed hungry in this world ever again. When love is the way, poverty will become history. Because when love is the way, we actually treat each other, like we are actually family. When love is the way, we know that God is the source of us all, and we are brothers and sisters, children of God."

John said in 1 John 4:7 “Let us love one another”. I LOVE that love. John included himself in that exhortation. He is telling us that everyone is called to love. And actions speak so much louder than words. It’s not enough to just say “I love you”. We really need to actually LOVE.

I don’t know which side you live on, “It’s MINE – get out of here!” Or, “It’s OURS – let’s share the blessing.” As for me, I plan to do my best to err on the side of love. I know it will serve me well as I purpose to sow seeds of love everywhere I go. How about you?

#TBT Throw-back Thursday -- Holy Thursday

It almost seems disrespectful to title my blog “Holy Thursday” AND “Throw-back Thursday” – but isn’t that what today is to us? It is remembering how Jesus shared a Passover meal with His disciples, and that meal invoked Holy Communion (Luke 22:19-20). We hear His words: "As often as you do this, you do it in memory of Me!" And, we do REMEMBER!

Getting new Easter clothes, expecting Easter surprises along with an Easter egg hunt that followed Easter Sunday church services is a sweet memory each year. As precious as those memories are, they pale in comparison to the memories of what Christ taught us during this Holy Week. Today is Holy Thursday of Holy Week when we recall the Last Supper – the night that Jesus set the greatest example of what it is to be a Servant Leader. Jesus -- the greatest of ALL, was the servant of ALL, as He washed His disciples’ feet. He, with the towel and basin, is KING of the universe. The same hands that shaped the earth, the stars, and the moon, washed away grime and filth. He wanted his disciples to know how much He loved them. Jesus knew they were about to betray and deny Him, yet He loved and SERVED them. Such extravagant love – such excessive SERVICE. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34. That's a tall order, isn't it? But that ORDER (Command) is one that can change everything in our own lives AND the world if we would take that COMMAND and act on it.

Christ certainly didn't just talk the TALK -- He walked the WALK. He led by example. Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on. I think that’s Jesus’ message to you and me, too. Surely there are those that cause irritation in our lives. In fact, like Jesus, they may have denied us, deceived us, rejected us, spoke evil against us, and completely disappointed us. Doesn’t it cause us to have a great sense of awareness that He Who was perfect and knew no sin, could set the example for us on how to deal with those honorary folks in our lives?

It certainly makes me pause to ask the question: "Am I a devoted follower of Christ, even to the cross to bear witness of Him and His love for me?" I pray the same words of Peter to Jesus: "Lord, wash me, cleanse me, purify me so that I too may be presented as a vessel of honor to You." What an incredible flow of mercy, love, forgiveness, servitude, and sacrifice that flowed from Jesus then, and continues to flow to us today. Oh Lord, may we be your servants today -- to follow, serve and love You, and others, as You served and loved.

Do They Know Us By Our Love?

I attended a monthly meeting this week and someone said, “They will know we are Christians by our love!” Immediately I thought of a 60’s song by that title. The song and that statement “They will know we are Christians by our love" come from John 13:35: “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

I’ll be honest with you. There are times when I can be a little snarky – not emulating that Christian love. My disapproval of someone’s actions, even though I don’t say a word, is evident in my demeanor. I know I’m just not feeling the love for that one, but that scripture said: “have love for one another”. Lord knows I want to be that gal that loves….in spite of the way someone acts or speaks.

Of course, God, Himself, is our greatest example of loving….in spite of. His new commandment was to love each other as He loved us. It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a commandment to love one another. There is not one person Jesus does not love and did not come to save -- this includes everyone we lock eyes with, walk past on the street, hear about in the news, live next door to, stand behind in line at the grocery store, or sit next to in the waiting room. When we actively love those around us, putting their needs before our own, we are taking the same amazing love that Jesus poured out to us and become a living, breathing, beautiful display for humanity.

While many believe love is a just a nice, heart-warming feeling when everyone is nice and heartwarming, as Christians, we are called for it to be more than that -- we are called to take action. We can share God’s love by noticing the unnoticed, loving the unlovely, or even by extending grace to those who are not so easy to be around.

