no posting til Monday May 5th.
Thank you for visiting Hope's Journey
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another call...
I received a phone call also...TODAY...2008
from my son Charlie
He is in Iraq at this present time serving with our armed forces and surprised me with a phone call! I was totally unprepared for this call also ...and tried my best to keep my composure, given I had just read some of my readers comments from the precious post.
He was so excited to tell me of the good things the LORD was doing for him already. Another soldier saw him reading his Bible and said that he too was a Christian. He had also gone into a chapel on his initial arrival to his destination and there he found Bibles with his home church's name in the USA stamped inside. He said it was a little touch of home..so far away.
I'm so thankful for the little things that God brings our way to show he cares..to show us he is indeed with us and knows us.
Please pray for him while he is away from his family. He has 3 living children..and also..yes, he too has one with the LORD. His girls are twins and one son, named Stephen.
This touched my heart deeply today...such timing...
Thank you Lord.
I also read in a devotional this morning...
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us... Isaiah 63:7a
The devotion stated:
Forget not what thy God has done for thee; turn over the book of thy remembrance, and consider the days of old.
Go back, then a little way to the choice mercies of yesterday...
from my son Charlie
He is in Iraq at this present time serving with our armed forces and surprised me with a phone call! I was totally unprepared for this call also ...and tried my best to keep my composure, given I had just read some of my readers comments from the precious post.
He was so excited to tell me of the good things the LORD was doing for him already. Another soldier saw him reading his Bible and said that he too was a Christian. He had also gone into a chapel on his initial arrival to his destination and there he found Bibles with his home church's name in the USA stamped inside. He said it was a little touch of home..so far away.
I'm so thankful for the little things that God brings our way to show he cares..to show us he is indeed with us and knows us.
Please pray for him while he is away from his family. He has 3 living children..and also..yes, he too has one with the LORD. His girls are twins and one son, named Stephen.
This touched my heart deeply today...such timing...
Thank you Lord.
I also read in a devotional this morning...
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us... Isaiah 63:7a
The devotion stated:
Forget not what thy God has done for thee; turn over the book of thy remembrance, and consider the days of old.
Go back, then a little way to the choice mercies of yesterday...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
THE CALL...
January 25, 1983 Stephen went to be with the LORD
The call came at 4 a.m.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
Just four days after my 28th birthday. My husband was still in Spain…and I was alone.
The phone rang awakening me out of my sleep. The early morning hour was very quiet and still. I anticipated some kind of news.
Was Stephen okay?...
Was it my husband calling from Spain…was he alright? He was due home: a delay…the trip extended?
The voice on the other end was a nurse who asked who I was and said a doctor wanted to speak with me. My heart began to beat like a drum as I waited for the doctor to come to the phone.
“Madame…………………..Stephen is dead.”
“Oh..my”
Just like that! News of this sort.. so blunt and so blank?
Once again REALITY set in… not only the news..but the fact that these people could not speak good English and thus…a very blunt to the point .. fact.
He asked if I could come immediately to the hospital. I froze.
“My…husband is not here and I have other small children, I will have to make some arrangements. I’ll…I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
I hung up the phone and dropped to my knees.
“I’m all alone…what am I going to do? “
Stunned…my thoughts were frozen and then I cried out to the LORD.
The one who had sustained me through the past nine months: the one who provided all my needs, answered all my prayers, gave comfort, hope and encouraged me with even his creation; that beautiful white mountain.
I thanked him for his loving kindness and for the soul of Kathryn..saved! I cried with thanksgivings of praise to my God who had performed all things according to his will and according to his good pleasure. I thanked him that my sweet son…
Was with Him.
I cried for help. I needed my LORD. I was afraid …afraid of what I was about to face. I pleaded for the grace to get through this time.
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.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3
While the children continued in quiet sleep. I called long distance to family and friends…to hear familiar voices. I needed prayer and I needed them to know.
I called Kathryn but got no answer.
I called Claudine… she had a house fire during the night. I had no idea.
She expressed her sorrow of the news and not being able to come over to help me.
