Home-going of my “Third Mom”

June 13, 2019 by Annie Nance

The friends we make when we’re young never stop being friends even when life takes them far away. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and am still friends with so many from the early years of school through high school. One such family was the Conrow family. The 3 oldest kids were all fairly close to my age and we went to school, church and Sunday School together. When their little brother came along, it felt like having a baby brother.

I reconnected with these friends almost 15 years ago. After about 3 decades of “separation” we took up as if we had never parted! Then in 2015 I moved to El Paso to live with and help care for their mother who had Alzheimer’s. The arrangement was orchestrated by God to not only take care of Sandra, but me as well. I was at a point in my life that I needed the connection with these friends to help heal ME! This was the year after my husband had left me, my father had passed, I’d developed some health issues and then was without a job. Being able to spend time with a family that had been an important part of my upbringing… it was truly as if God had turned the clock back and was remaking my future!

Sandra LOVED her family… nothing brought a smile to her face like family!!

I lived with Sandra for almost 2 and half years and went back to school to get some healthcare certifications. I so enjoyed my time with her. We had many great days… wandering around Home Depot looking for something, but not quite sure what it was… taking trips to her favorite plant nursery and stuffing my little Jeep full of plants and items she needed for her many rose bushes. Sandra loved her kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids, fiercely! As she started slipping further into Alzheimer’s, we did have hard days too. Those were almost always because she was very independent and very stubborn. Being stubborn isn’t always bad! I hope some of her stubbornness rubbed off on me during my time there. Her stubbornness carried her through MANY things in life. The confusion Alzheimer’s brought her made it impossible for her to be as independent as she was accustomed. I feel privileged to have been able to spend so much time with Sandra and help keep her healthy, safe and in her home as long as possible!

Sandra lovingly coaxed roses to bloom in the desert

Sandra recently developed some more serious health issues and within a couple weeks God said “Come HOME my child”. One of her daughters kept singing to her that morning… I Can Only Imagine. We can only imagine what it was like for her open her eyes in Heaven… welcomed in by her Savior, with a clear mind and healthy body… able to sing with a voice strong and clear. The first thing she did may truly have been to sing one of her favorite songs, “How Great Thou Art”!

Thankful,
Annie Nance

Win a Free Birthday Party From Powersports!

June 13, 2019 by Kat McMullen

Peace family, win a free birthday party from Peace 107 and Powersports!

Your child will love all of the fun and excitement, and Powersports puts it all together for a birthday memory you and your child won’t forget!

Must be 18 or older to enter.

Party is for kids between 3 and 10 years old.

Only one entry per person.

To avoid confusion, please enter ONLY for yourself.

Multiple entries will be disqualified.

To find out more about Powersports, CLICK HERE.

Your birthday party is good for up to 14 children ($300 value.) The party is for children between 3 and 10 years of age. Parties are held on Friday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and are scheduled on an availability basis only. For more information, call Powersports at 979-776-0018.

Winners will be announced weekly on Peace 107!

Get Your Peace 107 Peace Perks!

May 31, 2019 by Annie Nance

I have ESS

March 13, 2019 by Annie Nance

I was recently diagnosed with ESS. It’s a fairly common malady, as far as syndromes go. In my case, it started fairly early in life and it developed in my 20s, 30s, 40s and peaked at about 50. Though the syndrome can be crippling, it is rarely life-threatening.

What “illness” am I talking about? ESS is Emotional Suppression Syndrome! The symptoms aren’t always easy to spot, but once I realized there was something amiss I started to recognize the most common symptoms of ESS:

Mistakenly allowing myself to be labeled as “too sensitive”
Calling myself a “sap”
Shame at how easily tears or laughter hits me
Not admitting my emotions affect my day and my actions
Apologizing for how deeply I feel emotions

I can laugh about it now. But for most of my life, I was under the impression that my emotions were at least an annoyance, if not a curse! I am not going to blame the influences that led me to hold my emotions in. My highs and lows would logically make some people uncomfortable. And some of those people were very vocal about that discomfort. And instead of observing and acknowledging their discomfort and moving on… I would apologize and try to squelch my emotions. I learned to suppress something that was innate to my very being! I even despised my depth of emotions. In essence, it was part of the foundation of my insecurity. It was part of being insecure in my place in the family of Jesus too! I guess I figured I wasn’t being controlled by the Holy Spirit. And, of course, that heaped more guilt into that cart of burdens I pushed around for years.

