When All is Said and Done – It's Still a Miracle!

On Sunday, my son called to check in on me. “What are you doing today, Mom?” “I’m going to church with Larry and Staci and then we’re going for my birthday lunch at Hutchins BBQ (my pick)! They’ll be out of town this week on my birthday.”

Then his audacious reply: “Mom, how is it going to feel to be 79?” “Ha! Ha! You know it’s 72 and here’s what I know. My President is two years older than me at 74. If he can run a country – I think I can run my little corner of the world. I’m amazed that President Trump could be in his retirement years and live in a peaceful place of ‘having arrived’ and be able to sit back and enjoy the fruit of his labors – but, NO! He preferred to give his all for our country to get on track again. He chose to not receive his salary – to just give it away. He chose to make tough decisions even though he has to put up with so much hate and lies about him. He chose to be a patriot – so in love with our Country, that he’s willing to lay down his life for us!” Tangent ended with my son barely getting a word in edgewise. Pardon me if I let you in on a personal vent. It’s the day after my birthday and I’m still in the celebration mode! And, as my young-whipper-snapper-self, I’m not ready to quit either. Not saying I want the responsibilities of a store clerk – never mind being president. But he sure inspires me to keep swinging.

Thank you for all the birthday love yesterday from my beloved social media friends and family. My, oh my! If you want to feel the love, be sure to be a friend on FB! My children were all out-of-town for my big day, but they showered me with love from afar and so did my FB friends! Isn't it a miracle that in a matter of seconds, we are transmitting birthday messages to each other -- unlike the old days of snail mail?

I’m grateful for my sweet cousin who took me for a yummy “crab legs” lunch and then to the “Painted Tree”, a new marketplace to Frisco, full of mini-shops of local shop owners, boutiques, decorators, artisans and craftsmen all under one roof. So much fun. Remember my tale yesterday about the “Miracles” book I received, with musings about my life being one of miracles? What captured my attention in Painted Tree was this metal sign that says “there will be miracles”! Of course it was my own birthday gift to me – as a reminder that there are miracles coming our way every day – we just need to expect them and recognize them when they come!

Here’s how I’ll recognize miracles! I will breathe in God’s goodness – that’s a miracle. I can breathe. I will see the sun rise and the sun set. That’s a miracle – I can see God’s creation. Yes, there will be miracles and most of all, the greatest miracle of all is when someone has lost their way, and by God’s amazing grace, their soul is set free. Miraculous the change in one who is redeemed through Calvary. There will be miracles when we see a lily push its way through the stubborn sod. But, most of all there will be miracles because we believe in God. There can be miracles when you believe. And, just in case you don't believe in miracles, perhaps you've forgotten -- you are one!

I’m a Miracle – so Happy Birthday to Me!

Today my soliloquy goes like this: "It's my birthday! It's my birthday and it's a MIRACLE! In spite of all the odds, I am still here!" On this my B-day, I’m dog-sitting my children’s 85-pound, Australian Shepherd, Buddy, and their 5-pound Yorkie, Emma, while the fam is hanging out and enjoying the cool temps and fishing opportunities in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains this week. I’m on doggie and plant-duty and having a little vacay of my own at their home here in Frisco Square.

I’m hanging out where there are so many sights-to-see on a morning, noon, afternoon and evening walk with these two canines! Yesterday, in the cool of the early morning, we made our way to Frisco Square's historical area. Arriving there, I noticed this little house on a post, full of books with a sign that read: Little Free Library “Take a Book – Share a Book”. I did, and I'm sharing with you! "Miracles" is the book I chose. I didn't take time to see if it merited a read, but the title, alone, reminded me that I am a “Miracle” – my mama was never to have been able to give birth again after my sister was born, 12 years earlier. First miracle -- I was conceived. Second miracle -- I was born with a heart murmur. But – here I am -- alive and well!

Today, I hold my head up high and announce – I've turned 72. Does that alarm me? Am I sad? Do I feel old? Do I have regrets? Nope, nope, nope and nope! I'm a strong, vibrant, happy, very alive woman, lover of God and people, and ready to embrace another year. Bring it on! Thank you, Pastor Craig Groeschel for giving me this quote: “I’m still here – so I’m not done!” I'm living my passion daily – my mission, my family, my friends, my blog, and hopefully, letting my little light shine! I know what to value in this life and I know what matters. What matters are the blessings of family and friends and the “blessing of the LORD that makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22) And, indeed I am very rich in joy, peace, love, hope, and with the prospect of living forever and ever with my Lord. Oh how blessed I am.

