Greetings!

This past week has really been hard for me and my family. My oldest sister, Viola, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She had been struggling since an aneurism burst in her head back in January. But, today I don’t want to talk about her life, because her living has done that. She left a legacy of good works that will live on in the hearts of all the people she touched for years and years to come. What I really wanted to share with you was the strength and dignity in which my family came together…it was amazing.

When my sister first became ill it was devastating watching her lay there so helpless, but for five months there was someone at her bedside every day. My family pulled together to make sure my sister would be taken care of properly. Viola has two sons, Benjamin and Timothy. They made sure that the hospice she was moved to not only knew they would be there, but that they were not going to settle for less than the best for their mother. To say I was proud of them is an understatement. They did everything possible to give my sister a fighting chance, and I will always love them for that.

The thing that really impressed me was that my entire family worked together…and was on one accord through the whole process. It was awesome. That may not sound like much to most people, but my family has some very strong and opinionated people, and they have no problem letting you know how they feel about any and everything. But, not this time. When she took her last breath, it was like she just drifted off to sleep…it was so peaceful. We may not have been there when she took her first breath, but God allowed us all to be present for her last…and it was so sweet. I will never forget it. I think that may be why we couldn’t fight about anything. God had given us such a gift…no one wanted to ruin it.

I am overwhelmed, overjoyed, and overcome with gratitude and love for the family members who supported my nephews and their families during this time. My prayer is that my family will become even stronger; that we will be even more determined to keep our family close; that we will love each other hard, and that we will continue to be there for one another…no matter what.

Until next time…

Be blessed.

Greetings!

Today is Mother’s Day. This day is usually not so easy for me. I was never blessed to have children, and my mother passed away 33 years ago…some days it seems just like yesterday.  God healed the pain of that loss years ago, but every year I am still challenged with the response of others. It’s hard to maneuver sometimes. Either people are incredibly insensitive when they tell you how “lucky” you are not to have children or they try to “give” you theirs.

This year, I felt it a little more than usual. My oldest sister has been ill since January, and it’s hard to celebrate when she is struggling so hard to even breathe. But, I know that God is still good and that everything He does is good. He has a plan and purpose for everything He does, so I know He is working this all out for her good.

This past weekend, the Women’s Ministry of our church hosted its annual Mother’s Day luncheon. I’m not sure, but it seems like it gets better and better every year. I don’t know about anyone else, but I look forward to it. I love seeing the faces of all the women as they gather together. There is a joy in expectation, and I believe a lot of the women came expecting to be blessed…and, they were not disappointed.

Many of the women have been to the luncheon before and they knew that they were in for a joyous afternoon of good food, fellowship, and fun. Our worship leader set the tone for the afternoon, and did an awesome job of helping to usher in the presence of the Lord. Everything else just seemed to fall into place. I believe that there was a shifting in the atmosphere, and that God made His presence felt in the heart of every believer. The power of the Lord fell on that place and it was awesome. I can’t wait for next year.

I am looking forward to seeing what God does next!

Until next time…

Be blessed!

 

Greetings!

There is something in the atmosphere lately. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels like whatever you want, whatever you have dreamed, whatever decision you need to make…now is the time. Our church began a 14-day corporate fast last week for healing and wholeness…already people have received what they have asked for.  God is able. I am learning to trust Him in ways I never thought possible. God knows what we stand in need of, and even before we ask He is already bringing that thing to pass.
Grateful can’t even begin to express how I feel about the Lord. He has been so good that words don’t seem to be enough. And even though there are things that are not ideal right now, I know He is still good. I love Him fully, wholly, completely…and because I know that He loves me…I know that if I keep my mind fixed on Him…everything will be alright.

I have learned that life is a series of twists and turns, ups and downs. I know that God has built us to handle it, and when it gets to be too much—He covers us. I have had those times when I have wanted to give up, but the Spirit of the Lord is so strong within me that I couldn’t quit even if I wanted to. I thank God for never giving up, and for continuing to bless me in ways I haven’t even thought of yet.

I am learning that with God, it’s impossible to dream too big. The word says that He can do exceedingly and abundantly above what we can even ask or think…that is HUGE. When you let your mind go and you think of the greatest thing imaginable…He can beat it….I love that!

This week, think big...dream big…and believe God.

Until next time…

Be blessed!