You Have Permission....to be Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so thankful for you! I can't overstate how much my social media family means to me. I am so grateful that you read my blogs. I know that God gave me this platform to celebrate Him and all that knowing Him affords: peace, comfort, joy, zest for life, faith, hope, and untold blessings. I'm glad we're a part of God's great, big family. And, now for what my heart is leading me to say……

I love this day so much -- the fall weather, the yummy food, warm smells coming from the kitchen and the house bustling with my people. Still, I can’t ignore the quiet rumblings of hearts on days like today. Maybe that’s you. You may feel overwhelmed. Or forgotten. You may feel out of place. You may feel stressed and frustrated. You may feel disappointed or anxious with worry. Or just incredibly lonely.

In a world filled with social media posts with “perfect families” as the featured photo, it can feel like an empty place for hurting hearts. But, let's not go there. Let's flip that nagging heart around, because of Who we are and Whose we are! Today is about giving thanks. It is a day for us to give thanks for the things that really matter: the inner peace that settles us when we are afraid. The inner calm that rises above obstacles and calls us to be brave. The inner voice that steadies us when the world crashes around us. We give thanks for the countless blessings we receive in spite of the odds against us. We give thanks for a Creator who sees us, knows us and accepts us just as we are – even when we feel lost on days like today.

That is the beauty of today. I hope you are at a table with those you are proud to call your own. But, if you find yourself at a table that isn’t a “comfort zone” – embrace the opportunity that you are there – making a difference because you are loved by God and you get to be His representative at that table. Smile and breathe. Connect with that inner voice of God that says “You are enough! You are so very loved. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are brave!” Remind yourself of the ONE Who is right there with you and Who makes your family of plenty or your family of one, so very loved.

You have permission to be exactly who you are and to be reminded that that is enough. Allow the servant part of you to open your arms and serve. Hmmm! I wonder who that sounds like – it was Jesus Who sat in a room of lovers and haters, some deniers, some rejecters. Serving doesn’t feel like a burden at all – instead it’s something we naturally long to do, where the act of giving becomes a natural expression of our heart.

Whatever your table looks like, I promise there is no obligation greater than the one you have to yourself: to be sure you realize how loved you are. You are worthy of being seen and known. You are worthy of being fought for. Be thankful you are loved by the One Who loves you most. I love you and I pray this is a Thanksgiving in your heart and soul – like none ever before.

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

Tenderize My Heart, Lord

While writing in my journal, I wrote: "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." Tenderize? Where did that come from? Suddenly, I went "nostalgic" and saw my mom holding a meat tenderizer hammer beating the tar out of a piece of meat. She was beating it to make the meat more tender. And, of course, that went along with chicken fried steak and cream gravy. Yum! And, chicken fried chicken! Lord, have mercy! How have we lasted so long since we grew up eating all that fried food? Oops! I took a rabbit trail!

Back to "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." I'm sure it came from my earlier newsfeed scrolling when I saw many of my friends having a really tough start to this new year -- illnesses, automobile and falling accidents. Others were raising funds for their family members who were in desperate need of finances to help cover their medical expenses and another gal was raising support for surgery for her dog. Each one of those needs God sees and isn't surprised at all by the calamities and distresses, but His heart is tenderized. Shouldn't mine be, too? Shouldn't we be touched by those around us who are in pain because of something gone wrong in their lives? Isn't that what Jesus meant when He said: "Love your neighbor as you love yourselves". How can I love my neighbor if I'm not loving myself? And if I'm loving myself, shouldn't I be loving others to help relieve their pains as I endeavor to relieve my own. And, demonstrating God's love to those we call family and friends is often the easiest to respond to their needs. But what about those we don't know and those who aren't the easiest to even consider wanting to love them in any way?

A friend commented on my "Time Maker; Time Waster" post: "My biggest time waster is Facebook! A bad habit I need to break" My comment back to her was "Instead of it being a time waster, make it a time maker by praying for those who need prayer there and encouraging those who need encouragement. That way, you are making a difference in their lives and yours!" That option is having a tenderized heart.

