IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN 1982-1983

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 13-4

January 18th, 2004 a tiny baby weighing just 1 pound 12 ounces was born into the world.

His name is STEPHEN.

Charlie’s first born child….a son.

Named in memory of his twin brother, Stephen.

Born at just 26 weeks…his dad and mom would endure a trial of daily prayer and hope…that this child will survive.

Today…Stephen is a sweet little guy full of energy, and very smart.

He also has “twin” sisters! They too, born only 1 pound 15 ounces and survivors!

Home in less than a month.

And he also…as his dad…has a sibling in heaven.

…only this child was stillborn.

She also was born very early in the pregnancy, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces. She is spoken of in the post “A Lone Butterfly of Comfort.”

Two in heaven….Kaitlyn and Stephen hold a very sobering remembrance in our hearts.

The realities of life…

…there is going to be sorrow…and pain and suffering. These are all common to mankind. Yet, God has promised us Grace and strength in time of need. He promises that he is with us always.

A song written by a man who lost his dear wife says it all:

God’s way is the best way…though I cannot understand what lies ahead…I know he’s in control…for he watches o’re my soul..
God’s way is the best way…it’s the only way for me.

And he has promised us HOPE…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:1-3

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11

In reading this story of Hope’s Journey…I sincerely pray that you
leave with a cup of refreshing that has given you hope for each day that lies ahead in your life.

That you have tasted that the LORD is good...he is our strength and shining shield. Our all in all...our help in time of need...our sure deliverer and our comfort.

He is faithful.

I pray most of all that you, my readers, know the LORD Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

I invite you today…

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ.
This is the true God, and eternal life.
I John 5:20


It is with my sincerest appreciation to all my readers for the comments left as I shared this story of Hope.

Thank you for the encouragement and refreshing you were to me and the new friendships I have found in you.

Always remember.... It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!!

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE...

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

It is July 1995 and we are awaiting the arrival of Kathryn and her family…to our home in America!

In all my prayers…this never came from my lips…but the hope and desire was always there.

"Oh if Kathryn could only come to America and visit with me in my home and meet my church family."

So many times we have these passing thoughts and yet we never think to pray and ASK…because we think it is too far fetched. We think, oh GOD isn’t interested in this selfish thinking. I mean what could be accomplished with her coming to America? Besides just making us happy to see each other once again. Of course we would never ever forget God’s goodness to us in the work done in our lives and hers. Year by year keeping in touch.

My children…now almost 10 years older than when she saw them last. Of course we’d exchanged photos. But to see them tall and grown is another sight!

Charlie was now 12 yrs. old!! So many years had passed.

But, here we found ourselves pacing the floor….

"Is it possible? Kathryn and her husband who is now a Christian coming to “fellowship” with us!!"

Oh what joy was bubbling up inside us all.

“Do you see them coming?.....Keep watching Charlie!”

“They’re here…they’re here!! …HURRY everybody!”

We all ran outside as we saw the rental car approaching our drive way. Kathryn’s smile could be seen as they drove in. Our arms were waving and the kids jumping!

This was our first meeting of her three children… the eldest Rebecca was 9…Chistopher-Phillip 7 and Kate 6. How precious they were as they spoke in their lovely British accents.

Very polite and excited to meet “Mummies” friends!

I had prepared little keepsake gifts for each of them…Christopher especially liked his Americana Bear I gave him with the miniature American Flag.

Her husband….smiling…shaking my husband’s hand…and hugging me!

I cannot put into words how I felt at that moment.

This man who opposed me as I witnessed to Kathryn. This man I prayed so earnestly to get saved…. Here at my home…with a warming hug of true Christian thankfulness.

He knew now the toils of the work God had been doing in Kathryn’s life that eventually led to his own salvation.

We spent 4 wonderful days of fellowship together. We had devotions, sang..ate American food!

The children snuggled up with mine in their rooms for sleeping. They had so much fun together. Little Kate we thought even had a crush on Charlie! Too cute!

One occasion Kathryn and I took a walk alone. I shared with her then the journal I had kept while living in Switzerland. She’d like to read it.

She took one evening a lone and read the journal…weeping.

She told me that she had no idea of all that had come to pass in the LORD’s work of her salvation. She felt very humbled and even more grateful for the good work of the LORD in both our lives. Now with her husband saved, we both knew that the work of the LORD is never finished. How joyous it was to know that we both shared a special bond in the marvelous purposes of GOD.