Putting our love into action in this month of love (and beyond) will sincerely show we are Christians by our love. Love in action is asking God to help us actively love others -- to actively walk across the street to help our neighbors, to actively cook a warm meal for a friend in need, or to actively visit a nearby nursing home to love on the elderly. His love in action through us will lead us to places where He wants us to shine His light and give us the courage and strength to share His love with all who surround us in our daily lives. And, then a love ripple effect will take place. We will guide people to His beauty and they, too, will begin to actively love others and then, who knows how many lives will be impacted?

Welcome February -- It's the LOVE Month!

It’s the LOVE month and I’m especially in my heaven-to-earth love mindset as I’m back in Austin and getting to have a lovefest with my boys. Twelve year-old Bryson, who is the outdoors guy and I spend a lot of time outside. It’s my joy to be his assistant when feeding his many animals. I asked him if he was getting tired of seeing after them. His response “NEVER!” Yesterday we went for a hike through the trails of the acreage and then watched him show my his bow and arrow efficiency in the back acres shooting thrown-out pumpkins. We hung out by the creek while doing his schoolwork in a cozy place out there and at break time – he showed me his skills using his daddy’s BB gun that we bought him when he was Bryson’s age. Be still my heart! Bryson’s daddy still holds onto a childhood memory.

Brennan is my sports guy – baseball and basketball. What a blessing it is to be so close to them to watch many of his games. They won their basketball game last night and my Brennan scored 12 of the winning points. Love is definitely in the air when I get to hang out with them, as with all of my grandchildren.

Of course, when February rolls around, it’s automatic to think of Valentine’s Day and the opportunity to share our love to the one or ones we hold near and dear to our hearts. I’m sending out that love to you, my FB and Blog friends and family. My sister and brother-in-law were married on February 14th. I am always nostalgic during this month because on February 14th, 1961, my boyfriend (and 5 years later, my groom) and I went on our first real boy-girl date, chauffeured by his dad and mom to my church’s youth Valentine's banquet. This month has always been the "Love Month" to me, and though my sweetheart celebrates it in heaven, I still celebrate it here with those I hold dear.

Of course, this month is dedicated to lovers and romantic relationships. But why don’t we take it up a notch and determine that February is a LOVE month for all those around us? Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routines, we forget to let those close to us know how much we love and appreciate them. There’s nothing more important than letting people know how much they mean to us.

So, why not let this be a LOVE month with everyone we encounter? Love is as simple as smiling at someone walking toward us, someone in front or behind us in the checkout line or someone standing next to us in an elevator. Sounds innocent enough, but what we really can be doing is secretly telling them “I love you” with that smile. And, if they smile back at us, let’s imagine them saying “I love you” back to us. That silent exchange may cause feelings to emerge that could transform their day AND our day.

So, since February is the month for love, how about we make a commitment to “give our love away” – maybe in a love letter to those people in our life who inspire us, support us, assist us, feed us, nurture us, care for us, love us, pray for us, protect us, laugh with us and cry with us? They have shared the magnificent journey of our life with us. Let's purpose to pour on the love this month....and let me start by saying "I LOVE YOU.....my FB friends and family. You mean the world to me! You make my world a better place. You put a smile on my face and you give me so many joys! May you know God's love in tangible and beautiful ways....not just this month, but ALWAYS!"
1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."





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2 YEARS AGO TODAY

It's Time to Take a Time-Out!

My hands are in the time-out “T” sign right now, and I’m saying “We need to take a time-out!" That’s what I was doing last Sunday when my family introduced me to “their own new family rules” of playing UNO. Of course, they had been mastering their new rules, so I, the newcomer to this source of a high-stress way of playing a simple game that had simple-to-follow rules, was in overload. I kept pleading “TIME-OUT” using those hand signals, especially when they’d say (because of their new rules) “Nana, take a card. Take another card.” That was because their new rules included if a “7” is thrown out, you can’t talk until another “7” is thrown out. Well, of course, my hand was full of cards because I couldn’t help myself. I had to talk! That’s when my time-out “T” sign came out!

Whew! And, isn’t that what we need to do in this world of “He said. She said. They said.” And, “It’s his/her fault.” TIME-OUT! Thankfully, the mid-term elections are over. We made it! It was a tough one. People took sides on every issue under the sun, armed themselves with opinions and rights and offenses and wrongs, and proceeded to hurl word-grenades at each other, one after another, until the air became so thick with anger and frustration that we could barely see what they were fighting for. I silenced my TV or fast-forwarded through campaign rhetoric. I didn’t want to see another campaign speech that degraded another opponent. I'm just done with "those rules of improper behavior and lack of respect for our fellow man".