Thanks to my sweet kids for the "birthday eve" gifts of love! By the way, that “Miracles” book I found – I read the foreword later in the day. This is an excerpt – how befitting for this day! “If your Christian life is boring, this book offers a cure. Disciples live on the edge, asking, “How can I serve you today, Lord? Who can I touch for you?” And at the end of the day, they can pray, “Thanks for using me, Jesus.” They don’t think about the day’s sacrifices. They think about the sheer joy of being used by God to touch the lives of others – to meet their needs, love them and share the truth about Jesus through their actions and their words. When Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,: he wasn’t kidding!” I'd say that sums up who I desire to be daily! Thanks, God, for the MIRACLE of life and the reminder that living for YOU is the best gift EVER!

There’s a Whole Lotta Shaking Going On

Have you seen "The Chosen", a new series about the life of Jesus released during Holy Week? Oh my! It started out as a media project to raise the funding to create it, but as it turned out, it has become the largest crowdfunding project after 16,000 people invested over $10 million into it. The first season of eight episodes is available now online. I promise you, your eyes will be shifted from the brief explanations of Christ’s journeys in the Bible to expanded thought-provoking scenarios. The Chosen has an authenticity to the biblical narrative like nothing I’ve ever witnessed in faith-based media. The Bible's brief picture of Jesus’ first public miracle at the wedding of Cana is expanded to a beautiful story of what it might have really looked like then.

Director Dallas Jenkins told Fox News that now it’s been viewed by over 20 million people around the world — and that's when they knew it was a project of biblical proportions. Seriously, you MUST watch this first series. This SHIFT and this SUCCESS has happened during this pandemic. Just type: The Chosen Episode 1 in your address bar, and then, for the next seven episodes, type Episode 2, etc. The Director will give you a lot of supporting info, but you can fast-forward through that part.

My title for today’s blog is “There’s a Whole Lotta Shaking Going On”. This pandemic has certainly shaken things up in our world. You don’t need me to detail it – the changes are everywhere. It's easy to get discouraged and wonder why it happened. I believe the shaking isn’t to stop us but to shift us into a new way of thinking and living. In fact, with the right attitude it might be the trajectory for success that we've been hoping for. Like “The Chosen” project – we’ll shift into a greater awareness of creativity. God works all these shakings for our good -- IF we but believe in our DIVINE Shaker!

Let’s not go back to the same ways we used to do things. I think the reason God allowed the shaking is to shift us into something better. None of this has been a surprise to God. He’s the DIVINE Shaker-Upper. Maybe He shook things up so He could give you a better position with better benefits in a better environment. It looks like a setback, but really it's a setup.

God is still on the throne. The shaking going on isn’t to defeat us but to promote us. We might be on the brink of a miracle -- better than what we could have ever imagined. So, don’t listen to the voices that tell you your child will never get back on course or that you’re not going to get well or this virus is ruining you financially. On the contrary, let's SHAKE-UP the enemy by choosing to look at the exceeding abundance that is up ahead – that is if our Source is God! Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us," It's time to POWER UP and kick our praise into high gear! We shall overcome!

Offering Sacrifices of Praise is Sometimes All We’ve Got

A dear friend of mine, for over nine years has been relentless in the care of her sweet boy and his journey with Full Trisomy 13. I’ve never seen anything like what this sweet boy has endured and neither have I seen a mother more devoted to her boy in meeting his daily needs, but is even more devoted in audacious faith, believing always for a miracle. I saw her post a few days ago, after going through a tremendously traumatic Christmas break with her young son. She was simply wishing she could have had time with her other two sons, but she couldn’t. She was at the hospital with her youngest. She is brave and courageous beyond words, but deep inside warriors is that longing for normalcy. Yesterday, I read that she is still in the hospital with that precious little man. It was Epiphany Sunday and I prayed for God to reveal Himself strong to her.

Saying we’re praying for her/them, seems trite. The only words I could come up with during that Christmas time were to urge her, when it’s too hard to praise, to offer a sacrifice of praise. These were the only words I could think of to offer her. They still seem meager to offer some consolation to her, but, what better words could I give her than from God’s Word? I share them here today with you because there may be some of you who are also exhausted, spent, ready to throw in the towel and be done. But, DON’T QUIT! Praise, even if it's a sacrifice.

"Precious, loving, devoted "L". I pray for you today – you who are carrying such a heavy load – but also knowing you know our burden-removing Lord Who bears those burdens with you and for you. I pray you are able to cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you and your family so much. "K" is still in God's hands though it may not seem like it. His life and yours are a shining example of true love, compassion, and devotion. I pray you find your voice of praise and thanksgiving -- even though it may be a sacrifice to do so. Hebrews 13:15 says, '“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name.”'

