This Painting is Worth the Search

I spotted this painting in Larry’s office. It’s considered a treasure to he and Staci because Payton, their son, painted it for them years ago. In terms of value in dollars and cents, it might not have a high sticker price at the At Home store. But in terms of value in sentiment – priceless.

When Staci and Larry moved into their new town-home here in Frisco Square, Staci and I were on a mission to find items like accent pillows and rugs that would pull the living area together. This painting had the exact colors in it that we were looking for. We headed to the At Home store to find our accessories, toting the painting with us. I put the painting in the shopping cart and we began our search. Before long, we had what we needed, made our purchases and headed back to their home.

The next day, my lightning-fast mind didn’t remember the painting coming out of the car with our purchases. I realized that I must have left the painting in the shopping cart. I called the store and inquired about the painting. No one had seen it, but promised they’d watch for it. Mind you – it is on a canvas, very similar to their paintings. I couldn’t wait. I headed to the store -- spoke to a manager, but it had not shown up. Now, I was in high-energy prayer-mode. What is lost -- must be found! I saw a young man stocking in that area and asked if he had seen it. He said “No, ma’am, but if someone found it without a price on it and took it to check-out, they would probably set a price for it.” That was no comfort at all. Isn’t that just like the enemy who makes us quit believing – to come up with reasons that a relationship can’t be restored or keys or a precious treasure can’t be found?

I would not be denied. I slowly paced up and down the aisles – looking in all the stacks of canvas paintings, and if you know the At Home store, you know they have hundreds and hundreds of paintings. Now, I’m praying in my heavenly prayer language (tongues) – yes, I’m bilingual AND in English. I am interceding and I’m asking all my heavenly support team to intercede for divine intervention with me! God knew right where that painting was and I would not relent. After more than an hour of flipping through paintings, tightly squeezed in between two larger paintings was Payton’s painting. My heart was overcome with gratitude – so much so that tears began to flow. My young store clerk saw me and rejoiced with me. He took this photo that you can see my red, tear-stained face! Oh, happy day!

What once was lost – now was found. Like I said – the price tag would not have been very high to someone else – but it was priceless for us. Did you know that is how priceless we are to God? He paid a great price to redeem mankind. We use the term "priceless" today to illustrate that there is no amount of money on earth that could buy or purchase something "priceless." And, all the wealth of the earth couldn’t purchase man's redemption. It took something of far greater value to pay the price, so God sent the most valuable and precious gift He had, to pay the price for our salvation and that was His dear Son, Jesus. So, in God's eyes we are "priceless." Nothing on earth could purchase us but the value God saw in His Son is the value He sees in us. Thank you, Lord, for the incomparable price you paid for us. And, as for you and me, our Lord calls us "priceless" too, so we should start treating ourselves and others as treasures -- like God does!
"For you are bought with a great price. Glorify and bear God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20

Being Contented in Whatever State, City or Home We’re In

I loved it when we went around our Thanksgiving table sharing what we are grateful for, especially when we all spoke of people – not things – the things money can’t buy. Thanksgiving usually brings families "home". "Home' isn't necessarily the brick and mortar of the home we live in. For example, my oldest two grandsons and Ruthie (Braden’s wife) couldn't make it "home" to us this year. They were “home” with friends and family in Tennessee. I've realized "home" is where I am at the time. Home is Austin, Frisco, Tulsa and anything in between where I seem to "light". Home is family, friends, our church, the places where "contentment” abounds.

Before coming to us on Friday, Ryan, Shawntel, and the two younger boys traveled to Tulsa to see Granny for a couple of hours. Granny is my husband's Mom, and at 97 everyone wants to see her again – just in case. We just don't know if it could be the last time, so spending time with her is so important. Contentment in what matters most.

Then they headed to Spiro, OK, where Shawntel’s grandmother lives and where they eat outdoors to accommodate all of them. I love this year's photo of their big family gathering of 67 family members. It was pouring down rain so Grandma’s church opened their doors for them. I loved seeing them "home" with their precious grandmother – not at her home as usual, but her church “home”. Contentment.

At last my gang made their way to Frisco on Friday where we all sat around my table with added leaves, carrying on great conversation before starting to play a new game called “Chamaeleon” (I highly recommend it – so much fun). I held yet another treasure hunt for my Bryson’s 13th birthday celebration. My traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Waikiki meatballs were served with all the trimmings. Then on Saturday, we had our traditional breakfast at Larry and Staci’s, then our annual Thanksgiving movie. This year it was “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (Mr. Roger’s story with Tom Hanks). It was a movie we older kids can wrap our minds around about what “nice guy” looks like. It would serve us all well to be reminded how we should be in this age of so many not-so-nice-guys-and-gals. Then it was our "traditional" day-after-Thanksgiving dinner -- Mexican food. Our time together at Thanksgiving has always included my annual family photo being taken. It’s a must-do and though it was raining outside – my little home was the spot of contentment. Contentment in embracing family.

It won't be long before all these grandkids will be grown up with families of their own. Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of “contentment”. The greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

My buddy, the Apostle Paul, inspired another blog today as a read: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.” Philippians 4:11

This is the time for counting our blessings and in finding contentment in all those things that money can’t buy. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Contentment shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to be contented with what we have.

We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life in the neighborhood and our beautiful life in Christ our Savior. Our lives are made up of far more beauty than what we realize. I had many “contented” moments over the last several days. We celebrated so many blessings of this year – so many that were all about life’s treasures – each other. I am contented.