But even when we’re not in an election season, it can still be easy to get so worked up over a spoken word that we forget the person on the other side of our words. I know when it’s time to take a TIME-OUT and “refresh” like I refresh my computer when it gets stuck.

When I “refresh” after a time-out, I realize that I’m the product of my upbringing, my faith, my environment. Other people were brought up differently from my world. Other people have opinions based on their own core values and opinions. As wrong as their opinions and values seem to me, they still deserve my respect. It’s time for me to remember that I’m VERY human myself and that all of those people are God’s children, too. It’s time for me to ask Him for a heart to love them.

Today, let’s ask God for eyes to see His children the way He does — and the patience to put up with them like He does, especially when they seem “particularly CRAZEE!!!” Just like playing my family’s new version of UNO and when I needed a time-out, it’s TIME to take a TIME-OUT when you need one (and I promise to do the same), and let’s be grateful for everyone who loves us on our particularly CRAZEE days, too.

“May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.”
{1 Thessalonians 3:12}

Are You a Good, Good Father?

Are You a Good, Good Father?
Happy Father’s Day to all dads today, whether you are a natural father, adoptive father or a father role model and mentor. You deserve a tribute if you have been and are a good, good father! Father’s Day brings me precious memories and so much gratitude for my own sweet daddy, my wonderful father-in-law and my precious husband who are celebrating this Father’s Day together in heaven. And especially for two amazing dads -- my two precious sons: Ryan Wuerch & Larry Wallace – men who are amazing fathers and who lead their families by God’s example to them. God bless you, Fathers!

I love the popular song “Good, Good Father”. Here’s why I think it’s so popular and resonates with so many of us. Maybe we had a very good representation of our Heavenly Father by the father we had on this earth. Or, maybe we had no representation of our Heavenly Father by any of the men in our lives. Whatever the case may be, we desire a good, good Father and we have one in our Heavenly Father.

I’m sure the inspiration for this song was because of so many in this generation who are fatherless and this song provides answers that only a good Father can provide. We are all finding our true identity in the love of our Heavenly Papa. We’re finding out that He's loving and caring and so close that we can be embraced by Him -- any time, anywhere.

As the song goes, we’re finding out He’s perfect in all of His ways…to us. He loved us before we loved Him. He has always been this way. This Father sent Jesus because He wants all of us to know that He loves us all exactly like He loves His Son. Jesus’ desire was that every person on the planet knows love by the love He shared among His followers. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:35. We are wising up to those “Love one another” words.

We’re finding out who we are in the Father’s embrace. This is what this song is about. And when we finally see Him as He really is, we find out that we’re not “dirty little sinners” to Him. We’re His new creation and old things have passed away. We are His beloved sons and daughters and the apple of His eye. We are learning to dance with Him and let Him lead. We are jumping up into His arms of peace, security, and safety. We are becoming obedient, faith-filled children and we’re making Him smile – an ear to ear smile as we bring Him pleasure when we love like He loves and gives like He gives.

Fathers – isn’t that what you desire of your children?

Here’s Chris Tomlin singing that wonderful song “Good, Good Father”! I pray that you settle the matter once and for all – let our Father embrace you, restore you and call you His beloved child. You’ll find out how GOOD, our good, good Father is to you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfJrxvVnmkE

Holy Thursday – Maundy Thursday

Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning mandated or commandment. How appropriate for our Lord’s mandate tonight: “A new command (mandate) I give you: ‘Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’" John 13:34.

Jesus was up to His own mandate today. His time had come. His disciples were sent to prepare a Passover Meal for them. Little did the disciples know what that Passover Meal would lead to. I can only imagine, after their Passover Meal together, the shock that Jesus’ disciples had when they saw Jesus take up the basin and towel, kneel in front of them and one by one, washed their feet, calluses and all. He was their Master, not their slave.
In those days, it was the servant’s role to wash the feet of their owner’s guests. Those feet were dry, dirty, calloused and cracked because they had walked for miles in their sandals. To wash someone’s feet was truly an act of servitude and humility.

When When finished, Jesus explained, “I’m setting an example for you. You should do what I have done to you.” I wonder if the disciples finally understood. They had been hand-selected by Jesus from the crowds, so they were special. But Jesus didn’t call them so that they would enjoy an “elite” status. He called them to serve, to carry on His ministry of loving and caring for people.

