In it for the Long Hull aka Long Haul

While Ryan and Shawntel have been away a few days, I’ve stayed here with their boys. I loved big brother, Bear, his girlfriend, Hannah, and oldest brother, Braden, and his wife, Ruth, hanging out with us. My heart has been filled with love. Four boys in this Wuerch family here in Austin – so I must tell you about the joy and fun it was to have some “girl” time, talking girl "talk". It was easy to talk that talk because of the family wedding this weekend.

Ruth, my grandson Braden’s wife, my “granddaughter”, is a triplet. The last of the triplets married her dream man on Friday here in Austin. Of all the places in the world where these two sisters would end up is here in Austin. The wedding had been planned for a later date, but they couldn’t wait any longer. They married in a sweet and intimate outdoor setting (the groom’s parent’s home) here in Austin. Pictured here is Rebeca, her new husband, Ben, and that’s my Ruth, the Matron of Honor, behind her. Photo with Braden, Ruth, Rebeca & Ben includes the third triplet, Ruben, who is a Navy Officer, with his wife. Covid kept them from traveling.

We three girls oohed and aahed at the tender and precious moments as Ruth played the wedding video for us. Both bride and groom had written their own vows, so beautifully said through tears and laughter. My heart was touched seeing this strong man, cry his way through almost the whole wedding. He was marrying the love of his life. The three of us teared up when Rebeca, while saying her vows said “I must stop a moment so I can make a vow to someone else”. Rebeca walked over to Ben’s younger sister and vowed to love her, protect her, and care for her all the days of her life. That’s when the tears flowed from everyone at the wedding and we three girls who were enamored by the beauty of that special moment.

I always love hearing the words from I Corinthians 13 that most often are heard at weddings. The minister started with these words: “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing. But rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” As soon as the minister started speaking those words, it started to rain and, so the next words were: “I’ve been told on many occasions that rain is a sign that the marriage will be long and enduring. I think we’re looking at a couple who are going to celebrate 75 or 80 years of marriage.” That is when a pause came to reconvene under the patio. Moments they’ll never forget for those 75 or 80 years to come.

Now, with great expectations, Ben and Rebeca have begun their lives together. I’m so faith-filled that I believe their vows before God of loving, caring, sharing, and helping-each-other-reach-their-full-potential marriage will be blessed by God. A beautiful rite-of-passage that once were two hearts, are now one. As I type this blog, I pray those words for my readers today – to remember 1 Corinthians 13, with those love words, and to do a self-analysis. “Is our love still defined by the words of St. Paul? If not – then why not begin again to remember and put those words first place for the long haul? Ben’s last name is Hull – so that was the theme of the wedding “In it for the long Hull”. I pray the long Hull and long HAUL for them and you, too!

Rain, Rain! Don’t Go Away – You are Welcome in this Day

Oh, the wonderful rain that has come to us in Frisco. Two days in a row means the blistering heat has subsided and I don’t have to water plants and grass. My two fur-pals haven’t been too crazy about it – they don’t like playing or walking in the rain. I've learned not to complain about the heat, the cold or rain, because, here in Texas, it's subject to change daily. We might as well brace ourselves and go with the flow!

Isn't that like our personal "climates", too? One day we are bright with a sunny disposition. Things are going our way -- even the lights are turning green before we get to them. And, another day, it's cloudy, rainy with thunderstorms overtaking us. The thrills of that "shout-hallelujah" victory can be overtaken by that "woe is me" agony of defeat.

But it's inevitable that there will be ups and downs in our lives. And, Lord, have mercy – we have had plenty of ups and downs the last few months, haven’t we? A country music legend, Lynn Anderson, made the song "Rose Garden" famous. The lyrics were: “I beg your pardon. I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s got to be a little rain sometime.”

When we read the writings of the Apostle Paul, we might think that he and Lynn Anderson partnered up in writing that song. Paul knew suffering and he wrote to us about it, but he weathered it, because he also knew God’s peace in the suffering. He was talking about a calm that comes because of God's love for us. The calm that comes even when the storm clouds gather. Paul even had the audacity to tell us to "rejoice in our sufferings"! He said in Romans 3:3-5 "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Really? We're supposed to rejoice in our sufferings? Sufferings like being in isolation, having to home school our kids, an illness, a relationship break-up, a divorce, facing bankruptcy, the death of a loved one, wayward children, losing a job or even suffering through this presidential election rancor-- we are supposed to rejoice in those sufferings? God didn't mean for us to celebrate loses or even ignore pain or suffering. No, no, no. Instead, he meant that suffering is a part of life. No matter how many times we complain that life is not fair, Paul wants us to know that suffering (a little rain) is the part of our lives that helps us grow to be hope-filled people of character and determination. That rain gives us hope for tomorrow’s beautiful rose gardens in our lives.

