Have you ever questioned you? I mean the essence of you, yourself? For example, why am I an emotional, overly excitable person while Sally Sue or Joe Blow is a calm, collected, in control, in charge type person. Oh, I can be that person at times, but the essence of me, the real me tends to get nervous if something goes wrong. The me that responds to misunderstandings about my intentions or my performance is easily excitable, defensive, emotional.
With that understanding of how I respond comes some self-loathing. Self-loathing in the sense that I wish I could act like someone else. Self-loathing in the fact that I wish people would not perceive me as anxious or overwrought and often accompanied with a "Calm down, Mrs. Dean."
Many times my anxiousness comes from truly caring. Like the time a child from our kindergarten class accidentally left the school grounds at dismissal without waiting for his mom (she was late). He simply followed a group of children out the gate and ended up blocks away. Alone. With no idea of where he lived. Back at school, I was falling apart. I felt the weight of the responsibility for his whereabouts. Although it was not my fault, he had been at the place he was supposed to be, he just decided to find mom or find his way home when she didn't show.
God miraculously intervened (I'll save that for another post), but the image of my tear stained face, my worry and fear is what people saw. And that is how I feel I am remembered. Not as a woman of faith because frankly I wasn't at the moment, although God heard mine and others prayers. The little fellow was found in a most wonderful way, but why couldn't I have been the calm, collected one who knew it would all turn out OK?
I've had lots of opportunities at school to reinforce that opinion of me as one who falls apart or flies to her own defense before thinking things through. Yesterday was one of those "opportunities." And after a long day, I finally had my ultimate meltdown with a crying spell in my car on the phone with my understanding hubby after having spent well over an hour grocery shopping only to have to reload the buggy because my wallet was missing. I panicked more at the prospect of not knowing where my wallet was than the fact that I had to put my items back in the buggy and leave without them. (The checkout girl was so helpful!)
Herb found my wallet at home and brought it to me so I could at least buy groceries for supper.
But I went into the grocery store with a tear stained face, black with mascara smudges. I wish I were not that person. I want to be a godly woman who trusts God to be in control and to fill me with self-control.
I am not really sure how to end this post. I am aware that few people read it (I'm so sporadic at writing it), but those who do may feel great pity for this "emotional wreck." I realize too a lot of this is pride about how others perceive me and in that I guess I need to "get over it." But I basically have a need to come to grips with who I am, whose I am and with whom God has made me to be. To let Him take all of my out-of-control emotions and handle them while being convinced that He made me that way, someone who has a tender heart. Someone who can cry easily over a lost child or a hurricane victim or a sappy movie. And not be ashamed in the me He has created.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
School Days, School Days, Good Old Fashioned School Days...
Well, summer break is over and school has 3 days under her belt. The first week has been good. I really do love getting back to school even if I do wish summer break could continue (unfinished projects, sleeping later, not having to be on schedule, etc.). I think the anticipation of the new school season is a holdover from my childhood days.
I lived right across the street from my grammar school so my sister and I were frequent visitors to the playground there and the Book Mobile that came in the summer. As the new school year approached and the week before school started, teachers would post the new class rosters outside their doors. The delight of being able to go up those concrete stairs and enter those empty halls (except for some teachers, a few other students like myself, and a member of the janitor staff) to see firsthand which teacher you would have that year was so exciting.
I still have that joy of seeing the new class roster except this time I am the eductor and not the recipient. I so hope that my "children" have the same anticipation of the new year like I did. Times have changed so much. Children are not as well disciplined as my age group was. They have so many more distractions to keep them less focused. The social issues that they face in their little lives is so much more daunting than any I ever had to face at that age. But I hope that in some way I can provide a little haven in the long process of education and life that looms before them.
I think this is a good time to express thanks to those wonderful ladies of Pearl Stephens School (Macon GA) who served me for the seven years I was in grammar school. (It's called elementary school now. Saying "grammar school" REALLY dates you!) Mrs. Wimberly (1st grade), Miss Wesley (2nd), Mrs. Ricks (3rd), Mrs. Goss (4th), Mrs. Lewis (first few weeks of 5th) and Mrs. Meeks(5th), Mrs. White and Mrs. Wimberly (6th - we switched classes), and Mrs. Lewis, Miss Williams, and Mrs. Deaton (7th - teachers taught their expertise). I know most of you are no longer alive, but thank you for all you taught me. I am a better person for being under your devoted instruction.
