What is YOUR Motivation for Change?

What is YOUR Motivation for Change?
The Great Escape -- so, I’ve been in Austin with my family since last week. Talk about change – from my quiet, non-eventful life, to nearly non-stop activity with this crew. My quiet peace zone at home has certainly been interrupted, which is fine with me.

My second to the oldest grandson, Bear, asked for a date-night with me. Be still my heart. He drove to downtown Austin for a take-out meal fit for a queen. We enjoyed our “date” out by the pool and commenced to go to the theater (rather, the theater room) to see an epic movie “The Two Popes”. (Recommend it!) The attention to his planned night touched me so much. Then I loved spending time with his adorable girl friend when she came down on Sunday.

The youngest grandson, Bryson, age 13, still wants to sleep with me. I hope that doesn’t end any time soon. Sweet memories of chattering about this and that, praying together, and falling to sleep. And, yesterday taking a trip to nearby Reimer's Park. He had told his Dad “Nana would be inspired with a blog if she were here.” And, yes I was!

Oldest grandson, Braden, and his precious wife, Ruth, spent three days with us. I loved catching up with their dreams, aspirations and hopes. Sweet Ruth worked many extra hours as a neonatal NICU nurse during the quarantine and right in the middle of it had to have an appendectomy. She’s doing great, and she’s oh, so precious! I love the love these grands have for each other, playing games and spending time together.

Number #4 grandson, age 15, called on his mama and I to assist in two of his school projects. During this homeschooling, the students are doing virtual learning and reports or speeches that would usually be given in the classroom. This creative one, Brennan, had two presentations to give. His mom and I were his film crew. She was the camera-gal; I was the teleprompter supervisor. Oh, my, the hilarious times we had on Take 1, Take 2, Take 52, etc. And, oh, the precarious places were our locations! Thank goodness, this Nana has still got game!

Thanks for letting me bring you up-to-speed at the Wuerch's Austin ranch. The greatest take-away from my get-away from isolation-days has been how much sweeter are the days than I ever hoped for before. Gratitude just gets stronger for those things that don’t come as easy as they were before. There’s something about realizing that what seemed to be the greatest upset in our own personal lives, became a lot easier and faster to deal with than what we ever thought.

Sincerely – changes needed to be made. God probably shakes His head as He thinks “Why do my kids get so caught up on so much that is just temporary?” There is one guarantee in life: CHANGE will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we feel out of control. But we have this blessed assurance. God NEVER changes. "I am the Lord, and I do not CHANGE.” (Malachi 3:6). He walks with us in every season of life -- no matter how easy or difficult. We can choose to accept CHANGE because God has a plan for our lives – to give us hope, a great future, and to prosper us. If we trust in God and allow the CHANGE to mature us in our faith and to grow us in becoming more like Him in how we respond and act, then we are promised that “Everything will work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

God orders our days. He knows the seasons we are exiting from and He also knows those we are about to enter. It’s a new day – yesterday is gone. Why don’t we awaken to the assurance that He KNOWS ALL and if we’ll board His ways, we’ll travel higher, further and safer than we could ever imagine. I think I hear Him saying to us “I’ve got this so let go and let Me carry you through each CHANGE. Relax. Enjoy the ride. Trust Me!”

When You See Someone’s Reality and It Jolts You

That moment when you offer a picture of your life so that others on social media might be able to grasp your reality? I know there are those who do that because they need prayer support, encouragement, and some motivation to keep on carrying on. No question, we all need encouragers. Oftentimes, when we think no one else has an idea what we're going through, God shows us someone else’s reality that is painstakingly worse than ours. It gives us pause and a reality check that others might also need our encouragement and support.

I saw a post by a precious mom, who really has had her hands and heart full for a very long time in the care of her 10-year old, very sick child who is still in diapers. Her post included an image of a huge stack of diapers. The post read: “Dear Jesus, I’m really tired of changing diapers. Love a very tired Momma."

Then, I saw comments: “I have 5 kiddos and "J" is still in them too. We should be diaper ambassadors.” Another mom said: “I honestly can’t imagine how many I have changed. Andrew is 15 and 2 other boys and now Kinsley, the past 2 years along, with Andrew still.” Then, another mom said: “I feel ya’, momma. When I hear someone complain about diapers, I laugh at them and tell them my oldest is 21 so I have been changing diapers for 21 straight years now. I haven't done the math though. LOL!" Yet, another mom said: “Well – I’ve been changing diapers since 1977. When my children were out of diapers, I was doing day care in my home. I figure there are worse things in the world than diapers. We’ve got this, my friends!”

