Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Carolyn's Legacy--Prayers and Beauty
We said good-bye to our precious Carolyn last week. People, the service was a true celebration of life! I just have to share a little about this remarkable young lady.
Carolyn had an extremely rare form of cancer for almost three years. She had undergone numerous surgeries, several rounds of chemo and radiation, and countless other procedures. She was in remission for several months before the enemy came back with a vengeance. Carolyn endured it all with a stong faith and unstoppable spirit.
Carolyn made a public profession of faith just shortly before she became sick and received the cancer diagnosis. She faced her disease with a faith that you would expect from someone much older who had known the Lord for many years. She was an example for all who knew her. This was obvious at her funeral service when many people shared examples of how she made a difference in their lives. Just listen to this story that was told by the grandmother of another little girl with cancer. What a witness.
Carolyn was in the hospital for almost two months starting in late January. I believe it was during this time that this woman and her seven-year-old granddaughter met Carolyn and her family. The other child (Since I don't know this child I'm going to call her Clare--not the name the grandmother used.). Clare had the same very rare cancer as Carolyn. As I understand it, this form of cancer is not only rare, it is even more rare for girls as young as these two.
Carolyn was often in great pain during this hospital stay. At times she had such pain that she could not stand for her bed to be touched. However, one night Clare was having trouble going to sleep. Carolyn let her crawl up beside her. The girls wrapped their arms around each other and snuggled together.
This sweet grandmother told about sitting in the darkened room listening to the girls talk. Carolyn told Clare that they should pray. According the the grandmother, Clare knew some memorized prayers, but didn't really know how to pray specifically. Carolyn taught the younger girl to talk personally to God and pray about specific things.
The girls did not pray just for themselves. They talked to God about the other children in the hospital. They prayed for those children to have their pain controlled; for God to be with the families, etc. Carolyn taught Clare to look outside of herself to find others who also needed God's care. She taught her to simply talk to God about the things that were important to her at that time.
That story, told at the funeral, made such an impression on me. What a lesson! I have certainly been doing some thinking about my conversations with God.
And the butterfly at the top-- We released butterflies at the graveside service. Carolyn had told her younger brother that her funeral was "going to be fun." In a conversation with my sister about how that could appropriately happen I mentioned a butterfly release. I didn't know exactly what that was, but it sounded pretty and a somewhat "fun." After getting enthusiactic approval from her parents, my sister told me to "go ahead with the butterflies." Huh--I was just brainstorming ideas--but you know how it goes--Sometimes if you have an idea you "get" to do it.
I gladly arranged for it. It was much easier than I anticipated. Some other family members helped with the cost. At the end of the service Carolyn's brother, Jacob, released the gorgeous Monarchs under a beautiful Texas sky.
Carolyn was a "butterfly girl." Actually she loved all animals and God's creations in nature, but she had a special attraction to butterflies. The release was a wonderful way to honor her and her love of God. Lots of people were wearing butterfly pins and clothes adorned with butterflies because they knew about Carolyn's interest in them. What a lovely sight it was! The butterflies were very "people friendly" and were, of course, immediately attracted to all the flowers. I didn't have my camera, but some other family members took pictures of the butterflies. If I get copies off the pics I will share some of the butterfly antics.
BTW--If you have an interest in butterfly releases you might be surprised to find out how easy it is is to find a source. I just goo**gled "butterfly release." I found Vibrant Wings which happened to be very near where we were in Texas. The butterflies were delievered to us the morning we needed them. Most companies Fed*Ex overnight. Kathy gave us excellent service on short notice. She graciously tolerated my anxiousness about everything going well! :-)Labels: Faith, Family
Sunday, December 2, 2007
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Celtic Woman
John 1:1-5; 10-14; 3:16 KJV
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God
All things were made by Him;
and without Him was not any thing made
that was made.
In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not.
He was in the world,
and the world was made by Him,
and the world knew Him not.
He came unto His own,
and His own received Him not.
But as many received Him,
to them gave He power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on His name.
Which were born, not of blood,
nor of the will of the flesh.
nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us,
(and we behold His glory.
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father)
full of grace and truth.
