Making the Most of this Day

I burst out of my cocoon to fly a little today. It feels so good. I am on a mission. Get toilet paper. I have inside info. Walmart’s truck will be here at 10 am. I am in line for my one-only big package of TP and paper towels. Mission accomplished! Woohoo! Next, I go to my church’s smaller chapel to pray. Oh, the sweet peace that welcomes me. I am all by myself with Jesus. How sweet it is. Soon others join me from a distance. Notice the “social distancing” we are provided – numbered locations on the pews. I listen for God’s voice. I write in my journal what I hear. It’s His still small voice. I am in the temple like Hannah in the Bible was -- crying out to God for a son and a son was born to her. I am in the temple crying out for healing for our world. The same God who answered Hannah’s prayers, is He Who will answer our prayers too.

After prayer time, I head over to the beautiful cemetery behind my church. No problem with social distancing there. Lots of folks “in” there (literally) and no pandemic worries there! A friend told me she goes there often for a walk. And as she said, it makes for some eye-opening and heart-stirring moments for me. Many subtle reminders that this life is just temporary, so we best be making the most of every day. What takes me by surprise are the beautiful engraved stoned edifices of the mausoleums. PEACE is the theme on the four sides of one: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank” and “May the love of friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.” How’s that for hearing from God? PEACE – that is what we need most during these times. I breathed in that peace.

Lastly, I make my way to another Walmart to buy groceries for my cousins who are a few years older than me and are staying homebound. What a delight that I can serve them. And, bonus, while I am there, I hear “Our truck has arrived. Get in line at Aisle 31. We will hand-out one toilet paper package and one paper towel package!” SCORE!

It’s been a great day because I determined it to be one. Who would have thought I would recommend a cemetery for a nice walk and inspiration? The part of that cemetery that touches me the most are the tombstones of lives once lived: Older Pop-Pop and MiMaw gravesites, young soldiers and oh, the heart tugs I see, the one-year, six-year, and 19-year old sites. God gets my attention today. I’m living with as much gusto as I can – until my body joins them there and my spirit is with God eternally.

Today holds as much mystery as it did yesterday. We don’t know what tomorrow holds no more than we know what this hour will hold. And that’s true whether the C-virus is here or not. But we do know the One Who does know. And He promises that He is right here with us. That He will not leave us or forsake us. And right here, right now, is where we are supposed to be – secure in His everlasting, unfailing love.

As I text my kids this morning and say this to them, I say it to you today: "It’s a perfect time for embracing each other. Maybe God called for this for all of us. To focus on what is most important in our lives.” I love you all so much. You are so important to me. I lift you, your loved ones and all that is important to you today to our loving Father. He sees. He knows. He cares. He has great plans for your lives. Hold on tightly to His unchanging hands. And, maybe go for a stroll in your nearby cemetery. You might find peace and inspiration waiting for you there like I did.

Thanks, Lois and Eunice!

(Warning -- longer than my usual long blogs -- but, I promise you -- so worth the read!)
My mother’s parents, my grandfather and grandmother, John and Mary, were two of the most loving and faith-filled couple I have ever known. At any given time of the day, you’d find them praying for their children, grandchildren and even for future generations. I am one of those grandchildren. Before I was born, they were praying for me. That still comforts me because I’ve seen the fruit of those prayers in my life and in the lives of my children and grandchildren.

The thoughts of my grandparents and parents, the sacrifices they made for me in prayer, particularly, came to me with gratitude when I read St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, his protégé. This is what Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:5: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” The faithfulness of Timothy’s mother and grandmother was noticed by Paul because he was seeing the fruit of their prayers in Timothy. And, that is the faith I was taught and passed on to my children and grandchildren. We live this way! Unwavering faith in our God of the impossible.

A couple of weeks ago I saw that faith manifested by two dear family friends, the grandmother, Jillian Chambers and her daughter, Sydni Simons. We knew Sydni would give birth any day. We were so excited for the young couple's firstborn's arrival. But, while I was taking care of my boys in Austin, grandmother Jillian (Honey) sent out prayer alerts to only those who would also be undaunted in faith. Sydni's dad wrote: "Sydni experienced over 24 hours of highly stressful labor, and then a C-section with even more challenges. There were moments the doctors didn't know if baby Charlotte would make it. Baby was taken from Mom and rushed to NICU in another hospital. They were separated for several days, but through faith, a plethora of prayers, around the clock medical care, lots of tears and unstoppable prayers, baby Charlotte was off of all life supporting tubes, held by mom and dad, loved by everybody, and was able to go home 48 hours later." Sydni is the product of the strong faith of her mother and dad. She wrote this in great faith:

"Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness! Man, what a week. I will tell you this. God is good. There is nothing that can change my mind about His eternal goodness. That is an absolute. God is good, absolutely. Next, the Body of Christ is unreal. My faith has never felt more shaken or tested than the way it has been this week. I hit that point of “Lord, I want to say that I believe but I don’t know. I’m scared and I’m exhausted and I don’t know how to stand.” Yet in those moments, I felt my family and my best friends surround us and help raise Colby and I’s arms up just like Aaron & Hur did with Moses and just like the Israelites, WE ARE EXPERIENCING VICTORY! We have watched the power of prayer this week. We have seen with our eyes that the prayers of the righteous avail much. MUCH MUCH MUCH!!!! My God is faithful. FAITHFUL. I cannot express how vital and important it is to be part of a community of believers who know the Word of God and declare it with authority!

Finally....our baby girl is here and she’s so so so beautiful. I can’t stop crying when I look at pictures of her. She arrived a little differently than we had planned and it’s created quite the opportunity to trust the Lord right out of the gate. But I mean, how perfect right? She belongs to Him first and she belongs to Him always. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Colby and I and our sweet little PERFECT ANGEL BABY! This is not a time for, “I’m sorry for what you are going through.” Please, don’t be sorry for us. We are experiencing the glory of God in these hospital rooms. We are taking ground for His kingdom in faith, in prayer and in worship. We are watching the same God who called Lazarus to rise out of his slumber move on behalf of our daughter. HIS daughter!! Because of His great love for her! Stand with us, pray with us and watch with us as we see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!! That is the God we serve and that is the God who promises good to us; to never leave us or forsake us. ❤️ Romans 8:31"

This was written by a young woman who had been taught relentless faith in the time of trouble. And, look at Jillian's, the grandmother's words: "It’s one thing to face your giants; it’s another to stand beside your children as they face their own. This last week has been overwhelming. Not because of the pain, uncertainty or fear of great loss. I’m overwhelmed at the fierce faith I witnessed overwhelm my daughter at each “negative report”. I am overwhelmed at the fight deep inside her rising up time after time, fiercely denying fear access to alter her faith. Her unwavering trust in God that pierced through the cloud of doubt that tried to linger. Joining her in prayers of faith and songs of worship while FaceTiming her husband who was at a different hospital with angel baby. Overwhelmed with gratitude that we did not quit, give up or take our faith for granted over the years in her raising. Overwhelmed with great joy in stepping aside and watching her begin a lifetime journey called “motherhood“ and now training her daughter how to fight the good fight of faith."

I am stirred up more than ever to be a faith-first, praying mother and grandmother for my children’s and seven grandchildren’s lives. When we pray according to God’s Word, like those prayers prayed for Sydni and baby Charlotte, we are in line with God’s will, enabling us to pray with power and wisdom. The praying changes not only the lives of our grandchildren, but us as well.

As crazy as this world is and as topsy-turvy our own little worlds might be, instead of wringing our hands in distress, we can pray—regularly, intentionally, specifically—trusting our children and grandchildren into God’s faithful care. God’s way is perfect…. “He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.” (Psalm 18:30). We can stand in the gap, praying for the spiritual, emotional, and physical protection of our precious children and grandchildren. We are not hopeless; we have a God who is “our refuge and strength, our stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

So mothers and grandmothers (and dads and granddads), let's unite, pray and believe because God is faithful, we can breathe in His peace while we wait for the answers to our prayers.

Who is YOUR Someone?

President Ronald Reagan coined the phrase: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” That quote speaks volumes to me when I think about the "someones" that might have passed my way, literally....passed, without me giving them a second thought. I might have been so caught up in my own little world, I didn't even notice the "neon sign" that God was flashing or maybe it wasn't flashing -- it was the face of a lonely or hurting "someone", and I missed them.

God sends "someones" to us as the answer to their prayers and because we have prayed to be the answer to someone's prayer. We pray or sing: "Make me more like You, Jesus, make me more like You. Give me a heart that's filled with love and make me more like You." And, though we mean well as we pray and sing those words....we are so distracted by this and that, that we miss the opportunities to be His hands extended. Shouldn't we slow down and be intentional and focused to be that difference maker to a "someone"?

