It’s a Brand New Day

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but this day is the day we have an opportunity to practice recognizing God’s blessings in everything – even in the things we don’t especially like! It’s a big deal to wake up to a new day, because yesterday was the very last day on this earth for many.

It’s a brand new day with potential and possibilities! It’s also a brand new day to posture ourselves with a “can-do-anything, all-is-well” mindset. At the beginning of each day, we step into the world and, if we’re intentional, we’ll avoid the news and the bickering and the sensational soundbites. That will be a good thing. We can be on purpose in avoiding the yuck of this world so that we are clear-headed and clear-hearted.

It’s a brand new day. We are still here, and God has a reason for it! We keep reminding my almost 98-year-old mother-in-law of that when she says: "I'm done. Take me home, Lord!" We know there's a reason for her life AND yours and mine. Life is a matter of perspective. No blessing is too small or unimportant. And even if this day comes with some unwelcome surprises, we remember God has a master plan in place….and, if we’ll look, we’ll even see the blessings tucked in-between those surprises. We take the good with the bad, and God is gracious to give us both as a reminder that every good and perfect thing starts with Him. (James 1:17)

Take heart, my friends. It’s a brand new day and we can lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving for it. All is well. Let’s take deep breaths…because we can. We aren’t on ventilators. We aren’t bed-fast. We aren’t in prison. We aren’t on a street begging for bread. We aren't a lost cause.

So what can we do well today? We can do our part. We can fight the good fight. We can work for justice and freedom. We can offer grace to those who need God’s grace and He can use us to give it to them. Let’s move about with mercy and understanding and even though folks can’t see us doing it through our masks – let’s SMILE. That smile radiates in our eyes that twinkle with God’s love. Folks will “eye” it. Let’s be kind. Let’s love.

It’s a brand new day. Clean slate. Let’s make new memories, celebrate life and all its many thrills – after all, this is the last day we have today.

I Can Control ME!

I thought I’d mix it up. Instead of my usual chair that faces the TV, I decided to sit in the chair that faced out to my screened-in patio. Amazing how changing things up can change our perspective. My eyes were drawn to this wall hanging that the previous owners left behind. It was a bonus to see words that I needed, and maybe you do, too!

I read with intention: “Think deeply. Speak gently. Love much. Laugh a lot. Work hard. Give freely and BE KIND." That's a great mission statement for anyone! Was God nudging me to read those this day? I did, with a little haughtiness. If God was wanting me to read them, I figured I passed His test. Actually, I think He was wanting me to up my game! Each one of those phrases is a sermon in itself.

“Think deeply” – that one gave me pause because lately I haven’t been thinking deep thoughts – pondering, like Jesus’ Mother, Mary, did. Treasuring these times instead of resenting them. I embraced these words today – to think deeply about God's promises and how He loves me so much and He is surely working on good for me. I needed to reel myself back in from the things that have distracted me from Him and ponder and treasure Him.

"Speak gently" -- it's easy to get caught up in all the angry folks out there, who speak anything but gentle words. I really want to be gentle with an encouraging voice, but there are times when I know I need more gentleness! But, Lord, it’s so hard to stay quiet when I or my friends are being attacked by unkind words! Oh, I get it, you are wanting ME to control ME!

"Love much" -- This is the crux of what God wants from us. Remember how Jesus narrowed down the 10 Commandments to just two? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. AND, love your neighbor as yourself." If we loved that much, we would always keep "the ten"! Lord, You loved much when You were attacked, rejected and spoken lies about. Please help us love as you love. WWJD!

"Laugh a lot" -- I have a friend in Tulsa who helps me with this one. Witty, herself, she sends me jokes and hilarious stories. I love hanging with my grands. They make me laugh, especially when they remind me of ME and some of my ways! Laughing is good medicine. I love the laughter that families are embracing during these times. I've seen many funny memes that have come out of it.

"Work hard" I can give myself a high-five for this one. I’ve always been a hard worker – even when I wasn’t working. I’m a doer. I loved watching The Chosen Series. It portrayed Jesus as a hard worker – cooking meals, carving wood, making furniture – after all, He was born into a hard-working family. He set the example for us.

"Give freely" My husband had the gift of giving. He would give away anything we had to someone who needed it more than we did. He gave away our bed when I was having severe back problems. We resorted to our son’s water bed and within two weeks of sleeping on that warm, watery bed, my back was completely healed. I think God wants us to freely give, so He can bless us even more with abundance.

"Be kind" -- What a wonderful world this would be if kindness was our mode of operation! My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters where kindness made a difference in your life. Kind words and actions from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. I want to be sensitive to God’s prompting when He nudges me to be kind and to speak kindness into the life of another.

We can’t always control the things that life brings our way -- especially during times like these -- but we can control how we respond. I’m taking in the words of this sign today. I will accept Jesus’ invitation to walk more closely to Him and to “Think deeply. Speak gently. Love much. Laugh a lot. Work hard. Give freely and be kind." Thanks, Lord, for loving me so much that you want me to be the best version of ME that I can be! And, thanks to the sellers of this home who left that message for me!

Disappointment or APPOINTMENT?

I’ve given it few days since CNN's headline: Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, pull off epic Super Bowl comeback”. Whether you are a 49ers or Chiefs fan or not a football fan at all, if you tuned into the Super Bowl game last Sunday night and watched it all the way to the end, you were amazed at such an incredible comeback by the 49ers. I was at my kids’ home and, when the 49ers were leading by ten points at the end of the 3rd quarter, I headed home. I wasn’t necessarily a quitter because I turned on the game as soon as I made it home and watched the final exciting comeback -- all cozy at home in my jammies!