That last gal showed up with beautiful sentiments -- not to mention such a positive, grateful outlook. The first mom replied to her “You take the award. I haven’t even been alive that long. No words, but I hope I get your positive outlook with time!“
While that post both touched me with empathy for those precious moms, it rang a bell that I hope we can all hear ringing! No matter how tough life is for us right now – there’s reason for gratitude, because, no doubt, there is always someone who is going through even tougher times. Really, in all times and situations, regardless how tough they are, there is Someone Who gets us and knows what we’re going through – whether it’s a hang-nail or loss of a job or a broken heart or caring for a bedridden loved one.

God’s premier self-description is “the compassionate and gracious God”. (Exodus 34:6) That means that both our pain and our prayers affect him, and He has us on his heart. He takes our burden on Himself and remembers us. As we imitate our Father, we should want to feel the burdens of others, too.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

So, we call, e-mail, post, track down the suffering at their home or church. We have them on our heart, and we want them to know it. So, for all of us on the outside looking in at hurting people, it’s up to us to say something. Do something and remember them. That is the basic idea. In the case of those precious women who were encouraging the first woman with their words at the first of this blog, I encourage you to carry on. You are valiant, loving and non-quitting – YOU ARE OUR HEROES.

Need Motivation? Attend a Good Funeral.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Can't Soar With Eagles If We're Hanging Out With Turkeys

For over 30+ years, Weight Watchers has been my accountability and sustainability partner to keep this girl in line when it comes to maintaining a healthy goal weight.

This post, today, isn't to advertise Weight Watchers, but to encourage us to hang with positive, supportive and inspiring people and groups that will help us keep "soaring with eagles", unless, of course, we are mentoring others who need an "eagle" role model that shows them how to fly to a higher level in their attitude and outlook in life.

Typically, I simply go in for a monthly weigh-in, but yesterday, I felt inclined to stay for the meeting. I want to make new friends, so I best be showing myself friendly to new groups here in Frisco. I was so glad I did, because, before the WW Leader started, there was already a buzz going on in the room. One of their determined WW members was being celebrated because she had reached her goal weight and has become a Lifetime Member which means all she has to do is maintain her goal weight and meetings, tools, and weigh-ins are FREE forever. This sweet gal admitted that, before now, she was ashamed to admit what her weight had been, but yesterday she admitted "I've lost 92 pounds". And, that's not the best part. Her crowning achievement includes no longer having to take medicine or insulin for Diabetes, no longer having to be on a C-pap machine, her blood pressure medicine has been cut in half and her eye doctor even told her the best thing she could have done for her eyes was to lose weight. I loved how proud she was of her new-found, better version of herself. It seems she has a whole new lease on life.

Not only was I inspired by her story, but her attitude and optimism elevated our thinking that we, too, can accomplish anything when we have the right tools, goals, and undaunted persistence and determination like she has had. And, this sweet gal isn't a "spring chicken" -- but she wants to finish life strong -- and her new self will help her do that.

Another much younger gal had reached her 10% weight loss goal and she, too, was celebrated. She admitted that sugar had been her best friend for years, and since reducing her sugar intake, the pounds have come off. She also shared that now she drinks 3 cups of green tea a day-- a tip she received from one of the founders of the Susan Komen Foundation. (BTW, to remove the bitterness of green tea, she adds a couple of squirts of lime juice.) It's been proven that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced by 50% by drinking green tea daily, and taking a tumeric pill will freeze the growth of breast cancer. Those cancer reducing routines are because she had two cancer scares, but now continues on to a healthy life. I learned all this because I took the time to "hang out" with eagles.

I looked around the room and saw these posters that put everything into perspective. I thought...."What a wonderful environment to be in to gain self respect and self worth! This is a safe place -- it is a supportive and encouraging place! We need environments like this that help us move closer to our goals and dreams!" And I thought about those who often hang out with negative folks, on purpose. I thought about those who watch negative tv shows and listen to negative commentary on the radio, and read it online and they just settle there.....scratching around with "turkeys". And, have you noticed, negativity attracts negativity?

I don't know about you, but I'm determined to hang out in places that will inspire me, empower me and build me up, that encourage me to strive to be a better me, that cause me to look at the bright side of life. I think I'll just keep on hanging out with optimistic friends and family at church, women's groups, Bible Studies, motivational meetings, and at Weight Watchers. Maybe it's time we choose a new "normal" -- the one that soars with eagles instead of hanging out with the turkeys.

