And I Think to Myself -- What a Wonderful World

Last week, my kids were in Africa and were in awe and wonder of God's magnficent creation. -- lions, cheetahs, tigers, hyenas, elephants, monkeys....everywhere -- all in the wild in God's wonderful world.

And here we were yesterday in Georgetown Texas, to sign the kids in for their regional speech and debate tournament that begins today at Concordia University. . I had time to walk around this beautiful San Gabriel River and Park that sparked Louie Armstrong's old song "And I think to myself -- what a wonderful world." I saw a young couple cuddling on a picnic table and I saw a young family having fun jumping on rocks across forks in the river. I saw the beautiful flowing rapids of the San Gabriel River and each new scene I came upon, I broke into song again "What a wonderful world!"

Those words are so true no matter what we're going through in this life. In spite of challenges that we may be facing, the risks we might be taking, the pain we may be experiencing, and the trials that we are going through. Nevertheless, I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Just getting away and walking in nature causes us to breathe in the energy of God and His creation. Touching what He touches. Embracing what He embraces.

Seven years ago my sweetheart had just been told that he needed to be on hospice and the first person that came to see us after that was a beautiful African/American man named Melvin. He brought such joy and comfort to us when he walked through the doors of our home. He told us that he sang in his church's choir and I asked him to sing to us. As my sweetheart, faced with so many questions about tomorrow, looked out our bedroom window, Melvin belted into that beautiful song: "I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, And clouds of white. The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces, of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying, "I love you".

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

God created this world for you and me. And in spite of the chaos and disorder that may be all around us in our own life as well as in this world, God brings order and calm to everything that He created, and that includes me and you.....if we just let Him!

And I Think to Myself....What a Wonderful World

It was our first morning home after being in the hospital the two weeks before. Our family had come over the night before and removed our king size bed from our bedroom. We spent our first night home – my Honey, on his new hospital air bed, and me, on a blow-up air mattress beside him…..that the air escaped from in the middle of the night. I added to my “To Do List” for the day….find a twin mattress set as soon as possible. Indeed we would be like Desi and Lucy in our twin beds – I was even contemplating dyeing my hair red.

I can’t even imagine all that must have been going on in my Honey’s head as he looked out our bedroom double windows that were open wide. What a special blessing it was that our bedroom windows faced the little lake that adjoined our back yard (the accompanying picture is that view). It was a beautiful morning. Fall was in the air. The water was smooth as glass, the fish were jumping, and the birds were chirping loudly. Feeling the serenity of the moment calmed us and made us very aware of how blessed we were and how thankful we had to be in spite of our new circumstances that seemed like a bad dream. It was then that the doorbell rang. It was our new Social Worker, Melvin – a beautiful African American man, who exuded the sweetest and most gentle spirit that made us feel God had specially hand-picked him just for us. After asking us many questions, it was our turn to ask about him. When he mentioned that he loved singing in his church’s choir, I told him we'd love for him to sing for us. He didn’t wait to be asked twice. He immediately began singing in the most beautiful baritone voice, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. Just imagine our thoughts as we heard these words:

I see trees of green, red roses, too.
I see them bloom for me and you.
And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white,
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night.
And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky,
Are also on the faces of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands, saying "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.
Yes I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.

How befitting to hear such words as we had already been sensing that wonderful world as we looked outside at God’s creation, on this, our first morning home. It was another one of those precious times when we knew God was orchestrating our lives.

Right from the beginning of our journey until that day, different ones had quoted Psalm 46:10 to us “Be still and know that I am God.”. In our efforts to help God out with His plans over those previous eight months, we became very busy with many doctors’ appointments, treatments, medications, consultations, surgeries, seeking advice from experts on what to eat or not eat, and so much more. Suddenly, in the quietness of our bedroom, we realized that God was speaking loud and clear to us. He was saying…..”at last….you’re still…now you will know that indeed I AM GOD.” A dear family friend and renown motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, put it this way: “God created us as human beings...not human doings.” We had been “doing” much more than required. Now, we had the opportunity to BE in that place where we really could know God and His character and His profound love for us. We ceased striving and were now pursuing that place of contentment and peace. And in that place, we were expecting that we would be able to accomplish more for God and be used by Him to encourage and help others even more than we did before. That was our hope and greatest desire.

After two weeks at home, my Honey amazed me with his new found way of life. Amazing, in that that highly energetic, multi-talented, could-do-anything, man was always known as a Type A personality – in control with everything about his life, detailed to the inth degree, and was always motivating and encouraging others with the words “no matter what your circumstances are, you can be all God destined you to be….just never give up!” Now he quietly laid in his bed, unable to move his legs and unable to sit up. He occasionally picked up the phone to make or receive a call, check his emails, prayed, listened for God’s voice and called upon me or another to fetch something for him or to adjust his position in the bed. He didn't complain about his new “state” of living. We looked back on the previous nine months of that year when he suffered so much from the pain in his back – pain that was only resolved from strong medications and having to bend over or lie down to cope. Now, though he was obviously bed confined, he wasn't suffering. He looked great – had maintained his weight -- in fact, he “grazed” all day long. God had been so faithful to us in so many practical ways and we recognizedmany of those ways by dear family and friends who were providing such love and care through delicious, homemade meals (our freezer was packed full of food), ran errands for us, and even to the extent that our niece, who would be taking her Licensed Practical Nurse test the next month, had been able to help us with Ron’s care when I had to leave him for a brief period of time.