I’ll admit, I was cheering for the Chiefs. I have lots of family that live in Kansas City, MO, so I was thrilled when they won. The 49ers had DISAPPOINTMENT written all over their faces when they couldn’t pull off the win. I was so inspired to hear about the players (on both teams) say they have leaned on their faith to help them with their careers and keep everything in perspective. After the victory, Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, "I want to thank the Lord for blessing us with all these incredible people to bring this trophy home."

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named MVP, carrying the ball into the end zone on his own for one of the Chiefs' crucial touchdowns. He says his faith in God is the source of his success. "Doing what I do every single day, and then knowing that as long I'm doing everything the right way, the way that He'd want me to do it, then I can walk off the field with my head held high and be able to be the man that I'm supposed to be. It's given me a lot of blessings in my life and I'm trying to maximize and glorify Him in everything I do," said Mahomes.

While one team and their stunned fans were disappointed, the other team and their fans saw their win as a divine appointment. I love when I hear anyone speaking about the goodness of God. They are helping to make HIM famous.

Maybe you don't care one way or the other about a Super Bowl game, but maybe some-ONE or some-THING has brought you tremendous disappointment. We can't stop disappointment, but we can stop staying stuck in it. I know how easy it is to dwell on something or someone that hurt me. Wallowing there gets us nowhere. I remember times of great disappointment. As long as I stayed sad, the more miserable I became. When I would refuse to stay in that place and go to my Peace-Giver, I would snap out of the doldrums and find a place of joy, gladness, comfort and peace. Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

God has incredible plans for us and the enemy of our souls would like to keep us from ever experiencing those plans and just stay "put" in misery. God's purpose for us goes beyond times of disappointment. In fact, that disappointment today may just be the set up for HIS APPOINTMENT where hope is found and a major comeback is on its way that produces successes and joy. There are many future God-appointments on the other side of whatever disappointment we may be encountering today. God has your name on His appointment schedule. He'll be right on time. Don't be a minute late!

Getting Rid of a Glass Half Empty Attitude

I raised a couple of teenagers and have helped take care of those grown-up teenagers’.teenagers. I know well that they go through all spectrums of emotions at any given time. One day they’re optimistic and in a good mood. The next day they can have sour attitudes that sour up a room like a big old dill pickle. We all know those mood swings because we were once teenagers. I remember me and I’ll admit, I regret those times when I was less than grateful. Oh, how precious was my mother as she navigated me, single-handedly, through those rough waters of boyfriend troubles and school and test troubles – all that seemed so insurmountable – but they all came and passed – literally. I married the boyfriend and successfully passed the tests and graduated. My half empty perspective then, has turned into a half full glass today.

It's almost Thanksgiving Day and I’m already forming my gratitude list in my head. In fact, yesterday morning I sent my usual morning text to my four – my two and their spouses. I said something like this to them: “Happy Thanksgiving week, my loves. I’m so looking forward to our special times together this week. Praying already that God makes this a year to remember in gratitude for His goodness and mercy that has kept us strong, healthy, lots of good food on our tables, being able to be God’s hand extended to so many around us, protection in the midst of storms and accidents, laughter in the midst of tough times, and security and peace in abundance. We are so so blessed. I love you so much!”

It’s so easy to a HALF EMPTY if we allow the negative to overtake our thoughts. You know – like:
I’m thankful for Jesus, but I can’t live up to his standards.
I'm thankful for my husband, but marriage is so much work.
I am thankful for my kids, but they never listen.
I am thankful for my home, but everything is falling apart.
I am thankful for my job, but it's a dead-end job.

You get the picture. I want the half full glass of gratitude that doesn’t add BUT to my gratitude. I want the FULL glass of gratitude list of things that inspire thanksgiving in my heart – not a list that focuses on present difficulties and is void of hope in the good things to come.

We can be thankful, even in hardship, because our future is based on God’s love, not on our perfection or our performance. Yes, we may experience temporary hardships, but they do not alter our eternal absolutes. Our hope is in Christ alone. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Here’s the way to turn a glass half empty attitude into a full one!
I’m thankful for Jesus, who covers me with His righteousness.
I am thankful for my husband and our blessed marriage.
I am thankful for my kids who are full of life and joy.
I am thankful for my comfortable home that is enough.
I am thankful for a job that I can grow in and be my best.

This glass half full list takes a little discipline. It requires a shift in thinking from temporary comfort to eternal security. It means releasing despair and embracing hope. Hope can inspire gratitude for what is and what will be.

I leave you with this prayer for a Thanksgiving full of hope:
“May the God of hope fill you (a glass FULL) with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).

My Perspective Changed and So Did I

We’ve all seen that FedEx logo. And, often we are excited to see it because an important package finally arrived. My perspective of express is getting to a destination quickly. I think of an express train or bus that has little to no stops before reaching its destination and then there's the express elevator that goes straight to the top instead of stopping on other floors.

My perspective changed when the FedEx logo was put up on the screen during a speaker's talk. He said: "Look between the E and the X and see if you can see the white arrow.” And, with a little intentional focus, it was easy to see. Since then, when I see that FedEx logo, whether it's on a truck, an airplane, or a box being delivered to me, I see that arrow!

Maybe you wouldn't have given a second thought to that FedEx logo including a right-arrow. Or maybe you've always seen it. That's because we're ALL different. We all have a different way of viewing things. We often hear sayings such as: “different strokes for different folks", "let's agree to disagree", or "couldn't see the forest for the trees," These expressions verify that we all have different perspectives.

My "God" perspective certainly changed over the years. As a child, I viewed God as a hard taskmaster. I saw Him as the authority figure that would "get me" if I didn't act or perform to please Him. I lived in fear of what He would do to me. My perspective changed when I came to know God's love and grace. I came to know Him as my “Abba Father” -- a Daddy that I can literally "blow it", but with arms open wide, He beckons me to Him, forgives me and gives me mercy. Romans 8:15 says: “The Spirit you received doesn’t make you slaves. Otherwise you would live in fear again. Instead, the Holy Spirit you received made you God’s adopted child. By the Spirit’s power we call God Abba. Abba means Father.”

