Bunny Trails That Give Bunnies a Bad Name

So I’m still caring for this pint-size Yorkie who, BTW, is about to get "shipped out" because she keeps telling me what to do. “Treat? Go for a Walk? Scratch my tummy! Put me as close to you as I possibly can get!" And, I yield to her, almost every time. Those big brown eyes are irresistible! What she doesn’t realize is that’s why I don’t have a pet of my own. I’m quite content with being responsible for just me and "just me" enjoys not having anyone telling me what to do, where to go, and what to say. Well, with the exception of Holy Spirit Who I’m prone to do, go and say what He says! I’ll admit, if someone was spying on us, they’d get a kick out of Emma and me conversing and me telling her she better “shape up or ship out”!

Our four-times-a-day walks include her trying to follow bunny trails – and me, reeling her back to the nice casual walk around the neighborhood. She endlessly sniffs around in circles, never getting anywhere. And she certainly never finds the bunny. But, I can’t blame her because I tend to go off on bunny trails myself. In fact, my bunny trails give bunnies a bad name. For example, I go to change my wash to the dryer, and on the way, I see my plant that needs to be watered and after I water the plant, I notice dishes that I need to put into the dishwasher. And, oh, while Im doing that, I realize I need to buy more dishwasher soap so I get my notepad. While I make a note of the soap, I hear a great commercial that says: “Order now. Call 1-800-xxx-xxxx.” I know I want it so as I start to order it, I remember that I need to change my wash to the dryer. Oh me!

Like I have to reel Emma back in, I think I’m feeling the tug from my Father – reeling me back in and reminding me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways (including the bunny trails) acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight!” (Proverbs 3:5,6) And from Psalm 119:1 “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”

I sure don’t want to be caught up going in circles, looking for a rabbit or bunny or even a squirrel. I desire to be focused, being intentional and purposeful in whatever my hands find to do. It’s been said that purposefulness is having “conscious” intention. It is having a clear focus on what and why we're doing it.

I’m tending to think that this little Yorkie is more God’s plan than it my kids’ plan. I need to learn what NOT to do – being double-and-triple minded instead of single-minded. I’m determined to devote myself to the project at hand, not a part time or sorta-kinda commitment. And combine it with faith to believe that God will help me live out the purpose He has given me.

What is it Like to be You?

We’ve all played “ice breaker” games with a group of people who we may know very little about. It’s a great way to get to know each other in a very open environment. But, instead of the usual questions: “What do you do for fun? What was your most embarrassing moment? What was your favorite vacation?”, what if this question were asked: “What is it like to be you?”

I assure you – it would depend on how we felt physically, mentally, socially, economically, relationally, and spiritually on that given day. If we felt good – no real aches or pains; if we were calm and at peace in our souls; if we were in a happy place with our spouse or friends; loved our job, and if we were in a right place with God, our answer may be something like: “It is great to be me because I am healthy, my family loves me, I have great friends, an awesome job, and God is so good to me!”

Good answer -- on a good day! And, if it were a faith confession of "speaking of things that be not as though they were" (Romans 4:17) -- it would still be a good answer. I may have answered it differently last week after recovering from a minor surgery. I developed an excruciating, painful skin issue. Having cloth of any kind next to my skin hurt beyond explanation (good thing I was alone). If I had been asked “What is it like to be you?”, though I would have tried desperately to describe myself in a faith-filled, upbeat, hallelujah voice, if I were honest to the bone, I would have told you that I felt miserable and in pain like I have never known. Being me would have come down to what I felt in that one season of time. I thought how I have taken my good health for granted. I thought about those who were living their lives without a thought about how good they feel and for those who were in far more pain than I was in. But fast forward to today when there is no more pain and suffering, I’d tell you “My life is like birds singing, bells ringing, blue skies, raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, and walking on sunshine.”

This experience made me realize that I don’t want to take God and His blessings for granted in any way. God is good. Really, really, really good…..all the time!" Nothing that comes our way in this one life, is surprising to God. Why He allows us to experience tough times is up to Him – there is always a reason. Whether or not we understand His reasons, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. When bad things happen to us that we simply don't understand, instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). I was saying that scripture a lot last week.

The best news of all is this one life here on earth is short-lived in light of eternity. It is the ensuring that whatever this life looks like here is nothing to be compared to what our lives will look like in heaven. As it has been written: "What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not entered into heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

So, in reply to “What is it like to be you?”, I’m saying it is a blessed life of living one day at a time, embracing each and every moment of it, celebrating that I’m a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In sickness and in health, in death, we will never part….because He’s prepared a heavenly place for me……and YOU! And, then, when asked "What is it like to be you?", our answer will always...for eternity be...."HEAVENLY!"

Write the Vision and Make it Plain

When my daughter was single, she made quite the list (100 items to be exact) of all the qualities she was hoping for in a future husband. She wrote out her vision and she made it VERY plain. When Larry came along, initially, he was about 95 out of the 100. But, the longer they knew each other and fell in love, every single one of those items was checked off her list and he measured up to her greatest desires. I thank God every day for my amazing son!

Monday night I was visiting with a successful young woman. She has a good – no, great job with a title of influence plus the salary to match, but she is dissatisfied and completely unfulfilled. Her greatest desire is to be in a third world country, defending marginalized people, bringing aid and assistance to them and making a real difference in their lives. Not only her job, but she also desires a husband, a family and to personally fill cared for and loved. Seems like a tall order, right?