Life is Just a Handbreadth

I had to look up the word, handbreadth, as I read this scripture. “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” Psalm 39:5. Handbreadth is defined as a linear measurement approximately the width of the palm of the hand, from 2.5 to 4 inches. That’s a very small measurement in terms of the length of our lives. It also says that "everyone is but a breath"! And the way time is rolling on in lightning speed the older I get -- I believe it!

When we moved my mother-in-law to my sis-in-law’s home last year, mom was on a mission to give away so many of her treasures. For everthing else, we had an estate sale. It took us a while to distribute it all because Mom wanted to go through every picture from her archives and those that had merited a prominent place in her home. Karen and I patiently sat with her as she explained the back-story for most of the photos. Many of the people in those photos have gone on to heaven. This photo is from her 90th birthday and some of those pictured here who left for heaven already. Many of Mom's other pictures were of her mom and dad and she was a much younger version of herself in them. She treasured them because life was changing for her. She was now the great grandma and she is the oldest of anyone in her photos. Goodness, I think about me and my own family. All my siblings are gone and I'm the oldest remaining. Indeed, life is just a handbreadth.

A few days ago I attended the funeral of a beloved aunt on my husband’s side of the family. I’m the widowed in-law, but this family has always welcomed me in as one of their own. I have the sweetest memories with this family of so many members. That day I looked around the chapel and the restaurant afterwards. I took in the faces one by one, appreciating something about each of them. I put my phone in my purse. It wasn’t nearly as important as talking to the one next to me. The room was crowded and noisy, and I realized that one day it would be quiet — for many in this room will be all grown up and others will be gone to heaven too.

One day, we’ll remember this day of celebrating the life of a dear mom, grandmother, wife, sister, and aunt when we’re probably celebrating the life of another precious family member who has just departed. We’ll talk about the way we were and we’ll sing songs about heaven. If only we realized the beauty that awaits us, we’d indeed be thanking God that our days are a mere handbreadth before we get to go there too.

My hope is that I’ll watch it and know I didn’t live those moments disengaged or distracted. That I engaged in my own life in the handbreadth of time I was given, valuing all those I love. Lord, help me treasure precious moments as memories in the making. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Psalm 144:4, “They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.”

Fast Forward -- It's "R" Rated

I’m in "search and let-it-go" mode. My community is having its bi-annual garage sale this weekend. It’s a great way to purge and get rid of junk which may very well be someone else’s treasure. I always loved going to garage and estate sales. I think that’s what led my sis-in-law and I to start the estate sale business years ago. It’s a lot of work – but oh the fun we had with our niche -- we marketed the home and its contents. That’s all behind me, but I’ve had lots of sweet memories hit me as I went through closets, cabinets, drawers and an attic of “stuff” that needed to be purged.

My best find was my old VCR. I thought I had discarded it long ago. I have many VHS tapes that hold fond memories on them and couldn't watch them. But when this search and rescue began, who knew I'd run into it? Since Payton, my grandson, was over helping me get down some items from my attic, I asked him to set up the VCR for me. A couple of connections and whoa-la -- I had a working VCR. The VHS tape I most wanted to see was the video of my husband and I resaying our wedding vows on our 35th anniversary. Payton put in the tape and it started playing at the end when Bishop Jacob said "Now, you may kiss your bride!" And if that wasn't enough, he continued, "You can do better than that. You've had plenty of practice by now!" And, my husband went in for the full-in lock and load! My grandson said, "Nana, this should be R-Rated!" I'm still smiling!

I love Payton's love for his Papa and this VHS tape showed him alive and well again. I don’t push memories or thoughts of my husband to the side because the best of him is in me, my children and my grandchildren. Often, we’ll talk about him and remember one of his stories or jokes or funny ways of doing things. He was a perfectionist who insisted: "Do it right or don't do it at all!"

Here’s the really good news. It’s okay to miss Papa (my Sweetheart) and still fully live the life God has created for me. The missing reminds me this world is not my home and that life is precious and short. Whether I live thirty more days or thirty more years, this life will be over sooner than I think. Knowing this reminds me to slow down, to live generously, to forgive often, and to love deeply – to cuddle with those who lean into me and want to talk and share about the best of times.

I am grateful for knowing that Papa really does have an afterlife. It’s the real life he was destined for – where there is freedom from pain and sorrow and there's eternal praises and joys forevermore. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) And, Papa loved Him so much. I can only imagine the afterlife he is getting to live!

So for now, I will embrace the memories, the sweet kisses from heaven and those on the VHS tape that remind me he is probably leaning over heaven’s balconies cheering us on -- like he did on this earth when he tried to "sell" us on something: "Ya’ gotta’ see this. Ya’ gotta’ be here. Ya' gotta' do this! It is worth the journey…..it is worth it all."

Our Rich Family Heritage

My friend posted this beautiful photo on her timeline a few days ago. She was in Pocahontas, Illinois. I commented: “I have family roots that go back to John Rolfe and Pocahontas. They were our 10th generation grandparents. Yay! I'm multi-racial! There's a tiny percentage of Native American in me! And I thought I had no famous folks in my family lineage."

That lineage is on my Mom's side of the family. When she was up in years, I realized I knew little of her family history -- stories about her 10 siblings, what it was like living in a large family, how their parents made ends meet, how she met my Dad, their first kiss, their wedding, and what it was like to have us kids. What a shame I waited so long to find out. I realized that I was so "me" focused that I didn't treasure and appreciate where I came from. So, I did something about it. I took my camcorder, set it on a tripod and spent many hours and days (but a few minutes at a time) interviewing her. Her stories were so precious. Fortunately, I stopped to spend quality time with her that resulted in VHS tapes that I gave out to my siblings and their kids when Mom passed away at age 94 in 2004. I was able to pass on our rich (not in money, but in faith and fortitude) family history.