We can't be an encourager to everyone but we can be an encourager to someone. We can create our own version of that sentence, too: "I can’t be a ___________ to everyone but I can be a ___________ to someone. What would you write there—friend, leader, mentor, counselor, teacher?

Whatever and whoever it is, I’m convinced it matters. So, let's ask: “Who is my someone?” In other words, who do I know that God has asked me to serve today? It’s another version of the parable Jesus told of the shepherd who left the ninety-nine to go look for the one. I don’t think this literally means we’re only to serve one person. I think it’s more about understanding that we’re not called to anonymous crowds. We are called to relationships and connecting with each other in meaningful ways that heal and restore.

Jesus didn't heal everyone in Israel while He was here. Instead He lived with focus and intention, only doing what His Father asked Him to do. Aw! FOCUS and INTENTION! Following His example means we don't have to be that "someone" that EVERYONE needs. We can let go of that guilt that we are not doing more. But, we sure can love well the people right in front of us with focus and intention, and trust God is the One taking care of the whole big, wide world. We can’t be all things to everyone but we can be something to someone today.

My Purpose Filled Life Comes Without a Drill Sergeant

I want to start off by saying I know God has always been with me -- even before my conception. Cheers to my mom and dad’s hardcore belief in life. I was an unexpected baby (not to God, but to mom and dad). It had been 12 years since their last child, but mom was in a trainwreck that upset her “apple cart”, rather, her birthing cart. All the biological factors came together and whoa-la, here came Donna Sue! At first, I wasn’t a welcomed surprise. Mom was older and done with being a baby manufacturer, but God wasn’t done and if she were alive, she’d tell you I was her blessing. We were besties, inseparable, and eventually, I became her caregiver.

Once mom grasped the notion that I was a blessing and not a curse, she loved me with all her heart. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur at birth and she prayed for my healing to live. Obviously her prayers were answered and obviously, God purposely planned my existence. He created a unique path for my life. He created a unique path for your life, too -- even before your conception. In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a believer and lover of God and His Word, too. If you’re not, I pray this is the day you join me on the most remarkable journey of sweet assurance of OUR manufacturer and His purpose for our lives.

I wish I could say since I became a Christian at 8-years-old that I had completely understood God’s love for me. I wish I had always been on fire for Him and tight with Him, but, rather than “I wish I hads”, I am learning that's just not His requirements. Sometimes we see Him as a Drill Sergeant who requires a certain way to stand, act, dress, speak and "Oh, YES SIR! I promise to seek You more, read my Bible more. I'll get more involved. I'll reach out to others more!" But with all the ups and downs of life, those promises get a little watered-down. After all, we are just human, right? But what if it was for a different reason altogether?

What if the whole time we were trying so hard to draw into God, we were going about it the wrong way? We were making it a routine, a drill, a rigid, religious exercise that once we completed the tasks, we had completed our requirements, because, of course, that’s what a good Christian does…..right? But then one day, I realized God wasn’t my drill sergeant yelling at me to “Get up! Get going! Give me 10 (push-ups)!” I realized He shows up in the softness of a gentle breeze, or that big hug from a fellow believer or a worship song, or scripture that pops off the thin page of my Bible that was “right on” and what I needed for that day. That has been the ebb and flow that eventually got me to this day and time that pulled me into blogging and sharing my faith.

Now I am using the gifts HE has given me to glorify Him. I am able to understand what He is teaching me even more. I am confident when He says "yes" OR "no" to me because I know He has my best interests at heart. Now, out of my sweet relationship with the One Who loves me most, I want to serve Him. I want to read my Bible to find out more about Him and now read it in a way that sticks with me, sinks into my heart and sets me on my path and it may even be the catalyst for my next blog.

My relationship with Jesus has become radically different. It’s a built-in, 24-hour open-shop with Him. I just love HIm so much, I truly want, with all my heart to please Him out of a thankful heart. My thought life hinges on pleasing Him. “Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that!” “Thanks, God, for that advice.” It was sitting right there in front of me just waiting for me to discover the path that was made for me and embracing it. If you find yourself in a similar situation of wanting more from your relationship with God, don’t give up. You'll get there because He's always right there with you, for you and waiting for you. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelation 3:20

When It’s Hard to Say (or Hear) “Praying for You”

Recently I found out not everyone appreciates it when we say the words "I'll be praying for you" or asking them to "Please pray for......" On this occasion, I was told "Since I don't pray, and know for certain that prayer doesn't work, I'd take it as a personal favor if those of you who simply can't resist exhorting me to do so, would cease e-mailing me. Right now would be good.” I surmised that that one was having a rough day for some reason, and I couldn't be silent.

