There’s a Light at the End of the Tunnel and it’s Not a Train!!!

Determination: firmness of purpose; resoluteness, willpower, tenacity, single-minded, persistence, true grit

Today is Day 1 of our Estate Sale at Mom’s home here in Tulsa (see local ad at Craigslist https://tulsa.craigslist.org/gms/d/huge-west-highland-3-day/6549423053.html Whew! With great DETERMINATION – we made it. We “ate this elephant one bite at a time”. That’s what we always said when Karen and I would take on another estate sale as that was our business for years. Months ago we wondered if this day would ever come because Mom, at 95, was ready to transition from living on her own to moving in with her daughter (my sister in law), Karen, and husband, George.

After Dad passed away, 25 years ago, Karen told Mom “If the time comes when you don’t want to live alone, you’ll always have a home with us (their home for 39 years). Dad helped them add on to their house, enlarging the guest bedroom, adding a huge clothes and storage closet and additional square footage to tha room. Now that bedroom has accommodated their daughter, then their first granddaughter, then years later – their second granddaughter – and NOW, Mom. Dad, as in touch with God as he was (he was a pastor for over 50 years), probably had insider information from God that Mom would live in that room one day. He was DETERMINED to take good care of her.

Now, Mom’s space is filled with her simple needs -- photos of her loved ones, her furniture and furnishings. It is “not too big and not too little – it is just right for this season of her life. There’s a little area for her office, a sitting area, bed and TV area and a huge bathroom attached. She is so secure in her new surroundings. What once was so important (a large home to accommodate family and friends gatherings, Bible studies, prayer meetings, an extra room for guests, Dad’s office where he had many “talks” with those who needed an encouraging word) – is no longer needed in Mom’s new simple, just right world.

The beautiful part of Mom’s new small and SIMPLE world has been her desire to rid herself of anything but what’s most important. Mom has been overjoyed with giving away so many of her treasures -- that at one time -- seemed so important. Now, we have a packed full sale going on that will surely bring blessings to many that attend. Mom has been giddy about the sale as she helped sort and price items, put items in packages, sorting through books and greeting cards. She has loved staying busy and busy she has been. Here, in this photo, in her room, she’s helping sort cards. On Wednesday, she made her last trip over to the house to give her stamp of approval to our set up. Often she'd say "Where did THAT come from?" to which Karen would say "At the back of that closet or the back of that cabinet!"

Initially, the transition wasn’t easy for her. She didn’t want to be rushed. She wanted to wait a little longer and a little longer, became really longer. Mom had become very weak and feeble so the move had to be amped up. Back then, the home health nurse didn’t think she would be with us much longer, but now that she’s settled in her new space, she has become sassy and frisky and has regained such added peace and joy. The transition that once was because of necessity has become one of great relief. And our DETERMINATION to help her get there, as well as put on this sale, has never wavered. The tasks had to be done and now there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and, thanks be to God – it is God’s light of hope, great expectation and, for Mom – that light is the ONE she will meet face to face and FOREVER be in the home that she was prepared for – for all eternity.

Though it may appear that we're weak during really challenging times....if we hang on with great DETERMINATION....those are the very times that we are being strengthened and empowered, which equips us to be resilient and unconquerable, because we recognize that it is in those times of weakness.....that God is taking over. "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Candy Corn, Peanuts, Pumpkin Spice Coffee and Gratitude

Can you feel it? Whether we’re pulling out our sweaters or still running our air conditioner at full blast, autumn is undeniably here. Hobby Lobby and Michael’s have had their shelves stocked with Fall decorations for months, and now shoppers are setting the Fall atmosphere in their homes with those scarecrows, pumpkins, and décor’.

Fall has definitely arrived -- even here in Austin, TX. As I was sitting on the patio of my children’s home, I couldn't help but notice the flocks of various species of birds flying south. They know winter isn't far behind, but based on the minimal change of foliage color here (note the U.S. map of foliage changes – minimal in South Texas), you wouldn’t begin to think winter was getting close.

Fall is in our hearts as many of us have that decor' all around us and my youngest grandsons and I carved pumpkins and set them outside with all the rest of the Fall outdoor décor. By the way, you must try the delicious combination of candy corn and salted dry roasted peanuts (pictured here) that seem to call my name every time I walk by them.

No doubt, this is my favorite time of the year – the smells, the tastes and the sights. I’ve been enjoying the pumpkin spice coffee for a quiet moment on the patio in the morning. I’ve been seeing many photos of my Facebook friends having fun times at pumpkin patches. I love the apple and pumpkin candles that fill the house with Fall aromas.

What I love the most about this season, is the heart of thanksgiving that just naturally comes. And, great things happen when we offer thanksgiving. It not only brings honor to God when we speak of His goodness, but our faith just seems to rise to new heights because that attitude of gratitude that opens shut doors and brings joy to our hearts and souls!

The changing colors of leaves, birds changing their habitats, and Donna changing hers.....it's all about accepting the inevitable in life. We will all experience many changes. We should expect changes -- it's that part of life that we CAN'T change. Since “change” is inevitable, we might as well accept the changes with the grace that God gives us....and be thankful that He will carry us through those changes -- to an even better place of destiny and purpose.

The secret to gratitude isn’t a matter of willpower — it’s noticing. Looking up from sorting our laundry, or our computer, or our phones, and noticing what’s around us. Whether it's the changing leaves of Fall or the goodness of God in a hard season of life ... there's a path toward gratitude. Maybe that path leads to the brightest light we could ever imagine – and with that LIGHT, comes the light-heartedness of confidence in knowing each season can be our greatest season when we know that He Who made the seasons, is with us through them all.
"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm. 9:1