A sacrifice is a gift to God declaring that He is worthy. It is also, by definition, difficult. A sacrifice hurts, it’s costly, it takes effort—and the ultimate sacrifice cost Jesus His life. And, for us, a sacrifice of praise won’t always be easy, but difficult and costly. Because of Scripture, we know that we don’t just confess God’s name when it feels good, looks good, or benefits us in some way. We offer praise, as Hebrews 13:15 says, “continually.” This means without ceasing, in all circumstances. Like Paul said in I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

And, as this verse says, we’re able to do all this “through Him.” Through Jesus, we’re able to see the great, great love of our great, great God Who holds everything in the palm of His hand and bends it to His will with a word. Through Jesus, our mediator, we’re able to access the Father in order to give Him due praise (1 Timothy 2:5).

Nehemiah says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (8:10). Through praise we enjoy God. Imagine that! Praise focuses us on where our joy comes from and where our gaze should be, and the result is our strength! Whether through prayer, meditating on God’s Word, thanksgiving, or praise, we can lift tired hands even when it’s hard -- especially when it’s hard -- and say, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord!” (Isaiah 6:3).

Here's what your devotion, love and suffering did for me today, dear "L". You gave me a blog that will surely be posted and shared for others to learn from your beautiful life of love for your little angel boy!" 🙏❤️🙏❤️

In my own experience, there were times when the last thing I wanted to do was praise God. In those times, the burden of offering such a sacrifice seemed impossible -- and I know I wasn’t alone in this. I know many who are in a fetal position right now from the weights they carry. Weariness has set in – and it seems tomorrow will never come. But, as I shared with my friend – when all else fails, when the night seems so, so long – we become “praisers” – in the middle of it all. The middle can be a hard place to be – but joy comes in the morning. I pray morning breaks for my sweet friend and for you today. Let us offer sacrifices of praise because God is there soaking those praises in. Will you please join me in praying and praising with me for my sweet friend and her precious boy today?

Is There a Red Sea Between You and Your Miracle?

After my "animal patrol" duty for nearly three weeks, my family finally made it back home from their summer vacay! I was headed back home when my two youngest grandsons asked to go home with me. I loved it! Sweet words to my ears.

Those two boys have had quite the full summer which started with church youth camp where there is always the opportunity to learn more about God's love, get closer to Him, and, many times, have a radical life change. It happened to me in my youth.. And, it happened to these two. So much so, that 15-years-old Brennan seems like a brand new young man.

In order for them to go home with me, Brennan had one more day of football camp before he could leave, so I hung back for the extra day. Usually, I depart for home from Austin at 6 am to avoid the traffic, but this day, waiting to 2 pm to leave raised concern about the traffic leaving Austin, the Temple and Waco traffic and then arriving at rush-hour-traffic in Dallas. We were all packed up and after praying a short, journey-mercies prayer, we were on our way when Brennan said, "Nana, pull over and close your eyes. I want to pray." I did. He prayed "Lord, I ask you, like with Moses, to please part the Red Sea of traffic that faces us. Thank you. We love you. Amen" He was serious. Serious business with God.

I'm completely honest here. In my many travels to and from Austin, I have never seen so little traffic. We breezed through Temple (after stopping at Buc-ees), sailed through Waco. We kept thanking God. Of course, the Big Kahuna Dallas traffic awaited us. But even there, as we made it into downtown Dallas at 5:30-ish -- mild traffic, but I could see it was picking up toward the Dallas North Tollway. Brennan said, "Let's pray!" And again he prayed the same "Red Sea" prayer. I quickly hit my Waze app and it redirected me from the usual way home. I trusted it and followed that direction to the 35-N Express Lane which I had never seen before. It zoomed us by dead-stopped traffic to a less-driven road but virtually no traffic on it. We made it home in the same amount of time that it takes me when I leave early-morning. We were high-5'ing and thanking God.

Imagine how this "small" yet so significant scenario meant in the life of a teenager in realizing "nothing is impossible" when it comes to asking and receiving from God. Yesterday, we went over to see Uncle Larry & Aunt Staci. We were telling them about his football camp and his hopes for being a receiver in this year's football season. We also told them about our "Red Sea-parting" story. Aunt Staci said, "Hey that might be a good prayer for you to pray when you're being faced with big defensive ends! I loved it. And, I love how God "practically" gives us illustrative stories that carry us through every challenge and situation we face. God never changes. He parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites. He parted the Red Sea for my grandsons and me. Maybe you have a "Red Sea" that you are facing. May I suggest that you turn to God in "child-like" faith and ask Him to part the waters for you today?

Exodus 14:13-22 -- "And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left."

I Wish You Knew

This day, eight years ago, began with the routine we had become accustomed to after eleven months of doctors' appointments, six surgeries, many treatments, infusions, pain management and a host of other daily activities. Each day was a new day with hope and great expectations for conquering the events of the day, without being conquered by those events. I wish you knew how our life changed from “normal” to a “new normal” that was anything but normal. We never knew what to expect – perhaps yet another trip to the emergency room to help manage the pain, the fever, or the discomfort. Whatever each day held, it seemed we were enveloped in a blanket of God’s peace. Aw, God’s sweet, wonderful peace. I wish you knew that peace.

