Tough Times Don't Last -- But Tough People Do!

These photo inspirations are near and dear to my heart. This day, 15 years ago, my Sweetheart and I resaid our wedding vows during our 35th year of marriage. I'd like to say it was 35 years of wedded bliss -- all sweet, lovey-dovey, and delightful times that prompted us to want to repeat our vows, and there were plenty of those, but in reality, there were plenty of ups and down -- times we were just not on the same page. There were lots of challenges and struggles. So on this 35th year of marriage, we were celebrating that we were two tough cookies that believed when we said our vows....."To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part", we meant it. We stuck together like glue.....and as the years passed by, the bond that held us together....grew so strong that no matter the prevailing winds of illness, circumstances or any other force....we were unshakeable!

Some of the vows I said were the same as on our first wedding day -- Ruth's words to her mother-in-law, Naomi, when Naomi told her to return to her roots after her husband, Naomi's son, had been killed. But Ruth said to her, and I said to my husband, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God." Ruth 1:16. Who knew (we sure didn't) that I would follow my Sweetheart as he fell in love with the Catholic Church after having been a Protestant evangelist, pastor and teacher for most of his life and having had parents who were Protestant pastors for over 50 years. Those vows rang true as where he went, I went. His love became my love. The beautiful and loving Catholic people became my dearest friends. The spiritual renewal that ignited the Charismatic Catholic Renewal in the 60s, and continues today, caused our hearts to burn with love for all of God's kids like never before -- wherever they place their love and commitment to Christ. Today I am more active in evangelism and spiritual renewal than ever before. Honestly, leading people to Christ and the abundant life He promises and gives, is my greatest goal in life.

These photos were taken at the "resaying of our vows" in a lovely Catholic chapel in San Diego, CA -- where we had just opened a Food Pantry to feed the hurting and broken people in that area. The icing on the cake after that, was our sweet and tender time of recommitting to those beautiful vows we had spoken 35 years before -- this time we did it in full knowledge that the roads could be very bumpy ahead, but it didn't matter because our devotion and love for each other was worth it all.

I shared all this with you, my dear FB friends and family, before this year ends, to share and urge those of you who are married and are experiencing some tough and challenging times, to be TOUGH and steadfast to your vows before God, because tough times don't last, but tough people, tough marriages, and taking tough stands on what commitment, love, trust, and devotion are all about, do. It is worth every effort, because the toughest journeys make the sweetest victories....even greater. Trust me. We proved it!

Thinking Back and Looking Forward

Day 365 of Photo Inspirations -- Thinking Back and Looking Forward
It's the 365th day of the year -- and my last day of photo inspirations that I committed to when I sensed that God was calling me to take my daily blogs and FB posts to a whole new level -- one that included photos that inspired me with special thoughts and words to share that would, hopefully, bring inspiration to others.  I can't begin to adequately explain how rewarded I feel for staying true to my commitment.  Purposefully, I made sure to stay "in the zone", seizing the moments, noticing little and big God-encounters, recognizing that God is always speaking.  I just had to tune in to His still small voice, and, often, His big booming voice as I witnessed His illustrated messages to me through nature, His Word, His kids and His embrace.  Fact is.....I showed up for my daily appointment with God.....and He was faithful and true to His promises.....He ALWAYS showed up for me.

I'm not exactly sure what this next year will look like, not only in my commitment to daily photos and blogs, but in life overall.  But one thing I do know for sure......I know WHO knows and I'm excited for the journey that awaits me.   There will be many opportunities for making FB posts and writing my daily blogs because I'm very aware that God has many more exciting adventures and trails for me to blaze in this new year.  So, I'll continue to be on daily assignment.

#TBT -- The second photo inspiration is from this day a year ago with my two little men -- my annual New Year's Eve dates!   Once again, tonight, these two and I will make toasts with our sparkling grape juice, we'll wear our hats, blow our horns, we'll even shoot some little fireworks, and we'll watch the giant sphere of sparkles descend in Times Square three hours ahead of Pacific time as 2015 makes its exit and 2016 begins.  We'll be silly and dance and give each other hugs and kisses.  Eat your heart out, single women everywhere!  LOL!  