On Sunday…

Everyone at church came up to meet them. I stood back and watched in amazement.

“Kathryn…here…her family…at my church here in America!!”

I took a photo of them standing on the steps of the church before entering.

My family usually sat in the front row..so what better place for our special guest of the day!

During Sunday School…my Pastor mentioned several times as he always does..the importance of our confidence in the Scriptures. Knowing they are the pure words of GOD given to man.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure….

As he began to read several verses…Kathryn’s husband looked over at her and pointed to the verse in his Bible that did not say the same thing. He understood what the entire lesson was on. The KJV was without error. His bible was also missing words or verses! He closed his bible and continued to read with Kathryn.

When I first met Kathryn in the hospital…on one of many visits with her, we discussed why I used the King James Version of the Bible. After her salvation, we had an in depth Bible study with her and she too was convinced this was the Bible GOD ordained for man.

Before the Sunday morning message …my Pastor introduced Kathryn and her family. Hearts were touched and smiles filled the auditorium, knowing how much this moment meant to us.

Kathryn and her family came up front to sing a special for the church. A song in English and then in French.

Tears filled my eyes and overwhelming joy in my heart.

“Oh…LORD… I never dreamed this day would be mine! I never thought I’d be back in this church in America and now here I am…

And Kathryn with her saved husband and sweet children singing!

at MY home church!

OH…thanks giving be to my GOD!"

How humbled I am to know he would look upon my life and bless me so!

A photo I cherish is of my husband and Kathryn’s standing together that morning after services in the living room of our home, with Bible in hand talking about the preservation of GOD’s perfect Word.

No this is not the END of the story….there is no end to the wondrous works of GOD…and there is no end to His love and mercy.

Kathryn a few years later….led her sister to the LORD as she suffered through Cancer. …and over the years she has had many opportunities to witness.

Kathryn’s family faithfully serve in their church and go on mission trips each year…their children have grown into wonderful young adults.

As I posted once before…this glorious song speaks to my heart of GOD’s worthy praises…

All creatures of our God and King…

Lift up your voice and with us sing… Alleluia..Alleluia

Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam…

Alleluia…Alleluia.. O Praise Him..O Praise Him…Alleluia.

Let all things their Creator bless…And worship Him in humbleness

O Praise Him. Alleluia…Praise, praise the Father, Praise the Son

And praise the Spirit, Three in One…O Praise HIM…

O Praise Him…Alleluia!!

St. Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever, therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.

I John 5:13 These things have I written unto that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we my know him that is true.

II Peter 1-8 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given to us great and exceeding promises: that by these ye might be partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge:
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(there will be one more post in the story of my Swiss Journey of Hope)

Rejoice Evermore....

Meet again…in Heaven.

Oh the joys of knowing God’s blessed Word. So many promises…and ones that have been and will be fulfilled. Our GOD is faithful!

Kathryn and I kept in touch by mail. She also called me on my birthdays. Her thankful heart always so evident as she told of the joys of the LORD in her life.

She and her boyfriend got married. The photo was just lovely of my dear sweet friend. She was happy…but he was not saved. She lived with hope and her own testimony of salvation's peace to show him how real GOD was in her life.

Then one day I received the call with the rejoicing news that her husband had trusted Christ as his own personal Saviour!

Oh how I cried…

"Thank you LORD…Thank you for giving her the desire of her heart! And mine!"

Truly as the Scripture say…

They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5

One more soul….evidence of the good work God was doing in her life. Testimony of her faithfulness. I know that she shed many tears in patiently waiting for the day he’d see his great need of a Saviour.

He now understood that friendship she and I had…the tears she’d come home with after spending time with me in the Bible and how precious the LORD became to her.

He also could now appreciate ….STEPHEN.

He could never quite grasp the fullness of his short lived life…he always knew Kathryn had a giving and kind heart and also the compassion of a nurse. But he could never fully understand why there was a special bond with this child.

In my journal I have a letter that Kathryn sent to me years later….

“We went up to the village (the children and I) Christopher-Stephen was in the car asleep, I left Kate with him while Rebecca and I walked across to be with Stephen for a while. His tomb was covered in flowers and I wished that I’d taken my camera(I will next time) we knelt down and pray and thanked the LORD again for his life and all that he did while he was here with us. I then told Rebecca about him and you and why Christopher is called Stephen. She is very receptive and remembered it all to tell him and her Daddy.

So my love comes with this letter especially for you. I pray that you are well and as always I thank the LORD for you each day and will do for the rest of my life.
God bless you always…dear sister. Much Love, Kathryn."

