"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19
In a few short hours, 2009 will be done. What a ride this has been!
On a personal level, I have been through a myriad of emotions this year. Dear friends have left us for their heavenly home; while I miss them, I praise God for their release. We have added a precious new member to our family, Lorelai Ann Blackwood, healthy, whole, and a joy to us all. For the most part, we are all well and working, a definite plus these days. Praise God for His Grace, sufficient for all our needs!
Globally and nationally, our world is a hot mess. Economies are collapsing as governments turns their backs on people in their lust for power. Radicals rage, their hatred of God's people white-hot and murderous. People world-wide starve as "intellectuals" meet to further the support for their new religion, a global hoax invented to bring about world government. And, in this great Land of the Free, politicians led by an incompetent and deceitful President work tirelessly to destroy the freedoms that have made us great.
From Rick Warren to Rush Limbaugh, the talking heads are constantly telling us what we must or should do to stop this or that. But the simple fact is, regardless of what we are able or unable to do, God will have His perfect Will in these last days. His Word tells us He will do a quick work, and boy...have you ever seen things happen so fast? In 2010, the strongest weapon we have against whatever is to come is a pair of bent knees. Our power to face and withstand is in Him alone, in His Word and in our daily communing with Him. He will be our way through whatever is to come, a new work of Glory awaiting us with every passing moment!
To all who read this, I wish you a Blessed and Glorious New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Today, I feel very thankful for the men and women who have freely given their lives so I can live free.
Last month, a young soldier from our home town was laid to rest. Corey Kowall died in Afghanistan, doing what he had always wanted to do: serve his country in the military. He is a hero, and I am honored to have known him. Thank you, Corey.
John Frizzell and Robert Finney, two of my uncles, served in Europe during WWII. Uncle Johnny is with the Lord now; Uncle Bob is still with us. Neither ever spoke of the ugliness of the war they fought; I want them to know I am proud and thankful for both of them. Brother Blythe, enjoy that Honor flight; you have more than earned it. Thank you.
Roy Fields, a dear friend, does daily duty with the Murfreesboro Police Force. Family friend Eddie Mitchell serves with the Murfreesboro Fire Department; our neighbor, Dewitt Cooper, is a member of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. Thank you, so very much.
It doesn't matter whether the fight is overseas against a foreign enemy or on our neighborhood streets, these brave men and women are standing in the gap for us, ready to fight, and, if necessary, die to protect us. What makes them willing? A strength far beyond any I have. And that is why, this Veteran's Day, I want to say to all of them, "Thank you. I appreciate everything you do for us. God bless you and keep you."
Today, I feel very thankful for the men and women who have freely given their lives so I can live free.
Last month, a young soldier from our home town was laid to rest. Corey Kowall died in Afghanistan, doing what he had always wanted to do: serve his country in the military. He is a hero, and I am honored to have known him. Thank you, Corey.
John Frizzell and Robert Finney, two of my uncles, served in Europe during WWII. Uncle Johnny is with the Lord now; Uncle Bob is still with us. Neither ever spoke of the ugliness of the war they fought; I want them to know I am proud and thankful for both of them. Brother Blythe, enjoy that Honor flight; you have more than earned it. Thank you.
Roy Fields, a dear friend, does daily duty with the Murfreesboro Police Force. Family friend Eddie Mitchell serves with the Murfreesboro Fire Department; our neighbor, Dewitt Cooper, is a member of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. Thank you, so very much.
It doesn't matter whether the fight is overseas against a foreign enemy or on our neighborhood streets, these brave men and women are standing in the gap for us, ready to fight, and, if necessary, die to protect us. What makes them willing? A strength far beyond any I have. And that is why, this Veteran's Day, I want to say to all of them, "Thank you. I appreciate everything you do for us. God bless you and keep you."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30
I guess I will always look on my children as "my babies." It was wonderful to be there for the births of both grandchildren, and I was thankful to know they were whole and healthy. But I could not leave the hospital until I could touch my baby, and know for myself that she had come through it whole and healthy, too. It's a Mom thing.
Now, as I look at my beautiful grandchildren, I am so thankful that, through all my mistakes, misgivings, fears, and bad decisions, my daughters are wonderful mothers.
Amanda has gone through more than her fair share of trial as a Mom. She is, single-handedly, raising one fantastic boy. She works so hard every day to provide the things he needs, but she always has time and energy to keep going after those long days. She sees him through homework, baseball, flu, and 9-yr-old cranky. She shares the home runs and the losses, the "I'm #1!" times and the "I'm such a loser!" moments. She never preaches at him; she chooses to talk to him, and help him deal honestly and fairly with whatever he's facing. She is firm and fair in discipline, and unconditionally loving. I hope, as Caleb grows and matures, he will see just what a great Mom she is.
