Saturday, November 16, 2013
Sing!
I have been catching up sewing projects, cleaning and re-organizing my sewing room and keeping up with normal, every day things. But time to post something on here. So...this is another devotional that has not been published. I think I need to get back to writing more even if they will no longer be published at our church. Hope this is a blessing to you.
Sing!
Ephesians 2
How do hymns of the faith touch your heart? One of my favorites is "Amazing Grace" by John Newton. As I thought about the words to this old, classic hymn, these are the thoughts and "mind" pictures that came to me.
Amazing grace....the broken, bloody Jesus on the cross.
How sweet the sound....Jesus triumphantly utters, "It is finished!"
That saved a wretch like me....you love ME, Lord???
I once was lost....blindly stumbling on a path leading to eternal death.
And now am found....adopted, loved and full of hope as my path is made straight.
Was blind and now I see....His way, His strength, His glory will light my path.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear....striving to please my Father and not grieve Him.
And grace my fears relieved....You are my refuge, my hiding place.
How precious did that grace appear....overwhelming, incomprehensible, soul satisfying.
The hour I first believed....yes, Lord, You sacrificed Your Son for me!
Thru many dangers,toils and snares....You heard my prayers, hiding me under your wings.
I have already come....with His abounding strength, discerning wisdom I have endured life's trials and tribulations.
T'is grace hath brought me safe thus far....sufficient, satisfying all my needs.
And grace will lead me home....home with shimmering, gold lined streets, no sin, the lion and the lamb sleeping together... Jesus is the Light of Heaven, my ultimate home.
When we've been there ten thousand years....humbly bowing before my Redeemer, electrified and amazed in His presence.
We've no less days to sing God's praise....the greatest choir ever to sing, every day, every hour!
Than when we'd first begun....lost and hell bound....now....found and heaven bound!!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Sing!
One last devotional I have written which has not been published...will be now! :)
Sing!
Ephesians 2
How do hymns of the faith touch your heart? One of my favorites is "Amazing Grace" by John Newton. As I thought about the words to this old, classic hymn, these are the thoughts that came to me.
Amazing grace....the broken, bloody Jesus on the cross.
How sweet the sound....Jesus triumphantly utters, "It is finished!"
That saved a wretch like me....you love ME, Lord?
I once was lost....blindly stumbling on a path leading to eternal death.
And now am found....adopted, loved and full of hope as my path is made straight.
Was blind and now I see....His plan, His strength, His glory will light my path.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear....striving to please my Father and not to grieve Him.
And grace my fears relieved....You are my refuge, my hiding place.
How precious does that grace appear....overwhelming, incomprehensible, soul satisfying.
The hour I first believed....yes, Father, You sacrificed Your Son for me!
Thru many dangers, toils, and snares....You heard my prayers as trials, temptations, and suffering came, hiding me safely under your wings.
I have already come....with His abounding strength, to humbly give You all the glory.
T'is grace hath brought me safe thus far....exceedingly, abundantly sufficient.
And grace will lead me home....home with shimmering, gold lined streets, no sin, no darkness, Jesus is the Light of Heaven, my ultimate home.
When we've been there ten thousand years....humbly bowing before my Redeemer, electrified and amazed in His presence.
We've no less days to sing God's praise....the greatest choir ever to sing, every day, every hour!
Than when we'd first begun....the tomb is empty!...I am heaven bound for eternity!
Sing!
Ephesians 2
How do hymns of the faith touch your heart? One of my favorites is "Amazing Grace" by John Newton. As I thought about the words to this old, classic hymn, these are the thoughts that came to me.
Amazing grace....the broken, bloody Jesus on the cross.
How sweet the sound....Jesus triumphantly utters, "It is finished!"
That saved a wretch like me....you love ME, Lord?
I once was lost....blindly stumbling on a path leading to eternal death.
And now am found....adopted, loved and full of hope as my path is made straight.
Was blind and now I see....His plan, His strength, His glory will light my path.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear....striving to please my Father and not to grieve Him.
And grace my fears relieved....You are my refuge, my hiding place.
How precious does that grace appear....overwhelming, incomprehensible, soul satisfying.
The hour I first believed....yes, Father, You sacrificed Your Son for me!
Thru many dangers, toils, and snares....You heard my prayers as trials, temptations, and suffering came, hiding me safely under your wings.
