Is Love Debatable?

I get amused at my 18-year-old grandson because, from all his four years of speech and debate experience with the NCFCA (National Christian Forensics & Communications Association), he can sure hold his own when it comes to debating an issue with someone. I was completely entertained when I watched his dad and him debate the rules of Rummikub. I am not a debater -- never desired to be, EXCEPT for when my husband and I had some “discussions” (that’s what we called our disagreements that the kids witnessed). If I knew that I was right, I would be like “stuck on glue” to debate my position to prove my case. When he would cave in and concede that I was right (or just to make for peace), it brought me a sense of great pride and joy. But it certainly didn’t add “sugar and spice” to our relationship. Over the years I relented from having to be right all the time. It wasn't worth the struggle. I didn’t want to be a “know-it-all”. I wanted to be a lover who prided herself more on love, peace, and harmony than having to "win" the game of having to be right. To this day, I steer clear of disagreements as best I can. I desire to be a lover -- not a debater.

I went to lunch with three friends recently and the conversation started to get “debatable”. Oh how much I wanted to debate something being said, but then I remembered that debating and having to be right with my husband only led to a disconnect. But authenticity and warmth brought about understanding and harmony. More than debating the issue, I determined to just let my little light shine. Love isn't debatable.

Christianity isn't about proving others wrong, but it is about proving that others are loved. That LOVE is not debatable. Often, when I witness “discussions” of others, I am drawn to look a little closer at my own life and how much more I need to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to a world that needs His love. In the words of the great philosopher, Dionne Warwick (LOL!), "What the world needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just too little of".

Hopefully, I looked a little like Jesus to my friends because as John 12:32 says, "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself." Hopefully, I lifted Him up enough that it will draw them to Him. That's my goal -- to meet up with them in heaven someday!

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

The Power of Preparation

We’ve just completed another NCFCA Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas. I say “We” because I dig my heels in along with the other parents and community judges who volunteer to judge the debate and speech rounds. I’m always amazed at these young people who are “preparing” for life by being involved in a program that provides such a firm foundation for their future. They’ll take these skills with them into whatever vocation or occupation they pursue in the future. The stage presence, the ability to think-on-their-feet, the mental steadfastness, etc. are just some of the benefits. In some of the debate rounds, it didn’t take long to determine what the outcome of the debate was going to be because it was evident who the most prepared debaters were – they were the ones who had great vocal articulation, confidence, knew their subject matter well and you knew they had studied and PREPARED for this event.

Both Payton and Alexia have done so well this year! They have both already qualified for Regionals, so Alexia didn’t compete this weekend, but Mr. Aggressive Payton is working on more speaker points so he competed again and did so well -- ranked in six different categories. I know, one day, we'll look back on the preparation they've gone through in their speech and debate tournaments. Without a doubt, they are being prepared for that perfect plan God has for them. These times are preparing the soil for the future harvest!

There’s something to be said for PRE (before): Why do we look for the vegetables before we till the soil and prepare it for the seed? It’s the soil, and not the seed, that determines the quality of the harvest!

It would have made no sense for the young shepherd boy, David, to be able to kill a giant with a sling shot. A lion and a bear didn’t look like a Goliath, but they were the perfect instruments of preparation. Seriously, everything is preparation. Every mistake we make is preparation. Every lesson we learn is preparation. Every step of our faith journey is preparation. God uses it all.
One of Payton’s speeches in the category of Original Oratory was “Learning from Adversity”. In it he talked about in his young years when his mother insisted that he practice his piano and those were the years when he’d rather play outside than practice his piano, but his mother would say, “Trust me. One day you’ll be so glad I made you practice.” And Payton said, “Yes, today I am so glad as I teach others to play the piano, and I would never be here today were it not for the times of practice and preparation.