As I type this today, my Holy Lands “bucket list” pilgrimage three years ago comes to my mind. The more we delved into the rich history of Christianity in the tours that explained so many of our “Family of God’s” history, the more I realized how much I need to be living everyday with great appreciation and gratitude for what our fore-fathers and mothers gave us. How can I do that unless I make the effort to know that heritage? Thankfully, I have a dear cousin, just a few years older than me, that kept up so much better than I did with our family. She accentuates all the positives – the blessings – of our rich family history of faith.

Imagine the wisdom that’s stored up in our elderly family members that could give us so much insight to how rich we are today because of the price they paid to get us here. My children are getting the best of me as I archive so many of my personal life experiences as well as all that rich family heritage that I recall to them. Now, take that even further in realizing the rich family history that goes back to our first “mother and father” (Adam and Eve), studying the scriptures to see where they went right…and where they went wrong – lessons they learned that we sure don’t want to repeat. So much wisdom to learn all throughout the Bible that can keep us pointed in the direction of peace, comfort and joy in our lifelong faith journeys.

I assure you that my Christian walk has been so faith-filled because of what I’ve learned in scripture from our “family heritage”. There have been times in my life where I’ve experienced the pain of my poor choices or actions. In those moments, it can be easy to entertain a notion that I have blown it, that God can’t use me and there’s no hope for restoration. I think we all face those feelings when we fail. During these times, I draw strength from God’s Word, where He tells the stories of heroes of the faith who blew it, like King David, Moses, Peter, Saul (Paul), Abraham and even more. In some cases, their failures were so extreme, it would be natural to say that God would have a right to turn His back on them. But that isn’t God’s nature. He is all about redemption. So when we fail, we can be thankful that God loves a good comeback story.

Paul reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) This should give us hope that no matter what we may have done, our adventure isn’t over. God’s at work reclaiming our story. Failure doesn’t disqualify us, even if we’ve been following Jesus for some time. Our story is still being written. The only way that failure can get the last word in our life is if we choose to let it. We serve a God who is able to take our defeats and missteps and still use us to bring glory to his name. Whether we’re walking with Him faithfully or we’ve had a few stumbles along the way, God continues to encourage us to get up, brush ourselves off and build His kingdom.

I started this post with talking about my own family history and how it has affected my life for so much good. But our rich family history of faith is the yesterday, today and forevermore news and if we continue to review it, rehearse it, and make it known to our children and our children's children, we will carry on our rich family history until we all join together in one big, rich family reunion in heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

We Have a Treasure Inside

I have been known for notorious treasure hunts for years -- since my oldest grandchildren were too young to read the clues. We had to read for them and then they’d run to the location. It was always Nana and Papa's way of spicing up birthday fun. It’s a work out to get the rhyming clues together then hiding them at specific locations. Then it’s the birthday boy or girl running to all the locations for the next clue until it concludes with the grand finale treasure found. I have loved making those memories.

But my two children never experienced treasure hunts – it started with the grands. So, I did something about that for my son’s birthday yesterday. It was hilarious for us to follow him around to each of nine locations. I made it so easy for him – NOT hard-to-find locations by any means. As Braden, his oldest son said, “Good thing you did it that way, Nana! He doesn't have to overwork his mind!" Clear, concise clues out-in-the-open and obvious next-clues. For example: The first clue sent him to their fitness room. A box of popcorn was found with a note that read: “Our heart pops for pop-u-lar YOU! The clue read: “Go to the billiard room and find your next clue!” There he found a plastic lion and note that said “You are the King of our jungle!” The next clue was “Go to the patio. Under a chair, you’ll find your next clue there!” There he found a light bulb and highlighting markers with a note that said: “You light up our lives!”

There were several more “love you” items and clue locations that led to the finale treasure: lots of Braum’s chocolate almond ice cream quarts and cones that should last him for several months. A true treasure indeed when there are no Braums here in Austin, and for a guy whose favorite ice cream is that one. He was hilarious and a good sport going here and there like my grandchildren have done for years.

This “treasure hunt” led me to consider the scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay that the excellency of the power may be of God and not out of us.” This verse not only says we’re jars of clay. Perhaps we’d rather be heavenly angels, not earthly jars made out of clay. Why did God make us as clay jars, so easily broken and seemingly not worth so much?

Oh, but that's not how God sees it. He made no mistake when He created us. He already had myriads of angels. He wanted something new and even more special. He made man of the dust of the ground to be on the earth, not as angelic beings in the heavens. He had a plan and a special purpose for us, even in our earthen-clay-jars. In that state – we don’t get the credit. We aren’t the treasure. Christ is. He is the treasure within us that shines out of us. Instead of creating us as strong, independent creatures to express our own glory, God created us clay jars, desiring that we would express His remarkable glory.

Now we can see the preciousness of being jars of clay. We can do this because we’re containers of the greatest treasure that empowers us, fills us to overflowing measures of love and grace, expressing Him to the world around us. So, in reality we are “Treasure" chests that carry the precious treasure of Him and overflow with Him to express Him to a world that needs Him as their greatest treasure, too!

We may be clay jars, but we’re something so special to God. We’re the center of His plan, His heart’s desire, and we fulfill our purpose by being continually open to His filling so He can overflow from within us. The clues to this "Treasure Hunt" are simple. The Apostle Paul said it this way in 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?”