For God so loved the world,
that He gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish.
but have everlasting life.
Labels: Christmas, Faith, Praise
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I Can Only Imagine
Ephesians 3:20
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
to him be glory. . .
...Therefore stand in awe of God.
1Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)
Yours, O LORD,
is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty
and the splendor,
for everything
in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD,
is the kingdom. . .
Psalm 84:2 (NIV)
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
Labels: Faith, Praise, Worship
Sunday, September 16, 2007
My Brother
My brother, Charles,
went home to be with the Lord
on Saturday, September 15, 2007.
Phillippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Isaish 35:19
and the ransomed
of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them.
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Labels: Faith, Family
Sunday, September 9, 2007
YOU ARE HOLY--PRINCE OF PEACE
Michael W. Smith
Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty,
the whole earth is full of his glory.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
And he shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalm 95:6 (NIV)
Come, let us bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker
Revelation 1:8 (NIV)
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," said the Lord God.
who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Labels: Faith, Praise
Sunday, September 2, 2007
I Need Thee Every Hour
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Labels: Faith, Praise
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Fall Bible Study at Cherish...the Word!
Fall Bible Study
At Cherish…the Word!
A Woman’s Heart--Updated
By Beth MooreAn updated version of A Woman’s Heart--Beth Moore’s very first video Bible study--was recently released, and some dear friends brought a copy to me. That started me thinking about how I could share this study with other women. What I believe the Lord led me to is this—I will lead a small group Bible study in my home that will meet one day a week this fall. That’s pretty normal. However, I have all these blogging friends that I would also like to share with…
So, here is the extra kick to Fall Bible Study @ Cherish… the Word. I want you to come over to my place once a week, and we’ll share Bible study together with Beth. You will need to do your individual study before we meet weekly at Cherish... Here are some ways you can do that:
• Join a Bible study group in your area. There may be one at your church or somewhere else in your community. If you don’t know of one, you can look on the Bible Study Group Bulletin Board at Living Proof Ministries.
• You could purchase A Woman’s Heart Bible Study Kit and invite a group of friends to your house to study together. The Leader Guide in the kit gives you all the information you need. I assure you it would be a double blessing for you. It’s not particularly cheap—maybe you can find one to borrow! ☺
• You could study by yourself or with a friend. You will need the printed group member book and access to the videos, or the audio component of the videos. Now, you know there are all kinds of copyright laws and things that keep me from being able to share Beth’s videos and the printed study on my blog. I can’t run over to YouTube and throw the video on there, and I can’t copy the study for you on my blog. However, you can go to LifeWay and download, for a fee, the videos. There is also an audio component available at LifeWay and on iTunes. The printed member books are available for purchase online through LifeWay and at Lifeway stores.
By the way—I do not work for LifeWay Christian Resources or Living Proof Ministries. I am not being paid by either of these organizations. I simply wanted to host a blogging Bible study activity at Cherish…the Word! I have completed several of Beth’s studies, have been privileged to be at the taping of some of them, and love her as a sister in Christ. I was excited when this update was available and chose to use it for this experimental Bible study journey.
If you have ever read the LPM Blog, you know that Beth and her daughter, Amanda--who manages the blog—do love their “blogging Sistas!” If you have not stopped by their blog you have missed a blessing. I suggest you hurry over there. And--After all, I did discover the wonderful world of blogging through the LPM blog! You can read about that here. I did let Beth know about the idea for this blogging study. Her response was typical Beth. Something about the hairs sticking up on her arms and chill bumps! If you “know” her, you understand that. She ended with, “Myrna, I cannot say AMEN loudly enough! YOU GO, GIRL!
My real life study group is going to meet in my home on Monday evenings. I will put up my discussion notes from the week’s study by Wednesday 12:00AM EST (that’s Tuesday 11:00 PM where I live). I will have a Mr. Linky up.
You can sign up on Mr. Linky for us to come back to your place. You will share a summary of what you learned in your own study, a wrap-up of what people in your group had to say, pictures of irl friends at your group meeting (with their permission, of course), or whatever creative thing you come up with that will enrich our Bible study. You can grab the Fall Bible Study Button for your site. When we get started, I will ask that you leave a comment on my blog when you link up.