I told her I would be okay. I’d call Helen.
Helen….no answer. It was 5 a.m. no one was up yet!
I’ll have to wait till at least 7 a.m.
I called the hospital and told them it was impossible for me to be there and that I’d try to be there by 7 or so.
I then went to my room and searched my closet.
What do I wear? Oh, Lord..I don’t even know what to wear?
I changed my clothes a couple of times. The weather was still very cold and I knew I would not be back home for some time. I’d have to pack things for the children…get them up and ready to leave!
I awoke the children and gave them the news. We prayed together and I explained as they already knew. Their little brother was now in heaven.
They could dress themselves and be ready to go.
I let little Charlie remain asleep.
Finally 7 a.m. I tried Helen and she answered…
“Oh dear! Yes, come straight way! I will watch the children for you”
I was also able to reach Kathryn. She would meet me at Helen’s.
I went in to awaken little Charlie and hugged him with tears. I held him tight, as I thought upon his little brother. How thankful I was to have Charlie.
Thankful for the precious children I was blessed to call mine.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born….
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a
The call came at 4 a.m.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
Just four days after my 28th birthday. My husband was still in Spain…and I was alone.
The phone rang awakening me out of my sleep. The early morning hour was very quiet and still. I anticipated some kind of news.
Was Stephen okay?...
Was it my husband calling from Spain…was he alright? He was due home: a delay…the trip extended?
The voice on the other end was a nurse who asked who I was and said a doctor wanted to speak with me. My heart began to beat like a drum as I waited for the doctor to come to the phone.
“Madame…………………..Stephen is dead.”
“Oh..my”
Just like that! News of this sort.. so blunt and so blank?
Once again REALITY set in… not only the news..but the fact that these people could not speak good English and thus…a very blunt to the point .. fact.
He asked if I could come immediately to the hospital. I froze.
“My…husband is not here and I have other small children, I will have to make some arrangements. I’ll…I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
I hung up the phone and dropped to my knees.
“I’m all alone…what am I going to do? “
Stunned…my thoughts were frozen and then I cried out to the LORD.
The one who had sustained me through the past nine months: the one who provided all my needs, answered all my prayers, gave comfort, hope and encouraged me with even his creation; that beautiful white mountain.
I thanked him for his loving kindness and for the soul of Kathryn..saved! I cried with thanksgivings of praise to my God who had performed all things according to his will and according to his good pleasure. I thanked him that my sweet son…
Was with Him.
I cried for help. I needed my LORD. I was afraid …afraid of what I was about to face. I pleaded for the grace to get through this time.
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.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3
While the children continued in quiet sleep. I called long distance to family and friends…to hear familiar voices. I needed prayer and I needed them to know.
I called Kathryn but got no answer.
I called Claudine… she had a house fire during the night. I had no idea.
She expressed her sorrow of the news and not being able to come over to help me.
I told her I would be okay. I’d call Helen.
Helen….no answer. It was 5 a.m. no one was up yet!
I’ll have to wait till at least 7 a.m.
I called the hospital and told them it was impossible for me to be there and that I’d try to be there by 7 or so.
I then went to my room and searched my closet.
What do I wear? Oh, Lord..I don’t even know what to wear?
I changed my clothes a couple of times. The weather was still very cold and I knew I would not be back home for some time. I’d have to pack things for the children…get them up and ready to leave!
I awoke the children and gave them the news. We prayed together and I explained as they already knew. Their little brother was now in heaven.
They could dress themselves and be ready to go.
I let little Charlie remain asleep.
Finally 7 a.m. I tried Helen and she answered…
“Oh dear! Yes, come straight way! I will watch the children for you”
I was also able to reach Kathryn. She would meet me at Helen’s.
I went in to awaken little Charlie and hugged him with tears. I held him tight, as I thought upon his little brother. How thankful I was to have Charlie.
Thankful for the precious children I was blessed to call mine.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born….
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a
Monday, April 21, 2008
A CUP OF HOPE...part 2
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:13
Kathryn’s desire to grow in understanding of the Bible became more evident, as her visits became frequent and lasted longer! Now, she enjoyed the visits...as friends..no longer the obligation of "feeling sorry for the American".
