Golden Threads

Everyone has a story to tell and everyone has golden threads woven into the fabric of their life.  Here are a few of mine....in no special order or time frame.

The Treasured Book

A thought came to me that I might have some books that I had borrowed that needed to be returned. I had quite a few books and went to my bookshelf to look.  I found several and one in particular caught my attention. It was a small book probably not more than a half inch thick. I opened the cover and realized that the book belonged to a friend, Anita, that I had not seen for over fifteen years! I had no idea where she lived but I remembered a close friend of hers that lived in the Houston area. 

 

I called her friend, Rachel and was able to get an address and mailed the book with an enclosed note. Almost immediately I received a note from Anita, telling me that she was having a very difficult time in her life. She said that she had been praying that God would bring back to her that particular book. . . and He did! It was such a joy to me that I was the one that had the book! We both rejoiced and gave praise to God. 

 You never know when you have a thought to do something, say something, call or write a note to someone that it might be God that is whispering this thought into your mind and heart.

1987

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Holy, Holy, Holy

My husband, Curtis and I attended a Bible Study Fellowship retreat with approximately 1900 other members. The retreat was well planned and we enjoyed it all... the music, special speakers, food, and fellowship with others and yet as impressive as it was I have forgotten the names of most of the speakers, and what they shared, etc. But there is one thing that happened that remains intact in my memory and emotions. As we were coming out of the breakfast room the last morning of the retreat, we were given instructions to go quietly as we gathered in the hotel lobby or on the balcony of our floor where at a given time we were to start singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy." How can one explain this moment as hundreds of voices began to sing. Softly at first then becoming stronger until rising into a crescendo as we completed four verses of this beautiful hymn. The people and even the workers just stood and listened. The only sound or movement that I observed were the elevators as they continued to operate. Curt was so overcome with emotion that he had difficulty singing. It was glorious! I could feel the oneness of spirit as we were singing, although we represented many, many, different denominations and churches.

 Surely, this must have been a foretaste to that day when ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven, and under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10:11

To My Daddy

This was written my our daughter, Darlene, who left us with many beautiful writings, paintings and memories to cherish as solace for our grief after our loss of her from a heart problem.

   

"Daddy, do you love the boys

way more than you love me?"

I remember your eyes welled up with tears

and you placed me on your knee.

"Punkin, you're my only girl

more precious than you know - 

you fill my heart with a special joy

I carry wherever I go,"

Feeling warm and secure in your love

I soon fell fast asleep;

keeping alive within me

the memory of your words so sweet.

A special bond was born that night -

a bond known 'round the world;.

A precious bond known only to

a Daddy and his little girl.

I couldn't stay a little girl,

nature made me grow.

Though a part of me wanted to stay,

I knew I had to go.

I still remember the pain in your eyes

"Darlene, please come home."

But I couldn't Daddy...don't you see

I had to stand on my own.

the struggle I was going through

you couldn't possibly see,

for if I didn't leave right then 

I'd have remained there on your knee.

Many years have since gone by -

many things have changed.

My hair is grey...my children grown,

my household rearranged;

But still sometimes when it's late at night

and I'm feeling sad or alone

I travel back to a place and time -  

a place that feels like home.

I'm sitting on my Daddy's knee,

He gentle smiles at me

He holds me close

And let's me know 

His  'girl'  I'll always be.

The Day The Fog Lifted

 This golden thread was woven in Galveston,  TX where we were invited to join friends, Clayton and Glenna at Victorian Apartments where they were staying for a week.  The lovely apartment s overlooked the ocean

On our first morning there I was up about 6:30am.  I took my bible and devotional books on the little patio.  It was very relaxing and peaceful although a heavy fog completely hid the ocean.  Glenna said the heavy fog had been there ever since they had arrived a day or so before.

When Glenna joined me, she commented on the fog and I, speaking of the ocean said, "But I believe it's there!  We can't see it but it's there!". Glenna went back inside and I continued to write. I  raised my head, looked toward the ocean and to my astonishment the fog had completely lifted!  I called Glenna.  She was as surprised as I was.  She said "Well isn't that odd?"

I said, "Perhaps there will come a time in the future when We will need to remember how in a moment's time the fog was lifted and there before our very eyes was the ocean we so wanted to see.

That time did come!  Two years later Glenna received the news that she had two types of lymphoma.

