LOVING WELL

I went to our Ladies Bible Study Class eager to begin the new study. A long-time fan of this particular mentor, I knew that the material would boost growth. I looked forward to the study and digging through Scripture to see what new lessons God had in store for me.

But I never would have suspected…..

A TUMOR…

I opened the little companion journal to begin my study.

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another. I Jn. 3:11.

 This learned teacher challenged: ask God to show His love to you. She explained that for us to fully understand how to love others well, as directed in 1 John, we must fully know how much we are loved. So,– just ask. Let Him show me how much He loves me so that I can love well.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us,

that we should be called children of God; and so we are. I Jn. 3:1.

This tumor…

 This was my answer. I gave my life to Christ many years ago and, at times, I have learned that God’s ways are not always mine. With Bible, pen and journal ready, we began this journey.

 And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us. I Jn. 3:22.

I had not been feeling well for several weeks, and complications began rapidly increasing. I scheduled yet another doctor’s appointment reluctantly. I really dreaded the idea of surgery but was so ready for life to return to normal.

 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,

declares the LORD, Is. 55:8.

(Did I mention that a beautiful new grandson had been born during this time of my struggles. I was so anxious to feel better so that I could get to know this precious boy.)

Upon my gynecologist advice, I checked into our local hospital for what was supposed to have been a quick exploration with a scope and small procedure to “fix’ my problems. “Lasts only twenty minutes and home before lunch” were my expectations.

I called my prayer warriors with an update and climbed into the hospital bed with confidence. I woke up from an anesthesia nap to see my hubby’s smiling face. Still groggy, I said, “Well, how did it go?”

His face changed as he cleared his throat and so did my future with the next few words.

“He wasn’t able to do the procedure. He found a mass, a tumor… and it is big. Bigger than a softball.”

An MRI was scheduled and the nurse came in to check my vitals. I was told that I could dress and go as an outpatient for the test. But it seems there was another plan at work. As I stood to dress, the hemorrhaging started and I began a rapid decline from that point until days later.

But this was also the place where God began to show His great love to me.

We love because HE first loved us. I Jn. 4:19.

I was lavished love by my Abba Father so thoroughly that I pray to never forget.

 Amidst a whirlwind of activity, I was shown this FATHER love. As I was tucked back into a hospital bed following the MRI and admittance to the Women’s Center, our Pastors, deacons, and friends began to appear. A dear couple brought warm soup to feed my hungry husband as he remained posted near me. Emails, texts and phone chains called for action and believers around the country started interceding on my behalf. After a difficult night, the doctor’s referral sent me packing toward the skilled hands of an oncology surgeon in our capital city. The medical staff met me with ready orders upon my arrival. I was whisked from wheelchair to table where a central line was stitched into my artery, then x-rays, IV fluids, a catheter, oxygen tubes, and a fleet of attentive caregivers took excellent care of my urgent needs.

Although events were rapid and my strength was draining away with the excessive and continuing blood loss, I had peace. It was an incredible feeling to be totally and completely at ease, even as words were being hurled around me that should have caused hysteria. “Tumor. Extremely large. Possibly not benign, as I had first thought. Sending you to an oncology specialist. Very low blood count. High risk surgery. Transfusions. Side effects…” and yet, PEACE.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. I Jn. 4:18.

Over and over, I had opportunity to tell doctors, nurses, those attending to my need, of HIS great love and care for me. I had peace. Even as my physical strength felt completely spent, my heart remained calm. No questions, no fear, no real anxiety. Because HE loved me so well. HE knows always just what I need and I knew that I was getting the best possible care. What more could I ask? No need to question, just rest.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Ps. 36:7

A kind and gentle man introduced himself to me, my surgeon. He inquired, gathered history, examined, diagnosed my situation. Surgery was set.

As bag after bag of fluids and blood was hung on the pole, sweet faces hovered close. Husband, children, parents, siblings, nieces, pastors, deacons, friends, all alternated around my bedside. My hand was held, my needs were met, I was greatly loved. A gentle knock yielded delivery of a magnificent bouquet and a flowering plant soon followed. Cards and gift bags ringed my bed. Books, flowers, a mug bearing Scripture, snacks, new nightshirts, makeup, gift certificates, etc., were all products of more loving kindness. Special loved ones drove hours to lend support. HE never left me. I was loved.