But, not so when the Bible gives us many promises to hold near and dear to our hearts. I gave her this scripture that has served our family well. Habakkuk 2:2 “Write the vision. Make it plain so that he who reads it, can run with it.” It’s writing out a vision (making a list) and giving it in prayer to God.

That scripture partly explains how to get into position for the vision to become reality. I told that young woman to write down every single desire she has for her future: her job and ministry, a husband, children, satisfaction, peace, security, etc. Then I went on to explain, “When we write our vision down, making it precise and plain, our angels who accompany us 24/7 can read it and run after it. Hebrews 1:14 says “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Our angels are dispatched to bring about the reality of that vision. The caveat is “your positioning”. Here is how to get into position for your dream job, your dream husband or wife, your dream children, and your peace and satisfaction. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: 1) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; 2) Lean not to your own understanding; 3) Acknowledge Him, and then, He will direct your paths.”

To write a vision without the counsel and wisdom of God is just an exercise of wants and wishes. It’s like treating God as a genie in a lamp or treating Him like a slot machine. But, to write a vision and make it plain while acknowledging the presence, the wisdom and the counsel of God and trusting Him in His perfect timing puts our angels on dispatch for bringing about what our list entails.

So make that list…..in pencil and then give God the pen to ensure the BEST-LAID plans are His plans!

When We’re Afraid to Trust Him

You may have witnessed our “family” mishap a few weeks ago. Our “stud muffin” Buddy (The Wallace Family’s 75-pound Australian Shepherd) had a precious, equally beautiful, female Australian Shepherd come from Austin for a lovefest. In case you’re not following my delicate way of putting it, Moana’s master brought her to start a family of Australian Shepherd babies. Moana wasn’t so receptive to the plan and in an effort to give them “alone” time in the backyard, they escaped. Buddy didn’t go far, but Moana was on the run. Family and friends were on the hunt and as soon as someone got close to her, she ran from them – over and over again. Each time someone would call her name and go to help her, that little girl raced away. She was offered food and protection, but each time, afraid, not knowing that no one meant her harm, she would run and run.

She ran for the next 19 hours. Nineteen hours of fear. Nineteen hours afraid to accept food and help from strangers. Nineteen hours of living unprotected from the cold and feeling abandoned. We felt helpless when we went home at midnight to rest until sunrise when we could continue our search. Our hearts hurt for her and her master.

How often do we live this way, afraid to trust, refusing the assurance that God will shelter us, running from the safety of His protection? I sensed that from the homeless people we served last weekend. They were choosing to live on the streets, abusing their bodies and their souls as they continued to refuse to trust when the assurance that God’s arms are open wide to protect them and to give them a place of refuge, if only they would submit to His call. He who says, “Peace, be still,” and calms the waters can surely calm them, too! He offers more than food and blankets and the comfort of a safe place to live. He offers Himself, all that they need. The God of the universe woos them with His perfect love and there is no need to be afraid.

Perhaps you are living like this little dog or the homeless people who are refusing the help that God offers to us through His Word and even Godly brothers and sisters who are reaching out as the hands and feet of Jesus. Psalm 37:40 says “The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him.”

I wish this story had a happy ending that she finally gave in and responded to our calls. But after 19 hours of searching, praying and calling out her name, we received the call that she had been hit by a car and was rushed by a witness to a nearby emergency animal hospital. Moana was seriously injured in her pelvic area, but her vital organs were good. After two major surgeries, in a walk-a-bout harness (unable to put pressure on her legs for several weeks) Moana returned home. Her healing will come, but it will take time. The upside of this story is Moana’s master came into a beautiful relationship with Christ in the process of this story. “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." Romans 8:28

Oh, that those of us who are like Moana, afraid to trust, would come to know our God, in Whom we trust! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your steps.” Proverbs 3:5-6

This Christmas and always, God is offering Himself, all that we need, to us today. That's why we celebrate Christ's birth. The angels said to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid!" We have nothing to fear because He is on our side. Won’t you respond to His call today? He has such great plans for you and your future!

Trusty Steed -- Trustworthy Men & Women of God

While having my morning devotion yesterday, my eyes became fixed on the painting across my living area from me. I remember when my husband and I purchased that painting decades ago. We bought it because we saw King David (thus, the small bust of David that sits below the painting) and his muscle-bound, trusty steed and his majestic power that is being harnessed by David’s power. Restrained horsepower!

I looked up horsepower to see where that word came from. I found that when the steam engine began to do the work of horses in mines in the 1800s, the mine owners asked how many horses an engine would replace. James Watt (that guy whose name appears on our lightbulbs – watt/wattage), who invented steam engines, found a way to equate horses to engine power. Thus the term, horsepower. Watt measured the capability of a big horse to pull a load and found it could pull a weight of 150 pounds while walking at 2.5 miles per hour. That works out to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute or 550 foot-pounds per second. There you go. Now you know, too. You’re welcome!

Back to the trusty steed's horsepower being harnessed by David’s power. Trust. Trustworthy. Steed (spirited and ready for war). The greatest use of the word, trust, is in this scripture. “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5. Don’t we want to TRUST in others with all our hearts? I learned from caring for my grandson’s animals that I needed to gain their trust. I needed to be trustworthy.

