See You at the Top!

A few days ago I was inspired when I saw my daughter’s Instagram post: “Intensely grateful for the role this man (Zig Ziglar) played in my life for so many years. Next to my father, his words, encouragement and life shaped my perspective like no other. I give thanks that he was able to call a blessing upon my son, Payton, who seems to carry a similar ability to inspire us daily with his unique and ever-positive perspective! We’ll see you “over the top”, Pops!” (Daily, Payton posts on Instagram a life message. For example, “Worship gets you through the tough parts of life because it shifts your focus from the problem to the problem solver.”)

I loved that. Often we look in the rear view mirror and think about the mistakes we’ve made and we do a lot of “would-a, should-a, could-a” talking. That does us little good, if any at all. But, how incredibly beneficial it is for us to reminisce about those good people and good situations that molded us and gave us sure footing that stays with us today – in our attitudes, our decision-making, and our overall outlook on life. We know that there were those who left footprints in the sand for us to follow.

Zig was such a vital part of our family's lives for so many years. My children literally "cut their teeth" on Zig's philosophies and the belief that "we were born to win". ("Born to Win" was one of his inspiring books.) His motto "You can have anything you WANT in life if you will help enough other people get what they WANT. His trainings and principles for success in business and life -- and his friendship with our family, sincerely impacted the people we are today -- optimistic, relentless work ethics and audacious determination to succeed at whatever we put our hands and hearts to.

I was thinking about what Zig meant when he said “See You at the Top” (one of his best-selling books). Zig made it to the top in business, family life….and ultimately – in heaven. I figure that he and my husband are conspiring daily and interceding for all of us to continue to live passionately with determination to live our lives with gusto and as role models for others to follow. Here’s some of Zig’s philosophies that help us make sure that we get to the top of our game and our life if we live them. We know we’re at the top when:

• You know that success doesn’t make you and failure doesn’t break you.
• You are filled with faith, hope and love; and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy or thoughts of revenge.
• You are mature enough to delay gratification and shift your focus from your rights to your responsibilities.
• You know that failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.
• You are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God and in fellowship with man.
• You have made friends of your adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know you best.
• You understand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes when you do things for others.
• You are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude and generous to the needy.
• You love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless and encouragement to the discouraged.
• You can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up with gratitude.
• You know that "he who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all."
• You recognize, confess, develop and use your God-given physical, mental and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.
• You stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Looking forward to seeing my sweetheart, Zig and YOU at the TOP!

We've Only Just Begun

That was one of our favorite songs (released in 1970) by The Carpenters. The characters in the song were a couple, just married, and were looking forward to new horizons, new roads to choose, with so much life ahead of them. We sang that song completely unaware of what lie ahead….but as long as we were together, side by side, we just knew we’d make it through each and every bump in the road that we might encounter. Seems like unrealistic thinking, but it is the ONLY way to live – believing and always hoping for the best, but just in case the worst might come, we’d be able to handle it together. That’s because we placed our hope and trust in the ONE who had already prepared the way for us.

We’re just a little over one week into this new year and this start certainly gives us those feelings -- a certain excitement about the possibilities that are out there for us. We may reflect on the past, but no longer do we dwell there, because we certainly can’t change the past. Looking through the rear view mirror is no option.

It was my 5th year to “Run for Ron” in the Route 66 Marathon, complete with wearing my “Run for Ron” t-shirt, but on the 5th year, while I was running, I clearly got the message “There’s no need to be running for Ron any longer. He’s doing just fine running on his own. It’s time to run your own race – run strong for Donna.” I got it. I had been faithful to keep the past in my present long enough. I was turning a page in my story. I knew that I was supposed to write some new stories and a new chapter. It was time to BEGIN again with the expectation of great adventures and unparalleled blessings up ahead. But most importantly to write some new stories that leave a legacy for those who are following me -- a legacy of "I can" and "I will"

Obviously, I started a new chapter and it seems “Walking/Running/Driving By Faith” is the title of that first chapter. Now, I’ve started my second chapter which includes alone time with my Heavenly Father. I’m cozying up to Him – on purpose. I’ll be spending the next few weeks here in Austin tucked away in a secret place to seek Him with my whole heart. Matthew 6:33 says “Ask, and it shall be given to you; Seek, and you shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” I need answers, wisdom and direction. I know the “Answer Giver”! I’m asking Him. I’m praying for wisdom and direction in this chapter. I’ll be purposely listening and journaling what I hear.

Last week, I shared with a friend about this new chapter of seeking God for direction and she asked “How do you know when He speaks to you?” I responded with “By the gentle nudges, surprises, inclinations, and even the little signs from scriptures, friends’ counsel and wisdom, and all around me, noticing Him in the big and little around me. For example – when my home sold without me trying to sell it, by a friend inviting me to stay in her home while she was away for two months when I still needed to be in Tulsa for commitments, and by other little kisses from heaven that I experience on a daily basis.”

I’m one of God’s little sheep and I expect to hear from Him and then I plan on following where He leads me. John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

As a matter of fact, I am definitely hearing His voice these days. He's telling me to be still and wait on His timing. He's telling me to trust and know that He is God.

At the end of this year of 2017, I expect to glance back at the victories won and the many doors that opened up for me to great opportunities and adventures!

Today, I close the door to the past and open the door to the future. I take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter of my life. I’ve only just begun! How about you?