 My double room was made private and my hubby was allowed to sleep in the unused bed. A guest tray took care of his nourishment and spared him leaving and expenses. More love, more blessings. FATHER and husband kept watch over me. What comfort!

In peace will I both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Ps. 4:8.

                                                                                                                            

As I lay shrouded in a blanket inflated with warm air (amazing), and tasks were readying me for surgery, my parents were led into the tiny holding room. Forms were signed and I was asked if all was clear. YES. I had HIM. I had no fear, only peace as the blanket that covered me. Husband, parents and me, we all joined hands and my daddy petitioned for my safekeeping. LOVE. HE heard. Two more units of blood brought the total to seven as  doctor and team worked. Surgery was a success!

While I slept blissfully unaware in recovery, the surgeon assured my waiting husband, family and friends that the almost volleyball-sized tumor had been removed and the complete hysterectomy would assure no recurrence of like problems. Everything removed was suspected benign, but a pathology report would confirm the biopsy results within a few days.

God sent me more expressions of love at the hands of uniformed nurses who nurtured my recovery around the clock. I woke during the night and lay in the wee hours refreshed. As I listened to my husband’s exhausted snores across the room, I had time for praise. God had sent HIS Love to me at my lowest hours. I can assure you that I had never before experienced a time when my own strength had felt so void and my dependence so great, so near a point of dying, or felt so fully blessed. I lacked nothing. HE filled. HE became my strength. HE lifted me when I could barely lift my head. I was loved.

When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Ps. 63: 6-7.

 My husband pushed outside his comfort zones and aided nurses as I made efforts to stand and walk and move progressively forward. Finally the day came when we could return home. Metal staples were removed from the vertical incision that divided my middle. The surgeon gave a final inspection of his handiwork and laid the pathology report on my bedside tray.

The tumor, BENIGN. PRAISE YOU, LORD!!!

Steps of the procedure was clearly explained in written form. Benign. PRAISE YOU, LORD!!!

Line upon line, typed proof, benign. PRAISE YOU, LORD!!! PRAISE YOU, LORD!!! All removed and dissected, all tested, all benign. PRAISE YOU, LORD!!!

We read line after line in praise. All was thoroughly evaluated and all gloriously cancer-free. PRAISE YOU, LORD!!!

(At this point, I might add that I have both parent and sibling who have been the recipients of a cancer diagnosis). I knew that as I had prayed over my own report, I was deeply loved. I knew that whatever the outcome, I would be no less loved. God would be with me, never forsake me, whatever the pathologist revealed. I praised God, understanding that even if I would need to face aggressive rounds of chemo or a shortened life span, HE would love me enough. HE would shelter me and protect me and see me through. Even if HE ushered me into HIS presence, I would be loved. Whatever the outcome, I had HIM to trust. There is joy in that kind of knowing True Love. A peace that passes all understanding….

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rm. 15: 13.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Ph. 4: 7.

As we made the rather bumpy ride home, (Merging traffic, road construction and sneezes are less enjoyable with a large vertical division of your earthly being, just saying.) HIS love awaited our arrival. In the form of casseroles and pot roasts,veggies and salads, yeast breads and rich desserts, the members of our small group Bible study, Sunday School classmates and close friends brought love. Magazines and chocolates were hung in a bag on my door. Fruit baskets and fresh flowers adorned our tables. The Fed Ex driver deposited Sterling Roses at our threshold from our precious children and grands. And then the cards came. Texts. Emails. Facebook posts. Calls of encouragement. Day after day, I sat bandaged, healing, and was loved.

A minor infection required Home Health care and again, brought with it, love. A sweet pastor’s wife, this nurse that had recently worshiped with me at a church event, was able to administer ointment and encouragement. God sent love.

A short few weeks have passed. Notes fill my journal. I could write more of the many ways HE loves me and has loved me so intimately.   My body is mending– but I pray for my heart to remain always tender, remembering these sweet and difficult lessons of love. Who could know that a tumor would be a gift of grace, a mighty expression of HIS love?

Worth Reading

The fat, padded envelope came just a few days ago. I was so excited.