I lived right across the street from my grammar school so my sister and I were frequent visitors to the playground there and the Book Mobile that came in the summer. As the new school year approached and the week before school started, teachers would post the new class rosters outside their doors. The delight of being able to go up those concrete stairs and enter those empty halls (except for some teachers, a few other students like myself, and a member of the janitor staff) to see firsthand which teacher you would have that year was so exciting.
I still have that joy of seeing the new class roster except this time I am the eductor and not the recipient. I so hope that my "children" have the same anticipation of the new year like I did. Times have changed so much. Children are not as well disciplined as my age group was. They have so many more distractions to keep them less focused. The social issues that they face in their little lives is so much more daunting than any I ever had to face at that age. But I hope that in some way I can provide a little haven in the long process of education and life that looms before them.
I think this is a good time to express thanks to those wonderful ladies of Pearl Stephens School (Macon GA) who served me for the seven years I was in grammar school. (It's called elementary school now. Saying "grammar school" REALLY dates you!) Mrs. Wimberly (1st grade), Miss Wesley (2nd), Mrs. Ricks (3rd), Mrs. Goss (4th), Mrs. Lewis (first few weeks of 5th) and Mrs. Meeks(5th), Mrs. White and Mrs. Wimberly (6th - we switched classes), and Mrs. Lewis, Miss Williams, and Mrs. Deaton (7th - teachers taught their expertise). I know most of you are no longer alive, but thank you for all you taught me. I am a better person for being under your devoted instruction.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
God's protection story #5
My husband Herb ran from the call of God on his life for the first eight or so years of our marriage. In college, his heart's desire had been to be a professional baseball player having had a pretty successful record as a pitcher at Mercer. However, those hopes were dashed his senior year and yet he did not feel inclined to pursue the ministy. He had already decided as a sophomore in college that he could not visit hospitals or nursing homes, do funerals or speak in front of crowds. So he "ran" and had been running a few years before our life together began.
We married when I was a senior in college and since he was a year ahead of me, he had already started a job by the time we tied the knot. In fact we both went to work (my job was part-time) at a children's home in Macon. We had been there only a year when we moved to Milledgeville for Herb to begin his coaching/teaching career. Unfulfilled in that pursuit, we moved back to Macon after two years for him to begin work as an insurance salesman.
It was during these few years in Macon that God protected my husband from two near life and death experiences. Just a side note: the "Doberman pincher story" where God protected Herb took place after this time. Herb was with yet another insurance company and we were back in Milledegeville. In fact, we were move to Milledgeville for a third time, but that is another story altogether and by that time my dear husband had surrendered to the call of God on his life.
Herb was being trained by an older, experienced agent when they were held up one night at gunpoint. The thieves had hidden in the bushes till Herb and the other agent had come out of the house. When Herb and his boss had gotten to the car, the robbers pushed guns into their backs and demanded the money. Of course, they gave the money to these guys. And their lives were spared. But a few weeks later, Herb was in an even more serious situation.
While making a call to a house in a depressed neighborhood, Herb was approached by a guy who made him get in the front seat while he climbed into the back seat of Herb's car. He demanded Herb's wallet, called him Mr. Dean and told Herb to NOT look back at him in the rearview mirror. After emptying the contents of the wallet, this brazen young man exited the car reminding my husband to keep looking forward and not to look at him. All this took place in broad daylight.
Even though Herb did not come to a full surrender of his life at this point, I know God used it to show him the fraility of life. It would be a few years before he finally realized that God knew best and Herb decided to go with God's plan for his life and not his own. But when he did, it was a complete change!
My husband is one of my favorite preachers. I am so grateful to God for sparing his life and allowing my husband to find his calling in life. I am also thankful that God spared his life so that I did not have to raise my oldest as a single mom. God also blessed Herb and me with two more wonderful children after these two incidents. Thank You for Your protection, Lord!
We married when I was a senior in college and since he was a year ahead of me, he had already started a job by the time we tied the knot. In fact we both went to work (my job was part-time) at a children's home in Macon. We had been there only a year when we moved to Milledgeville for Herb to begin his coaching/teaching career. Unfulfilled in that pursuit, we moved back to Macon after two years for him to begin work as an insurance salesman.
It was during these few years in Macon that God protected my husband from two near life and death experiences. Just a side note: the "Doberman pincher story" where God protected Herb took place after this time. Herb was with yet another insurance company and we were back in Milledegeville. In fact, we were move to Milledgeville for a third time, but that is another story altogether and by that time my dear husband had surrendered to the call of God on his life.