I have already come....with His abounding strength, to humbly give You all the glory.
T'is grace hath brought me safe thus far....exceedingly, abundantly sufficient.
And grace will lead me home....home with shimmering, gold lined streets, no sin, no darkness, Jesus is the Light of Heaven, my ultimate home.
When we've been there ten thousand years....humbly bowing before my Redeemer, electrified and amazed in His presence.
We've no less days to sing God's praise....the greatest choir ever to sing, every day, every hour!
Than when we'd first begun....the tomb is empty!...I am heaven bound for eternity!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Itinerant Grandma
Itinerant Grandma
If it was the 1800's, I could easily be plodding along in my covered wagon, hoping to make it to California in less than 2 years!!!! Everything I own is loaded in the back, complete with surprises for the grand kids, medicine kit, cleaning supplies, pots n pans and food of course. Blistering heat, bone-chilling cold, rain, sleet, snow, fording rivers, intimidating Indians on the fringes of the horizon. A history making trip!!!
Fast forward to the 21st century! Now I just google the weather at my destination, pack my suitcase accordingly, complete with surprises for the grand kids, medicine for those who need it, and wipes and Kleenex. Then off to the airport, giving hubby instructions as he drops me off at the airport. I then board a long, metal tube with 150 plus people and in a little over 4 hours...I am in California...or Oregon, whatever the case may be! How far we have come!
The last 3 weeks for this itinerant Grandma disappeared in a blur!!! The original plan was for me to fly to San Diego after Amber flew out with Xander and Eliana to visit for about 10 days. Thus giving Amber a helping hand on the long flight with two little rug-rats!
Needless to say, in this family, plans are made only as guidelines...no rules apply!!! On a Sunday afternoon, Justin sends me a SOS text...this is not an "Amber Alert", this is a Mom/Grandmother alert!!! The Elisha Foundation Retreat would begin on Thursday and I was needed to supervise the children's program. The couple who were scheduled had a death in the family and would be unable to help.
Okay, then!!!! Think quickly and carefully as I begin to pack for Oregon...cold nights, chilly days. But also consider that I would be leaving Oregon for San Diego...warm days, cool nights... when Retreat was over! And at the same time, do the things Amber and I had planned with the kids! Not to mention thinking about the lessons I would be teaching for the retreat, coming up with a schedule and organizing the kids into groups!
I got it all done in 2 days and was ready for lift off...literally! Nice benefit this time around...I had a real ticket! No stand-by flying! It was a long flight though. Depart Charlotte at 3:30 pm...no getting up at 4 am!!!! Arrive in Atlanta 40 minutes later, enjoying dinner and people watching for 2 1/2 hours. Then on to Portland, OR, arriving there at 7:30 pm (PST time...10:30 pm EST time). A quick stop to grab a bite to eat and then a road trip over the mountains to Bend, OR where Justin lives.
It was cold and rainy over the mountains, but it was beautiful to see the snow that had fallen, covering the branches of the trees. The roads were clear and safe which was a good thing. It was a long 3 hour drive and I fell asleep for about an hour of that. Arrival at Justin's...1:30 am (4:30 for me and our other guest, Greg, who flew out to teach the adults.) We survived and were up and loading the vehicles fairly early the next morning. Onward to Lake Creek and the beginning of Retreat!
It was helpful that I had been to this particular venue for a retreat prior to this time. I knew how small the room would be for 24 kids...not conducive to organized calm! The first night is usually not the smoothest anyway! With 10 4-5 year olds plus 10 6-11 year olds, I wasn't sure how that would work during story time. (We also had 8 babies and 3 teens but they were not always in the room with us!) It was utter chaos that first night but there were moments of quiet and the kids actually did very well during the Bible story and when I read a book to them. Which was a surprise when the age span was so spread apart.
We did make a change for craft time and game time though. We split up the age groups into 2 colored teams and that way we could do crafts much easier in our small space and also keep track of the kids better when we went outside for games. That made a world of difference.
Praise the Lord for beautiful sunny weather and it was actually not too cold during the day! The kids loved the Treasure Hunt, and the playground and swimming pool were big hits. The camp fire was a fun time as they got to make s'mores.
It is always so hard to say good-by when we end retreat. All of the hugs from the kids, the enjoyment of reading to them, with some standing close by or sitting on my lap...love it!!!! What sweet parents they all have and I know for them, it was a time of refreshment and relaxation as well as reigniting the desire to be a godly parent to all their children.