Karen has just become a Mom. She still has that "Where did you come from?" glow on her face when she looks at her precious daughter. She's dealing with feeding, changing, up-all-night, and random crying, and having to work and leaving the baby in day care. She truly seems to cherish every moment with Baby Lorelai. She is loving, gentle, funny, and fiercely protective. I am so thankful for Jay, her wonderful husband, who deeply loves and cares for them both. Rorei will grow up knowing she is truly loved.
I am so proud of both my daughters. "My babies" are fine, strong young women. And, lest you think I would spend all this ink and not say it, I want to end by declaring that I have the most wonderful, intelligent, handsome/beautiful grandchildren on the face of the earth.
I'm not bragging....just stating the facts.
I guess I will always look on my children as "my babies." It was wonderful to be there for the births of both grandchildren, and I was thankful to know they were whole and healthy. But I could not leave the hospital until I could touch my baby, and know for myself that she had come through it whole and healthy, too. It's a Mom thing.
Now, as I look at my beautiful grandchildren, I am so thankful that, through all my mistakes, misgivings, fears, and bad decisions, my daughters are wonderful mothers.
Amanda has gone through more than her fair share of trial as a Mom. She is, single-handedly, raising one fantastic boy. She works so hard every day to provide the things he needs, but she always has time and energy to keep going after those long days. She sees him through homework, baseball, flu, and 9-yr-old cranky. She shares the home runs and the losses, the "I'm #1!" times and the "I'm such a loser!" moments. She never preaches at him; she chooses to talk to him, and help him deal honestly and fairly with whatever he's facing. She is firm and fair in discipline, and unconditionally loving. I hope, as Caleb grows and matures, he will see just what a great Mom she is.
Karen has just become a Mom. She still has that "Where did you come from?" glow on her face when she looks at her precious daughter. She's dealing with feeding, changing, up-all-night, and random crying, and having to work and leaving the baby in day care. She truly seems to cherish every moment with Baby Lorelai. She is loving, gentle, funny, and fiercely protective. I am so thankful for Jay, her wonderful husband, who deeply loves and cares for them both. Rorei will grow up knowing she is truly loved.
I am so proud of both my daughters. "My babies" are fine, strong young women. And, lest you think I would spend all this ink and not say it, I want to end by declaring that I have the most wonderful, intelligent, handsome/beautiful grandchildren on the face of the earth.
I'm not bragging....just stating the facts.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Brenda
"Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126:2-3
The first time I met Brenda was at the Church's State Convention in 1979. Her husband, Ray, had just been appointed as our Pastor, and we went to the stage to welcome them. I was struck first by his pink suit; then, by her wide, beautiful, dimpled smile. I told my mother-in-law afterward that Brenda seemed very sweet, quiet, and shy.
OK, OK...at least I got the "sweet" part right.
While they were moving into the parsonage in Antioch, I invited them to our apartment for dinner. At some point, I forget when, the room was filled with high-pitched, purely joyous, and infectious laughter. I learned very quickly Brenda loved to laugh; and I think that is what I will always remember most.
Brenda was not afraid to laugh right out loud if it brought the Joy of the Lord to the House of God and the hearts of others. We found that Brenda was serious about her faith, but seriously happy about it. It was Brenda who took a group of us to our first Ladies' Retreat one Halloween weekend, where we shared rooms close to general and state WMB workers. It was also Brenda who painted our faces with eyeliner and lipstick, and led us up and down the halls of the lodge trick-or-treating in our nightgowns and robes. It was Brenda who made us see the silly side of our whining..."Oh, for goodness' sake, you're not dying, you're just pregnant!"...and the child side of our worried, adult lives..."No, what you need is a good spanking!"
She gave the best hugs! When she wrapped us in her arms, we could feel every ounce of love and warmth she had to give; and when she let go, we could still feel it, like a blanket around our shoulders. Children would line up around her and stand there until they got one of those hugs!
And speaking of the children..."Beeba" saw them all as pure joy and wonder. Never did she allow children or young people to be shoved aside or ignored. And they adored her. Who can forget her as Mother Goose in the children's Christmas pageant? Or, year after year, working in youth camps? While some worried about the problems they could cause, Brenda saw only the energy, passion, and eagerness in the young. More often than not, she was encouraging harmless mischief, her "camp voice" and that wonderful laughter leading the way, urging the kids to have fun, and the adults to "lighten up."
