Today would have been my grandmother's birthday. I can't believe it's been so long since she has been gone. I remember driving her to the hospital the day of her stoke; we never got to bring her home. I actually lived with her through my first couple years of college; it was interesting to say the least. I am forever grateful that she opened her home to me. But, she had been alone for so many years that having a teenager under her roof was not she had anticipated. I can't say that I blame her. I was either at work, at school, with Scott or had my nose in a book. So, in looking back, we didn't have the opportunity for a lot of quality time, which is regretable. I loved her belly laugh and got to hear it alot. I think I must get my stubborn streak in part from her. :) I look at my boys today.....and so wish she could have met them. Happy Birthday, Grandma.......
okay, so it was a request of one friend, not legions of readers. But, anyway, despite that small detail, I have been prompted to journal a few 'happenings' of my life. Due to whatever it is that seems to follow me around, I have been told on quite a few occasions that I needed to write a book (not due to any writing skills by any stretch of the imagination). The book was advised not because of any other reason but subject matter. And, lets avoid the entire subject of grammar and spelling. I am usually in such a rush, I just let my fingers fly without any proofing and very little thought. Mrs. Looper would cringe.
The purpose I suppose is so I can have a permanent record to allow the whole entire world to enjoy my follies; at my expense and humiliation of course. And, I am most certain I will paint a different picture of myself to those of you who do not know me well....yet. Your opinions will change quickly. And, just why am I doing this? I suppose so I can laugh, at least. And, those people who have encouraged me to write that book someday....well, they also quickly advised that it would have to be titled fiction, because no one with any particle of brain matter would ever believe it was non-fiction.
So, as I am trying to decide which I should tackle first.......the car wash story or the ice cube takes down hair rollers.....you just stay tuned. Grab your tissues and popcorn, because this may be quite entertaining.
It almost feels like I am about to drive a nail into my very own finger. Ouch!
Due to the recent tragedy that has occurred in the little town I grew up in - I am reeling in shock and disbelief as everyone else is ......but, also memories. I am not sure any of us will ever know what truly happened yesterday morning - but, one thing I do know is that both Autrey and Marie loved God, reflected God and spent time with God. They both were radiant. I have a new understanding of how medications & wrong combinations can wreck havoc and despair - and although the details are unknown by me as I write this....I could not help but think of both of them when I read the Crosswalk devotional this morning.......
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark (NIV)
Devotion:
I was on my way to work when an ambulance raced past me.The road was a two lane highway, so it startled me to see it blow by.Soon I heard several sirens and saw the brake lights tapping on the car in front of me.A sheriff was at the crossroads ahead detouring everyone into the country.He told us the road would be shut down for quite some time because of the terrible wreck ahead.My stomach knotted.
Later that morning, the phone rang; my colleague answered and said, “No! Don’t tell me that!”Norma was traveling with a group of teenagers from her church on their way to camp when a driver fell asleep, crossed the center line and hit them head on.Norma didn’t make it.Everyone said she was a fine Christian woman and only 60 years old.The papers said she had just returned from a mission trip with the teens 3 weeks earlier and was always ready to help those in need.
That night I couldn’t stop thinking about Norma.I didn’t know her, but her life made a final impact on mine.I wonder how she spent her last morning?People that barely knew her gave witness that she was a godly lady.So how did they know that?In Exodus 34:29 the Bible gives us a clue.It reads: “When Moses came down from
Mount Sinai
with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.”
Norma must have spent quiet time with the Lord because she was radiant with God’s love.It is not something you can fake.It is not something you can imitate.There is only one way to illuminate God to others, spend time with him.That doesn’t mean feverishly working on programs at church, or feeding the poor, or volunteering for one more project.All of those things are necessary and God uses them as tools to shape and mold us, but before we can give his love to others…we must get alone with God.
Sometimes it is hard to get away from the noise and the clutter of everyday life.We mean to make time, but it seems the clock won’t cooperate.Like the key verse says, often we don’t even take the time to eat.Can you find a quiet place:In the waiting room at a doctor’s office?Stopped in a traffic jam? In the morning before anyone else is up?On a plane?Taking a walk?Watching your children play?On a coffee break? Turning off the TV? James 4:8 tells us, “Come neartoGod and he will come nearto you.”
Last year we started a new tradition.We gave everyone in our family the same devotional book.On any given day we know that our family may be reading the same passage from God.There is something unifying about that. This year I plan to give out P31’s new devotional book.
There is no doubt about it…Norma radiated God’s love to others because she spent time with Him.The Great Healer has written a prescription for your hurried life and weary soul: Quiet time with Him, everyday.
Dear Lord, you know the pace we keep.Teach us to utilize unsuspecting moments in quiet time with you.Give us the desire to come near to you.May our lives reflect your radiance.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I have that pit in my stomach, well, actually my heart. It nags, even when the news is not in my current thoughts. I didn't know her. I didn't even know her name. But, yet, I sat across the room from her Saturday night. We all laughed and giggled at the party of a friend. I looked at her expanding belly - a first pregnancy at eighteen weeks. I watched her as she talked about the baby. And, I smiled. I knew nothing more about her. We exchanged no conversation, probably no more than a smile. But, those moments left a lasting impression on me. I found out hours ago, that this young mother-to-be died yesterday in a tragic car accident. Driving on her way to work to teach a class full of children, like she had so many days before. My heart breaks for her family and friends. For her life that she had yet to live. Eternity is literally a breath away. Unfortunately, it circumstances and events like this that jolt us back into reality, our reality. The reality for me that I need to STOP stressing about the unimportant things I do and LIVE. Live each second we have been given to the absolute fullest. Please join me in covering this family in prayer.
Oh, how I miss you! My heart still hurts so much & you're in my thoughts EVERY day. I still can't allow myself to think about it too much - it's still so overwhelming. But, when I do, I try to remove myself from those last days and think about what you are doing at this VERY second in Heaven. Only that...gives me comfort. It just doesn't seem real yet. I love you...