I wish you knew how one can weather a storm unscathed because of God’s peace that passes understanding. I wish you knew how it felt to see others living their lives as “routine” and same-o, same-o while I was thrilled to have one more day to trust God that we would make it through another day.

I wish you knew how it felt to live each day with expecting a miracle – that even on this day, I didn’t think anything except that my sweetheart didn’t want much to eat on this day – that he would rather sleep more which I deemed was because of the medication to reduce the pain in his broken body. I wish you knew the great peace it brought that we had a loving God Who we knew was giving us such peace.

I wish you knew how it felt to recognize that this day would be my last day with him as I watched his blood pressure get erratic. I knew it was time to tell him, “Sweet man, it’s okay to go home. I’ll be okay. I love you so much. I'll see you later. Go ahead and “Push, Baby, push!” I wish you knew what it feels like to be your loved one’s Mid-Wife and help him push through to heaven.

I wish you knew how absolutely at peace you can be and know how it feels to be vastly in control when everything around you is out-of-control and out-of-your-ability to do anything to alter God’s will being done on earth as it was in heaven. I wish you knew how resilient we can be in the most storm-tossed seas of life.

I wish you knew how it feels to have spent 49 years of loving your childhood “crush” to him becoming your life-long lover, best friend, sweetheart, and darling husband. I wish you knew how much I still love talking about him, even on this day. Even after all these years later, it makes me smile to hear you tell stories and remind me how he impacted your life. Saying his name is one of the most comforting things you can do for me and my family.

I wish you knew how it feels to be in a room full of couples who love and respect you but you feel like the 3rd or 5th wheel all alone without your person, but putting aside those feelings to living with gusto because of the Big Wheel Who keeps you confident, living with destiny and purpose.

I wish you knew I was not always as strong and inspiring and brave as it looked – that sometimes I was simply a determined survivor. Telling me how strong and confident I was all the time simply made me feel like I had to look and be a certain way to continue being "an inspiration." And, you know what? I did become strong with the desires to be inspiring and brave and not just being a survivor, but a thriver.

I wish you knew that people aren't replaceable and new chapters don't mean we've forgotten or stopped loving them. What's new is new, and it's amazing and beautiful and provides new stories and life, but has nothing to do with the memories that will stay with you forever and the memories that made you live a worthwhile life of making a difference in other people’s lives.

I wish you knew the difference of being a weeping, whiny, and wailing widow to a confident, peace-filled widow who doesn’t forget the past but realizes all the times of the past that made her the capable, faith and peace filled woman she is today. I wish you knew not to waste your life because time is so very short.

I wish you knew how grateful I am for those of you who lifted us up in prayer, who still lift me up in prayer, who do life with me and encourage me with your words of cheer.

I wish you knew that life is worth living until we get to experience real life forever on the other side where we’ll meet up with our loved ones who are cheering us on from heaven’s grandstands.

I wish you knew this peace I know. It's yours for the taking: Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You because they trust in You."

I wish you knew.......

It’s a Computer Miracle!!!

Knowing we were heading out the next day for Beaver’s Bend, OK for a family fishing trip, I knew I had to write/type my daily posts in advance. Thus, this Hoot Suite-driven post today! Aww! Gotta’ love this world of technology that solves so many timing issues. I type the post and Hoot Suite provides the scheduling and posting for me when I’m out of wifi range! And we are! Beaver’s Bend is in a bowl that prevents a good wifi connection so you have to go for miles if you absolutely need one. My mind will be on fishing – not on driving for a connection. So, hopefully, this one is coming through loud and clear.

Back to my “computer miracle”! There’s a lot to be done in preparation for a fishing trip. Getting all the fishing gear together: getting the rods all together, restring reels with new line, getting all the bait and tackle organized and ready to go, planning the meals, buying the food, cooking some of the food (cookies, cake, lasagna, etc.), and gathering all the kitchen and food items (these cabins are great, but supplies are needed). Then there’s getting our fishing clothes, hats, camp chairs, weiner/marshmallow wires, bug spray, etc. together. It’s worth it all for the family fun that awaits us. So my plate was full and of most importance to me, is getting my blog/facebook posts ready to go for the next several days.

At about 7 pm on Sunday, I sat down to start working on my posts, when all of a sudden; my laptop’s touchpad and cursor became completely frozen and inoperable. Rather than panicking, I began to call on God for “HELP!” and then go through the normal routine, do a power reset….several times – nothing. I called my son and asked if he had a stand-alone keyboard or USB mouse – nada! I opened my Chrome Notebook and proceeded to google support help and everything that was recommended, I tried it, but it failed to work. At 1 am, I went to bed, thinking “I’ll take my computer in somewhere in the morning or get a USB mouse for a temporary help.” But I was also thinking “My day is so full already besides needing to create posts (which typically take me one to two hours each) and needing to bake and gather things together, how am I going to do it all?” I prayed my mind be at peace so I could sleep for a few hours. And, I did sleep well until my usual 5 am – up and at ‘em!