I’m showing my age here but two of my favorite TV shows were Roy Rogers and The Lone Ranger. Roy Rogers trusty steed, Trigger”, would come to him when he whistled. He performed and showed up because he trusted Roy. The Lone Ranger saved his horse, Silver's life from an enraged buffalo and, in gratitude, Silver chose to give up his wild life to carry him. We had a huge quarter horse “Brave” to help rustle up our cattle (We had 75 head of cattle. That story is for another day) and it took a little time to gain his trust but before long our little 5-year old daughter could ride him fearlessly.

Trust is a really big deal. We’ve heard it said, “They have ‘trust’ issues”. That’s because someone was untrustworthy. We’ve seen how marriages, partnerships, and friendships have been destroyed because someone proved they couldn’t be trusted.

Trust is defined as “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.” In these days, our core values need to be redefined. A relationship with a horse or another animal, and most importantly, with those people in our lives that we hold near and dear to our hearts, isn’t based on snuggles and hugs and kisses. It’s based upon trust. Not so much ours of them, though that is important. But more important is the horse’s trust, the loved one’s trust… in us. The horse can’t be talked into trust. Trust has to be proven to him. It is the same for us. Trust is proven over and over, day by day, lifetime by lifetime. “Trust the Lord with all your heart” is possible because time and again, God proves Himself trustworthy to us. Shouldn’t the words “Trust Donna or John or Cathy or Sam with all your heart” be the same because WE are trustworthy? If a horse can become a trusty steed to take into battle and be assured of victory, shouldn’t we be trusty/trustworthy men and women of God that are linked arm and arm with brothers and sisters to wage war on the enemy of our souls and WIN big? Shouldn't trustworthiness be a priceless treasure and one of our top core values?

I Keep Trusting the Lord With All My Heart

When I lived in Tulsa and headed up a Life Group in my home, I bought several of these little plates to give to the gals on their birthday. I'd add some yummy treats to the gift, but the words from Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" was the most important part of the gift. I had one plate left and when I was getting a plate for my scrambled eggs, I randomly pulled that one out. I took the message to heart. I knew God was giving me the nudge I needed. When I got in my car, on the seat was this penny. "In God We Trust". I embraced the message that God was wanting me to get. He knows me so well.

When I have these encounters, I don't take them lightly. I consider them divine, coming straight from "Heaven Central". If there's anything about my childhood that I treasure the most, it was my upbringing in a church and family that taught me the importance of memorizing scriptures. I can't begin to tell you how many times when I was in a situation that I needed a quick word of encouragement and support, and I would recollect God's Word that I had stored in my heart. “Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.” (Proverbs 7:2)

Jesus wasn't at all random with getting His point across to those who followed Him and needed an encouraging word. He used fish, a bird, a well, water, bread, salt, a candle, etc. My faith tells me God was intentional with those words to me just as much as He used object lessons with those He taught as He walked this earth.

I'll admit there are seasons of wondering while I was wandering. I wondered what my future would hold, who my friends would be, when and what my ministry in this season would look like, and how I can best make use of the time I have remaining on this earth. Then right in the midst of my wondering about the what, who, when, and how.....a simple plate and a penny told me, AGAIN, to simply TRUST in God. The rest of that Proverbs 3:5 says "and lean not to your own understanding". My mind says "You need to figure this out" but God says in Proverbs 3:5 and 6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge HIM and He will direct your steps."

Once again, God got the last word....and His words are always the "word in season" that gives us the assurance that He's got this so all we have to do is to TRUST! Has He given you one of His object lessons recently? I'd love to hear it!

What is Blocking Your View?

IWhat is Blocking Your View?

If you’ve been a musician in an orchestra, you know that seeing the conductor throughout the symphony, is of paramount importance. That’s why you’ll notice that the placement of every chair is in direct eyes' view of the one that is directing and leading the music. The conductor is responsible for the start of the symphony, setting the tempo, ensuring correct entries by various members of the orchestra and communicating to the musicians through hand and eye gestures.

The question is….who or what is blocking the view of YOUR Conductor? Maybe someone mistreated or spoke falsely about you. That one is all you can think about, so they are keeping you from seeing your Conductor. Maybe your children are blocking your view of the Conductor. Maybe your financial or health situation or the stress and press of the holidays are blocking your view. The point is – anything that keeps our eyes from seeing from first seeing our Conductor is what causes our faith to wane. The anxiety of our circumstances is what keep us from focusing on our Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. When we keep our eyes on Him -- He will handle the symphony of our lives.

When we focus on the ONE who said, "I am the LIGHT of the world, whoever follows ME, will NEVER walk in darkness" (John 8:12), then the darkness will diminish. As we're drawn to focus on and spend time with the LIGHT, (our Conductor) and stay in fellowship with HIM, spending time in His Word, thinking about HIM -- our Conductor and He Who knows everything about everything, the answers we need will come from Him. The divine set-ups and divine appointments and the divine "suddenlies" will start providing what we need. Our music will reflect His tempo, His starts and His finishes of our symphony.

Maybe it's time to get a new seat in the orchestra -- one that SEES our Conductor -- His hand gestures and His eyes that are on us. His LIGHT shines so brightly and desires to dispel the darkness that is around us. I promise you, He is the most reliable Counselor, the most indescribable Prince of Peace and the ultimate source for restoring LIGHT to our world as the Conductor of our "unfinished" symphony!

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.

Is Your "Faith Tank" Running on Empty?

