Keep The Light Shining

The Four Candles

2010-05-07T12:59:00.003-05:00

I came across the following on the internet and thought it so beautiful and wanted to share with my blogging friends. Regardless of what is happening in "your" world, we must never, never lose hope.
.
"The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak... The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely. The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely. Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love went out completely. Suddenly... A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning. The child began to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end." Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles." With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles. Never let the Flame of Hope go out. With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be, Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again."

Kindness

2009-03-19T18:56:00.001-05:00

We Greet a New Year!

2009-01-01T15:59:00.006-06:00

taken from Google

Each year I start the year with a two liner. This year is:

Be kind
In 2009

Sounds easy, doesn't it? In reality it is not always easy. But with God's help, I would like to say at the end of the day that I have been kind in each and every situation that might arise.

I have been doing "two liners" for twenty years are so. Just for fun. . . nothing profound. Here are the ones since the turn of the century.

The long awaited 2000 is here
Let's greet the new without fear.

Take time for a little fun
And "smell the roses" in 2001

May my complaints be few
In the year of 2002

As I walk the pathway of 2003
My spirit is free but I need a new knee.

And, yes, I got the "new knee". . . a total knee replacement. . . with no problems!

Fret less and trust more
In the year of 2004

Keep Hope alive
In the year 2005

As Hope remains fixed
Walk by faith in 2006

With renewed Hope
We welcome 2007

The only year that didn't rhyme. . . I just felt the need to keep a focus on Hope.

Encourage your mate
Every day of 2008

There is room for improvement on encouraging!

We now enter a new year. . . I always look forward to that "new page" in life.

A New Leaf

He came to my desk with a quivering lip.

The lesson was done.

"Dear teacher, I want a new page," he said,

I have spoiled this one."

I took the old page, torn and blotted,

And gave him a new one, all unspotted,

And into his sad eyes smiled:

"Do better now, my child."

I came to God's throne with a trembling heart.

The year's work was done.

"Dear Father, I want a new life," I said,

"I have spoiled this one."

He took my old life, torn and blotted,

And gave me a new one, all unspotted;

And into my sad heart smiled:

"Do better now, my child."

by Kathleen Wheeler

Merry Christmas. . . with love!

2008-12-06T23:00:00.000-06:00

With each passing year, I realize more and more that it's not what is placed under the tree that is really important but the family and friends that gather around the tree. Also, the ornaments on our tree have become more meaningful through the years . At the top of our tree is a green angel made from construction paper with glitter sprinkled around. My great grandson, John made this several years ago and I treasure it more than any angel that I could buy . . this one cannot be bought with money. . . it was a gift created especially for our tree and when it was completed, John's paw paw lifted him up so he could place it at the very top. Each year it is carefully put away until the next Christmas.

Perhaps you have at least one ornament on your tree that is very special. Christmas is a wonderful time to share stories. . . especially of love.

One year I was sitting next to a small Christmas tree in the home of a lovely elderly lady where a group of ladies had come for a fellowship luncheon and Bible study. I can't explain it, but I felt love coming from this small tree. Finally, I could keep quiet no longer and asked "Does this tree have a story to tell?"
*

My friend smiled and said, "Well, actually, it does!" She shared with us how one year all of her ornaments were either lost or stolen. The ladies in her church were made aware of this and each one gave her an ornament to replace the ones that were lost. Somehow this little tree with its sparkling lights and beautiful ornaments was able to transmit love. . . to me.

May God's love touch you this Christmas in a way that goes beyond all expectations.

Press On

2008-11-08T06:00:00.007-06:00

Today is my daughter, Darlene's birthday and I dedicate this song, "Press On" in memory of her.

Darlene, my beautiful rose, I can see you in my mind as you listened to this song over and over the last few weeks of your life. You climbed all the mountains and walked through all the deep valley's and pressed on to the prize. How beautiful heaven must be! And, oh, to have Jesus welcome you. . . I can't even imagine!

I still have mountains to climb and valley's to walk. . . my body is so weary but I intend to "Press On" until that last step is taken and then we can walk together where there will be no more sadness, pain, disappointments or "good-bye's.

I love you. . . mother

The Upper Window

2008-10-02T03:22:00.016-05:00

"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above." Genesis 6:16

When God spoke unto Noah, and told him to build the ark,

The Lord knew well the vessel would cheerless be and dark,

So God said, "Build a window, with outlook toward the sky,

That when it's dark and lonesome, you'll see Me standing by.

"The storms will come, but fear not, oh, children, I am nigh,

And through the upper window, you'll see Me standing by.

"It may be that affliction will rack and rend your frame,

Until your mortal body is seared with fevered flame;

But do not be discouraged, just lift your tear-dimmed eye,

And through the upper window, you'll see Me standing by.

"Perhaps you'll suffer losses, like houses, land, and gold,

And you will feel you're homeless, and penniless, and old;

But sweetest peace and comfort will lift your painful sigh,

When through the upper window, you'll see Me standing by.

It may be that bereavement will take a loved one dear,

A soul that brought you gladness, real happiness and cheer;

But it will cheer your sad heart, when loved ones from you fly,

When through the upper window, you'll see Me standing by.

"The storms will come, but fear not, oh, children, I am nigh,

And through the upper window, you'll see Me standing by."

Words by John Bieri

Our nation is in perilous times with storm clouds gathering all around But the same God that said to Noah, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark. . ." speaks to us in the present generation. He will keep us in His love and watchful care as we place our trust in Him.

The Adventures of John

2008-09-14T11:30:00.010-05:00

On January 17, 1995, my husband Curtis and I found out that we were going to be great-grandparents. Our only granddaughter, Angela was expecting a baby! On this same day I received a card that had a picture of a bird nest with three tiny eggs. Below was the caption, "Expect a Miracle." I claimed that message for this child, not knowing if it was a boy or girl. I wrote down the following prayer soon after.

May this baby have

A heart for God

A mind for God

Ears to hear His voice

Eyes to see His beauty

Hands and feet to obey His will.

September 14, 1995, a baby boy was born and now this baby had a face, a personality and a name! John not only had his mommy and daddy at the hospital, but two grandmothers, a great grandmother and a great, great grandmother, two grandfathers and a great grandfather to welcome him. The nurse at the hospital took note of the five generations standing there and asked if we would like our picture taken together.

One of the nurses bundled up little John and brought him out of the nursery and placed him in the arms of his great, great grandmother. What a beautiful scene. He will not remember the day that he was cradled in her arms, as she looked at him with such tenderness but the generations of Godly heritage will follow him all the days of his life.

The first time that Angela brought John to our house she came in the door holding her baby close and said, "Maw Maw you will have to wash your hands before you hold him." I had just taken a shower but never-the-less I washed my hands.

When John was two weeks old he was dedicated to the Lord at the First Methodist Church. The pastor took John in his arms and then went up and down the aisles so everyone could see this beautiful baby. Pictures were taken and two families merged together to share the happiness of this wonderful occasion.

Between the ages of two and four we kept little John while his mother worked. Keeping a daily journal I read to John some of the cute things that he had done or said. He listened very attentively and when I finished, he looked at me and said, "Are you reading about the adventures of John?" So that is the reason for the title of this post.

I am sharing with you some of the things that John said. . . this little boy that captured our hearts and touched our lives in a profound way. My goal is that what I have written will not only bring a smile to your face but will encourage parents or grandparents to write down the unique things that their children or grandchildren do and say. Every child is a special gift from God.

"For you created my inmost being,

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully

And wonderfully made;

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

When I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the

Depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

Before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139:13-16

The entries that I am sharing were written during the year of 1998.

Apr 4 (Sat)

Curtis told John he was going to let him pick out some flowers to plant. John said that he wanted orange flowers. When we got to Builders Square, it didn't take him long to discover the rack of orange marigolds.

We came home and went to the back yard to began planting. Curtis got a shovel and told John that he had to make a bed for the flowers. John repeated, "Make a bed for the flowers?"

Curtis gave John a tool to "help" loosen the dirt. Finally the bed was all ready and Curtis began to plant the little orange marigolds. As Curt placed the flowers in the ground, John said, "Is the flowers going nite-nite?"

This afternoon we watched figure skating. When a skater would fall, John would run to the T.V. to give the skater a kiss and one time he put his little arms around the T.V. to give the fallen skater a hug.

