Perhaps This is the Moment for Which We Were Created

I almost bought this metal wall hanging, shown here, because it spoke to me. I took a photo instead. It spoke to me because I remember at the birth of my children – I knew I was created to bring them into this world. It spoke to me because there have been times when I encouraged someone to carry on and not give up. Maybe I was the one that helped save their life. Right now, I am gently and intentionally encouraging a friend toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m not force-feeding them and I’m seeing a difference in their “tone” and softening of their heart. I keep thinking about this sign as I pray for them. I believe, in all of us, God placed potential and purpose for moments that assure us why we were created.

I love the story of Queen Esther. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people, Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, may be experiencing turmoil, chaos, and even loss. I'm reminded -- that just like Esther, “I may have come here for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) As children of God, every day we can suit up for our royal positions too! We belong to our King. We have been set apart. Christ died on the cross for us. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. Immersed in His truth, there should be no doubt in our minds that there is a purpose for us.

The story of how God worked in Esther's life encourages me to move forward in faith. With all the negativity and dreadful "stuff" that's in our world today, it's quite easy to pull the cover over our heads, ignore it all, and hope it goes away. We think "That's not my responsibility to get involved. Leave that to politicians or missionaries or other people that are 'called' to do that." We even close our eyes to our neighbors who need a word of encouragement or a gesture that says "I care".

You and I are here on this earth right now, during these times, and it's not by accident that we ARE here for a greater purpose than "our four and no more". What if we are supposed to be part of the solution in turning the tide of a crisis in someone's life, in our community's need for change, and in our world's need for hope. I know this....God's master plan for our lives includes us being a conduit of hope and peace to others.

We should feel honored that God purposed and planned us to be here RIGHT NOW, for a reason that's bigger than ourselves. What if He put us HERE to be His light in the darkness, to be the "chosen ones" to positively impact and make a difference in this world -- that so needs life and light? Are we realizing that God has us here ""FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS" to be that life and light?

Carpe Momentum -- Seize the Moment

Often I blog about making moments count. There's a Latin phrase for it: Carpe Momentum which means "Seize the Moment". I’m thrilled to be alive HERE on planet earth today in this generation. Even though I live in a 55+ community, I sure don’t want to hang with anyone who thinks “old”. I love hanging with those who live in the moment and in that moment they find so much to be grateful and joyful about.

This is MY own definition of a MOMENT: "an instant, that almost imperceptible amount of time that barely registers measurement, but when being present and given full thought and attention to it, miracles can happen, inventions and innovations can be created, lives are transformed and heaven touches earth -- because the MOMENT was noticed.” – Donna Wuerch

The older I get the more I understand the importance and value of seizing the moment. Life’s “stuff” happens to all of us. "Stuff" happened to my husband and I. I remember a season of major challenges in our lives. Important life-altering decisions needed to be made. But, rather than sitting around worrying, we spontaneously decided to take a trip to Branson, Missouri on November 1st – the first day of Christmas at Silver Dollar City. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made. It was not only therapeutic to get-away-from-it-all, but it refreshed us and took our perspective and attitudes to a whole new place.

When I placed this figurine on my kitchen counter this Christmas, I couldn’t help but remember that weekend, because underneath the items we purchased (as a keepsake of times of sweetness), I would always write the occasion and the date on the bottom. We SEIZED the MOMENT on that weekend.

Seizing the moment is engaging in intentional thinking. At church, when the priest, rabbi or pastor is speaking, do you find your mind wandering or even falling asleep? And all the while, that speaker may have given wisdom for the answer you needed to help you get out of your difficult situation. I’m one of those “note takers” in church or meetings because I want my valuable time to be worthwhile and I want to give honor to the speaker’s valuable time that he/she spent preparing.