Before I left for Austin on Sunday, I made sure to get my car filled with gas. I was thinking the closer I go South, maybe the gas shortage could create a “treasure hunt” to find gas – not to mention the price of gas might be higher as I travel further South also. I did notice, as I traveled South that there were empty gas stations – no gas available, so I was glad I had filled up before leaving Frisco.

I thought I’d stop in at my favorite gas station, Buc-ee's, and its ginormous store, At Buc-ee’s, you’ll find every snack and meal you can imagine, drink, home décor, Texas themed apparel and lots of Buc-ee’s name brand merchandise. Best of all, they have really nice and clean bathrooms -- and no waiting -- plenty room for busloads. This Buc-ee’s is just South of Temple, TX which is about 75 miles from my kids’ home in Austin. To my delight, even though there were plenty of their 60+ pumps shut down, they had plenty that were open at a gas price of $2.29 a gallon for unleaded gas. I filled up just in case Austin stations were low on gas. Unfortunately, Premium and Diesel gas wasn’t available.

On my way back home to Tulsa, yesterday, I went back to Buc-ee’s and even more pumps were shut down, but the few remaining, gave me the opportunity to fill up for my trip home and beyond.

Friends in my Frisco community told me that Dallas is having an unusual gasoline shortage. I posted about the craziness I encountered when I was filling my car up last Saturday. Apparently, the craziness was because word got out that Hurricane Harvey could cause massive gas shortages. As a result, thousands of people in our area rushed to gas pumps, which, if they were open, the line stretched for hours.

Isn’t that craziness like our culture today? People get all worked up about politics, a flu virus, global warming, Wall Street’s ups and downs, the cost of gasoline or the lack thereof. They watch dismal news stations 24-7 and they over-react and start complaining and expressing fear to those around them.

I’ll admit I was a bit cautious about traveling to Austin because I needed to be back home for meetings yesterday and if there was a gas shortage, I’d miss my must-be-at meetings. But, then I took a deep breath and settled my “unsettledness” with my favorite scripture “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways (the highways and byways) acknowledge Him, He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6). I like to think that my stopping at Buc-ee’s was Him directing my paths. He was there for me going AND coming!!

Maybe it’s time for us to look at our own lives and what we need to make it with a “full tank” of high octane fuel to be our best, but not just during short bursts or when we need to be at our “peak.” We want to live and maintain our full potential, to reach and sustain what is called “high performance.” High performance is that living “above and beyond” the fray. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Maybe it’s time for us to look at how our faith and attitude measures up during times like these. We need to consider is our "faith tank" full of high octane fuel to help us go the distance? An octane rating, or octane number, is a standard measure of the performance of an engine. How is your engine (your mind, will and emotions) running? Is it performing at its best? Our we running on the bare minimum of just aa little “God additive” with a thought towards Him occasionally in our day? Of course, He is always with us and never forsakes us, but what if we put in the premium fuel that includes “living in His presence” where we acknowledge Him regularly throughout our day and even spend time in His Word – soaking in the peace that passes understanding, the joy of the Lord which is our strength, the love that never fails and the confidence that "Our God reigns" and our God lives big in us. With that kind of "additive" how could we not be thriving and getting extra mileage for the journey?

What WAZE You Down? Are You "Direction" Challenged?

For some time my son, Larry, was encouraging me to use the "free" Waze app on my phone. He told me that it was a much better option than any other GPS system or app. I tried using it but still didn't trust it when it would take me off the beaten path to get to my destination. But, in my many travels over the last 10 months, I've become more familiar with it and have found that it is quite trustworthy. Still there's that notion that I don't completely trust him (I have an Englishmen's voice instead of the female voice on my Waze app. What can I say -- I still enjoy hearing a man's voice direct me!") But yesterday morning I headed out for an appointment to an unfamiliar location so I asked Mr. Waze for directions. He gave me exactly opposite of where I needed to go. He wasn't making sense, so I did it my way. Sure enough, my way led to a completely closed road which detoured me back the way Mr. Waze wanted me to go. He knew what was best for me.

Maybe this is somewhat of a promo for Waze because I want my friends to get to their destination with less stress and anxiety. Waze helps do that. This isn't a scheme to get you to buy something, but it is a suggestion to download this app that seems to know everything about the roads and places around us. Here's the way Waze works. People, like you and me, work together toward a common goal to outsmart traffic and get everyone the best and fastest route to where they need to go. It tells us about traffic and it gives us a heads-up about police, accidents, road hazards and traffic jams -- which Waze knows because other drivers are providing the real time information. You can even navigate it to the best priced gas station on your route because the Waze community shares best gas prices. I love that --"people helping people"!

As I navigated my way back around to get get to my appointment, I scolded myself for thinking, once again, "MY way is better". I thought "If only I'd followed his directions, I wouldn't be late for my appointment!" The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we won't follow its directions.

And it's the same with listening and following the directions of He Who knows everything about everything and is ALWAYS accurate in His course directions. When we follow God's instructions, and not waver off the path He's laid out for us, or think "my way is better"...then, there will be no anxiety or concern about getting lost -- He'll make sure we'll get to where we need to go, and arrive when we need to get there!!

Once again this scripture that I often post still applies and it merits repeating today. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your OWN understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

LORD, Let Me Let YOU Lead Me!