We absolutely knew that there was a “reason for that season” of our lives. We knew that none of this was a surprise to God. We knew that God was a proud Father that had a plan, a destiny, and a purpose that He specifically designed for each of us to fulfill. We knew that our busy lifestyle had changed and our sovereign God knew what was best for us. We knew God's unfailing love and faithfulness to us like never before. We were not moved by the circumstances we were seeing. We continued to be steadfast, unmovable and unshakened….and were convinced that we were in God's hands and on track in His best plans. Just a month later, my sweetheart was completely made whole. He got to go home -- no hospital beds there -- no pain there -- just a perfect, whole body.

And here on this side.....I still sing and say to myself. "What a wonderful world…what a wonderful God….what a wonderful life!”

Gone Fishing - Day 2

For the guys in their cabin, it was up and at ‘em at 4:45 am. Then, off they went to stake claim on our patch of “holy” ground below the dam of Lake Tenkiller where we’d hang out with other ambitious and die-hard fishermen until the horn bellowed that the dam's water gates would open to release tons of water into the Illinois River. In the girls’ cabin, we got to sleep in until a robust 5:30 am. There wasn’t a second to lose. We didn’t want to miss those hungry fish that were waiting for us. Landing a 9+ pound stripper bass before we ended the day fishing on Friday at 9:45 pm, was Payton’s friend, Will, and if he didn’t land another 9+ pound stripper bass the first cast out yesterday morning. What a way to start the day! Payton landed one of the largest rainbow trout I’ve ever seen, followed by Larry, Staci and Lexi each pulled in bass and trout. Me, on the other hand, have enjoyed watching them, because those fish passed up MY delicious buffet’s entrees. How could they turn down those yummy power bait glaubs? What in the world? I can relate to the disciples who had fished all night and caught NOTHING! LOL!

Seriously, what enjoyment it is just to be a part of this joyful time with my family. We all shut down for a short while for a little afternoon rest. Then Larry said to Staci “Wanna’ go fishing?” Her reply was “Morning, noon and night!” LOL! There’s something about fishing that relates to Jesus and His disciples. After all, it was Peter and Andrew, brothers who were fishermen, that Jesus called to be His disciples. It was fish that Jesus multiplied to feed the 5,000+. It was fish that Jesus cooked for His disciples. It was in a fish’s mouth that Jesus sent the disciples to obtain the coin to pay their taxes. There’s something about being a fisherman. Jesus set the example, and we’re simply doing what He did. There’s competition, calm relaxation and a potential meal (or meals), as the fruits of the rewards of fishing are bountiful.

We topped tonight off with celebrating Larry's upcoming birthday (the 9th) -- with yummy burgers & hot dogs grilled on the fire pit, then chocolate cake (my finest) and then words from each of us telling him how special and how loved he is by each of us. Then it was finishing the night off with s'mores....and, oh, yes, more fishing.

We’ll be having a huge fish fry tonight – my beer-batter fried fish, as well as my baked trout in foil with lemon and onions. Aw! I can taste it now. Lexi, our animal activist and future veterinarian, on the other hand, wasn’t all that thrilled about the notion of harvesting them for food, but then, again, we reminded her of Jesus’ stamp of approval on fishing. She got over it.

So grateful for these sweet times of embracing God’s creation AND His creatures. And I think to myself, “What a Wonderful World!”

We Didn't Realize We Were Making Memories

Day 200 of Photo Inspirations -- We Didn't Realize We Were Making Memories
Being in WA at this time of the year is on purpose.  #1 child (in order of birth debuts) has a birthday, and each year that goes by, I become more and more nostaglic.  SPOILER ALERT!  That's what happens as the years go by.  Your love for them and all the memories they've given you that are indelibly imprinted in your mind, continue to give you such pride and joy.  And, all you Mamas and Papas out there, you might as well realize you'll never get over the awe of the accomplishments and abilities of your kids.....and most of all, that you were in partnership with God in bringing these amazing human beings into this world.  WOW!  That's a mind-boggling thought.  From being amazed and delighted at their debut, their first step, their first tooth, their first day of school, their first fish, their first girl or boy friend, their first job, their first love, their first child.......and on and on -- the spectacular firsts and the incredible goals met and watching so many of their dreams coming true.  Every dollar we spent on education, every moment we spent in training them up in the ways they should go, every tear we shed when they left the nest to be on their own -- were seeds that we watered with our love and prayers -- and now we get to enjoy the sweet fruits of our labors!