Apr 9 (Thu)

John was holding a little stuffed rabbit - sitting in the familiar green rocker, and singing, "Jesus Loves Me."

Apr 10 (Fri)

To the tune of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" John was replacing the words with "gahh-gahh" all the way through the song. Then he wrinkled his nose and asked, 'What's a gahh-gahh?" followed with much laughter.

May 9 (Sat)

This morning John was playing with his train, as he does every day. The engine fell off the track and John said, "Engine had a wreck - fell in the water." He then picked up the engine, cradled it in his arms and began to sing, "Jesus Loves Me" as he gently rocked back and forth.

This afternoon Curtis and I took John to the library. It was gratifying to observe him playing with the blocks, etc. and watching his interaction with other children. A little girl about his age was a few feet away as both of them were playing and he looked at her and gave the sweetest little smile. One of those special moments I would have loved to had a camera but I will take a picture in my mind and heart.

May 10 (Sun)

Five of our family members ate at Steak & Ale. After we were seated and sitting around the table, John slammed both of his hands on the table and said, "Watcha doing, everybody?"

Of course we laughed and he repeated it. What a charmer he is!

May 14 (Thu)

Curtis drove by an auto repair shop and I told John that the car was making a funny noise. He repeated, "It's making a funny noise?" Then with laughter and a big smile, he said, "Silly car!"

When the repairman came to the car with grease on both hands. John was sitting in the back seat and looking right at the repairman, he said, "He needs to wash his hands!"

Jun 1 (Mon)

John and I were in the car and as I was driving began to sing, "If you're happy and you know it. . John stopped me with, "No, mommy sings that."

So I began to sing, "You are my sunshine. . "

"No, that's mommy's song."

I said, "What do you want me to sing?" He answered, 'Little Birdie in the Tree." So I sung "Little Birdie in the Tree" and then started singing, "Oh, where, oh where has my little dog gone." Immediately John said, "No, that's what Me Maw sings."

I then sung, "How Much is that doggie in the Window" and then "Jesus Loves Me." I knew those two would pass.

John was playing and putting something together and I said, You are so smart! He continued his project and without looking up said, "Thank you!"

Jun 18 (Thu)

John attended a day care part time, and when I went to pick him up he had one shoe on. His teacher said, "Let me put your other shoe on." He said, "No! No! It's not a shoe, it's a sandal!

I told his teacher that we were going to the zoo and as we were walking out he said, "I'm going to see the animals." And he looked so happy. As we walked along he said, "Bye-bye desk, bye-bye-door, etc."

At the Zoo, John picked out the stroller he wanted to ride in. We first looked at the fish, which was in an air-conditioned building. John wanted to look at every aquarium. He would get out of the stroller and stand as close to the glass as he could get. In one of the aquariums was a large turtle resting at the bottom - the turtle began making its way to the top and when John saw this, he laughed with delight and said, "Silly turtle!"

Next we looked at birds and at every cage, John would stand up to look. Every bird that he didn't recognize, he would say, "What's it called?"

Jul 15 (Wed)

It is touching to see how John perceives the things that Curtis can do. When picking him up at the day care, some wood rafters had been placed on the cement steps coming out from the front door. When John saw them, he said, "Look what Paw Paw did!"

John was getting ready to go out of town with his grandmother, Darlene and his mommy. Just before leaving, Curtis said, "Let's have a word of prayer before you go." We gathered around in the family room but John was anxious to get on the road. As Curtis started to pray, John said, "No way, Hosea! I don't want to pray with my eyes closed!"

Sep 28 (Mon)

I gave John some rice that had bits of carrot and peas in it. He said he didn't like the rice because it had "stuff" in it. He said, "That's for bigger boys."

Sep 29 (Tue)
John has reached the age of "pretend." Today he pretended that he was the Thomas engine and I was the James engine. Going up the stairs was going up a hill. After we got upstairs, he looked around and said, "I like your room, James."

It is such fun to watch him playing with his trains. He talks for them, using two voices. One voice is high pitched and the other one very low. Sometimes he will run through the house, as he pretends he is going up hills, mountains, tunnels, and says things like, "I'm taking toys to the

boys and girls over the mountain.

Nov 11 (Wed)

I was writing and John asked, "Whatcha doing?" I answered, "I'm writing down stuff." He said, "Why don't you write up?"

John was standing on a stool in the kitchen, where I was working, and I told him that Jesus loved him and had a plan for his life. He said, "I want to be an engine. I want Jesus to come here and He will say, "Wow! Engines are nice!"

He plays "engine" all through the house - chug, chug, with his right arm going up and down while he rolls his eyes like Thomas.

Dec 16 (Wed)

We have the Christmas decorations up and John stops to look at the manger scene and enjoys my reciting scripture while he looks at the different figures on display. I recited, "And he shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger." He looked at me and asked, "Babe, the talking pig?"

This was a reminder to me that John is at the age that the secular and spiritual have no distinct difference and how important training is. I breathed a prayer, Heavenly Father, the hours that little John is in our home, may we instill Godly principles by example. . . day by day, by day.

2008
John is now a teenager. . . starting another chapter in his young life. May it's pages be filled with beautiful things and most of all, I pray that he will walk the pathway that God designed for him. . . even before he was born!

John, may you always be "the sweetest boy in the whole wide world!"

2008-09-06T21:12:00.006-05:00

Finding Peace on the Journey

by Catherine Marshall

My friend Marge had an experience aboard a plane bound for Cleveland, waiting for takeoff. As she settled into her seat, Marge noticed a strange phenomenon. On one side of the airplane a sunset suffused the entire sky with glorious color. But out of the window next to her seat, all Marge could see was a sky dark and threatening, with no sign of the sunset.

As the plane's engines began to roar, a gentle voice spoke within her:

You have noticed the windows, He murmured beneath the roar and the thrust of takeoff. Your life, too, will contain some happy, beautiful times, but also some dark shadows. Here's a lesson I want to teach you to save you much heartache and allow you to abide in me with continual peace and joy.

You see, it doesn't matter which window you look through; this plane is still going to Cleveland. So it is in your life. You have a choice. You can dwell on the gloomy picture. Or you can focus on the bright things and leave the dark, ominous situations to Me. I alone can handle them anyway. And the final destination is not influenced by what you see or feel along the way.

Learn this, act on it and you will be released, able to experience the peace that passes understanding.

2008-08-30T15:27:00.006-05:00

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
No king is saved by the size of his army;
No warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Portions of scripture from Psalm 33

The Lord God is the Hope for our nation. . . our only Hope!

If we are not governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants.

William Penn

First Prayer in Congress

"Lord our Heavenly father, High and Mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords,

who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech thee, on these our American States, who have fled to thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent on Thee, to Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care: give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the Name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.

Amen."

September 7, 1774 by Jacob Duche

A Perfect Rose

2008-08-25T00:01:00.014-05:00

A lovely poem had come in the mail written by a friend in memory of my daughter, Darlene. But the thing that really caught my eye was the beautiful rosebud and stem that went the entire length of the paper. As I looked at the rose I felt a healing in my heart and an answer to a prayer made beside Darlene's bed when she was in the hospital.

My mind did a quick replay of several scenes. The first was the day I was talking to my sister-in-law about childhood hurts as we sat on the deck in my back yard. I told her that when Darlene was born it was like God placed a beautiful and perfect rosebud in my hand to care for and watch develop into a full blossoming flower. As the years went by I became over zealous and began to pull at the petals to help form the rose. But rather than being of help I felt I had marred the beauty of the rose as I looked at the falling petals. And realizing too late that only God can make a rose.

The next scene that came to mind was when I was holding Darlene's hand as I sat by her bed in the hospital. I felt such a closeness to her and as I continued to rub and pat her hand, she looked at me and said, "Mother, God told me a couple of days ago that this was for the healing of my childhood hurts." I expressed to her how glad I was and then in silence, I prayed that God would also heal my broken heart of the hurt and guilt in everything where I had been unwise and had brought pain to her.

As I continued to look at the rose, a scripture came into my mind. "Behold I make all things new." There were no missing petals. They had all been restored. The rose that had been entrusted to me was returned to God, perfect and complete.

My beautiful rose, Darlene, was placed in her Father's hand, August 22, 2004.

*****

I would like to add that after the stormy teenage years, some of the wrong choices Darlene made worked later to her advantage in understanding and helping other young people who made unwise choices. She implemented a Young Mother's Program, Clinic and Daycare at a charter high school where she worked as an RN.