Each week I will offer one or two discussion starter ideas for the next week. You are certainly welcome to base your posts on your personal perspective, or that of others in your group. Some people will appreciate the discussion starter suggestions; some will have something else relevant they prefer to talk about. Either way works for me.
I would like to emphasize that I want this endeavor to glorify and honor the Lord. You may want to tell a funny story about your Bible study group, share an anecdote, etc. And that is OK—as long as you have permission from you group, that’s your choice and responsibility. We definitely want to have fun and fellowship along the way! But, please, remember that this is a Bible study, and we want to focus on what we have learned from the Bible as we have fun with our girlfriends!
There are eleven weeks in the study. It starts with a video Introduction in which Beth sets the stage for us. Each of the ten week’s lessons includes five days of readings and a video message by Beth that will “bless your socks off.”
Come over to Cherish… the Word between September 5-September 11 for any updates about the study and for the discussion starter ideas for the Introduction session. And--BTW--Come back tomorrow for another bit of news!
I just can’t wait to get started! I’ve been thinking and praying about this for a long time. Now I have committed to it by posting the details. I invite you to join me, and let’s just enjoy what God has in store for us!
Here’s the schedule for Fall Bible Study at Cherish…the Word!
September 12 Introduction
September 19 Lesson 1 Broken Hearts, Broken Ties
September 26 Lesson 2 New Starts and Barren Hearts
October 3 Lesson 3 Prepared Hearts
October 10 Lesson 4 Hearts Approaching the Altar
October 17 Lesson 5 Hearts in Fellowship
October 24 Lesson 6 The Heart of a Servant
October 31 Lesson 7 A Heart That Interceded
November 7 Lesson 8 Hearts Beyond the Veil
November 14 Lesson 9 The Heart of the Testimony
November 21 My home group will likely take the week off because of school holidays. If we choose to do that, we will finish up the next week. If we take the week off, I will plan a special Bible Study activity for blogging friends that week. Stay connected to find out what we will do!
November 28 Lesson 10 Mended Hearts, Eternal Ties
Mark your calendar,
get your book,
and be ready to start
September 12!
Remember to come back here tomorrow--A surprise for you!
Labels: Bible Study, Faith
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Praise You in the Storm
Psalm 55:8 (NIV)
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and the storm.
Psalm 55:15-17 (NIV)
16 But I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.
17 Evening, morning, and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
Psalm 26:2 (NIV)
Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward you Most Holy Place.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?!
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the maker of heaven and earth.Labels: Faith, Praise
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Shackles
Nahum 1:13 (NIV)
Now I will break their yoke from your neck
and tear your shackles away.
Psalm 63:4 (NIV)
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name will I lift up my hands.
Labels: Faith, Praise
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Who Am I--Casting Crowns
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
"You are my Son, whom I love;
with you I am well pleased."
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son.
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)
7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that send out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear:
The LORD is the stronghold of my life--
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
Labels: Faith, Praise
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
"O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
"The Star Spangled Banner"
In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote new words for a well-known drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," to celebrate America's recent victory over the British. However, only in 1931, following a twenty-year effort during which more than forty bills and joint resolutions were introduced in Congress, was a law finally signed proclaiming "The Star Spangled Banner" to be the national anthem of the United States.
Shown above is a copy of the first printed edition combining words and music -- one of only ten copies known to exist.
From--American Treasures of the Library of Congress
The National Anthem
"The Star Spangled Banner"
By
Francis Scott Key
(1779-1843)
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Have a Happy, Safe, and Blessed
Fourth of July!
Labels: Celebrating Holidays, Faith
Thursday, June 28, 2007
June 28, 1969
Today is our anniversary!
Number 38!!