Herb was being trained by an older, experienced agent when they were held up one night at gunpoint. The thieves had hidden in the bushes till Herb and the other agent had come out of the house. When Herb and his boss had gotten to the car, the robbers pushed guns into their backs and demanded the money. Of course, they gave the money to these guys. And their lives were spared. But a few weeks later, Herb was in an even more serious situation.
While making a call to a house in a depressed neighborhood, Herb was approached by a guy who made him get in the front seat while he climbed into the back seat of Herb's car. He demanded Herb's wallet, called him Mr. Dean and told Herb to NOT look back at him in the rearview mirror. After emptying the contents of the wallet, this brazen young man exited the car reminding my husband to keep looking forward and not to look at him. All this took place in broad daylight.
Even though Herb did not come to a full surrender of his life at this point, I know God used it to show him the fraility of life. It would be a few years before he finally realized that God knew best and Herb decided to go with God's plan for his life and not his own. But when he did, it was a complete change!
My husband is one of my favorite preachers. I am so grateful to God for sparing his life and allowing my husband to find his calling in life. I am also thankful that God spared his life so that I did not have to raise my oldest as a single mom. God also blessed Herb and me with two more wonderful children after these two incidents. Thank You for Your protection, Lord!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
God's protection story #4
My daughter Leah had experienced two miscarriages by the end of summer 2011. In October she thought she had her monthly and was returning to normal after the last miscarriage. But by Thanksgiving she had been bleeding every few weeks. By December she knew something was wrong. The doctor discovered it was an ectopic pregnancy and prescribed medicine that would help her body return to normal.
The weekend before Christmas she and her husband planned to travel to Georgia from Oklahoma, but the medicine still had not worked even after two separate doses that week. The doctor had told her he thought it would be safe for her to travel (she was pretty determined to be home for Christmas). On the Friday they were to leave, she had a sharp pain in her abdomen. Her husband took her to the ER and she had emergency surgery.
Prior sonograms had shown little - only that there was no baby in utero. However, the surgery revealed that there was a lot of scarring in her Fallopian tube and that her pregnancy had been a tubal one. My precious girl lost her right Fallopian tube and her chance of having a baby for the third time that year. But God's protection was still so evident through this situaton. How so?
Well, first she and her hubby could have been on the road when her Fallopian tube burst. I can't imagine trying to find a hospital when one's wife is bleeding and in pain. God kept them safe through this. Secondly, Leah had not eaten or drunk anything that morning. This just doesn't happen. She was in the middle of cooking breakfast and hadn't eaten a morsel. She's also a huge coffee drinker, but hadn't even had any water that morning. She was ready for the surgery as if she had prepared for it.
Lastly, they had just acquired health insurance a few weeks prior to this. When Ken left his job the last day of October to go to work time full time with his own company, they knew they would have to find insurance. However, they were not aware that he was not in a grace period with his old insurance. They looked for affordable insurance, but the one they initially wanted had denied coverage to Leah. I suggested that they go with the company that my employer has. Praise the Lord, they were accepted. It was truly just in time.
By Sunday after her surgery on Friday, Leah was able to travel. She and Ken arrived Monday evening. Their visit was only cut short by a few days so we were able to still have a week long visit with them. I was so grateful to have my girl home and healthy! What a joy it was to have them here!
The weekend before Christmas she and her husband planned to travel to Georgia from Oklahoma, but the medicine still had not worked even after two separate doses that week. The doctor had told her he thought it would be safe for her to travel (she was pretty determined to be home for Christmas). On the Friday they were to leave, she had a sharp pain in her abdomen. Her husband took her to the ER and she had emergency surgery.
Prior sonograms had shown little - only that there was no baby in utero. However, the surgery revealed that there was a lot of scarring in her Fallopian tube and that her pregnancy had been a tubal one. My precious girl lost her right Fallopian tube and her chance of having a baby for the third time that year. But God's protection was still so evident through this situaton. How so?
Well, first she and her hubby could have been on the road when her Fallopian tube burst. I can't imagine trying to find a hospital when one's wife is bleeding and in pain. God kept them safe through this. Secondly, Leah had not eaten or drunk anything that morning. This just doesn't happen. She was in the middle of cooking breakfast and hadn't eaten a morsel. She's also a huge coffee drinker, but hadn't even had any water that morning. She was ready for the surgery as if she had prepared for it.