A Book.                                       

I love books. 

Especially books that are worth the reading, vertical books, that lift you up and make you glad you read it– I love books that point you to the Father.

Holley Gerth, author of  YOU’RE ALREADY AMAZING, Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be, has done just that, lifted us up to the very throne room of the Almighty and made us realize our worth in Him.

As I read the title, You’re Already Amazing, I was hesitant. I knew I could trust her to write a great book and I had seen many reviews on it. What I didn’t want was just a book to build me up and make me feel good about myself and leave me there.

This book was so much more than I expected. Holley drew me in immediately and put me at ease with: “You don’t have to do more, be more, have more.”

Her easy-going style has a friendly, inviting approach, backed by the confidence of Holy Scripture, that gave me reason to grab my pen and highlighter.

She offers helpful tools in the form of quick worksheets and personal applications for women of all ages. (And by the way, after some brief discussions about the book with my hubby, I think even the guys who are brave enough to read it, would find this book and its encouragements helpful).

This book is not just another “be all you can be” self-help guide, but pages of Biblical Truth and Promises that help in finding our strengths, skills, and purpose, as we learn to live life to the fullest.

Her straight-forward approach is easy to follow and useful regardless of age or where you find yourself in life. The additional questions and worksheets in the back of the book make it perfect for a small group study.

I can’t wait to share this book with others and watch the (in)courage videos in the Bloom Book Club. 

Thank you Holley!!! I can see this book being read over and over in the years to come.

GRAM BIRTHDAY

Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet little man. This is a page from my journal written about the day you were born– the day I became a “gram”. You fill my life with joy and I know you are a gift from God. I love you so much!

“Almost time.” The doctor passes through a hallway, tugging glove and gown in place. “Not long now.”

Motions, sounds, breathings slow. Universe suspends time. Forehead pressed to wood-grained portal, I hear. “I hear!” YOU! First cry!

Grand entry.

Tears spill over, wash fatigue and fears past reach.

Wide-eyed staring back, you survey this misty mob.

Hands tremble as I reach—feel novice inexperience—new. Me, who mothers a trio of sons, your father one of them. Uncertain, this newborn grandmother.

Tiny package of You, swaddled warm, bundled hopes and dreams. Generation, genealogy, legacy. You to guard and nurture and spoil just enough to fill my role.

I try the name that we have practiced, pondered, and it fits this you. Little Man of ten toes, ten fingers,

fresh scrubbed person that I fell in love with before we even met.

Our Karson, blend of parent’s love, with bits of both and yet all unique. Perfect. Delight!

A bundle of gravity, weight to shape and mold, as Potter’s clay. To teach of steps, words, Scripture. To teach of Him, Life, Light—train up. To talk of Good News Eternal, God talk.

To catch fireflies with, watch caterpillars crawl,

to witness all through those eyes that blink back at mine.    

             

Behold, Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Ps. 127:3.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Pv. 17:6.

RENEW Year

It’s time.Everyone is summing up last year and making lists for the year to come. I look for a dislike button somewhere to push.

Gray. Everywhere gray.

All around the sparkle is being deleted, decorations are crated, peace and good cheer ebbs. I listen to them boast of being glad of its ending.

Today is not different, this last day of the Christmas season. It comes and I fight hard to battle it down, just as in years past. I war against the blah and the gray-blueness of emotion. I struggle to find air in a world quickly pressing to go back to the business of busyness.

But not me, ever the procrastinator. I sit, type thoughts into words while twinkle lights reflect onto my screen. Me trying to hang on, my efforts preserve the spirit a bit longer. I am not ready yet. I glance over at the ornaments that still dangle from green branches. It has to be different this time. Goals are for the days ahead.The journal unblemished, I hold my pen. 

Renew. I must return daily to my first love, the One who gives me life. I plead for a renewed passion for fellowship with God and a renewed hunger for His Word . Restore the joy of my salvation, Lord! 

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Ps. 25:4-5.

Renew Commitment. I want to know Him more. I want to live life more fully for His glory.This is your life’s work for all of us. Rekindle Your fire in me, Father, to tell others the gospel story. I must finish well!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Rm.1:16. 