The key to knowing what's best for my life, is KNOWING GOD!" And that's why my perspective has changed -- because the more time I spend in His Word, in fellowship with His people, in communication with Him, in trusting Him with my whole heart, in wanting with all my heart to please Him.....I've come to know HIM…..REALLY know Him. My perspective changed.....and I could never see Him in any other way again.

Now, with the Apostle Paul, I really do have a perspective of God that causes me to love Him more. And the better I understand His nature and ways, the more I understand how very much He loves me. Paul prayed "May you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is" (Ephesians 3:18). Take that to heart, and you'll never see God the same way again either.

My Rolling in the Hay Adventures

Not only do I blog every day, but I also write in my journal the highlights of each day -- the "God" encounters, the strange, the off-kilter, the wacky, and the wild adventures. Truly I amuse myself. Believe me, I have plenty to write about -- even outside of my normal routine. A couple of weeks ago I volunteered at the "Roar" VBS which spotlighted the wild exploits of jungle animals and in our Faith Station where I was a co-leader, we taught about the wild adventures that took place in the Bible.

Those Bible adventures carry on in the wild adventures I take on when I take care of my family's critters: 8 hens; 2 ducks, a huge longhorn, 8 goats, 3 donkeys, a dog and a cat, plus the wildlife (note the wild turkeys that showed up a couple of days ago) AND all the varmints that lurk in the dark at night.

I read my journal for this date a year ago and I was here, like this time, while the family was on their summer vacation. Oh my! Here's an excerpt: "OMG -- again! I went to check on the chickens and get in the eggs, and lo and behold, two hens were outside the pen. Blistering hot outside and they were running from me. Finally, one flew to the top of the wall and I chased her back into the pen and the other, I finally lasted longer than she did and caught her. Thank you, Lord, for strength in this day!" Here I am one year later saying "Bring it on, girls and boys!" Now we know that those hen girls regularly fly out of the pen for a little adventure of their own, but they fly back in. Now we give them a little leeway and they always come home where they belong. There's just no place like home!

Sometimes it’s a good thing to explore and experience some out-of-the-box times that produce growth, some new muscle, new insight, and a fresh new perspective. When I take on the care of these animals, it is definitely out of my comfort zone. Last year, I knew those animals sensed my trepidation. The goats and donkeys took advantage of me, the novice farm-hand, by overpowering my obvious inexperience. And then some of the chickens escaped under the fence and I was chasing them -- pardon the pun -- like a chicken with her head cut off. And if you didn’t know, chickens are fast. I’m sure you would have been greatly entertained if you had seen me. I finally cornered them and took them home, and then commenced to haul over rocks to the fence to cover the just-big-enough-to-escape holes. This time it’s easy-peasy. Note my relaxing morning devotion location and sweet Bentley, their Havanese dog who is my side-kick!

I am so pleased to report that my mentality changed from “out-of-sync” to “I’ll show you who's boss” this year! It’s smooth, calm and in-sync here at Old Mac-Donna’s farm. In fact, I think I’ve conquered any fears or concerns. The bigger animals respect me when I come out with their feed bowls. Now, I have a well-thought-out plan that calmly separates them, respectfully, at meal-time. They love it when I scratch their heads and backs. The ducks and chickens are behaving like well-behaved critters (instead of “gangsters” like I called those who escaped their pen last year), and those mama hens are producing a lot of eggs for me – so yummy! There’s nothing like fresh eggs.

I am so blessed to have a “King David” moment (1 Samuel 30:6) when he encouraged himself. I encourage myself by God's words about “taking dominion” in Genesis 1:28. “And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” I muster up that dominion attitude with wisdom and strength and an empowered mindset. I take matters into my hands that are empowered by God's strong and mighty hands and even celebrate His marvelous creation – His critters and His masterfully designed scenic view! Life is good because God is good. All the time.

It's All About Perspective

Continuing on with my animal-sitting here in Austin, I was taking the 2,000 lb longhorn, Vamanos, his morning meal, consisting of huge grain pellets and lots of hay. He is usually standing at the fence waiting or at least comes trotting if he is a distance away. Yesterday, no sign of Vamanos. I clanged the gate with the chain. Nada. I hollered and yelled for him. Nada. Suddenly, I became alarmed. NEVER had he not shown up for his mealtime. I, cautiously, walked inside the fence and went down a path that leads to a thick treed area, but then Mother Wisdom warned me about getting too far from the gate so I could make a quick exit if he shows up. He seems like a gentle giant, but my good instincts tell me he sees "red" when he sees me!

In a distance, I saw what looked to be horns and a carcass in the field. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I imagined wild animals had attacked him and eaten him up. As I walked closer, I was greatly relieved that it was the remains of a fallen tree looking exactly like what my imagination was telling me. After breathing a sigh of relief, I made my way back to the gate and called some more. I started pondering "Who can I call to go into that pasture and treed area to see if he is okay or hurt or sick?" I thought, "I'll give it an hour (it was 7 am) and then I'll go back and see if he showed up. As I was walking away, meandering up the hill, was Vamanos. I probably had awakened him from one of those mornings deep periods of sleep.

Of course, I would find a post for today out of that morning ordeal. My perspective was imagining the worst possible scenario and my vision saw it just that. Not until I got closer to the false scenario, did I change my perspective.

How many times do we imagine the worst possible thing to happen in our lives instead of getting a reality check? We hear the weather reports and rather than turning to the Creator of the weather, we succumb to fear and anxiety. We come up against some tough times financially, and we see ourselves going bankrupt instead of turning to He Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (gotta' keep up with my farm analogy). We see a light at the end of the tunnel but it's a train coming to take us out instead of the Light of the World turning things around for us.