Lastly, they had just acquired health insurance a few weeks prior to this. When Ken left his job the last day of October to go to work time full time with his own company, they knew they would have to find insurance. However, they were not aware that he was not in a grace period with his old insurance. They looked for affordable insurance, but the one they initially wanted had denied coverage to Leah. I suggested that they go with the company that my employer has. Praise the Lord, they were accepted. It was truly just in time.
By Sunday after her surgery on Friday, Leah was able to travel. She and Ken arrived Monday evening. Their visit was only cut short by a few days so we were able to still have a week long visit with them. I was so grateful to have my girl home and healthy! What a joy it was to have them here!
Friday, January 20, 2012
God protection story # 3
This story is not in my own words, but it's from my husband's little booklet Golden Nuggets from the Streams of Life, Chapter 7:"Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dog?". Rejoicing in another example of God's protection!
My fellow insurance agent had just sent me a notic of transfer. When he described the location, I thought I knew where he was talking about. It was my responsibility to find the people and talk to them before I accepted the transfer.
I left the office to find them and soon discovered that I had not listened very well. I went to the area I thought he was talking about, but it did not look like what he had described. I drove around a little while and decided I would ask someone if they knew the people I was hunting.
He had described a very long drive, but I thought he said it was dirt. There was a very long drive, but it was paved. It wound back around in some trees so that I could not see the house from the road. I thought to myself, "If this isn't it maybe they'll know them so I'll try it anyway."
The long drive ended in a fairly large parking area next to a very large house. I knew this wasn't the place, but I was determined to meet the people at this house. My last thought as I was getting out of the car was, "I hope I don't get eaten up." The thought that there was a real possibility of a guard dog at a house like this proved to be accurate.
I was probably 120 feet from the front door. The front porch and door were recessed. I walked toward the door down a long sidewalk. About 15 feet from the front door, I could see around the corner of the recess. As I stepped a step or two closer, there sat the biggest Doberman pinscher I had ever seen.
The moment he saw me, he came down off the porch toward me growling, barking, and gnarling his teeth. I knew enough about animals to know that I could not run. I would have to face him off and slowly work my way back to the car.
Being a Spirit-filled Christian, I would like to say I was full of faith, but the facts are, I was terrified. I knew I could use Jesus' name, so I said shaking, "In-n-n Je-Je-sus' name get back on the porch." I said it twice - scared to death! It seemed only to make him madder.
Then I remembered how the associate pastor of the church I had come from had been on an evangelistic visit when he was approached by a bad dog. He began to sing a praise song to the Lord. The dog quieted down and left him alone. I decided to try that, but evidently the dog didn't like my singing. It didn't worked either.
Fear gripped me and my mind was besieged by gruesome thoughts. I could see an ambulance pulling up in tat driveway with paramedics putting me on a gurney, a piece at a time. All I could do was to face him and take tiny side steps. Each time I moved, he gnarled and moved closer to me. After a few minutes of getting practically nowhere, I began to feel like it was futile. It looked like I would be standing there until someone came home and rescued me or the dog got me - one or the other.
But then deep from within, there were other thoughts that began to come. I began to see that dog as an enemy and that God had promised deliverance from our enemies. I thought of Psalm 91 and others. As I began to think about and meditate on His word, I could feel faith rising within me. As the faith rose from my spirit man, I could feel the fear literally leave my body. I looked at that dog, pointed my finger at its face (maybe not a good idea), and said, "In the name of Jesus, you shut up and get back on that porch!"
The dog stopped barking immediately, backed up about 10 fet, and sat down. It felt so good, I did it again. This time he backed up to the middle of the front yard and sat down again. Evidently he didn't know what a porch was, but he never barked again. I casually strolled to my car and got in.
Safely in the car, I inquired of the Lord, "Why didn't it work the first time that I used Your name?" The Lord spoke and said, "The first time you used my name in fear. My name is not a magic formula. Many people say 'in Jesus' name this' and 'in Jesus' name that,' but they take my name lightly. The authority comes when you exercise my name in faith. To use my name without faith is to take my name in vain."
I have shared this story many times. It was an experience that taught me much about God's word bringing faith and His word delivering us from fear. The Psalmist said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." If there are fears in your life about certain situations, begin to meditate and confess God's word. Faith will rise within you and fear will leave. His name is a stong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe. ~ Herb Dean
My fellow insurance agent had just sent me a notic of transfer. When he described the location, I thought I knew where he was talking about. It was my responsibility to find the people and talk to them before I accepted the transfer.