So, what brought the diagnosis?! Why did it take so long to come to light? It took a really hard weekend. My favorite Physician was available instantly, of course. And assisting Him was a certain “nurse” that often helps when I’m in need of consultation. I’m so thankful for a daughter that knows just what to say to remind me of truths that Jesus has been trying to teach me!

Jesus has been doing such a work in me in the past decade… but especially in the past 5 years. I have become much more comfortable with my emotions and have realized I spent the last 30 years stuffing. Stuffing my feelings and emotions. I felt guilty about expressing my feelings. I felt shame at the depth of my emotions!

I know that emotions can take control of situations and decisions. But that’s where Jesus comes in. As I become comfortable with the fact that God made me an emotional being, I can drop the guilt regarding those emotions and take them to Him. I know that He can use those emotions in healthy ways.

I’m not completely cured yet. There aren’t really any remedies that you can take for ESS. And I expect there will be some lingering symptoms… guilt and fear. But Jesus is doing an awesome job of curing me of those, I’ll let Him take care of my emotions too. After all, He is my creator, my protector, my provider, my shepherd… John 10:9-10 (AMP) I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

If you’re walking down the street and see someone uproariously laughing one minute then bawling over a kitten picture the next… yeah, that’s me. Don’t feel ashamed if you want to sit down next to me and laugh and weep as well. We’ll enjoy the good laugh, the good cry, share a box of tissues, look at each other and nod… knowing that it is good to feel LIFE so deeply, so abundantly!!

Annie Nance

I Made It 5 Years Cancer Free!!

February 28, 2019 by Jami Mayberry

Peace Family you have been a huge part of my journey with cancer and I wanted to share with you the good news…As of January 28th, 2019 I am now 5 years cancer free! Here’s a picture of my doctor, Kathleen Schmeler and I at my check up a week ago.

I began working for Bryan Broadcasting in 2013 and three months later was diagnosed with cancer. I was shocked and had the unenviable task of telling my bosses that news. I also had to ask for time off for treatment. In all my career I have never asked for time off the first year I work a new job. It’s not done in radio. One of my strengths is being dependable, showing up on time and working hard. This went against everything in me. I was scared.

The news was met with support and an assurance they would hold my job and wait for me to get better. They would be there with me. It was amazing. I also was only 90 minutes from one of the most renowned cancer centers in the world: MD Anderson in Houston. My doctor fast-tracked me there and 25 days later I went under the knife to removed a 2 cm tumor. Then the hard part started. Radiation for 6 weeks M-F with a chemo called Cisplatin every Monday to enhance the radiation. Boy did it. By the 4th week I had second degree burns and was begging for mercy.

No mercy was given. Doctors explained that radiation was cumulative and since I had sensitive skin it would be something I would just have to endure. That was the price to try to make it 5 years without a recurrence. That is a difficult place to be in. I worked years to learn to be present in the moment and not live in the past or future, and now I was asked to reverse that. It pushed me to my limits and drove me into the arms of Jesus. There were some days I was so weak I used a wheelchair. There were times that my prayer was just the word Jesus…it was all I could get out in my suffering.

You never know how you will react to a challenge like cancer but I realized something profound. God is God and he is good even if I had cancer. My faith was solid. I did not ask why or feel sorry for myself. He was my only source of help. If there was any immaturity in me it was burned away during radiation. I realized that I might not be okay and that was okay. I had lived an amazing life and a gratefulness entered me like I had never known.

I had tests every 3 months for 4 years and then every six months. Now, it’s once a year. To be honest I did not think I would make it to the 5 year mark. There is still no guarantee it will not come back at any time. I try now to live fully each day. And my family and lifelong friends say I have a peace and calmness about me that wasn’t there before. I guess facing death will do that to you. And your priorities get checked really fast.