Laying Up Treasures in Heaven

Yesterday, we attended my grandson's "matriculation" ceremony.
I asked, “What does matriculation mean?” Maybe you’d like to know the answer, too! Matriculation is the admission to a group, particularly a school. After some IQ-testing, my grandson passed the exams and was admitted (matriculated) to Regents School of Austin, and yesterday, his dad, mom and I attended the matriculation (orientation) ceremony. At that ceremony for middle school: 7th and 8th graders, I saw things around the gymnasium that gave me the Nana-kind-of-warm-fuzzy-feelings. It started with this scripture boldly displayed on the wall: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

Then I saw the Latin words, “Coram Deo”, also boldly displayed and I, not being the sharpest tool in the “Latin” toolbox, had to look it up. The phrase, “Coram Deo” means: “in the presence of God" which means living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God.” Indeed, I sensed that true Presence when we heard the Head of the School of Logic's (that’s the “middle school”) address to us. His message impressed upon us how important it is to get our priorities right.

He read from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-21” “Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth where moths and rust can destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven, because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

He gave a compelling address to start this school year out with "first things first" in terms of putting our greatest attention on the greatest ONE! He said: “I am trying to impress upon us to make sure we’re treasuring the right thing and that we are setting our affections in the right direction. This year we’re encouraging each other to train our affections and to re-orient our mindsets. What does “orient mean”? “Orient” has to do with direction. “Orient” comes from “oriental” – the East. To “orient ourselves” is to turn in the direction of the East. The sun comes up in the East. Christ is referred to as the “orient” the East, the light of the world. We have the opportunity to help each other to correctly “orient” our lives, our affections and, most importantly, to store up our treasures (our minds, will and emotions) toward Jesus. He is the right direction. How often is our cell phone and what’s on its screen “our treasure”? When Jesus said to Martha "Mary has chosen the right thing", it was because she was facing Jesus and directing her attention to Him. If our treasure is Jesus, then our heart is with Him and our attention is on Him.

I must tell you, I went to that “matriculation”/orientation ceremony and found out what matriculation meant and to be that Nana in the audience who was oohing, aahing and taking photos of her handsome grandson in his tie (required for chapel every Monday), white shirt and khaki slacks. Perhaps I was laying up some treasures on earth, but before I left that ceremony, I got the message that was meant for all of us. To purposefully make my mission laying up treasures in heaven and to face in the right direction – the direction of Jesus where I am more like Mary – doing the right thing instead of my usual hanging out with Martha where busyness and striving is my way-of-life, way too often!

I’ve Hidden His Word in my Heart

I’m so grateful for my upbringing in church because that’s where I received the “solid rock” foundation for my life. My parents were wise in that “church” was our “go to” place for friendships, worshiping God, hearing His Word, AND in my opinion – the best place EVER to hang out with my girlfriends and check out the “new guy” that started coming to our church! Church was where I met the love of my life at age 12 that started a life-long romance.

It was at church where I was taught the “treasure” of not only reading God’s Word, the Bible, which contains HOLY SCRIPTURES (my word of the day) – the sacred writings of the Old and New Testaments, but also from my earliest years I was taught to hide God’s Word in my heart by memorizing SCRIPTURES. For extra incentive, in our Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School we were given awards for memorizing certain scriptures. In our youth group we played Bible Sword Drills. The leader would call out a SCRIPTURE passage, for example “John 3:16”, and the first one to find it in their Bible and stand and read it, was the winner of a point. Most points got the prize.

Those times of scripture memorization paid off well for me. To this day, those scriptures are still embedded in my heart, and at a moment’s notice of weakness, temptation, concern, etc., one of those scriptures I learned would pop up on the screen of my mind and I’d give the enemy “what for” by quoting it to him. The enemy’s voice “You are afraid to do that!” God’s voice from His Word and in my heart is “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I had the BEST role model. Jesus quoted SCRIPTURE to the enemy when he said to Jesus, (Matthew 4:3-4) “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered from Deuteronomy 8:3, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

Maybe you weren’t raised the way I was, but it’s never too late to start memorizing some of those "life-line" SCRIPTURES. I know, I know. You don’t have time. Your memory isn’t what it used to be. You tried before and gave up. You think it’s too hard. I get it. Totally. Still, here’s what the Bible says: “Keep my words and store up my commands within you.” (Proverbs 7:1) Keep and store. That’s memorizing Scripture in a nutshell. You can do this, and it’s so worth it.

The benefits of having His Word in your heart? Huge. Some day, you may not have access to the Bible. What happens if you lost your sight, your hearing or even your Bible? I remember holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom’s remarkable story and her witness of the power of memorized SCRIPTURE while she was in captivity. It was her life-line. Literally.

You’ll be able to share God’s truth with confidence. You’ll be able to refer to a scripture to a hurting friend. If we don’t know scripture, we’ll only be giving our opinion. Plus, when temptation knocks on your door, the verses you’ve memorized will come to your rescue. Countless times God’s Word has stopped me in my tracks before I veered down the wrong path. Like the Psalmist said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Psalm 119:11

Here’s a few ideas on how to get started. Start with really short verses or ones you already know. It’s okay. The Bible Memorization Police won’t be stopping by your house.
~ Use your smart phone. Record your verses, so you can review them anytime, anywhere.
~ Aim for one verse a week. If you learn just one a week, that’s fifty two verses a year.
~ Say the verse out loud. Practice the verse while you’re walking, gardening, cleaning, exercising, bathing, dressing — anytime your mind is free to focus on God’s life-changing Word.
~ Teach the verse to others one-on-one or around the table with your family—and share what it means to you.
~ Finally, post your verse on social media. We all need as much wisdom as we can get.

The truth? It’s a tremendous blessing to have the Bible app on our cell phone, our laptop, and our bookshelf, but where it makes the most difference…..is hidden in our hearts.

