He’s Singing Over Us – Time for Us to Sing over Him

A dear friend who is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist recently tripped going up deck stairs and broke her wrist. Surgery was required and thanks be to God the surgery was a success but a hard cast plus therapy is in store for her. This precious woman has been an incredibly faithful music leader for several faith-based organizations and her church. Can we imagine losing the ability (even temporarily) of a talent and ability that has been such a blessing to so many?

I pray she hears God singing over her as she has sung and played for Him so faithfully. Zephaniah 3:17 says: "The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”

Here’s the thing about my friend and you and me. God is always aware of what is going on in our lives at every moment. And, even when we become children of God and are obedient to Him, honoring and serving Him, troubles may still come our way and our sunshine-filled days turn into rainy days, and even storm-filled days. This is where scripture tells us to “offer the sacrifice” of praise. We don’t always feel like praising the Lord in joyful singing. Sometimes we're down, depressed and hurting closing the shades, staying in bed and pulling the covers over our head, just makes sense.

But, don't go there. Instead, offer a sacrifice of praise! A sacrifice is something not easy to give. It costs something. It takes more effort than we can put out. Why bother? Surely God will understand. Yes, He might understand, but He knows praise defeats the enemy who is trying to get the best of us. That's why there are many scriptures that urge us to praise!

It is often called “a sacrifice of praise” in scripture. Hebrews 13:15-16 says: “Through Him, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” What? Doing good and sharing what we have are considered sacrifices of praise to God.

In our country, it’s almost impossible to not hear negativity – hurting people hurt people and things (i.e, lost lives, properties and beloved sites destroyed, and distraught and hurting people). Too often we are waiting on God to do something when He is waiting on us to make the first move. He has already made the first move by all that Jesus did on the cross. He has provided liberally for our salvation, our healing, our provision as well as other things too numerous to count.

It’s time for us to hit the ground running each day – with sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Sometimes we don’t know where to start or what to say because we haven’t been used to doing it. But, let’s try it. Be specific. For example: “I praise you, God, for keeping my family safe from the C-Virus. I thank you that I’ve still been able to work. I praise you for my home, my car, my food, my clothes.”

It may not be easy to utter those words – but that’s what a sacrifice is. Praise changes us, as well as the atmosphere around us. It lifts the down feeling that settles in on us. Someone said, “You have to make your own sunshine.” Praise to God has a way of moving the clouds out and bringing the sunshine in. So, today, "God, we enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise!" That's the least we can do for He Who sings over us daily.

Clean Up. Clean Out. Clean In.

It was Thanksgiving morning and my family were all coming in for our annual festivities. I was in the kitchen and getting my turkey ready for the oven. I walked over to my dining room table and the sun was coming in like a force-field. And, what to my wandering eyes would appear -- under my table, was a whole lotta dust and specs that I obviously missed on my recent floor cleaning. I quickly swept it all out.

A dear friend came in and spent the night at my home. When we walked into my living area the next morning, the sun was beaming in through my windows that face East. When we looked out -- oh, my -- we could see every spec of dirt and mire on those windows. It’s amazing what the sunshine will reveal on windows AND what the Son-shine will reveal in our lives.

About this time of year, many of us start to think about “Spring Cleaning”. We accumulate so much clutter (you know those little corners where we stack up mail, flyers and magazines), that we start getting weary from just walking by that corner. We need to CLEAN-UP! Then there’s the closets full of winter wear – boots, coats, gloves, hats – squeezed in so tight we couldn’t get another item in it. We need to CLEAN-OUT! Then there’s the attic that bears our seasonal decorations, unused furniture, hunting equipment, years and years of tax records and more building materials than you could shake a stick at! Okay, I just described our attic just after my Sweetheart graduated to heaven. When I climbed those stairs and looked in the attic, I hollered “RONALD WUERCH, how could you leave without cleaning out this mess?” LOL!