Excuse me....I'm "suiting up" for flying today! How about you joining me? "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

They Gave....Then Bowed Down and Worshipped Him

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

The Magi (Wise Men) worshipped -- and brought very costly gifts to the newborn King. The gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Not such practical gifts, but most definitely...valuable gifts.

A gold brick in today’s time is worth about $485,000. In the time of Christ, it would have probably been even more valuable. The spices (frankincense and myrrh) were also very valuable, and costly.  Those gifts probably sustained the Holy Family for many years to come.

Love gives. "For God SO LOVED the world that He GAVE His only Son...." John 3:16. That's what God does. He gives. When we love, we give. We just can't help ourselves. He demonstrated His love. We demonstrate our love.

Oh, how I loved GIVING to my children and, especially, my grandchildren, this Christmas.   Watching their faces light up with anticipation of what was inside that wrapping, was my delight.  And seeing their sweet beaming faces as I opened my gifts from them.

And, isn't that joyful nature of giving and receiving straight from God's heart?   A group of wise men once travelled far and long (two years) to give young Jesus some gifts.
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But Jesus gave them, and us, back so much more -- an even greater gift.  He came here to this earth ON PURPOSE -- to give to us the gift of a clean slate before God. He gave us the gift of forgiveness and a pardon from ever having to pay for the mistakes we make.

All we have to do is receive and take the gift. And once we do, we won't be able to help ourselves -- we will want to give back to Him in worship with everything we are and everything we have. We honor Him and worship Him. When we experience His love, like the Maji,we MUST give and we MUST worship Him.

Love Showed Up -- Merry Christmas -- Happy Birthday, Jesus

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!  

It ALL happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man!
Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious ONE in a human womb that brought Him to this side of heaven.

Jesus came, not as a dictator or conqueror or warrior, but as ONE whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a very tired and worn carpenter. The hands that first held him were un-manicured, calloused, and dirty.  For thirty-three years He would feel everything you and I have ever felt. Weak and weary; afraid and tempted; rejected and despised.  His feelings got hurt.  Eventually, He would ask for this "cup" to pass from Him, but it didn't and He pursued and prevailed to become the EVERYTHING we would ever need, or want, wrapped in one package.

To think of Jesus in such a light seems almost irreverent. There’s something about only thinking of Him as divine and untouchable that keeps Him distant and predictable. BUT DON"T DO IT!    For heaven’s sake, DON'T!   Let Him be as human as he intended to be. Let Him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let Hm in -- can He pull us out!

We Can't Help It -- We Must Give -- We Must Worship

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." The Magi (Wise Men) worshipped -- and brought very costly gifts to the newborn King. The gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Not such practical gifts, but most definitely...valuable gifts.

A gold brick in today’s time is worth about $485,000. In the time of Christ, it would have probably been even more valuable. The spices (frankincense and myrrh) were also very valuable, and costly. Those gifts probably sustained the Holy Family for many years to come.

Love gives. "For God SO LOVED the world that He GAVE His only Son...." John 3:16. That's what God does. He gives. When we love, we give. We just can't help ourselves. He demonstrated His love. We demonstrate our love.

A few nights ago, my Texas Wallace family and I had our early Christmas together. I loved seeing my children and grandchildren's faces as they eagerly opened their gifts from Nana. And, I loved the squeals of my granddaughter as she opened the onesie pj's she had hoped for. And my grandson, as he opened his "survival tools" from his gift list that he made for Nana. He was over-joyed.

And, isn't that joyful nature of giving and receiving straight from God's heart?   A group of wise men once travelled far and long (two years) to give young Jesus some gifts.
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But Jesus gave them, and us, back so much more -- an even greater gift.  He gave us the gift of a clean slate before God. He gave us the gift of forgiveness and a pardon from ever having to pay for the mistakes we made.

All we have to do is receive and take the gift. And once we do, we won't be able to help ourselves -- we will want to give back to Him in worship with everything we are and everything we have. We honor Him and worship Him. When we experience His love, we can’t help to be like the Magi -- we MUST give and we MUST worship Him.

Roll Out the Red Carpet for the Guest of Honor

Many have the notion that the BIGGEST DEAL about Christmas is that it's simply a month-long party.  Yes, the traditions and festivities are so enjoyable, but rolling out the red carpet and recognizing the Guest of Honor is what this awe-inspiring season is all about.  And.....it's up to us to ensure the predominant Honoree is positioned in His rightful place of distinction.