Even though our perspective might be skewed and we may not see things clearly, just hold on. Time will pass and we will see it as clearly as God had planned all along. It will be like seeing with new eyes. Seeing things through His planned perspective. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ {Jeremiah 29:11}

When we let our own limited perspective get in our way, we miss God in the midst. When we dwell on the outcome, we miss what is happening now. He is right there with us. He knows the way. He has the plan all figured out and He knows how it will all come together.

Just as Vamanos came sauntering up for his breakfast instead of being eaten alive as my perspective had made me think.....God will saunter or stroll along for a while, and in His perfectly set time.....we will see Him clearly and we will see the BIG PICTURE He planned all along.

Is the Coming of Spring Bringing Spring to Your Steps?

Just 7 days until it's officially Spring (March 20th). The pink tulips, the bright yellow jonquils and the bright yellow forsythia are out. The red bud trees are red budding. The creeping phlox are creeping out. And, Sunday, I came out -- outside, that is. I've been hibernating for most of this winter. What happened to Texas heat, anyway?

My walking/jogging routine came to a halt when I injured my ankle and it's been so cold outside and I've been so busy and I've been traveling here, there and everywhere. Excuses. Excuses. Excuses. I was speaking all of that to myself when I took to the streets and sidewalks on Sunday. That's when I saw the new life in the plants, trees and flowers (photos here). I realized it's time to get Spring into my steps!

My word of the day is obviously, SPRING: to move or jump suddenly or rapidly upward or forward; leap; arise, evolve, AND the season between winter and summer.

I was a greeter and held the door open at church on Sunday in spite of the 30 mph winds. I'd use cliches like "Look what the wind blew in!" "So glad you didn't blow away!" "We've got that 'wind-blown-look today, don't we?" Then a jolly fellow that had a bounce to his steps, beat me to the punch and said, "Could you turn down the wind, please?"

Did you ever hear that phrase -- a SPRING in your steps? It means we're walking with a bit of a bounce in our steps, implying that we're in a good mood or something good has just happened to us. Ever been weighed down with a heavy situation, and suddenly good news came, and you felt light as a feather? You were pressed down and weighed down, then suddenly you had SPRING IN YOUR STEPS!

This time of year helps with adding Spring to our steps and we get a fresh new perspective on life. Spring marks a new beginning. I love that it brings Easter -- the celebration that Christ lives. All of nature is renewed and it reminds me all the more of God's great love for us. Everything starts to come alive. Our world gets filled with color. Isn't all that reason enough to have SPRING in our steps?

Spring in our steps brings a breath of fresh air to those we meet and come in contact with. We have the reasons for joy and life and it should exude from us. We should be like a ray of sunshine because we have good news of a great and mighty God to share. We have some wonderful things in our lives that make us different and because of it, we should have that extra bounce to our walk. Like the birds that come singing in the Spring, we should be singing songs of praise and thanksgiving with a "Spring in our Step" everyday! With each step, we should have a smile on our face and love in our hearts! After all, WE KNOW the CREATOR of Springtime. He is our Maker and He made us with "built-in" springs that can cause us to always rebound with God’s peace, joy and love each and every day!

Remembering to Re-Member

Here I am – back in Tulsa. Sis and I are working diligently on getting Mom’s Estate Sale ready, but not before many close friends and family members came and took a token of a special memory they had with Mom in the past. We’ve loved the “remembering” of such special and momentous times that are etched forever in our minds. Mom, at 95 years old, remembers so many of those special times and even helps us to remember.

Remembering AND re-membering. Like the “re-membering” definition above, Mom, Karen and I had been “re-membering” my dear husband (Mom’s boy and Karen’s big bro) and the ways he did certain things, his little quirks and his many abilities. We often recall how contented he was during his final year of adversity, and how he rarely complained. We recalled how very quiet he was -- quite the feat for a man who "fire-hosed" people when he was given the chance to give them an encouraging word. All such sweet re-membering that is so very important and brings us so much comfort. When someone shares how my sweetheart impacted and made a difference in their life, it blesses me so much. They tell me they will never be the same because he cared. They were re-membering that he played an important role in their life story.

My daughter brought a whole new perspective to the word, re-membering. She reminded me of a beautiful statue of Jesus that I had given to her and how, inadvertently, in a move, the statute was broken into many pieces. Very quickly, she embarked on the task to “re-member” Jesus. Carefully, piece by piece, she glued the statue back together again. In essence, she put Jesus’ members back together again. She remarked "And this is what Jesus wants us to be doing – to “re-member” His body (the Body of Christ) by striving to bring us all together.

Though we don’t stay in-the-past thinking “I wish I were back there again”, we do REMEMBER and RE-MEMBER those circumstances, and even trials, that were the fuel for kicking us upward and onward to turn tests into testimonies, messes into messages and trials into triumph. I think about dear friends and RE-MEMBER their encouragement and support that carried us through some of our worst times. And, now it's us helping others to RE-MEMBER their broken hearts and spirits by encouraging them and praying for them.

Most of all – RE-MEMBER the ONE who paid the ultimate price for you and me. RE-MEMBER how Jesus went about doing good. RE-MEMBER how He loved you and brought you out of a dismal life of despair to a place of joy and victory. RE-MEMBER to REMEMBER His Words at the Last Supper: Luke 22:19 “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in REMEMBRANCE of me."

1 Chronicles 16:12 “REMEMBER His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth.”

Jesus reminded His disciples to REMEMBER: Matthew 16:9-10 "Do you not yet understand or REMEMBER the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up?”