A new year -- new hope for our future.  There is something inherit within us that craves a new fresh start -- a chance to make wrongs right, and good things even greater. The promise of a clean slate is thrilling and stirs up a part of our soul.  We pin so many hopes and dreams on the start of a new year. We set resolutions, create goals, hope to start new habits and break old ones.  I've already begun to think about new horizons, new seasons, and new adventures.   My personal motto will continue to be "I'm still here....so I'm not done."   I'm grabbing hold of this new year by its tail and I'm going to fly by the seat of my pants.  No rocking chair thoughts in this girl's mind!

But, even better than any resolution or goals or new habits that I could set for myself, the knowing that my Father God has my year planned out in detail, gives me great excitement and blessed assurance.    He'll give me courage to face each new day and the best part, His mercies will be new each morning, so I'm guaranteed success if I do my part in staying tight with Him.

The great news is that God is the author of 2016!   He knows each and every twist and turn that lay ahead, both for you and for me. He has planned 2016 down to the minutest detail—all with the goal of His glory, and our good.   Look out, 2016 -- HERE WE COME!  It'll be a GREAT ADVENTURE!

The World Needs a STABLE Influence

Day 353 of Photo Inspirations -- The World Needs a STABLE Influence
The phrase, "under the influence",  is typically used in defining someone's mental or physical faculties that are impaired because they are intoxicated or on drugs.

But, I heard that phrase used yesterday to describe those of us who are "high" on the Christmas spirit.  I like that.  We are "under the influence" of He Who is the originator of joy, peace, and love so, of course, we are "high" on all that this beautiful season holds.

At the announcement of Jesus' birth, the shepherds were under the influence of the angels.  The magi were under the influence of HOPE and the Star they saw in the East.  I, too, am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of this beautiful season where I hear God's voice in the music, the bells ringing, and the squeals and delights of children.  I see Him in in the lights shining so brightly and in my friends and family as we open our hearts to His love.  I smell Him in the sweet aromas of holly, evergreen, cinnamon and spice.   I taste Him in the sweet and yummy delicacies of fresh baked cookies and treats.  I am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of the REASON for this beautiful SEASON, when I hold a friend's hand, when I touch a pine cone or garland or tinsel or wrapping paper, when I write a love note to a friend when I send them a Christmas card.

No one has influenced and changed the world the way Jesus has. And UNDER HIS INFLUENCE, more lives have been positively changed than   by anything or anyone else in history.   No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Staying true to their faith, they face hardship, persecution and even death with resilience and determination.  Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires -- all because of Christ's influence on them.

Not in the Christmas spirit this year?  Then, better check out what, or WHO, is influencing you. AND, what does YOUR influence look like in impacting others in a positive way?  Perhaps it's time we all took a trip to the stable -- it just might be that we'll be influenced by the precious baby in the manger and we'll have a "STABLE" influence, not just in our own lives, but all those we influence, too.

You Are Always On My Mind

Day 350 of Photo Inspirations -- You Are Always On My Mind
At the end of 2014 when I was seeking God about my assignment for 2015, I clearly knew that my 2015 blogs would be inspired by photos.  So that has been my mission.  Just 15 days to go.....and then I'll start my new assignment for 2016.

What a wonderful journey this year has been for me. As I look back on this year, I've met some wonderful people who inspired me, heard some incredible stories, witnessed lots of "God encounters" from being aware of His presence, noticed Him in many "everyday" occurrences -- all of which helped me capture photos that will be a part of my memories and archives from here on out.

I've found in this year that the principle thing is the simplest thing.....noticing, being aware of God everywhere, recognizing the beauty in His kids, appreciating their talents and abilities, savoring the everyday realities of His grace that are so abundant.  Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson recorded the love song, "You Are Always On My Mind", and that has been my love song to God this year.  In being watchful and in being "tuned in" to His voice by listening intently to conversations of friends and strangers, He has been on my mind.

I sincerely want to continue that awareness of Him -- maybe not so much as to take photos, but having Him on my mind.  "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me." Isaiah 26:3.  But, I also know the struggle it is to stay "in the moment".  It's just so easy to be distracted from the very thing He wants to show me.

Here we are, designed to be here on this earth at this precise time for purposes set for us long ago. And in reality, we need One Thing most of all. We know we need Him first and foremost, but we get distracted by everything else.  We want Him to be Numero Uno, but distractions and interruptions keep us from Him.  Truth is, we really do want God with all of our hearts.

And that’s what Christmas is all about — finding Him once again in the midst of the chaos, in the midst of the interruptions and distractions.   No question, He is everywhere, but the simplest, purest, most humble and less grandiose place we'll find Him, is at the manger where He came as a baby.   Wouldn't it make sense that we, too, will find him in some of the least expected places?