Jesus was the ULTIMATE example of a tenderized heart. He loved by sacrificing his life. His death on the cross made atonement for sin which humanity couldn’t make. Its power brings about forgiveness of sins and allows humans to have a personal relationship with God: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). My weak and flaw-filled attempts to love as He loves seems like an insurmountable mountain to climb. But, doing my best to follow His "love" lead, is a good start.

Oh, my pen was in the hand of God yesterday morning as I wrote those words. He was nudging me, awakening me to "beat the tar out of the enemy" with a love hammer. And, as the message became crystal clear, I asked Him again: "Tenderize my heart, Lord. Help me to feel as you feel, love as you love, see as You see, speak as You speak. Come and tenderize my heart, Lord. Let me see You as You are and as You want me to be."

Burying Your Head So You're Not Disturbed?

For a mere $99.99 on Amazon, this power nap Ostrich Pillow can be yours. This photo crossed my path so many times that I finally had to check it out. It looks to me like it's a clear signal that someone doesn't want to be disturbed. But the inventor says "Sometimes all you need is a power nap during a stressful day or to counter jet lag, or for just a chance to relax. Just burrow your head and arms into its cozy ‘cocoon’ and you’ll be in dreamland before you know it." He says “Power napping increases productivity by 34%.” I can relate. Sitting at my desk most of the day can sure bring on dreamland to me and a 10-minute power nap can sure power me on for the rest of my day!

You've got to hand it to those who find a need and do something about it. The Ostrich Pillow makes sense but I find it hard to believe that women with their well-coiffed hairdos would stick their heads in there for any amount of time -- not to mention that it sure looks like it would be hot in there.

The Ostrich Pillow is indeed unique and of course it was named after the ostrich because that's what ostriches do -- they bury their heads in the sand. And isn't that what some people do, too? They don't want to deal with situations that represent conflict or they hide from helping their neighbor or they rationalize "ignorance is bliss". A lot of folks "bury their head" in the sand when they don't want to take the time to learn a new way of doing something, even though they'd save lots of time, energy and money in doing so. I’ve carried on conversations with some folks (young and old) who are frustrated with technology so they leave it alone because they are unwilling to change and learn something that could save an immeasurable amount of time for them. Many people would rather ignore a problem than trying to solve it. They'd rather hide within their walls than recognizing the needs of others who are going through disappointment and heartbreak and they could sure use a loving and caring "brother or sister" -- someone who just might be the load lifter for them.

Wouldn't this world be a better and kinder place if, instead of burying our heads in the sand, to stand tall and raise our hearts and our hands and say "Pick me! I'll step up and make a difference" or “I have an ‘open door’ policy. You are always welcome in my office, my home, and my heart! We'll work this out together!”

Where Empathy Makes a Difference

Yesterday, Buddy and I started out on our usual walk when we came upon this adorable little girl, who, from a distance, I could hear shouting "Look, a puppy!" She was so excited to express her joy to Buddy, and he was for her, that we stopped for this sweet exchange.

We made it back home just in time for the family's morning training and devotion that pivots around the current events of the home: a praise or motivational moment, a discipline moment, or moments of exchanging creative ideas on a project or activity. Yesterday's was so stirring that tears began to flow when I started sharing. On point, Buddy came and laid his head in my lap. I get that not everyone believes that dogs have the ability to "empathize", but I sensed it. Many years ago, Staci's dog, a Cocker Spaniel named Desi, was with us during some times when it seemed I often shed bucket-loads of tears. Inevitably, Desi would crawl up in my lap to comfort me.

Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, like putting ourselves into the mental shoes of someone to understand and even share their emotions and feelings. Though our furry friends may give us a measure of comfort, there is truly something to be said for others who understand us because "they have walked in our shoes", but even more so, when those friends give us hope. Here's what I know from experience. I don't need someone to say "Bless your heart. I know how you feel -- I've been there." Those words say to me "Go ahead. Wallow in all that pain. Go ahead and take your time in getting over it." PLEASE....give us more than that! Please give us hope!

St. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:4 "That you may be comforted with the same comfort that I've been comforted with by our God of comfort ." Like Paul, in his many testings and trials, we are encouraged to come boldly to God's throne of grace, where His mercy and grace are free-flowing in our times of need. The Lord is able to give peace to our troubled souls and says "Let not your heart be troubled." Our sweetest comforts are in Him. He speaks peace to us and He binds us up when we are broken-hearted. He gives hope and joy during our times of greatest need.....so much so that not only are we comforted -- we have enough comfort left over to encourage and comfort others.