A Good Sense of Humor and a Merry Heart -- Good Like Medicine

Sense of Humor: funny side, amusement, hilarity, good humor, merry, funniness, lighthearted, spirited. A good sense of humor just happens in everyday conversations. It doesn't mean memorizing jokes and jamming them into conversations. A good sense of humor can turn messes and unfortunate circumstances into a great relief from the stress of it all. A good sense of humor can shine a light on the darkness of a moment.

My sis, Karen, and I have always had a good sense of humor. We could make the simplest mistake turn into tear-dropping, floor stomping, run-to-the-restroom-quick laughter! And that came in handy when we went into the Estate Sales business years ago just after my husband and I purchased land with its old home, barn, chicken coop, and farm equipment, along with most of the contents in the house. This experience amped up our sense of humor. Our merry hearts led the way for getting into the yucky crooks and crannies of that old house when we were cleaning it. Dead AND alive rats. spiders and their webs, cockroaches, etc., BUT, we also found many vintage treasures. There were relics and vintage finds that we didn't even know what they were or used for. Our set-up of that sale was so professional and our merry-hearts' attitudes with the folks that came to the sale, caused them to want us to do an estate sale for them. That spurred us on and, whoa la -- A-1 Estate Sales began. Merry hearts and a good sense of humor opened the door for us to have a thriving, successful business of which people would tell us “You’re the BEST!” The estate sale business is a work-out, but if you have a merry heart, a good sense of humor, love people and want to help them in times of transition and need, it's a great business AND mission field.

We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. We’re now working on ONE LAST SALE (we think). Precious Mom, at age 95, was moved to Karen and George’s a couple of months ago. Mom has been a trooper – giving away so many of her things to friends and families, but, oh my goodness, there is still so much to be sold. We have laughed at HUMOROUS memories from some of those items, and cried bucketfuls of precious family times in this home.

Karen and I are “eating this elephant one bite at a time”. That’s what we said at each “sale” we took on. Initially, it would be overwhelming – but we’d LAUGH our way through it and before long, another successful sale and satisfied clients.

My post today was inspired by last week’s HUMOR that kept us going. Karen came into Mom's house while I was working in a back room and surprised me with a loud GOOD MORNING! I nearly jumped out of my skin. She jumped and started blinking and said, “Oh, NO! I’ve lost my contact!” We got on our hands and knees, looking AND praying for about 20 minutes, when she started belly-laughing out loud, and said, “Oh my goodness! I never put my contacts in this morning!" Then there was the Montgomery Ward "vintage" heat massager we found (shown here). We laughed hysterically as we thought we needed to put a sign on it -- "Use at your own risk"!

One morning, Karen came into the house, with something tucked under her arm. She said, “I dreamed that Sheila (my BFF) was here at the house shopping and you went to her and said, ‘Sheila, I know you want to buy me something from this sale, don’t you?’ To which Sheila said, “Uh, sure I do. What would you like?” And I said, “This frog!” That’s the frog pictured here that Karen had remembered in the garage and brought it to me. Of course that brought on our belly-laughter that ensued for several minutes. Oh, yes, that frog will stay with me -- for a memory -- and MAYBE it represents a prince coming my way!

Karen went with us to almost every doctor appointment for my husband. She would provide that shoulder to cry AND laugh on during some of our darkest times. We still laugh about so many hilarious experiences we had at the treatment center and hospitals. Those are the GOOD things we love to think about. Why was “sense of humor” my word for today? Because I want to give you a treasure – like the treasures we found in many of our estate sales. What treasures could be found in your junk and funk? Maybe you're so loaded down with care and concern that your "presence" dims the lights in the room and your soul is downcast. King David said, “Why be downcast oh my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5

It's time to amp up the "SENSE OF HUMOR" light that's been hidden far too long. God is ready to shine through us and turn us into a beautiful lights that He can use as a precious vessel of encouragement, peace and joy to bless others. Your SENSE of HUMOR, your joy-filled face and spirit -- just might be the what they need today. .Go ahead and let the laughter roll After all, it's very good medicine for the soul! "A merry heart does good like a medicine."Proverbs 17:22."

Trust Me! I’ve Got This!

Being over-zealous to find community when I first moved to Frisco, TX, I sought out ways to get involved at my church. I sent emails and made calls. I even sent a letter to the new pastor in hopes to meet with him for a few minutes to not only find out about him, but for him to know me and the great joy I have in serving God. Those efforts didn’t fall into place as I had expected, so I took matters in my own hands and started volunteering and getting involved in several ministry areas at the church. But, I never had the occasion to meet with Fr Rudy.

Here’s how God taught me yet another lesson – for my own good. At the retreat I attended this weekend, it was a joy to have our new pastor, Fr Rudy, with us much of the time. One of the sweetest moments, for me, was when Fr Rudy came into the dining room, got his food and set right beside me. It was just the two of us for a few minutes -- the minutes I had hoped to have had when I sent that first email. We found that we had places and friends in common, and such great conversation was had in those few minutes. When others joined us at the table, questions were asked of him, that we all gleaned from his responses. Once again, loud and clear, I could almost see God with his hands cupped around his mouth, and belting out to me….”Donna, trust ME. I’ve told you, time and again, ‘I’ve got this!’” I got His message. When will I stop trying to open doors that are unnecessary to open? God opens the right doors at the right time, when I let go and let God.