I’m the camera/photo opt “junkie” in our family. I'm always seizing the moment to take a photo of precious times. I'm taking a lot of photos while I'm with my two younger grandsons in Austin. Every moment of nurturing them, seizing the moment to cuddle them, and when typical sibling rivalry or some act of disobedience happens, I get the opportunity to talk about God's way being the best way. I want them to remember Nana as one who was always pointing to Jesus. I know these two young boys will soon no longer be needing for Nana to see after them -- like their two older brothers who are now on their own. So every moment seized is every moment remembered.

Seize the moment. It works like this. In the midst of the craziness of life, seize a few quiet minutes to rest, reflect, recharge. Maybe take a mini mental vacation to enjoy life’s blessings. Instead of working through your lunch hour (or just 20 minutes), turn off your phone and computer to truly enjoy the daily bread you have been given. Go out for dinner…at some place that serves your meal on a plate, not in a bag. Stop by to see your parents, older kids and/or especially your grandkids. If you can’t get there physically, then call them, skype them, or just sit quietly and send up a prayer for them. Reflect on life and give thanks that you can see, move or even just breathe.

One Moment Can Change Everything.

I was a “single” teenager (age 17), but in one “I now pronounce you husband and wife” moment, I was a married woman.

I was a happily married woman, and in one moment, when my precious husband took his last breath, I became a widow.

Now I know how a single moment can change everything. Now, I put a checkmark in the box beside “widow”. Now, I’m a single when I'm with couples. “Singles” is the Life Group I attend.

On my Sweetheart’s birthday, September 12th, though nearly seven years have passed since his graduation to heaven, I thought about the many “moments” we made special. Indeed, I have come to realize the importance of a moment. A single moment can change everything.

The point I’m making today, is “we only get so many moments”. Our days are numbered. Psalm 39:4,5 “ LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a MOMENT to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”

The younger, busier, more occupied with life that we are, the less we consider the “moments” and the less we consider that our days are numbered. I assure you, that changes when we experience a “loss” of that someone that made up the most significant part of our life. That’s why I was inspired for this post/blog today.

Once we realize that our days are numbered, it changes (or should change) how every moment of every day should be valued, appreciated and never taken for granted. It changes how we look at things like stress, money, relationships, the use of our time, disagreements, and what’s REALLY important.

When that reality becomes a major part of our personal value system – we look at life differently. It makes us feel more deeply, love more completely, forgive more readily, overlook others' faults unconditionally, and live life to its fullest more vibrantly.

Recognizing that our days are numbered and a moment is fleeting, it makes us very aware of keeping our priorities on all that matters most. Life is this very moment. We are guaranteed no more and no less.

I suggest we all love deeply, give greatly, laugh freely and live largely. After all, we only get so many moments!

Busy Running....and Going SOMEWHERE

My granddaughter, Alexia Wallace (aka Lexi), aspires to be a veterinarian someday, so it is no surprise that she wanted me to go with her to her "job" where she provides dog sitting service for a neighbor's dogs. She feeds, walks and cares for the dogs throughout the day.

Then, it was off to the pet store. First, it was a stop-off at the hamster habitats to tenderly hold them and encourage them into their amusement park (the wheel that makes them think they're going somewhere....but NOT), and on to the dogs where she oohs and ahs over those cuddly little creatures.

When I was here, last time, she was chasing a runaway dog (in bitter cold, without a coat on) to save him from peril. When in Oklahoma, she jumped out of the car to save a slow-paced turtle from certain danger. Her mind just goes there. She has a heart for God's creatures. She has direction. She knows where she's going -- unlike those hamsters running in their wheel and going NOWHERE.

Isn't that like some of us? We live in motion and speed. We get up early and go to bed late and have no time for "the moment". Do we want our epitaph to read "She/He was always on the go -- but she/he went nowhere!" Round and round we go. Sure, we're busy, but we lack a sense of purpose and direction.

When we are clear on our goal and destination, life will become so meaningful and joyful. The direction is God and the goal is peace. If there's something to do, we will be doing it. It's easy and takes no time because we're clear on what we're doing....and WHY. It's an incredible feeling to know where we are going – to an experience of consistent love and joy and peace.