Having “tea” together became our signature time.
Over a month’s time in learning however, it brought about some dilemma in her life. Her boyfriend was not happy about her new life in Christ. He didn’t like her spending so much time with me. He accused her of following people. So, I suggested to my hearts dismay…that she not visit and just read on her own and live the example before him, so that he could see it was the Lord in her life and not the influence of people; but the true God of salvation.
He would have to see for himself the change in heart was by the Holy Spirit of God and that she was at peace with God now and had joy in knowing God personally.
We talked by telephone from time to time, but it was hard to have this separation at this time in my life…I was confident that we had studied enough of the Bible for a foundation to be laid for her to build upon in her spiritual growth. The desire was there also.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119:129-130
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think he have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. St. John 5:39
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
God would do the work that needed to be done in her heart and his.
As the weeks passed, Stephen’s condition was deteriorating and he was requiring more oxygen. Each day, I knew I faced the possibility of his death. The phone would ring and I’d brace myself, but the call was usually my husband’s job calling him for information or the necessity of a trip he’d have to make.
And he did…a trip to Spain was on the agenda. A week or more. I’d be alone with the children, but Claudine was always nearby. I’d be okay.
The days passed with our usual routine…kids going to school, playing and needing their usual attention and a visit once in a while from Claudine or her mother in law. I wasn’t able to visit Stephen due to the weather conditions. I did not drive in the snow and with my husband gone; I’d have to wait on his return. The nurses however called often to let me know how Stephen was from day to day. Those calls…were hard. Some of the nurses did not speak English and so I would only hear simple words to tell me he was still alive.
"Stephen est correct aujourd'hui"
My prayers were continually for strength: to be of good courage and help my children get through this time that was affecting their lives as well. I read them their usual nightly Bible stories and we'd sing, giving them assurance that there was peace still in our home...
and explaining to them that Stephen will one day go to Heaven.
Psalm 116:13
Kathryn’s desire to grow in understanding of the Bible became more evident, as her visits became frequent and lasted longer! Now, she enjoyed the visits...as friends..no longer the obligation of "feeling sorry for the American".
Having “tea” together became our signature time.
Over a month’s time in learning however, it brought about some dilemma in her life. Her boyfriend was not happy about her new life in Christ. He didn’t like her spending so much time with me. He accused her of following people. So, I suggested to my hearts dismay…that she not visit and just read on her own and live the example before him, so that he could see it was the Lord in her life and not the influence of people; but the true God of salvation.
He would have to see for himself the change in heart was by the Holy Spirit of God and that she was at peace with God now and had joy in knowing God personally.
We talked by telephone from time to time, but it was hard to have this separation at this time in my life…I was confident that we had studied enough of the Bible for a foundation to be laid for her to build upon in her spiritual growth. The desire was there also.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119:129-130
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think he have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. St. John 5:39
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
God would do the work that needed to be done in her heart and his.
As the weeks passed, Stephen’s condition was deteriorating and he was requiring more oxygen. Each day, I knew I faced the possibility of his death. The phone would ring and I’d brace myself, but the call was usually my husband’s job calling him for information or the necessity of a trip he’d have to make.
And he did…a trip to Spain was on the agenda. A week or more. I’d be alone with the children, but Claudine was always nearby. I’d be okay.
The days passed with our usual routine…kids going to school, playing and needing their usual attention and a visit once in a while from Claudine or her mother in law. I wasn’t able to visit Stephen due to the weather conditions. I did not drive in the snow and with my husband gone; I’d have to wait on his return. The nurses however called often to let me know how Stephen was from day to day. Those calls…were hard. Some of the nurses did not speak English and so I would only hear simple words to tell me he was still alive.