OFirst I recommended that thinking good thoughts toward others would help if one doesn't want to pray. Then I told my story. "To the contrary, prayers do work. I am a widow and were it not for my prayers and the prayers of others, the calm and great peace from the outset of my husband's illness, to his passing to the strength and peace I continue to live in today, I wouldn't be here, or if I were, I'd be a most miserable human being. The fact is prayers work, but when we don't get the answer we want, often we conclude that there is no God or that God could care less. I discovered long ago that God isn't a divine Santa Claus or a genie in a lamp. And, He isn't a holy bellhop who jumps at our beck and call. God operates by His perfect will and our prayers are always subject to it. Many times I've prayed and didn't get the answer I wanted. He maybe responded with a "no or not now", but knowing Him as my Heavenly Father, I know He knows what's best for me. I have come to realize how God uses my pain and struggles to fashion me into being a more compassionate friend to others.

I had more to say, but most importantly, I started thinking even more about those words “I’ll pray for you,” and while it seemed to offend this person, maybe those who are fully devoted followers of Christ, may even be disappointed and hurting, and though those words may be kind, they can also sound like a cliché and an empty promise. Broken relationships, financial difficulties or the recent loss of a loved one, can cause even the most faithful to question if God loves them or even notices their circumstance. So, why do we offer to pray for others? Prayer is an invitation for us to share the Father’s heart with His children. He desires for each of His children to feel loved, cared for and encouraged. And, He can make Himself real in the moment for those who need to feel His touch through us.

Let’s face it - in our hearts we know God loves us and longs for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need, but there are times when a Pity Party seems like the best place to go. But, it's those times, especially, that we should welcome others to pray for us. Maybe it's even a good idea to request for them to specifically ask God to help us begin to trust Him again. When someone offers to pray for us, let's appreciate their concern for us and welcome their prayers. In hope and faith, remember, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16. A one-minute prayer can move a moment filled with discomfort to a place of renewed trust in God’s comfort, love and healing ways.

So, whether or not you actually speak the words - “praying for you” - let’s remember that prayer is a powerful tool and it actually can bring peace and relief to a hurting heart. I know it -- from first hand experience. While we must consider how others feel about the phrase, it shouldn’t stop us from bowing our heads and lifting our worries, thoughts and concerns for one another to our loving Father.

By the way...."My FB friends -- I'm praying for you and I mean it. Lord, please bless, console, comfort, restore, heal, and renew my dear FB friends today. May they sense your loving arms around them. May they know how much You love them.....all the way to the cross.....and back. Amen"

Make Every Day Count -- the Diary and Photo Album of the Wandering Widow!

That's my new slogan and it sure worked for this weekend. Since I had spent so much quality time with my kids and grandkids over the last seven months of my transition from Oklahoma to Texas, I determined to make Mother's Day weekend one that I was able to spread the love to other dear friends and family. I know "Give, and it shall be given" -- that's just God's law of giving and receiving.

Saturday morning, I headed to Oklahoma City for my great nephew's high school graduation. It was a nostalgic drive from Dallas to OKC because as newlyweds and young parents in Dallas, we made many trips to Lake Murray, Turner Falls and Lake Texoma for overnight camping trips. I had many Memory Lane thoughts. That's what we "mature" folks get to do, and I urge you, "young" folks, to make lots of memories so you'll have something to do when you're taking long drives in the future! LOL!

My nephew (my sister-in-heaven's son, Mark David Lawrence and his sweet wife, Donna Lawrence had just about an entire section reserved for their own family in the Cox Convention Center for the graduation. There were about 30 of us. I love that this family celebrates each other and it's a great excuse for a "family reunion" afterwards! Congrats to my great nephew, Caleb Lawrence, on his graduation. Oh, the places he will go!

Then it was a drive to Tulsa to spend Mother's Day weekend with my sweet 94-year-old mother-in-law. I treasure this time. We talk and talk about everything -- but especially what she has meant to me over the years. Those two "besties" (she and my mom) made sure that my husband and I would eventually marry.....and stay married! Oh the storms they calmed through their prayers for us! LOL! Mom hasn't quit. Right now, she's on the phone encouraging and supporting a dear friend. She gives and she keeps getting back!