At our Holy Thursday service tonight, there will be foot washing of 12 pre-selected individuals and then we will proclaim our own commitment of service to one another. We will remember Christ's love for us as we celebrate His Last Supper, where Jesus invoked the very first Holy Communion. After the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples made a short journey to the Garden of Gethsemane where His agony would begin. Tonight, we will process to our chapel to pray.

I knew Holy Thursday would take on special meaning to me as I recall my trip in June to Israel when I visited the Garden of Gethsemane. There were mixed feelings by our travel pilgrims, inspired by the beauty of the garden and trees that dated back to Jesus’ times, but in the Sanctuary of Gethsemane was the site of the massive rock where Jesus had prayed. It was incredibly humbling to kneel and place my hand on it and realize this was where Christ prayed in agony and His sweat became great drops of blood: “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; NEVERTHELESS, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:37. To say our group was overcome with emotion, puts it mildly because many of us had arrived at that word, NEVERTHELESS, in some of our own experiences. To be willing to pray, “Lord let this situation, circumstance, pain, fear, agony – pass from me, NEVERTHELESS, not my will but Yours be done." The photos here are of two of our men, embracing each other as they could not contain the emotion of knowing what Christ had done for them. The other photos are of the garden and the rock.

Jesus watched the soldiers as they marched toward him with torches in hand. He could have called on 10,000 angels for back-up or He could flee at any time, but He was resolved -- His time had come. He waited for them to arrest Him. He would suffer illegal trials, torture, and death because of His love for you and me. He considers our eternal life with Him is worth His death. Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on. I think that’s His message to you and me, too. Today, we are the ones standing in front of people from all cultures and backgrounds, who are all suffering from their own brokenness and in need of a Savior. What an incredible flow of mercy, love, forgiveness, servitude and sacrifice that flowed from Jesus then, and continues to flow to us today. Oh Lord, please make us your servants today -- to follow, serve and love You and others, as You served and loved.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Old AND Young Lovers!

My word for today is "Valentine’s Day" – a day that St. Valentine gave his life for; recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance around the world

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it holds one of my most precious memories. On this day, the cutest dark haired 13-year old boy named Ronnie (aka Ron) Wuerch and me, the lankiest, 12-year old girl had our very first “official” date (chauffeured by Ronnie’s dad) to a Valentine’s Banquet at my church. The photo here is that day – when Ronnie had to stand on the step above me – because I was taller than him. Oh, how I remember the butterflies in my stomach, the sweaty palms, and the pride I had in showing off my “boy friend” to my friends. At thirteen, Ronnie was already an accomplished pianist with an amazing voice. He played the piano and sang at the banquet. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world when my girl friends said, “He sings and looks just like Frankie Avalon!”

It was a complete set-up by my grandmother – of all people. She invited my family to their church where Ronnie’s dad was the pastor. Right from the start, that cute boy kept looking and smiling at me….and I smiled back. A few days later, Grandma called me: “Ronnie Wuerch says he likes you.” And, I replied, “Tell him I like him, too!” And that’s the way we began. Early on, my grandmother and our mothers knew (you know – that woman’s intuition), that we were meant to be. And we were.

This day is about lovers and I like to give credit where credit is due. This is the story of St. Valentine's Day. Valentine was a Christian priest who lived near Rome during the time of Emperor Claudius II, a sworn enemy of the faith. In the beginning, Valentine had won the emperor’s admiration, but lost it – and his life – by trying to convert Claudius to the faith. On February 14th, 278, the emperor was so outraged by Valentine’s unwanted evangelism AND because Valentine was secretly marrying Christian couples against His edict that he had Valentine tortured and beheaded. It is said that just before Valentine was led away to his execution, he wrote a note to the blind daughter of his jailer, whose vision was restored after he prayed for her. According to legend, he signed his note, “from your Valentine.” Hence, the tradition of sending Valentine cards.

I wonder what St. Valentine would make of this day of celebrating love. Would he laugh hilariously at all the chocolate, flowers, hearts and expressions of affection that lovers share, or would he cry at all the expense without a true increase in genuine love -- especially when it would be so beautiful if this day would really increase our love for each other.

Perhaps he would appreciate it all and maybe he would express his feelings by quoting St. Paul, whose wisdom he revered: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

Thank you, St. Valentine's for reminding us, ABOVE ALL -- to LOVE. I am celebrating love with all of you lovers out there on this beautiful Valentine's Day. I urge you to live in the moments God has given you. Treasure your moments together. Please don’t take those moments for granted.