2008-08-23T14:02:00.006-05:00

(from Google file)

Praise The Lord

Praise the Lord.

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty heavens.

Praise Him for His acts of power;

Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.

Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,

Praise Him with the harp and lyre,

Praise Him with tambourine and dancing.

Praise Him with the strings and flute,

Praise Him with the clash of cymbals.

Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150

Praise Him!

2008-08-18T00:21:00.020-05:00

I was visiting with a dear friend as she shared some of the desperation and grief that she was experiencing and said she felt it almost more than she could bear. I listened, feeling so helpless to do anything, although the thought came to my mind, "Praise Him!"

There are times when our lives are overwhelmed with problems, heartache and depression. But I know from experience that to offer God a sacrifice of praise can release His power to work in our lives in a miraculous way. Offer Him a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving even when you don't feel like praising God. . . especially when you don't feel like it!

When my oldest child was about sixteen or seventeen she became rebellious and was living a sinful lifestyle. My heart was breaking. Waves of grief would come in like the tide and I felt I would drown. I would go into my bedroom, get on my knees and open the Bible to the Psalms. I "prayed" Psalms of praise until the awful darkness lifted and I could feel God's peace and hope in my hurting heart.

When my son was killed in a car accident, I was almost numb with shock when I heard the words, "He's gone." I left the hospital waiting room and went outside, lifted my head to the sky, and began to praise God. If anyone had been watching, they would have probably thought I had lost my mind, to be praising God moments after hearing the news about my son. But the scripture says, "In all things give thanks" and that is exactly what I did! I began to praise and thank God. His power was released and a calmness took over my spirit that I can't explain. I was able to give comfort to others. I remember one of the friends of my son was almost hysterical and I put my arms around her and tried to calm her. I was in grief but I had peace, that wonderful peace that God gives in the storm. He is faithful!
But we have to look up. If we look down we will see nothing but darkness and despair. When we look up we see the stars shining in the darkness. These stars, to me, represent the beautiful, unfailing, promises of God. I praise Him for His faithfulness. . . today and every day!

The

Tree

Of Praise

The Precious

Power Of Praise!

Praise = honours God!

Praise = brings deliverance!

Praise = is the voice of faith!

Praise = is the language of Heaven!

Praise = sets the stage for God to move!

Praise = releases God's Angels to minister!

Praise = fuels joy which is our strength!

Praise = knocks down the walls of resistance!

Praise = stills the enemy and the avenger!

Praise = dispels darkness and depression!

Praise = precedes not follows blessings!

Praise = moves God's many blessings down!

Praise = brings God onto the scene!

Praise = is total acceptance of God's word!

Author

Unknown

After writing this post, I did not want to leave the wrong impression. There are certainly times that I have depression and the clouds hover over and I just have to wait for the sun to shine again. I was writing primarily about those things that come into our life that just overwhelm us in their severity.

Here is a song of praise that I love!

When you're up against a struggle

That shatters all your dreams

And your hope's been cruelly crushed

By Satan's manifested scheme

And you feel the urge within you

To submit to earthly fears

Don't let the faith your standing in seem to disappear

**
Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him

Praise the Lord for our God inhabits praise

Praise the Lord for the chains that seem to bind you

Serve only to remind you that they

Drop powerless behind you when you praise Him

Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think

That we are paupers when he knows himself we're children

of the King

Lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle has been won

We know that Jesus Christ is risen so the work's already done

Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him

Praise the Lord for our God inhabits praise

Praise the Lord for the chains that seem to bind you

Serve only to remind you that they

Drop powerless behind you when you praise Him

author unknown

2008-08-16T16:59:00.005-05:00

A MORNING PRAYER

Thank You for New Beginnings!

Thank you for your love that endures forever.

Thank you for making me clean.

May I hear your voice throughout the day and say,

"Yes, Lord, to your will and your way."

As I look to the sky,

I see the beauty of the sun reflecting on the clouds.

A New Day!

Thank You!

This prayer was written at dawn. . the most beautiful time of the day!

The Brush

2008-08-11T00:01:00.004-05:00

Life started out like a canvas
And God started painting on me
But I took the paintbrush from Jesus
And painted what I wished to see

The colors I painted kept running
And the objects were all out of size
I had made a mess of my painting
My way now seemed so unwise

So I brought my painting to Jesus
All the colors, the pieces so wrong
In the markets of earth it was worthless
But His blood made my painting belong

He worked with no condemnation
Never mentioned the mess I had made
Then He dipped His brush in the rainbow
And He signed it, the price has been paid.

When I gave the brush back to Jesus,
When I gave the brush back to Him
He started all over life's canvas to fill
When I gave to Jesus the brush of my will.

He worked with no condemnation
Never mentioned the mess I had made
Then He dipped His brush in the rainbow
And He signed it, the price has been paid.
Chuck Milhuff

Perhaps all of us at one time or another have taken the paint brush from God's hand. Or it may be that circumstances beyond our control come into our life and we think the picture is ruined when we see a sweeping brush stroke of black right down the middle. Rather than removing the ugly black stroke, God says, "Be patient my child" as He "dips His brush in the rainbow" and continues to paint. And what seemed so offensive and out of place, now actually enhances the picture and we see that it is more beautiful than before. Only God can do that!

Hope Shines Through

2008-08-04T22:54:00.005-05:00

Hope

Hope is a word

that every

hurting heart

understands.

Hope shines

brighter than

the brightest star

on the darkest night.

Faith is bigger than the highest mountain.

And God is greater than any obstacle in your path.

Anything can be accomplished by those who fully

put their hearts into it.

The time to start is now

the place to start is here.

May hope cast its special

light upon your path and God

bless everything you touch in the

hours, days, and moments

still to come.

Author Unknown

Hope Perseveres

2008-07-28T00:30:00.002-05:00

But I will Hope continually, and will

yet praise thee more and more.

Psalm 71:14

Hope Rejoices!

2008-07-21T00:05:00.017-05:00

When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and stars,

which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?

He determines the number of stars

and calls them each by name.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power.

Psalm 8:3,4; 147: 4,5

Last week I was in darkness but not without hope! This week I come to you with praise on my lips and a heart that is singing with joy! The MRI that my younger brother had on Thursday, revealed no cancer! The neurologist, neurosurgeon, radiologist, etc. all agree that what was picked up by the PET image was damage from radiation treatments from 2005. My brother will be closely monitored but the team of doctors do not feel it is a life threatening problem.

The cancer was first removed in 2004 then showed cancer cells still present a year later. Just moments before the surgery in 2005, my cell phone rang. It was my older brother, reminding us that tears had gone before us. I knew that he was referring to the many prayers that our mother had prayed and that these prayers were kept in heaven. (Rev: 5:8) His voice sounded calm and confident.

This time I could not call my brother, nor could he call me, yet it seemed I could almost hear his voice, reminding me once again of those tears and prayers that had gone before us. I prayed that God would pour these prayers on my younger brother and that His will would be done, with hopes that no cancer would be found. My brother said he would be looking at six months to a year life expectancy if cancer was found on the brain. Both my brother and sister-in-law are doctors so I knew they had medical knowledge for all that was happening.

Everything that happened last week is a reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly our plans can unravel. So often, songs come to my mind when life gets tense and uncertain. Right now, I am thinking about the song, "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow."

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day;

I don't borrow from it's sunshine

For it's skies may turn to gray.

I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said;

And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what lies ahead

(chorus)

Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand,

But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

Ira Stanphill

It is so true! We don't know what tomorrow holds but we know that God is in

every tomorrow. He will be there before we are. No surprises with God!

Isn't that good to know?

Hope

2008-07-15T18:58:00.012-05:00

Hope reaches out in darkness . . . and touches God.

I love the word HOPE!

When hope touches God, there is a peace that cannot be explained. This peace gives the faith and assurance that God is in control and that His sweet will is far better than anything we could ask for.

When my daughter was so very ill we were praying and hoping for her healing. Then came the day when hope touched God and that unexplainable peace filled my heart and mind and soul. Things did not go as I had hoped and prayed, yet when God's peace came, I could lift my head and give praise and honor and glory knowing that God "holds the whole world in His hands."