This is His Christmas.  Remember the chaotic, stinky, messiness of His birthplace?  That's where we'll find Him in our world too.  Yes, we'd love to have those no-distractions, sweet, mellow encounters with Him....but, it just doesn't matter.  He meets us where we are -- in our busyness AND in our stillness.  He is there.  God is always there waiting for us.  The point is.....we must continue to "practice His presence" because in His presence, we'll find not just photo inspirations, but we'll find Him embracing us, giving us aha moments, seeing Him everywhere and in everything.

And if going to the stable and the manger in our minds is too much of a stretch.....after all it really is quite stinky and messy there.....then we can go to the foot of the cross where He paid the ultimate price for you and me.  We were on His mind from the manger to the cross.  We are ALWAYS on His mind.  Shouldn't He ALWAYS be on our mind?

Who Are You Hanging Out With?

Day 349 of Photo Inspirations -- Who Are You Hanging Out With?
On Saturday, I went for my monthly weigh-in at Weight Watchers.  For 30+ years, Weight Watchers has been my accountability and sustainability partner to keep this girl in line when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.  I reached my goal weight many years ago, but I still go in to be sure I'm still at goal.....and, it's a great way to be sure I'll stay on point for the Christmas holidays.

I've been wanting to highlight one of Weight Watchers leaders, Renny Berry​, for quite some time, and on Saturday, after visiting with him just a few minutes, I knew now was the time.  Often, when I go in for my monthly weigh-in, I see Renny there -- Mister Cheerleader extraordinaire -- ever cheery, energetic, effervescent, upbeat, and enthusiastic.   On Saturday, when I went in -- he was his usual self -- going to each member as they came through the door with hugs and doling out life-giving words that made each one feel like they were sincerely loved and appreciated.

Yes, we were "drinking the Renny koolade".  His computer was down so he couldn't help most of the ladies, but because I'm a lifetime member, he could weigh me and note my progress.  That's when I was able to tell him how much he blessed me each time I came in and how I would sure like to interview him for my blog.  He told me he could sum up who he is in one word.... "GRATITUDE".  He said, "Before I get out of bed every day, I think of 12 things I'm grateful for.  Living with an attitude of gratitude makes all the difference."  Immediately, I knew we were on the same "gratitude" page.

I, typically, just go in for my monthly weigh in, but, this day, he urged me to stay for the meeting, and I was so glad I did.  Not only was I inspired by his training about living a healthy lifestyle, hearing his own weight loss and well- being journey, but his overall optimism caused us to feel like we can accomplish anything with the right tools, goals, and undaunted persistence and determination.

As he spoke, I looked around the room and saw these posters that put everything Renny said into perspective.  I thought...."what a place to be -- this was a safe place -- it was an encouraging place -- it was a postive place".  And I thought about those of us 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, read it online and they just settle there.  And, have you noticed, negativity attracts negativity?  

I don't know about you, but I'm determined to go to places and hang out with folks that build me up, make me strive to be a better me, and make me look at the brighter side of life (one caveat is -- "unless God has me mentoring someone who needs my encouragement").  I think I'll just keep hanging out at church, at motivational meetings, at Weight Watchers, and with optimistic friends and family.  I like the way Jim Rohn puts it...."You can't soar with eagles if you're hanging out with turkeys."

I think I'll go soaring with my eagle friends today!

Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well in Tulsa

Day 348 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well in Tulsa
I'll admit it -- I'm a hopeless romantic and I love the sweet and tender love stories on the Hallmark Channel -- especially at Christmas.  I am basking in the Christmas spirit and I love those sweet love stories -- "the magic of Christmas".  So, when my community's developer decided to rent the Tulsa Trolley to advertise our Hyde Park community and be in the parade, I was "all in".

I felt like a kid when the trolley picked us up, took us to the staging area where we decorated the trolley with lights and donned ourselves with Santa and reindeer hats.  I've seen many parades, but never had the privilege of being in one.  I loved walking beside the trolley and handing out candy to the kids that lined the streets. I loved shouting out "Merry Christmas" and hearing those fervent responses back from the crowd "MERRY CHRISTMAS".  We belted out those words that mean so much to us.  