A side benefit for me is working with my 5 grand kids for this retreat and their parents! They are all growing up so fast and are developing such servants' hearts. I loved hearing their voices holler for Grandma as we did crafts or whatever!
Let's lug these suitcases back to the airport now and catch a flight to San Diego, via Salt Lake City...my multi-city ticket was nice to have this time! No wondering when and if I would arrive!
First stop this trip...my sister, Heather. I stayed 4 days with her and had a great time. We drove out to the desert to check on two of my brothers who are renovating my grandparents old house in the middle of a sand pile! Many memories of visiting them there and having Thanksgiving there too. It was a cold windy, foggy day but I love the desert. Good times!
Now off to spend 3 days with Amber and Jordan (They had flown back home from Charlotte after I had left.) We did some shopping and eating and playing with babies again! We were able to get all 3 daughters and our future daughter-in-law and her son together to go to the Pumpkin Patch at a dairy farm. That was fun! The kids loved the baby pigmy goats!
Now it is party time!!!! Cash Ryan Tanner turned one year old on October 12th! Abigail & JT had a fun party at the park, complete with a Taco Truck! It was fun to visit with some of their special friends and see more family, my baby sister, Melissa and her hubby for one.
Time to visit Abby and give Cash some of my attention...briefly as I was getting ready for another retreat!!! This one was in Carlsbad, just about an hour north of San Diego at the Sheraton Resort, a mile from the beach! What an awesome venue for this retreat! We had two ballrooms to use...adults in one, children in the other. The food was outstanding, the service amazing and the weather awesome! Ten more families to minister to and love on. About the same number, same age grouping. Such sweet, lovable kids! They were so much fun! The Treasure Hunt was a hit again and so was the swimming pool! We had free time one day and enjoyed another Taco Truck at a park just down the road. Delicious! We also finished up our last morning at the park for our Bible lesson as the Resort had double booked our room for that last morning! New experience but the kids did well listening and singing. Once again, hard to say good-by, especially to 3 young girls who have been to retreats before and this time were volunteers...my "adopted" granddaughters...I had forgotten they liked to call me "Grandma"...so sweet to my ears!
God has supplied so abundantly... three retreats in one month!!!! We had a retreat in South Carolina the middle of September with 10 families attending. I had an easy group...just 8 or 9 kids. There were 16 in the nursery/preschool group in the room next to us! More friends were made and couples encouraged. I missed having my grand kids there and my dearest daughter-in-law.
This mother's heart was overflowing after retreat when all 3 daughters - Amanda, Abigail and Amber were able to have lunch with son, Justin and his crew before they left for home. Not all 6 kids together but still meant a lot to see them all together. Plus friends who helped at retreat. Of course lunch was at my favorite place...Extraordinary Desserts! They have the best grilled cheese sandwiches!!!
All this traveling, partying and playing had to come to an end! Back home to Charlotte to re-group, clean house, do laundry, answer mail, sew and get ready for ...Thanksgiving and Christmas shortly after!
The Itinerant Grandma (or Gacky, as Xander says!!!)
If it was the 1800's, I could easily be plodding along in my covered wagon, hoping to make it to California in less than 2 years!!!! Everything I own is loaded in the back, complete with surprises for the grand kids, medicine kit, cleaning supplies, pots n pans and food of course. Blistering heat, bone-chilling cold, rain, sleet, snow, fording rivers, intimidating Indians on the fringes of the horizon. A history making trip!!!
Fast forward to the 21st century! Now I just google the weather at my destination, pack my suitcase accordingly, complete with surprises for the grand kids, medicine for those who need it, and wipes and Kleenex. Then off to the airport, giving hubby instructions as he drops me off at the airport. I then board a long, metal tube with 150 plus people and in a little over 4 hours...I am in California...or Oregon, whatever the case may be! How far we have come!
The last 3 weeks for this itinerant Grandma disappeared in a blur!!! The original plan was for me to fly to San Diego after Amber flew out with Xander and Eliana to visit for about 10 days. Thus giving Amber a helping hand on the long flight with two little rug-rats!
Needless to say, in this family, plans are made only as guidelines...no rules apply!!! On a Sunday afternoon, Justin sends me a SOS text...this is not an "Amber Alert", this is a Mom/Grandmother alert!!! The Elisha Foundation Retreat would begin on Thursday and I was needed to supervise the children's program. The couple who were scheduled had a death in the family and would be unable to help.