Less than a year ago my older brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. How frightened I was when I was told the news. I prayed and hoped and prayed and hoped then once again the peace came and I knew that God's will was being done. He lived only a few weeks after the diagnosis but I had several wonderful visits and talks with him, while he was in the hospital. And even though I miss both my daughter and brother more than I can convey, the peace remains.

I have a younger brother that over three years ago, underwent surgery for a serious type of cancer on his face, close to the eye in the temple area. We were all so frightened and things looked somber but the surgery went well and the surgeon gave him as much as a 90 or 95% survival rate. Each year he has had PET Imaging and last week he had his third image. Two of the doctors had released him, and seemed confident that the cancer had been eradicated. But this PET image shows something on the brain that wasn't there before and he is scheduled for an MRI in the morning that will be more accurate in the characterization of any malignancy. We as well as the doctor was taken by surprise yet Hope remains that the MRI will not reveal cancer.

I am praying for God's will and praying for God's peace. I am not there yet. I do not have the peace that I long to have. . not yet. I am still reaching in the darkness to touch God. As I write, my heart hurts so deeply. And my brother and his wife are suffering greatly.

And so this post is just to say that I covet your prayers for my younger brother that I love so very, very much. He has been a strength and help in our family for many years and now he needs our strength and support. . . and God's peace. . . the peace that only He can give!

Here are the words of a song that keeps going through my mind.

"God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way

He will make a way."

Don Moen

I'm holding to that!

The Pathway

2008-07-07T00:15:00.001-05:00

To Grandmother

Shattered and broken,

I lay at your feet.

No strength to go on,

too many ghosts do defeat.

Gently. . . you stroked my head.

Quietly. . . you dried my tears.

You somehow gave me courage

to face all my fears.

I looked to your face;

so gentle. . . so wise.

I leaned on the strength

that glowed in your eyes.

You shared how you too,

had once walked this road.

You knew what it felt like

to carry this load.

For years now, I've looked

to you for my strength

trusted you to help me

when I felt I might sink.

But soon now your journey

of toil will be through,

and I can't help but wonder

What will I do?

Where will I go

when my confidence wanes?

Where will I turn

when I'm broken with pain?

Seems now I hear you. . .

your voice sweet and low;

"Seek the path I have traveled

it shows where to go."

I look down that path

and I see at its end

a shadowy vision

that shows where you've been.

There in the dirt

worn down through the years

are two tiny knee prints

and a cup full of tears.

Holding the cup

sits a man robed in white.

His face wise and gentle

His eyes full of light.

I listen in awe

to the words He now speaks

for somehow He knows

the answers I seek.

"Shattered and broken

SHE lay at MY feet.

No strength to go on,

too many ghosts to defeat.

Gently. . . I stroked her head.

Quietly. . . I dried her tears

I then gave her courage

to face all her fears.

Her journey's soon over

but there's room

here for you.

She cleared the path. . .

So YOU would know what to do.

Darlene

Toward the end of my mother's life, my daughter Darlene wrote this poem for her.

Both have now completed life's journey. This same Jesus will lead each of us every step of the way. And when that last step is taken, we will be home! What a glorious day that will be!

"We'll sing and shout

and dance about

the lamb will dry our tears

We'll have a grand homecoming week

The first ten thousand years!"

R. Browning

4th Of July Celebration!

2008-07-05T23:48:00.020-05:00

This is an "extra" post! Yesterday we celebrated the 4th of July with a delightful great grandson that was born on Independence Day. I asked him how old he was and he said he was "free." (three) Well, it's good to be "free" when you are three! It's good to be "free" whatever your age may be!

The first picture is Hunter who has entered the world of golf! :)

(A cutout of him on the cake)

Younger brother Tyler will be two in Sept. He, too, is such a joy!

Heavenly father, we do not take our freedom lightly! May the leaders and people of our beloved America continue to affirm, "one nation under God" and "in God we trust." You are our hope our only hope for seeing the new generation continuing to enjoy the blessings of

freedom.

He Cares For You

2008-06-30T01:14:00.014-05:00

Several days ago I was at a diagnostic clinic having blood work done. Across the hall I could hear a child screaming. I then saw the toddler run out of the room, still crying and looking very frightened. He had probably had this procedure done before and knew what was coming. I felt so sorry for the little fellow because I knew he couldn't possibly understand the reason for the pain that was being inflicted on him.

Later I thought about my mother after she suffered a severe stroke. I had such a wonderful mother, who was so kind and loving throughout her life. After the stroke my husband and I both wanted to keep her in our home even though the other members of the family felt it would be too much for us because my mother had to be turned every few hours, day and night. But we wanted to give it a try. God miraculously equipped us to care for her until the end of her life. She lived about four more months.

One day we were changing mother's bed sheets and it was evident that this was bringing discomfort to her. At one point she looked up at me and with pleading eyes, said, "What did I do to deserve this?" It just about broke my heart. I loved her so much and would never bring unnecessary pain to her. I tried to explain why I needed to change the sheet and knew I had to complete the task, even though she didn't really understand. Just like the little boy that was crying and afraid didn't understand.

When suffering and adversity come to us, we are tempted to look up and say, "Oh, God, Why? Why? What did I do to deserve this?" And yet the pain continues. If we could see the complete picture as God sees, we would then understand His plan and purpose. We would see that something of eternal value is being done through the pain and struggle. But in our limited knowledge and small frame of reference we cannot possibly understand and what seems to us a silence from heaven is actually a time when heaven is very near. How sweet is His promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) He is there all the time.

God made this so clear to me when I was reaching out to meet the needs of my precious mother.

Sweet is the promise, "I will not forget thee,"

Nothing can molest or turn my soul away;

E'en though the night be dark within the valley,

Just beyond is shining an eternal day.

Trusting the promise, "I will not forget thee,"

Onward I will go with songs of joy and love,

Though earth despise me,

Though my friends forsake me,

I shall be remembered in my home above.

When at the golden portals I am standing,

All my tribulations, all my sorrows past;

How sweet to hear the blessed proclamation,

"Enter, faithful servant, welcome home at last."

Refrain

I will not forget thee or leave thee,

In My hands I'll hold thee,

In My arms I'll fold thee,

I will not forget thee or leave thee;

I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee.

Charles H. Gabriel

I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.

Isaiah 49:15,16

The Yellow Feather

2008-06-23T00:15:00.008-05:00

In 1974 I suffered a serious burn and was in the hospital for five weeks. After skin grafts I had to lie perfectly still on the bed for about five or six days. During this period of time I had a vision and the message of that vision is just as clear today as it was then.

In my mind I could see turbulent waters and a little yellow feather floating unharmed in the boisterous waves. I asked God what this meant and He said that the yellow feather represented me. I asked what earthly use could there be for a yellow feather. He answered, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." I was given loving assurance that the feather belonged to Him and that its value was known only to Him. I then asked, "But why is it yellow?" He revealed that to me yellow represented fears and I had many fears.

The main thought that was left with me was to always keep my focus on His love and not look at the weakness and frailty of the feather. I did not see His eye but I could feel His eye with a love I could never, ever explain.

Through the years I have had times of feeling so fearful and inadequate and when the "yellow feather" comes to my mind, I am reminded that God loves me with an everlasting love and will protect me through all the storms of life.

There was one time in particular that I was going through a time of darkness and I received a little yellow feather in the mail from a friend that I had shared this vision with. A note was enclosed. She wrote that her young daughter found the feather on the ground and when she looked at it she thought of me. Coincidence? I think not! Rather another reminder of God's tender and compassionate love.

"His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches me."

Do You Love Enough?

2008-06-16T00:30:00.015-05:00

I was listening to a speaker from New York who had experienced phenomenal growth in his church. He was telling the congregation some of the background of the church and how it came to be. At the end of his sharing he invited anyone that had a question to come to the front.

There were several people, including me, that came forward. The question I asked was how I could overcome fear in witnessing to others about Jesus. The speaker looked right into my eyes and said, "The question is not about fear. The question is, "Do you love enough?"

Immediately, like a flashback, I remembered a wreck that our family had on the freeway when moving from LA to TX. A truck did not stop at the Stop sign and side swiped our car. The breath was knocked out of our youngest son. I don't remember how we got him out of the car but we had him lying on the ground next to the pavement. Not knowing how serious his injuries might be, I dropped to my knees and began to pray. People were beginning to gather around us but I could care less what they thought of me on my knees praying. My only thought was the love and concern for my child.

