Ancient Words

Holy words long preserved,
"God said to Moses. 'I AM who I AM.'" Ex. 3:14

For our walk in this world
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

They resound with God's own heart Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
"...God has said, "Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Words of Life
Jesus answered "I AM the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

words of hope
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 21:3-4

Give us strength, help us cope
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7

In this world, where e'er we roam Ancient words will guide us Home.
"The angel said to me, 'These words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 22:6

They resound with God's own heart
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of and archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

May the truth of God's word encourage you today each day as it has encouraged me this past week. The light does show brighter in dark times. The truth sinks deeper. I wait impatiently for my faith to be made sight.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

We're home, She's HOME!

Doug and I had a little get away to beautiful Colorado. We were blessed with a chance to go see a bit of the western state, mostly free. Good old fashioned bartering paid off. My husband worked for a day, we played for three. We saw lot of these...


We also off trail hiked in a few places and saw some amazing rocks, beautiful plants and fun wildlife (mostly birds). My only complaint with hiking is the lack of oxygen. I guess some people in our nation haven't learned that oxygen is one of our guaranteed rights. Or should be. :)


We also got to meet up with Doug's cousin, her husband and adorable son. It was so nice to see them after several years. Of course it made me miss the kids like crazy, but pushing a toy truck across the table was good mommy medicine.

The night before we were coming home we got a phone call that Doug's mom had gone Home. It was incredibly hard to hear the news while we were away. Knowing we couldn't tell the kids, be with my father-in-law, or do anything I just kind of fell apart. But God is good. His timing is perfect. As I sat weeping in a strange bed I turned to the Psalms to find comfort. I honestly can't even remember the number of the Psalm I read but the repeating theme was of God's faithfulness.

We have prayed hard for His perfect timing in these last months. Although she has suffered little physical pain, it has been difficult to watch the disease wage war on her earthly body.

Over the past few years there is an old Chris Rice song that has been a comfort to me. The final verse of this song about praising God talks about our final breath not being the end. "I'll be running to your throne, with every nation, tribe and tongue. To Your arms I'll fly. I'll gaze into your eyes. Then I'll know as I am known. And Your praise goes on."

We are mourning our loss and rejoicing in her gain. Knowing she is running, RUNNING to His throne is a mental picture that takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes.

We may be home. But Mom. Mom's really Home.

Sunsets

One of my favorite quotes in life came in a wedding card.

"May your life have enough clouds to make the sunset beautiful."

My great aunt wrote those words in her weak handwriting. I can still see the words on the card as though it was in front of me. A few words, a huge perspective.

I've been thinking about storms. Especially the one's I've been privileged to see on the ocean front. I love standing with my toes in the edge of the ocean feeling the current pulling the sand out to sea. I love watching the lightening reach its long fingers across the sky. And the wind. The cacophony of its notes sends chills down my spine. It is terrifying and beautiful.

There are two things I love after a storm. Watching the sun come out and bathe the land and sea. There are sparkles of life that were absent before the storm. Everything seems magnified in its wake. Beauty for ashes. The dust and dirt are washed away and there is a chance for new life.

The second is walking that same shore to see what new treasure has been washed up. It requires a powerful storm to remake the shoreline. I don't know about you, but my life needs remade and reshaped. Every day.

I was watching the sun set after days of rainy weather. We were heading to my in-laws house when I saw it begin its slow decent. The sun was not visible. There were far to many clouds for that, but through a small break I could see the rays of the sun stretching toward the ground. Without the clouds there would have been nothing to focus my eyes on that one spot. I would have missed the beauty of that moment. Later as we left the clouds were clearing and the sun was hiding behind a long lazily moving cloud. As I watched I was again reminded of the need for clouds to make beauty; the need for dark days to appreciate the light.

I'm thankful. I'm thankful that the sun always shines again. I'm thankful that the Maker of my life finds value in renewing it. I'm thankful that the clouds of these days added to the many storms we have yet to face will make a gorgeous sunset.