June 28, 1969
We were twenty-three years old. Well, Lee was soon to turn 24. He was a seminary student. He finished his degree two weeks later. I was an elementary school teacher. We were married at the church where we met--in Watson Chapel of University Baptist in Fort Worth. We didn't actually meet at the church, but we were with church friends when we met. We planned and paid for most of the wedding celebration ourselves so it was not an extravagant affair, but it was nice and just right for us. Our families were there along with a few of my college and high school friends, and mutual friends from our church and the seminary. I told more about the ceremony, our unique first meeting and our wedding in a post here.
This is my Daddy, Charlie. I always called him Daddy. I was the youngest of his four children. He had a step-daughter five years younger than me. I was the third daughter he walked down the aisle. My mother died when I was in the first grade. She was not with us for any of our weddings, but I know she would love the family that was founded on that day. Daddy died twenty years later, after a long and difficult Alzheimer's journey.
Lee and his mother smiled for the camera in the pastor's study before the ceremony. Emma is a sweet and dedicated Christian woman. She is 92 years old now and still has her own home. She lives near Lee's brother and his family in North Carolina. When we married, she lived in Florida. I think she thought she was coming to the end of the world when she came to Texas for the wedding! Lee's father had passed away less than a year before we married. I am so thankful that I met him the summer of 1968, just a few weeks before he went home to heaven. I visited Lee's family in Florida and met his parents then. His Dad was a great tease--He called me Tex. 
So here we are after the festivities of the evening, ready to leave the church and start our life together. Do you remember how girls always had a "going away dress." and wore a corsage from the bridal bouquet? Look! He has hair and I'm down right skinny! Those were the days!
We were not sure what God had planned for us, but we knew we would do it together. We really were clueless. Which was probably a good thing! If we had known all the twists and turns in our future we would really have been overwhelmed--with the challenges and the unbelievable blessings that were to come our way.
We really have had a very blessed life. I don't mean it has always been easy and we have had no problems. We have had peaks and valleys--some very high peaks, and some extremely low valleys--just like most people. However, God has always guided us through the hardships and celebrated the joys with us.
The two greatest blessings we have had are our sons, Greg and Kevin. The greatest sorrow was the loss of our infant daughter, Dawn Marie. We feel that God led our sons to the wives He chose for them. Audre' (Greg) and Holly (Kevin) are wonderful Godly women. We are so thankful they are in our family. Of course the grandchildren are absolutely the "icing on the cake." Joshua and Isaiah are Kevin's children; Luke and Ella are Greg's. Our family is our most significant blessing, achievement, and reward in life.
We, with the guidance and blessing of God, founded this family in that chapel in Texas thirty-eight years ago today. We may have been somewhat naive and clueless, but God was not. Others may have been skeptical, but God was not. We have definitely made mistakes along the way, but God has not. He always knows what He is doing.
Thank you, Lord, for June 28, 1969 and all the days since.
Labels: Faith, Family, Marriage, Precious Husband
Friday, June 22, 2007
Show and Tell--Bible Study Treasure
Kelli, at There's No Place Like Home says, Welcome to Show and Tell Friday!" Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!If you want to participate, click over to Kelli's and join in the fun.