What Lynn Anderson's song doesn't tell us, and what Paul wanted so desperately for us to know, is that God loves us so much that He promised never to leave us alone. The rain comes and suffering comes, but with God, we'll receive patient endurance. And patience leads to character. And character leads to hope. And hope will not disappoint us. That's a mighty fine recipe for pulling us from the darkest of times, to the brightest sunshine times EVER. That's when we'll be singing "Rain, rain – don’t go away – you are welcome in this day!” Because, tomorrow we’ll be singing “I’m walking on sunshine – whoa oh! – and don’t it feel good?"

Remembering Yesterday and Yester-Years

It’s early Sunday Morning, Father’s Day, and I’m taking in the sound of the melodious rainfall. I look out my back window and my eyes go right to that yellow rose bush being watered from heaven. Don’t tell me otherwise! Sure, I know there’s scientific reasons for rains, but on this day, Father’s Day, I’m imagining my “love” reminding me he remembers – and so do I.

That little yellow rose bush has fully bloomed twice this season already, and here it goes again. Of course, it reminds me of the man of my dreams and my reality – my sweet husband and the father of my two children, the grandfather of my seven grandchildren. Oh, how blessed we were to have known and loved this man. Our wedding included yellow roses, every home we ever lived in (even the two homes since his passing on) has had a yellow rose bush planted there. When my babies were born, yellow roses were at my bedside. So, of course, the rain and the yellow roses compounded my awareness that he isn’t here, but, oh, yes, he is. He lives so big in our hearts.

Just a memory to spark so much gratitude for those little things in my life, that on a day like this, I can rejoice and be glad and not sad. Oh, how I would love for him to still be here with me enjoying our family together. He’s not – but I am. I’m not done imparting the best of me, the best of us, to these I love.

My crew in Austin sent me photos of their fun times and this crew in Frisco, celebrated with huevos rancheros for breakfast, online church, Hutchins Barbeque for lunch, piano serenades from Payton, and great fun playing the fishing game that Papa gave Payton 13 years ago. What a day! Yes, we would have rather been real fishing, but since we couldn’t, the game brought back some of the best memories.

I’ve loved the photos many of you, my social media friends, posted of their dads and husbands – those who passed on, those still alive and well, and even those who have a baby “still cookin' in the oven”. I know your journey and my journey may be completely different, but if we'll all practice gratitude and watch for all the sweet kisses from heaven like I did when I heard the rain and saw those yellow roses, you, too, will see the beauty all around you. You'll laugh with children, you'll start being a light to others, and you might even dance in the rain. It's been raining a lot lately, so why not put on those dancing shoes -- and DANCE?
“You have turned my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with a garment of joy.” Psalm 30:11

I'm Walking on Sunshine.....Even in the Rain!

Last week my daughter and I were at Panera Bread having a great time of "girl talk". The sun was shining brightly when we went in, but all of a sudden we could see the winds blowing fiercely, dark clouds looming and then a torrential downpour of rain came. Yay! We needed that rain! Here in Texas -- it's been a blistering hot summer, but we've been blessed with the occasional rain shower that has sure helped our thirsty lawns. I've learned not to complain about the heat, the cold or rain, because, here in Texas, it's subject to change daily. We might as well....go with the flow!

Isn't that like our personal "climates", too? One day we are bright with a sunny disposition. Things are going our way -- even the lights are turning green before we get to them. And, another day, it's cloudy, rainy with thunderstorms overtaking us. The thrills of that "shout-hallelujah" victory can be overtaken by that "woe is me" agony of defeat.

It's inevitable that there will be ups and downs in our lives. Country Music singer, Lynn Anderson, made the song "Rose Garden" famous. The lyrics were: “I beg your pardon. I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s got to be a little rain sometime.”