Our story and how we made it through those times is what they need. That brings me to three words we can use to help encourage others. Feel. Felt. Found. For example, it goes like this when I am epathizing with a new widow(er): "I know how you FEEL. I FELT the same way, too, when my husband passed away. But, let me tell you what I FOUND. I FOUND that God is so ever-present to us in times of sadness, loneliness, pain and heartache. I FOUND that He is my best friend that has stayed closer to me than my husband ever could. He is always with me. I'm never alone. He gives me peace when I stop thinking about what I don't have any longer, and I start thinking about God Who has given me so much: the breath in my body to live another day, the strength to continue to run my race because I'm still here to complete the assignments God gave me." Now, that's what I call true empathy -- true understanding of how it feels, but true love that gives them cause to live another day with hope and great expectation for this day and tomorrow. That's what I call being a "Difference Maker"!

Happy Presidents Day! Thanks, Presidents!

I gave considerable thought to Presidents' Day before posting today. In my research, I found this day began as a way of celebrating George Washington's Birthday (our first U.S. president) and now it's a federal holiday that honors all presidents of the U.S. In celebrating this day, do we really acknowledge, with gratitude, what our presidents sacrificed and did for us? Why would anyone, including our current president, desire this position? What is it about the psyche of would-be presidents that makes them wake up in the morning and think it would be gratifying to take on the troubles of the world, to assume responsibility for the lives of 300 million Americans at a time when their lives are so precarious? And particularly now, in this moment of maximum crisis and hostilities -- wars and rumors of wars, health care, people without jobs, the national debt, ISIS, global warming, immigration issues, etc., why would ANYONE step up?

Some would answer that question of "Why do you want to be President?" by responding: ego, fame, fortune (just look at the book deals, speaking fees that follow even after a president has left office), etc. And, of recent campaigning by President Trump, and other candidates who ran for the office, they sincerely believe that they can fix what nobody else can fix. The ambition and drive that propel politicians to high office at a time of tribulation may convince them that deep problems are simply successes waiting to happen. Wonder if they followed Zig Zigar's famous quote "You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

But, really, what about the crticism, the idea of living in a glass house where every thing you say and do, what you wear, what your spouse and children wear and do, is so highly scrutinized, having secret service with you 24/7, not being able to live a normal, every-day-run-of-the-mill life, and when you make a decision that you sincerely feel is the right one, backfires on you and your reputation takes another downward spiral of popularlity. And, here's a biggie -- Dr. Michael Roizen holds on to what he's said for a while: That presidents effectively age twice as fast while in office. We've all seen the difference of Day 1 of a new president in office and the day he leaves office. Even in the best of times, the presidency can be an enormous burden. Every American soldier killed abroad, every house foreclosed on at home, every monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Indian Ocean ultimately becomes his responsibility.

Whew! WHY? Somewhere in all that decision-making, every single one of our presidents, whatever party they represented, whatever good or bad decisions they made.....they stepped up to make a difference. I can't fault a single one of them for that. I can only express my appreciation for ALL of those who were willing to put their personal lives on hold for those years they held office and for the good they did....we are still here, thanking God that we live in American.....where, in the words of Lee Greenwood, "at least I know I'm free!"

Abraham Lincoln gets a lot of attention on this day because his birthday was also in mid-February. I remember lessons and activities about the presidents when I was in school, and hearing the faith of President Lincoln still inspires me. It is true that Lincoln never joined a church, although he attended church services regularly while President. The reason he gave for refusing to join a church was that he could "never be satisfied" with all the dogmas and creeds that the denominational churches of his day required. On this subject Lincoln wrote:

"When any church will inscribe over its altar, as its sole qualification for membership, the Savior's condensed statement of the substance of both law and Gospel, 'Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and thy neighbor as thyself' that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul."

On this day of celebrating our Presidents, I'd like to say "Thank you" to ALL of those who have been willing to take this huge weight upon their shoulders. I honor them, each and every one.