And for all of you.....can I gently remind you of an important truth? A truth that makes all the difference to me? If we are God’s children, we are involved in the greatest love story ever created. God created us, knows us inside and out, and loves us from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. We can celebrate love this year just like everyone else, knowing that we have a deeper understanding than anything that’s advertised or on the shelves in a store. GOD LOVES US!

Happy St. Valentine's Day to all my FB friends! God loves you so much AND so do I.......<3 <3 <3

Increase the Love Dosage

This little gal is one of Bryson's friends. Her shirt inspired me -- "Do all things with love!" 1 Corinthians 16:14 "Do everything in love."

Valentine's Day ended four days ago and I wonder how many are still enjoying the outpouring of love they received on that day. And, what about those who are thrilled all the hoopla about Valentine's is over with? Whether we celebrated it or tolerated it, what matters is "Are we loving to the extent that we wish to be loved?"

Mother Teresa said, "'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." I think it's the same with a relationship with a significant other, as well as the stranger we meet on the street. We should love like we want to be loved. To practice being more loving, we should create a love account. If we'll make a few deposits into this account by doing something small to add joy into the life of someone else, how blessed, in turn, will we be.

Getting bogged down with daily routines is easy. Before we know it, our love accounts can be depleted, and when we should respond to those around us with love and kindness, often we might carelessly say something that is hurtful. It's up to us to live purposely in love consciousness -- making choices dictated by the ACTIVE walk of love.

What does an ACTIVE walk of love look like? It's actively walking across the street to help our neighbors, actively cooking a warm meal for a friend in need, or it's actively visiting a near-by nursing home to love on the elderly. Let's ask God to lead us to places where He wants us to shine His light and ask Him for the courage and strength to share His love with all who surround us in our daily lives.

Let's perpetuate this Month of Love by giving out HUGE doses of love to everyone we encounter. With eyes focused on He WHO is love, our "filter" will be through the love He gave to us, and we won't be able to resist loving like He loves. And, maybe when we do this, we will guide people to His beauty and they, too, will begin to actively love others and then, who knows how many lives will be impacted?

"By this EVERYONE will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two
I've loved seeing this framed photo in the guest house every day since I've been here. Those are my two youngest grandsons -- Brennan & Bryson. I've especially relished the beautiful landscape and the rare "brotherly love" moment. Not rare in the sense that they really love each other, but they are, after all, two normal boys that can easily get on each other's nerves. But when push comes to shove, those two would be there for each other. No question. This picture is a perfect backdrop for this "It takes two" scripture.

We all know some not-so-fun-to-be-around folks. Case in point -- there was a guy that I knew, bless his heart, that had a propensity toward negativity. Honestly, at one time, I avoided him every chance I could, because he was "wah wah Debbie Downer" most of the time. Trying to "light up his life" was a work-out. Then one day, I went in for the jugular and said, "Do you realize how pessimistic you can be when there's just so much to be thankful about? Don't you know that we can make this world a better place by having good thoughts and saying good things?" There, I said it and I was waiting to get an ear-full, but to my surprise and delight, he recoiled and proceeded to apologize to me and, word has it, that he has become a better version of himself. Rather than avoiding him, he just needed someone to tenderly help him see who he had become, and help him see who he could be.

Bottom line, each of us can be better because of someone else's influence. God purposefully created each of us with special gifts and insights. He made each of us with a need for each other. Despite our many differences, just look at what we have in common:

Each of us is God's child.
Each of us wants to love and be loved.
Each of us is made in the image of God.
Each of us has needs — body, soul and spirit.
Each of us has hopes and dreams.
Each of us has talents and gifts.
Each of us has joys and sorrows.
Each of us is a work in progress. (Please be patient with me -- God's not finished with me yet!)

Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

Seriously, God intended us to truly be “better together.” We have to care for each other and look at the whole (instead of just ourselves). We have to reach out to those in need and love them — with our words, our time, and our resources.

Instead of walking on the other side of the street or avoiding those cranky souls, just maybe God will use us to help them. We are not meant to be alone. We need each other. No one is better than another. Truly, we are better together.

Welcome February -- It's the LOVE Month!

Love is in the air!! I sure don't take this month lightly because on February 14th, 1961, my boy friend (and 5 years later, my groom) and I went on our first real boy-girl date, chauffeured by his dad and mom to a church Valentine's banquet. This month has always been the "Love Month" to me, and though my sweetheart celebrates it in heaven, I still celebrate it here....with all those I know and hold dear.