And, CLEAN-IN – this season of Lent (the 40-days that start on Wednesday, February 26th and lead to Resurrection Sunday). This time is more about “cleaning in” than cleaning out. Self-examination about the funk and junk that could be hindering a squeaky, clean heart that is a pure and honorable vessel for the Holy Spirit’s habitation. Our utmost desire should be to become so “clean” that the Galatians 5 “roto-rooter” cleans ours hearts out of the hatred, anger, fighting, jealousy, gossiping, criticizing, complaining, selfishness, etc. Bottom line…..it’s clean up, clean out and clean in time for those of us who sincerely desire that our hearts abound in “the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).

You know how a fresh, clean house feels? Shouldn't we desire that fresh, clean house feel, inside AND out in our lives? It comes by asking the Master Cleaner (Holy Spirit) to come more than once a month to clean. We want Him to show up every day to remind us: "Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has CLEAN hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3,4)

“Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Let’s Sing a Brand New Song

The old familiar Christmas carols are still echoing in my heart, but I know something new is on its way. Psalm 96:1 says “Sing to the Lord a new song.” That new song is made possible by the Incarnation of Jesus. A new song to the One Who became God in the flesh and Who makes all things new. A new song that revels in the Father’s love for us. A new song that makes our hearts leap with joy at the promise of the good news!

A new day -- a new year is almost here! We can start singing a new song and close the door to the old “My Love done me wrong” songs and the "Woe is me" songs. Our LOVE for God and His LOVE for us puts a new song of joy, hope, and peace in our hearts. It's an "Everything's gonna be alright" song!

What if we were given a gift on January 1st and the Giver said – “What you do today – how you love, how you express gratitude and hope and express joy in the middle of your circumstances, will set the tone for 2020. TODAY sets the precedent for a year of singing joy-filled, faith-filled, and overcoming-filled songs – but not just songs – living lives of each day being set for victory,”

I'm already practicing for 2020 today. I'm singing a new song, flowing from the relationship I have with God. You can sing a new song, too! Let’s join the angels in singing “Glory to God in the highest,” because we see signs of His glory everywhere we go (Luke 2:14). Let’s imitate Mary as we sing and magnify the Lord and rejoice in God our Savior. Let’s sing of the joy of knowing we have been redeemed by a loving God. Let’s sing even when we make mistakes because forgiveness and grace awaits us.

But let's not sing just because God has made us happy. Let's sing because it makes Him happy too! Sing a song that proclaims the wonders He has done. Sing a song that declares who you know Him to be. Our Father rejoices when we praise Him, not because He craves our attention, but because He knows how praise lifts our spirit, strengthens us against temptation, and fills us with a desire to share His good news.

And if you don’t like to sing, speaking it out is just as good. And here's another way to ensure 2020 looks different from any other year. Start spending time with God, and right now is a good time to start. A new start is in itself a new song.

“Lord, put a new song in my heart today. Stir your Spirit in me, and teach me to sing to you!”

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!"

What Difference Does a Hamburger Make?

My oncology nurse friend is all about bringing sunshine into the world. What a joy it must be for her patients who face a riveting cancer diagnosis. Her bright light intersects their darkness with hope. In addition to her nursing job, she is also a volunteer at a charitable organization that is truly a "back-up resource" for families who have a loved one dealing with cancer, and if that's not enough.....she goes to hospice facilities to cheer up the families and their loved ones. I couldn't resist sharing the following story with you. It touched me so much.

Jodi was headed to a hospice facility to visit a patient there. As she approached the facility, a 93-year-old man was sitting on the porch. She greeted him with “How are you doing today?” He responded, "Good -- and I'm working on the pretty!" She remarked that he was a delight and just had to sit down and visit with him a while. They carried on a long conversation and he mentioned “I’d love a hamburger.” She didn’t hesitate to say: “I’ll be right back” and went to get that burger for him. There wasn't a question about whether it was good for him or not -- she knew her attention to him WAS good for him. She came back with the hamburger and a strawberry shake. The dear man had a chair pulled up right next to him for Jodi to sit by him. Jodi said he ate every bite and drank all the shake. She spent over two hours with him. Jodi was beaming as she told me this story. The dear man passed away a few days later.