Renew vows. I pray for our marriage, to cherish my husband more, to build him up and submit to his loving care. I pray for renewed devotion.

Wives submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Col. 3:18.

Renew zeal. I want to be a prayer warrior for my children and grandchildren. I pray for a hedge of protection around them. I pray that they will know Your saving grace and walk boldly in the Truth. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph. 2:8-9. 

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children,  Deut. 6:5-7.

Renew health. I offer my body as living sacrifice unto Him and pray that I can strengthen my earthly vessel in order to serve Him better.

Remake me. Potter, I am your clay.

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Is.64:8.

Our bodies are a temple… 

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. I Cor. 3:16-17.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rm. 12:2.

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Cor. 6:19-20.

Help me recharge and rest in you, Lord. 

But be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Rm. 12:2.

Refresh.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Ps.4:8.

Renew friendships. I long to enjoy the fellowship of the saints. I want to reconnect with those I have not seen in a while. Reunite. Build up.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Hb.10:24-25.

You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to a be a holy priesthood. I Pt.2:5.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Pv.27:17.

Renew priorities. I pray to become a better steward of the time and resources I have been given. Help me re-gift what I have been given to bless others in your name.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal. 5:22-23.

Reaffirm and encourage.Help me repay your loving kindness and reflect your glory. 

Restructure.  

        Revise plans.

                  Rethink.

Renew thanksgiving. Recount blessings. Help me tell others of how much you have blessed me, Lord. Help me offer my gratitude.

 Let me live a life of thanksgiving. May I enter His courts with praise. Eucharisteo.

Now I can’t wait to see what this year will bring.

I will delight in you, Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Je. 29:11.

I want to keep Christmas all year long. 

Four Words

Hope

He came, a tiny babe, wrapping His godliness in a form that we could recognize. Flesh and humanity, like us, yet not. Completely Man and still Completely God. Miraculous.

              

                                         

Mercy

He came, as Light, into our darkness, into our empty void, while we were so depraved, undeserving. He knew our sin, our selfish ways, and yet He came. He knew all that He would face, and still He came down to us. Amazing.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us. Rm. 5:8.

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and “shadow of death” on them a light has dawned. Mt. 4:16.

Grace

He came as love, into our world of need. He knew rejection and hunger and cold. He knew His Father would have to turn away from Him as He took our sins upon Himself, and still He chose us. He knew death on our behalf. Compassion. 

For by grace are you saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Eph. 2:8.

 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. Ti. 2:11.

 

Glory

He knew as He stretched out the nail-torn hands, reaching out to save us from ourselves, that He would seal us in His hands forever, and hold us safely there through all eternity. He knew if we believe in Him that we will rest with Him in splendor on heavenly shores. He knew He would return for us one day as He laid His life aside for redemption’s sake. He knew who will choose Him and those who will reject His Gift. Power.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-7.

As we celebrate this year, we must remember the Truth of Christmas: Jesus. He came as Hope to save. He gives us Mercy even though we are undeserving. He extends His Grace to all who will believe. And He deserves all Glory. 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace… Lk 2:14.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,  Rv. 4:11.

 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Ps. 19:1. 

 

BLUE EYES

(To my beloved, Happy Anniversary!)

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; Song of Solomon 6:3.

My first look into their blueness took me diving straight heartward.

Lost in liquid love. Memory clear still.

And you gazed back into my soul.

Did you see love there

–igniting?

Love, swept up, pulled deep, locked safe in heart chambers, remains there now.

Love is patient and kind. I Cor. 13:4.

25 Years Together

First, as friend, shy, careful. First date, first finger-clasp, first brush of kiss. Tennis sets, popcorned movies, strolled walks, long talking on phone. Step-sitters watching traffic and days pass by. Bright chariot of red with My Prince for dates at lunch. Heartthrob…

30 Years Together

Overwhelmed with busy, you: college courses, camera clicking, games to capture on film. Study, study groups, exams. Quarrelsome dad, pressure…

Me: busyness like you, classes and study, life plans to ponder. Brake and heartbreak—step back, slow down.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things. I Cor. 13:7

Time passes as the shadows, and hearts still bound as one, our worlds collide at a chance supermarket meeting. Together again for good.