So, in closing, I am here!! I can’t tell you the joy that brings me. Thank you for your prayers and kindness during this time. It’s been an honor to be with you every day on Peace 107 and be a part of your life. My purpose in life is to encourage others in Jesus name. And I will stay and do that as long as God allows me to.

It IS risky! It’s downright dangerous!!

February 20, 2019 by Annie Nance

A while back, I was chatting with an unmarried friend about the demise of my first marriage and he commented, “I don’t know how ANYbody can get married! How can you really know someone enough to marry them? It’s just too risky!”

Those words tumbled around in my head for days. I came to the conclusion that he is partially correct. I completely understand why he feels that way. He said it out of his observations of married friends and family members. No marriage is perfect and it sure isn’t easy!! Marriage probably is the riskiest thing you can ever do in life. Riskier than mountain climbing or skydiving. If you don’t make the right choices… you could lose your life!

BUT… in the risk and the danger is so much good, so much growth… so much that will NOT happen without that risk.

Number 1…

When “marriage experts” say that to be successful, a marriage takes 2 people giving 100%… I think that’s low-balling it. You have to give more than you have! Yeah, I know, it makes me sound math-challenged… oh yeah, I am… but a successful marriage takes two people giving much more than 100% each.

Since “math” says more than 100% is impossible, that extra effort, time, energy, passion, wisdom… etc. needs to miraculously come from somewhere… or someONE. Yes, marriage can be successful without the intentional dependence on Jesus. BUT… without Him, you don’t have access to the strength needed to give more than 100%.

Now, back to the risk and value in marrying someone…

Yes, you are risking everything when you give beyond 100% to another fallible human being. I think that’s what God wants from us, however. No, He doesn’t want you miserable! He wants us to LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13, the “Love Chapter“, isn’t only for married people, it’s for everyone. The beginning of verse 8 sums up what true love really is and does… “Love never fails…” Other things may be tried in an attempt to help or fix, but LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Love never fails. But humans do.

And even when humanness causes the failure of a marriage, all is not lost! The effort, time, energy… EVERYthing you put into your marriage is worth it. The most obvious gifts from marriage would be kids! But there is much more that is gained! The lessons learned while loving have great value!

What I’ve said so far is simply my “ever-so-humble-opinion”. It is an opinion that’s been educated by a lifetime of experiences that I’ve let Jesus use to teach me. And He will continue to teach me through things that HAVE happened and WILL happen.

A few observations from my experience…

Nothing is wasted!! Nothing, not a bloomin’ thing! I gained a lot during my marriage that I would not have if I’d not been married. My kids and grandkids are the best things that came from it! Also, I learned an incredible amount during my 30 years of marriage. Here’s an abbreviated list of things I learned:

How to manage a household (although by “managed” I mean “barely controlled chaos”)
How to fix almost anything… with wire, hair ties, superglue or duct tape
How to get gum out of clothing, hair and VCRs
How to get the smell of vomit out of almost anything… even the vents in the car
How to stay awake all night with a sick or terrified child… without the aid of coffee
How to set aside wants because someone else has a need
How to never give up hope that things will get better
How to let the Holy Spirit lead when you’ve been betrayed
How to fight for a marriage
How to let God fight for that marriage
How to let go when God says it’s time
How to let God heal when life seems beyond repair
How to look back and realize none of it was wasted

There is a multitude of other lessons that have been learned… including some about helping children understand about raising animals for food and several regarding the need for steel-toed boots when cutting firewood… I just chose a few and will leave the rest to your imagination.

The knowledge and (semi)wisdom I’ve gained makes the risks well worth it!

Do I have regrets? For sure!! But I try to let Jesus take those and redeem them like everything else. I look back and have to say that if anything was different back then, I might not be where I am right now. And I really like where I am, doing what I’m doing… and LOVE where God is leading me… not that I know exactly where that is and how it will look… BUT I am LOVING the adventure!!