I left the office to find them and soon discovered that I had not listened very well. I went to the area I thought he was talking about, but it did not look like what he had described. I drove around a little while and decided I would ask someone if they knew the people I was hunting.
He had described a very long drive, but I thought he said it was dirt. There was a very long drive, but it was paved. It wound back around in some trees so that I could not see the house from the road. I thought to myself, "If this isn't it maybe they'll know them so I'll try it anyway."
The long drive ended in a fairly large parking area next to a very large house. I knew this wasn't the place, but I was determined to meet the people at this house. My last thought as I was getting out of the car was, "I hope I don't get eaten up." The thought that there was a real possibility of a guard dog at a house like this proved to be accurate.
I was probably 120 feet from the front door. The front porch and door were recessed. I walked toward the door down a long sidewalk. About 15 feet from the front door, I could see around the corner of the recess. As I stepped a step or two closer, there sat the biggest Doberman pinscher I had ever seen.
The moment he saw me, he came down off the porch toward me growling, barking, and gnarling his teeth. I knew enough about animals to know that I could not run. I would have to face him off and slowly work my way back to the car.
Being a Spirit-filled Christian, I would like to say I was full of faith, but the facts are, I was terrified. I knew I could use Jesus' name, so I said shaking, "In-n-n Je-Je-sus' name get back on the porch." I said it twice - scared to death! It seemed only to make him madder.
Then I remembered how the associate pastor of the church I had come from had been on an evangelistic visit when he was approached by a bad dog. He began to sing a praise song to the Lord. The dog quieted down and left him alone. I decided to try that, but evidently the dog didn't like my singing. It didn't worked either.
Fear gripped me and my mind was besieged by gruesome thoughts. I could see an ambulance pulling up in tat driveway with paramedics putting me on a gurney, a piece at a time. All I could do was to face him and take tiny side steps. Each time I moved, he gnarled and moved closer to me. After a few minutes of getting practically nowhere, I began to feel like it was futile. It looked like I would be standing there until someone came home and rescued me or the dog got me - one or the other.
But then deep from within, there were other thoughts that began to come. I began to see that dog as an enemy and that God had promised deliverance from our enemies. I thought of Psalm 91 and others. As I began to think about and meditate on His word, I could feel faith rising within me. As the faith rose from my spirit man, I could feel the fear literally leave my body. I looked at that dog, pointed my finger at its face (maybe not a good idea), and said, "In the name of Jesus, you shut up and get back on that porch!"
The dog stopped barking immediately, backed up about 10 fet, and sat down. It felt so good, I did it again. This time he backed up to the middle of the front yard and sat down again. Evidently he didn't know what a porch was, but he never barked again. I casually strolled to my car and got in.
Safely in the car, I inquired of the Lord, "Why didn't it work the first time that I used Your name?" The Lord spoke and said, "The first time you used my name in fear. My name is not a magic formula. Many people say 'in Jesus' name this' and 'in Jesus' name that,' but they take my name lightly. The authority comes when you exercise my name in faith. To use my name without faith is to take my name in vain."
I have shared this story many times. It was an experience that taught me much about God's word bringing faith and His word delivering us from fear. The Psalmist said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." If there are fears in your life about certain situations, begin to meditate and confess God's word. Faith will rise within you and fear will leave. His name is a stong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe. ~ Herb Dean
Monday, January 16, 2012
God's protection story #2
One of Daniel's job assignments was in Pensacola FL a few years ago. Herb and I were able to visit him at least once and Saige and her family did too. He had a great condo on Santa Rosa Island. The front of the building opened to the Gulf and his balcony overlooked the condo's pool and the Intercoastal Waterway. Not a bad place for a vacation and getting to visit with your son/brother. Free too!
All my kids have tried to protect me from the knowledge of certain situations because they know my propensity to worry or to get upset. Like the time one of them accidentally shot (air soft bullet) the screen out of one of their laptops. That would have been a time that I would have been very upset. Well, mothers have sixth sense and somehow I found out about it. However, that incident does not compare to the Pensacola Beach story that I found out about some time after it had actually happened.
My son-in-law David, Daniel, and his friend/co-worker went for a swim in the Gulf while Saige, Aubie, and little Matthan (pre-Solomon days) stayed on the beach. The lifeguard flag was yellow, but the guys weren't planning on going out too far. (If I had been there, I would have exercised my motherly authority and forbade them to go in, but alas I was not.) Unbeknownst (yes, this is a word) to them, the flag changed to red while they were still out.