One of our mutual friends is Bishop Dan Mueggenborg (hereafter referred to as "M" for sake of brevity), who formerly pastored in Tulsa at Christ the King Church, but is now in Seattle. I shared this story with Fr Rudy. Bishop "M" holds a special place in my heart. Before his pastorate at CTK, he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. That's how Fr Rudy knew him as he attended North American College where Bishop "M" was on the faculty. So, when my husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary, Bishop "M" was so gracious to give us a grand tour of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants. Fr Rudy knew exactly which restaurant that was.

One of my fondest memories of Bishop "M" was his story about his visit with Mother Teresa. On one of her visits to Rome, he had a private breakfast with her. He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked: "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you. Would you please sign this prayer card for me?" And, she graciously did, and to push the envelope a little further, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries. She signed the second card. Bishop "M" framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other signed card to his priest friend. He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did. Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card. His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one." Bishop "M" asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "No, not an original. You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one." Bishop Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY? I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that treasure that you threw away!"

Bishop "M" went on to compare that precious treasure of being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and His trust-worthiness in our lives. We dismiss the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.

I remembered this story as I sat with Fr Rudy and when I heard God tell me “Trust Me!” I sincerely desire to live with all-out trust in Him and not take matters into my own hands. He's the REAL deal! I believe in Him. He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. And, the desire He has for our relationship? For me to trust Him more; to love Him more; to let go of my GOOD ideas and trust in His GOD ideas that are always on time – His time -- every time.

What is YOUR Aroma?

On the the way to church, yesterday morning, there was a sweet aroma in my car – a fragrance that brings me to tears. Oh but first before I go there.....I'll tell you what created that lovely aroma. Leading up to Saturday, the 16th, there were 16 days of celebrating my granddaughter's Sweet 16 birthday. Her Mom, Alexia and I started the month with an adventurous trip to Six Flags and now it was my turn to finish out the celebrations on Saturday. We celebrated in Nana/Alexia style!

The first thing on Saturday, I headed to the Wallace home for our final day to begin. After my "legacy" talk that I spoke about yesterday in my post/blog, it was time for Nana’s birthday treasure hunt. Unlike other years when a clue leads to another clue until the BIG treasure is found, this year, there were six clues, each representing a letter in Alexia’s name that sent her to places to look around their home. At each location was a paragraph of "wisdom" for her and the treasure that went with the letter. For example, A = Alexia. "The A in Alexia represents ALEXIA which means “helper and defender of mankind”. Indeed, my sweet girl, God’s anointing is on you and you WILL be helping men, women, boys and girls through your beautiful heart of love. You have the DNA of a warrior and a strong, mighty woman of God with a heart to touch so many with God’s love and power. The A has a treasure ahead! Go find it near your Mom & Dad’s bed. Maybe there’s something there that will remind you of “defending mankind”!"
The A treasure was AMC Theater (that would be a part of our day). She’s a strong warrior already so of course, I knew she wanted to see “Spiderman” yet again. There were other clues, treasures and adventures that made for a very special 16th birthday complete.

After the treasure hunt we headed out for lunch, the movie, and some retail therapy which inspired this day's post/blog. At the mall, we walked by a store that ALWAYS takes me back to my sweetheart and HIS aroma. Maybe this is too much information, but here goes anyway! One of my favorite characteristics about him was he always desired to smell good, so throughout the day, he would splash on a little more cologne. So when Alexia and I were passing by the Abercrombie & Fitch store, Alexia said, “Nana, you want to go in?” She knew my heart. We did. We sprayed his and my favorite -- that wonderful “Fierce” cologne on the little cards. Momentarily, I couldn't hold back the tears. When we got to the car, Alexia put her card in the vent of my air conditioner – thus, the aroma in my car yesterday morning going to and from church.

I breathed in that wonderful aroma and I had precious thoughts about my sweetheart. He's certainly basking in heavenly scents now. And, on this side of heaven, God wants all of us to exude His own sweet aroma to the world.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says this: "But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, He has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel LIKE A SWEET PERFUME.”

What if our lives sent out an aroma that attracted people to God? Our aroma will either attract others to Him or repel them. The sweet scent of the likeness of Christ can be an irresistible pull toward the Savior. When we walk with God and are imitators of His character (love, joy, peace, kindness, etc.) we will leave behind an aroma that can inspire others to follow. So many need to experience that aroma....and they will, as we continue to "splash on" His fragrance. So....what is YOUR aroma today?

One Gal's Junk.....Another Gal's Treasure

My sis-in-law and I share a sweet memory of the estate sale company that we owned and operated. We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. Perspective. A useless Tupperware lid for one, but for another it was just what they needed. Old worthless baby stroller for one, to another it was a great tool for hauling things in. An old, beat up window -- junk...but another would turn it into a piece of art. It’s a matter of how we look at life……and stuff.

What a ride we had in that business. After years in the business, our season changed and we decided to "close-up-shop" on that business, but kept all our supplies and inventory in a storage unit. With my upcoming move to Texas, we decided to go ahead and sell all those supplies. Of all the inquiries from our advertising, only one couple was really interested -- it was the couple that we purchased our supplies from years ago -- wanting to get back into the business again!!! God's timing was perfect....for both of us. Thanks be to God!

So yesterday, Karen and I had a garage sale of "stuff" that she and I had accumulated that needed to go. We were able to borrow the tables and shelves from the couple that purchased back their supplies from us. Perfect timing....again. Getting the sale ready and then the sale, our hearts were stirred once again by those that stopped by to shop. We had always made everyone that visited our sales feel like they were family. Yesterday was no exception. Our sweet Mom loved it because we used her home, where we had many garage sales over the years. I might add the BEST location ever for garage sales. Every age and ethnicity stopped by and we gave away as much as we sold. Oh what a feeling!