A lot of folks talk about wanting an “experience” (when they will feel alive) as if it's going to come in the future. Yet what could be a more beautiful experience than this moment, right now? Everything is happening in this moment. I can hear Payton playing the piano, the dogs barking at a passing dog outside, and the neighbors talking. I feel a breeze and a little bit of a chill in the damp Texas air this morning. Neicey surprises us with our favorite breakfast items from McDonald's. Larry is praying for our day to be blessed. This moment right now is beautiful and marvelous, and I’m in full appreciation of it. Who knows what the next moment will bring? Who cares? I’m here now having a glorious experience in this precious moment.

Life is very simple. It’s being present to whatever is directly in front of us. What could be easier? Pay attention. Be alert. Love where we are because we're on purpose when we wake up and put our feet on the floor. We have an assignment to fulfill, people to encourage, and being a light that shines brightly to the world. Isn't it awesome to be alive for this glorious adventure called LIFE, AND going....... SOMEWHERE?

Thankful for the Precious Moments

So good to be back home in T-Town! Always thankful to go.....and thankful to be back home. Quite frankly..... ”thankful” has become my default emotion. Thankful for my life, thankful for family, thankful for friends, and, thankful that I choose to be thankful. I'm especially thankful for the precious moments in my life, and so thankful God gives me wisdom for the moments. He does that, by the way, as I seek His advice even in the smallest details. Looking back….at the times that just seemed routine and non-momentous, are now some of the most precious of them all. Every moment is a moment to be cherished. – because we will NEVER have that moment again. It’s gone. That’s why I make such big deals of MOMENTS.

Here’s an example: Before I left Tulsa, I was accompanying a friend while she shopped. I saw a Kevin Durant (OKC Thunder MVP) sport shirt just in the size of my grandson, Brennan, whose birthday is on July 2nd. It was a “find” – the Thunder are right up there with our Oklahoma roots family. I knew I had to buy it – besides, it was on sale. I took it with me to WA to give to Brennan while I was there, since I’d be back home in Tulsa on his actual birthday. Turning 10 is a big year – gotta' celebrate double-digits. So, I kept my ears and eyes open while in WA. He’s such a great Little League baseball player, and even made the All Star Team (BTW – they won their first All Star game today – continuing to win could lead to a State championship – that would definitely merit a return trip to WA -- LOL). I became the #1 Fan of the team while I was there. Though there were just practices, Nana was there watching my boy play – I embraced the moments. I noticed that most of the boys’ baseball bags had wheels on them, and his Mom told me Brennan's bag was worn from dragging it because his had no wheels. Aha! Birthday idea. So we started looking, and indeed we did find just the one – navy blue like the team colors, more pockets, wheels, and, we had it embroidered with his name and his team’s name.

Last night Nana was able to have the big REVEAL. Just after his shower and before going to bed (and the night before his first All Star game), I told him I wanted to give him his BD present. First, he opened the handmade card I made for him (that’s my “thing” – using graphics to create a special "Nana" card – and of course, I created a magazine cover with Brennan in his baseball uniform). He first opened his Kevin Durant shirt – he loved it, and it was especially endearing to me that he had talked so fondly of Kevin Durant while I was there. Just yesterday we were talking about surprises and he told me "I'm never surprised -- like at Christmas I overheard Mom & Dad talking about my present!" Then I announced "I have one more gift for you -- wait right here!" When I turned the corner with his new bag, his little hands covered his mouth as he was in shock and awe. This time, he WAS surprised. The effort, the time, the joy of research and completion was so worth it. It was a MOMENT -- maybe not one of those defining moments, but indeed it was a moment that will live with me forever.

We can grasp this idea today and start appreciating every small thing that is already great in our lives. We often forget those good things because we're looking back in the past, or what we don't have in the present!! Let's be so thankful for the blessings of MOMENTS we have today, and let's celebrate them with gusto!!