I wrote a letter to our friends reminding them of the fog in Galveston.  And I added that once again we were standing before the fog and so wanting to see it lifted and behold the glory of God's healing touch. I ended the letter with one of Claytons favorite scripture

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

Glenna and Clayton walked by faith unable to see what  the results would be but when the fog lifted it revealed Glenna was cancer free! To God be the glory!

With all that is happening in our world today the future looks frightening .  But just as sure as we were of the ocean being behind the fog that day in Galveston , we know that Jesus is there, and in my mind I can almost see Him, arms outstretched and saying, "Fear not for "lo I am with you even until the end of the world."

golden thread (two) 1995

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 May I Help You? 

A friend was getting a bus ticket to return home and I sat on a bench near by to wait. I noticed a lady looking at her ticket and she looked distressed.  I asked her if she needed   help....she did.  She could not read English, although she could speak English.  I said, "Do you need to know which gate to take? ". She did so I went to check and there was a Spanish speaking worker in the next room.

When she came back she looked so happy and relieved.  She had a little card in her hand with an address to catch the bus on the corner of Main and McKinny.  (Houston, TX) I knew that was only a few blocks and felt comfortable that Judy, who was driving, would not mind dropping her and the boy off.  Once again the lady was so grateful and thankful.  Her son  had had his tonsils removed the day before at  Galveston and they were  on route back to their home in Brownsville, Tx.   I could tell the boy was in pain. He had a towel in his hands.  I got him a glass of water.

We walked to Judy's car and when we got to Main and McKinney we looked around but no bus station!  What were to do?  Stopping at the corner, we asked a man standing there who "just happened" to be a transit driver and knew exactly what to do!  He said,  "Let me see your ticket." He looked and said, " This is where you catch a bus to the bus station on Harrisburg "  Judy asked, "How do you get there?" He gave exact instructions . Then Judy asked, "How far is it?". He said, " A long way! " Judy didn't blink an eye - she put The car in gear and we were on our way!  The lady had already shared how she had been helped in Galveston. She told us about a couple that had been so kind and helpful.

I looked at her and asked, "Are you a Christian?" A big smile came across her face and she nodded, " Yes. "  I thought so! " I said.  "It seems that God has someone to help you each place you have been!"  After we got to Harrisburg, we realized that again we had arrived at another Metro Stop! But across the street we saw  a small  bus station- big words MEXICO, then another bus station, and still another! I realized how difficult it would have been for this lady and her son to find The right station and it would have meant several blocks of walking.

We found the right bus station and The lady talked to The attendant in Spanish.  The conversation flowed and then to our relief we found out everything was alright.  The little boy, chubby face and hands held out his arms, circled them around my waist and hugged me tightly!  Words cannot express what I felt at that moment!  An incredible love for this little boy I had never met before, and yet, He seemed as dear and as precious as if he had been my very own son!  The lady cried and I put my arms around her and found myself saying, "We will meet again!"  Because we were both  Christians, somehow I felt  confident that we would for my heart believes "Christians never see the last of each other,"

Judy and I both felt such joy and happiness that we had been used as a channel to help someone in need.  

Make me a blessing

Make me a blessing,  

Out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior. I pray, 

Make me a blessing

To someone I pray.

golden thread  (three) 1994

                     

Behold His Glory

No man can count the stars nor can man count the many ways that God reveals His glory I would like to share how God revealed His glory in my mothers life with His mercy and forgiveness!  Mother for some reason felt she could not be forgiven and would be lost if she died.  She agonized over this.  But she said she had decided if she was lost she was going to hell praising God!  Then the thought came, "Why wait?  I'll start right now! She said she thought that the song she started singing was "There's A Shout in the Camp, Hallelujah!"

 With tears in her eyes she described what happened. As she began to sing the ceiling in the room disappeared and white flakes like snow started falling on her but the flakes were not cold...they were warm.  She said she was going to say .."Forgive me" but her lips said. "Praise the Lord!" Mother knew without a doubt that she was 100% forgiven!

 What glory...what radiance was on my mothers face.

Mother passed away in 1996. She lived with us the last few years of her life  and was such a blessing.  My  last words to her were "In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.". 

It won't be long....

" There's a shout in the camp, for the Lord is here,

Hallelujah!  Praise His name,

To the feast of His love we again draw near

Praise, oh praise His name.

Chorus

Room for the millions! Room for all !

Hallelujah! Praise His name. 

Come to the banquet , great and small,

Praise. Oh. Praise His name 

Golden Thread (four)    1994

 

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I

 

 GRACE!

The promises of God bring assurance and relief from fear and impart a deep peace.