I'll pray the same prayer for you if you'd like. Leave me a comment and let me know if there's s storm you are facing or a joy that is radiating through your life. I'd love the privilege of lifting it to the Father with you.

Chips Off the Old Block

Doug's is really close to his maternal grandparents. I love to see the bond they have and the bond growing between them and my children. They never take anyone too seriously so I've learned not to step in the proverbial kitchen if I can't take the heat.

When Mom #2 was well, about once a month Grandma and Grandpa made dinner and come over to my in-law's place and we would all have dinner together. Grandma (Marge) makes a mean pie...and I'm not a pie eater. Because of health conditions Grandma always asked for a "sliver" of pie. Doug always gives her a tiny sliver to spite her. It's a long standing joke they enjoy.

Last night we were eating cornbread and Ty asks for a piece, but only a small one. Becca with a gleam in her eye says, "You mean a sliver?" Ty quickly retorts in his best Grandpa imitation, "No, Marge."

I'm surprised my mouthful of sweet tea didn't end up in the next room.

Cracked Me Up

The last two weekends we have made the drive to my parents. The round trip is only about three hours and it gives Doug and I chance to talk.

We had stopped at a gas station and while he went to get drinks I decided to clean the windows. Something in the parking lot smelled horrible and Doug asked me if it was the window cleaner. Without thinking I smelled the sponge and said I didn't think so.

The look on his face was priceless. His comment?

"Why do women go through life like it is a scratch and sniff sticker."

I still laugh thinking about it. So I want to know, am I the only woman who puts the sniff test to more than a diaper?

Happy Thoughts

Nothing like a sunny fall day and a parade to take your mind of sad happenings. We went to our local downtown on Saturday for the Fall Festival Parade. Really it's more like we went for the candy, because the parade is really pretty sad. (Don't tell the kids I said that.)

The fun of playing with my new camera more than made up for anything the parade lacked. And the kids had a blast. Hope even dropped her beloved paci once she realized it was candy being thrown

The bagpipers are one of the bright spots I always look forward to.

What can you really say about a man in a kilt. There's just something cool about that.

I must confess. I was getting a little proud about my ability to find my way around the settings on my camera. And then we walked down to the parade (only about a block) and I realized left my memory card at home. My sweet husband went back for it while I watched the kids. And then I couldn't remember how to get it out of monochrome. So there were many pictures I took that did not get recorded. That humble pie is served all too often 'round here. Thank God for my gracious man. Even if he doesn't wear a kilt.

For Today

I really get Ecclesiastes. Nothing is new under the sun. All is vanity.

Daily answering a child's questions about God, heaven, and life as it relates to the death of a loved one has changed who am I. I hope for the better.

Weekly listening to someone's thoughtless remarks about death and dying, often in the presence of my children, has challenged me. I do not think I have ever prayed more fervently asking the Lord to place a seal on my lips. And I praise Him that He does. I seek forgiveness often when I fail.

Watching my husband balance work, home, and caring for his parents has taught me new strength. I see in him fruit born of the Spirit. I see soul changes happening in his life and I rejoice.

I always knew I wouldn't have Mom #2 for long. I just didn't think it would hurt so much to say goodbye. I didn't know what helping a child grieve would look like. I didn't know how it would feel to kiss my first baby girl and have our tears mingle in that moment. I didn't know I would have to answer deep heart wrenching questions so often.

I'm glad I didn't.

My children won't accept the standard pat answers, so I dig. Deep into the Words that hold healing.

"He who began a good work will carry it to completion."

"I will not leave you or forsake you."

"Is anything hard for God?"

"Now we see dimly."

"In my Father's house...."

Ancient words. Words that are neither pat nor contrived. When the world is neither black nor white. When gray is the only color to see, those are the Words that matter. Those are the Words that bring hope into our lives.

For today, we wait. Knowing someday soon, she will go Home. And then, as my little girl said, "she will be perfect."