These Moments Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It is isn't the money in my wallet or the car I drive or home I live in. It isn't the TV show that made me laugh or the movie I saw that inspired me. Nothing can compare with the priceless gratitude moments that represent my favorite things.

I was thrilled to have my children and grandchildren (except for my "big" grands, Braden, Ruth (who had to work) and Barrett who couldn't make it here, to my home for our traditional Thanksgiving meal and time together. I was never in a panic mode, but, thanks be to God, I was relaxed, steady, motivated and excited to prepare the "grand" meal for those I love so much. It brought so much joy to my heart for us to sit around the table and talk about all the many blessings in our lives. Indeed, these moments are a few of my favorite things.

Ryan and Shawntel stay at my home, and their boys stay at the Wallace’s home so that the cousins can hang together. I love their love for each other, though Payton, age 17 and Alexia, age 16, are the older cousins of Brennan, age 13, and Bryson, age 11. Payton plays with them like he was their age and Alexia is like a little mother to Bryson -- cuddling and loving on him. Yes, this is another of my favorite things.

Yesterday morning, Ryan, Shawntel and I sat at my dining room table – enjoying our delicious breakfast burritos that dear Neicey made for us. I realized I was sitting in a different chair than I typically sit in. I usually face my living area but, this day I sat in the opposite chair and I saw a red berry bush outside my window that I never realized was a "red berry" bush. I had a new perspective and a new little “Thank you, God!” moment. Those moments are a few of my favorite things.

The two sets of parents had their private time together. I love seeing my grown children relating and encouraging each other in such peace and harmony. This is another one of my favorite things. I took the grandchildren up to the pickle ball and bocce ball courts where they played for hours. We came back to my house and they wanted “Nana’s sippy cups (Yes, I still have the sippy cups from their younger years that they still want to drink chocolate milk out of). Alexia and Bryson wanted me to pull out my Lincoln Logs (Yes, I still keep a few of their favorite “Nana and Papa” toys). Years ago, when they were all so small, Papa insisted on getting Lincoln Logs for the grandkids that stayed at our home. He handcrafted a thin board that he painted roads and rivers on for the set up of the logs. Those memories and these moments are among my favorites things.

I’m sure you’ve read enough of my "favorite things" moments, and I think you "get my drift". We live in such motion and speed. We get up early and go to bed late and have no time to savor "the moments". Do we want our epitaph to read "She/He was always on the go -- but she/he went nowhere!" When we are clear on what matters most in our lives, life will become so meaningful and joyful. What matters most is God's sweet moments -- those heaven to earth moments.

A lot of folks talk about wanting an “experience” as if it's going to come in the future. Yet what could be a more beautiful experience than THIS moment, right now? Though their Mom and Dad had to go home yesterday, the two boys talked their Mom and Dad into letting them stay over in Frisco until Sunday night, because Ryan’s associate, who lives in Southlake (a community just miles from here) is heading to Austin and can take them home. These are all "sweet surprise" moments that represent my favorite things.

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. Indeed these moments ARE among MY FAVORITE THINGS.

It's a Matter of Perspective

I had the privilege of judging at the Dallas Speech and Debate Tournament yesterday. One of the speeches that impressed, inspired and blessed me was by a gal who gave an Illustrative Oratory entitled “Perspective”. An illustrative oratory is one where the speaker is able to use props and graphics on an easel and boards that illustrate their subject matter and speech.

She gave this illustration about her Great Grandparents. She described her grandpa as a quiet, sedentary, low-key artist. Her grandmother was a busy, overactive, always on-the-go gal. She said, if you looked at those qualities, you’d simply look at potentially negative flaws. But when you ask her Grandpa about his wife’s qualities, he would say, “She’s a hard worker, understanding and full of life.” And to ask her about her husband’s qualities, she’d say “He’s creative, talented and dedicated.” It’s a matter of perspective.

This letter was written by a young lady to her parents from college:
Dear Mom & Dad -- Sorry I haven’t written sooner. I broke my arm and left leg when I jumped from the second floor of my dormitory when we had the fire. We were lucky. A service station attendant saw the blaze and called the Fire Department. They were there in minutes. I was in the hospital for a few days. Paul, the service station attendant, came to see me every day. And because it was taking so long to get our dormitory liveable again, I moved in with him. He has been so nice and I must admit that I am pregnant. Paul and I plan to get married just as soon as he can get a divorce. I hope things are fine at home. I’m doing fine, and will write more when I get the chance. Love,Your daughter, Susie.
P.S. None of the above is true. But I did get a "D" in Math and flunked Chemistry. I just wanted you to receive this news in its "Proper Perspective!"

Here’s what I’ve come to know. When it comes to the things of life and the way we perceive it, with its good and bad times, we often only can see confusion, disconnected events, inconvenience, and the overwhelming immensity of everything and our own smallness in comparison. But, like I had to do when I was inconvenienced with this recent hailstorm that caused damage to my soon-to-be home, I had to get a grip and get a good perspective on the whole thing. I had to stand back and take in as much of the view as I could. When I did that, not only could I see the present, but I could also see the blessings that can come with it. It was a matter of perspective.

Oftentimes we're so caught up in the middle of it all that we forget that we are smack dab in the place where God can fulfill His destiny and purpose in us the best. I know we all can look back on a time with a different perspective and see God's hand at work.

Sounds to me like perspective has a lot to do with gratitude. The young woman’s story about her grandparents indicated that they were grateful for each other. The story of the college student, I’m sure led to gratitude that their daughter ONLY had an issue with her grades and not all the other issues. And for me and you, we should all look around at the bigger picture of blessings that encompass our lives: our loved ones and all their quirks, our homes – because we have a place to live no matter how big or small; our cars no matter how old it is; our jobs – that others would give anything to have a job. It really is all about gratitude and PERSPECTIVE.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I'm big on recognizing blessings aka the favor of God. For example -- that parking place close to the door of the store, the unexpected check in the mail, the traffic light turning green before you stop, the sale price on an item we needed. I think that the more I give credit to where or WHO the credit is due, the more the blessings come, even if it's as simple as finding something that was lost and suddenly you find it.