Karen, George & I were at Mom's houe to set everything out yesterday morning at 6 am. Mom was still sleeping. Soon, she came out and was singing "I woke up this morning feeling fine. I woke up with heaven on my mind. I woke up with joy in my soul....now Lord, make everything in this sale GO GO GO!" LOL! She has also loved our sales because as outgoing as she is, she acquires lots of new friends -- like in this photo with a sweet little girl who has spina bifida, but other than the shoes and walker she uses, all you could see was a little shop-till-you-drop queen. Her "normal" rose to the occasion and her little bag of treasures "made her day". Mom and her became best buds. And then there's Carl, a close friend of Mom, Karen & George, who has become like a son to Mom. The two of them had plenty to talk about as they watched the garage sale activity -- especially the beaming faces of those who found a "treasure" amidst our junk!

Finding the treasures AND pleasures of life in some of the sweetest ways -- that's what doing our estate sales and garage sales over the years meant to us. We helped others pay forward all their items that were once treasures to them, to become treasures to others.

What about you? What treasures could be found in your junk and funk? This little girl had physical junk and funk....but she was relentless. She WAS a treasure! No stopping her. Just wonder if there's a treasure amidst the junk you have encountered in your life. In spite of how we feel about ourselves, perhaps unusable, unlikeable, broken or unwanted. God, the Master Artist and Lover of our souls, will clean up our messes, forgive us for ignoring His voice, and turn us into a beautiful, handcrafted works of art and treasures that He can touch and use as precious vessels of encouragement, peace and joy to bless others.

You'll never know what you'll find in people, places and situations -- just maybe today -- amidst the junk.....you just might find the treasure you've been looking for!

Treasure Hunt for Treasures

Day 330 of Photo Inspirations -- Treasure Hunt for Treasures
Thanksgiving Week is well underway at Nana's house.  The Treasure Hunt for Bryson was a success that led to awesome treasures, not just for him, but everyone!  $5 Dollar Tree cards.  It's a "must-have" trip while they're here.

Plungers were the big buy last time they were here.  I know that sounds gross -- but not when they're turned into swords or batons, and NOT used for that which they were originally intended!   LOL!  

On their own, a couple of years ago, the kids, with their $5 in hand for their trip to the $1 store, started the tradition of having a White Elephant/Dirty Santa" gift exchange with their $1 store items.    They meticulouly choose their items and when they're back home, the mayheim begins.  They get out gift wrapping paper and gift bags and go to an individual secret wrapping place and wrap each of their $1 treasures.

Then the gift exchange begins.  You would think those bags/wrapped gifts contained $50 items instead of $1 by the excitement. Honestly, it is worth the effort, because it's such a fun adventure and exchange.  One of them bought the Santa hat -- thus Lexi's stylin' in this photo; Bryson had purchased a $1 t-shirt and came home and wrote "I love Lexi on it" -- he wanted to keep it when he drew it for himself.  They have so much fun -- it's honestly a highlight of coming to Nana's at Thanksgiving.

I love this special time together.  All eleven of us are packed in my not-so-big house.  Only 2 or 3 times a year, do I think about back when we had a huge home with plenty beds and bedrooms that accommodated all of us so nicely.  But I've figured out....even in cramped places, love, celebration and great silliness can abound.  Blow-up and fold-up mattresses  in my office and closet -- create a just  fine, "camping indoors"  experience for the kids.  And, there is no way to complain or wish for the "good ole' days" when I consider the meager existence that so many in our world live in -- barely a roof over their head to call home, no running water, dirt floors, with just a mat to sleep on.  According to the United Nations Development Programme, more than a billion people in the world live with less than a dollar per day; almost almost half of the global population, live with less than 2 dollars per day.  That puts a whole new perspective on a "trip to the $1 Store.   When we give ourselves mental visuals like that, then "BLESSED beyond description" is how we should feel -- no matter what our living conditions might be.

And, BLESSED, is the operative word -- not, "lucky","fortunate",  "deserved" or "privileged".  We ARE BLESSED!   And we are blessed -- to be a BLESSING!.  We can't just simply say "THANK YOU", and go on our way.  We MUST do something about those blessings.  In fact, we're held accountable for them.   Luke 12:48 says ".......when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."  There is responsibility that comes with blessings.  Actually, it becomes a cycle of blessings, because we see in Proverbs 11:25,  "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."  It's that "give and it shall be given", law of reciprocity....that just keeps on giving.

So, this Thanksgiving week, while we're in an attitude of gratitude, let's remember that we are blessed to bless; gifted to give; forgiven to forgive; loved to love.  Instead of Thanksgiving, just maybe our mindset should be Thanks AND Giving!

Shovel-fulls or Spoon-fulls

Day 151 of Photo Inspirations -- Shovel-fulls or Spoon-fulls
I heard such a beautiful message Sunday about "The Man in the Mirror".  We all remember this song as one of Michael Jackson's best.  It spoke of the person we need to be in order to make the world a better place.  The chorus went like this:  "I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
I'm asking him to change his ways.
And no message could have been any clearer.
If you want to make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change".

And the pastor took that message even further when he said what we should see in the mirror is how God sees us, and what He says to us.  He says:
1.  I love you.
2.  I'm grateful for you.
3.  You're a rare and beautiful treasure.
4.  I forgive you.
5.  I'll hold you to high standards with appropriate amounts of grace & mercy.
6.  You have a special calling.
7.  I'm cheering for you, and I believe in you.