The question, "Do you love enough?" is still one to be answered. Regardless of our age there is always an element of fear when stepping out in faith to witness or to be obedient to God's call for whatever it might be.

Christian author, Beth Moore, told about an experience she had in a Knoxville, Airport. She was waiting to board the plane, had her Bible in her lap, and noticed this old man humped over in a wheelchair that was "skin and bones." He had "stringy gray hair" that was long and hung well over his shoulders.

As she was reading her Bible, she had a clear impression from the Lord that He wanted her to ask the man if she could brush his hair. She more or less began arguing with God. "Oh,no, God, please no!" But she ended up brushing this old man's hair. Beth said she knew it sounded strange, but as she was brushing his hair she felt a kind of love that she had never felt for another soul in her life. She said that the emotions were so strong and so pure it was like God had completely overtaken her heart for those few minutes. Like "renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while."

It turned out that the old man was on his way to see his wife that had been too ill to come to the hospital where he had open heart surgery. He had not seen her in months. God saw his tangled and matted hair and whispered to Beth, "I want you to brush his hair."

I'm so glad that Beth "loved enough!" God wants to love through each one of us in helping others. Our obedience will bring joy and satisfaction in return. How many opportunities and blessings do we miss because of fear of what people might think or by not loving enough.

"Heavenly Father, I come to you and pray that you will fill me with your love and that your perfect love will cast out my fears so that I can say, "Yes, Lord," in complete obedience to your will."

"My heart, my life, my all I bring to Christ Who loves me so.

He is my Master, Lord, and King; wherever He leads, I'll go."

"Wherever He leads, I'll go. Wherever He leads, I'll go;

I'll follow my Christ Who loves me so,

Wherever He leads, I'll go."

Philip Carter

Paw Paw Can Fix It!

2008-06-09T06:00:00.011-05:00

When my great grandson was about two and a half years of age I picked him up from the daycare where he attended, and we started walking to the car. All of a sudden, he stopped, bent down and started picking up broken pieces of plastic from the ground. The plastic looked like a small Easter egg that had been stepped on. He carefully placed each piece in his little hand and looking up at me with such confidence on his face, said, "Paw Paw can fix it!"

Oh, how many times this scene has come back to me when I have looked at the pieces of brokenness in situations that have entered into my life and into the lives of my family. I can see that precious little boy and hear him saying, without any hesitation, "Paw Paw can fix it!"

Is there something in your life that has been broken and shattered? Is the heartache almost more than you can bear? Place all of the pieces in the hand of your Heavenly Father and with a childlike faith and trust, believe that, "With God all things are possible." There is nothing too hard for Him. . . nothing!

"Paw Paw can fix it!"

It's Good To Be Back!

2008-06-02T06:00:00.005-05:00

Camping was great. . .

and I may write about "my world of camping" in a later post but for now I would like to share with you what is on my heart concerning blogging.

I have been undecided about what to do, although I realized that I needed to make some changes. I came to the conclusion that trying to post every day was just too stressful. And I think to blog should be something that brings joy and satisfaction as we share our thoughts and activities with others. So, I plan to post once a week, at least for now, on Monday's. . . starting today!

After reading my post, I encourage you to go to Beth's blog, "A Mom's Life" and read about miracles that are posted every Monday, also. Just click the "Miracle Monday" button to the right.

Having others to share miracles in their life is something that Beth felt God leading her to do. I have read each one of the miracles and have been blessed and I think you will too! I don't even remember how I found Beth's blog; perhaps it was the hand of God. I just know I feel so good about telling you of Beth's "Miracle Monday."

Even though I have not posted in over two weeks, I have continued to read many other blogs. There are over 2,000 members on The Christian Women Online Blogroll! Yet it seems to come down to drawing a circle and deciding which ones to place in the circle to become like "family." Perhaps God directs, I don't know. But I know that we are drawn to certain blogs to read on a regular basis.

I also have friends that read my post but do not blog or comment. Each of you are also in my "family" circle. Thanks for visiting my blog. . . I appreciate you, each and every one!

There have been several families mentioned in the last couple of weeks that are grieving over the loss of a child:

Five year old Marie Sue, daughter of Steven and Mary Beth Chapman

Selah's Todd Smith and wife Angie, in the death of baby Audrey

Todd's sister Nicol (who sang in Selah) the loss of son, Luke

Vickie Nigeria, who wrote in Rachel Owen's blog about the loss of her fourteen year old son.

And so, the following poem is for every parent that is in grief over the loss of a child or to someone you may know that is grieving. This poem meant so much to our family when we suffered the loss of our teenage son.

"I'll Lend You A Child

By Edgar Guest

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.

For you to love - while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,

And should this stay be brief

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

I've looked this world over

In search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd

Life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all our love,

Nor count the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call to
take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,

For all the joy Thy child shall bring.

The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,

We'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that come

And try to understand.

Monday's Quote:
Somewhere there's someone who dreams of your smile, and finds in your presence that life is worth while, so when you are lonely, remember this is true. Somebody, somewhere is thinking of you.
Author Unknown

I would like to make you aware of the Contest on "The Righteous Buzz" blog. This is National Dystonia Awareness Week and if you go to this blog, you will learn more about this disease and you can enter the contest. The prize is a 25.00 card for Starbuck's!!!

www.righteousbuzz.blogspot.com

Endless Pattern

2008-05-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

Visiting at my sister-in-laws house she took me to her back yard and said that she wanted to show me what "she and the Lord had done." Beautiful plants filled the yard and as we walked around she would point to different ones as she called each by name. She tenderly cares for these plants, and knows exactly what each one needs to flourish and bloom.

My mind took me to another sister-in-law that has devoted many, many hours creating and designing exquisite clothes for her dolls, dressing them with attire from the late 19th century and early 20th. The dolls and the plants are just two examples of how each one of us are being drawn to a particular interest and from this a unique and distinct pattern of creativity develops.

The achievements throughout the world that evolve from the human mind stagger the imagination. Yet God is the original creator of all things and the facets of creativity we see in human beings are sparks of energy from His Omnipotence.

We are "wonderfully and fearfully made" and God has placed within us creative desires and abilities that go beyond our scope of vision. May none of us feel that our "little design" is inferior to others but realize that we are a part of a larger design and pattern that God has conceived. Like a kaleidoscope, beautiful images continually emerge.

Thank you, Father, for allowing each of us to have a part in your workmanship. We stand in awe of its beauty. You are the one who created the heavens and the earth. You also formed each one of us, giving us different talents and gifts and wisdom to create and then to enjoy the fruit of our labor. And this creative process will continue throughout the eons of time. We give you praise, and honor and glory for everything that we behold. Marvelous are your works, oh, God.

A Miracle of Love

2008-05-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas was on its way. The tree had been bought and readied for decorating. But the excitement of previous years was not there. I felt such grief thinking of our son Don, who had been killed in a car accident only six months before. Yet there were still reminders of our happy, laughing teen ager around the house, such as the little plastic labels with messages he'd punched out, stuck here and there.
With heavy heart, I went to the attic to get the decorations. I pulled the box to the door and, kneeling in front, removed the lid. Nostalgia hit me with such force! I just laid my head against that door and crying said, "Don, I love you, I love you, I love you."

Then to my amazement, I saw that right where my head had rested was one of those familiar plastic labels, and printed on it were the words, I LOVE YOU.

It was as if Don had broken the barrier of time and space to speak to us that day. I ran to get my husband to show him our son's message. Tears filled his eyes as we hugged, and the light and love of Christmas filled our hearts and soon was reflected on our tree and in our home, making this the most beautiful Christmas we have ever had.

We still live in the house where this incident happened and the little I LOVE YOU tape remains on the attic door.

The pictures below were taken of the door into the attic. The little plastic tape could have been there as long as two years prior to that day of discovery. My husband, Curtis, and I had been in and out of the attic, yet neither of us noticed the tape until the day my head rested on it. I love what Curtis said, "It was like God planted a seed, then hid it from view until time for it to bloom."

Love. . . has no limits. . . it transcends through time and space.

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE!

Don

2008-05-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I could write a book about the antics of my youngest son, Don. I feel confident that he would have been diagnosed with ADD but I don't think Attention Deficit Disorder was even on the books fifty years ago. Not only was Don's attention span very short but he was perpetual motion. . .even before he was born I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach.

