WANTED for Stealin' Farrah's Hair

I love it when my FB timeline pops up with one of my old posts or a photo that someone posts of me that floods me with some precious AND some crazeeee memories. This photo was from a Western Party that I attended a few years ago. I was on the WANTED list for stealin' Farrah's Hair -- $50,000 Reward. LOL! Actually, that hairdo did come from Farrah's era (the late 60s & 70s). I guess I was a Farrah-wanna-be -- well, at least her hair and maybe I had an attachment to Ryan O’Neal – her love interest for many years -- so much so we named our son, Ryan! Another – LOL!

Where I'm going with today's post isn't about Farrah OR her hair. It's about being wanted. I don’t know your history -- how you came to be here at this place and at this time. I don't know if you were ever rejected and made to feel UNWANTED. I don't know if you were a "wallflower" at that school dance or if you had a long line of fellas waiting to dance with you. I don't know if you've received a pink slip after pink slip on jobs that just didn't click for you. I don't know if the love of your life walked out on you for another or if you've never known the love of your life. But I do know this: YOU ARE WANTED!!!

Before you were conceived in your mother's womb, the God of the Universe planned you – each intricate detail of you and gave you breath. Your life is His proclamation of "I want him/her in this world at this specific time, in this specific place, for reasons that only he/she can fulfill."

When God was handcrafting and designing you -- His Masterpiece, He included your strengths, your talents, your gifts, your eyes, your nose, your goofiness or your seriousness. He put it all together and created the miracle of YOU!

Whatever has happened along the way of your journey to this day, His purpose for you still remains strong. God is still saying “You are WANTED". He is still saying “There is a purpose for you being here and I have plans for you -- to prosper you and not harm you -- plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Don't ever listen to the lies of the thief who wants to steal you of your wantedness. Rejection is a thief and a liar. Don't listen to him when he tries to convince you you've failed too many times or you've messed up too much. That you took a wrong turn somewhere and you can never get back on track. That there is something “wrong” with you or everything in your life would be right. Just don't listen to those lies.

Instead, lean into your Father -- the ONE that made you and brought you here to this place at this time. Let Him tell you again, “You are mine. You are chosen. You are accepted. You are cherished. You are my prized possession -- my masterpiece."
Yes, YOU ARE WANTED -- but for how much? You are PRICELESS -- a one-of-a-kind ORIGINAL. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!
#WANTED

It's the REAL THING!

Day 54 of Photo Inspirations -- It's the REAL THING!
There were so many "awe and wonder" moments at the ACTS Retreat that I attended last weekend, but one of the highlights was hearing Monsignor Dan Mueggenborg, a gifted and eloquent speaker.  Msgr Dan holds a special place in my heart.   Currently he is Pastor of Christ the King Church in Tulsa, but, formerly he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. He was on the faculty of the North American College (Seminary) when my sweet husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary.  He was so gracious to give us grand tours of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants.  Such sweet memories for me, accompanied his amazing "talk".

He shared that when he was studying Theology, as a student, years before at the North American College, Mother Teresa would often come to Rome and he had the tremendous opportunity to meet with her.  In fact he had a private breakfast with her -- just her and him.  He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked:  "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you.  Would you please sign this prayer card for me?"  And, she graciously did, and being slightly forward, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who sincerely loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries.  She was so kind again, to sign the second card.  Msgr Dan framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other  signed card to his priest friend.  He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did.  Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card.  His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one."  Msgr Dan asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one."  Msgr Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY?  I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that card and you threw away an ORIGINAL!     IT WAS A PRECIOUS TREASURE!"

He went on to compare that precious treasure being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.  He is the REAL treasure.  He is THE ORIGINAL.

After that beautiful, inspiring talk, I felt on-purpose to do my best to keep Him in a place of honor, as the HEAD of my household and my life.  He's the REAL deal!  I believe in Him.  He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.