When we read the writings of the Apostle Paul, we might think that he and Lynn Anderson were singing the same song. Paul had plenty of suffering to talk about, but he also talked a lot about the peace of God. He was talking about a calm that comes because of God's love for us. The calm that comes even when the storm clouds gather. Paul even had the audacity to tell us to "rejoice in our sufferings"! He said in Romans 3:3-5 "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Are you kidding me? We're supposed to rejoice in our sufferings -- from being hospitalized because of an illness, to going through a divorce, to face bankruptcy, to dealing with a loved one's death, to losing a job. Really? We are supposed to rejoice in those sufferings? Paul didn't mean for us to go "Hip hip hooray! I've lost my job; my husband passed away; the creditors are taking my car!" No, no, no. Instead, he meant that suffering is a part of life. No matter how many times we complain that life is not fair, Paul wants us to know that suffering (a little rain) is the part of our lives that helps us grow to those hope-filled people of character and determination.

What Paul wanted so desperately for us to know, is that our God loves us so much that He promised never to leave us alone. Yes, the rain comes AND suffering comes, but with God, we'll receive patient endurance. And patience leads to character. And character leads to hope. And hope will not disappoint us. That's a mighty fine recipe for pulling us from the darkest of times, to the sun-shiniest times EVER. That's when we'll be singing "I'm walking on sunshine (whoa oh)! And don't it feel good!"

A Rainy Morning Lesson on Vanity

It's Sunday morning. Last night I laid the clothes out that I'm wearing to church this morning. It's an early one. I must be there to sign in by 7:30 am. I'm doing my best to give away clothes that I haven't worn in a year, so I pull out an outfit I haven't worn this summer. I want to keep this one. It's a navy blue and white dress and jacket. My accessories are white. After all, it's summer and white is in! I pin on a brooch that my mother-in-law gave me. I quickly take a photo of the brooch on my jacket and send it to my sis-in-law to show mom and to tell her I'm thinking of her today. Now, all set to go!

You know the saying "If you want it to rain, then wash your car." And, this morning I coined the phrase "If you want it to rain, then wear white", because as I step out to my car, it's suddenly pouring down rain. Thank you, Lord, for the rain, but I return to my closet to change to navy blue shoes instead of the white ones. A rainy day typically means cozy up with a good book and comfy clothes. But this day I'm dolled up for God's house and hearing from His good Book, from my cozy pew.

I'm at church early. I sign in as a server and greeter and then nestle into my pew. I kneel to offer thanksgiving, then I read today's scriptures. The words that jump off the page are from Ecclesiastes 1, "Vanity of vanities", says Qoheleth, "everything is vanity!" (FYI -- vanity means excessive pride in or admiration of one's appearance or achievements.) Immediately, I hear my Father's loving and gentle correction about my own vanity this morning. I was so fixated on what I'm wearing on the outside rather than Who I'm wearing on the inside.

Then I read the scripture from Colossians 3:1 "If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." So my good BOOK, continues to teach me a better way of living, I don't think for a minute that desiring to look good is an issue to God. He wants us to be appealing and bearing His light to the world. But I always know when He is helping me be better -- just like we gently help our little ones to do and be better. I know He loves me so much that He is always setting me straight on what my priorities should be.

Our pastor put the icing on the cake that God had already baked for me -- especially as he, too, honed in on the "vanity of vanity" scripture. He said, "We must be careful with our priorities: in our home, our wealth, our possessions, or the way we look." He added: "When I sit by someone who is dying, never do they talk about their house or car or degree, their wealth or what to wear. They always talk about their children and relationships with others -- the treasures they have stored up in heaven. That's sure where I want my treasures stored! I'm humbled...again!

Jesus Take the Wheel -- Please!!!

I'm home from a quick trip to Tulsa to attend a celebration of a dear 90-year-old friend's life. I thought I knew this man who had blessed me with such kindness over the years, but not until I saw his talents all around the halls and chapel did I come to know I had not delved into WHO he really was. Little did I know he was a renown jazz musician, talented artist, and pioneer in the frozen food business. I only knew him as the developer of the beautiful 55+ Hyde Park community in Tulsa. I loved hearing the speaker say that God had "taken the wheel of his life". I learned that I need to be a friend who cares enough to want to know more about my friends before it's too late.

It was pouring rain most all the way back home yesterday. My sis-in-law, Karen, called and we talked as I drove. She prayed for me: "Jesus, please take the wheel for Donna as she drives home!" I embraced those words because the drive could have been daunting in that pouring-down-rain, but I was completely at peace as I knew Jesus was taking the wheel.