I was having a sweet time of morning devotion when I looked at this mug that sits on my dining room table. I purchased this mug a while ago as a reminder WHO is supposed to be leading in this "romance" and journey of faith between God and I. This day, I got the message, loud and clear!

By nature, I gravitate toward being a leader and really have to pull my reins in to be a follower -- especially since I'm "single" now and must make many decisions on my own. But, even as a trustworthy leader, I should still be submitting to THE LEADER who promises to make my way successful when I allow Him to lead in EVERY way. How many times have I started out on a project or plan -- on my own -- and realized I was expecting God to make my way successful on the decisions I was making. I often take in this scripture verse regularly (like a prescription) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart (that's putting Him first) and lean not to your own understanding (that's putting me second), in all your ways acknowledge Him (that's putting Him first again) and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 That scripture sets the record straight. In this relationship, He is the leader and I am the followers.

I get it. Our ultimate success comes from letting God lead us.

The truth is -- God IS here for us, so we don't have to go this journey alone -- trying to figure out what to do and when to do it. He's here to lead the way -- to fight the battles for us -- and to give us His grace for the journey

"I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be My disciple, must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me." Mark 8:3

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I'm big on recognizing blessings aka the favor of God. For example -- that parking place close to the door of the store, the unexpected check in the mail, the traffic light turning green before you stop, the sale price on an item we needed. I think that the more I give credit to where or WHO the credit is due, the more the blessings come, even if it's as simple as finding something that was lost and suddenly you find it.

Sunday night, there was a crazy thunder and lightning storm and torrential rains that hit the Austin area where my kids live. At midnight, the electricity went off and at 12:30 am, I knew it because my bedroom was warming up fast, and I couldn't see my alarm clock -- it was pitch black in the room. I went back to sleep and woke up at 3 am (saw my cell phone clock) and the electricity was still off. I needed to wake up at 5 and be on the road by 6 in order to beat the Austin morning traffic as I was heading back to Frisco for an appointment. Of course I didn't fall back into a sound sleep because I didn't want to oversleep. Fortunately, my phone light guided me to my little flashlight that I used to get dressed and packed up. I sure needed that curling iron but I knew I could stop at a truck stop to get myself together. In the light of the way that morning started, it could be seen as getting up on the wrong side of the bed and if I were a negative thinker, could have thought that this day just might go downhill. But, it didn't -- thanks to the FOG -- Favor of God. That's my daily mindset -- I always look for the FOG and give credit to God when those favors come my way.

I stopped by a truck stop -- but no electricity outlets in there and on down the road I saw Rest Area -- and initially thought "They wouldn't give electrical outlets for free electricity", but I was wrong. Clean restrooms and electric outlets! I even encountered a really sweet lady and we shared our "electric outage" stories and mine paled in comparison to the difficulties members of her family had recently gone through with losing their home to a fire caused by a lightning strike. It's a matter of perspective -- our "little" inconveniences are minute compared to those who are REALLY dealing was some of life's greatest challenges.

My left turn signal went out and I could have looked at the inconvenience of getting the light replaced. As I drove into Frisco and almost to my daughter's home, I saw an automotive parts store and got the replacement bulb and asked the cashier where I could go to get it put in for me. He replied "Right next door at Kwik Kar Car Repair. Hmmm! Thanks, God! The general manager there helped me and said "I won't charge you to put it in -- just too easy to do for you", he said. I was so grateful and then I asked "What about my DRL light (daytime running light) that also needs replacement?" He said he'd check it for me. Just before I had left for Austin, I went to the Buick Dealership for an oil change and asked if they could replace the DRL light for me. The price was going to be $250 -- I told them I'd wait until I returned back to Dallas. The Kwik Kar General Manager put both lights in that I needed and he said "No charge". I was in shock because of what the Buick Dealership was going to charge me. I gave him a $50 tip. Favor of God.

From there I went to Panera Bread to grab a glass of iced tea. The cashier said, "No charge!" WHAT are you saying to me, Lord? "The Favor of God".

As many of you are aware that since my home in Tulsa sold back in September, I've been living between the homes of a dear friend and my mother-in-law in Tulsa, and my children in Frisco and Austin. Though I looked for possible homes to establish myself in Frisco (it's halfway between Austin and Tulsa), I never had the sense "Buy me!" That is, until this same day -- Monday. I had made an appointment with a realtor that I first met when I was introduced to Frisco Lakes and saw a couple of his homes but I just wasn't interested to the point of buying. That is, until Monday. The first home I went into, I sensed "This is it! This is that place you'll call 'home'! By the end of the day, without my children's approval or them even seeing the property, I made an offer on that home. Yesterday, I signed the final deal. I like to think that the month-long hiatus with God was producing His favor to me. I abided in His sweet presence -- seeking Him for the plans and purposes He had for me. I had peace and I know it was that peace that led me to this day and this place.

Staci was videoing me at my new house (closing will be April 3rd) and she asked what made the difference this time in making a decision. My response was Peace led me. That Peace that passed my understanding. That Peace that I've lived in way back before just recently. It was the same Peace that has kept me through some of my toughest times, but sweetest times, the Peace that came when my home in Tulsa sold when I wasn't even trying to sell it. It was the Peace that assured me that if I trusted Him with my whole heart and would not lean to my own understanding, but if in all my ways I would acknowledge Him, He would direct my steps and my pathways. He did and on this day, I give Him the utmost CREDIT where CREDIT is due. I give Him the praise and thanksgiving for loving me so much, that He never left me, but gave me the assurance that His favor was with me.

