A part of life is passing from this world into the next...Heaven to be specific. This week my husband's mother, Margaret, went on to be with the Lord. Things changed so quickly from that Friday afternoon when she told me she was feeling a bit better, so happy with the flowers we had brought her. By Sunday things were quite the opposite. We could hardly believe the transformation. Early Monday morning we met with one of her Drs. and when he told us that she had a few days, we were shocked.
God heard our every prayer and began to order the day. We had favor everywhere we turned and were able to move her to the Hospice unit quickly. She went from being fitful to being peaceful. Arrangements were made for family members to begin coming later; Mike's Dad went home to take care of a few things, her pastor came by, Mike and I ate our lunch watching her from the other room. I found a station that played beautiful, sweet music and it was playing softly in the background. One of her doctors came by, checked on her and walked over to us, telling us that she was leaving us quickly. As we were talking with her, I kept my eyes on Margaret and realized she was no longer breathing. Rather than a few days, we only had a few hours. Mike had to call his dad and his sisters and I called our children. The sadness began sweeping upon us but also the gratefulness to God that her passing was so very peaceful.
It has been a long week, a very long week. Her funeral is Sunday and we've been busy all week preparing...preparing for the coming in of family, preparing for her service, etc.
Our oldest daughter is sharing and I am singing...rather the Holy Spirit will sing through me. Today I'm a bit nervous but know that I can do all things through Christ.
We ran back and forth across town all week except for yesterday and we prepared for the family coming here for supper. It was a sweet visit and our furry little girl, Charlotte, doted on Mike's Dad. He loved it! This morning Mike went to meet with his Dad and sisters to review everything at the funeral home.
I chose to stay home. I need the time. I need the quiet. I need time with the Lord to steady myself and to prepare. I want to honor her with my song. I want to honor my Lord and I want those who do not know Him to be gripped by His Amazing Grace.
More family coming in tomorrow, a private viewing tomorrow, more sharing food lovingly prepared by friends and hopefully wonderful restful sleep.
Then Sunday...a celebration of her life... "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory Divine!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
"Jewels" I'm Learning from Colossians
Have been studying in the book of Colossians for a few weeks now. Have not been as diligent to study daily but I'm working on that!
This morning, as I sipped my hot coffee while studying and praying on the screened porch in the early morning coolness, I read these words. Col. 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you know how to answer each one..." In the Spirit-Filled Student Bible ( yes, me, a student at 61 years of age, really liking reading in this paperback NKJ version with World Wealth and all the extras and it's so easy to handle) I came across a section expounding on this verse. The words that caught my eye were these. "People judge us by our words." Hmmmm.... "PEOPLE JUDGE US BY OUR WORDS." Our words, as Christians, should be godly, "sensitive", "gracious", "loving", "uplifting" and should glorify God. As I'm reading this and pondering this, several thoughts came into my head. "speak the truth in love", "put off arguings", "get rid of crude humor, dirty jokes, etc." I also thought about HOW we say things! People really do judge us by what we say and how we say it! I know I do. Someone can be thought to be a strong Christian, godly, prayer warrior, etc. but if their words come out soaked in arrogance, I think twice about their relationship with Christ. I choose not to be around them. It's like that saying, "do as I say, not as I do", which is not a good witness to anyone. It's also like the trend going around, hopefully NOT going around anymore, that Pastors could cuss, speak crudely from the pulpit and that was okay. Okay, for me, it's NEVER okay to speak that way, especially if you are a Christian and especially if you are a teacher of the Word. (I do know pastors are human and can make mistakes and I certainly don't hold that against them, but it should not be a lifestyle.)
We can choose to speak in love, in grace, seasoned with salt, or maybe we should just keep our mouths shut.
Examining myself today and my words.
(For the record, I don't personally know a pastor who speaks that way but I do know quite a few believers, some in ministry who think nothing of crude humor. This is really a pet peeve of mine!