President Lincoln said, "Let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear." That is key -- NOT trusting man, but trusting God and when we do that -- we can move forward without fear. Please join me in this prayer: "Forgive us, God, for the ways we have placed our hope in anything or anyone other than You. Forgive us for the times we should have been that rock to others, but instead we have been a source of anxiety as we vented our own fears and frustrations. Forgive us for when we should have been leading and expressing faith, but in expressing our doubt and dismay, we may have caused others to wonder whether You are a God in whom we can trust. And You most assuredly are. Make our faith stronger. Make our focus greater. We look to no man, but we do pray for our President. We pray for those who have the ear of our President, and that those who know You personally will not fear to speak what is true and what represents Your Word and Your heart. Whatever turn is next in the road, or the turn after that, or the turn after that—we pray that our faith would be stronger for what we have seen and endured. Let us love and give and serve and trust and spend ourselves for what really matters. Let us remain prayerful, grateful, and hopeful because of the promises You have given us. We consecrate ourselves, our families, our country, and our future, again, to You. In Christ's name we pray....Amen!

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Good and I'm Working on the Pretty

Day 229 of Photo Inspirations -- Good and I'm Working on the Pretty!
A sweet friend of mine, who is an oncology nurse, is all about bringing sunshine into the world.  Not only does she work at her nursing job, but she volunteers as an usher at her church, she is a volunteer at a charitable organization that is truly a "back-up resource" for families who have a loved one dealing with cancer, and if that's not enough.....she goes to hospice facilities to cheer up the families and their loved ones.  I couldn't resist sharing the following story with you.  It touched me so much.

Jodi was visiting hospice facility a few weeks ago.  A 93 year old man was sitting on the porch and she greeted him as she walked up.  She said, "How are you doing?" He said, "Good -- and I'm working on the Pretty!"   She said he was a delight.  She sat down with him and carried on conversation.  Eventually he said he was hungry and would love a hamburger. She told him she'd go get him one.  (There wasn't a question about whether it was good for him or not -- she knew her attention to him WAS good for him.)  She came back with the hamburger and a strawberry shake and the dear man had a chair pulled up right next to him for Jodi to sit by him.  Jodi said he ate every bite and drank all the shake and spent over two hours with him.  Jodi was beaming as she told me this story.  The sweet man passed away a few days later.

What makes someone go the extra mile to bring a ray of sunshine into someone's life?  Especially when that someone is close to leaving this world anyway.  What difference does it make?  Here's the difference:  Jodi was serving a sweet man that was getting ready to leave this world.  I told her she was his midwife -- giving him a sweet, comfortable and beautiful time as he was transitioning to "going home".  But, more than the sacrifice of her time for this sweet man, this was about Jodi.  She was so grateful for these two hours.  Helping others makes us see what we have.....and makes us even more grateful for it.  Helping others makes us happy.  There is so much joy in giving.  She was grateful: when you help others it makes you see what you have and makes you more thankful for it  Jodi's acts of kindness are seed planting times.  She is already enjoying the harvest of her acts as she experiences such overflowing joy and happiness.

What difference does it make?  Maybe the solution to complacency, boredom, loneliness and sadness is to find some-one or some-place where we can make a difference in someone's life today.  It just might be the last act of kindness they will receive, but it will be an act of kindness that will change us FOREVER.

What Are We Stronger Than?

Day 192 of Photo Inspirations -- What Are We Stronger Than?
I heard my grandson's speech, "The Making of a Leader", so many times that I almost had it memorized by the time he went to Nationals in Minnesota.  In one of the points he made, "Leadership is Influence", he gave an example of this young girl from Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai, who started writing a blog about human rights issues for young girls when she was only 11 years old.  When the Taliban took over four years later, they were outraged at her writings. Malala refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. When she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Her miraculous recovery took her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.  In 2014, the 17-year old became the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote and protect girls' right to education.

I'm not sure what you wished for on your 17th birthday, but Malala's birthday wish was that "we all raise our voices for those under oppression, to show our own power and courage is stronger than their campaign of fear."  In an article she wrote for The Washington Post, she told of spending her birthday in Nigeria, where she spoke up for the girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and called on the country's leaders to do more to help them.