Next morning, Monday, I went into my office, and was hoping and praying that an overnight miracle would have taken place, but, no, my computer was still frozen. I thought I’d try my Google Chrome search one more time, and immediately there was a YouTube video that said “mouse pad light fix” on my screen. I clicked and watched the video which offered a simple solution “Fn + spacebar” and whoa-la, touchpad AND cursor were SET FREE and so was I. I couldn’t help it! I had a hallelujah hoedown. I cried and praised and gave God the thanksgiving He deserved. Was it a coincidence or was it the favor of God or was it divine intervention? Maybe all of the above.

Isn't it amazing how much God cares about even the smallest desires of our hearts? Yes, there are those times when we look up to heaven and say, "Thanks, God. I know you did that!" It is truly a miracle that the God of the universe surrounds our tiny, little lives with His loving care. Maybe we should look for the miracles of answered prayers and desires of our hearts. It's not always big and showy, but it is no less a miracle when the God of the universe shows up to kids who just happen to have a computer problem!
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3.

He Leads Me By Still and Rough Waters

How reassuring it is to know our great Shepherd is ever watching over His sheep (that's you and me) to guide, lead, protect and even discipline us when we need to be corrected.
If someone asks how I know God's not dead--I just tell them "I spoke to Him today, and He spoke to me." And here's an example of how I knew yesterday.

Yesterday morning, Alexia and I made a road trip that included an unexpected stop over. When Alexia got hungry for breakfast, and wanted a McDonald's breakfast burrito, I told her to watch for a Mc D's and I'd pull off to get her one. The next one we saw was at Camp Wisdom Road and I-35, just before leaving Dallas. Immediately, I had a sweet memory. Just a couple blocks from there was the first home that my sweet husband and I purchased. As soon as we drove to the home, I recognized it because of the opening on the front porch and the board that he made to put in it that described our little house as being Spanish. LOL.

My husband's uncles were in the construction business and took that little home in on trade. We purchased it from them for $7000. It's hard to fathom that that adorable little house could be purchased for so little back in 1968. My husband did so many upgrades to that little home. He learned the building trade from his uncles.

While we lived in that home, our Staci was born. While we lived in that home, she was so sick with pneumonia over and over again and was eventually diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. It was in that home that our faith grew as family members and friends joined us in prayers that reversed that diagnosis. It was in that little home that our faith begin to grow and see God perform miracle after miracle in our lives. It was at that little home that my husband not only worked for his uncles in their construction business, but went to college at Southwestern College in Waxahachie, Texas, and also worked at HL Greens department store so that we would make ends meet for our little family.

As I look back on that time I can't help but realize that was the start of a lifetime of living under the guard of our great Shepherd and He has not only led us during the times of still waters and during the times of storms and violent winds, but I'm still here to witness the faithfulness of my great Shepherd.

You ask me how I know He lives? Because He lives, I continue to face day after day with great resolve and determination to not only talk to Him but to see Him face-to-face one of these days. It is so worth the journey of faith.

Gratitude for Simple Pleasures

When itemizing those things we are grateful for, we'll list a lot of things that money affords -- like our home, car, clothes, food, electronics, appliances and all those THINGS that add to our comfort. But now, in retrospect, I realize those precious treasures that money can't buy. The Simple Pleasures.

Thanksgiving usually brings families "home". "Home' isn't necessarily the brick and mortar of the home we live in. For example, my oldest grandson and wife couldn't make it "home" to their families, but they were "at home" with friends who invited them to their Thanksgiving meal. Our 2nd to the oldest grandson couldn't make it home, but was also invited to the home of friends. For me, I've realized "home" is WHERE I AM at the time. Home is Austin, Frisco, Tulsa and anything in between where I seem to "light". Home is family, friends, our church, the places where "simple pleasures" abound.

Ryan, Shawntel and the boys made it to Frisco after spending time with Shawntel's family in Muldrow, OK. I loved the photos she took of their big family gathering of over 60 family members. I loved seeing the cousins having such a good time playing together and being "home" with their precious grandmother. Simple Pleasures.

On their way to Frisco, they made a stop in Tulsa to see Granny for a couple of hours. Granny is my husband's Mom, and at 94, though she's active and vibrant, we just don't know if it could be the last time, so spending time with her is so important. Simple Pleasures.

Then, they made their way to Frisco where cousins could frolic and play and have great fun times together. Ping Pong, Light Saber battles, movies, roller blades, and turkey hats. My traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Waikiki meatballs were the menu yesterday, plus our annual movie theater visit. We loved the new Disney movie, "Moana". The day ended with our "traditional" day-after-Thanksgiving dinner -- Mexican food. Simple pleasures.