In 2009,  local merchants, in order to be "politically correct" dropped "Christmas" from the Tulsa Annual Christmas Parade.  They called it the Parade of Lights.   Then, in opposition to Christ being removed from the parade, in 2011, a large group of Tulsa businesses and individuals sponsored a separate "Christmas Parade".    The estimated 80,000+ people, packed in layers on the downtown streets of Tulsa, plus our Hyde Park family and friends, were thrilled to see the official "Traditional Christmas Parade" brought back to Tulsa.  Much thanks goes to many who stood up for everything good and dear to those of us who still want Christ in Christmas.

I was pleased to have my photo taken with Senator Jim Imhofe (first photo inspiration) who took a personal stand for putting Christ back into Christmas.  I shook his hand and told him how much I appreciated his stand.  He quickly responded, "I'm so thrilled my stand influenced senators from other states to take a stand too.  In our local newspaper he said, "The “war on Christmas” has come to an end in Tulsa this year. For nearly 90 years, residents in Tulsa have commemorated the Christmas season with one large Christmas parade downtown, but in 2009, local leaders decided to jump on an unfortunate national trend of removing the word “Christmas” from the event.  

After 40 years of riding a horse in the parade, I joined many others and said that if Christ wasn’t welcome, then I also would no longer be participating in the event. This is because Christmas isn’t just a holiday that can be sugar-coated for the sake of political appeasement.  It is a day each year that serves as a symbolic and historical declaration of peace on earth and goodwill toward all. Man will never find success in diluting Christmas into a “winter” or “holiday” festival. Whether a person recognizes the life-saving significance of Jesus Christ, the message of Christmas for peace on earth lies in the heart of all mankind. It’s a message we should all embrace, especially as our world faces the greatest level of unrest that we have seen in generations. I am proud to see the Tulsa parades make their peace this Christmas and join together for one large celebration. Jesus won, and I look forward to riding in the parade once again."  And, that's what Senator Imhofe did.

Once again, Christmas is a live and well in Tulsa.  Perhaps, you're one that would rather sit back in a dark room, anxiously wait for this whole deal to be over with and be empty of this wonderful Christmas spirit.  I promise you, if you'll get out of your comfort zone and shake off that care-less spirit and go look at some Christmas lights, go see a Christmas parade, Christmas movie,  Christmas program or just start remembering the reason for this season..... perhaps, you'll experience this joy and gladness too.  After all -- Christmas is right there just waiting for us to grab hold and enjoy the ride!

What's the Balance in YOUR Praise Bank?

Day 346 of Photo Inspirations -- What's the Balance in YOUR Praise Bank?
Yesterday was a big "I-praise-You-and-thank-You-God kind of day. I noticed it.  I noticed Him.  I acknowledged Him throughout my day.  It was a beautiful, glorious day outside.  It was 75 degrees in Tulsa. "Thank you, God, for this beautiful day."    I drove into the gas station and filled my car up at $1.58/gallon.  "Thank you, God, for that blessing.   I went to an early morning sale and got $10 off a $30 sale.  Thank you, God, for that blessing.  I'm healthy and strong, so I praised Him.  I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I do know that my praising is like putting praise tokens into God's Praise Bank for those days that may be dreary and lots of not so praise-worthy things happening.

When my husband and I gave Marriage Seminars, one of the illustrations we used for kindness to each other was "putting love tokens in the LOVE Bank".  The basic premise is that inside of us we each have a “love bank".  When our spouse or anyone treats us well, then they are making a deposit into our love bank and we feel closer, more appreciative and more loving toward that person.  But when we're treated poorly, made to feel unappreciated and taken for granted, then love tokens are withdrawn from our account and we feel less close to them -- even less trusting of them.  If the withdrawals exceed the deposits, then our love bank account balance goes "in the red" with a negative account balance.

I started thinking...."What if God had a Praise Bank?" -- a bank that when we praise Him (even sacrifices of praise when it's not so easy to do), when we are kind, loving and generous, love and praise tokens would be deposited into our account.  Oh, I know, God's mercies are ever flowing in spite of our good and bad attitudes.  If an earthly dad sees his kids being sweet, kind, loving and tender -- especially when the kids show real appreciation for everything he does for them,  keeps a record of those things, why wouldn't our Heavenly Father take pleasure in those praiseworthy things too?   On the other hand, when we grumble and complain and are ornery, unforgiving, unappreciative and cranky about every little thing, I can just imagine that our Praise Bank starts to get depleted.  The question is...."What's the balance in OUR Praise Bank?"  