Trust Me -- I Have a Plan....God

My month-long hiatus ended yesterday, and today I’m moving over to the main house to reconnect with my family. What a great day to return to the real world – the newlyweds arrived (grandkids, Braden and Ruth) and oh how sweet it is to catch up with them. After all, I haven’t seen them since their wedding weekend. They are every bit as in love today (and more) than on that beautiful day in October. I know I’ve been immersed in this month of love with acknowledging God’s love for us and our love for Him, our love for our loved ones and our love for our babies……but I don’t think any love compares to that of finding that sweet romantic, everlasting love between a man and a woman. And, my grandson and his bride clearly demonstrate that sweet love.

Now I'm reflecting on the incredible opportunity to have spent an entire month of solitude -- really focusing on my relationship with God (with the exception of a few times when I needed to be on "Nana duty"). Did I get all the answers I was asking for during this sweet time? No, but something big changed inside me. Though I’m not so much a planner as I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of gal, I really did want to know where my journey, this year, was going to take me. A clear, defined destination would have been a wowzer result of my time alone with God. But I realized, God was offering me His hand instead of an itinerary and a map. I continue to hear His words: “Trust Me! Trust Me enough to know you don’t have to know the way ahead. I do. Hold onto Me. I’m holding onto you. Tomorrow will come and I will be there with you. I know where you’re headed and that’s what matters most."

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I’ve learned to practice more listening to God’s voice each day. Since this day is the one He made and I’m told to rejoice in it…..I’ve come to realize I don’t need to overthink my tomorrows. I know I need to be intentional to stop and listen to His voice. That Voice is calling me, and YOU, to stop worrying and planning for tomorrow as a way of distraction and procrastination — and listen to what He has to say to us today.

This Voice is kinder and more loving than all the voices that push us, rush us, and criticize us. This Voice wants to provide just what we need this very moment. And calls us to trust Him beyond what we can’t see ahead.

This day….we need to let go of some things that seem so pressing, so that we can be im-pressed by our loving Father that says “Peace be still” and “Be still and know that I am God” and “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Where Oh Where is Donna?

Yesterday, someone I just met said, "So where do you live?" It was the first time I needed to explain this season of my life. So I said, "Well, I fly by the seat of my pants, so wherever I land!" LOL!

So, here's the way I roll. I do my best to trust that in each day, I'm on point -- that is, God's point. To be where He guides, provides and selects for my good. After all, His Word declares "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6.

So since my home sold in Tulsa, when I wasn't even trying to sell it, I've been doing my best to acknowledge Him and trusting that my steps were right where He gave me the clear path to walk on. Initially, I thought I needed to quickly find a home in Texas to move to, but by all signs, or the lack thereof, it wasn't time yet. So my life has taken a turn for even greater trusting. Here's how I've rolled:
~ Home in Tulsa sold July 24th; Home closes September 23rd
~ Friend in Tulsa offers me to stay at her home as she is away until December; I finish personal, ministry and business commitments and then make my way to Texas.
~ November 8th -- Leave Tulsa (AFTER voting), and stopover in Frisco for a couple of days and then on November 10th -- arrived in Austin for a few days

The must gratifying part of this journey is being closer to my children and both families have graciously said "Mom/Nana, live with us!" Whew! I'm not homeless! LOL!

Actually, my stopover to Austin includes the celebration of my youngest grandson's birthday. Next stopover will be back to Frisco for a big event that Staci's two will be in and then it's back to Tulsa for a ministry event that I'll be speaking at and then back to Frisco for Staci's birthday. So, you can see, I really am flying by the seat of my pants. I keep myself amused because this isn't "my way". I'm one who likes the comfort and stability of my own bed in my own home, but "It's a new season. It's a new day. A fresh anointing of God's wisdom and direction is flowing my way!" (That's a song I love!)

Yesterday and today, 12-year old Brennan is in a baseball tournament. I love being here to celebrate and cheer him on. At this field are some signs that speak to my season.

FIELD of DREAMS -- Remember that movie? An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the Chicago White Sox come. I'm living in a field of dreams -- where I dream of being an ambassador of Christ -- sharing His love wherever I go. I'm building it in my heart -- and I believe God will use me here AND there.

MEMORIES BEGIN HERE -- Yes, each day I have the opportunity to make memories with my family, my loved ones and my friends. This season has just begun and I plan on memory-making every day!

"REMEMBER: These are kids. This is a game. Umpires are human. Your child does not play in the MLB." I loved this sign which was on every baseball field. You know those unruly parents that can lose their common sense over an umpire's call. In other words -- taking life WAY TOO SERIOUSLY!! In the grand scheme of things, WE are God's kids. Our lives are a game we play daily -- sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.....it's HOW we play the game that matters. Others are human (like us) and when they falter, we love them anyway and hope they do better next time. And God's children aren't expected to be perfect......but most certainly, we do our best to strive for perfection -- to be our very best for our FATHER -- Who really does KNOW BEST!

So, here I am on this grand adventure....taking it one day at a time and trusting that where He leads, I will follow. I'll let you know when I land.....in the meantime, battan down the hatches because the "Donna" jetstream just might be heading your way.....any day!