Okay, then!!!! Think quickly and carefully as I begin to pack for Oregon...cold nights, chilly days. But also consider that I would be leaving Oregon for San Diego...warm days, cool nights... when Retreat was over! And at the same time, do the things Amber and I had planned with the kids! Not to mention thinking about the lessons I would be teaching for the retreat, coming up with a schedule and organizing the kids into groups!
I got it all done in 2 days and was ready for lift off...literally! Nice benefit this time around...I had a real ticket! No stand-by flying! It was a long flight though. Depart Charlotte at 3:30 pm...no getting up at 4 am!!!! Arrive in Atlanta 40 minutes later, enjoying dinner and people watching for 2 1/2 hours. Then on to Portland, OR, arriving there at 7:30 pm (PST time...10:30 pm EST time). A quick stop to grab a bite to eat and then a road trip over the mountains to Bend, OR where Justin lives.
It was cold and rainy over the mountains, but it was beautiful to see the snow that had fallen, covering the branches of the trees. The roads were clear and safe which was a good thing. It was a long 3 hour drive and I fell asleep for about an hour of that. Arrival at Justin's...1:30 am (4:30 for me and our other guest, Greg, who flew out to teach the adults.) We survived and were up and loading the vehicles fairly early the next morning. Onward to Lake Creek and the beginning of Retreat!
It was helpful that I had been to this particular venue for a retreat prior to this time. I knew how small the room would be for 24 kids...not conducive to organized calm! The first night is usually not the smoothest anyway! With 10 4-5 year olds plus 10 6-11 year olds, I wasn't sure how that would work during story time. (We also had 8 babies and 3 teens but they were not always in the room with us!) It was utter chaos that first night but there were moments of quiet and the kids actually did very well during the Bible story and when I read a book to them. Which was a surprise when the age span was so spread apart.
We did make a change for craft time and game time though. We split up the age groups into 2 colored teams and that way we could do crafts much easier in our small space and also keep track of the kids better when we went outside for games. That made a world of difference.
Praise the Lord for beautiful sunny weather and it was actually not too cold during the day! The kids loved the Treasure Hunt, and the playground and swimming pool were big hits. The camp fire was a fun time as they got to make s'mores.
It is always so hard to say good-by when we end retreat. All of the hugs from the kids, the enjoyment of reading to them, with some standing close by or sitting on my lap...love it!!!! What sweet parents they all have and I know for them, it was a time of refreshment and relaxation as well as reigniting the desire to be a godly parent to all their children.
A side benefit for me is working with my 5 grand kids for this retreat and their parents! They are all growing up so fast and are developing such servants' hearts. I loved hearing their voices holler for Grandma as we did crafts or whatever!
Let's lug these suitcases back to the airport now and catch a flight to San Diego, via Salt Lake City...my multi-city ticket was nice to have this time! No wondering when and if I would arrive!
First stop this trip...my sister, Heather. I stayed 4 days with her and had a great time. We drove out to the desert to check on two of my brothers who are renovating my grandparents old house in the middle of a sand pile! Many memories of visiting them there and having Thanksgiving there too. It was a cold windy, foggy day but I love the desert. Good times!
Now off to spend 3 days with Amber and Jordan (They had flown back home from Charlotte after I had left.) We did some shopping and eating and playing with babies again! We were able to get all 3 daughters and our future daughter-in-law and her son together to go to the Pumpkin Patch at a dairy farm. That was fun! The kids loved the baby pigmy goats!
Now it is party time!!!! Cash Ryan Tanner turned one year old on October 12th! Abigail & JT had a fun party at the park, complete with a Taco Truck! It was fun to visit with some of their special friends and see more family, my baby sister, Melissa and her hubby for one.
Time to visit Abby and give Cash some of my attention...briefly as I was getting ready for another retreat!!! This one was in Carlsbad, just about an hour north of San Diego at the Sheraton Resort, a mile from the beach! What an awesome venue for this retreat! We had two ballrooms to use...adults in one, children in the other. The food was outstanding, the service amazing and the weather awesome! Ten more families to minister to and love on. About the same number, same age grouping. Such sweet, lovable kids! They were so much fun! The Treasure Hunt was a hit again and so was the swimming pool! We had free time one day and enjoyed another Taco Truck at a park just down the road. Delicious! We also finished up our last morning at the park for our Bible lesson as the Resort had double booked our room for that last morning! New experience but the kids did well listening and singing. Once again, hard to say good-by, especially to 3 young girls who have been to retreats before and this time were volunteers...my "adopted" granddaughters...I had forgotten they liked to call me "Grandma"...so sweet to my ears!