The red flag warned about a rip current and larger waves. All the guys had been out for a while on a sand bar, but as my two sons headed in they were caught in the rip tide. Daniel explained that he was swimming as hard as he could to get to shore and realized he wasn't getting any closer. They both were so exhausted. Daniel could touch the bottom, but the current was dragging him back when he did that. David could not touch the bottom without going under since he is shorter than Daniel, but with those conditions it wouldn't have done any good.
They were calling and waving to Daniel's friend, but he thought they were doing just that. He later told them, next time you need to cry, "HELP!" David told Daniel that he didn't think he was going to make it and Daniel was having the same thoughts about himself. But in a God inspired thought Daniel decided to give David several hard pushes forward and then God sent two large waves that pushed them toward shore and out of the rip tide. Struggling up on shore, they collasped, panting and catching their breath.
In the meantime, Saige had begun to think that her husband and brother had been out way too long. Also they were not in the place she had last spotted them! I don't know if she could have made the decision to go help her husband and brother over leaving her two small children on shore, but I am glad she did not have to make that choice. She would not have made it herself in those treacherous waters and by the time she had begun to be concerned, God was rescuing our boys!
God must have some great plans for these two young men. I hope they will always remember His intervention in their lives knowing that He loves them and wants to use them and their giftings in His kingdom. By the way, Daniel's friend was not in danger since he was not in the rip tide. He and Daniel are still good friends and were roommates on Daniel's last assignment before he left for California. God is so good!
All my kids have tried to protect me from the knowledge of certain situations because they know my propensity to worry or to get upset. Like the time one of them accidentally shot (air soft bullet) the screen out of one of their laptops. That would have been a time that I would have been very upset. Well, mothers have sixth sense and somehow I found out about it. However, that incident does not compare to the Pensacola Beach story that I found out about some time after it had actually happened.
My son-in-law David, Daniel, and his friend/co-worker went for a swim in the Gulf while Saige, Aubie, and little Matthan (pre-Solomon days) stayed on the beach. The lifeguard flag was yellow, but the guys weren't planning on going out too far. (If I had been there, I would have exercised my motherly authority and forbade them to go in, but alas I was not.) Unbeknownst (yes, this is a word) to them, the flag changed to red while they were still out.
The red flag warned about a rip current and larger waves. All the guys had been out for a while on a sand bar, but as my two sons headed in they were caught in the rip tide. Daniel explained that he was swimming as hard as he could to get to shore and realized he wasn't getting any closer. They both were so exhausted. Daniel could touch the bottom, but the current was dragging him back when he did that. David could not touch the bottom without going under since he is shorter than Daniel, but with those conditions it wouldn't have done any good.
They were calling and waving to Daniel's friend, but he thought they were doing just that. He later told them, next time you need to cry, "HELP!" David told Daniel that he didn't think he was going to make it and Daniel was having the same thoughts about himself. But in a God inspired thought Daniel decided to give David several hard pushes forward and then God sent two large waves that pushed them toward shore and out of the rip tide. Struggling up on shore, they collasped, panting and catching their breath.
In the meantime, Saige had begun to think that her husband and brother had been out way too long. Also they were not in the place she had last spotted them! I don't know if she could have made the decision to go help her husband and brother over leaving her two small children on shore, but I am glad she did not have to make that choice. She would not have made it herself in those treacherous waters and by the time she had begun to be concerned, God was rescuing our boys!
God must have some great plans for these two young men. I hope they will always remember His intervention in their lives knowing that He loves them and wants to use them and their giftings in His kingdom. By the way, Daniel's friend was not in danger since he was not in the rip tide. He and Daniel are still good friends and were roommates on Daniel's last assignment before he left for California. God is so good!
A parenthesis
In between the last post and the next post of God's protection, I want to put in a parenthesis of God's goodness in another situation. Because of this blog (which I have wondered why I even started in the first place) a reader and her friend have talked and decided to put some issues that have kept them apart behind them.
I couldn't be happier and that the timing of this blog was influential makes me truly happy. I believe reconciliation would have come about eventually, but that God let me be a part in the timing makes me very grateful! God is so good. Thank you reader for encouraging me to keep posting.