One day when Don was just a toddler I put him in his bed for a nap and later opened his bedroom door to check on him. The bed was empty and the window was open! Don was gone! I ran outside and found him rolling a garbage can several times larger than he was, right down the middle of the street!

At about the same age Don and I were in the front yard when my next door neighbor came out. I went over to talk with her for a few minutes and in the length of time my head was turned, Don had turned on the water hose and was filling the back seat of our car with water! He seemed to be having such a grand time. My neighbor commented on how much patience I had. I told her I had to or I would go crazy!

I had a gas stove in the kitchen and Don discovered that if he threw something up on the burner that it would catch on fire. One day he threw one of my good shoes on the flame so I had to watch closely when cooking. I don't think Don was intentionally being bad rather he was just curious and "inventive."

Our house was on an incline and one day I looked out the window and in horror watched my car backing down the drive way, then on across the street, and finally stopping within a few feet of smashing into the window of the neighbors house. Don was in the car! He had somehow dislodged the brake and the car took off!

This story now brings a smile. Our church was in a revival and had chosen our family to represent an "ideal" Christian family. There we were, husband and wife with our three little darlings standing on the platform. That was the same day that I received a phone call from my neighbor, "Mrs. McFatter, your house is on fire!" I ran out and sure enough I saw flames on the fence right next to the eaves of the roof. My husband and I picked up blankets and started beating the flames out and I was hollering the whole time at Don. But then at church that night there we stood smiling and looking like that "perfect" family.

The reason for the fire? Don said that he was killing mosquitoes!!

There are many more stories that I could tell but when Don was about sixteen he finally "grew out" of being so hyper. He grew up to have such a sweet and loving nature. I can't count the times that before going to bed he would say, "I love you, mom. I love you, dad." And when he was a little younger, he and Curtis had a routine that they went through just about every night. Curtis would start singing from his bed, "I love you a bushel and a peck" and from Don's bedroom he would answer with the next line, "A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." Then Curtis with, "A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap", and Don would complete with, "A barrel and a heap and I'm talking in my sleep about you. They would then go back and forth with, "About you", until Don would drift off to sleep.

This incident still touches my heart. When Don was a teen I had a serious burn and was in the hospital for five weeks. I had to have skin grafts and some days I was pretty sedated. I had asked Curtis to bring me a milk shake. Later I called the house and Don answered. I said, "Your dad was supposed to bring me a milk shake." Curtis was not home and it wasn't long until Don came running through my door. The hospital was about eight or ten blocks from our house and Don ran all the way after picking up the shake from McDonald's. He was panting and was

almost breathless.

Thank you, sweet Don, for the love you showed that day. It will live in my heart always.

In 1976 Don was killed instantly in a car accident. And the last thing that Curtis did was to sing the little song, in a whisper, "I love you a bushel and a peck" as we said our final "good bye" to our youngest son, the sunshine of our life!

On Don's birthday, each year, I write him a letter as this makes me feel closer to him. I would like to share the letter that I wrote March 20, 2000. And, incidentally, March 20th is the first day of Spring!

Dear Don,

The calendar says that you would have been forty-two years old today. But God has allowed us to keep you eighteen - always! After all these years, I can still see you sitting on the couch, putting your shoes on, flashing that beautiful smile and expressing your joy of having your own car, your own job to pay for it, and a CB with a handle of "Cracker Jack Kid."

School had been difficult in many ways and you were just weeks away from graduating and then suddenly you were gone! Everything was dark for a long time but day always follows the night. And, now, I find it so comforting to be able to keep you young, laughing, and happy!

The scripture on today's calendar is:

"Save your people and bless your inheritance

Be their shepherd and carry them forever."

Psalm 28:9

Don, if I could go back there are many things I would wish to do different but one thing I would never change - to teach you about Jesus the Good Shepherd. Each day brings me closer home where more and more of our loved ones have gone on before. When I finally make it home, I want to see Jesus - then you, precious Don - then mother and dad and then family and friends.

Love,

Mother

Don's memory is like a beautiful flower in my heart with a sweet, sweet fragrance. On the next post I will share a remarkable story of love concerning Don.

The picture above was one of our favorite pictures of Don.

Look Up!

2008-05-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

I will love the light for it shows me the way,

Yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.

Og Mandena

Galveston Beach

2008-04-28T10:57:00.001-05:00

As, my husband, Curtis, and I strolled along the beach, we were hoping to find a sand dollar among the thousands of tiny shells. I'm not sure if the tide was coming in or going out but we were enjoying the relaxing time of just being there and watching the large waves come in and then see them break into white capped ripples. And we also enjoyed watching the hundreds of seagulls flying all around looking for something to eat.

We have been coming to this beach since we were teenagers. Looking out across the ocean, here on the Gulf of Mexico, it looks the same now as it did then. But the people who walk along the shore have changed and continue to change.

When we came here as teens with our church group, the girls would all get together to go swimming and the boys were taken a mile or so down the beach. Far enough that we could hardly see them. "Mixed bathing" as it was called, was not allowed.

Thinking of the many changes in the last century, of morals and standards, the pendulum has reversed and has swung way out in the opposite direction. I think it is past time for it to swing back and strive for a better balance. Why is it so difficult to get a good balance in life?

One of the things that we did while in Galveston was to see the Titanic Exhibition at Moody Gardens. There were over a 125 authentic artifacts rescued from the Titanic on display and several re-creations of some of her famous rooms. We also read a number of stories of her passengers and crew. This was a sobering experience and also a reminder that none of us know what tomorrow may hold. We have only today. I like this quote:

"Yesterday is a cancelled check

Tomorrow is a promissory note

Today is cash. . . spend it!"

(and I would like to add. . . spend it with care!)

Another thing that happened at Galveston was a dream that I had. I dreamed that I was desperately trying to reach my son, Don. I was trying to call him on a cell phone to ask him why he had left, where was he, and when was he coming home? It was then that I awoke and I knew the answers to all those questions. We lost Don in a car accident when he was eighteen years of age. That was over thirty years ago but the dream brought him into sharp focus.

A Singing Brook

2008-04-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

A brook would lose its song

if God removed the rocks.

author unknown

Headed For The Beach!

2008-04-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

I'm excited because Curtis and I are headed for the beach at Galveston, TX where we will spend a couple of days. Darlene, loved the beach and the ocean. This is where she would go when life seemed to be pressing in and she needed an escape. She would stroll up and down the shore looking for sand dollars, as she listened to the roar of the mighty ocean waves.

The sand dollar is an ocean animal related to the starfish and sea urchin and are washed ashore when the tide comes in. Darlene had a large container of sand dollars that she found over a period of many years. I was told by a friend that she said a prayer each time she found one. This makes the collection even more precious now that she is gone.

Curtis and I plan to walk along the shore also and I would be so delighted if we should find a sand dollar. But even if this does not happen just walking on the beach will make us feel closer to our daughter and we will give thanks to God that we still have each other and will give praise for each new sunrise that He allows us to have.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There's a pretty little legend

That I would like to tell

Of the birth and death of Jesus

Found in this lowly shell

If you examine closely,

You'll see that you find here

Four nail holes and a fifth one

Made by a Roman's Spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,

Its center is the star

That appeared unto the shepherds

And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia

Etched on the other side

Reminds us of His birthday

Our Happy Christmastide.

Now break the centre open

And here you will release

The five white doves awaiting

to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,

Christ left for you and me

To help us spread His Gospel

Through all eternity.

Anonymous

It's Me Again, God

2008-04-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Remember me, God?

I come every day

Just to talk with You, Lord,

and to learn how to pray.

You make me feel welcome,

You reach out Your hand.

I need never explain,

for you understand.

I come to You frightened

and burdened with care,

So lonely and lost

and so filled with despair,

And suddenly, Lord,

I'm no longer afraid - -

My burden is lighter

and the dark shadows fade.

Oh God, what a comfort

to know that You care

And to know when I seek You,

You will always be there.

Helen Stiner Rice

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For My Yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11: 28-30

A Morning At The Park

2008-04-22T16:36:00.000-05:00

One morning I was sitting on a bench at the park while I watched my grandson playing on the swings. A young mother was there with her little girl. The toddler was laughing and running all around and ran right over an ant bed. At this point, the mother, raising her voice, said, "Stay away from that!" The child seem oblivious to the ant bed and continued to play close by and several minutes later, almost stepped in the ant bed again. Her mother said, "I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM THERE!" She looked like she was about to give the little one a spat.