I know God prepared me for the season I am in. Who knew I would be living so on purpose with what I do today….even with these blog posts? Oh, God did – when I was in typing lessons in my high school class; when I became a technical writer for companies that I worked for; when I needed a forum to shout to the mountain tops that “GOD IS FAITHFUL” in the midst of my greatest trials.

The school teacher prepares lessons that will prepare her students for good grades that will help promote them to their next grade and prepare them for life. Most certainly, THE Teacher (our Heavenly Father) knows best about what He is PREPARING for us. When we start seeing our pain as preparation; whatever we’re going through is preparation; whatever is hurting us – is preparation. God is preparing us for what He has prepared for us. It is not failure – it is preparation. Indeed, there is POWER in preparation.

Who Woulda Thought?

Cousins that love each other so much, it seemed a shame that they would be separated by such a distance -- Seattle to Dallas. And who would have EVER suspected that my Seattle-loving, Seahawks-loving son and family would move to Austin, TX, and even more so, that those city-slicker kids would EVER have goats, a horse and donkey? And who would have EVER thought that our quiet and subdued Lexi would EVER be so poised and eloquent at the front of a room being judged for a speech? But, God seems to always have something up His sovereign sleeves that surprise and amaze us.....almost reguarly.

But, here we all are....this week in Austin for Payton & Alexia's Regional Finals Speech & Debate Tournament & Competition, staying at "Farmer" Ryan's (his new title bestowed upon him by a cute little 3-year old neighbor girl) and Queen Shawntel's beautiful home. The cousins have reunited in a big way -- playing with the goats, horse and donkey, fishing in the fish-laden creek below their home and land, and swimming in the pool and hot tub. And here I am being thrilled at this adventure of "Life in God's Surprise Lane"!

The apostle Paul said that when we pray, God does that which goes beyond what we ask for or even think about. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). God has a plan for every single one of us. When we see what He has in mind, it will surpass anything we thought possible. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts beyond anything we thought possible. I know He's giving me so many desires of my heart these days -- so, of all the things I may have messed up along the way, I must have done something right.

The next time God surprises you, don’t doubt his love, goodness, and faithfulness. Lift your hands to the heavens and celebrate. You are being lavished upon. You are being loved. You are being delivered. You are being transformed. And be thankful that since nothing can separate you from His love, there are more gracious surprises to come!

Blessing in Disguise

I love being a judge at the NCFCA (National Christian Forensics and Comunications Association) Speech & Debate competitions. This is my second year to be a judge and I am continually impressed by these highly skilled and astute young people. The process includes days of rounds of speeches and debates in specific categories. Yesterday I judged a Team Policy debate round on the changes needed in the Federal Court System. WOW -- did those teams ever amaze AND perplex me! Deciding the winner of the debate wasn't easy, for sure.

I also judged several speech rounds yesterday, among which was an Impromptu speech category. An Impromptu speech is where the individual draws a card that has two unknown topics on it. They have 2 minutes to prepare a 5-minute speech on their choice of the two. One young man drew his card and he chose the topic "A Blessing in Disguise". I was richly blessed as he skillfully delivered an impromptu speech that he based on his own family's challenges. His father had been laid off his job and had trouble finding another, their car had broken down, his mother's shoulder required surgery, and his sister had been in a car accident -- all in the matter of a few days. He went on to share how they trusted in God's perfect plan for their lives in spite of the challenges they faced.

This young man went on to describe how often people draw closer to God during their rough times. They can see more of how things work according to God’s ways which which are loving and kind. And a loving God will work in everything to bring about goodness to people who love Him. The point is not to sulk each time we face something bad in our life, but we should believe that in everything that happens, there’s a "blessing in disguise" on the way. When we emphasize, believe and have faith that our loving God will not do evil, but will bring about His loving plan for our future.

He closed his talk with telling us that not only did his dad finally obtain a really great job -- better than any ever, the car was easily repaired, his Mom didn't need surgery and his sister was okay. It was all a "blessing in disguise", because today he was able to share the goodness of God with us. He reminded me of the many times I've had "blessings in disguise" in my own life.