Then it was to Madalene Church where I was able to reconnect with my dear long-time friends (17 years) and my sweet godson and his family. Because I had been so ill with the flu in April, I missed the First Communion of 24 sweet kids, and especially my godson's sister. We made up for it yesterday. Also, I was able to connect with a wonderful seminarian, James Porter, who in just two more years will become a priest. He's definitely one of God's chosen vessels to be His hands extended. Since I first met him, I knew God had special things in store for him and God's people. He is never without a beautiful smile and he draws you into his heart and soul. He's one of those that brightens up the room when he walks inl

Then it was time to celebrate Mom's family (her daughter, Karen). Four generations there for Mom! Seven mothers enjoyed a great meal prepared by the men. The only one missing was my sweetheart, but I sensed him smiling at the group of us. Well, also my kids were celebrating Mother's Day with their own families in Austin and Frisco.

The big finale of this day was spending time with my dearest friends in the world, Mick & Sheila Michie in their beautiful new home that is so blessed by God. It's like we're never apart because we reconnect in such special ways, remembering the past blessings, today's and our hopes for tomorrow's blessings. We've seen God answer our prayers in so many ways. Of course, being seranaded by Mick is the icing on the Mother's Day cake!

Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Thanks for indulging me. It was my way of sharing how we can make our days count. We won't ever have this day again, so why shouldn't we make the most of it that we can? What we choose to spend time on can unlock blessings for us today, and every day to come.

In Proverbs 3:1-2, we hear instructions for making the best of our days: "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."

Let's make our days count by recalling God's goodness, spreading His love around in word and deed, and being grateful for a new day.

Happy Presidents Day! Thanks, Presidents!

I gave considerable thought to Presidents' Day before posting today. In my research, I found this day began as a way of celebrating George Washington's Birthday (our first U.S. president) and now it's a federal holiday that honors all presidents of the U.S. In celebrating this day, do we really acknowledge, with gratitude, what our presidents sacrificed and did for us? Why would anyone, including our current president, desire this position? What is it about the psyche of would-be presidents that makes them wake up in the morning and think it would be gratifying to take on the troubles of the world, to assume responsibility for the lives of 300 million Americans at a time when their lives are so precarious? And particularly now, in this moment of maximum crisis and hostilities -- wars and rumors of wars, health care, people without jobs, the national debt, ISIS, global warming, immigration issues, etc., why would ANYONE step up?

Some would answer that question of "Why do you want to be President?" by responding: ego, fame, fortune (just look at the book deals, speaking fees that follow even after a president has left office), etc. And, of recent campaigning by President Trump, and other candidates who ran for the office, they sincerely believe that they can fix what nobody else can fix. The ambition and drive that propel politicians to high office at a time of tribulation may convince them that deep problems are simply successes waiting to happen. Wonder if they followed Zig Zigar's famous quote "You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

But, really, what about the crticism, the idea of living in a glass house where every thing you say and do, what you wear, what your spouse and children wear and do, is so highly scrutinized, having secret service with you 24/7, not being able to live a normal, every-day-run-of-the-mill life, and when you make a decision that you sincerely feel is the right one, backfires on you and your reputation takes another downward spiral of popularlity. And, here's a biggie -- Dr. Michael Roizen holds on to what he's said for a while: That presidents effectively age twice as fast while in office. We've all seen the difference of Day 1 of a new president in office and the day he leaves office. Even in the best of times, the presidency can be an enormous burden. Every American soldier killed abroad, every house foreclosed on at home, every monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Indian Ocean ultimately becomes his responsibility.

Whew! WHY? Somewhere in all that decision-making, every single one of our presidents, whatever party they represented, whatever good or bad decisions they made.....they stepped up to make a difference. I can't fault a single one of them for that. I can only express my appreciation for ALL of those who were willing to put their personal lives on hold for those years they held office and for the good they did....we are still here, thanking God that we live in American.....where, in the words of Lee Greenwood, "at least I know I'm free!"

Abraham Lincoln gets a lot of attention on this day because his birthday was also in mid-February. I remember lessons and activities about the presidents when I was in school, and hearing the faith of President Lincoln still inspires me. It is true that Lincoln never joined a church, although he attended church services regularly while President. The reason he gave for refusing to join a church was that he could "never be satisfied" with all the dogmas and creeds that the denominational churches of his day required. On this subject Lincoln wrote:

"When any church will inscribe over its altar, as its sole qualification for membership, the Savior's condensed statement of the substance of both law and Gospel, 'Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and thy neighbor as thyself' that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul."