I just don't see Jesus acting this way! Okay, I'm coming down off my soapbox!)
This morning, as I sipped my hot coffee while studying and praying on the screened porch in the early morning coolness, I read these words. Col. 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you know how to answer each one..." In the Spirit-Filled Student Bible ( yes, me, a student at 61 years of age, really liking reading in this paperback NKJ version with World Wealth and all the extras and it's so easy to handle) I came across a section expounding on this verse. The words that caught my eye were these. "People judge us by our words." Hmmmm.... "PEOPLE JUDGE US BY OUR WORDS." Our words, as Christians, should be godly, "sensitive", "gracious", "loving", "uplifting" and should glorify God. As I'm reading this and pondering this, several thoughts came into my head. "speak the truth in love", "put off arguings", "get rid of crude humor, dirty jokes, etc." I also thought about HOW we say things! People really do judge us by what we say and how we say it! I know I do. Someone can be thought to be a strong Christian, godly, prayer warrior, etc. but if their words come out soaked in arrogance, I think twice about their relationship with Christ. I choose not to be around them. It's like that saying, "do as I say, not as I do", which is not a good witness to anyone. It's also like the trend going around, hopefully NOT going around anymore, that Pastors could cuss, speak crudely from the pulpit and that was okay. Okay, for me, it's NEVER okay to speak that way, especially if you are a Christian and especially if you are a teacher of the Word. (I do know pastors are human and can make mistakes and I certainly don't hold that against them, but it should not be a lifestyle.)
We can choose to speak in love, in grace, seasoned with salt, or maybe we should just keep our mouths shut.
Examining myself today and my words.
(For the record, I don't personally know a pastor who speaks that way but I do know quite a few believers, some in ministry who think nothing of crude humor. This is really a pet peeve of mine!
I just don't see Jesus acting this way! Okay, I'm coming down off my soapbox!)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
"Taking the Day Off!"
I decided to "take the day off" sometime this morning. I was four days of newspapers behind and wanted to enjoy them with a cup of coffee and quiet. Really felt like I needed the day off after having Anna and her munchkins from 11:45 am until 7:50 pm yesterday! Well she and the girls did leave me and the boys for about three hours- and we had a great time! Everyone was good! BUT, I was wiped! Even Charlotte was worn out!
So I have spent the day reading- newspapers, magazines, fixing birdfeeders and now am going to write my cousin in Ohio a letter! Love writing her letters!
Oh yeah and some Hallmark movies I "DVRed" have been playing in the background. So after the letter, I'll get my exercise time in and straighten up a bit and then....hmmmm.... I think I'll READ some more!
So I have spent the day reading- newspapers, magazines, fixing birdfeeders and now am going to write my cousin in Ohio a letter! Love writing her letters!
Oh yeah and some Hallmark movies I "DVRed" have been playing in the background. So after the letter, I'll get my exercise time in and straighten up a bit and then....hmmmm.... I think I'll READ some more!
Monday, June 3, 2013
"Antsy"
Just the way I've been feeling today...a bit antsy. Have a couple of things on my mind, situations -and trying to not let my mind wander or speculate as to "why".
Ever tried to contact someone, or left them messages, or mailed them cards and they never responded at all. Find myself wracking my brain to see why...what could I have done to offend them, or did I offend them?
That's when I just have to give it to the Lord. Sometimes I have to give it over and over and over again. And working at keeping myself busy so I won't think about it! Guess that's where the "antsy" has come in!
And another way to handle it is to pray for that person so that's what I'm going to do...right now!
Ever tried to contact someone, or left them messages, or mailed them cards and they never responded at all. Find myself wracking my brain to see why...what could I have done to offend them, or did I offend them?
That's when I just have to give it to the Lord. Sometimes I have to give it over and over and over again. And working at keeping myself busy so I won't think about it! Guess that's where the "antsy" has come in!