Each letter still received to this day is a joy to my heart…a constant reminder…of the great work of God done in hearts. An encouragement that in time…fruit comes.

There are people out there still searching…seeking…for hope and assurance.
Seeking that testimony…that GOD is real.

Kathryn found this hope…as did her husband….

It is found in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

A TIME... for every purpose...

And the time for going back home to the United States had come. Changes in my husband’s job…would have us to leave this land that had become so much a part of our hearts and lives.

When we were first making preparations to leave the U.S. I remember looking around the town I lived in and thinking…

I’ll never see this place again…my home church…the familiar scenery…and the faces I loved.


When we made our decision to go to Switzerland, it was for a permanent life there in our desire to serve the LORD. Little did we know, that in his will… it may be for just a TIME.

I have learned from this to take each day with the LORD. Take each day in service to him. Yielding to his will and his timing and his place.

There is nothing more peaceful to a Christian than to be in the PLACE that God’s wants you to be, doing what GOD desires of you and at the right TIME.

As Paul states in the book of Philippians an exhortation to be content..

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

With patience in well doing…God can work in you and through you to perform a fruitful work that you can find contentment in ...no matter where you are. It is a matter of yielding your will to His.

It might be in very small areas of your life as well. He might be working in your own life…to perfect a growth you need spiritually. Dear Christian take it and let Him have his way with you. TIME is His and we benefit from the purpose he sets forth in our lives to accomplish a good work.

Many hearts had touched our lives living in Switzerland. Oh that some of those would trust the LORD Jesus as their Saviour. We could only pray now that our life had some impact on them and that seed had been sown and fruition come forth.

I called Kathryn to tell her the news. She was devastated that our family was leaving. She would try to visit as much as possible before our departure.

Now saved, she was seeing the hand of the LORD in timing… and confirmation again that a blessed work had been accomplished. The salvation of her own precious soul.

In my journal I have written:

"We will soon leave Switzerland. I’m looking forward to being with our brethren back home…our Christian family. I pray that during this past two years the LORD has been able to prefect that which he desired of me. I will leave behind two years of my life that will be more memorable to me than any in my life. I will also leave lost souls for whom my heart desires salvation. The Lord did indeed purpose a work here and now our time to depart has arrived.

I hold dear the life of my precious son Stephen and the memories. One never forgets the loss, but Stephen gave me a closeness to my LORD that I now cherish. I pray to always walk daily by my Saviours side."

We went to visit many of the acquaintances we had met in the two years to say our good byes. Jack and Anne Marie had us over for dinner one last time. We cried, we rejoiced and we thanked the Lord in prayer together.

People from the village came by our home to hug us and leave gifts for the children. It was so very emotional and how grateful to know that we had touched their hearts. I knew seeds must have been planted, by the tenderness of their good byes.

As we loaded up our van with suitcases, Claudine’s husband and family stood by helping…tears in everyone’s eyes. Claudine could not understand why we were leaving. My heart ached…I didn’t know how to explain GOD’s will over ours.

“It was just time, Claudine”

It was difficult to express our thankfulness for all she had done for us. I don’t think she could comprehend the impact she had on our lives…and how we hoped our lives had just the same on hers.

She promised to keep flowers on Stephen's gravesite.

It was just as hard waving good bye to them as it was leaving our friends in the U.S.
Strange…the tightness of those heartstrings. People that mean so much to us.
Memories that give such joy…and impressions that remain all through our lives.

If this has happened to us….it surely has happened to them.

Our hearts knit by a common bond… friendship.

Oh how the friendship means so much more in Christ. Kathryn met us at the airport and truly both of us knew…we were sisters now…we had a bond that would last forever…truly forever in our eternal bond with Christ Jesus ..by faith.

How hard it was to say goodbye…

It was like seeing a small bud of a rose plant…hoping it would one day bloom into it’s full beauty.

We encouraged her to be faithful, to trust and to wait patiently on the work of the LORD in her life and her boyfriend’s.

We prayed together, hugged and parted with hope of a continued work in all our lives to God’s glory and praise.

And as if then a hymn had been sung:

Meet Me There

On that happy golden shore, Where the faithful part no more,

When the storms of life are o’er, Meet me there,

Where the night dissolves away into pure and perfect day,

I am going home to stay- Meet me there.

Meet me there, Meet me there,

Where the tree of life is blooming, meet me there;

When the storms of life are o’er, On that happy golden shore,

Where the faithful part no more…Meet me there.