Karen is an amazing and loving care-giver of my almost 97-year-old mother-in-law who can be a hand-full. In addition to the responsibility of mom, Karen and her husband own a highly demanding business that consumes an enormous amount of their time. She remarked: "You know, I often pray 'Jesus take the wheel.'" And I reply: "Oh, yes, I do, too!" I love our relationship because we have each other to vent to when we need a listening ear. We know we are never alone and can talk to God Who is always on our side to give us the super-powers we need to carry on but sometimes we just need Jesus in the "flesh and blood" in our lives. I'm thrilled when we can be that for each other.

At the funeral, I notice a young woman standing off to herself, obviously brokenhearted and weeping. I leave my conversation with friends and go to her, put my arms around her and ask: "Are you okay?" She replies, "He was like a father to me. He always let me sit at his feet and he'd tell me stories. He was so kind to me." I remember how Jesus always had women surrounding Him. He was as a beloved father, brother, friend and great storyteller. Of course they wept when He was no longer with them. This young woman needed Jesus "in the flesh". I was able to be Him in the flesh to her. I say: "Jesus must love you so much -- that out of all the people here today, a gal from Texas shows up, sees you and is nudged by God to come and give you a hug." I ask: "Do you know Him?" She does. I tell her: "Jesus is loving you through me." We sit together at lunch and I see her eyes grow brighter and she is calm and grateful. I tell her to pay it forward now and be the hands and feet of Jesus to others.

Those are times that I know that Jesus takes the wheel from me. When I step away from my agenda and surrender to His plans, He takes control of what matters most. The nudge from God to make this trip was confirmed by so many "Jesus taking the wheel" moments. What an amazing ride it is -- when Jesus takes over and takes the wheel from us. We'll arrive safe and sound......and even have a story to tell of His amazing grace time and time again!

The Sound of a Rushing Mighty Wind

As I made my way home from church, the skies began to darken and the wind started blowing hard. I was thankful to get inside before the torrential rain began. I thought that my trees might break because they were bent over so far. I started saying “Peace. Be still. In the name of Jesus”, over and over again. I decided to take a nap and when I awoke 45 minutes later, the sun was shining brightly and all was calm.

I saw that my neighbor’s patio chair had been knocked over and some tree limbs broke off and many clumps of leaves laying all over. On my FB timeline, I saw a friend’s post (pictured here): “A gust of quick wind came down and ripped out trees on the golf course, tore branches off the trees on the course into our yard and pool. Amazing how quickly it happened!”

Immediately I remembered, “Today is Pentecost Sunday, and these winds and their sounds hold no comparison to the winds that day!” Acts 2:1-2 says "And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting." This was a noise LIKE a violent rushing wind. This “wind” is not violent that tears apart trees and patio furniture and shingles from a roof. It is better likened to a refreshing, cool breeze of the Holy Spirit.

When we were fishing at Beaver’s Bend, the temperature escalated on a couple of the days. It was warm but we were refreshed when all of a sudden we would feel a very cool, almost cold, breeze circle around us.

Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to a gentle breeze that blows through one’s life and changes everything. He first mentioned the Holy Spirit in a conversation with a spiritual leader named Nicodemus who had always tried to please God by following Him with precise scores of rules and laws. Jesus described a spiritual experience far more personal than that. “You can’t get to know God by anything you do yourself.”

Later, when Jesus was about to leave this earth to return to heaven, His disciples were sad and wondered how they could live without Him. He promised them: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth. He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16–18).
In other words, Jesus knew that a human body could be in only one place at one time. But through His Spirit, He could be with us all the time. And not just with us. The Bible says the Holy Spirit will, if we will let Him, live within us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” asked the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:16).

I just had to write another blog today about the Holy Spirit Who has been my mainstay. It is surely the most wonderful and most mysterious blessing of all! If you’ve ever prayed in grief or discouragement and suddenly felt comfort or if you’ve asked God for help in making a decision and felt a dawning awareness of what the right choice should be, then you’ve already met the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does the very things that Jesus Himself did while He was with us: He comforts us, helps us to understand truth, provides direction and healing, helps us to admit when we’ve sinned, and reassures us of God’s love. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the lives of those who love Him. What makes all the difference is knowing that the Holy Spirit is always here, always watching, always encouraging, and always ready to help us when we really need Him.

