My Red River Trip Turns Out to be a Reboot

It’s a blessing when blog content shows up when I least expect it. I’ve cherished this time with family as we fish, eat together, travel the countryside, and carry on conversations about our lives (after so many years apart). But, this day, I wanted to go solo. I wanted to take in the sights, sounds, smells, visit the little shops, have lunch on my own -- eating what I wanted. It turned out to be chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone. Yum!

On their way to their fishing spot, I asked Larry and Staci to drop me off where the town area started. I would walk the distance to the end – going back and forth across the street, and if I tired out, then I would call on the free trolley to take me back to our RV park. Easy peasy!

The first shop was “The Bobcat” – Fine Handcrafted, Southwest & Indian Jewelry & Pottery Store. I started to walk past it. I wasn’t interested in “fine” which denoted pricey to me. But, one of “those” nudges sent me in. I’m glad I obeyed. I was met by a lovely older woman: “Welcome! Take your time. Feel free to touch, pick up, and look at anything you want. Let me know if I can help you!” I was enamored by the beautiful art and “fine” jewelry that was displayed, and told “Shirley” so. I asked how long she’s owned the store – 30 years. She closes the shop down in the winter. That’s when she works at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. I asked “Baylor on Gaston Ave?” Yes. That struck a chord with me because my mom was the manager of a uniform shop directly across from Baylor Hospital for many years. Baylor is also where my dad had brain surgery. She remembered the uniform shop. We were on some common ground.

Then even more common ground when I spied a Bible on her counter with a basket of crosses in it. A local woodcarver makes them for her to give away. “Take one or more!” I took one. I commented that I loved her boldness to display the Bible. She said “That’s my Bible.” I knew I wanted to buy a little something to express my appreciation for her generosity and beautiful spirit. I saw a basket of pierced earrings and my eyes fell on the sterling silver dimes -- $16. I can do that! I asked who the lady was – Shirley didn’t know but I googled it and found it is Lady Liberty. She said, “Just put those in your purse. They’re yours!” I resisted her offer but to no avail. Now I knew I wanted to find something that represented Red River and New Mexico here. My eyes fell immediately on this beautiful Holy Family (both front and back finished). Perfect! I asked about the artist. Shirley said: “Her name is Susie Reed. She’s from Fort Sumner, New Mexico. She’s a potter. She is a delightful lady. She took care of her brother until he died of cancer. She didn’t pot for a whole year. I have the most wonderful potters. There’s good people here.” This beautiful pottery piece (front and back) would be the Red River “something” I wanted to take home to remind me of this wonderful town, its people, its Christian values and my blessing to have experienced this sweet heaven-to-earth week here.

That was just the beginning of this God-orchestrated day as I met lovely innkeepers when I looked for accommodations for a friend coming here next week. That, of itself, gave me more insight and appreciation for this little town – such courtesy and kindness displayed everywhere. I went into several stores that were playing Christian music. I saw “The Way” Coffee Shop, with “Pray for America and 2 Chronicles 7:14” in the window. I thought: “Is this place for real? Or am I on a much-needed brain-cleanse from the gnarly, bitter, and hateful stuff that penetrates into our mind on a daily basis?” I think that’s what God had in mind for me on this trip and on this day. I needed a reboot.

I was walking on air from the sweet moments of this day -- so the walk back from town to our RV park was a cinch. Seriously, we don’t have to go to New Mexico or any other distant location to find peace of mind and to recognize God in the everyday of living. As long as "The Lord is our Shepherd", He will lead us to the green pastures and the still waters for our souls to be restored -- no matter where we are! (Psalm 23)

I had rebooted and my mind was renewed. Of all the treasures I'll take home with me from here, is God is everywhere -- it is just us recognizing Him in everything -- everywhere.

Seizing the Moments -- Wahoo Style

Seizing the moments!  That's the way I live today....more than ever.  I know how valuable and precious those moments are as each day, month and year goes by so quickly.   So I define the moments.  I don't let them define me.

My sweet husband was a man of many skills and talents.  His artistry and craftsmanship is recognized in the many homes, churches, furniture he built and the attention to detail that he had.  He was a perfectionist.  He was never satisfied with "just getting by".  He was a Master Carpenter with a capital "C".  He was also a woodcarver and could make such beauty out of a simple piece of wood.

This summer, I saw a woodcarver making game boards and it reminded me of the Wahoo board game my husband carved for our family when our kids were young.

I don't remember what happened to that beautiful board, but I do remember the hours and hours of fun we had playing it and I know that I wanted my grown children and their families to experience that fun game he'd made again.  I had three Wahoo wood board games made and presented them as a special family Christmas gift for my three families:  The Wallace Family, The Wuerch Family and The Anderson Family.

This is the note I wrote and read to each of them when I gave them their game this Christmas:

"Once upon a time, a very fine man,
Lived here on earth and made lots of things with his hands.
He could build houses and draw planes and even more,
He could carve wood and even doors.
He once made a board game out of wood.
It was called Wahoo, and his family played as much as they could.
They had hours and hours of so much fun.
It was bedtime before they were done.
This wonderful man went to heaven one day.
And I know if he were here, he would say,
“Merry Christmas, I love you so!
From the top of your heads to your little toes!
When you play this game, think of me.
One day you’ll get to see.
The joys and peace and the happy place,
That heaven is.  It’s better than playing Mario’s Kart Race.
I’ll be having Christmas with Jesus – what a treat!
It’s so awesome to be here – I’ll save you a seat!
But until that day, when we meet face to face --
Have lots of fun and run your race!
The next time you play Wahoo,
Remember how much your Papa and Nana
….really, really LOVE YOU!”
MERRY CHRISTMAS -- 2015

Yes, seizing the moments represents more than memories.....it represents joys for today, AND tomorrow!  Over the Christmas holidays, each family has played hours and hours of Wahoo fun -- as seen in these photos
#Wahoo #FamilyTimeRocks #SeizingTheMoments