"Stephen est correct aujourd'hui"
My prayers were continually for strength: to be of good courage and help my children get through this time that was affecting their lives as well. I read them their usual nightly Bible stories and we'd sing, giving them assurance that there was peace still in our home...
and explaining to them that Stephen will one day go to Heaven.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A CUP OF HOPE...part 1
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.II Corinthians 5:17
And truly Kathryn was now a born again Christian...A new creature...A new heart with a new song and new desire.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in thee. Psalm 40:3
Just as a newborn babe…learning to talk, walk and grow. These are the beginnings of the Christian life.
Kathryn and I began to have in depth Bible Studies together…over a pot of tea. With her British heritage: a lovely spot of tea was always a specialty and she taught me well. Early Grey and sometimes a wonderful apricot tea. To this day, I enjoy tea daily and with a heart of remembrance of my dearest “friend” and “sister in Christ”. Oh the joy!! of being able to put those two phrases together. At one time, she was just my nurse… I was just another patient. But, GOD chose otherwise. He had a perfect will and way to bring two lives together and show forth His Glory!!
As I think back upon the very beginnings of this story..even now my heart is full..of praise, thanksgiving and awe!
Our Bible studies began in the book of Romans. An important book, with foundations showing the need of salvation, the work of the Spirit and, the walk with God.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Kathryn by faith was now justified. I like the acronym that explains this well… “JUST IF I” …… but he took our place, he bore our sins on Calvary and has justified us by grace through faith. And indeed what PEACE we have with God.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
No longer condemned with those who chose not to believe…to walk with Him.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. St. John 3:17-18
Our studies brought her much peace in understanding of the Christian life.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
Our studies began to establish a faith in her that would remain and in years to come…do exactly the same as it has for me. Give her peace, assurance and purpose of life.
Walking in newness of life…is it possible? Yes, in Christ, it is. He renews in us a refreshing by the forgiveness of our sins that weighed so heavily upon our conscience. Our desires change and life becomes new. A new outlook, a new hope…a new beginning!
No turned over leaf that can flip with the wind back to where it was…this is a new life! Just like the budding of spring and the new life that shows all around us. The creation testifies of this… NEW BIRTH.
Kathryn now….my friend, sister in the Lord…and the comfort I had prayed for…She is the fruit of our labours in the LORD….She is the answers to many prayers…She is the comfort of hope in my trials.
She is my joy….
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. I Thessalonians 2:19-20
As I wrote in the beginning of this journey…
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
GLORIOUS DAY!
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
...behold, now is the accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving 1982
Kathryn called upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST as her personal Saviour.
Truly they that sow in tears...do reap in joy. The joy that surpasses the sorrows of life are found in the redemption of precious souls by faith in Christ Jesus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving Day we celebrated quietly in our little Swiss village home "American Style". The week before we were told in the big city of a store that carried items for the Americans holiday..THANKSGIVING: canned cranberry sauce, pumpkin etc. How fun it was to find these familiar items and know we could keep this time of "Thanksgiving" known in our country for it's remembrance of God's bountiful care.
Though quiet, it was peaceful...filled with promise. We talked about our thankfulness and all that God had done for us. We sang together with the children, we prayed and then we drove to the hospital to spend the day with Stephen.
Kathryn was at the hospital working.
Stephen did not look well at all this day, but we encouraged each of the children to hold him and let him know how much we loved him. They too stroked his head, knowing he was soothed by their touch. This was the only day I was able to get a photo of my “twins” together. When Stephen was home the two days, so much had gone on we never stopped to take photos. This day, side by side: Charlie looked so healthy and full of color, Stephen was swollen and his color pale.
Kathryn came down on her break and asked to speak with me privately. We went out of Stephen's room to a quiet spot where we could speak without interruption.
"Hope...I KNOW!!...I now KNOW!”
There are no words to describe the depths of JOY, PEACE and THANKFULNESS upon hearing these words!
Perfect peace…at such a time. Thanksgiving.
“Kathryn…you’ve trusted Christ as your Saviour!!”
“Yes, You said, I would KNOW…and I do!”
For thou, LORD, are good , and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psalm 86:5
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Kathryn, remembered the verses I had shared with her
I John 5:13
These things have I written unto you 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.
Verse 20 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 not only treasure the Word of God, but also the hymns of old.