Bottom line....living a life of praise is not only the most enjoyable way to live, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to change our life. Praise isn’t like the caboose that just follows what happens, but it’s more like the engine of a train that makes things happen.  Our faith isn’t complete without praise. Colossians 2:7 says that you "abound in faith with thanksgiving". No thanksgiving equals not abounding in faith.  Praise touches everything and every part of our life. Likewise, a lack of praise affects us in a negative way.

I know that I'm going to make some praise and thanksgiving deposits today and throughout this Advent/Christmas season.  How about you?

Mary, Did You Know?

Day 345 of Photo Inspirations -- Mary, Did You Know?
This photo inspiration and this song bring Mary right to where we are.  It helps us to know she was one of us.  She was a woman with real emotions, real challenges, and real love for her baby boy.    In 1984 Mark Lowery wrote the lyrics to, “Mary Did You Know?” in response to his Pastor’s request to write the script for their church's Christmas production.  Not until twelve years later, did Buddy Greene put the script to music.  When Mark was asked to write the script, little did he realize what that little "seed" would bring about in an abundant harvest.    That script was one of those Jeremiah 29:11 moments “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.”  Mark had no idea of the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was on him for that significant moment in time.

"Mary, Did You Know?"  is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs for so many reasons.  It momentarily shows Mary more than the lovely woman in blue and white clothing, radiant face, and a halo affixed perfectly above her head.  She really was one of us.  Like us, she held her baby, she cared for him, she thought about his future -- just like we do.

And, what do you think?  DID MARY KNOW -- that He was her Creator, that He would walk on water, that He would heal the blind man, that He would raise the dead?  Did she know that when she kissed her little baby boy that she was kissing the face of God?

We'll ask her that question one day, but one thing's for sure, she was the vessel God chose to bear His Son, and I believe she was chosen because He knew she would be the role model, the caregiver, the teacher/trainer, the spiritual director, and the guardian that caused her son to “grow in wisdom and stature with God and man" (Luke 2:52).    I believe she recognized that her boy's talents and abilities would "take Him places" and that He would do great and mighty things, because she was "tight with God"  and she held His promises close to her heart.

The question for us is "Do we believe as Mary did?" What God's Word says about Jesus is true.  And her example for being that role model, caregiver, teacher/trainer, spiritual director and guardian, is one we should follow in raising our children and grandchildren to "grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man".

I love this beautiful song, and this amazing rendition by Pentonix.  I share it as a gift for you to realize that Mary's faith and reality is our faith and reality, too. "This little child that Mary delivered, delivered her and us!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

Blessed are the Merciful

Day 344 of Photo Inspirations -- Blessed are the Merciful
We’re into the Advent/Christmas Season by a couple of weeks now, and though it's the most wonderful time of the year, we've all probably had an occasion to be unhappy and disgruntled with someone or something.  And, BIG surprise….. someone might even be unhappy with us. But thank goodness for God's mercy. His mercy embodies the great love and forgiveness that He extends to His children. Perhaps you remember a time when one of your children made a huge mistake and they were surprised when you showed them mercy. We love them and we knew they would grow up and do better. Why does God choose to be merciful?  Because He knows us, and He knows we’ll grow up and do better.

I was thrilled to hear Pope Francis declare that yesterday, December 8th as the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and runs all the way until next November.  He said, "We want to live this year in the light of the Lord’s words: ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful’ Luke 6:36).”    He went on to ask, "Is it naive to believe that this may change the world?" "Yes, humanly speaking it is a folly, but 'the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength,'" he responded, quoting from 1 Corinthians.

In this season of good will toward men and this Jubilee Year of Mercy, shouldn't we amp up the MERCY acts toward those around us?  Let’s face it -- someone is going to cut into our line, probably when we are late and holding something heavy.  Someone is going to be in a grumpy mood and snap at us. People might not welcome us onto the highway in front of them. Indeed…..this is a season for . . . mercy.  Since we receive God's mercy for our flaws, shouldn’t we have mercy for others’ flaws. There will be people that just don’t know God and His mercy, so they don't have any of His mercy to give. But we can share the gift of God's mercy over and over again, regardless of how we are treated. And it’s a good idea to pray for those folks that just don’t know how to receive God’s mercy – maybe the mercy we show them will draw them to our God and Father of mercy.