And another way to handle it is to pray for that person so that's what I'm going to do...right now!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Oh what a beautiful morning!
Heading back to the porch for some Word time. Am so blessed to have this private sanctuary surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork. Engulfed in His Presence...it's as if time stands still.
Such a holiness pervades and I am refreshed and strengthened. In His presence is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)
How am I working on making my life more about Him? Glad you asked! I took my coffee to the porch and sat and just spoke with Him. I asked Him what He wanted me to do today. He knows that as a woman, a wife, a mother and a grandmother, a friend, a sister, that I have certain responsibilities and He knows I need to take care of those. Even though I have plans....housework, laundry, etc. I've given Him permission to mess up my plans! It's all about Him and what He wants! It isn't about me at all.
Someone once shared a story about Queen Elizabeth the 1st. She wanted one of her subjects to do something for her that would require much of his time and leaving the country. He told her he could not leave his business. She said to him, "Sir, if you take care of my business, I will take care of yours." You know, that's just the way God is! If we take care of His business, He will certainly take care of ours!
That sure takes the load off of us!
Such a holiness pervades and I am refreshed and strengthened. In His presence is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)
How am I working on making my life more about Him? Glad you asked! I took my coffee to the porch and sat and just spoke with Him. I asked Him what He wanted me to do today. He knows that as a woman, a wife, a mother and a grandmother, a friend, a sister, that I have certain responsibilities and He knows I need to take care of those. Even though I have plans....housework, laundry, etc. I've given Him permission to mess up my plans! It's all about Him and what He wants! It isn't about me at all.
Someone once shared a story about Queen Elizabeth the 1st. She wanted one of her subjects to do something for her that would require much of his time and leaving the country. He told her he could not leave his business. She said to him, "Sir, if you take care of my business, I will take care of yours." You know, that's just the way God is! If we take care of His business, He will certainly take care of ours!
That sure takes the load off of us!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Soul Searching
Last night while listening to some good teaching via the Seeds Conference video, the guest Pastor said something that really caught my attention...basically that our lives are not our own. Okay, I knew that...uh, but am I living like I know it? I realized that I am really living more for myself than for the Lord. Ummmm.... not a wonderful thought.... Came home, watched a bit of a "feel-good" Hallmark movie and went to bed. THAT thought kept playing over and over in my mind. My focus has been on myself...my appearance, my wants, my time, etc. Fell asleep dwelling on this and woke up thinking on it. My prayers began with me acknowledging my self-centeredness. Do I feel guilty or condemned? No. But I am grateful that God showed this to me, that He gently corrected me.
Then I asked Him what He wanted me to do today? What were His plans for me? Do I call someone, write a note, visit someone, etc.?
His words to me were this... "You have your study assignment- Colossians and Ephesians. Dig deeply. Savor each morsel; chew slowly and digest. It will make a difference."
I turned to Colossians in my New Open Bible, NKJ version that Mike gave me 22 years ago. It's a bit ragged, highlighted and written in but I keep coming back to it.
I began to read the introduction on page 1403 and it's as far as I got.
"Paul's purpose (in this book) is to show that Christ is preeminent-first and foremost in everything-and the Christian's life should reflect that priority. Because believers are rooted in Him, alive in Him, hidden in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live without Him. Clothed in His love, with His peace ruling in their hearts, they are equipped to make Christ first in every area of life."
That leaves no room for excuses. My life is not my own. I was bought with a price...the life of His dear Son.
I know that as I dig into these books, these letters that were written for me also, I will be changed. I will be transformed and I will become more like my precious Savior. His thoughts will become my thoughts and His desires my own. My life will be of no importance except letting Him live through me. My life will simply become His...more and more until "Debbie" is hardly recognizable and what all will see is Him.
Will it be easy? I don't think so. Will it be quick? No, it will take a lifetime. Will it be worth it? Absolutely!
Then I asked Him what He wanted me to do today? What were His plans for me? Do I call someone, write a note, visit someone, etc.?