I turned around and said, "You, know, I don't think she has seen the ants. Maybe you could show her and explain that they sting. So then, the mother, got on her knees, pointed to the ants and explained to the child how these ants could hurt her. It was then the little girl seemed to see them for the first time, although it was apparent that she didn't understand the danger as she reached out to them with her tiny little hands.

As I thought about this, I wondered, how often do we as mature Christians react very much like this mother? Do we simply say to a young Christian, "Stay away from that" and expect them to know the harm of certain sins? When in reality they don't see nor understand!

"Lord,help me to realize that young Christians may not see some things as sin nor understand the danger of the sting and hurt that they can bring. Help me to have patience and a willingness to get on my knees and then in love help to guide and direct. . . and to be there with a soothing ointment when they are stung!"

Opppps!

2008-04-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

One night our ladies group at church had a slumber party! That's right. . .a slumber party! Regardless of your age, you can always be "young at heart" and that's exactly what our ladies did. One of the things we did that night was to share an embarrassing moment in our life. There was much laughter as one woman after another shared. Time takes care of many awkward situations where they are no longer so humiliating.

Here is one of mine!

A young couple in the church that I attended presented a little skit each Sunday where they dressed in "tacky" country clothing. One Sunday the young man was standing at the door when I came in. He had on a plaid shirt with a tie that was covered with small "candy" hearts. I said, "Good Morning" and made mention of his "funny clothes." He bowed his head and looking a little uncomfortable said, "These are my Sunday clothes." His wife was standing a few feet away and said that she had matched his outfit - wanted him to look younger. I said, "Well, I guess I'm just too old to know what's cool!" Hopefully they agreed.

Forgiveness

2008-04-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

He that cannot forgive others

breaks the bridge over which he

must pass himself; for every man

has a need to be forgiven.

Thomas Fuller

The Torch of Faith. . . Continued

2008-04-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I wrote about my great grandmother and before going to another subject I would like to share a few more thoughts about my heritage.

My grandmother was also a very Godly woman. At one time my grandfather felt he was called to preach and my grandmother said to him, "Van, if you feel that God has called you to preach, I'll live on bread and water." My grandmother died when my mother was about three years of age, the youngest of five girls.

My grandfather never remarried and although he did not become a formal preacher he "preached" to anyone that would listen. In my mind I can see him now, talking with much emotion and wiping away tears with a handkerchief that he would pull out of his pocket as he expounded on the love of Jesus.

For a period of time my mother lived with different relatives after her mother died. She said that her grandmother had the most influence on her life. And, truly, my mother has had the greatest impact on my life.

I was raised in a very sheltered home and after I was grown and had left this protected environment I became somewhat shaky in the larger world I had entered and I began to question everything and in some respects became dispppointed and disillusioned to the greater exposure to life. But there was an image that would come to my mind that held me steady.

The image was my coming home from school and hearing my mother pray in a closed room. When she heard me come in the house she would come out, sometimes singing, other times, just smiling. But the glow on her face cannot be described. I knew that she had made contact with a power beyond the human level. This has stayed with me all of my life and in those "shaky years" when I even doubted the existence of God this image would come back to me and I would say, "Yes, I know there is a God for His presence was shining on my mother's face.

I feel very close to tears as I remember my mother saying to me a number of times, "Hold the light steady."

We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road

And those who've gone before us line the way

Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary

Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

Let us run the race not only for the prize

But as those who've gone before us

Let us leave to those behind us

The heritage of faithfulness

Passed on through godly lives

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light their way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

Jon Mohr

The Torch Of Faith

2008-04-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Torch of Faith" has been passed down for several generations on my mother's side. And I pray that the light will continue to shine in each generation until the coming of the Lord.

I heard my mother and also her sisters tell many stories of their ancesters. They are all gone now and the only stories that can be passed to the next generation are those that were heard by my generation and possible some of our children. Here are a couple of the stories.

My great grandmother was a very Godly woman from all accounts and a woman of prayer and great devotion. One day the weather was stormy and there was danger of a tornado. My great grandmother gathered the children for a place of safety in the house and one of the children asked, "Mamma, aren't you going to pray?" And with calmness she answered, "No, now is the time to trust."

When my great grandmother was on her dying bed she was overheard to say,

"There he is!"

"Who, mamma, is it Pappa?

"No, Jesus."

Isn't that a beautiful way to live. . . . and die?

Maria

2008-04-16T09:30:00.009-05:00

Don't you love to be around someone that is always cheerful, enjoys life and enjoys being with you? My niece, Maria, would fit that mold. When I am with her she makes me feel I am one of the most special people in her life. She has that exceptional ability to see and feel and captivate things all around her. She writes down what she calls her "Daily Dozen." She has shared some of these with me and now I share one with you:

"While at Wal-Mart with two friends, my register lady was the fastest so I got to sit on a bench and read a magazine waiting for the other girls. I looked up and saw a man reach down and pick the head of a red carnation off the floor and give it to his wife who was walking five feet behind him surrounded by their four sons. He bowed, gave her the piece of flower and she blushed. It was sweet to watch. Made me smile."

Today enjoy the "little things" that are all around you. Look for them. . . cherish them. . . for these little things are the "stuff" of life.

With This Ring. . .

2008-04-14T19:34:00.001-05:00

Do you remember the day that your husband placed a ring on your finger and you heard the words, "With this ring I do thee wed.."? The wedding ring is something we hold dear. I thought my ring was incredibly beautiful even though it was just a small gold band. It had little orange blossoms and was hand carved with a silver inlay. Most of the delicate design was worn off but to me the ring had lost none of its beauty.

I lost my cherished wedding ring! Even though I know where and when I lost it, a careful search brought no results. I know that it is gone and it feels strange not to be able to touch or see a ring that has been on my finger fifty-eight years in June. I wore it all the time but somehow it slipped off my finger when getting out of the car.

Sunday morning I was sitting in church and felt such a great loss and sadness. But then the following thoughts began to fill my mind and heart:

What you have lost is a symbol. No one can take away the years of your happy marriage. All that you have shared with your husband, the good days, the storms, the victories, the failures, all that make up a life; none of this is lost.

My spirit was lifted! I am so thankful for those things that cannot be taken away. It is also a reminder that anything that I can see or touch is temporal and all of this will pass away. I want to take inventory of my life. How much time do I invest in those things that have eternal value? Something to think about!

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6: 19,20

Transformed

2008-04-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

What the caterpillar calls the end, God calls the butterfly.

Author Unknown

Betty Crocker's Cook Book

2008-04-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

The "Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book" was issued in 1950. In 1961 a "Betty Crocker's New Picture Cook Book" was printed and Curtis bought me one of these newest additions of Betty Crocker cook books. I understand this particular addition is a real collector's item.

Oh, how I loved that book! I'm sure I spent hours just looking at the pictures of all the luscious things to eat. And I used many of the recipes. When Darlene was a young teen she wanted to make a chocolate cake and used the Betty Crocker cook book. The cake fell and was a real disappointment. Time passed and again she wanted to make a chocolate cake,as she loved anything chocolate! She made the cake and another disappointment. She had used the same recipe! I told her to make a notation not to use that recipe again. To my dismay, I found she had taken a black broad point marker and across the entire page wrote "Pooh Pooh Cake." I couldn't believe that she would write something so crude in my cook book. Not just any cook book but my beloved "Betty Crocker's New Picture Cook Book!"

This happened over thirty years ago. The pages are now aged and worn but the most cherished page of all is the one that Darlene marked on! It represents so much - a fun loving teen that certainly did not intend to do something that resulted in so much reaction from me. We lost our only daughter about four years ago and anything that she touched is now so precious. This is also a reminder that time changes so many things in life. Something we all need to remember. Time and years have brought a completely different perspective to me.

Caramel Apples

2008-04-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

Curtis and family moved to Port Arthur where I lived when we were both very young teenagers. We attended the same church and I didn't like him at all when we first met. I drew his name for a Christmas exchange and told the girls if I had to buy that boy a gift I just wouldn't go to the party! My best girlfriend shrugged and said, "I'll take his name." Later I realized that he was just shy and not a "snob."

Before we married Curtis moved to Houston to look for a job. He would come to Port Arthur on week-ends and I still feel a flutter in my heart when I think about seeing him on those special days. He told me about a young married couple in the church and said the girl looked so much like me that he would get jealous when her husband put his arm around her.