God has supplied so abundantly... three retreats in one month!!!! We had a retreat in South Carolina the middle of September with 10 families attending. I had an easy group...just 8 or 9 kids. There were 16 in the nursery/preschool group in the room next to us! More friends were made and couples encouraged. I missed having my grand kids there and my dearest daughter-in-law.
This mother's heart was overflowing after retreat when all 3 daughters - Amanda, Abigail and Amber were able to have lunch with son, Justin and his crew before they left for home. Not all 6 kids together but still meant a lot to see them all together. Plus friends who helped at retreat. Of course lunch was at my favorite place...Extraordinary Desserts! They have the best grilled cheese sandwiches!!!
All this traveling, partying and playing had to come to an end! Back home to Charlotte to re-group, clean house, do laundry, answer mail, sew and get ready for ...Thanksgiving and Christmas shortly after!
The Itinerant Grandma (or Gacky, as Xander says!!!)
I have been distracted by many things the last few months, neglecting my blog...better get back to it before too many memories are mere dust bunnies in my head!!!
But first, I want to share a devotional from last month. Our church is not publishing the devotional guide any more but as I am directed to write what God lays on my heart, I will share with you all.
So here we go....!
Not Fair!
Romans 5:12, 19
Loud, sweaty, energetic, talkative, inquisitive, loving, eager, competitive...thus describes the boys that were my responsibility for a very brief time during Vacation Bible School. I derive immense joy in preparing and teaching these future leaders.
There are times when one wonders if anything is being absorbed, though. Wiggles and talking and shouting out answers (before the questions are even asked!) makes one question if they were really listening.
But then God throws a rare opportunity my way as the boys experience a disappointing development.
Game time is essential to boys as they expend all that pent up energy. Their game time was cut short one day because some of the group were not listening to instructions for the next game. Therefore, they lost the privilege of more games and we moved on to snack time.
Tramping along to the snack station, the boys immediately are questioning why they had to stop as they were listening and did not do anything wrong...it was the girls who weren't listening! It was not fair!
In spite of all their jabbering about this, the Lord quietly prompted me to tell then this:
Sometimes we all are punished for something that others have done. Think about this...one man sinned, Adam, and because of that, we are all sinners. One man died, Jesus, who had never done anything wrong, to save all of us from our sins.
A small matter, a small incident...but the message was big. All of us have experienced something that was "Not fair!". Jesus easily could have told His Heavenly Father that the cross was "not fair" and refused to die. But He didn't!!! He gave us eternal life, life that we don't deserve. Life isn't fair but Jesus made it fair for all of us!
But first, I want to share a devotional from last month. Our church is not publishing the devotional guide any more but as I am directed to write what God lays on my heart, I will share with you all.
So here we go....!
Not Fair!
Romans 5:12, 19
Loud, sweaty, energetic, talkative, inquisitive, loving, eager, competitive...thus describes the boys that were my responsibility for a very brief time during Vacation Bible School. I derive immense joy in preparing and teaching these future leaders.
There are times when one wonders if anything is being absorbed, though. Wiggles and talking and shouting out answers (before the questions are even asked!) makes one question if they were really listening.
But then God throws a rare opportunity my way as the boys experience a disappointing development.
Game time is essential to boys as they expend all that pent up energy. Their game time was cut short one day because some of the group were not listening to instructions for the next game. Therefore, they lost the privilege of more games and we moved on to snack time.
Tramping along to the snack station, the boys immediately are questioning why they had to stop as they were listening and did not do anything wrong...it was the girls who weren't listening! It was not fair!
In spite of all their jabbering about this, the Lord quietly prompted me to tell then this:
Sometimes we all are punished for something that others have done. Think about this...one man sinned, Adam, and because of that, we are all sinners. One man died, Jesus, who had never done anything wrong, to save all of us from our sins.