Sunday night, there was a crazy thunder and lightning storm and torrential rains that hit the Austin area where my kids live. At midnight, the electricity went off and at 12:30 am, I knew it because my bedroom was warming up fast, and I couldn't see my alarm clock -- it was pitch black in the room. I went back to sleep and woke up at 3 am (saw my cell phone clock) and the electricity was still off. I needed to wake up at 5 and be on the road by 6 in order to beat the Austin morning traffic as I was heading back to Frisco for an appointment. Of course I didn't fall back into a sound sleep because I didn't want to oversleep. Fortunately, my phone light guided me to my little flashlight that I used to get dressed and packed up. I sure needed that curling iron but I knew I could stop at a truck stop to get myself together. In the light of the way that morning started, it could be seen as getting up on the wrong side of the bed and if I were a negative thinker, could have thought that this day just might go downhill. But, it didn't -- thanks to the FOG -- Favor of God. That's my daily mindset -- I always look for the FOG and give credit to God when those favors come my way.

I stopped by a truck stop -- but no electricity outlets in there and on down the road I saw Rest Area -- and initially thought "They wouldn't give electrical outlets for free electricity", but I was wrong. Clean restrooms and electric outlets! I even encountered a really sweet lady and we shared our "electric outage" stories and mine paled in comparison to the difficulties members of her family had recently gone through with losing their home to a fire caused by a lightning strike. It's a matter of perspective -- our "little" inconveniences are minute compared to those who are REALLY dealing was some of life's greatest challenges.

My left turn signal went out and I could have looked at the inconvenience of getting the light replaced. As I drove into Frisco and almost to my daughter's home, I saw an automotive parts store and got the replacement bulb and asked the cashier where I could go to get it put in for me. He replied "Right next door at Kwik Kar Car Repair. Hmmm! Thanks, God! The general manager there helped me and said "I won't charge you to put it in -- just too easy to do for you", he said. I was so grateful and then I asked "What about my DRL light (daytime running light) that also needs replacement?" He said he'd check it for me. Just before I had left for Austin, I went to the Buick Dealership for an oil change and asked if they could replace the DRL light for me. The price was going to be $250 -- I told them I'd wait until I returned back to Dallas. The Kwik Kar General Manager put both lights in that I needed and he said "No charge". I was in shock because of what the Buick Dealership was going to charge me. I gave him a $50 tip. Favor of God.

From there I went to Panera Bread to grab a glass of iced tea. The cashier said, "No charge!" WHAT are you saying to me, Lord? "The Favor of God".

As many of you are aware that since my home in Tulsa sold back in September, I've been living between the homes of a dear friend and my mother-in-law in Tulsa, and my children in Frisco and Austin. Though I looked for possible homes to establish myself in Frisco (it's halfway between Austin and Tulsa), I never had the sense "Buy me!" That is, until this same day -- Monday. I had made an appointment with a realtor that I first met when I was introduced to Frisco Lakes and saw a couple of his homes but I just wasn't interested to the point of buying. That is, until Monday. The first home I went into, I sensed "This is it! This is that place you'll call 'home'! By the end of the day, without my children's approval or them even seeing the property, I made an offer on that home. Yesterday, I signed the final deal. I like to think that the month-long hiatus with God was producing His favor to me. I abided in His sweet presence -- seeking Him for the plans and purposes He had for me. I had peace and I know it was that peace that led me to this day and this place.

Staci was videoing me at my new house (closing will be April 3rd) and she asked what made the difference this time in making a decision. My response was Peace led me. That Peace that passed my understanding. That Peace that I've lived in way back before just recently. It was the same Peace that has kept me through some of my toughest times, but sweetest times, the Peace that came when my home in Tulsa sold when I wasn't even trying to sell it. It was the Peace that assured me that if I trusted Him with my whole heart and would not lean to my own understanding, but if in all my ways I would acknowledge Him, He would direct my steps and my pathways. He did and on this day, I give Him the utmost CREDIT where CREDIT is due. I give Him the praise and thanksgiving for loving me so much, that He never left me, but gave me the assurance that His favor was with me.

One Gal's Junk.....Another Gal's Treasure

My sis-in-law and I share a sweet memory of the estate sale company that we owned and operated. We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. Perspective. A useless Tupperware lid for one, but for another it was just what they needed. Old worthless baby stroller for one, to another it was a great tool for hauling things in. An old, beat up window -- junk...but another would turn it into a piece of art. It’s a matter of how we look at life……and stuff.

What a ride we had in that business. After years in the business, our season changed and we decided to "close-up-shop" on that business, but kept all our supplies and inventory in a storage unit. With my upcoming move to Texas, we decided to go ahead and sell all those supplies. Of all the inquiries from our advertising, only one couple was really interested -- it was the couple that we purchased our supplies from years ago -- wanting to get back into the business again!!! God's timing was perfect....for both of us. Thanks be to God!

So yesterday, Karen and I had a garage sale of "stuff" that she and I had accumulated that needed to go. We were able to borrow the tables and shelves from the couple that purchased back their supplies from us. Perfect timing....again. Getting the sale ready and then the sale, our hearts were stirred once again by those that stopped by to shop. We had always made everyone that visited our sales feel like they were family. Yesterday was no exception. Our sweet Mom loved it because we used her home, where we had many garage sales over the years. I might add the BEST location ever for garage sales. Every age and ethnicity stopped by and we gave away as much as we sold. Oh what a feeling!