Love never ends. I Cor. 13:8.

Cap and gown and teen excitement.

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. Mk 10:9.

Today, graduation day. Your gift, tiny-boxed bit of starlight, one- kneed proposal. Yes, of course, YES!!

Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16.

Three images of father, each blue shades, soul windows like us. Blessings,

God’s gift.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, Ps. 127:3-5.

Those little eyes watch, learn imitation, learn life. Love, responsibility. Dad and mom, sons. Joy!

Family.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Prov. 17:6

Just now, you massage those same eyes of blue, fatigued from long labored day. More line framed but still my undoing. Heart flutter.

Turn away your eyes from me–for they overwhelm me–Song of Sol. 6:5. 

You draw me close. I sigh and look deep, deep to soul,

where faith lives, and goodness, and me.

Until Heaven, and then forever.

Our history, future, now…

Thanks Living

We ask the little ones, “Why did God make us?” They chorus back, “To praise God and glorify Him forever!” Words of wisdom from the mouths of babes.

Why can’t I remember?

It is just that simple. Why do I complicate it?

All He asks is for my gratitude.

I pick up the printed page and the words are there to remind, challenge.

They convict.

Reflect: How has God blessed?

Contrast: What have I done for Him?

I think about Calvary, the old rugged cross learned in hymns of long ago.

Sacrifice, redemptiom, salvation, restoration, all for me, for all who seek.

And those who know your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Ps. 9:10.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. John 5:24

How can I do less than praise?

Me unworthy, sinful, estranged, now forgiven, restored, adopted, renewed, made whole.

How can I live my thanks?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were handed a single bill. Each was tasked to bless someone or several someones. So easy to do and such a good lesson on how much I can do with so little.

Creativity flowed, joy multiplied.

How little it costs to live out thanks!

A quick note added at drive through window surprised the attendant and the ones in the following car. A homeless person was fed. A teen ministry received donation. The kettle was stuffed at the call of a bell.

Little is much when God is in it!!

At this time of year, and all year long, I am reminded to do…to show God’s love. For Him who gave so much, let me live my thanks to Him!

Family Worship

We sit in circled chairs around the room, some even folded onto cushions on the bright patterned rug. This way, we come into His presence for worship. We don’t need cathedral or pew, just praise. We pass hymnals and sing shyly the old phrases and tunes, some familiar, some new for the teaching. In this way, we gather to learn of Him, His Gift, His glory.

Small children listen in the doorways and watch parents thumb Bible pages and bow in prayer. This they learn is important, this family worship.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6.

We share our meal and a bit more of our life stories, going heart deep.With this food prepared by many hands and this family combined by grace, we fellowship. Language and laughter helps us love better those that partake together. We are nourished.

We devour the Word together, hungry together for these morsels from The Bread of Life and refresh our strength with Living Water. We are satisfied.

And the children see, they see the smiles on faces framed in silver, a legacy of faith. They see tears of joy and sorrow, and comfort pressed in close. They see as Scripture is digested and taken in and souls are fed. They see the courage of fathers and the gentleness of mothers as they are held tenderly and cradled near the awesomeness of a Sovereign God. They are taught Love.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproofing, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. 2 Tim 2:15.

Holy Kisses

I saw her come in and slip into line. Minutes later, she passed the steam tray where I spooned macaroni and cheese onto each tray before sliding it down the line. She was barely able to see over the top, but she greeted and thanked each of us as she went. I noticed her bold purple blouse, of course, since it is one of my color favorites, and the handbag that seemed too heavy for her frail arms. She adjusted her bag and took her tray.

Others came and went, some coming back for seconds and even thirds, and we gladly fed until they were filled. God blessed and the room began to empty before our pans were bare.

Many came by to thank us for their dinner as they placed trays in the opening to be washed and made their way back into the night. We started to tidy up as the last few finished eating.

And then, I looked up and saw a flash of purple again. The little lady had returned.

“Come here,” she said, motioning to me. “Come closer.” I leaned far across the counter to reach her. She took my face into her age-worn hands and planted a huge kiss on my cheek. I looked into her mocha eyes, revealed behind the slipping glasses, and saw their sparkle plus the radiant smile that illuminated her face. I squeezed her tight as we thanked each other.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12;I Thess. 5:26.