Of course this month is dedicated to lovers and romantic relationships. But why don’t we take it up a notch and determine that February is a LOVE month for all those around us?

Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routines, we forget to let those close to us know how much we love and appreciate them. There’s nothing more important than letting people know how much they mean to us.

So, why not let this be a LOVE month with everyone we encounter? Love is as simple as smiling at someone walking toward us, someone in front or behind us in the checkout line or someone standing next to us in an elevator. Sounds innocent enough, but what we really can be doing is secretly telling them “I love you” with that smile. And, if they smile back at us, let’s imagine them saying “I love you” back to us. That silent exchange may cause feelings to emerge that could transform their day AND our day.

So, since February is the month for love, how about we make a commitment to “give our love away” – maybe in a love letter to those people in our life who inspire us, support us, assist us, feed us, nurture us, care for us, love us, pray for us, protect us, laugh with us and cry with us? They have shared the magnificent journey of our life with us. Let's purpose to pour on the love this month....and let me start by saying "I LOVE YOU.....my FB friends and family. You mean the world to me! You make my world a better place. You put a smile on my face and you give me so many joys! May you know God's love in tangible and beautiful ways....not just this month, but ALWAYS!"

1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

What Color Is Your Angel?

Staci and I were getting out of the car at the store, when Staci ran over to a nearby parked car. One of the ladies was getting out all the tools needed to change a flat tire, while the other lady was looking at a YouTube video telling how to do it. (LOL! Thank God for the internet!) A baby was in the backseat of the car. It was a sight to behold. Everyone was in good spirits about their dilemma. Staci exclaimed “Let me help. And if we can’t fix it, I’ll call my husband, but in the meantime, let’s pray for an angel!” The words were no sooner out of her mouth, when a robust, beautiful African American man came over to the car, and took over this situation from this motley crew of women. Staci said, “I was praying for an angel to show up and my theory is true: Angels aren’t just white. They’re also black, which also verifies my theory that Jesus wasn’t white either.“ LOL! Oh my! Now we know where “And such is life with Lexi” comes from, because the originator of the “Such is life” came from her and it’s “And such is life with Staci!” By the way, the young man had the tire changed and the ladies were on their way in just a few minutes.

I’ve loved hanging out with my daughter since she was a little girl. Her humor was always one of her best attributes. She has always had the ability to make me laugh, and on this trip, she was in rare form again. The night before the party, one of Payton’s friends came over for the first time. Payton warns his friends, in advance, that they will be interrogated by his mother, and, oh yes, she did interrogate this young man. Questions like “Do you have a prison record?”, “Do you know how to use a gun?” “Do you have any secrets that we need to know about?” The young man, unshakened and prepared for the interrogation, fired back with equally quick and hilarious responses. I was so glad I was there to witness it.

In the tire-changing story, I saw my girl willing to step in and help some women in trouble. I’ve seen her do that before when at a car-crash scene, she runs to the victims and asks how she can help, and even prays for them. In the interrogation story, though she uses her straight face humor to inquire about the friends her kids are hanging out with, she cares enough about her kids to go there. And, at the same time, I saw those kids, Friday night, cheering for her to sing for them and hang with them. What’s that about? It’s the magnetic draw that God places in us when we abandon our comfort to be a light for those around us.

I wish I had my daughter’s quick wit and ability to be as responsive to the needs of others as she does. But, with the abilities God gave me, I can do what I can. And so can you. That light within us will shine at a mall, at a party filled with high energy kids, at a football field when a player is injured and a Mom says “Let’s pray” to those nearby, at a store when someone needs a smile or over the phone with a friend who needs to hear an encouraging voice. No matter “the style”, God wants us to be His ambassador or His ANGEL – His hands extended to a world that needs our humor, our generosity, our love and our care.

John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Increase the Love Dosage

Day 18 in this Month of Love -- Increase the Love Dosage

Valentine's Day ended four days ago and I wonder how many are still enjoying the outpouring of love they received on that day. And, what about those who are thrilled all the hoopla about Valentine's is over with? Whether we were celebrated or we tolerated it, it really doesn't matter. What matters is "Are we loving to the extent that we wish to be loved?"