Take the First Step

Martin Luther King said, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

I know what was at the top of those two stairs in the photo. The first set was in my home in Sapulpa, OK that I moved from four years ago. Going UP those stairs, you'd find two more bedrooms, an office, a bathroom and a game room. But it didn't end there. There was a pull-down ladder that took you to a massive floored attic with plenty of storage space. It was great to have until my Sweetheart passed away, and when I went up there to see what he'd been storing up there, I gasped and hollered "Ronald Wuerch, what were you thinking -- leaving me with all this stuff to deal with?" LOL! Going back downstairs, you'd find the master bedroom, two baths, a dining room, great room and office. Going outside, there was a small lake at the back of the property that my kids and grandkids loved to hang out at and catch lots of fish.

The second set of steps in this photo take you FROM a crystal-clear, flowing creek, filled with an abundance of fish and waterfalls which all are a play area for my grandsons in Austin. Going UP those steps you'd find a beautiful pool, tennis court, barn, and house -- all of which my kids have made home.

Both of those sets of stairs started with taking STEPS of faith. My husband and I didn't know that would be the last home we would live in together, but having faith in God and His perfect plans and timing for our lives, we purchased that home -- that, by the way, needed a lot of renovations. It was long and hard work, but it was so worth it for the memories we made there, the precious family times, the Bible Studies and people's lives that were transformed there.

The steps on the 2nd photo represent the faith that my kids, Ryan and Shawntel, had in making a huge move from Seattle, the city, friends, church and the major league baseball and football teams they loved so much, to move all the way to Austin, TX. Sure they had walked up and down those steps many times before they took a giant step of faith to move there. They didn't see how it would all pan out, but their faith in God, caused them to take the first step. And, they, too, are making beautiful memories, meeting lots of new friends, sharing their home with missionaries and others as they invite family and friends in to their warm, welcoming home filled with God's love and peace.

Will there always be blue skies, birds chirping, and fish jumping in our lives once we take those FIRST STEPS? No, there won't. There WILL be days that climbing those steps seem insurmountable. There will be times when refusing to climb altogether is the easiest thing to do. There will be moments when we may wonder "Was this STEP OF FAITH really faith in action or presumption in action?" Here's the good news. Faith is not a matter of seeing what God is doing. Rather, faith is a matter of seeing God. Or, to put it another way, I may not know where God is leading, but I can trust that it is sufficient that He knows.

We can say to the Lord, "I am not going to put my faith in what I THINK you are doing. Rather, I am going to put my faith in YOU -- and be willing to see the Truth about what you are doing."

We are told to do this in Proverbs 3,5. "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not upon your own understanding." It isn't that God won't bring understanding. But it is, by faith that we TRUST.

Faith is never a mistake because faith is trust in the One who never makes a mistake. God will not fail to get us to where He desires if we continue to believe and trust Him. So, let's go ahead and take that first step. It's NO STEP for a STEPPER!

I Knew Back-to-School Drama

#TBT I Knew Back-to-School Drama!
It's that time of year when kids are getting back to school or going to school for the first time. This photo inspiration from 42 years ago was my two kids' first day of school -- Staci in first grade and Ryan in 3rd. Sweet memories, and, oh my, how time did fly!!

I've been seeing lots of Mamas on Facebook who are either stoked that school is back in session or they're all emotional because their "babies" are headed to school for the first time. There are the Mamas who have a Senior in high school and they're teary-eyed because it's their last year. And, then there is one like my friend whose son had his first experience as a Freshman in Bishop Kelley High School, the "Kiss your Mom Good-bye" tradition where Seniors make all kinds of crazy posters telling the freshman to "pucker up," and kiss your Mom good-bye as the Moms drive them up to the school. She said her son, who was never embarrassed to give her a hug or kiss good-bye, was mortified. But he did -- and the Seniors screamed and cheered. She said she was more embarrassed than her newly minted Freshman -- especially with videographers there.

And then, I love seeing how the friends of these Moms are either comforting them and assuring them that they'll get through all the emotions.....or the friends who believe "misery loves company" and they're crying right along with them. No question, it's a process of coming to grips with the cycle of life.

No matter what year or what grade they're in, these kids are embarking on a new stage in their lives. So many trails to blaze, so many new frontiers to discover and so many defining moments await them. In the meantime, my heart goes out to each of you young parents -- it's part of the process of giving our babies the freedom to grow up, to be strong and independent. Their trajectory is preset by God -- they are on course for so many great things and great days ahead. Taking one day at a time and one year at time.....makes the process easier. I pray comfort and God's peace to you all -- whatever stage of life YOU are in, and THEY are in. God's Master Plan is at work in you and your family.....and with His arms around you and them.....you'll see the joys, fun and the incredibly brilliant times of seeing your little darlings do so well on science and art projects, field trips, tests, homework and learning so many wonderful things. There are so many victories that await you and them. Your greatest assets are continuing to become more valuable each and every day.

Oh, how we thank God for the gift of children. I pray, Almighty God, that you watch over them as they start to school or go back to school this year. I pray You keep them safe. May these precious children realize You are right there with them in the classroom and on the playground. May they soak up good knowledge and may they be fully equipped to dismiss any negative messages they may hear or see. Help them treat others with kindness and respect, and may their hearts be guarded with the armor of Your Word. I ask that You give them joy and peace as they put their trust in you. I pray that they "increase in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man" -- just like Jesus did. And I pray a special blessing over the teachers and school workers as they help impact all of these kids. And, dear God, please give all these precious Moms and Dad the fortitude and the strength to place their babies into your hands -- with full confidence that you are taking them to their destiny and purpose. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

Are You a Control Freak?