My boy's birthday is actually tomorrow, the 24th, but I just had to make a point on this #TBT of some of the sweetest memories.  It seems fishing has always been a part of our family fun.  The first photo here is the year before Ryan's Dad (my sweetheart) passed away.  It was Dad's birthday and Ryan gave him a trip-of-a-lifetime.  Complete with a fishing guide to take them to the exact spots to fly fish and bring in lots of rainbow trout.   It was their last fishing trip together, and what a priceless memory Ryan has of bringing his Dad so much enjoyment.   And, oh what joys I have of watching Ryan carrying forward that love and tradition to his boys (second photo).  The third photo is Ryan's first big fish catch at Table Rock Lake in Missouri.  And the last photo is him with one of his biggest catches at Cabo San Lucas -- just a few days after his Dad graduated to heaven.  I think Dad had something to do with that catch.

Not only am I having memories on this #TBT, but I'm counting my blessings that continue to bring my life so much joy and pleasure.  My greatest blessings call me MOM and Nana -- and on this day, I'm especially thankful for that little man God blessed us with.  Happy Birthday, Son!  You've always rocked our world and I think to myself....What a Wonderful World It Is!

What's Your "Attention Getter"?

Day 23 of Photo Inspirations -- Taco Bueno!!
I was driving to the post office and thinking, "Wonder what my photo inspiration will be for today?" Then as I was crossing the intersection at Riverside and 71st, I looked to the left and my eyes were drawn to lots of those "attention-getter" flags.  And they got my attention.  Just beyond those flags was a brand new Taco Bueno that I hadn't even noticed being built. But this day was the first day of its Grand Opening. Typically, a new restaurant or store wouldn't be a "seize the moment" opportunity, but this one was.

First of all, I was impressed with their branding -- those flags that made me do a double-take, and then I was excited about this new location here in Tulsa, and third, it brought back a flood of memories to the Grand Opening of one of their locations in Oklahoma City where we lived at the time. We were, and still are, a family that love Mexican and Tex/Mex food.  But when "fast food" Tex/Mex food (aka Taco Bueno) opened in OKC, it became the "daily routine" for our daughter. Living only a couple of blocks from it, Staci would go there for a taco or burrito or Mexi chips and dip almost every day.  Seems like a taco was like 25 cents back then.

This post isn't really about promoting Taco Bueno or even Mexican Food, but, once again, it's about "seizing the moment" -- carpe momentum.  That moment not only opened my eyes to a new business in operation -- what they're doing to brand themselves to draw attention, but it opened my memory bank to recall some sweet moments from the past.  I love it.  Living in the present -- in the moment -- opens our eyes to the past, the present and the future.  And I think to myself....."What a Wonderful World!"
#TacoBueno #WhatAWonderfulWorld #MexicanFoodByChoice

And, I Think to Myself......What a Wonderful World!

I’m loving being in WA and back to my routine of taking my two youngest grandsons to school and picking them up in the afternoon! Yesterday morning, as we headed out of the driveway, we heard on the radio, Louis Armstrong singing “And I think to myself, “What a Wonderful World”. Suddenly, I had a sweet memory. As Louis’ song continued, it was the background as I told them this story:

“It was our first morning home from the hospital, and the doctors had just told us they had done all they could do to help Papa get well. Papa was lying in his bed. Do you remember how he could see the lake from the bed?" Both of the boys remembered. I went on, “I can’t even imagine all that must have been going on in Papa’s head as he looked out our bedroom windows that were open wide that morning. Wasn’t it so cool how Papa and Nana’s window faced the little lake (the accompanying picture is that view)? I’ll bet Papa was thinking about you guys and what fun he had fishing with you down there! It was such a beautiful morning. The water was smooth as glass, the fish were jumping, and the birds were chirping really loud. Then the doorbell rang. It was our new Social Worker, Melvin – a really sweet African American man, who was so happy and joyful. A social worker is someone who cheers you up if you might be sad. I think God picked him just for us. After he asked us lots of questions, I asked what he liked to do. He said he loves singing in his church’s choir, so I asked if he’d sing a song for us. He immediately began singing. He had a great voice, and he was singing this song that we’re listening to, right now. Just think about what Papa was thinking when he heard these words:

I see trees of green, red roses, too. I see them bloom for me and you.
And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.
I see skies of blue and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night. And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky. Are also on the faces of people going by, I see friends shaking hands, saying "How do you do?" They're really saying "I love you".
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”. Yes I think to myself, “what a wonderful world”.

Brennan said, “What did Papa do?” I said, “He smiled real big!” Brennan said, “That’s what I thought!” And I replied, "And he's still smiling real big, and he's probably singing "And I think to myself, what a wonderful HEAVEN!" We all laughed because we just KNEW that's what Papa is doing!