Where the harps of angels sing, And the blest forever sing,

In the palace of the King, Meet me there.

Where in sweet communion blend, Heart with heart and friend with friend...

In a world that ne’er shall end…

Meet me there.

Henrietta E. Blair 19th century William J. Kirkpatrick 1838-1921

REMEMBER....

The weeks and months passed…. Stephen’s life yet so fresh in our hearts , not his death. The LIFE he lived and all that GOD accomplished.

Charlie began taking his first steps and trying to talk to his brother and sisters. They all rallied around to get him to say “sissy” . My eldest daughter loved playing the “little” mama” always helping with the baby.

Time had been so consumed with Stephen’s condition and keeping up on our day by day activities, that it was hard to believe Charlie was approaching his first birthday.
I dreamed one night that Stephen was born perfectly normal. I saw two babies lying together..twins. In anticipation of their birth date, the birth was very much on my mind. It was bittersweet. My heart yearned for Stephen’s presence and yet I could still rejoice in the good that God performed in Kathryn’s life.

The flower bulbs I had planted began to come up. A lovely variety…my favorite besides the Daffodil is Dahlia’s., the colors so vibrant.



The children and I picked a handful to place on Stephen’s grave. We did this often…and the village people …watched.

One late afternoon my husband and I took another fresh bouquet to the grave site and standing near Stephen’s grave was the lady who’s son had died when we first arrived in the village. Stephen was buried next to him. Her overwhelming grief was still so evident as she silently wept. We acknowledged her presence with a compassionate smile and ourselves knelt by Stephen’s grave and prayed. We hoped that she could sense the peace of our prayers and comfort we had at that moment.

Psalm 42:1-5 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why are thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Many nights I cried, but my grief was nothing as this woman still displayed? When the tears came I recalled verses like these. Scripture that state the hope of the believer whose confidence is in God and remembering his manifold works shown to man and I remember my GOD is present.

One particular morning I am reminded once again of my great need of GOD…
Certain days in the village a Baker comes by and parks his station wagon alongside the road and the village people purchase fresh baked goods. My eldest daughter did this for me each week before going on to class just down the road.

Our house was adjacent to the area the Baker parked, so it was just an ear shot away.
As I was preparing breakfast for the other children and waiting for my daughter; I suddenly heard the SCREECH of tires. My kitchen window was ajar and my heart pounded as I ran as fast as I could out the door, losing my shoes on the way.

PANIC ran through my veins…my legs ached and my heart….FEARED.

I could hear whimpering….was it my daughter? OH GOD…is it my daughter…WHO?

As I approached the crowd…indeed it was MY daughter. Everyone around me chattered in voices I could not understand. It was surreal to hear so many voices and yet not hear one word. A woman led me through the crowd. I could see that my daughter was alright as they were lifting her to her feet from the road. They looked her over as I ran to hug her. As I held her in my arms, I noticed a drop of blood on my hand.

“OH GOD…Oh my baby…HELP ME LORD”

I could only think this…I was speechless…there was no one to understand me!

Only eyes…many eyes looking on…..

One of her fellow students saw her getting bread and yelled to her that she better hurry and so she ran out into the road not looking first as she had always done previously.

One of my neighbors had run over to my house and kept the children. How thankful I was in all the confusion of the moment.

Then…out of nowhere…a lady from the next village came by. She was on her way to work and had to stop with the road blocked.

This lady… Madame S. …I knew. My daughter had played at her home in the village next to ours many times.

She spoke perfect ENGLISH and she was sent of the LORD.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

She offered to take us to the ER…the same hospital of Stephen. We’d have to be dropped off at the front since she had to go to work. There were no familiar faces in the ER, but they were very kind as I filled out paper work with the help of one that spoke English.

FEAR…oh the torments of FEAR. We all experience it.

Would I let it overtake me now? After all that God had done for me thus far…and oh, the token of his love in sending this lady at just the right time!

A nurse said that because there was a little blood and a bump on her head they would do x-rays.

Did I see any blood come from her nose?

“Her nose?”

A head injury? …. “No, no blood.”

RELIEF…..

I sat patiently waiting …a lone… a lone with GOD. Praying and recalling his mercies and his will.

Can I accept his will again? Could tragedy have struck our home?

Psalm 119:49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

While I was waiting… a call came in saying that my neighbor’s husband was coming to take us home. Evidently Madame S. had called to find me help. The gentleman was the father of one of the girls my daughter’s played with daily.