How about you? Did you get detained by a flat tire or traffic that was backed up for miles, or your child left his books at home and you had to turn around and go back home for it? Or you lost your job and now have an even better job? What if all those interruptions were "blessings in disguise" to what could have presented itself in a much worse outcome? Let's watch out for the "blessings in disguise" that are awaiting us today!

#NCFCA #BlessingInDisguise

Investing in our Greatest Assets

Day 101 of Photo Inspirations -- Investing in Our Greatest Assets
For the last few days, I've been in Texas and absolutely amazed at the caliber of talent that these hundreds of "home-schooled" kids have amassed in their young lives.  My two Texas grandchildren, Payton Wallace​ and Alexia Wallace​ gave stellar performances in their own right, which certainly made this Nana proud, but watching all of these students stepping up to give debates on international issues (way over my head in understanding), as well as speeches on strategic and impressive topics --  before complete strangers, and with composure, poise and finesse.  It was incredible.

I know I continue to be on my soapbox as I encourage parents to invest in their kids. No other asset we have gives such unsurpassed rewards.  Payton progressed on to semi-finals and I loved it when Alexia wanted to buy him his favorite red velvet cupcake and give him this sweet card to congratulate him.

 Payton was always convinced he wanted to be in debate and speech, but, our Alexia, on the other hand, needed a little more encouragement and nudging from her parents.  Unlike her Mama, she hasn't yearned for the stage, but now, after taking to the stage, we're seeing her blossom so beautifully, and, in fact, now handles it as second nature.  She placed 1st in several of her speech competitions.  It won't be long before she's moving up in the rankings.  In the meantime, she is a girl that loves having fun.  She is a free spirit -- and as seen in these photos, we just  HAD to go shopping a little between the rounds!  LOL!

Maybe I'm "old school" but I still think it's important for parents to guide and reinforce what they see as potential talents and abilities in their kids -- and then to stretch them or gently push them towards opportunities that they know will make them better in life and give them an unlimited future of possibilities.  

When I first got down to Dallas, Staci had the kids give their speeches to me.  If they faltered, she'd make them start over again.  Oh, that brought back so many memories to me.  Staci's Daddy would do that to her. We had a sound system set up in our basement, and he'd make her practice her singing over and over again --until she was in tears.  Now, she looks back and thanks her Daddy for his coaching and pushing her to be the best she could be.  We knew she was God's gift and asset to us and we were responsible for "multiplying" that investment.

What are you doing with your greatest assets? Technology (iPads, iPhones, video games, etc.) is a great thing -- but, perhaps it's time to put technology away for a while so these precious assets are learning how to cook, how to speak or sing or play an instrument, or play a sport, or how to make crafts or take photos, etc. etc.  I promise you.....every hour you dedicate to their future -- will be multiplied in rewards to you as you see what they become!

I Was Important in the Life of a Child

Day 71 of Photo Inspirations.
What a joy it is to be watching my two Texas grandkids in their speech and debate competitions. They did so good yesterday.  I'm so grateful, that within just a few hours, I can drive to be a part of these events that I know are laying a great foundation for their future.

The competitions continue today and Saturday. Not only am I getting to watch them, but I'm also a judge for other kids in the competitions.   What an honor it is to be a part of something that is creating such strong young people to be dynamic speakers and leaders.

But if only I could have just been two places at one time. Watching my other grandson pitching winning baseball games in Arizona today, would have been awesome too.   The fact that his parents believe in his athletic talents so much that they're willing to invest in him and fly all the way to Arizona to show their love and support.

I'm so thrilled for the diversity in our family.   I love that their parents are cultivating their talents and building strong leaders and cheering them on to be the best they can be in whatever they're focusing on at the moment.  These kids are their parents' greatest assets, and their most precious treasures.    

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."  -- Forest E Witcraft, Teacher & Scout Leader