Perhaps, today, you’re feeling the soft, gentle breezes of the Holy Spirit drawing you into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture says “I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you”. Jeremiah 31:3 He’s nudging you to commit your life to God. If you are already a Christian, the Spirit may be calling you to a more devoted life to Christ and even to a life of greater service to others. Whatever He might be saying to you, God asks you to believe that His Spirit is there, near you, watching you, giving you the power to overcome, be more faith-filled and drawing you closer into Himself. Go ahead. Lean in. Experience those cool, gentle breezes of Holy Spirit right now, this very day!

Here is That Rainbow I've Been Praying For

Yesterday I was listening to the downpour of rain. I knew the outdoor event I was attending would be postponed. But, we had seen the forecast, so it was already planned that the event would resume later in the day when the rain was gone. I thought about this old 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 sun-shining day

Oh yes I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day

Don’t those words express how we feel when, at last, the verdict comes out in our favor? Or, when the medical procedure or test reveals no disease? Or the baby is delivered after many hours of labor? Or the final exam grades were good enough to pass or even to earn a scholarship? Or any other test or trial that we go through that seems to have no end, but THEN, the bright, sun-shining day makes its way through to us.

Now, we’re singing a song of rejoicing because the obstacles that seemed insurmountable, the dark clouds, the pain, and the rain, are gone. All along God was there and we see the results of the work He has been doing in our lives. Oh, happy day! When we are going through difficult times, it is hard to see God’s Master Plan at work and, for goodness sake, we wonder what benefit could He possibly have in mind in the midst of our trials. The wait. Oh, the patience we must have during the wait. Why, Lord, does it take so long? Again, we hear. “Be patient, my child, I am working all things for your good. I promise you, you will thank me later.”

The Apostle James expressed it this way: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4). Count it for joy? Seriously?

In God’s grand scheme of things…..the trials and the tests make us stronger. Our spiritual and moral fiber is being strengthened. Our story will soon have silver linings and it will be one, not only for the record books, but it will be a story that glorifies God and gives testimony to others of God’s amazing grace.

So now, we carry on. We pick up our swords and our crosses and we carry them with honor to the finish line. It won’t be much longer and it will be a bright sun-shining day again. The rainbow that we’ve been praying for will soon appear. What if trials of this life -- the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are God’s mercies in disguise?

“Weeping may last for the night, but there is a song of joy in the morning.” Psalm 30:5.

What If Blessings Come From Raindrops?

If we could measure our blessings by raindrops that have come to Frisco for the last week and, now, it shows rain every day through Sunday, then we would be overwhelmed with blessings. On Monday, I returned home from Austin in unceasing, torrential rain most all the way in which driving was extremely intense. My plan for a 4-hour trip was dashed because of the necessary slower driving. Somehow, rain doesn't seem to be a blessing during that time. But I’ve found out, and you probably have, too, that many times in life, blessings do come from raindrops.

Laura Story wrote a song entitled “What If Blessings Come From Raindrops?” based on the incredible blessings she had as a Grammy award-winning songwriter and recording artist. The faith Laura sang about was put to the test when her husband was on breathing machines after brain tumor surgery. He also had significant post-operative vision and memory loss. She said, "I spent my whole life singing, 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,' but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn't really know that sweetness. It's hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good. When He leads us through valleys, we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I've doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He's remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope."

She went on: "I'd like to tell those going through tough times, 'God will fix your situation', but He just may not fix it. Scripture doesn't promise we'll understand everything while we're on this side of heaven, but it does tell us the broken things in this life will find their greater purpose in His redemption story. God promises there is a purpose for the pain we're going through. He promises He's doing something greater when we don't understand it.

I can vouch for what Laura said. I had to give reasons for the hope and peace that I had during my husband's illness and his graduation to heaven. People asked me, "How can you have so much joy?" Like Laura, I said, "My joy is found in Jesus. It's not found in my circumstances. I can't guarantee things will get better. But I can guarantee I'm going to get better. Life isn't all good, but God promises He will work it ALL together FOR GOOD for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28).

I urge you to listen to this beautiful song, written and sung by Laura. Perhaps it's a "rainy" season in your world today. This song may give you the encouragement you need to realize that though it might be raining, God's plans include the SUN shining again and you will come back stronger, wiser, and more joy-filled if you let Him fill you up with His goodness and mercy. What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

Lord, Thank You For the Rain!

We’ve been having downpours of rain for the last few days. Aw, sweet rain! We are on a water ration here in Frisco – only one day a week do we get to water our yards. In this Texas heat, that just hasn’t been enough water and my lawn has suffered. I've lost two holly bushes and some plants in pots (I'm out of town too much to give them the TLC and water they need.)