Bible Study Treasure
I was scrambling in my brain for a Show and Tell goody this week. There's been a lot going on in my real world so I had not prepared a Show and Tell post. Some friends came to visit today and brought my husband and me a real treat. Let's see…It's not a trinket, not a piece of jewelery, nor is it an antique. It is new--but a little bit old, too.This is a copy of A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place. It is the new Bible study with Beth Moore. It is an updated edition of the first Beth Moore Bible Study that was published--way back in 1995. It is an in-depth study of the tabernacle and how God seeks to develop a relationship with his followers. Those of you who have participated in a Beth Moore Bible study know how her profound Biblical knowledge, superb teaching skills, and indescribable humor can lead you through a unique and unforgettable learning experience. What makes this even more of a treasure is that for months I have been wrestling with the idea of leading a Bible study in my home one day a week. I have considered doing this several times in the past and have always, for one reason or another, decided the time was not right. I have been struggling with the decision again. I had also been considering whether to use one of Beth's studies, and, if so, which one. When our friends came in with that beautiful box today I felt like I had my answer. It's possible that I will soon be sitting here with my Bible, a study guide, and a DVD as I study, pray, cry, and laugh with Beth and some friends as we consider how the Old Testament account of the building of the tabernacle can impact our lives today. Now, THAT should be a real experience to treasure! Labels: Faith, Show and Tell
Monday, June 18, 2007
Tomorrow's Life Adventure
Lee and I will be going on one of our medical adventures tomorrow. This is a trip we have made before and do not particularly look forward to. Because he is on a ventilator for assisted breathing, Lee also has a feeding tube in his stomach. Strangely enough, he doesn't use the tube much for nutrition at this time. He eats--just like you and me. There was a time when he used it for almost all nutrition, but now he only has medication and occasional nutrition through it. He is currently able to satisfy nutritional needs through eating and supplemental vitamins, etc. Occasionally the tube has to be replaced. It is time--The tube is, for lack of a better way to explain it, out of place. BTW--I use very practical terms to describe Lee's medical situations--you will hear very little medical jargon from me. After all, I am not a medical doctor. Trust me, we have been doing this long enough that Lee and I know when something is wrong! The tube is definitely wrong right now!So, after waiting a day because we know non-emergency calls are futile on the weekend, we went through the maze of making arrangements today. It went like this:• A call to our Hospice nurse ( a replacement because our usual one is on vacation)• Wait for her to consult with their doctor and call us back with the correct protocol--This was necessary because we were not using Hospice the last time we had this procedure. We have to call them first for all concerns.• A call to our primary care doctor (who is on vacation--his nurse is too)• A transfer to his associate--speak to the nurse• Wait for the nurse to consult the doctor and relay my messages about how this has been handled in the past• A call back to let me know they will take care of it the way I had requested• Wait for them to call Same Day surgery to make an appointment for Lee• FINALLY, a call back from that nurse to confirm our appointment at the hospital tomorrow. Actually, that was pretty simple compared to some things we have gone through! Everyone moved pretty quickly on their part of the process and we were fortunate to get an appointment early in the morning. We should be home by noon.This is not a difficult procedure. It will be done by a radiologist, a specialist who basically inserts tubes, etc. They use an imaging machine to know where it needs to go. It does not take long and Lee does not have to be completely anesthetized. As soon as he is back in the room and meets alertness requirements we can go home. It usually takes less than two hours when we have an early appointment.We haven't been to Same Day Surgery for about five months, so it should be kind of like old home week. All of the nurses know us because we have been there several times in the last two years. They have always done a good job of caring for Lee. They treat him like a favorite patient. I'm sure they treat everyone that way! Lee will be OK. They will fix the problem and send us on our way. I will be OK. Greg usually makes these journeys with us. He is still in Louisiana. I will miss having our cup of coffee together while we wait. He and Kevin will be expecting me to call as soon as the procedure is finished. They keep close tabs on their Dad's progress.So, I know that more than likely I'll be back here tomorrow night, posting something else--maybe the Dream Meme Betty tagged me for last week. But, for tonight, I just pray for God's mercy for Lee tomorrow as he goes through yet another medical procedure in this long health/faith journey. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Labels: Faith, Family, Precious Husband
Sunday, May 27, 2007
MEMORIAL DAY 2007
In Remembrance
I thank my God every time I remember you.
--Philippians 1:3
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
--Psalm 33:12 Live as free men,
but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;
live as servants of God.
--1 Peter 2:16
My Country 'Tis of Thee
(America) - My country, 'tis of thee,
- Sweet land of liberty,
- Of thee I sing;
- Land where my fathers died,
- Land of the pilgrims' pride,
- From every mountainside
- Let freedom ring!
- My native country, thee,
- Land of the noble free,
- Thy name I love;
- I love thy rocks and rills,
- Thy woods and templed hills;
- My heart with rapture thrills,
- Like that above.
- Let music swell the breeze,
- And ring from all the trees
- Sweet freedom's song;
- Let mortal tongues awake;
- Let all that breathe partake;
- Let rocks their silence break,
- The sound prolong.
- Our father's God to Thee,
- Author of liberty,
- To Thee we sing.
- Long may our land be bright,
- With freedom's holy light,
- Protect us by Thy might,
- Great God our King.
--Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895
Labels: Celebrating Holidays, Faith
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
WOMAN TO WOMAN==CELEBRATE ME
Woman to Woman is sponsored by Morning Glory at Seeds From My Garden and Lei at My Many Colored Days. You can go to their posts to learn more about WTW. The topic for this edition is Celebrate Me!
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
My life has been full of variety and ever-changing phases. I have been a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend. I was at one time a stay at home mom. Professionally I have been a writer, a teacher, and a principal. As a student I attended three universities. I have been the wife to a remarkable man. In all of these roles I have experienced many successes--and had a few episodes I wish I could do over!
As I approached this Woman to Woman topic, Celebrate Me, I found myself resisting the urge to explore those familiar roles and, instead, examining the latest phase of my life journey. I analyzed what I consider to be some of my personal strengths: flexibility, intelligence, caring spirit, dependability, and honesty. Finally, I decided to look beyond those characteristics. I attempted to simply answer the question so many friends have asked recently, "How do you do it?"
Who knows,
perhaps you have come
to the kingdom
for such a time as this.
Esther 4:14c (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The last two years of my life have been a challenge. When my husband became so critically ill that we both were forced to retire, I thought that I would never really be able to meet the challenge. I was terrified and I felt unprepared and unworthy for the task. One of the things I have come to understand in this particular part of our journey is that God has been preparing me for this role all of my life. HE has mercifully given me the required emotional and spiritual strength to face each day's trials. HE has blended into me the personality traits, characteristics, and even quirks necessary to accept detours in life's journey. HE provided me with opportunities--education and life experiences--that prepared me to make difficult and unexpected decisions. Without my realizing it HE was preparing me to meet the challenge.God has been leading me spiritually my entire life. HE has stayed with me even when I was not as receptive as I should have been. HE put some remarkable people in my life to direct me in the right way. My mother, Beulah, who died when I was seven, introduced me to Jesus. I was living with my Aunt Frankie and Uncle Ed when, at the tender age of eight, I accepted Christ as my savior. My dad, Charlie, made sure that, throughout my childhood and teen years, I was in church almost every time the doors opened. My husband, Mr. L. has a deep relationship with the Lord, and has been the spiritual leader in our home. My husband's career in religious publishing has given us opportunities to meet and be touched by some Christian leaders who walk closely with the Lord. I have had the opportunity to study with some truly anointed Bible teachers.Does my relationship with all those people assure that I have a relationship with the Lord. Has our family escaped dark and troubled times. No! NO, of course not. But the foundation has always been there. There has always been a path back to the walk with Him. The struggle will always be there and Christians will experience it over and over. The enemy is going to work to lead us from that path, from that walk. Even in the trials and the emotional upheaval of the last two years I have felt the strength I need for this portion of the journey. Early in this stage I received a very definite message from the Lord. I was headed to bed late one night. My husband had been home for the hospital just a few days and, honestly, I was exhausted. As I went to bed I picked up my Bible. I was really too tired to read, but I felt led. I just opened the Bible and was struck by the passage that appeared before me. I read just what I needed to hear:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. -- James 1:2-5 (NIV)Throughout my life, as I have faced trials and tests, the Lord has been teaching me patience and perseverance. He has been there all along, giving wisdom and teaching me as I grew. Now, in perhaps the most exacting test of all, He is still there. I call on Him daily, even hourly, for wisdom, strength, and direction. He has given abundantly. My strength comes from HIM.
Labels: About Me, Faith, Marriage, Woman to Woman
Monday, May 7, 2007
Monday Morsels
I'm playing around with my blog today. The last two weeks I called my Monday post "Monday Musings." Today I'm trying out the title "Monday Morsels." The word "morsel" means a small piece or amount; a tidbit. It does not just apply to food, but also to information, things reported, or thoughts. I think that is appropriate for the way my mind normally works on Mondays--thought tidbits.
So, if you drop by on Mondays just plan to sit a spell and share a cup of coffee (or tea/chocolate if you prefer) and maybe a little sweet morsel. We'll start our week with some random thoughts and bits of information.