That was our discussion at Life Group last night. After hearing a most compelling message on Sunday about "surrendering our need to control", it seemed all of us, in one way or the other, realized we just might have some "control" issues. I didn't think of myself as being a controller until the example was used of "having to have the bath towels folded in a certain way". Oh me! That's me. I get a little frustrated when I see someone folding towels with the tag up and the ends are all different on every towel. I told the girls "I heard that message and remembered how, at James Mission, when we were sorting and folding clothes, I would go behind the other girls and refold what they had already folded. What in the world? Who knew? But after hearing that message, I was pegged as a "controller"!

Maybe you are a "control freak" or least live with one? Maybe it's better to say "have control issues". You know -- the one that MUST be in charge of the remote control. Or the one that is telling the driver how to drive and where to turn and how fast to go. Or how about the helicopter parents (the overprotective parents) that hover over every move of their kids. That's considered a "control freak". Pastor Craig admitted to being a control freak too. He said there are days that the fingerprints on their back windows and doors really freak him out, because he wants that beautiful view of his backyard. But, he came to realize that the day would soon come when all the kids have left home and on their own, that he'd long to see those little fingerprints again. I wanted to whisper in his ear...."Oh, you will -- when the grandkids show up!"

Bottom line.....it's time to let go of having to control. It's time to choose "surrender" over "control". Submitting instead of controlling. I think God's Word says it best in Proverbs 3:5-6 (my favorite verse -- and one I need to practice more and more) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, SUBMIT to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

May God help us loosen our grip on control. May we surrender all to He Who knows best, guides best, and guides best.

Ever Felt Like You Were Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall…. OR a Glass Window?

While up at our Hyde Park clubhouse on Wednesday, I kept hearing a bird banging into the windows, over and over again. On Thursday, one of my friends sent this text to me: “Drama at the clubhouse today -- a female bird keeps flying into the window from the maple tree -- male just moving from fence to branches watching her -- she must feel the mating dance is a fate worse than death. I'm sure she sees her reflection. It would be laughable except that she will likely succeed in breaking her neck.” LOL!

I was up at the clubhouse again yesterday and I captured this looney bird in action with this photo. She is definitely a "head banger"! Maybe that's where "bird brain" came from. LOL! Of course, this would be my inspiration for today’s blog. We’ve all been there. We’ve tried to accomplish something and so many interferences kept us from it. We’ve tried to teach our child a skill and it seemed hopeless. We’ve tried to lose weight only to gain more than we lost.

As I type this post, I'm up at the clubhouse and that crazee bird continues to bang into the windows, but she will not break through that barrier no matter how hard she tries. I’m watching her and she’ll bang into it, and then fall to the ground, but she recovers and goes at it again.

Albert Einstein is credited with this quote, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I would highly suggest this bird AND those of us who keep riding a "dead horse" fall into that category. It's time to dismount and get a fresh new horse and a fresh new idea....that comes from "in all our ways, acknowledging our ALL-KNOWING Father God.

We will continue to bang our heads against a brick wall or a glass window as long as we are deceived into thinking “It’s my way or the highway”, I can make this happen, I am invincible and when all along, God has the open door and window for us to step through. He wants us to “let go and let Him” be our source of wisdom, knowledge and strength.

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL YOUR WAYS, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”. My interpretation “And He will keep you from banging your head against the brick walls and the glass windows. God knows the way in, through, over and under to the answers we need.

Pay ATTENTION!

Goodness gracious! I love my GPS system. They're so much better than those old folded up maps. Those "Global Positioning Systems" are found in vehicles and on smartphones all over the world. And, I’m so grateful to be here at this time to take advantage of this amazing technology. That gal in the GPS knows where to go and she even redirects us if we get off the beaten path.

So, yesterday I was making my trek to Texas to see my Frisco kids. My brag was "I don’t need my GPS to get to my Frisco family – I think my car goes on auto pilot when I go there because I’ve travelled that route many times!!"

Well, that's the "brag" when I'm paying attention to my driving. I was talking on the phone to my sister-in-law (using my car's hands-free) and all carried away in conversation, saw the exit up ahead and took it. I had driven for probably 10 miles before I realized, this road doesn't look familiar and neither did the towns I was going through. Well, at least I'm going West and that's the direction I need to be going. NOT! I stopped at a service station and asked "Can I take this road to Atoka?" And the attendant said, "Yes, just take this road on for 10 miles and then go south on Hwy 75." First off, I asked the wrong question. I should have said "Should I turn around and go back to the turnpike to Dallas?" As it turned out, I went through major road construction on 2-lane roads, through little towns, and I went out of my way over 45-minutes -- BACK to Atoka and not going South to Dallas. I got to Frisco at 8:15 pm instead of 7:30 pm.

Back to that awesome GPS system. And, more importantly, back to focus and being present in the moment and not allowing distractions to keep us from our goals. The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we don't use it and won't follow its directions. My goodness, if I had kept going West, I could have ended up in New Mexico! LOL!

And, our most supreme, all-knowing God can't speak to us and give us directions for driving AND living, when we're caught up in "our own little world" either. If we simply PAY ATTENTION to the road, listen to God's voice and follow His instructions... then, there will be no question about getting lost -- He'll ensure we'll get to where we need to go!!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6