Our time together at Thanksgiving has always included my annual family photo being taken. It was always a MUST DO -- that everyone tolerated and because it meant so much to me -- they all always complied. I was excited that my grandson's wedding photo would be this year's photo and it would let the family off the hook for yet another photo. But, my two sweet girls -- without my usual need-to-plead, got everyone dressed in grays, black and white and all I had to do was find a gray top and whoa la -- this year's Thanksgiving photo. Simple pleasures.

It won't be long before all these grandkids will be grown up with families of their own. Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of "simple pleasures" -- family and friends that keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

This is the time for counting our blessings, noticing simple pleasures. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Gratitude even shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "simple pleasures". We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life that is made up of "simple pleasures"!

I had many of those these last couple of days. We celebrated many "simple pleasures". Yes, it's the simple pleasures that are life's treasures!

Barring a Miracle

Did you ever have someone say that to you about a medical condition, financial situation or personal relationship? Barring a miracle, you'll have only 6 months to live; barring a miracle, you'll have to declare bankruptcy; barring a miracle, a divorce is imminent.

I heard a minister say that when he and his wife were first married, the doctor told them, "Barring a miracle, you'll never be able to have children." He went on to introduce us to his two beautiful children, now teenagers, that his wife eventually gave birth to. And, I know many other couples who were told the same thing.....but they, too, received their MIRACLE.

I've seen sports games where the commentator said, "Barring a miracle, they're going to lose this game!" And moments or minutes later, in a swift turn-around, they won the game.

To my father-in-law, the doctors said, "Barring a miracle, you won't live beyond six months." He lived for another 15 years.

Knowing what I know and experiencing what I have experienced, I assure you, without a shadow of doubt....miracles really do still happen. That's why I'm optimistic enough to NEVER say "Never", and to NEVER say "It's impossible!" Those are words NOT in the vocabulary of those who truly take the limits off of God and what He says in His Word.

Jesus said, in Mark 9:23 "All things are possible to him who believes." Perhaps you needed this faith boost today. Maybe you've been given a "Barring a miracle......" report. MIRACLE is defined as a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency. And that DIVINE AGENCY Who doesn't even have the word "IMPOSSIBLE" in HIS dictionary, wants us to take it OUT of ours. There is nothing that He can't do. God always has miracles up His sovereign sleeves, so let's get our EXPECTORS up and EXPECT our miracle TODAY!

God's Three Answers to Your Prayers

Years ago, I fell down a flight of stairs -- 12 steps from top to bottom.....on MY bottom. I felt like a compressed-together accordion. I had a serious back injury and lived in pain, even after many chiropractic and medical treatments.

For years we prayed for my healing. We moved to Shawnee, OK, where we had weekly leadership meetings in our home, and they joined our prayers. One night, a young couple, who were our church's new youth pastors, expressed their need for a bed. Inconspicuously, my husband whispered in my ear that he felt impressed to give them our bed. I learned many times over, that my husband and God, frequently had these little "chats", so no way could I offer an objection. The young couple was thrilled. But, now WE needed a bed.

The new craze, at that time, was waterbeds (pictured here), and our 13-year old son had one that he loved. My husband asked if he would let us sleep on the waterbed for a few nights to see if that's what we wanted to buy for ourselves. We heard that at least two weeks were needed to get used to it. In that two weeks period, I experienced a miracle. The back pain that I suffered from for years, was completely gone. It was so impressive, that we purchased a waterbed for ourselves, and enjoyed it for years.

So, was it the waterbed that provided my healing OR was it the obedience to God's nudge to give to someone in need? I think it's the same response from the blind man that was healed by Jesus: "One thing I know--that I was once blind and that now I can see." (John 9:25) And my response is, "Once I had severe back pain, but now I have none."

Yes, God answers prayers, and sometimes He says: "1) Yes; 2) Not yet; 3) I have something better in mind." I think my answer was #3 -- He had something better in mind, so much so, that I'm continuing to tell others that God answers prayer. The point is we shouldn't limit God for NOTHING is impossible with Him. If not a "Yes", right now.....hang on....He probably has something so much better in mind! And in the meantime, LISTEN and WATCH, He just may have an unconventional way of bringing about your answer, like He did for me.

Are You a Lion Player or Lion Slayer?

I've been thinking a lot about David, the shepherd boy. He loved God so much. He spent a lot of time with his sheep. He knew them and he knew their enemies. He protected them when he killed the lion and the bear AND the giant. He had the incredible ability to conquer those "normally" scary, life-threatening opponents.