They brought my daughter out to me…and said everything was fine. She would have a headache and keep a watchful eye on her for a few days.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1

The LORD was teaching me, yet again…CONFIDENCE..TRUST…HOPE.

I needed this…I needed to know that just because I lost one child, did not mean I was going to lose them all.

Fear has a way of gripping our lives…day by day…fear of the unknown…and fear that those things we dread would come again.

Perhaps even in reading this story..you fear that this might happen to you?

Dear Reader…find the LORD. Seek him as hid treasure and cherish his Word. Know that the LORD GOD loves you and desires only the best for you. In confidence there is hope and assurance, that GOD does all things well.

My life:

This time in my life...the birth and death of my son...taught me the value of faith and the precious treasure of his blessed WORD. The WORD of God found in a King James Bible...comforts like none other.

Faith comes by obedience and faithfulness in his WORD. To know God and understand His ways..bring peace.

This we must accept..believe...and trust.

Years of growth in my walk with the LORD has enabled me to comprehend some of his works now and in the past. I can now share this story with you as he has revealed it is the time. His will in our lives as he brings things to pass, show us he works perfectly. Trials do not destroy faith...they strengthen it. Yielding to Him…is the secret to peace overcoming fear. To know Him..and understand Him, comes from his WORD.

The book of Proverbs..is the book of wisdom and understanding. A wealth of scripture to guide us and show us the way to walk with the LORD.

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thin heart to understanding; Yea if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

The book of Psalms…is the book of Praise and Prayers and answers from God to those who call upon him.

David so aptly put it in

Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Psalm m 120:1 In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

I truly believe that GOD allowed this accident of my daughters at that time to show me his compassionate care. I did not need to walk in fear..but in remembrance of his blessed will and loving care. Just like before.

The man involved in the accident with my daughter…came by and brought her a new backpack. They said the old one…torn from her fall…saved her life. The best we could…we told him…

C'est le Seigneur...It is the LORD…. HE saved her life.

The gentleman was relieved that we did not blame him, nor were we angry.
It was a testimony once again of God’s greatness and peace to those who put their trust in him.

He smiled and thanked us over and over again.

FEAR….

As Isaiah 41:10 says… Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Matthew 10: 31-32 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Whosoever, therefore shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven.

Dear Reader…. Please take comfort and courage in knowing we have a great and mighty God. He knows you and he knows me. He has given us every provision to trust in him…to believe who he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Many fear because of the unknown….but when we know the LORD Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour; We KNOW him..the GOD of all glory. We KNOW him…the GOD of all creation and we KNOW his WORD is true and his promises sure.

As difficult as it may seem….we can trust him and we can rest in his care, promises and always…his perfect will.

I John 4:18-19 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
We love him, because he first loved us.

For GOD so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son… John 3:16 a

His love is perfect….and in this love, fear can and is cast out…when we trust in Him and know he is GOD.

Psalm 46:10a Be still and know that I am God.

A Hymn: His Way with Thee

Would you live for Jesus and be always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him within the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have his way with thee..
His pow’r can make you what you ought to be, His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free, His love can fill your soul, and you will see…
‘Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.

Cyrus S. Nusbaum 1861-1937

THE MUSIC BOXES

The Swiss Chalet music box on the right of this photo is quite unique. It was given to me by my sister on my 16th birthday.She purchased it at a local gift shop here in the U.S. We have always loved European design and rightly so as I am of German heritage, and I was also born in Germany while my father served in the Armed Forces overseas. This music box is one of few things I still own from my childhood.

This music box plays the song “Edelweiss”…. Many of you remember this song in the movie The Sound of Music.

Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Every morning you greet me…

Small and white, clean and bright…

You look happy to greet me.

Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow

Bloom and grow forever…

Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Bless my homeland forever.

How noteworthy that Stephen was born in Switzerland and buried on a day it snowed and that his life touched Kathryn to the saving of her soul…forever. A blossom of the seed of God's work. Oh and how happy one day he will be to greet her.

Also “Edelweiss means Noble and White…short lived.

The other music box is also very unique. We purchased it in a village we visited and it is the exact same size and making of the other. This one plays another special song…

“Go Tell It On The Mountain”

Go, tell it on the mountain..

Over the hills and everwhere…

Go, tell it on the mountain…

That Jesus Christ is born.

And this is exactly what we did…we told those around us on the mountain…about our Saviour, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

When I look at these two music boxes, life seems to emerge from them. People that we knew in this small country of Switzerland. The life we lived there among them and the heartfelt belonging I feel.

