A Big Thumbs Up – All is Well!

That fiasco last week of trying to find a replacement for my daughter's peace sign hand that I accidentally broke, led me to this “thumbs-up hand”. Of course, I had to buy it for sweet memories’ sake. In this photo, my husband was talking to our children shortly after surgery and giving them the "All is well -- thumbs up sign". From there, I went into wimpy-mode, shedding a few tears, as I pulled out the album I made him for his 60th birthday, and saw the words our children and close friends and family wrote to him. Perfect timing because today is that sweet man’s birthday. Please indulge me as I remember the love of my life in the letter I gave him on that 60th birthday. He might be looking on as I share this with you today. I hope so because I still mean every word. I'm sure he'll also be running with our son, Ryan, as he runs his "virtual" Boston Marathon today:

My Sweetheart......Happy Birthday!
It is difficult to put my thoughts around the notion that you are 60-years old. How can that be? I still remember feasting my eyes on that good looking, dark-haired boy in the choir. Little did I realize that he would one day be mine. All I can say to that is "God bless the day I found you!"
I hope you know how much you are loved, honored, respected, and admired by everyone. This is a time of celebrating a man that has made his mark on so many lives, the least of whom is ME! I am more today than I could have ever dreamed possible because of you -- your relentless pushing and encouraging me to be all I could be. You have always made me feel like a sexy, voluptuous, and beautiful woman. When I didn't believe in myself -- you believed in me! I am so thankful for the amazing husband, father, and grandfather that you are. You have always given of yourself so freely to so many. I will never forget the precious, caring and giving way you treated my mom. You always made her feel like a queen. You went above and beyond in the love you had for my family -- you not only opened the door to them, but you fed them, clothed them and gave them truly the Father's love. You really are a replica of Christ's love. There are so many adjectives for this man named "Ronald Wuerch" and so many reasons why I celebrate your life of 60 years, but here are just a few. I love Ronald because.....
• He plays the piano and sings so beautifully
• He can build a house from ground up and make it a home for many
• He can fly an airplane
• He can fix anything
• He has so much wisdom and creativity
• He is a gifted storyteller
• He is a great fisherman and campfire builder
• He cooks great spaghetti
• He is the world's best masseuse
• He helps around the house
• He is so giving to those in need
• He is so thoughtful and romantic, and always holds my hand in public.
• He never makes me feel bad about an impulse purchase
• He is my greatest cheerleader
• He sees the good in everyone and has led our family in the optimistic, positive faith message of God’s Word that has caused ultimate success in each of our lives.
• He is really my best friend, lover, confidante, my hero, and the love of my life. I cannot imagine living one day without him.
• And there's not enough room here to continue with all that you are to me......but I want you to know that I wish you dreams come true, desires fulfilled and blessings beyond what you could ask or think.......because, my Love, you deserve it all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DARLING!
Love, Donna

Worry Less; Smile More Often

Worry Less; Smile More Often
I've posted this photo before, but it is such a powerful reminder of the childlike faith and trust that we all need so much. I just had to share it again for you AND me.

Don't you just love watching a baby sleeping? His/Her adorable little smiles that just indicate their satisfied, care-free existence. Life was worry-free when we were kids and when we had parents who were bigger and stronger than us and were the answer to all our needs and wants.

But for us -- all grown up with lots of responsibilities, cares and concerns, there's certainly plenty for us to worry about. Income tax returns (just started getting my records together), identity theft (some pranksters put fraudulent charges in my bank account), too much month left and too little funds to make it through, who our next president will be (Dear Lord, help us!), or a medical report that wasn't so positive (Had those, too!)

But, even more loving and caring than our parents when we were kids, is our loving and caring Heavenly Father who wants to help us "worry less and smile more often". As God's children, should we worry and fret? Would He teach us to walk, to watch us fall? Would He give us life, to watch us fail? Would He be nailed to the cross and then disregard our prayers?

Philippians 4:6-7 says "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us -- so let's purpose to WORRY LESS and, by the way....SMILE MORE OFTEN! Smile a while and give your face a rest. Let the world know, you know Who's got all the stuff in your life and in the world under control. Smiling could just possibly be the magnet that attracts the people, circumstances, and things you need to succeed and overcome all that is trying to pull you down. I think that's exactly how our DAD wants us to live -- complete trust in His wise and sovereign ways that ensure we are in His loving care.