I thought about him again when I heard Dr. Dan Posey at Texas A&M speak for the Vet School Open House on Saturday. He told us his "lion story" when he was a Vet School student. He was asked to help with unloading a tranquilized, 600 pound lion. But when he went to grab for his head, the lion started to bite at him. Posey's gut feeling was "This lion isn't asleep!" In his humorous style, he said, "When it doesn't feel right -- it's probably not right." I would suggest that feeling is WISDOM. Posey went on to pull the lion out and put it on the ground, but the lion got up. He asked us, "What would be your instinct?" Someone yelled out, "RUN!" But he said it didn't even enter his mind to run. His instinct was "I can't let this lion get away!" All the other vet students had run away. He thought "What can I give him? I'm graduating in 3 months, so I'm not going to give him my hands. Then I thought of having children, so I'm not going to give him those body parts, so I lifted my leg to protect myself and he grabbed my leg. He drug me 25 feet. That day I saw a miracle. Everyday we should acknowledge miracles of all kinds. We carry cell phones. They are miracles. That day, my professor jumped off a 6 ft platform and nailed the lion. They got the lion tranquilized, but the lion got up and was coming after me again and I put my arm up over my face and he grabbed my arm. A technician got him and pulled him off of me." Posey spent several days in the hospital recovering from his wounds, but he lives today to tell his famous lion story to people about his experiences and love for his career. He wasn't a lion slayer but a lion player.

There's two schools of thought here.....being a protector of your body, your sheep, your resources or talents and slaying the lion that comes after those things that are nearest and dearest to you OR playing with the lion and leaving wisdom out of the equation. I think the common denominator here is "protection". David protected his sheep. Posey was protecting the lion, but in doing so, failed to comprehend the instincts of the King of the Jungle and he failed to use wisdom.

I think of the scripture 1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." We are involved in combat with an enemy who is powerful and deceptive. Strong confidence in God doesn't justify carelessness. We still need to be alert. He is dangerous. He’s not a joke. He’s not a little person who sits on our shoulder trying to influence us. But, here's the deal -- he is just "LIKE" a roaring lion and his first priority is to intimidate us. He's looking for an opportunity to catch us unaware. As in any sport we have to know our opponent and what he's capable of. Like David, we must be prepared for the times when the lion, the bear and the giant come against us. Not so much to KNOW the enemy, but Jesus Christ Who is our defender, strong tower and victorious Lord. I choose to be a "lion slayer" like "David" -- to know when to "hold 'em" and know when to "fold 'em"....er....know when to slay them.

Believe and Receive

I'm still here in Austin with who I now call my "Austin Family". It's as though my family has been here for quite some time, and they just arrived last weekend. They already have lots of new friends, the boys were already drafted into baseball teams (winning big yesterday). They're adapting quite well to their new school -- it's a much earlier school start time (7:45 am), and they love their teachers and routines.

We had lots of celebrations yesterday. Brennan pitched a 3-up, 3-out inning. We celebrated big brother, Barrett's, 21st birthday (still attending university in WA, he flew in a couple of days ago) and we got a couple more rooms at their home all unpacked and organized. Another fun celebration was the arrival of their horse and miniature donkey. Now, not only do they have five goats, a barn cat, their sweet Havanese dog, Bentley, but now it's beginning to look like a real Texas ranch....with the horse and donkey.

Here's how God cares about what we care about. So the Wuerch's new home on 11 acres came with five billy goats. They are so fun....they see us, and they come running to us, and there's one that's a real show off. He jumps up on the corral fence. Their new home in Austin, came with a beautiful barn, with eight stalls -- it just needed to be occupied. So the timing was perfect and God provided the horse and its buddy, a minature donkey. Here's the hilarious icing on the cake. These are the names of our boys: Braden, Barrett, Brennan and Bryson. Their dog is Bentley. Their horse was named Boogie and the donkey was Biscuit. It's all about the B's!!! LOL!

Isn't it amazing how much God cares about even the smallest desires of our hearts? The boys longed for a horse and they got the bonus of the cute little furry donkey. Yes, there are those times when we just have to look up to heaven and say, "Thanks, God. I know you did that!" It is truly a miracle that the God of the universe surrounds our tiny, little lives with His loving care. Maybe we should look for the miracles of answered prayers and desires of our hearts. It's not always big and showy, but it is no less a miracle when the God of the universe shows up to kids who just happen to have a barn.

Barring a Miracle.....

Day 156 of Photo Inspirations -- Barring a Miracle........
Yesterday I heard the minister say that when he and his wife were first married, the doctor told them, "Barring a miracle, you'll never be able to have children."  He went on to tell us about the two beautiful children, now teenagers, that they eventually had.  And, I know many other couples who were told the same thing.....but they, too, received their MIRACLE.

I love watching those sports games where I hear the commentator say, "Barring a miracle, they're going to lose this game!"  And moments or minutes later, in a swift turn-around, they won the game.

To my father-in-law, the doctors said, "Barring a miracle, you won't live beyond six months."  He lived for another 15 years.