I woke up this morning with the word  Grace on my mind   and a tremendous  feeling of  gratitude for God's love, mercy and grace.  Grace...unmerited favor!

Curt and I both will be going to church this morning!  This has, once again, become a special privilege as we take turns, staying with mother.  I told Curt I hoped we would sing a song about grace!  And this scripture came to my mind,  "Far as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him."  Psalm 103: 11  I picked up my Bible and placed a large red book marker on that page of the Bible.

How good to be in church!  When David (Walker) came to the platform he read the following from the Bible... "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.". This was like a beautiful echo!  How thrilling!  Love flowed through  my being  this  morning in a fullness that is seldom matched! It was glorious!

The choir sung a special about Jesus - and that is a song of grace! Jesus alone saves us  - He took my sins to the cross!

golden thread. (5)

 

G

Magnify

I was sitting in my brothers library  and looking at the many books that filled each shelf.

I particularly took note that He had the complete works of  "The Story Of Civilization" by Will Durant.  I thought how the immensity of knowledge for just the planet Earth was astounding. And yet, in the galaxy, Earth  looks like a small marble almost lost in space.  

Even more astounding,  the creator of the Universe looks down and sees me!  One person at a time! He reaches His hand to me and says, "I am your Father - You are my child!" It's all too wonderful for me to understand.  I can't understand!

Through the years countless songs, poems and books have been written from the heart of man his desire to express the impossible... the love of God and the plan of salvation.  I, too, have tried to express these feelings.  And yet I know that

No song has been written

No melody heard

That can fully explain the great love of God

For it goes higher than man has ever gone

And it goes farther than the mind can comprehend

This great love, everlasting love of our God.

                                                              

Bits and Pieces

CAMP MEETING

 I was thinking about a year we went to Camp meeting. .. .we had just drove in to the campgrounds. We didn't have air conditioning, we were hot, so tired from the trip, but I could hear singing coming from the tabernacle. Curt parked the car and as we were walking toward the sounds of singing, I could see familiar faces. I can't explain the joy I felt and the discomfort of the trip was forgotten as we entered the glorious atmosphere of the service. It won't be long until we complete that last mile on this road of life and when we enter that Holy City all the heartache, pain, sorrow, death, will be left behind. We will join the others singing songs that are holy, and we shall behold Him, in all of His glory.

 

 Mike Conner (Cousin) 

Mike had serious heart surgery.  The doctor said he might not live through the surgery but without it he gave him about 6 months.  During the operation Mike said he saw a light and thought it was the operating room but then he saw people standing around the light and knew it was Jesus.  He said Jesus was not ready for him to come yet.  He alao said that he had always thought that justice and mercy of God two different things but now he knew they were both the same. . love.  He said he intends his life to be different that he would do what Jesus wanted him to do and that he wanted to do whatever Jesus wanted.

Bits and Pieces not completed. . . 

We Greet a New Year!

1. Xx
   
   
   
    I will share a few, starting with 2000 

1. 
   
   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.
   
   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
   
   .Encourage your mate
   Every day of 2008
   
   
   !
   
   
   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
   
   
   
   
   I chose a banner with a clock as a reminder of how important time is.  Especially to me, as I am aware that my candle is beginning to flicker. . . Here are some thoughts  to begin the New Year right on time. . . 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   For many years I started the year with a rhyming two liner. And this morning I was reminded of this when a friend, Mildred, asked what my rhyme was for this year.  She gave this one:
   "Thank God for plenty in 2020"
   I thought about it (realizing 20 doesn't have as many word options) but came up with this:
   "Thankful for every penny in 2020"
   I decided to go back to the year 2000 and share a few. . .
   
   
   
    I will share a few, starting with 2000
   
   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.
   
   
   We welcome 2007
   
   
   

 

My Mother

The following was written in 1996 for a Mother's Day tribute at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, TX.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all:  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting:  but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
                                                                                                                                 Proverbs 30:28,29

      The outstanding trait of my mother through the years has been her Godly character.  To me, she has been the ideal of mothers even though her own mother passed away when she was between the ages of three and four.  She lived in different homes of various relatives and was unable to attend school much of the time.  As a young teenager she prayed that if God would make it possible for her to go to school she would live for Him.  Soon after that she found herself in the orphanage at Penile,TX.  Here she was able to continue her education and at the Penile Nazarene Church heard some of the most outstanding preachers in our denomination.