I love the story of St. Nicholas.  He was a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it.  And that story inspires us all with a heart of giving.   St. Nicholas is where "Santa Claus" came from.    But, as sweet as those "treasured" photos of Santa Claus with our little ones are, and seeing their little eyes sparkling with wonder, and putting cookies out for this jolly old soul to pay us a visit, Santa ISN'T the "Guest of Honor".  

The leading characters of the Christmas Story are Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and, of course, the Headliner, the main Attraction and the Star of the Show is Jesus Christ.  He is the REASON for the celebrations and He should be the Guest of Honor at each one.  I love that we have a role to play in this great story, too.  Perhaps we can be one of the shepherds.  We don't need eloquent words and we don't need a place of prominence or status. We just need to be bearers and sharers of "the good news of great joy".

People expect pastors and priests to talk about Christmas being about Christ.  But what people need are shepherds of the world to teach and preach that message.

You and I have the ability to amaze someone today with the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world He GAVE His one and only Son." Let's keep our eyes and hearts open for the opportunity to amaze someone with the most precious of all GIFTS this Christmas -- in fact not just at Christmas -- all year long!

Even Santa bows down to Him as the Guest of Honor.

The Face of God

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

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

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

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

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

Life-Changing Experiences When Trusting the Master and His Plan

That's me -- Director of Telecommunications and Mail Services at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada -- 22 years ago.  This was the cover of MTS' (Manitoba Telephone Service), magazine.

What a blessing to have worked at the U of M for the 7 years that we lived in Winnipeg.  Of course, Winnipeg was home for my husband -- he was borne and bred, Canadian -- and always remained a loyal patriot and lover of his Canadian roots.  And, what a blessing for our entire family to have had such remarkable and life-changing experiences there.  Our son, Ryan, at only 19 years old was ranked in the Top 10 Winnipeg Realtors. Our daughter, Staci, became Miss Winnipeg and went on to compete in the Miss Canada Pageant and won overall talent, with a hefty $$ reward.  She also was selected to represent Canada in David Foster's Coca Cola World Chorus at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

And, I, having the most wonderful experiences at the U of M.  Originally hired in the President's Grant's Office, eventually moved to the Communications Offices, and though the position for Director of Telecommunications was advertised for someone with a Master's Degree in Communications, this little Southern gal, with only a high school education, but who burned with passion and desire and strong work ethics, loyalty, determination, drive, and willingness to learn WHATEVER -- was hired to that position. I received several awards for some of the innovations I brought to the university -- one of which was "Voice Mail".  (Who would have thought that those days in telecommunications would pave the way for my "telecommunications" business in Solavei today and getting to a make a huge difference in people's lives with FREE mobile service and also residual income? )

Why do I share this story?  Because I want everyone to know -- God has plans for our lives -- we went to Canada on a faith venture -- didn't know what our future would hold, but we KNEW that we KNEW God had great things in store for us there.  It was a faith journey that led to life-change because we BELIEVED.   Often, folks wait for the "just perfect circumstances" to make a life-change, to start a family, to take a risk on an opportunity that comes their way.  And, often, folks aren't willing to take ANY job to help make ends meet.  First, I proved myself in the UM's President's Office as a "Temporary" Office Assistant, was eventually hired to a salaried position and became an Administrative Assistant in Communications until I was promoted to Director of Telecommunications. What in the world would cause us to leave Canada and me, to EVER leave that position?  Our first-born grandson in Oklahoma.  The rest is history.

How awesome it is to be hooked up to the MASTER, Who has the MASTER PLAN for our lives.  When we trust Him with all our hearts -- risk taking, living on the edge,  and venturing out into the unknown becomes a WAY OF LIFE -- and oh, WHAT A LIFE IT IS!  Try it!  "For I know the plans I have for you -- plans to prosper and not harm you -- to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Lathered Up With a Fishing Pole Between Our Toes

As I looked up at my office wall yesterday, I was reminded of one of my favorite fishing stories.  My husband, teenage daughter and I flew on a seaplane into secluded, Side Saddle Lake in Manitoba to fish for the day.  A seaplane was the only way to get into that lake.   My husband, with his organized personality, had all his fishing equipment in order and ready to go.  That included a depth finder, a fish locator, and every rigging you could possibly need to catch "the big one"!  His philosophy was always "If you're going to do something, do it right and do the best job you can at it!"