Karen, George & I were at Mom's houe to set everything out yesterday morning at 6 am. Mom was still sleeping. Soon, she came out and was singing "I woke up this morning feeling fine. I woke up with heaven on my mind. I woke up with joy in my soul....now Lord, make everything in this sale GO GO GO!" LOL! She has also loved our sales because as outgoing as she is, she acquires lots of new friends -- like in this photo with a sweet little girl who has spina bifida, but other than the shoes and walker she uses, all you could see was a little shop-till-you-drop queen. Her "normal" rose to the occasion and her little bag of treasures "made her day". Mom and her became best buds. And then there's Carl, a close friend of Mom, Karen & George, who has become like a son to Mom. The two of them had plenty to talk about as they watched the garage sale activity -- especially the beaming faces of those who found a "treasure" amidst our junk!

Finding the treasures AND pleasures of life in some of the sweetest ways -- that's what doing our estate sales and garage sales over the years meant to us. We helped others pay forward all their items that were once treasures to them, to become treasures to others.

What about you? What treasures could be found in your junk and funk? This little girl had physical junk and funk....but she was relentless. She WAS a treasure! No stopping her. Just wonder if there's a treasure amidst the junk you have encountered in your life. In spite of how we feel about ourselves, perhaps unusable, unlikeable, broken or unwanted. God, the Master Artist and Lover of our souls, will clean up our messes, forgive us for ignoring His voice, and turn us into a beautiful, handcrafted works of art and treasures that He can touch and use as precious vessels of encouragement, peace and joy to bless others.

You'll never know what you'll find in people, places and situations -- just maybe today -- amidst the junk.....you just might find the treasure you've been looking for!

What a Difference Perspective Makes

Six years ago, I knew God had me on a mission. I knew I was mandated to "rise to the occasion". In spite of the challenging times we were in during that entire year, I knew God had given me a mandate that included finding the blessing in every situation we were encountering – to find the rainbow in the many rainy and cloudy days we were going through. Then, to write about it and live out “tough times don’t last but tough people do”. Help others see that in the worst of times, God will shine His bright light to penetrate the darkest nights. It was during those times that I begin to write blogs about our experiences. In the worst of times, with God's help, we prevailed and, in fact, found the silver lining in every one of those clouds. We realized that our perspective made the biggest difference. Rather than the perspective of "Why me? Why us?", we lived in the perspective of "being safe in the middle of the storm".

Along with my blogging, I was intent, each day, to find the “just right” photo or picture that would help me illustrate my point. I’d go through hundreds of photos before finding “the one”. That photo might have ended up being way too pixelated to use – especially when I enlarged the photo and added text to it. Could you have been able to tell that this distorted photo here was this girl and boy? When we are in the midst of a difficult season, it becomes overwhelming because we can’t see a way out or see what the purpose is or see when it will change. We want to know why and we want to make sense of it all. But when we take a moment to remember Who is painting the picture, we can rest in our faith.

When we let our own limited perspective get in our way, we miss Him in the middle of it all. When we dwell on the outcome, we miss what is happening now. He is right there with us. He knows the way. Isaiah reminds us that His ways and thoughts are beyond us. There are things we just can’t see or know. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’ {Isaiah 55:8-9}

Perspective. You know the saying "You can't see the forest for the trees." Oftentimes we're so caught up in the middle of it all that we forget that we are smack dab in the place where God can fulfill His destiny and purpose in us the best. I know we all can look back on a time with a different perspective and see the hand of God at work.

Even though we may not see things clearly, just hold on. Time will pass and we will see it as clearly as He had planned. It will be like seeing with new eyes. Seeing things through His planned perspective. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ {Jeremiah 29:11}

The first photo here is almost incomprehensibie, but once I tweaked it, it became perfectly clear -- two adorable kids (the youngest in each of my two children's families). Now we can sing that song " I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) SON-Shiny day..

What a difference the proper perspective can make. Keeping our eyes focused on the Storm Chaser, the Burden Bearer, the Safe Shelter -- keeps our perspective in focus!

What a Difference Perspective Makes

Six years ago, I knew God had me on a mission. I knew I was mandated to "rise to the occasion". In spite of the challenging times we were in during that entire year, I knew God had given me a mandate that included finding the blessing in every situation we were encountering – to find the rainbow in the many rainy and cloudy days we were going through. Then, to write about it and live out “tough times don’t last but tough people do”. Help others see that in the worst of times, God will shine His bright light to penetrate the darkest nights. It was during those times that I begin to write blogs about our experiences. In the worst of times, with God's help, we prevailed and, in fact, found the silver lining in every one of those clouds. We realized that our perspective made the biggest difference. Rather than the perspective of "Why me? Why us?", we lived in the perspective of "being safe in the middle of the storm".

Along with my blogging, I was intent, each day, to find the “just right” photo or picture that would help me illustrate my point. I’d go through hundreds of photos before finding “the one”. That photo might have ended up being way too pixelated to use – especially when I enlarged the photo and added text to it. Could you have been able to tell that this distorted photo here was this girl and boy? When we are in the midst of a difficult season, it becomes overwhelming because we can’t see a way out or see what the purpose is or see when it will change. We want to know why and we want to make sense of it all. But when we take a moment to remember Who is painting the picture, we can rest in our faith.

When we let our own limited perspective get in our way, we miss Him in the middle of it all. When we dwell on the outcome, we miss what is happening now. He is right there with us. He knows the way. Isaiah reminds us that His ways and thoughts are beyond us. There are things we just can’t see or know. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’ {Isaiah 55:8-9}

Perspective. You know the saying "You can't see the forest for the trees." Oftentimes we're so caught up in the middle of it all that we forget that we are smack dab in the place where God can fulfill His destiny and purpose in us the best. I know we all can look back on a time with a different perspective and see the hand of God at work.