For the times this summer when we could have used a good, soaking rain and it didn’t come to these last few days when it came in abundance, I still offer thanks to God in times of lack and times of plenty. Now, with this drenching by these autumn rains, my pots are so full of water, that the plants (what few remained) are swimming for their lives. "I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and oil." (Deuteronomy 11:14)

These rains have reminded me of the blessings of God. Feeling like we're in a dry, barren land and a spiritual and emotional drought has sometimes consumed us. Other times, we are in amazement at the downpour of blessings that fill our “joy” pots to overflowing. You know those times -- when we’ve prayed for “rain” (answered prayer) and a healing takes place after we were given a negative diagnosis, or our child was healed, or the "free" tire change, a $10 discount on a purchase, the unexpected check in the mail, the word from a friend that says "Your post today was exactly what I needed". These are all personal stories when I knew it was God in the form of a downpour -- every time.

As we were raising funds for our Walk for Life last weekend, I was bound and determined to walk even though I had something terribly wrong going on in my leg. I walked with a limp because the pain was so intense. I prayed for it, massaged it, iced it and sat in a hot tub with jets pounding on it, and it wasn’t getting any better. Then, on Wednesday night, I was at a prayer meeting at my church that started with singing beautiful songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. As I sat on that hard chair, the pain in my leg was throbbing, so I got up and walked to the back of the room and with all-out worship and praise, raising my hands and singing “love songs” to my Father, walking back and forth from one side of the room to the other, the pain completely left me. That was one week ago today. I walked in the Walk for Life and I still have no pain in that leg. I sincerely believe I received a miracle. A drought (pain) was once a part of my life, but the downpour of healing came. Today I am soaking in gratitude.

I assure you, God comes in the seasons of dryness, barrenness, and drought if we express gratitude in the midst of that season. In the dry seasons, our Father is working out things for our good. He’s a good, good Father who wants to give His kids great ideas, discernment, creativity, wisdom, knowledge and all kinds of exciting things that can turn our drought season to downpour season. We call on Him and He will open the windows of heaven to us. Deuteronomy 28:12 says “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”

Let it rain, Lord, let it pour!

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

You're My Sunshine -- Even When it Rains

I've thought about the positive impact that some special people have had in my life (you know who you are), and just by watching you and being around you, I feel energized. Your spirit of encouragement is contagious. I can't be down in your presence because you are such a light -- your glow rubs off on everyone you touch. You're so different than others. If it's raining, you say "Isn't this weather fantastic? The rain is so refreshing and clean!" If you're not feeling well, and I mention it....you quickly say, "I'll be fine tomorrow!" If you're going through a crisis.....you say, "God will make this work for my good!" You are such a cheerful bundle of joy. You always see the glass full and overflowing. And my life is overflowing.....just because you are in my life!

If you're reading this and are thinking, "She's sure not talking about me!" If you tend to be cranky or grumpy and live on the dark side most of the time, I encourage you to invite the LIGHT into your life. Then let that LIGHT radiate from you. You'll be singing "This little light of mine, I'm gonna' let it shine"! And, then, because of your bright light, we'll be singing "You're my sunshine on a cloudy and rainy day!"

Learning to Dance in the Rain

When the storms of life come, it’s quite easy to nestle down all snug as a bug in a rug, and just wait for them to pass. After all, who wants to go outside when it’s lightning and thundering and the winds are blowing 90 miles an hour? It’s also quite easy to complain about the weather. In the winter – we complain about the cold, and in the summer we complain about the heat. Don’t you love it when you see little kids, completely CARE-FREE, bundling all up for winter fun, or running out, dancing and splashing in the rain? And, don’t you love it when little kids play in the summer – not paying any attention to the heat – so much so, that we have to remind them to put on sunscreen?

I’ve figured it out. Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass, or the winter or summer to pass – or STUFF that comes our way to pass. It’s about learning to enjoy the journey, whatever season it is, or whatever the weather might be -- and even while going through the storms of life. Then what is it about? It's about learning how to dance in the rain, in the storms of life and in the seasons of life.

I’ve been through some real downpours in the last few years, and this gal has become quite the accomplished “dancer”. I know how to bend, and not break; I know how to do the “quick step” and I know how to “slow dance”, and, best of all, I’ve learned to depend on my Dance Partner, and how to follow His “lead”. And in case you’re wondering who my Dance Partner is ----- He’s the ONE Who created the dance!!