She went down our row, calling each one to her and thanked us with her best kiss. I stood in awe and watched this tiny angel bestow a blessing on each and laughed when I saw the little gold stud that pierced her nose. She pushed through the heavy glass door and disappeared, and I stood and prayed for her and prayed to never forget her gift to me.

I cannot wait to return next month to see her. I was so thoroughly and profoundly blessed.

 

 

 

 

Our church serves the Salvation Army monthly, and although I have prepared food before, due to schedule conflicts, this was my first time to actually be a part of the serving and greeting of the recipients.

If you have the opportunity, ….GO! You will be blessed. And who knows, maybe a little angel in purple will kiss you with a holy kiss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who shows partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they all are the work of His hands? Job 34:19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay! Ps. 72:2.

He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15.

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Luke 6:20-21.

Measured Grace

Measured Grace

A gram of grace….

Just curious, I looked through the Wikipedia, my online source, since the old dictionary is seldom put back where it belongs…

The word gram, my word, my grandmother name, has multiple meanings.

• gram- a volume of measurement
• -a measure of the resistance an object has to change in its velocity
• an opposite of energy…but not all is associated with identifiable matter. ( am I full of unimportant stuff…lol)

Words like inertial, active, passive… and my favorite part:

The word originates from the Latin gramma – a small weight. (But then that is another topic that I won’t go into).

Ok, so none of this pertains to being a Gram. But it was a fun way to kill some time while the cornbread browned in the oven.

Names are important to me. Biblical titles always held special significance, applied expectation, demanded accountability. So I pondered, fretted, fussed… You see, another of my friends had just announced her pending grandmother status and had a cozy tee monogrammed to show her new moniker and so I started my search. What name would I stitch onto a smart tote to fill with little goodies for sharing? I finally gave up, realizing that I wasn’t even expecting another generation’s birth. I would have plenty of time to decide when that time came.

Funny thing, I had hardly finished my self-talk when the announcement came. I could hardly believe the surprise and joy I felt. And then, O no…, I didn’t have a name yet for the little tyke to call me. He or she would have to call me something. It became my quest. I had to have the perfect name to make it real.

I spent more time thinking of names for myself, and a companion name for the grandfather-to-be who is my mate, than I should have, I suppose. But hey, this was a name that meant a brand new job for me.

I know many of you mom’s can relate.

You hit that “empty nest” stage of life where you are no longer raising toddlers, or picking up school kids and you are cooking for only one other than yourself and wondering what happened to your life. And then you are handed a whole new job description wrapped up in a little box holding a surprise like a pacifier or a frame that says “My Grandchildren. “ (This was not the way the big news came to me, but that, too, is a story saved for later).

I can’t tell you how much fun it is to know that your child, the product of so much love in your life, is about to become a parent. Picking out little pink hair bows or blue booties is more exciting than winning a lottery. And certainly, you can brush aside all remarks like “you are going to spoil this baby” with rebuttals of “that is my job.”

Of course, you are less convincing as a devoted parent, when you breeze right past your child and make a beeline to the bassinet, without so much as a hug for the forgotten one you birthed. You can usually redeem yourself if you go back and embrace said child, once you breathe in the baby lotion-scented bundle and kiss the soft skin and silk crown.  Be prepared to hear remarks of invisibility, etc., but carry on.

I used to laugh with friends who sent countless photos of pretty children who belonged to their offspring. I always told them to send as many as possible, so I could do the same. Alas, my time has come. You will see us at the park, me snapping frame upon frame. And did you see the one where he was playing in the rain, with water running down his thick lashes? And did I show you the one…

I thank You, God, for making me a Gram, for giving me a gift of Your Grace, and as the dictionary defines, my heart is grateful for:

• Grace, the state of kindness and favor towards someone, God’s gift.
• Grace, something that is God-given, made possible only by Jesus Christ and none other.
• God’s gift of salvation granted to sinners for their salvation.

 

• A Greek word related to Charis is Charisma (gracious gift). Chairo (to rejoice, be glad, delighted), and in the Old Testament, defined as “favor,” as “pleasant”, and as “precious”.