It makes me wonder "If we just amped up mercy and purposefully gave out more mercy in bolder and even more creative ways, things around us just might be different."   We'd see the beggar on the street corner, and instead of thinking "Get a job", we'd, at the very least, say a prayer for him.  We'd be more patient with the cashier.  We'd been more tender-hearted to the "Scrooges" around us.  We'd invite the lonely and family-less to join us for Christmas parties. Who knows?  It may be in our giving mercy, that we will receive even more of the abundance of God's mercy to us.   "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  Matthew 5:7

Don't we want to have the heart to live this holiday season and the year in the light of the Lord’s words: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful". Luke 6:36

This is What Prayer, Faith, and Giving God First Place Looks Like

Day 343 of Photo Inspirations -- This is what Prayer, Faith, and Giving God First Place Looks Like

In an upside down world where many folks prefer hanging out in the darkness more than THE LIGHT-- the ones who want prayer out of schools, the marketplace, their homes, their work and even their lives -- how delightful it is when those of us who live in the LIGHT.....see that lightly shining so brightly.

Case in point.......while attending a meeting at Christ the King Church on Monday, I walked down the halls of its Marquette School. I saw these posters made by their students and, yes, I was inspired -- thus my photo inspirations for today. It blessed me to see what a Christian education looks like -- especially in the likes of these posters. This is really what a foundation of prayer, faith, serving and giving God first place in our children's lives looks like.

I felt God's peace as I walked those halls. I sensed this was a place where God is talked about a lot. It's a place where the 10 Commandments is not only taught....but it's where they're being lived out by faculty and students. It's a place where they are not afraid to evangelize and form disciples who enthusiastically bring Christ home with them to their families and friends while they are being developed into strong men and women. They are receiving a solid base of values that will hopefully be their constant throughout the rest of their lives: respect, faithfulness, compassion, love for each other. Are mistakes made there? No doubt there are. But, it's also a place of finding forgiveness.

I'm by no means making this a post to sell my FB friends on this particular school, but I am advocating that what our world needs is love, sweet love, and a leaning into God's love and His Word AND Light that teaches us the ways to live a blessed and overcoming life. When His Light is diminished, when He is taken out of our schools, our workplaces, our homes and our lives.....we open ourselves up for the enemy and His darkness to come in -- to do what he does best -- to kill, steal and destroy. Clearly, during this beautiful season of Advent and Christmas -- we open our eyes to what Christ brought with Him when He left His throne in glory to come here...."He came to give us LIFE (not death) and LIFE more abundantly!" Good news is.....His LIGHT can NEVER be put out.

Like a Good Savior.....God's ALWAYS there!

"In Him was life, and that life brought LIGHT to humanity. And the LIGHT shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out." John 1:4-5

Waiting, Anticipating, Preparing

Day 340 of Photo Inspirations -- Waiting, Anticipating, Preparing
The word "nesting" has frequently been on my mind over the last several days.  "Nesting" is that word used when a pregnant woman is close to that day when her baby will arrive.  She wakes up one morning feeling energetic and wanting to clean and organize her entire house.  It's that overwhelming desire to get her home ready for her new baby.  Often, that urge is from boredom or frustration from still being pregnant, as well as knowing that the baby’s care is going to take lots of time and energy, and she wants everything to be ready before the baby arrives.  Excitement and anticipation of that new bundle of joy, and the desire to have everything just right.

In this beautiful season of Advent, I've been "nesting" -- anticipating the birth-day of Christ.  Here's what that "nesting" looks like to me.   It's those times of sweet reflection, peace and quiet, and really pondering this miraculous birth.  It's quite easy for me to be in that place.....naturally.  As I was sitting in front of my fireplace and just meditating about the message I was going to give at an Advent by Candlelight, I started pondering about this time many years ago, and what it was like for me in anticipation of my little girl about to be born.  Back then, however, we didn't know that she would be a girl or boy.  We were prepared, either way.  If a boy, he'd be named Robert Anthony.  But if a little girl, she'd be named Staci Michelle -- which means "resurrection life" and "close to God".   I was thinking about how I was getting her nursery ready.  All the gifts of clothes, nighties, and underclothes were washed and folded in the little dresser drawers.  The hanging diaper holder was filled and all the little items were all organized for her soon arrival.  I would open those drawers and smell that sweet aroma of "baby".   My house was clean.  My bags, with her little outfit, was packed and ready to go.   The plans were all made for taking her big brother to Granny & Papa's to stay until we came home with the new baby. Everything was ready in preparation for her debut.    The excitement was building.