A small matter, a small incident...but the message was big. All of us have experienced something that was "Not fair!". Jesus easily could have told His Heavenly Father that the cross was "not fair" and refused to die. But He didn't!!! He gave us eternal life, life that we don't deserve. Life isn't fair but Jesus made it fair for all of us!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Wow! I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted! Life has been so crazy! It may slow down just a bit so I need to get busy and resume my recollections.
My mother is apparently sorting through some of her stuff and ran across this essay that I wrote. I believe this was written when I was sixteen for my English class. We were instructed to write a biography. I had such a great teacher who gave me a love for writing. How young I once was! If I remember correctly, I received an A on this!
"A friend loveth at all times..." Oh, how true this is, for my best friend lives up to this verse. Let me introduce you to my friend by a brief resume of his life.
I encountered my friend nine years ago in my Sunday School class. He was older than I but yet seemed to bring himself down to my level. He was very good-looking with penetrating deep set eyes that seemed to be looking straight through me. But these eyes were loving and gentle when they looked on me. His hands were those of a great physician who could heal the physical as well as the emotional problems of any individual but were now engaged in leading me to a new pathway of life, opened to me because of my new friendship.
My friend was born in a very small city which was held in low esteem by the surrounding cities. They didn't think it possible that any good could come out of this sinful city. But my friend was an honorable man. He learned the carpenter trade for his father was one. His parents loved him very much and were quite astonished that he would have such a brilliant mind. Indeed, he quite shocked the doctors when he was engaged in conversation with them for he knew as much as they did. Yes, his parents could indeed be proud of him.
My dear friend spent most of his young life in his home town. But it seemed the Lord wanted him to be a minister unto his people. So he obediently did as his Lord commanded him. He was a tremendous minister and healed many a sin-scarred heart. He was also a healer of physical defects. In everything he under took, he succeeded. But his time drew to an end. The Lord wanted him home. My dearest friend was killed in a most cruel way. The agony he borne and all the pain, but with such great courage! He was a great person and it is well for me to follow his example.
This friend of mine is still with me and always will be. He is so understanding about such little things as the boys I like. He lends a helping hand in anything I ask him to, though it might be just a simple test at school. When I'm afraid he calms my fears and stills my quaking heart. If I ask for something he will answer, either with a yes or no. If the no is not what I wanted, he helps me to accept it. He gives me the much needed guidance for my future plans. We can talk together, my friend and I, about the many splendid and marvelous things that God has created. He understands me better than anyone else will ever be able to. Although I don't always understand him, I try my best and he helps me as much as he can. But the most wonderful thing is my friend watches over me wherever I go and his love is an everlasting love.
I want to please this friend of mine for, I know it makes him happy. I'm so glad he gave me the privilege of meeting him.
Do you know who my friend is? It's my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I received Him as my Saviour nine years ago and it is of Him that I have written. Although my parents, relatives and friends mean a lot to me, my Saviour means the most. For without Him life wouldn't be worth living. He did so much for me, a sinner.
Thank you, Father, for sending your only son into the world for me.
My mother is apparently sorting through some of her stuff and ran across this essay that I wrote. I believe this was written when I was sixteen for my English class. We were instructed to write a biography. I had such a great teacher who gave me a love for writing. How young I once was! If I remember correctly, I received an A on this!
"A friend loveth at all times..." Oh, how true this is, for my best friend lives up to this verse. Let me introduce you to my friend by a brief resume of his life.
I encountered my friend nine years ago in my Sunday School class. He was older than I but yet seemed to bring himself down to my level. He was very good-looking with penetrating deep set eyes that seemed to be looking straight through me. But these eyes were loving and gentle when they looked on me. His hands were those of a great physician who could heal the physical as well as the emotional problems of any individual but were now engaged in leading me to a new pathway of life, opened to me because of my new friendship.
My friend was born in a very small city which was held in low esteem by the surrounding cities. They didn't think it possible that any good could come out of this sinful city. But my friend was an honorable man. He learned the carpenter trade for his father was one. His parents loved him very much and were quite astonished that he would have such a brilliant mind. Indeed, he quite shocked the doctors when he was engaged in conversation with them for he knew as much as they did. Yes, his parents could indeed be proud of him.
My dear friend spent most of his young life in his home town. But it seemed the Lord wanted him to be a minister unto his people. So he obediently did as his Lord commanded him. He was a tremendous minister and healed many a sin-scarred heart. He was also a healer of physical defects. In everything he under took, he succeeded. But his time drew to an end. The Lord wanted him home. My dearest friend was killed in a most cruel way. The agony he borne and all the pain, but with such great courage! He was a great person and it is well for me to follow his example.