Malala gave an interview to ABC News, in which she launched the #strongerthan campaign for women's education.  She explained: "We want to say that we are 'stronger than.'  So I say that I am stronger than fear.  I am stronger than violence.  I am stronger than terrorism.  I am stronger than every kind of thing that stops me from getting education."

So are you and I.  Like Malala, our lives can change the world in ways more dramatic than we can know today.  In a day and time when stardom is all about the greatest singer or actress, the hottest model or band player, the most muscle bound athlete or talented dancer.....it's so inspiring to hear about the REAL heroes and stars that are truly making a difference in this world.  I applaud anyone who is willing to pay the price for our world to be a better, kinder, safer place to live.  It sure causes me to desire to be a "leader with influence" like my grandson spoke about and like Malala was so passionate about.  Leadership IS influencing others to make this world a better place.  Thanks to Malala and many others, we see it in action.

The Imelda Marcos Award

Day 145 of Photo Inspirations -- The Imelda Marcos Award
#TBT -- Imelda Marcos, best known for her 3,000+ pairs of shoes, was the wife of the former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.

So, this photo is ME (check out that hair)  -- 23 years ago when I was Associate Director of Communications at the University of Manitoba.  It was a privilege to work with such great people at such a phenomenal university.  This event....was our Department's Christmas Party where I was presented with The Imelda Marcos "Gold Shoe" Award -- because of my passion for shoes.  I had plenty of them.  If I saw a great pair of shoes on sale (the operative word here is "sale" -- I was, and AM a bargain shopper), I would buy them......and THEN find the outfit to go with them.  I accepted my award with all humility and gratitude.  LOL!  

When I saw this photo, I laughed -- thinking how far I've come since those days.  Back then, it was striving for significance and relevance and climbing the career ladder.  It was a special season of my life -- it was a part of the "making of Donna".  I gained so much knowledge and leadership abilities during those years.

FAST FORWARD -- 23 years -- to today. A LOT of water under the bridge. Everything in life that I encountered -- in business, in relationships, in growing in faith, in valuing everything and every circumstance that got me here -- have been a part of God's Master Plan.  My priorities have changed. My responsibilities have changed.  What once seemed important to me, has been downgraded.  What was unimportant to me......has ranked up.  And what is most important to me today.....are those things that money can't buy.  It is those friendships, those intentional moments of making a difference in someone's life, it is making memories, it is cherishing the moments,  it is the opportunity to live care-FREE -- not losing sleep on those things that matter so little, and the absolute privilege of living with the mindset of "in the light of eternity".  

Matthew 6:19-21 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves.  If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too."    Yes, I'm thinking more about heaven than ever before......and taking lots of folks with me.  And, shoes aren't such a big deal anymore -- sure won't be taking those shoes with me when I go!  ;-)

We Can Be A Miracle As The Hands of Christ Extended

On the night of our 3rd day of our missions trip, Staci Wallace was the keynote speaker for a beautiful church congregation. She spoke about the power and ability that we all have with Jesus living big in us.

"We can 'Be a Miracle' -- as the hands of Christ extended -- to the world around us. She encouraged them with their ability to make a difference in the lives of the people in their communities. She sang about the power of His name.

At the conclusion of the service, Staci called Dr. Terry L. Mize up to join her and she asked him to pray for her and impart to her the heart and passion for Mexico that he has had since he was just 18 years old. Indeed, as he prayed, each and every one of our team, accepted and prayed that prayer for ourselves, individually, and those prayers were answered because we all have those precious volunteers, leaders, the children and families of Mexico on our minds.

In fact, we're already planning to go back in April, and we're raising $12,000 to help them get additional electricity into the School of Champions.

The last photo that is here represents one of the sweetest moments. Each of the volunteers blessed us so much with their giving hearts and a special grace of patience with us Americans. One of the volunteers was 18-year old Alexia Jacohinde who melted our hearts with her love of her people in Mexico. She has a job that provides income for her, but her greatest love is for the children and people. In fact, she said, "If I had to make a choice between my job and volunteering for the School of Champions and the children, I would always choose working with the children and people." We saw her as a Queen Esther who was "called for such a time as this". We prayed God's anointing on her life as she continues to serve Him. More than other reasons, maybe it was for this reason that God called us to Mexico -- to pray for Alexia. Without a doubt, we know that God is going to use her heart and passion for her people, in a way that ours never could.