What makes someone go the extra mile to bring a ray of sunshine into someone's life? Especially when that someone is close to leaving this world anyway. What difference does it make? Here's the difference: Jodi was serving a sweet man that was getting ready to leave this world. I told her she was his midwife -- giving him a sweet, comfortable and beautiful time as he was transitioning to "going home". But, more than the sacrifice of her time for this sweet man, this was about Jodi. She was so grateful for those two hours.

Helping others makes us see what we have.....and makes us even more grateful for it. Helping others makes us happy. There is so much joy in giving. She was grateful. When we help others, it makes us see what we have and makes us more thankful for it. Jodi's acts of kindness are seed planting times. She is already enjoying the harvest of her acts as she experiences such overflowing joy and happiness. “Give….and it shall be given back to you!” Luke 6:38

What difference does it make? Maybe our solution to complacency, boredom, loneliness and sadness is to find some-one or some-place where we can make a difference in someone's life today. It just might be the last act of kindness they will receive, but it will be an act of kindness that will change us FOREVER.

My Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

I was awake in the night praying for my granddaughter. She was leaving on her first driving-trip alone to Austin yesterday morning. At 17 she's a great driver, but I send off a quick text message to her: “Looks like lots of rain this morning, sweet girl. Please, please be careful and cautious. Praying angels around you.” I go back to sleep and wake up thinking about her. I better text her and remind her that the Dallas traffic really picks up the later she leaves. (I drive these roads often so I know what lies ahead of her!) I better tell her to leave early before the traffic gets heavy! My text: “Good morning, precious girl. Are you close to heading out? I pray angels all around you, sweet girl. As you’re going down Dallas Tollway, don’t be like me switching lanes. Pick a lane and just stay in it. That’s the best way. Sorry, I’m being a Nana nag. But I love you so much I want you protected and safe. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to hearing all about it. I love you so so much!”

I call her a couple of hours later and find out she’s safely made it to Italy, Texas and past Carl’s Corner. All is well. What in the world is the matter with this doting Nana? Yes. I am. Proud of it. Each one of my grandchildren has had my special attention, but this girl of five boys, I’m smitten. I think the love dosage has increased of late as I’m seeing my girl blossom into a beautiful young woman who not only cracks me up with her wit but now true wisdom has kicked in on so many levels. I’m so proud of her as she just graduated from high school. And to celebrate, all she asked for was to spend last weekend at her Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shawntel’s home with the boys. (I missed out because I was in Tulsa for a reunion with friends.)

I realize I’m having to continue to untie my “Nana” apron strings with the older grands. After Alexia, came Brennan (14) and Bryson (12) so I have more letting go to do with them eventually, but for now I’ll continue to do what I do best. Love them, spend as much time with them as I can…..and pray for them.

It’s expected that a good Mom and Nana keeps her heart and eyes open for them – right? I’ve been on this life path for many years, going before them. I know my subtle “recommendations” to them are often overkill and unneeded, but it’s innate to want them safe and protected and I think it’s my job to ensure that happens. Oh me! Then, the best reality check comes to mind. It isn’t my frugal attempts to keep them safe that makes the difference – it is our all-sufficient and all-loving God Who is overabundant in grace and mercy to handle all that for me.

Reality check. No matter what path we (and our children) walk or drive down, God is one step ahead. No matter what mountain we (and our children) come up against, He is already climbing it. No matter what journey of uncertainty we (and our children) encounter, God is 100 steps further. He’s laying out our path and their path and preparing our steps.

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
‘The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf…” Deuteronomy 1:30

God is famous for caring and preparing us and our children for greater things. He walks ahead to fight our battles. He calms the storms we’re convinced we can’t beat. He softens the blows we worry will take us down. He knows our roads.

Here’s what I know: I worry less when I hand over the worry and concerns to He Who is the waymaker, provider, and caregiver – extraordinaire!

FYI – just got a text from her – “Just stopped at CFA (Chick-fil-A) in Waco! Got a yummy breakfast!” The girl works at CFA and still wants to eat there! No need to worry or fret! The girl’s got game……and chicken!