This friend of mine is still with me and always will be. He is so understanding about such little things as the boys I like. He lends a helping hand in anything I ask him to, though it might be just a simple test at school. When I'm afraid he calms my fears and stills my quaking heart. If I ask for something he will answer, either with a yes or no. If the no is not what I wanted, he helps me to accept it. He gives me the much needed guidance for my future plans. We can talk together, my friend and I, about the many splendid and marvelous things that God has created. He understands me better than anyone else will ever be able to. Although I don't always understand him, I try my best and he helps me as much as he can. But the most wonderful thing is my friend watches over me wherever I go and his love is an everlasting love.
I want to please this friend of mine for, I know it makes him happy. I'm so glad he gave me the privilege of meeting him.
Do you know who my friend is? It's my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I received Him as my Saviour nine years ago and it is of Him that I have written. Although my parents, relatives and friends mean a lot to me, my Saviour means the most. For without Him life wouldn't be worth living. He did so much for me, a sinner.
Thank you, Father, for sending your only son into the world for me.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
He Touched Me -- Part 3
He Touched Me -- Part 3
2 Corinthians 12:9 Philippians 4:7
Of course the radio in Africa is like the old fashioned party line phone!! Our missionaries in the capital city came on and mentioned that the Brethren Mission's doctor was in town ready to go home on furlough. Perhaps we could fly down and get a second opinion.
This doctor was contacted by our missionary and the doctor agreed to see us but it had to be done the next day as they were flying home to the USA the day after that. Sound simple? Not in Africa! We were 300 miles from the capital, which was at least a 2 day drive. So...we would fly down in our little Cessna 185...not my favorite mode of transportation!!!
The Lord blessed us with good weather the following day as we loaded all six of us in the plane. As we approached the airport, the Lord touched me with such calmness and peace...His peace...and I knew that everything was going to be fine..not necessarily that this was not a correct diagnosis, but that he was THERE no matter what by my side. Is this how the woman with the issue of blood felt when she touched the hem of Jesus' garment? It was an indescribable moment!
God saw fit to have this young doctor right where we needed him at the right time. He could find no lump!!!! Did God heal me? Apparently, or the other doctor just did not have the experience to correctly diagnose. Relief flooded my family's heart. For me, it was simply a confirmation of the touch of the Master's calm, sweet peace residing in my heart.
God's ways are not always something we understand nor do we know why. But His grace is always sufficient to meet every single need at the precise moment it is needed! He is Prince of Peace for which we give praise and honor as He imparts that peace to us during our struggles here on earth. The touch of His mighty attributes are within our reach!
He Touched Me -- Part 2
He Touched Me -- 2
Luke 8:43-48
As we saw when Jesus walked the dirt paths of Galilee, His power and love were evident as He touched the lives of those in need of healing, whether it was emotionally or physically. The woman in the Scripture today was one of those touched by the Master when the medical doctors were unable to provide the correct treatment.
Now, fast forward to 1983. When you are living in the middle of the African bush, medical issues are addressed in a vastly different way! No need to check around for specialists or the most highly recommended. We were alone on our hospital station with just a missionary nurse and a visiting doctor from another part of the country.
During this time, I discovered a lump in a breast and finally reached the conclusion that it would be wise to have the visiting doctor exam me. His response...after lunch he would get out his medical books and do some research! This doctor had not seen breast cancer in 30 years while working in Africa!
Later that afternoon, he arrived at our door and informed us that we should go straight home to the States because I needed a mastectomy immediately. This news was like a torch set in the dry fields around us in the African dry season...hot, overwhelming emotions galloped through our hearts and minds.
I can honestly say that I was not concerned for myself and what I might be facing...I had faith that God would give me sufficient grace as I needed it. I was not a happy camper at the thought of leaving Africa for this! My primary concern was for my husband and children as they processed this abrupt interruption in life.
We tearfully informed our 4 kids and then consulted with missionaries by radio at another station. Our plan was to leave the kids with them, just the two of us fly home, have surgery and return.
Our faith was reaching out to Him, the Compassionate One. We only asked for a touch of His grace and faith as we fought the fears and uncertainty that faced us. His gentle hands began to hold us close.
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