Mother Teresa once said, "'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." I think it's the same with a relationship with a significant other, as well as the stranger we meet on the street. We should love like we want to be loved. To practice being more loving, we should create a love account. Each day, if we'll make a few deposits into this account by doing something small to add joy into the life of someone else, how blessed, in turn, will we be.

It’s so easy to get bogged down with our daily routines, and before we know it, our love accounts can be depleted and when we should respond to those around us with love and kindness, we,instead, carelessly say something that is disparaging and hurtful. It's up to us to live in love consciousness -- making choices dictated by the ACTIVE walk of love.

What does an ACTIVE walk of love look like? It's actively walking across the street to help our neighbors, actively cooking a warm meal for a friend in need, or it's actively visiting a near-by nursing home to love on the elderly. Let's ask God to lead us to places where He wants us to shine His light and ask Him for the courage and strength to share His love with all who surround us in our daily lives.

Let's perpetuate this Month of Love by giving out HUGE doses of love to everyone we encounter. With eyes focused on He WHO is love, our "filter" will be through the love He gave to us, and we won't be able to resist loving like He loves. And, maybe when we do this, we will guide people to His beauty and they, too, will begin to actively love others and then, who knows how many lives will be impacted?

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35.

Two Are Better Than One

My photo inspiration today is my two youngest grandsons -- Brennan & Bryson. I knew someday I'd get a caption for it. Today is that day.

"You mean the world to me and my life just wouldn't be the same without you." How's that for expressing gratitude for someone in our life?

We all know some not-so-fun-to-be-around folks. Case in point -- there's an guy that I frequently encounter, and, bless his heart, he has a propensity toward negativity. Honestly, at one time, I avoided him every chance I could, because he was "wah wah Debbie Downer" most of the time. Trying to "light up his life" was a work-out. Then one day, I went in for the jugular and said, "Do you realize how pessimistic you can be when there's just so much to be thankful about? Don't you know that we can make this world a better place by having good thoughts and saying good things?" There, I said it and I was waiting to get an ear-full, but to my surprise and delight, he recoiled and proceeded to apologize to me and, word has it, that he has become a better version of himself. Rather than avoiding him, he just needed someone to tenderly help him see who he had become, and help him see who he could be.

Bottom line, each of us can be better because of someone else's influence. God purposefully created each of us with special gifts and insights. He made each of us with a need for each other. Despite our many differences, just look at what we have in common:

Each of us is God's child.
Each of us wants to love and be loved.
Each of us is made in the image of God.
Each of us has needs — body, soul and spirit.
Each of us has hopes and dreams
Each of us has talents and gifts.
Each of us has joys and sorrows.
Each of us is a work in progress. (Please be patient with me -- God's not finished with me yet!)

Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

Seriously, God intended us to truly be “better together.” We have to care for each other and look at the whole (instead of just ourselves). We have to reach out to those in need and love them — with our words, our time, and our resources.

Instead of walking on the other side of the street or avoiding those cranky souls, just maybe God will use us to help them. We are not meant to be alone. We need each other. No one is better than another. Truly, we are better together.

You Are Loved.....Don't Give Up

Day 309 of Photo Inspirations -- You Are Loved.....Don't Give Up

Some things just don't change.....but wouldn't it be great if they did? The first two kids, Cain and Abel, birthed from the first two parents, couldn't get along.  In fact their sibling rivalry led to the death of Abel.  Fast forward to Jacob, the dad, and Joseph, his son (his favorite son -- okay, that's already screaming "TROUBLE").  Why would a dad ever favor one of his kids over the other?  But he did, and little Joseph became the target of his 10 brothers -- to not just bully him, but to kill him. Fortunately, their evil plot was thwarted.

But people issues -- judging, bullying, gossiping, jealousy, arguing, etc. have been a part of humanity from the very beginning.  It's so unfortunate when we consider what all those "issues" do to people. That's why it's so important that we go to a higher level -- a place of love, concern, care and compassion for each other.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."  John 13:34

Maybe you're the one who is being judged and bullied, or lied about.  Here's the truth of the matter. YOU are loved!!    Don't let people get inside your head to make you think otherwise. You are loved and you are special!  God loves you so much and you are His masterpiece.  If you were the only person on earth, He would still have sent His one and only Son to pay the ultimate price for YOU. That's TRUE LOVE!  He took the high road.  It's time for us to take the high road, too.

Now, don't give up.....YOU ARE LOVED.  Watch this video of this beautiful song by Josh Groban...."You Are Loved.....Don't Give Up"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-G8IfjPAII