On this day of celebrating our Presidents, I'd like to say "Thank you" to ALL of those who have been willing to take this huge weight upon their shoulders. I honor them, each and every one.

President Lincoln said, "Let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear." That is key -- NOT trusting man, but trusting God and when we do that -- we can move forward without fear. Please join me in this prayer: "Forgive us, God, for the ways we have placed our hope in anything or anyone other than You. Forgive us for the times we should have been that rock to others, but instead we have been a source of anxiety as we vented our own fears and frustrations. Forgive us for when we should have been leading and expressing faith, but in expressing our doubt and dismay, we may have caused others to wonder whether You are a God in whom we can trust. And You most assuredly are. Make our faith stronger. Make our focus greater. We look to no man, but we do pray for our President. We pray for those who have the ear of our President, and that those who know You personally will not fear to speak what is true and what represents Your Word and Your heart. Whatever turn is next in the road, or the turn after that, or the turn after that—we pray that our faith would be stronger for what we have seen and endured. Let us love and give and serve and trust and spend ourselves for what really matters. Let us remain prayerful, grateful, and hopeful because of the promises You have given us. We consecrate ourselves, our families, our country, and our future, again, to You. In Christ's name we pray....Amen!

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Believe and Receive

I'm still here in Austin with who I now call my "Austin Family". It's as though my family has been here for quite some time, and they just arrived last weekend. They already have lots of new friends, the boys were already drafted into baseball teams (winning big yesterday). They're adapting quite well to their new school -- it's a much earlier school start time (7:45 am), and they love their teachers and routines.

We had lots of celebrations yesterday. Brennan pitched a 3-up, 3-out inning. We celebrated big brother, Barrett's, 21st birthday (still attending university in WA, he flew in a couple of days ago) and we got a couple more rooms at their home all unpacked and organized. Another fun celebration was the arrival of their horse and miniature donkey. Now, not only do they have five goats, a barn cat, their sweet Havanese dog, Bentley, but now it's beginning to look like a real Texas ranch....with the horse and donkey.

Here's how God cares about what we care about. So the Wuerch's new home on 11 acres came with five billy goats. They are so fun....they see us, and they come running to us, and there's one that's a real show off. He jumps up on the corral fence. Their new home in Austin, came with a beautiful barn, with eight stalls -- it just needed to be occupied. So the timing was perfect and God provided the horse and its buddy, a minature donkey. Here's the hilarious icing on the cake. These are the names of our boys: Braden, Barrett, Brennan and Bryson. Their dog is Bentley. Their horse was named Boogie and the donkey was Biscuit. It's all about the B's!!! LOL!

Isn't it amazing how much God cares about even the smallest desires of our hearts? The boys longed for a horse and they got the bonus of the cute little furry donkey. Yes, there are those times when we just have to look up to heaven and say, "Thanks, God. I know you did that!" It is truly a miracle that the God of the universe surrounds our tiny, little lives with His loving care. Maybe we should look for the miracles of answered prayers and desires of our hearts. It's not always big and showy, but it is no less a miracle when the God of the universe shows up to kids who just happen to have a barn.

The Legacy of Praying Grandparents

Day 159 of Photo Inspirations -- The Legacy of Praying Grandparents
#TBT  This is my Grandma and Grandpa, John & Mary Halbert.  They've long been in heaven, but yesterday, I had sweet memories of them and knew this would be my #TBT photo inspiration today.

Back in the day.....50+ years ago, I well remember "Testimony" Services at church.  That's when the pastor would invite people in the congregation to stand and give a praise report about God's goodness.  I remember my grandpa, with a beautiful baritone voice, standing up to sing one song each time "Hold to God's unchanging hand.  Hold to God's unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal.  Hold to God's unchanging hand."  And from there he'd give witness to how the struggles in this life can be overcome if we hold God's unchanging hand.

Then my sweet grandma would stand and give her short, yet consistent "word" exhortation:  "You've just got to love."  Then she'd sit down.  Her mission was accomplished, because everyone that knew her, felt her love, and in turn, desired to immulate that love.