The tablecloth represents the Swiss people. The colors, the designs and the costumes. I purchased this on a visit to the village of Gruyere. A village known for the delicious cheese made there. I use this cheese today in a recipe I was given while living in Switzerland and converted it well to American ingredients. I will share it with you at the end of my story! It is a family favorite and my husband calls it his “comfort” food for the warmth and satisfying taste it brings; it also brings back the memories of God’s goodness to us.

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Little things in our lives that mean so much to us. Precious reminders of the works of GOD. Who would have ever known back on my sixteenth birthday that I would live in Switzerland…that this song would be so noteworthy…and that there was another little Swiss Chalet to be bought complimenting one another’s songs?

A SURPISE VISIT....

Only a week had passed since Stephen’s funeral. We had found so much comfort in the time spent with Kathryn during our preparations and now the void of her fellowship returned.

On the weekend of my eldest daughter’s seventh birthday we received a surprise telephone call from Kathryn. She and her boyfriend would be on a skiing trip near our village and they wanted to stop by to say hello. How elated we all were to know that we had visitors coming and not just any visitor, our beloved Kathryn!

As we anticipated the visit... with her boyfriend.We prayed the LORD would touch his heart in some way. It was to be our first meeting.

They came with a lovely gift for my daughter’s birthday and of course a hand full of “goodies” for the children and a bouquet of flowers for the hostess.
Each time a Swiss came to our home this was the customary greeting to the hostess…flowers and chocolate. It always made such a warm greeting.

We all sat around the table drinking hot chocolate. A favorite of skiers…and of course the Swiss people! We liked her boyfriend very much ... a tall young man with a gentle nature and warming smile.

It was hard for me to imagine him opposing Kathryn visiting us, but then he didn't know us and watching the convicting power of the Holy Spirit working in her life troubled him. Little did he realize it was The Word of God revealing truth to her.

Our meeting went very nicely…laughter filled the house with the children’s tales of “family” life.

“You know what SHE did once”…. “I did not!”…

all of us in unison .. “OH, yes you did!!” and smiles lit upon each face.

The children sang some French songs they learned in Sunday school. Songs that spoke of the love of Jesus and his salvation.

Kathryn’s boyfriend…was seeing first hand…WHY?... Kathryn found peace around us. WHY”… she enjoyed her visits with us. Not just this family… but a CHRISTIAN family.

He heard and he watched…as we all bowed in prayer for the blessings on our daughter. My husband also asked God’s blessings upon our home..our children and our friends.

It is astonishing how many people have not heard a prayer from the heart. I don't know if this was the case for him then, but I do know that he later talked with her about prayer.

(As was the testimony at Stephen’s funeral…talk was made of how touching it was of the Father who prayed in his own words at his son’s service!)

Many only know as I did as a child, the memorized prayers that came from a booklet given in a class and once learned are just repeated over and over.

When I trusted Christ as my personal Saviour… my prayers became very personal also. From the heart…poured out in an instant.

Matthew 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Verse 9… After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

..and we also pray… THY WILL BE DONE….

(this is an example of the “manner” in which to pray…praying to GOD as your FATHER…praying to the GOD of HEAVEN with holy reverence…and according to his blessed will..for he knows what is best)

…. and as the verses continue they teach us how to pray… the words become our own.

Just as in the Psalms of David…prayers recorded so that we can understand the depths of his pleadings to God and the help he received and the heartfelt prayers of repentance.

As a born again believer…I can relate to these prayers. I don’t say the same exact words… memorized…but by faith and my own needs. David pleaded as I do and have. I too have received this mercy and the answers to needs so great…man could not help..only the true GOD of Heaven.

Sometimes it has been a mere few words of..

“Oh, Lord..help me!”

...because I could not find the words to express my heart…but God knew.

Psalm 139:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

How oft dear reader…in this story have you not read of the many times God intervened and saw my need before my prayer was ever heard…but the prayer showed my desires…it showed my hope and trust in him…it showed I knew all the answers lie in my GOD.

Our petitions are ever before him…and he hears them.

Look in the BIBLE and see prayer from the beginning to the end.

Psalm 66:19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

It was hard to say good bye wondering when we would see Kathryn again, yet we rejoiced in this time spent together. We rested in the work God needed to do in these two lives.

It was another day…of comfort, hope and assurance that our lives continued to be used for God’s work.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.