My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I'm done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I've been giving a brief overview of my weekend's celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn't slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.

This is Your Life! What Does it Look Like?

At the Bible Study I attend, a gal said, “I wonder if God videos our lives and one day, when we get to heaven, we’ll see the video and then be able to thank all those who influenced and encouraged us? Another gal, said “And what about the video that you’ll be in of someone you encouraged and helped?”

That resonated with me. Every day we cross paths with many people and there may very well be playbacks in heaven of those we walked past, or were so busy on our phones – we didn’t notice them. On the other hand, we’ll get to see the ones we took the time to befriend; those we took meals to; those we may have encouraged and invited them to go to church with us.

My Mom didn’t have to have a video tape played of those she helped. It played out LIVE for her on her 70th birthday when we surprised her with a “This is Your Life” birthday party. “This is Your Life” was a “Reality” TV Show back in the 50s to the 70s. It was originally hosted by its creator and producer, Ralph Edwards. In the program, the host would surprise guests and then take them through a retrospective of their lives in front of an audience, with "surprise" appearances by friends, and family. The idea for "This Is Your Life" arose while Edwards was working on "Truth or Consequences". He had been asked by the U.S. Army to "do something" for paraplegic soldiers at an Army rehabilitation hospital. Edwards chose a "particularly despondent young soldier and hit on the idea of presenting his life on the air, in order to integrate the wreckage of the present with his happier past and the promise of a hopeful future. The show was always a feel-good, tear-jerker because we witnessed people helping people.

Back to my Mom and her 70th – we invited friends and family from all over the U.S. to come to the celebration, but she thought that only local friends from church and her community would be there. What she didn’t know, however, were the long-distance friends and family that we had hidden in another room. My husband was the emcee of the night. He’d share sweet stories from his relationship with her and other people were giving their own stories about how Mom exuded God's love to them. But, then the BIG SURPRISE! Mom would hear a voice over the loud speaker saying “Edna, you and Roscoe (my dad), saved my life and marriage when you came to the bars and took me home. You showed me the love of Jesus.” My Mom, shocked, said “Is that you David?” Indeed it was and he and his wife came out and hugged Mom who was elated to see them. Another said, “Edna, you were my best friend and you always encouraged me.” She would come out and they would embrace. Many family members and friends came great distances to express how Mom had changed their life.

In a world that often seems so self-serving, isn't it a breath of fresh air to be around those who have hearts of service -- who seemingly live to give. I pray that this post today encourages us to keep our eyes and hearts wide open to the little nudges that someone needs today. Another gal at the Bible Study said to another gal “You influenced me to come to this Bible Study and I’m so glad you did. It is just what I needed” Another gal, with tears in her eyes, looked at another gal and said, “Thank you for the time you give to my daughter. You have changed her life.”

The video tape is recording. What will we see at the end of the day? One of the greatest things about becoming a Christian is the heart-change we have about wanting to be a difference maker in other people’s iives. We give others what we have been given: hope, comfort, peace, love and compassion. We become a mentor to someone who needs extra help in following after God. What better way to mentor than to be the example of caring for others. Lord, please make us to be "Doers of the Word, and not just Hearers, only!" (James 1:22)

Age is Just a Number

Day 74 of Photo Inspirations -- Age is Just a Number
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party for a 90-year old friend, Charles Wollershauser, who, in spite of the number 90, he is most certainly not defined by his age. He still works for his son's hardware company, still walks at least a mile a day, lifts weights and exercises 25-minutes a day, and his mind and memory doesn't skip a beat.  He has a devoted family and they have to work hard to keep up with him.  Yesterday, they certainly gave him a party to remember.

I'll never forget the Christmas Party I attended where he was also an attendee, too.  We had one of those "Dirty Santa" gifts exchange.  He was the final one to get to draw and all that was left was what looked to be a wrapped CD or DVD.  Rather than taking someone else's gift, he took that one.  He opened it up and to his joy, it was a Frank Sinatra CD.  It felt like it had been planned, because he went into great detail about his days as a Navy orderly for the in-charge officer-of-the-day.  This day it was the Captain.  And on this day, Frank Sinatra was coming to his base to entertain.  And because Charles was the orderly of the day, the Captain invited him to sit on the front row with him.  It was a day to remember, and Charles remembered it well to all of us.

And today was no exception for the joys for Charles.  His family will never have regrets for taking the time to celebrate their dad, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.  It was a defining moment for Charles.   I well remember giving a big birthday "This Is Your Life" 70th birthday celebration for my Mom, surprising her with friends and family from all over the U.S., and then we had a big celebration party for her again on her 90th birthday.  I, too, had no regrets for the time and effort to celebrate her precious life and thank her for being such a faithful and devoted mom

A beautiful moment for me at Charles' birthday celebration was when I saw Father Jack Gleason as one of the attendees.  Father Jack is such a dear and precious friend to me and my own family.  Who knew that going to a birthday party could provide sweet moments in a personal way for me?

As I said yesterday,"Life is About the Cycle of Life" -- When we realize the cycle of life is part of our journey of life, we'll embrace every moment we have with each other.  Treasure the sweet times, celebrate each other, and live with no regrets.