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6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
--Phillippians 4:6-9
This is the scripture I needed to remember on Friday night. We had a storm--an old fashioned thunder boomin', lightning flashin', rain pourin', storm. I was anxious and just a little scared. We lost electricity for awhile--several times. Because of my husband's health circumstances electrical power is an on-going concern--even though we have back-up equipment and an emergency plan. Sitting in the dark, listening to machines beep alarms indicating that the power source is gone, while waiting for the back-up generator to come on is not comforting. The generator comes on in 15 seconds--the longest 15 seconds you can imagine! Anyway, the storm and accompanying anxiety made for a rough night. Of course, by the light of day and a calmer mind I have reprimanded myself for not having a stronger faith at the moment. I have recovered my "peace of God" and my mind is calm. But Friday night was a doozy!
When I saw the images of the tornado devastation of Greensburg, Kansas on TV I felt like a real whiner for my Friday night anxiety. I can only imagine how those people are coping with the loss of their homes and town. My prayer is that they will also feel the peace of God and the blessing of His presence as they begin the heart-breaking process of recovery. At the same time I pray a prayer of thanksgiving that we were spared the devastation of a major storm.
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Our grandchildren were all here at one time or another this weekend. This picture is from an earlier visit when they were all together for the day. This photo always makes me smile. A good way to start the week!
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Susan--the Penless Writer--offered some interview questions and I took the challenge. I haven't "known" Susan long, but I have read enough to know she would have questions that required thought and a little soul-baring. She did not disappoint. I hope to have those answers soon, Susan.
I hope all of you have a good week!
Labels: Faith, Family, Monday Morsels
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday Musings
Great is Thy Faithfulness
For several days I have been hearing in my mind that old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." I just haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Now, I'm not musical AT ALL! I definitely fall in the category of "make a joyful NOISE!" Thank goodness someone else was "singing" the song in my mind because if it had been me I might not have recognized the tune! Admittedly, it has a somewhat draggy tune--not peppy at all; but the words do have a message. I just couldn't get away from it.
After "hearing" the song several times, I went searching for the scripture on which the it is based--and the exact words. Thank you, Lord, for leading me to these verses--
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3: 21-24
These verses are just the reminder and encouragement I have been needing the last few days. How wonderful that we have hope because His mercy and compassion never fail. In fact, we start each day with a fresh abundance of his tender mercies--we will never be without His loving stability. His merciful love is ours. He is our portion--our destiny. All we have to do is trust, expect, and wait for His answers.
The writer of the song, Thomas Chisolm, interprets the scripture for us in the words of his hymn of praise to the Lord:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Summer, and winter, springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Chorus
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness , Lord, unto me!Labels: Faith, Monday Musings
Saturday, April 7, 2007
B-r-r-r! Is It Really Easter?
Easter Sunday! Where is Spring? Not here in cold Tennessee! The prediction is for this to be perhaps the coldest Easter Sunday on record. Guess some of those Easter frocks will wait until next Sunday to be worn--or they will be covered up by warm coats.
I'm looking forward to church today. I don't go on a regular basis these days. My husband has been battling a serious illness for a long time. He is now dependent on a ventilator and not able to get out (I'l be telling that remarkable story soon). Because of that we normally worship each Sunday with a couple of favorite preachers on TV. However, because our church is using a different schedule today, my son and I will be able to share caregiver duties and both of us make it to church. I have "graciously" allowed him to attend the 7:30 service and I will go to the 9:30 one. One grandchild is going to church with daddy and one will be in her preschool class and come home with me. After my daughter-in-law completes her responsibilities for the 11:00 service (she is on the church staff) she will join us for Sunday dinner.
We have planned a somewhat unusual Easter dinner. I'm not cooking and I'm sure my dil doesn't want to after a very full weekend of church responsibilities. We have some truly thoughtful friends who sent us a gift of dinner from Famous Dave's for the whole family. They know how my husband loves bar-b-que! I will make one cooking concession. My sons always request my deviled eggs for holiday meals. So, I will contribute a few eggs to the meal. Everything else is coming from the restaurant!
Have a blessed Easter!
Labels: Faith, Family