My daughter and I, on the other hand, both sanguine personalities, take-it-as-it-comes and fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants mentality, had two things in mind, to catch fish and to catch some sun rays.  We were greased up from head to toe in suntan oil.  My husband, with his meticulous way of doing things, patiently trolled the boat all around the lake, ensuring we were on just the right spots to catch walleye,  Staci eventually had on a 12-pound alligator gar that was so strong and mighty, it nose-dived and went right through the fish net when she tried to land it.  Now there was this gapping hole in the net.

Not long after that, Staci and I were both laying back in the boat, catching some rays, oiled up, and our fishing rods were snug between our toes. My husband was dismayed that we were getting suntan oil all over his tackle and bait. Bless his heart -- he tried so hard to be patient with us.   Suddenly I had a huge hit on my line. We could see it was a BIG ONE -- a big walleye.   Staci and I were squealing and rocking the boat and Ron did his best to calm us down. I reeled as he held the net (with the hole in it).  With even more determination, he helped me get that 'big boy' into the boat, which is the fish you see here.

Ron was so proud of me, as that "catch" qualified me as a Master Angler in the Province of Manitoba.  

When I think about all my precious husband went through to make for such a great experience for his girls -- the details, the right equipment, the perfect location and setting -- not to mention the stress we gave him -- I know, that still, he was absolutely bursting with joy and pride at HIS accomplishments.  But, I have to tell you, he took life so seriously -- he worked so hard -- he was so detailed in getting things done just right -- and often in the middle of it all had so much less fun than we did.  Then there's his two girls that just showed up and relaxed and embraced the moments, and had a party.   It was immaterial to us if we caught any fish at all.  We were there for the fun (that's what sanguines do).  But, all in all, we needed each other  then, and we ALL need each other today!  Regardless of the personality differences -- the ones who have it altogether, as well as those who are free-spirited, we need each other.  We bring balance to each other.  Opposites "attract" for a reason -- it certainly was that way for us for over 44 years.  He made us better because of his organization.  We made him better because he learned to "chill" more.   And, if we all took life less seriously, if we slowed down, relaxed and embraced the moments, we will find blessings just come so naturally --  even if we're all lathered up with a fishing pole between our toes!

Happy Honeymoon!

Happy Anniversary and Happy Honeymoon to my precious Ryan and Shawntel!  I'm thanking God for His perfect match made from heaven.  I celebrate them today and the beauty of their beautiful love for each other and all they've accomplished together.  They married on December 14th and went on their first honeymoon on December 26th, and every year since then, they celebrate another "honeymoon" on that date.

On a leadership call last week, Ryan shared that they took a cruise on their first honeymoon trip.  He said that somehow the Captain of the ship found out Shawntel was a former Miss America and invited them to join him and his wife, and three other couples at his dinner table on New Year's Eve. Sitting beside Ryan and Shawntel was a couple who were like love birds.  The captain congratulated them as it was their 50th wedding anniverary.  Ryan, sitting next to the man, asked, "This is our first -- what's your secret?"  The man paused a few seconds, and said, "Honeymoons".  Ryan said, "Honeymoons?"  And the man replied, "On our first honeymoon, we said we're so incredibly in love, we never want this moment to end.  We made the decision we would never have 'anniversaries' --  we would only have honeymoons.   So every year, at this time, we go on a honeymoon and we fall in love all over again.  A lot goes on during the year --  a lot of challenges, financial woes, ups and downs happen, things that come at you that are just a part of life during that year.  But on our honeymoon, every year, we commit to be like we were on our first honeymoon, and we fall in love again -- you know --  to be in love, go on dates, work together, work on the issues, be purposefully in love the year through."

Shawntel and Ryan went back to their  room and committed to have only honeymoons for then on.  So from December 26th to January 2nd, that's what they've been doing -- EVERY YEAR.  Ryan continued...."This year....like every year before now, we're going to fall in love again.  We're going to talk about what we're going to do in 2015 -- set our goals and dreams and plan to make this next year one of the best EVER!

And I say, "Good word for each of us. As 2014 is rapidly coming to an end, while we may have had a bumpy road this year and may have experienced hardship, disappointment, ups AND downs and other challenges, let's put them ALL behind us, and have a honeymoon with ours spouses (if you're blessed to still have one) ourselves and God, and celebrate what 2015 will hold -- yes, there will no doubt be times of challenge, but when we renew our love, faith, determination, zeal, great expectancy and hope.....we will surely make it through to another 'honeymoon' as winners and conquerors."  Happy Honeymoon to you and yours!