Even though we may not see things clearly, just hold on. Time will pass and we will see it as clearly as He had planned. It will be like seeing with new eyes. Seeing things through His planned perspective. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ {Jeremiah 29:11}

The first photo here is almost incomprehensibie, but once I tweaked it, it became perfectly clear -- two adorable kids (the youngest in each of my two children's families). Now we can sing that song " I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) SON-Shiny day..

What a difference the proper perspective can make. Keeping our eyes focused on the Storm Chaser, the Burden Bearer, the Safe Shelter -- keeps our perspective in focus!

Open my Eyes and Ears and Heart. Help me NOTICE.

A couple of Sundays ago, I was so caught up in conversation with a friend, that I barely NOTICED when a sweet young friend, handed me a page of artwork. I told her "Thank you so much" and hugged her, but not until I got in my car did I take the time to look at what she had given me. I NOTICED the amazing details and obvious quite time-consuming work of art, the colors, and.the words, "Donna, I <3 U". I was ashamed of myself and went back to find her to show my appreciation, but she wasn't there. I connected with her later, but it just wasn't the same as NOTICING right then and there when she gave it to me. I heard Andy Stanley talking about his latest book, “The Noticer.” In it he tells the true story of an old drifter who had a special gift for seeing what others miss. He says, “It only takes a little ‘perspective’ to recognize the miracles in our moments...." Oftentimes we are so consumed with our own needs, wants, pains, struggles, and desires, that we fail to be NOTICERS of others. Did you enjoy the chocolate left on your pillow at the hotel, but did you NOTICE the one who put it there? Did you enjoy your meal, but did you really NOTICE the waitress who brought it to you? Maybe it's time for us to NOTICE the UNNOTICED people around us. What’s the big deal about NOTICING? Noticing is being actively present “in the moment”. Our busy schedules AND minds often keep us distracted from the situations and moments at hand. When we take control of our minds and our thinking instead of our minds having a free-for-all, then we’ll recognize the gentle nudges of God to share, to care, to be a breath of fresh air to someone that needs it today. When we purposefully begin to NOTICE the pain and suffering of someone else, then God can work through us to bring fresh rain to their parched souls.

Jesus NOTICED that wee little man and tax collector, Zaccheaus, up in the tree, He told him to come down and he would go to his home for a meal. He did and He brought salvation to Zaccheaus and his family that day. I wonder when the last time was that someone said, “Zacchaeus, how’s your wife? I heard she was very ill”. Okay, the Bible doesn’t talk about his personal life, but there had to be more to him than just collecting taxes. Suffice it to say, he was probably despised because of his job, but Jesus saw the man behind the position. Jesus NOTICED. Jesus NOTICED the Samaritan woman at the well. His conversation with her led her to become one of His followers. He NOTICED.

NOTICING is paying attention, being present in the moment, looking at people and realizing that they need our care and love. Just maybe if we got in the habit of NOTICING those around us and rather than expecting them to NOTICE us, we could start the ripple effect in others. We NOTICE them, they NOTICE others, and others NOTICE many others. Maybe being a NOTICER is what God had in mind when He said, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". We are ALWAYS on our mind -- maybe it's time to reverse that to NOTICING others and having THEM on our minds.

Outlook and Perspective

The 2016 Unstoppable Leadership Summit in Texas continued today with incredible sessions that always radically impact us with a new outlook and perspective for this new year.  I loved it when we all received black rimmed glasses (outlook & perspective) with an arrow on the sides -- trajectory.

Set-backs are like an arrow that is pulled back in the bow that propels the arrow to the target.  

This first-of-the-year weekend sets us up for a year of living undaunted in our pursuits to be world changers.  We see total life transformations taking place as well as hilarious times that rejuvenated us and so many "aha" moments that opened our eyes to the possibilities that await us.  

"Warrior Mentality" continued to be our mindset and each of us presented our own winning "battle cry".  

My warrior mentality isn't like most of those guys who are loud, over-the-top with their screams, but what I tend to do in just about any of my daily confrontations with the enemy -- his temptations, taunts, and tactics...I just LAUGH OUT LOUD right in his face.  "Are you kidding me, Loser, you are messing with the wrong girl." So I did my slap leg, rip snorting, belly laugh that always brings me a merry heart and chases away the doubts and fears.

Another beautiful part, each year, is the"rock ceremony".  Just rocks, but so very special because we hand picked each of them from a rock and stone yard.   We engrave "Unstoppable" on each one and then we sincerely pray for "the word" to engrave on the underside.   At the ceremony, each attendee at the summit walks up and selects their rock -- based only on its size and characteristics.  Not until they select the rock, do they see the "word" that is theirs.  It's always an amazing exercise as we see the exact word that causes them to know their course (ie., wisdom, courage, favored, brave, gratitude, selfless, etc.).  The one I selected was "perseverence".

Perfect!!   I know that's my word, because I know the key to accomplishing goals, completing my "God" assignments and finishing tasks is to persevere.  I'll keep that in mind this year when I'm tempted to slow down, put-off-to-tomorrow, quit, and re-treat.

Every year an encased boxing glove trophy is given to someone who has faced tremendous challenges, accomplished incredible things, and went on to victory on so many levels.  They are UNSTOPPABLE.  This year's award went to Miguel Cervantes and Zoila Cervantes​ who unquestionably represent being UNSTOPPABLE.  Miguel was diagnosed with cancer in early 2015, yet with his conquering spirit, and undaunted determination and spirit....has come through to victory.  Both he, and Zoila prove that optimism and unquestionable faith in God is key in overcoming life's challenges.

SHIfT happened in all of our lives....and we will be better, brighter, smarter, stronger and more relentless and #unstoppable in 2016 more than EVER before. These photos help to explain!  

May you be UNSTOPPABLE this year in all you set out to accomplish!