They lived in such a modest little home in midtown Dallas, and I remember, more times than not, finding them in their rocking chairs, listening to religious broadcasting on their radio.  Good old Southern preaching and singing..  They wore their faith and love for God on the inside and outside.  And, that's my legacy.

This sweet little grandmother was also the matchmaker that brought my sweetheart and me together -- myself at age 12 and "Ronnie" aka Ron at age 13.  She called to say, "Ronnie Wuerch likes you."  I replied, "Tell him I like him, too!"  The rest is history....but needless to say, the most precious gift she ever gave me.

Today I'm embracing and cherishing those memories because I know that their prayers for me, waaay back then, are still being answered today.  Their prayers, like our prayers, are "perennials" (you know, the flowers/plants that come back up year after year).  Each prayer they prayed were like seeds that eventually bore fruit that has blessed not just me, but my children and their children.  Just because they died, their prayers didn't.  I am still reminded that the prayers of my grandparents are being answered in my life right now.  Their prayers outlived them.

Their example is inbred in me now, because today, I carry on their legacy as I pray for my kids and grandkids.  God hears every prayer and every prayer is ALWAYS answered...eventually.  I hope that one day, those are the memories my kids and grandkids will have about me.
#PreciousMemories

Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers

Day 141 of Photo Inspirations -- Big Audacious Faith-Filled Prayers
Yesterday was Payton's birthday party -- he had planned it for weeks -- pool party, pool games, outdoor fun.  But then we had to think about Plan B -- the forecast was 92% chance of rain.

Yesterday, I posted about how I am honing in on taking my prayer life to another level -- drawing circles around my prayers and instead of timid prayers, praying faith-filled, walking-on-water prayers.    So during our morning devotion and prayer around the breakfast table -- we prayed for a beautiful day that gave opportunity to the fun and games at the pool, as well as the Plan B games we had ready to go.

The party was set for Noon to 6 pm.  During those six hours, we had completely clear, warm and beautiful weather.  The party was a complete success.  It started with music by Payton and Chris, then ping pong  and pizza....and then, as Payton had believed.....pool games (in and out of the water), one of which included a stick of gum covered with whipped cream in a plate.  With hands behind their backs, they had to go face-first into the whipped cream to get the gum in their mouth.  The first one to get their gum and blow a bubble was the winner.  And, there they enjoyed their chocolate chip cookie dessert.  Smart idea to have the messiest part of the party at the pool!

It was brilliant of us to have a Plan B -- that added to the fun of our Birthday Olympics.  Back at the house, we had all kinds of "Minute to Win It" games:  Moving Skittles with straws, Stack Attack (stacking cups and taking down); Cookie Eater (Forehead to mouth -- no hands); Defy Gravity -- keeping 3 balloons up with one hand the longest; Rapid Fire -- using rubber bands to knock 3 cups off the table.

Here's the REAL deal:  we prayed an audacious prayer for a beautiful rain-less day, and we received it.  We celebrated the faithfulness of God.  But what if it had rained out the pool party?  No BIG deal -- sometimes it's the rain that causes us to dance and party in the rain.  The joys in life are making the plans.....and allowing God to direct our paths.  That way....it's a WIN - WIN -- however it turns out.  "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Role Model - Mentor - Women of Example

I have been blessed to have so many amazing female mentors in my life -- that started with my precious mother who showed me the power of profound faith -- in action. I don't remember ever hearing her complain about HAVING to work to bring in the needed income when my dad was so sick for many years, and eventually passed away. I don't ever remember her murmuring about being a widow and being lonely. I remember hearing her faith-filled prayers and singing about God's love while doing daily chores. I remember her having to go pawn her wedding band just to have the finances to make ends meet. I remember her heart of giving -- even with a small social security fixed income. She ALWAYS delighted in giving to her church and to others. She made so many sacrifices for me -- just so I could be dressed impeccably. I remember the sweet and tender heart she had for everyone. I don't remember her being fixated on how her body looked, but I do remember her caring about always dressing like queen. It was her example, as well as other wonderful Christian women who helped me gain a vision for what God desires from His daughters -- living strong, motivated, positive, determined, faith-filled, and energetic lives -- especially eager to make a difference in their world around them.

FB Girl Friends -- let's determine to carry the torch to be that light in the darkness to others, and we can not only be that role model and mentor they need, but will cause them to desire to leave their imprint on their next generation. Let's be those resilient, tenacious, can-do, strong, power-packed, all-out-hearts-for-God women that leave a legacy for others to follow.