I couldn't be happier and that the timing of this blog was influential makes me truly happy. I believe reconciliation would have come about eventually, but that God let me be a part in the timing makes me very grateful! God is so good. Thank you reader for encouraging me to keep posting.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Protection Story #1
God's protection. He delivers and protects many times without our even being aware that we were in trouble. But there are those times that we know His hand was their to catch us and keep us safe. This first story took place many years ago when Saige was in school at Evergreen Baptist Christian School. She was either in the first or first half of her 2nd grade (we moved toMilledgeville the last half of 2nd grade). Just suffice it to ay that she was young which plays an important part in this story.
She carpooled with Linda J. whose son was a 4th grader at EBCS. One morning when they came to pick Saige up, the door had not caught tightly. As they were riding on Elberta going throught the redlight at Houston, Saige's door flung open at this slight curve in the road. Her lunchbox slid acroos the street, but she did not fall out. She held onto the door handle and was able to pull herself back into the car as it came to a straighter part of the road.
This young child had the instinct to hold onto the door handle, but I believe with all my heart that an angel's hand held her. It gave her the push to pull herself back up into the car and had caught her so she did not skid across the road like her lunchbox had.
God saved my girl for many reasons. She is one of the most creative persons I know. Her voice as blessed me and so many. She is a precious daughter and a wonderful mother to the 3 greatest blessings we know, our grandchildren! Thank you God for saving Saige!
She carpooled with Linda J. whose son was a 4th grader at EBCS. One morning when they came to pick Saige up, the door had not caught tightly. As they were riding on Elberta going throught the redlight at Houston, Saige's door flung open at this slight curve in the road. Her lunchbox slid acroos the street, but she did not fall out. She held onto the door handle and was able to pull herself back into the car as it came to a straighter part of the road.
This young child had the instinct to hold onto the door handle, but I believe with all my heart that an angel's hand held her. It gave her the push to pull herself back up into the car and had caught her so she did not skid across the road like her lunchbox had.
God saved my girl for many reasons. She is one of the most creative persons I know. Her voice as blessed me and so many. She is a precious daughter and a wonderful mother to the 3 greatest blessings we know, our grandchildren! Thank you God for saving Saige!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Daniel to CA
Quick post to be the transition for several posts on "The Wonder of God's Protection." Daniel left for California today. He has a friend who is riding out that with him so that Daniel can have his vehicle when he lives in Palm Springs for the next few months to a year. (For those of you who don't know, Daniel works for the FAA and this is his next job assignment.) His friend will be flying back to his home in Georgia. I am so thankful Daniel has someone who is willing to make the long drive with him. His dad is glad because I was going to make him ride out with our son so he wouldn't have to go the distance alone.
The first stop is Louisiana tonight. It's going to be a late night. Then on to Texas tomorrow and California by Sunday. Daniel has done a lot of driving over these last few years with the FAA and God has protected him each time (I'll have to share about the deer story on one of the upcoming posts). But all the way out to California... well, it makes me want to worry. A mother has got to trust God to protect in inclement weather, bad drivers, tire blowouts, sleepiness, etc. and anything a mother's imagination can invent. I know God is faithful. He has been faithful and I believe He will be faithful to protect my boy! My Lord understands about love for an only begotten son.
The first stop is Louisiana tonight. It's going to be a late night. Then on to Texas tomorrow and California by Sunday. Daniel has done a lot of driving over these last few years with the FAA and God has protected him each time (I'll have to share about the deer story on one of the upcoming posts). But all the way out to California... well, it makes me want to worry. A mother has got to trust God to protect in inclement weather, bad drivers, tire blowouts, sleepiness, etc. and anything a mother's imagination can invent. I know God is faithful. He has been faithful and I believe He will be faithful to protect my boy! My Lord understands about love for an only begotten son.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wonder!
I wrote in my last blog the "rhyming word" for the New Year. "Delve in 2012." Perhaps it would sound better to say "deeply delve into 2012." Which ever sounds best, I need to delve into God's wonders this year!
That was the initial word I heard for this year. Wonder! When I led praise and worship at church January 1, I looked for songs that shared the wonder of His creation and of Himself. I shared with the congregation that I thought that God wanted us to find wonder in His creation, His word, and life experiences this year. (I pronounced it incorrectly though- I said "wander.")