The Debut of Two Girls Into Our World

On this special day, September 16th, I'm celebrating two of my girls. It was actually September 15th when our son asked us to join him and Shawntel's family for a surprise birthday party for her at her home. Her birthday was September 16th, but the party was on the 15th. We had a wonderful time together celebrating this beautiful woman (inside and out), but the party went to a whole new level, when Ryan got down on one knee and proposed to her. We rejoiced when she said "YES"! We knew God brought them together. Three months later they were married.

Larry and Staci were absent from this celebration -- but they had a good excuse. Just after Ryan proposed, we received the call from Larry....."Staci's contractions are just minutes apart." That meant we had to make a quick exit from this fabulous party.....to be at another fabulous "debut" party. Our little Alexia was coming into the family as well.

We drove lightning speed from Tulsa to Dallas and though the doctors were telling Staci to "push", she refused to....."My Mom and Dad must be here!" As we were running down the hallway of the hospital our precious little girl started coming. We made it....but not a minute too soon!

Our hearts were full -- our son was engaged to the "love of his life", and Larry and Staci brought another precious treasure to love into this world. And to make it even more special, Ryan and Shawntel drove from Oklahoma to Texas to meet their new little niece on both girls' birth-days. It was a joyous celebration!

So, today, September 16th, I get to celebrate two precious girls that have brought so much sunshine and joy to our family. I can't begin to thank God enough for my Shawntel (aka Angel -- always has been to our family) who is the most devoted and loving wife to Ryan, and incredible mother to our boys. She calls me Mom, which is one of my greatest privileges. We're bonded. We've shared so many blessings and though we're physically miles apart -- when we are back together again, it's as though we were never apart. She will always be MY GIRL. I'm so thankful for her Mom and Dad's love that brought her to this world for all of us to love her.

And, then there's my hilarious, beautiful, talented, loving, granddaughter, Alexia Wallace, who celebrates her 16th birthday today. Where has 16 years gone? It seems just a little while ago that we were rushing to meet her, and now she is becoming a young woman of destiny and purpose that loves God and loves to serve Him with all her heart.

Happy Birthday, Shawntel and Alexia -- my two September 16th GIFTS FROM GOD!

Change of Plans: Hail -- No!!

When I posted on Monday (the day after the major hailstorm here in Frisco), about the opportunities that can come from a storm, I didn't realize that it would apply to not only my grandkids and those friends who get extra work when storms come, but it would be applicable to me, too! Here's what I've come to know: more often than not, when I post my blog messages each day, I may be pointing at you, but four fingers are pointing back at me!

If you've kept up with me, and my whereabouts, you'd know that my plans were to be closing on my home in Frisco on March 31st and moving in on April 1st. That was before the hailstorm that turned out to be considered a catastrophic disaster to homes in the area because it came with tornadic winds that shot the tennis ball size hail, like bullets, into roofs, vents, guttering, windows, air conditioners, garage doors, and pergolas. I just described the estimated $30K to $40K of damages to the home I am buying.

I'll admit I'm disappointed that the closing date and move to my home is now in a state of uncertainty. I've been counting the days and I had everything neatly organized -- utilities, movers, internet, TV, security system, and several other components of the move were all set, but now they've all been postponed.

I've said that I'm a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind-of-gal, but this time I was organized with a precise plan. And now, I'm preaching a sermon once again with one finger pointing at you and four more back at me. No matter who we are, life can throw some crazy curve balls....er....hail balls at us that completely takes us off course and off our perfectly laid-out plans. It really can jar our faith when stuff happens that we didn't plan. But, what I've learned through this current status of change, and many before now, is we don't have to understand the plan or the changes to the plan to know God has a purpose for it all, including hailstorms. He is always ahead of us and proving time and time again "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Sunshine or Hailstorm -- keeping our hearts open to the opportunities that God provides us, as well as trusting in His sovereignty -- that He knows what's best for us, is the best plan. The good news to my story is blessings. The sellers of the home had to file a claim on their insurance, and hopefully, all those items I mentioned in the 2nd paragraph above, will be replaced and they'll all be brand new -- another one of those blessings in disguise. Yes, blessings sometime come through raindrops.....in my case, HAIL....YES!! Proverbs 9:20 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Indeed, sometimes our plans don't work out because God has better ones.

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!"