This hymn, we sung at the little church we had found in Switzerland. Though we weren’t able to attend for long; this song always stayed in my heart and how appropriate for this time.
ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL IS JESUS
Who can cheer the heart like Jesus, By His presence all divine.
True and tender, pure and precious, O how blest to call Him mine..
All that thrills my soul is Jesus, He is more than life to me..
And the fairest of ten thousand In my blessed LORD I see.
Love of Christ so freely given, Grace of God beyond degree
Mercy higher than the heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea.
We hugged and cried and then got ourselves together to tell my family.
As small as my children were, they did understand this happy occasion of saving faith. They knew the prayers that had been asked, they knew the love held in our hearts for Kathryn and they knew we trusted in God.
November 25th our Thanksgiving day of 1982 a notable date with #5.
NOTE: this post was not planned, but must be of the LORD....
TODAY...APRIL 8th, 2008 is the birthday of my twins.
...behold, now is the accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving 1982
Kathryn called upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST as her personal Saviour.
Truly they that sow in tears...do reap in joy. The joy that surpasses the sorrows of life are found in the redemption of precious souls by faith in Christ Jesus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving Day we celebrated quietly in our little Swiss village home "American Style". The week before we were told in the big city of a store that carried items for the Americans holiday..THANKSGIVING: canned cranberry sauce, pumpkin etc. How fun it was to find these familiar items and know we could keep this time of "Thanksgiving" known in our country for it's remembrance of God's bountiful care.
Though quiet, it was peaceful...filled with promise. We talked about our thankfulness and all that God had done for us. We sang together with the children, we prayed and then we drove to the hospital to spend the day with Stephen.
Kathryn was at the hospital working.
Stephen did not look well at all this day, but we encouraged each of the children to hold him and let him know how much we loved him. They too stroked his head, knowing he was soothed by their touch. This was the only day I was able to get a photo of my “twins” together. When Stephen was home the two days, so much had gone on we never stopped to take photos. This day, side by side: Charlie looked so healthy and full of color, Stephen was swollen and his color pale.
Kathryn came down on her break and asked to speak with me privately. We went out of Stephen's room to a quiet spot where we could speak without interruption.
"Hope...I KNOW!!...I now KNOW!”
There are no words to describe the depths of JOY, PEACE and THANKFULNESS upon hearing these words!
Perfect peace…at such a time. Thanksgiving.
“Kathryn…you’ve trusted Christ as your Saviour!!”
“Yes, You said, I would KNOW…and I do!”
For thou, LORD, are good , and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psalm 86:5
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Kathryn, remembered the verses I had shared with her
I John 5:13
These things have I written unto you 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.
Verse 20 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 not only treasure the Word of God, but also the hymns of old.
This hymn, we sung at the little church we had found in Switzerland. Though we weren’t able to attend for long; this song always stayed in my heart and how appropriate for this time.
ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL IS JESUS
Who can cheer the heart like Jesus, By His presence all divine.
True and tender, pure and precious, O how blest to call Him mine..
All that thrills my soul is Jesus, He is more than life to me..
And the fairest of ten thousand In my blessed LORD I see.
Love of Christ so freely given, Grace of God beyond degree
Mercy higher than the heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea.
We hugged and cried and then got ourselves together to tell my family.
As small as my children were, they did understand this happy occasion of saving faith. They knew the prayers that had been asked, they knew the love held in our hearts for Kathryn and they knew we trusted in God.
November 25th our Thanksgiving day of 1982 a notable date with #5.
NOTE: this post was not planned, but must be of the LORD....
TODAY...APRIL 8th, 2008 is the birthday of my twins.
Friday, April 4, 2008
MOMENT BY MOMENT...part 3
Moment by moment...days passed. Kathryn, many times went down to sit with Stephen. She held him and talked with him herself. Her love and bond grew.
I wonder what her conversations could have been.
Perhaps, as mine had been at one time…
“Lord…I speak to you because these people talk so much about you. You are so real to them. Can you be as real to me? The things they have shared with me…they are true…aren’t they?”