Make a Better World -- It Starts With You and Me

The Pessimist moans, "I could make a better world than this."

The Optimist sings, "Go for it !!! That's what God put you here for!"

Indeed we can make this world a better place by taking on an attitude of "I'm here -- not to just take up space, but God placed me here on this earth, at this time, to make a difference in our world."

No, we can't do everything, but we can do SOMETHING: volunteering for, or giving to a local charity, taking food to someone home bound, being attentive to our environment, putting a grocery cart back in its space, picking trash up off the road, taking clothes to the Goodwill or Salvation Army, giving away clothes that you haven't worn in years, taking a friend to a doctor appointment or grocery shopping, holding the hand of a friend when their loved one is ill or close to leaving this world, , giving a smile and a word of encouragement to someone that needs that love today.

Did I give enough examples that you're motivated to do something? GREAT! That's what we want to do -- to inspire, encourage, motivate those around us to help make our world a better place -- and IT STARTS WITH YOU AND ME!

Involvement or Commitment

We've all heard this analogy about the chicken and the pig. The chicken got involved......but the pig was committed -- he gave his ALL.

I started thinking -- though the pig gave his ALL, and went out in a "blaze" of glory, he had to be replaced, but the chicken CONTINUED to survive adversity and "life" and just kept on giving and giving.....LONG TERM!

I don't know about you, but I'd like to be both......I want my life to be about giving, sharing and providing sustenance to everyone around me -- long term --and then in the end.....I expect to go out in a blaze of glory because I will have been COMMITTED, wholly and completely, to my ultimate purpose in life -- giving, loving and making a difference in my world!

Happy Birthday, My Love!

September 12th -- the day this beautiful, loving, compassionate and caring man, Ronald Jonathan David Wuerch, was born -- 67 years ago. To have known this man would have been an honor, but to have loved and been loved by him was the greatest joy and blessing that God could have ever given me. I celebrate him today in the greatest way I can by carrying on his heart and passion for helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. And now, what an absolute tribute to his legacy as I see our son, Ryan, and daughter, Staci, stepping up and carrying on his passion for people -- changing and bettering lives and making a difference in this world. We celebrate you today, my Love, here, while you are having a birthday celebration beyond compare in heaven!

I Was Hungry and You Fed Me

My Life Group meets at my home every Thursday night. These women are amazing, faith-filled, fully devoted followers of Christ, and I'm inspired by them every week. It seems that God hand-picked our group -- each one has unique talents and abilities, and has unique circumstances going on their life, but watching how God answers our prayers in ways beyond our understanding has been such a testament to combining our "natural" to His SUPER and we're seeing supernatural results right before our eyes.

A couple of weeks ago, one of our members, Karla Worthington, asked for prayer for a family that desperately needed food. I mentioned that Catholic Charities is a good place for them to go to, and another member said, "I know that LifeChurch.tv - Jenks sends people to a food pantry." Hesitantly, she said, "Well, I'm the church's food pantry, and we're out of food to give out." We were all touched so much, she had such a heart for the hungry, that immediately we were ready to react. I went to my pantry and pulled out several cans of food to send home with her. Others contributed monetarily. Another one of the members posted on FB about the food pantry, and she received $100 from someone who wanted to be a part. It's the ripple effect -- throw a tiny rock in the river.....and watch how the ripple gets bigger and bigger.

Karla's birthday was this week so our group's gift to her was lots of food to help restock her food pantry. Our Life Group has been asking God for THAT charity or place to plant in -- one that resonated in our hearts, and lo and behold, right in our midst, God answered our prayer. Karla's spirit of reaching out to the hungry is her God-given assignment. Being able to support her assignment with not just prayers.....but tangibly helping to make a difference, is OUR assignment. Are you watching and listening for your assignment? After all, you, too, just might be the answer to someone's prayer today!

The Butterfly Effect - Your Life Matters

The butterfly effect -- they say the wing-flapping of a butterfly can move molecules of air in a chain reaction that can set off a storm a world away.