God lavishes all of His goodness, love, grace, compassion and mercy on us, by the shovel-fulls. He is a shoveler.   He didn't meet us half-way; He came all the way to us from heaven.  He relentlessly pursues us.  And, when we know that's true, it will be shown in how we interact with others.  We really love to celebrate the shovel-fulls we get, but we usually dispense to others in spoon-fulls.  And, the question is......what do we do with all that love; all that grace; all that mercy; all that goodness in return?  Are we dispensing shovel-fulls to others around us....or are we dispensing spoon-fulls?  How can we say to others, "I'll think about forgiving you"?   "I'll think about helping you" when we have been so forgiven and so helped with the shovel-full.  If we consider the outrageous, indescribable love of God to us, then how could we give less than our best to others.

Perhaps.....it's not spoon-fulls OR shovel-fulls -- it should be dump-truck full of blessings to others if, in fact, we desire to be like Him Who gives and gives and gives to us FAR more than we could ever ask or think.

The Pearl of Great Price

God is relentless in His pursuit of us. He speaks to us in a thousand different ways, endeavoring to get our attention. He is passionate in His love for us, and patient in His tolerance of us. And, just in case you ever doubt your self-worth, here is proof positive of how special and amazing you are:

In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus told a simple little story about a merchant who was on a venture, trying to find expensive, beautiful gems. He was especially interested in finding pearls. Jesus said this man, looking for valuable pearls, found one pearl of great price. It was so exquisite, so beautiful, so rare, so valuable, he sold everything he had and he went and he bought that pearl.

YOU are the pearl of great price and God’s highest treasure. He searched far and wide for you, and He was overjoyed when He finally found you. You may have been covered with a little dirt when He first dug you up, but that didn’t matter to Him. He saw the beauty inside you, and He is committed to cleaning and polishing you until you glow with His radiance. Yes, you are His precious child who possesses the character and likeness of Him, the perfect Pearl. And doesn't that make us want to return His love by a relentess, consuming and passionate pursuit of Him?

One Man's Trash is a Raccoon's Treasure

I live in a new community where five homes are being built to the east and west of me. The good news about being the first to build in a new subdivision is you have your choice of lots (mine backs up to a beautiful pond). The bad news about being the first to build here, is all the construction traffic that goes along with it. Last week, the garbage truck couldn’t get through the vehicles to pick up my trash. So, this week, I had an over-the-top number of trash bags. When I set my garbage container out last night, I thought “Wonder if this is a mistake – what if there are any varmints around?”

Tada!!! What to my wandering eyes would appear this morning, but my trash (or the remains thereof) spread across my lawn, street and sidewalk!! No doubt, it was raccoons that invaded my trash. Indeed, one man’s trash (or junk) is typically another man’s treasure – and in my case, a raccoon’s FEAST. I scolded myself for ignoring the warning. But, then, again, it gave me thoughts for my Facebook post.

I could post about how much God cares about the birds of the air (or the raccoons) and how He feeds them. Or I could post about how when we get that little nudge or warning, that we are responsive enough to ACT on the warning. Or, I could share the memory that came to me about the estate sale company that my sister-in-law and I owned and operated. We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. There would be a lid to a Tupperware that was unusable by one, but for another, it was just what they needed. There would be an old baby stroller that was unusable for a baby, but another would buy it to haul things in. There would be a discolored piece of jewelry that one would clean up and turn into a beautiful ornament. There would be an old, beat up window that another would turn into a piece of art. It’s a matter of how we look at life……and stuff.

So, rather than choose just one of the lessons to be learned from my raccoon story, I’ll share them all:
1) Since God cares so much for us AND His creatures…..make sure garbage containers have solid lids on them (from now on, I'll use a bungy cord)! LOL!
2) When God whispers a warning.....don’t dismiss it. It could save us a lot of time and effort instead of having to clean up a mess.
3) Enjoy going to garage and estate sales…..there just might be a treasure hidden amongst the junk.
4) In spite of how we feel about ourselves, perhaps unusable, unlikeable, broken or unwanted, God, the Master Artist and Lover of our souls, will, without complaint, clean up our messes, forgive us for ignoring His voice, and turn us into a beautiful, handcrafted work of art that He can touch and use as vessels of peace, encouragement and joy to bless the l

You Can't Cross the Ocean if You Don't Leave the Shore

Yesterday, I posted our "dead-in-the-water" ship experience. When we boarded that ship, our thoughts were for making yet another great memory, enjoy some needed rest and adventure. Our minds never gave way to "What if we meet with disaster?" We "trusted" that the Captain and his crew would steer us to the pre-planned ports and journey they advertised, and in several days, at the end of our trip, we'd go back home.

But, what about Christopher Columbus -- when he set sail -- not knowing what the future held for him and his crew? Chris was a dreamer and visionary who could see beyond the status quo. When brilliant minds were teaching that the earth was flat, good ole' Chris stretched his faith by leaving his comfort zone (the shore), and ventured out into the unknown. And, just think about it, he didn't have the leading edge technology that reports obstacles, weather, and other vessels, that mariners have today. And, athough he faced every adversity imaginable, he didn't give up until his dream was reality. Indeed, his faith and determination paid off. And Chris certainly gave us some valuable lessons to learn from:

1) We shouldn't play it safe by living in our comfort zone. There's some pretty exciting adventures out there -- so why live with regret?
2) We should ignore critics and seek God for wisdom to claim new territories.
3) We owe it to ourselves to set sail and discover God's will for our lives.
4) We must defeat our fears to be able to find the "treasures" that God has for us to discover.

Isn't it time for us to leave the shore.....and take on a great new adventure that just might be the discovery of a great new relationship, the dream job or opportunity we've been looking for, or the invention we believe could bring in a "boatload"??