 Friday, I sent my daughter this little note:
"Hi Sweet Girl.  I know you're in a whirlwind of busy.  But I'm nesting.  I'm not only speaking tonight at an Advent By Candlelight, but I'm thinking about this day 46 years ago when I was just a few days away from seeing my little baby girl for the first time.  Though I didn't know you would be a girl, I certainly was in such a sweet nesting mode, so excited and waiting for you to be here.  I'm already celebrating you and want you to know how much I love you today.  You are a mighty woman of God and I know God's looking out for you.  Love you so much.  Happy early birthday!"

This beautiful season of Advent is about WAITING,  preparing our hearts and having our hearts transformed in anticipation of Christ's birthday!  Oh, we know He already abides in us, but taking this sweet season to refresh and revive our relationship with Him seems like the best thing we can do to celebrate His coming.  In this "nesting" time, we can sweep out all the clutter and get rid of all the excess stuff that's been accumulating in our hearts.  Of course we know He is no longer the baby in the manger but He is our risen Lord and King, so this celebration is for royalty.  

At my house, we love to celebrate birthdays.  We make a big deal of it.   And getting ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ, is also about the preparations for the party.  We want the house clean. We want to bring out the best china.  We want to put up the Happy Birthday signs.  We want to be sure we have candles.  Isn't that what we're doing in this season right now?  What better way to prepare for his birthday than thinking about what He means to us, what His arrival on this earth did to change everything and about Him being Emmanuel -- God with us -- now and forevermore.
Oh come. Oh come. Emmanuel.

A Christmas to Remember Forever

Day 337 of Photo Inspirations -- A Christmas to Remember Forever
‪#‎TBT‬ -- Six years ago, our family was making their usual trek to Oklahoma for Christmas. Ryan, Shawntel and the boys flew into Fort Smith to hang out with her family first before coming to us in Tulsa. I'll never forget the hilarious story that ensued.

Typically, Ryan has a vehicle reserved that would accommodate the six members of his family, plus lots of luggage, but to his dismay, the reservation got lost in the shuffle, and the only vehicle they had was a 12 passenger van to rent. And that's how our Christmas of 2009 began with the most awesome of memories to be made. How amazing that God would give us this Christmas to remember in such a profound way......as it would be the last Christmas we had with my Sweetheart, their Dad and Papa.

Once all of the family made it to Tulsa, including Larry and Staci and kids that came in from their home in Hot Springs, AR, we were ready for our traditional Christmas excursion. And, the best part, Ryan's accidental misadventure with the car rental and having to get a 12-passenger van, made way for all of us to pile in and be all comfy cozy -- but not before the guys put up Christmas lights inside the van, with a wreath on the front bumper and the Wuerch/Wallace Family Country Singers & Dancers had a rowdy, hilarious time of cheering and waving to passerbys -- making this night one to remember.

First order of business was to head to our family favorite restaurant for making even more lasting memories -- Casa Bonita, followed by games and family fun. And, afterwards, as I mentioned in my post yesterday, we headed to Rhema Church/Bible College to drive through their spectacular lights extravaganza. It was so cold, but the family togetherness kept us warm.

The next day, we all went to Great Granny's to have some sweet time with her, then because it looked like it may snow, we took her home with us. And that's when God put icing on the cake.....er..earth, for the Christmas to make memories like never before. We were literally snowed in which made for all 13 of us to have even more fun times of celebration: playing in the snow, having yummy meals together, the kids putting on their annual Christmas program/talent show for us, the reading of the Christmas Story with the kids by Papa, and Great Granny giving out her Christmas envelopes.

We made lots of precious memories in this time that we knew was orchestrated by God. During this entire weekend, Papa (my Sweetheart) fought through such pain in his back. He braved the pain by putting out every effort to build a snowman, to play and put his best foot forward. 2009 ended with our family tightly knitted together in love and support which prepared us for 2010 which would be, early on, the year of Papa's brave battle with kidney cancer, and we would never have a Christmas on earth with him again. But, that's okay, because this Christmas was one that could ALWAYS be remembered as God saving the BEST for LAST!

I can't begin to encourage you....make the moments, minutes, hours count while you can. Tomorrow or next year could be one that changes everything. You'll be so ever grateful, like we were, that we celebrated each other in a way that God proved "Joy to the World" to us.