      Memories are like a kaleidoscope - bits and pieces continue to turn, bringing images to my mind.  What should I share?  Let me start with a early memory.  As a very young child I remember hearing my brother in the bedroom crying.  I went to the door - frightened - I saw mother and my brother kneeling by the bed.  Mother looked at me - smiled and speaking softly, explained to me that everything was alright and that my brother was asking for the Lord's forgiveness.  I ran to kneel beside them, my young heart also gripped with conviction yet not fully understanding.  Our home was conducive for prayer and learning about God.

Our house was never a "show-place" yet it was a comfortable home where many friends came to visit and some even to live for periods of time.  Mother gave me great liberty in our house.  I can remember how she would allow me to take cans out of the kitchen cabinet, tie strings around the chairs and table in the dining room and play "Store."

     My parents were teen sponsors at our church.  Mother had a keen wit and a creative mind.  At one of the banquets held in our home, there were more teens than mother expected.  Fearful of not having enough food she quickly devised a game:  A big pot of spaghetti was soon boiling on the stove and each teen was given a full bowl of plain spaghetti.  The object - first one to empty their bowl was declared the winner.  It was great fun for the teens and they never suspected the motive!  Needless to say, there was plenty of food!

      Mother was multi-talented.  She had a beautiful voice, which she used for God's glory through the years.  She taught the Women's Bible Class at Port Arthur First Nazarene church for over twenty-five years.  After I married and would come home to visit I would attend mother's class.  She was a gifted and an anointed teacher.

      I was raised in an extremely 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 began to question everything.  And in some respects became disappointed and disillusioned to the greater exposure to life.  But there was an image that would come to my mind that held me steady.  It was remembering my mother's face after being at  her place of prayer.  I had no doubt that she had been in the presence of God because His glory was on her face.  I have never, ever got away from the memory of that radiance and beauty on her countenance.

      My dad was a business man - so big - so strong - and my mother leaned on his strength and we all understood his authority.  Dad made all the major decisions in our home and was a hard worker and good provider for his family.  But when my dad was in  his late forties because of illness  was unable to work. My mother knew very little about his assets, his trucking business, employees, etc.  Now, here she was, in charge of everything.  She stood only 5' 2" in stature and probably felt even smaller in the face of such gigantic adversity, but she placed her faith in a big God!  During this dark time, I remember how mother stood up at church  and testified of the sweetness of God's presence and how the most beautiful flowers grow not on the mountain tops but in the valley.

      My dad's hospital bills mounted into the thousands of dollars but God blessed the trucking business and mother said it seemed like, during this time, the money "just poured in"  Every bill was paid and God provided far beyond and over the needs.

       How wonderfully God equipped mother in her faithful and loving care of my dad.  A few  hours before his death, mother stood by his bed and read Psalm 121.  I felt I was on "holy ground" in the hospital room that day.  Another chapter was completed in my mother's life.

      Mother went to be with Jesus on Oct 6, 1996..
     On this Mother's Day I give thanks for being raised by a Godly mother who held the light steady. 

O 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.

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

John Mohr.

Christmas 2013

In the above picture I am placing an ornament that my mother gave me many years ago.  My mother passed away in 1996 so it has been over seventeen years that she placed the little ornament in my hand.  As she handed it to me she said, "Now when I am gone I want you to put this on the tree and think of  me."  Each year this special ornament is placed on the tree with love as memories fill my heart and mind of those years she was here.

In the years since my last post I have lost several dear friends. . . have watched others develop health problems and I too have become more fragile in the Winter season of life.  But the next season is Spring. . . new life!  What will it be like?  I, of course, do not have the answer but I know that the God that created me has a plan for me and for each of us.  I can trust His plan to be perfect and beautiful.

Perhaps no one will see this post . . . and if I am the only one, I want it to be a reminder that yesterday is past. . . I cannot bring back one day, one hour or even on moment.  I cannot see tomorrow but I pray that God will help me to see. . . really see the beauty that is all around me today and  regardless of circumstances  not to waste precious hours with worry, or "what ifs" or other negative thinking.  I want to start each day with Psalms 118:24 
"This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it."

                                                            MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas. . . with love!

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 a number of 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.

*

The Adventures of John

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!"

A Perfect Rose

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.

Praise Him!

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

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

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

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

But I will Hope continually, and will

yet praise thee more and more.

Psalm 71:14

Hope

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 prayed, yet when God's peace came, I could lift my head and give praise and honor and glory knowixng 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!

Hope Rejoices!

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?