Knowing what I know and experiencing what I have experienced, I assure you, without a shadow of doubt....miracles really do still happen.  That's why I'm optimistic enough to NEVER say "Never", and to NEVER say "It's impossible!"    Those are words NOT in the vocabulary of those who truly take the limits off of God and what He says in His Word.

Jesus said, in Mark 9:23 "Anything is possible to him who believes."

Perhaps you needed this faith boost today.  Maybe you've been given a "Barring a miracle......" report.  MIRACLE is defined as a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.  And that DIVINE AGENCY Who doesn't even have the word "IMPOSSIBLE" in HIS dictionary, wants us to take it OUT of ours.  There is nothing that He can't do.   God always has miracles up His sovereign sleeves, so let's get our EXPECTORS up and EXPECT our miracle TODAY!

Wedding Memories Passed On

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

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

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

"V" is for VICTORY

Knowing my Honey would have a major surgery the next day, I called on my "walking/praying" buddies, Karen and Sheila. It was time to declare VICTORY as we made our seven laps around the hospital (like Joshua and his troops did, marching around the walls of Jericho). It was a hot day in Tulsa -- a heat index of 105 degrees, but when we started our "march", we felt a sweet breeze, fragranced with the flowers around the hospital. Looming up above were dark clouds, but we were enamored by the bright light that was behind them. We were reminded of the LIGHT of Christ and we had nothing to fear.

Such victory was in our hearts as we began our 7th Victory Lap. This time, we walked by Ron's room and and gave him the "V" is for victory hand sign. Soon, marching parallel with us, was a geese family, Mama, Papa, and six little ones. As we turned the corner, we heard "honk, honk, honk" and we thought our Geese Family had taken flight, but up above, flew a perfect "V" formation of geese and that was topped off by a lightning bolt across the sky -- God's exclamation point on our VICTORY!

That victory walk, and mindset, gave us the faith boost we needed for the next day. No, we didn't get the miracle victory we expected, but, without doubt, we knew our faith journey was guided by the One Who loves us most, desires to bless us with good things, and Who promises He will never leave us or forsake us. We continued to stand for our miracle, and though my sweet Honey's ultimate victory was a one-way ticket to heaven a few months later, my victory was, and is the same today "I am more than a conqueror" because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Victory is IN ME! Our victories aren't defined by earth's space and time or, losses. They are defined by trusting in God's ways being the best ways, and that seals the deal EVERY TIME. 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

What's Your Family Medical History?

A few weeks ago, I had surgery, and thanks be to God, I feel like a new woman now. But in preparation for that surgery, I had to consult with several doctors, and with each one, I had to complete a lot of medical forms that included questions like "What is your medical history -- have you or your family members had heart disease? diabetes? cancer? arthritis? etc." And, as a matter of fact....there were cases of those diseases in our family.

And I started thinking, as I encouraged myself with God's Word and faith, trust and hope, I thought, "What if there were a question on that form that said, "Have you or your family members had a history of notable miracles?" And, again, as a matter of fact....there were cases of those in our family.

For example: our daughter, Staci, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis -- diagnosis completely reversed (is a recording artist with a 5-1/2 octave range and public speaker today); my son, Ryan, had almost irreparable club feet -- completely healed (in fact runs 26.2 marathons regularly). Then, there's my father-in-law, who at age 62, had Lymphoma Cancer. After surgery, was told he would live, at best, six months, but, with his trust and faith in God, lived another 15 years. I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis, but with God's guidance to natural health solutions -- I'm completely healed. How's that for "FAMILY HISTORY" facts? And how's that for "good genes"? I think we'll stake our claim on those genetics. I Chronicles 16:12 "Remember the miracles He performed, the amazing things He did and the judgments He pronounced!" No matter where you're at today....God is STILL a God of miracles -- REALLY....with Him, all things are possible!

What's Your Family's Medical History?

We've been seeing a lot of medical doctors, filling out a lot of medical forms, completing questionaires with questions like "Does your family have history of illness: heart disease? diabetes? cancer? etc." And, as a matter of fact....there have been cases of those diseases in our family.

In a little family discussion last night, we were encouraging ourselves with God's Word -- faith, trust and hope, and then Staci said, "What if there was such a thing as a "Spiritual Doctor" who, rather than asking your family's disease history, asked, "Does your family have history of notable miracles?"

With that thought, we quickly shifted our thoughts to the Source of miracles. We thought about Ron's Dad, who at age 62, was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. He had surgery, and was told he had just a short time to live, but, with his trust and faith in God, lived another 15 years. How's that for "FAMILY HISTORY" facts? And how's that for "good genes"? I think we'll stake our claim on those genetics. I Chronicles 16:12 "Remember the miracles He performed, the amazing things He did and the judgments He pronounced!" Really....with God all things are possible!