His words to me were this... "You have your study assignment- Colossians and Ephesians. Dig deeply. Savor each morsel; chew slowly and digest. It will make a difference."
I turned to Colossians in my New Open Bible, NKJ version that Mike gave me 22 years ago. It's a bit ragged, highlighted and written in but I keep coming back to it.
I began to read the introduction on page 1403 and it's as far as I got.
"Paul's purpose (in this book) is to show that Christ is preeminent-first and foremost in everything-and the Christian's life should reflect that priority. Because believers are rooted in Him, alive in Him, hidden in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live without Him. Clothed in His love, with His peace ruling in their hearts, they are equipped to make Christ first in every area of life."
That leaves no room for excuses. My life is not my own. I was bought with a price...the life of His dear Son.
I know that as I dig into these books, these letters that were written for me also, I will be changed. I will be transformed and I will become more like my precious Savior. His thoughts will become my thoughts and His desires my own. My life will be of no importance except letting Him live through me. My life will simply become His...more and more until "Debbie" is hardly recognizable and what all will see is Him.
Will it be easy? I don't think so. Will it be quick? No, it will take a lifetime. Will it be worth it? Absolutely!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Day 1 of 2013
Well this is not the way I thought I would really spend the first day of the new year but it hasn't been bad! We watched most of the Rose Bowl parade; that never ceases to amaze me! Wow! There are some extremely talented people out there! Then we've been watching the Capital One Bowl, pulling for Georgia of course! Pulled for Clemson last night...VOCALLY pulled for them and hoping to catch a glimpse of some of our friends, the Langleys but who could see anyone for that tremendous sea of humanity! Matter of fact, I've watched more college football this past season than ever. Mike got into it and naturally I did too. I've always liked football, though!
But now I'm a bit restless. Doing laundry, checking Facebook, laundry, football, dishes, Facebook, taking the dog out in the rain, football,etc. I may just have to get on the treadmill for my sanity!
And this rainy, cloudy day which I really enjoy finds me looking for "brightness"! As I wander about the house, I seem to be viewing everything through "darkly-colored" glasses; everything looks dingy to me. I find myself wanting to paint everything WHITE...everything- walls, cabinets, doors, etc. And then my "word" keeps whispering..."simplify"...."simplify". And I begin to think about what to get rid of...suddenly there is W-A-Y too much clutter surrounding me and I'm beginning to feel like I'm drowning in STUFF! Yikes! Hey, if this really "takes" Mike will be in 7th heaven!
Beginning tomorrow I AM going to start getting rid of stuff! Less is more! Hey, this may take a while but I know I can do it. Going to box up stuff and take to Second Chances in Monroe. Going to shred papers! Going to throw away as much as I can and give away as much as I can. Tomorrow's a good place to start this journey to simplicity. Woo Hoo! Here I come!
But now I'm a bit restless. Doing laundry, checking Facebook, laundry, football, dishes, Facebook, taking the dog out in the rain, football,etc. I may just have to get on the treadmill for my sanity!
And this rainy, cloudy day which I really enjoy finds me looking for "brightness"! As I wander about the house, I seem to be viewing everything through "darkly-colored" glasses; everything looks dingy to me. I find myself wanting to paint everything WHITE...everything- walls, cabinets, doors, etc. And then my "word" keeps whispering..."simplify"...."simplify". And I begin to think about what to get rid of...suddenly there is W-A-Y too much clutter surrounding me and I'm beginning to feel like I'm drowning in STUFF! Yikes! Hey, if this really "takes" Mike will be in 7th heaven!
Beginning tomorrow I AM going to start getting rid of stuff! Less is more! Hey, this may take a while but I know I can do it. Going to box up stuff and take to Second Chances in Monroe. Going to shred papers! Going to throw away as much as I can and give away as much as I can. Tomorrow's a good place to start this journey to simplicity. Woo Hoo! Here I come!
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