As time passed, she found that Stephen was becoming a very important part of her life. There was so much for her to think upon. So very much.
As we witness of God’s saving grace to the lost, we cannot possibly know the depths of the heart. Only God can. He alone, knows motives and will.
Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Psalm 44:21
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
I thank the LORD that he enables us to be his spokes people. To testify of all he has done and will do for those who love him, trust him and live for him. Oh the wonders of it all…the peace and comfort of his care.
We prayed daily for Kathryn’s salvation.
I wonder what her conversations could have been.
Perhaps, as mine had been at one time…
“Lord…I speak to you because these people talk so much about you. You are so real to them. Can you be as real to me? The things they have shared with me…they are true…aren’t they?”
As time passed, she found that Stephen was becoming a very important part of her life. There was so much for her to think upon. So very much.
As we witness of God’s saving grace to the lost, we cannot possibly know the depths of the heart. Only God can. He alone, knows motives and will.
Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Psalm 44:21
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
I thank the LORD that he enables us to be his spokes people. To testify of all he has done and will do for those who love him, trust him and live for him. Oh the wonders of it all…the peace and comfort of his care.
We prayed daily for Kathryn’s salvation.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
MOMENT BY MOMENT...part 2
One lone moment that is still so vivid in my mind...was during a visit by myself. I spent an afternoon sitting with Stephen soaking in the time to "cuddle". I stroked his forehead as always to soothe him so calmly.
~~~~~~~~
After his birth and recovering from a minor surgery; the anesthesia had left me so groggy and unable to speak or open my eyes. I remember feeling helpless. Then that loving touch of my husband's hand upon my forehead, calmed my spirit. I will never forget how much that "touch" meant to me.
Is it possible that just a "touch" of God can comfort and strengthen as well?
Daniel 10:18-19...Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong, And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
~~~~~~~~~
As I held him gently in my arms stroking his forehead, talking with him, it was indeed making every single moment a treasure, knowing his little life would soon pass.
On this day however, one lone moment smote my heart deeply.
As he lay in my arms...I suddenly felt no movement...for a moment. My heart felt like lead and my body filled with a burning heat as my adrenaline rose to it's height.
"Is Stephen...gone?"
Can just a "moment" seem like endless time? I felt as though the entire world had come to a standstill...
and then he breathed.
OH! what relief.
I could feel a wave sweep over my soul and immediate comfort from the touch of TRUTH...
Moment by Moment I'm kept in his love...
Moment by Moment I've life from above...
Looking to Jesus til glory doth shine...
Moment by Moment, O LORD, I am thine.
Had this been his time of death, I was sure that God would have enabled me to be strong. He was with me...to strengthen me, to help me. My comfort and my all in all.
Psalm 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
When I said, my foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
~~~~~~~~
After his birth and recovering from a minor surgery; the anesthesia had left me so groggy and unable to speak or open my eyes. I remember feeling helpless. Then that loving touch of my husband's hand upon my forehead, calmed my spirit. I will never forget how much that "touch" meant to me.
Is it possible that just a "touch" of God can comfort and strengthen as well?
Daniel 10:18-19...Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong, And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
~~~~~~~~~
As I held him gently in my arms stroking his forehead, talking with him, it was indeed making every single moment a treasure, knowing his little life would soon pass.
On this day however, one lone moment smote my heart deeply.
As he lay in my arms...I suddenly felt no movement...for a moment. My heart felt like lead and my body filled with a burning heat as my adrenaline rose to it's height.
"Is Stephen...gone?"
Can just a "moment" seem like endless time? I felt as though the entire world had come to a standstill...
and then he breathed.
OH! what relief.
I could feel a wave sweep over my soul and immediate comfort from the touch of TRUTH...
Moment by Moment I'm kept in his love...
Moment by Moment I've life from above...
Looking to Jesus til glory doth shine...
Moment by Moment, O LORD, I am thine.
Had this been his time of death, I was sure that God would have enabled me to be strong. He was with me...to strengthen me, to help me. My comfort and my all in all.
Psalm 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
When I said, my foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
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