After we were married and attended the church in Houston I looked around the congregation to find that girl. I did see one I thought favored me and pointed her out to Curtis. He said, "That's her!" We became best friends with Anna Rhea and Ronale and had many good times together until they moved to Ohio.

One of the times that Anna Rhea and Ronale were visiting I made Caramel Apples and they were a real hit! A recipe from the 1950 Betty Crocker Cook Book. I loved that cook book!

I have made this caramel sauce many many times and I think it makes the best Caramel Apples ever!

Caramel Apples

2 cups sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup white corn syrup

2/3 cup butter

1 cup cream ( can use whole milk)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon vanilla

Cook 'til little dropped into cold water forms a firm ball, stirring constantly towards end of cooking period to prevent scorching. Remove from heat. Cool until mixture thickens slightly. Quickly dip each apple into the caramel mixture and twist until evenly and completely covered. Drain on waxed paper.

I cut the apples into slices and pour the sauce over the apples. But children would probably rather have the apple whole.

I Believe In Angels

2008-04-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Yes I believe in angels. . .

I would like to tell you about two angels that knocked on my door! My mother had suffered a stroke and my husband and I were pretty well confined to the home. During this time I had a birthday and on "my" day the door bell rang. I went to the door and there they were - two angels, arms laden with food, gifts and flowers! Two very dear friends had on full angel robes with angel wings and halo. They both knew that I collected angels. They had picked up angel hair pasta at Olive Garden with a salad, and angel food cake for dessert. Angel Judy with a slightly crooked halo went to the kitchen to dish up the food while the other angel, Becky, prepared the table. My husband, Curtis and I went to the table where we celebrated my birthday with two beautiful angels!

This happened twelve years ago but it remains in my mind and heart as one of the special days of my life. Do you know of a person that you could be an "angel" to? There are people all around that the touch of your life could make such a difference. Let God dream in you a creative way to reach out to someone that needs you right now!

I believe also in God's heavenly angels. I read that angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible. Angel means messenger. We do not pray to angels but we can pray that God will send an angel to help or minister to someone. This knowledge should give us comfort and encouragement. God has countless ways to help us and sometimes it's through an angel.

Now Is My Time!

2008-04-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever do anything on impulse?

I ask the question not knowing if anyone is reading this! I might be talking to myself but I guess I'm used to that because I have been keeping a personal journal for over twenty years. But in journal writing I don't usually ask myself questions.

About three or four weeks ago I didn't even know what a blog was. I feel a little bit like the writer and speaker, Patsy Clairmont, who recently started blogging. She said, "At my age I thought blogging meant I had a blockage or it was a description of that band of jello slosing around my middle. ." My niece sent me a devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministry and this is where I first noticed the word "blog." I clicked it on and soon found myself in a brand new world! One blog led to another and another and I found myself reading for hours. I am not as disciplined as I would like to be and I became almost obsessed with blogging. Then I realized that I could start a blog! I then spent more time reading how to set up a blog, etc. And I was really excited when I posted my own first blog! Several days later it occurred to me that I would run out of stuff to write in a very short time. I didn't think it through for my age limits much of my former activities.

I first named my blog "Pass the Torch" because I thought that sounded neat to pass the thoughts I would write with others. Then I decided to change it to "Let Your Light Shine."

That seemed a good thing to do but now with a little more thought "Looking Back" seems a better name because most of what I write will be things that have already happened. This blog might be like a meteor - it's there and it's gone! But even a meteor has its moment of glory and people somewhere in the world will see it. So, I'll enjoy my moment. . . for now is my time!

I sure feel better now that I have all this before you! Tomorrow my subject title will be, "I Believe in Angels." Do you?

Hold to Faith!

2008-04-05T05:20:00.001-05:00

A Season

2008-04-04T08:30:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful morning! I love to sit on the deck in my back yard and drink in the sights and sounds of spring! Looking up at the new green leaves I thought about the brevity of their life. One season of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter and the leaves began to fall and soon new ones take their place. Yet each leaf has its place and purpose.

Each of us have a place and purpose and a work to do while on this earth and not unlike the leaves, our "season" is very short and soon others take our place. But this is not the end. As the leaves fall from the tree, they simply take on another form and become part of mother earth. We, too, at the end of this life will take on another form as we enter into eternal life.

Father, how beautiful and wonderful are your ways! Nothing wasted - nothing gone - simply changed.

Noah and the Fish

2008-04-03T02:20:00.000-05:00

Teaching a class of young children I told them the story of Noah and the Ark and how everything was destroyed by water except the people, animals, etc. that were in the ark. After completing the story, I asked each child to draw a picture of the ark. I couldn't help but smile when I was handed the above picture with little fish swimming under the ark.

Well, did the fish perish? What do you think?

Everything Changed

2008-04-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

This is a quote that my sister-in-law, Joy sent to me. And incidentally, she truly is a JOY and is an inspiration to me in so many ways. I hope you enjoy the quote and at the end of the day may you feel a satisfaction that you have indeed found enough time for the things that really matter.

First Day of April

2008-04-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Here is another beautiful bloom from the angel trumpet plant that I can see when looking out the kitchen window. Oh, give praise for the wonderful handiwork of our amazing God!

Today is traditionally known as April Fool's day but no one seems to know for certain how it got started. Here is one explanation from Dictionary.com:

There are several explanations for the origin of April Fools' Day, but here is the most plausible one. April 1st was once New Year's Day in France. In 1582, Pope Gregory declared the adoption of his Gregorian calendar to replace the Julian calendar and New Year's Day was officially changed to January lst. It took awhile for everyone in France to hear the news of this major change and others obstinately reused to accept the new calendar, so a lot of people continued to celebrate New Year's Day on the first of April - earning them the name April fools. The April fools were subjected to ridicule and practical jokes and the tradition was born. The butts of these pranks were first called poisson d'avril or April Fish because a young naive fish is easily caught. A common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke. This evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continues on the first day of April.

I would like to leave this quote with you:

"He is NO FOOL to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Singing In The Rain!

2008-03-31T16:21:00.005-05:00

This is an article that I wrote about my friends, Earl and Marie, some years back:

Earl Lee was scheduled for surgery this morning. I kept feeling the STRONGEST impression to go to the hospital. My First thought was, Well,maybe he is still in surgery and I can sit with Marie. Then I thought, Oh, he is probably out of surgery and the last thing you need when coming out of surgery is a visitor! But I just couldn't get away from the feeling of "GO!"

I picked up my umbrella as dark clouds were gathering. I made my way, hurriedly, to the forth floor and knocked on the door. Marie came to the door. I found that Earl was still waiting for surgery scheduled for 1:00 pm! No one else was there . . . just the two of them in that very quiet room. The rain was now coming down in torrents outside the window. I walked over to the bed and I could tell that Earl was frightened. Big tears filled his eyes and he told me that he believed God had sent me.

I can't explain the feeling of love at the moment. The faithfulness of God never ceases to amaze me! And I was made aware that one of God's children needed a little added assurance. We talked, then the three of us held hands as I prayed. All of us had tears in our eyes. Jesus was there! Just as I said, "Good-bye" to a radiant smiling face and was walking toward the door, the nurse was coming in to give Earl the shot that is given prior to surgery. I think the pastor got there a few minutes later.

To get to my car on the parking lot I had to wade through water. With shoes in hand I began wading to the car in my stocking feet. After starting the car I tried to get home but every where I turned the streets were flooded. After treading water several blocks, I was fearful to go any further so I pulled into a driveway where I left a note with my name, phone number and an explanation of my predicament. I then took my hose off and walked barefoot down the sidewalk, rain beating against my umbrella. I thought of the song, "I'm singing in the rain. . just singing in the rain. . . " At that moment my heart really was singing. I felt so happy and carefree! There was such a joy that I had been obedient to God's divine will and the inconvenience I was experiencing was raining heavenly blessings!

Bloom Where You Are Planted!

2008-03-31T15:39:00.006-05:00

I looked out the kitchen window and saw this glorious hibiscus blooming so beautifully amid the leaves and clutter in the yard. It seemed to say, "I will bloom where I am planted." We could sure take a lesson from this little flower. There is so much clutter all around us but we don't have to give in to despair ,rather let God use us for a blessing right where we are!