And what about the effect that someone, or some incident, had in your life? Think about those influences that made you, who you are today. Maybe watching your single Mom work several jobs to give you the best education and now, look at you -- you're making tremendous sacrifices to give your children the best education. In fact, you may be seeing the butterfly effect on your grandchildren because your children were so impacted by your life of commitment and dedication to what you believed in the most.

We can keep tracing back farther and farther into the past and see that each person’s action has far-reaching effects into the future whether he or she knows it or not. We were created by God to make a difference in the world. Our actions, whether good or bad, will impact lives after lives in a chain of events. What we do with our lives matters forever; so, let's choose wisely how we live. We could be the key that turns the tide in someone's life. Just a pebble in the water can set the sea in motion -- a simple act of kindness could stir someone's life to greatness. Our lives matter.

If we show a little love -- heaven knows what we could change if we reach out our hand to someone in need. Come with me and let's seize the day! This world may never be the same -- because of our BUTTERFLY effect.

Thank You for Making a Difference

I'm thinking about those who have made a difference in my life.....from my sweet mom, to my Sunday School teacher, to my Camp Counselor, to my special friends who continue to encourage me with their love and support, to my children and grandchildren who cause me so much joy and happiness, to my Facebook friends who give me a "Like" or a "Comment" that brightens my day, to the ones who don't even know me -- the store clerk, the waitress, the landscapers, the mailman, the greeters and ushers at my church, the bank teller, and on and on -- because I know God loves me so much that He orchestrates, not just the circumstances and situations of my life.....but He divinely orchestrates those who come into my life. And though, some folks are for just a season, and some are for a reason.....He brings many into my world for a lifetime. I don't take any of you lightly.....because God knows who and what is best for me! Thank you for making a difference in my life!

Be That Water Bottle -- Gaining Momentum

Two years ago this month, I joined Solavei -- (this photo is from the June, 2012 pre-launch event -- about 156 of us were there -- now there are over 400,000 of us). Like thousands of other Solavei members, I am a hard-working, fully-branded and ALL-IN Solavei member -- not because of my kids, but because of what we started out to do -- making a difference in millions of people's lives -- and that's what we're doing. My network of thousands is by the process of just sharing this great opportunity with others, because I care! There have been no special favors (well, I do get to hang a little more than some with Ryan and Staci and families -- not because of Solavei, but after all, I am their Mama -- LOL) and no handouts to me. I have simply followed the easy process of sharing like a great movie or restaurant, and replicated what other leaders were doing. I am beyond thrilled for those who enjoy a lower phone bill, and some even FREE mobile service because they shared Solavei with one, two or just a few people. That, of itself is HUGE!

But most importantly, I want to share with you WHO I am and WHY I am proud to represent this company and all it stands for. I have to add here that I've had a lot of major crises in my life -- none greater than when my sweetheart graduated to heaven. But, that early passing created a determination and quest for taking that major blow and optimize my assignment on this earth. No matter what has come our way, the last thing our family is prone to do is gnash our teeth and wail about the unfairness of life. On the contrary, we determine to not only approach any conundrum that may come our way with a can-do attitude, but we look at the problem as a chance to gain new experiences and opportunities. We may be momentarily daunted by challenges that come our way, but we typically take it all in and realize -- it may look like a setback, but we are quick to realize "we're getting prepared for a MAJOR comeback!"

Ryan has always shared about how Solavei is like an empty plastic bottle and if you throw it into a stream of white water rapids, it naturally flows down the river with great momentum! That's enough for me to continue blazing the trail, touching more people's lives, and thanking God everyday -- that I have more today in my budget than before Solavei.

And, I'm still on a roll. I have no reason to stop what I have been doing for over two years now. I have been sharing this dream, this vision and this opportunity from the beginning. And, believe me, the systems in place, the resources, the offering, the experience, the determination and the support have never been better than today. What if this is that -- that could radically change millions of people's lives? Why would I stop now? I'm just saying.... "Let's continue to be that water bottle, gaining momentum in our lives -- no stopping now! Let's go stronger than ever before. I promise you....we'll look back on these days and be so glad we did.......and not wish we had!"
#WinningBigWithSolavei