So on that very night, the first day of the new year, I had the joy of seeing Jupiter and a "toothy" Cheshire Cat moon (and, I believe, Venus). Saige and the kids came down for a New Year's dinner. So before she went home to Macon, we rode together to Toys R Us, McDonalds and Kroger where Daniel came to pick me up so the two us could go to Ma's. While waiting for Daniel, Saige and I saw a beautiful bright object in the sky. We thought it had to be an airplane flying in. But it didn't move and it stayed the same size (or so it seemed). I think it was Venus.
Then when Daniel and I got back home, we looked at the moon and the bright "star" next to it. By using his Google Sky Map app on his Smartphone, it told us that the "star" next to the moon was Jupiter. We didn't find "Venus" because that object was already out of sight. (I need to delve to find if Venus was out Sunday night.)
But talk about wonder! I was blown away by the Smartphone's ability to do a sky map, but that paled in comparison to the glory of God's creation. We saw Orion and I didn't need a Sky Map to identify see those three stars in "his" belt! I love the night time sky (although you'll never find me looking through a telescope into the night time sky - my own silly phobia) and what a special way to enjoy it and to enjoy it with my son!
Next blog: the wonder of God's protection.
Then when Daniel and I got back home, we looked at the moon and the bright "star" next to it. By using his Google Sky Map app on his Smartphone, it told us that the "star" next to the moon was Jupiter. We didn't find "Venus" because that object was already out of sight. (I need to delve to find if Venus was out Sunday night.)
But talk about wonder! I was blown away by the Smartphone's ability to do a sky map, but that paled in comparison to the glory of God's creation. We saw Orion and I didn't need a Sky Map to identify see those three stars in "his" belt! I love the night time sky (although you'll never find me looking through a telescope into the night time sky - my own silly phobia) and what a special way to enjoy it and to enjoy it with my son!
Next blog: the wonder of God's protection.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Delve and shelve rhyme with twelve
As Herb preached Sunday, he shared his message for the upcoming year. For most years, he's always had a cute little saying to help remember the message for that year. Here are a few examples: there's an open heaven in 2007 (or 2011), an open gate in 2008, all's fine in 2009..., but what rhymes with twelve, very little. I can think of two words that do: delve and shelve. Delve means 1.to seek laboriously for information, 2.to dig or labor with a spade, and an archaic meaning:to excavate. Shelve means 1. to furnish with shelves, 2. to place on a shelf, 3. a. to put on a shelf:dismiss, b.to put off or aside and 4.to incline (like a shelf).
I think 2012 should be the time to delve into God's Word, worship, and the prophetic destiny for one's life. It is not the time to shelve any callings and talents God has placed within His people. However, we must shelve (put aside) those things that are keeping us from fulfilling God's purpose in life.
So I told my hubby today that the saying for the year is "delve in 2012." But remember to shelve the unproductive traits and don't shelve the giftings from God. To shelve or not shelve may be the question, but in the meantime delve deeply in 2012!.
I think 2012 should be the time to delve into God's Word, worship, and the prophetic destiny for one's life. It is not the time to shelve any callings and talents God has placed within His people. However, we must shelve (put aside) those things that are keeping us from fulfilling God's purpose in life.
So I told my hubby today that the saying for the year is "delve in 2012." But remember to shelve the unproductive traits and don't shelve the giftings from God. To shelve or not shelve may be the question, but in the meantime delve deeply in 2012!.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The beginning of the year
This is the first day of the new year. I'd love to say that I will post every day. I could make it a New Year's resolution, but you know what they say about them... they're made to be broken.
I have journaled for many years, but this year it has been hard to write anything in an official journal. That may be one reason I started the blog. I'd have a place to write without "paper and pen."
I have a Christmas journal that I write in each December. This year I wrote one entry on December 10, one entry on December 16 and then I hurriedly tried to recap the events of the month on the last day of the year. Scribbling and with jumbled words, I "journaled."
Many of my journals have been spiritual ones. I'd like to get back to that this year as well. So here's a simple attempt to begin anew. Even if I don't WRITE my thoughts down, they will be recorded here.
I have journaled for many years, but this year it has been hard to write anything in an official journal. That may be one reason I started the blog. I'd have a place to write without "paper and pen."
I have a Christmas journal that I write in each December. This year I wrote one entry on December 10, one entry on December 16 and then I hurriedly tried to recap the events of the month on the last day of the year. Scribbling and with jumbled words, I "journaled."
Many of my journals have been spiritual ones. I'd like to get back to that this year as well. So here's a simple attempt to begin anew. Even if I don't WRITE my thoughts down, they will be recorded here.
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