Coincidences or Divine Appointments?

You've got to love it when a young person is willing to come to a slightly "mature" person ;-) for counsel. You know, they know, the wisdom that's inside them. Very, smart and wise young person. When I received an email from a sweet friend from my church, Megan, asking if I'd look over a project she's doing for her Senior year at Bishop Kelley, I was honored and pleased. She selected the importance of inner beauty for her project. Yes, extremely, wise young lady. But, even better, what seemed to be a simple appointment to review a project, turned into a God-designed appointment. My sweet girl Shawntel Wuerch and the boys were here with me in Tulsa which was perfect timing for both of us to review Megan's project. Sweet opportunity to talk about the inner beauty that God desires from us -- that beauty that comes from within and shines so brightly in our lives. Shawntel is exemplary in both inside and outside beauty. Divine set-up.

Before Megan came to my home, her Mom sent over this photo of Shawntel and Megan ten years ago. Shawntel was the guest speaker for our Women of the Church OfThe Madalene and that night she told her Miss America story -- about her road from a little town, Muldrow, OK to Miss America, how she entered simply to earn scholarship monies to attend college. But God had bigger things in mind for her, and He does for each of us as well. Just like the road to Miss America, with its twists and turns and ups and downs, being the journey God planned for Shawntel, a simple appointment to review a project just may be the "set up" for Megan that started ten years ago when she was excited to have her photo taken with Shawntel. Yesterday, Megan was wearing a Bishop Kelley soccer shirt. Shawntel asked her if she played soccer. Indeed she does, and of all things, her coach is my nephew, Troy Tokarchik. Who knew another little "set-up" to show we're in the same family!

What if each day we started taking note of the coincidences....er.... the divine set-ups, providential circumstances and appointments that come our way that point us in the direction of our God-given destiny? Megan had a project to do. She was impressed to do it on God's definition of beauty. What if this project is the "seed" that Megan is planting for her future? What if what we are doing today are the seeds we're planting for the difference makers and world changers God destined us to be?

Remembering the Celebrations

Day 310 of Photo Inspirations -- Remembering the Celebrations
#TBT -- 2004 was such a great year.  FACEBOOK was created (Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg).   Our 5th grandchild, Brennan, was born, and we were so fortunate to be a part of a historic event at Oklahoma City University.

Oklahoma has been so good to our family in so many ways, but the most incredible, monumental gift (that just keeps on giving) was our precious Muldrow, Oklahoma daughter (I don't even admit to her being a daughter-in-law because since the first day we met her.....we knew God had given us another daughter).

Papa and I were thrilled to be invited to the festivities.  Best of all, we got to see after our new little 2-1/2 month old grandson at the event. The occasion was the unveiling of the three life-size bronze statutes of Oklahoma City University's alumni who all became Miss America winners.  It was a significant contribution by Edward L. Gaylord to make the statutes a reality.

Each of the figures is dressed in a formal gown, and a plaque is on the front giving the name of the Miss America winner, the year she won, and her hometown. Each woman wears a crown and is holding a bouquet of flowers.

The bronze sculpture is in a circular fountain that is located in the Kerr-McGee Centennial Plaza on campus, at the NW corner of Blackwelder and 23rd which is at the very far SE corner of the OCU campus. OCU has other claims-to-fame.  A star with Kristin Chenoweth's name is on the plaza in front of the Miss America sculptures. Kristin Chenowith, well-known actress and singer, is also an OCU alumnus.   Chris Harrison, seen in the photo with Shawntel, host of “The Bachelor” and "The Bachelorette,” is an OCU alumnus and was the host for the statute unveiling.  Oklahoma Mayor Mary Fallen was the keynote speaker:

1st statute (to the left) is Susan Powell, Miss America 1981, Elk City,OK
2nd statute (in the middle) is our girl, Shawntel Smith, Miss America 1996,
Muldrow, OK
3rd figure (on the right) Jane Jayroe, Miss America 1967, Laverne, OK Oklahoma

We're in the month of Thankgiving, and I just can't help it -- I have to express my gratitude for the blessings in my life.  And, I'm so grateful for Facebook that gives me the opportunity to archive, count my blessings, be on daily assignment to share positivity and encouragement, and celebrate God's richest blessings on a daily basis.  Oh, I know I don't need Facebook to inspire me to count my blessings, but it is sure a wonderful way to express THANKSGIVING.   Do you take lots of photos and make lots of memories?  If you don't, start today -- I promise you, you'll be so glad you did -- especially when you're in the 3rd Act of your play.like I am!

"For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."  Luke 6:45  Yes, my heart is full to overflowing with thanksgiving.