Annie Nance

“Melting Away the Years”

January 29, 2019 by Annie Nance

The spring of 2015 I had the opportunity to take a long, much needed road trip. Just me, my Jeep and Jesus! Along the way I visited friends and family. Early in April, I left my Aunt Bobbie’s house well rested and lighthearted. It was such a delightful and fun time with her and some of our extended family!! As I headed up into the mountains northwest of Phoenix, I was surrounded by sights I didn’t get to see in Wisconsin… mountains, palm trees, cactus, Joshua Trees and, occasionally, flowers trying to exist in the desert. The road was winding and rolling between the mountains. (Now, if you know me, I LOVE THAT… winding, rolling… up and down, back and forth… sigh).

I had the CD player cranked. I must have had the silliest grin on my face!! I was laughing, and singing, and gasping at the sights, crying, and laughing some more. I was thanking Jesus and telling Him, out loud (LOUDLY), what an awesome creator He is! I blurted out, giggling; “Oh God! I feel like a little kid!!!” I heard my Heavenly Dad’s voice say… “Yes… I am melting away the years.”

Sigh…

And, like He often orchestrates, this song was next on the CD…

Nothing is Wasted – Jason Gray

“From the ruins, from the ashes; beauty will rise. From the wreckage, from the darkness; glory will shine” – JG

Grief Comes in Waves

January 22, 2019 by Jami Mayberry

Hi Peace Family, Jami Mayberry here and I have been thinking a lot about waves lately. My father passed away in 2018 so this has been a rough time of adjustment and grief for me. I have learned that grief comes in waves. At first it is constant. And then slowly it begins to come in waves.

It’s funny how a little, simple thing can trigger it. I was grocery shopping this week and walked down the cereal aisle. My eyes landed on my dad’s favorite cereal and I teared up right there in the middle of the aisle at Kroger. It brought on a wave of deep missing him. Friends tell me this is very common but I was taken aback by it.

Author C.S. Lewis said that part of loving is the missing them when they are gone. It’s the price we pay for loving. That seems about right to me. To love is to be open and vulnerable to hurt. It happens to all of us. Whether by death or estrangement, loss is universal. I want to encourage you today that God is there in those moments and waves of missing someone.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Matthew 5:4 reads, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” These verses have given me so much comfort during this season and I hope they will comfort you too. And also remember, sometimes you’ll hear just the right song at the right time and it is like a balm to your soul. That’s where listening to Peace 107 can help too! Don’t hesitate to embrace uplifting and encouraging music at these times. We are here for you, Peace Family.

That’s Really White!!

January 15, 2019 by Annie Nance

Isaiah 1:18 …Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow…

God knows I learn better with pictures. Do visuals help you learn His truths? A few years ago He gave me this visual…

I had experienced a couple of really hard days and was in need of one of those pictures! Tired, I crawled into bed, turned on my favorite worship mix and closed my eyes.

I saw Jesus sitting on a bench. I didn’t see His upper body or His feet… just His lap. He was wearing His pure white robe, the same robe I always picture Him in. I smiled and sat down next to Him. All that was in my view was His lap and my lap next to each other.

I was admiring His white robe and I looked at mine and it was white too. I squinted a little, tilted my head and, of course, I had to argue that point. I started to imagine smudges on my robe. I even said to Jesus, “After all we both know I’m not perfect…” and He stopped me. A question hung in the air. Again I tried to say, “Well, you have to admit… (I was thinking about my sins)” and He stopped me again… with the same question… with a smile to His voice, “Oh really?” I gasped! My eyes popped open as I realized what He was trying to tell me! That’s what He did on the cross… and He did it completely… I’m forgiven! I’m clean!

I closed my eyes again and looked back at our laps… they were still next to each other. I smiled as I felt His arm around me. My robe is as pure white as Jesus’ robe.

That’s what “It is finished” meant!! How cool is that?! How white is that?!

Annie Nance

Dig In To The Word

January 7, 2019 by Jami Mayberry

With the new year comes a time to reset your priorities Peace Family!

Do you read God’s Word everyday or every week? If you’re ever wondering about God’s direction for your life or just need to hear his voice in a situation, the source is his Word. It’s like going right to the source of the spring when you need water. I understand why it’s likened to living water.

If you don’t have a Bible get one. It can even be your preference to have a physical copy or download one online or on your phone. Or do all three! 🙂

Get alone with God and open His Word. It’s a life changer!

Peace 107:7

Uplifting & Encouraging