That joy, that love, and that laughter will be my memory of Brenda.
Brenda stepped into Glory this morning, just a little while ago. I pray for comfort and peace for Ray, her beautiful daughters, and all those precious grandchildren she cherished so. A dear friend was wondering what would be the first thing Brenda would do when she walked through the gates of her new Home. I think I know. Above the sound of the angels singing, I can almost hear her laughing, all the way to His throne. He's going to love that hug.
I love you, Brenda. Save me a seat.
The first time I met Brenda was at the Church's State Convention in 1979. Her husband, Ray, had just been appointed as our Pastor, and we went to the stage to welcome them. I was struck first by his pink suit; then, by her wide, beautiful, dimpled smile. I told my mother-in-law afterward that Brenda seemed very sweet, quiet, and shy.
OK, OK...at least I got the "sweet" part right.
While they were moving into the parsonage in Antioch, I invited them to our apartment for dinner. At some point, I forget when, the room was filled with high-pitched, purely joyous, and infectious laughter. I learned very quickly Brenda loved to laugh; and I think that is what I will always remember most.
Brenda was not afraid to laugh right out loud if it brought the Joy of the Lord to the House of God and the hearts of others. We found that Brenda was serious about her faith, but seriously happy about it. It was Brenda who took a group of us to our first Ladies' Retreat one Halloween weekend, where we shared rooms close to general and state WMB workers. It was also Brenda who painted our faces with eyeliner and lipstick, and led us up and down the halls of the lodge trick-or-treating in our nightgowns and robes. It was Brenda who made us see the silly side of our whining..."Oh, for goodness' sake, you're not dying, you're just pregnant!"...and the child side of our worried, adult lives..."No, what you need is a good spanking!"
She gave the best hugs! When she wrapped us in her arms, we could feel every ounce of love and warmth she had to give; and when she let go, we could still feel it, like a blanket around our shoulders. Children would line up around her and stand there until they got one of those hugs!
And speaking of the children..."Beeba" saw them all as pure joy and wonder. Never did she allow children or young people to be shoved aside or ignored. And they adored her. Who can forget her as Mother Goose in the children's Christmas pageant? Or, year after year, working in youth camps? While some worried about the problems they could cause, Brenda saw only the energy, passion, and eagerness in the young. More often than not, she was encouraging harmless mischief, her "camp voice" and that wonderful laughter leading the way, urging the kids to have fun, and the adults to "lighten up."
That joy, that love, and that laughter will be my memory of Brenda.
Brenda stepped into Glory this morning, just a little while ago. I pray for comfort and peace for Ray, her beautiful daughters, and all those precious grandchildren she cherished so. A dear friend was wondering what would be the first thing Brenda would do when she walked through the gates of her new Home. I think I know. Above the sound of the angels singing, I can almost hear her laughing, all the way to His throne. He's going to love that hug.
I love you, Brenda. Save me a seat.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dennis
I have been married to Dennis for 35 years as of today.
Everyone gets married thinking life will be all roses and romance, sunshine and sweetness. Truth is, marriage is hard work. For every bright day when everything just goes so right, there are the days when the kids are sick, and the car won't run; the checkbook won't balance, the bills won't go away; get home from one trip, and have to leave right out for another; the kids won't stay home and the in-laws wont't leave; like Roseanne Rasannadanna said, "It's always something."
We have had our fair share of life. We have had arguments to rival the MidEast negotiations. But, we've also had more than our share of joyous and proud moments with our children and grandchildren, and quiet, loving times without them. Dennis, through his years of hard work and dedication, has made quite a respected name for himself with his corporation, and I am very proud of him for that. But, what I respect more, and what makes me love him most, is his dedication to the Lord, his children and to me. I have never, through any trial or fearful time, doubted that.
So, here we are, 35 years later, looking back on how far we've come together. It's been a wonderful journey. Would I change anything? Maybe some minor adjustments here and there; but then, the bumps in the road let you know you're still on the journey.
And they said it wouldn't last!
Everyone gets married thinking life will be all roses and romance, sunshine and sweetness. Truth is, marriage is hard work. For every bright day when everything just goes so right, there are the days when the kids are sick, and the car won't run; the checkbook won't balance, the bills won't go away; get home from one trip, and have to leave right out for another; the kids won't stay home and the in-laws wont't leave; like Roseanne Rasannadanna said, "It's always something."
We have had our fair share of life. We have had arguments to rival the MidEast negotiations. But, we've also had more than our share of joyous and proud moments with our children and grandchildren, and quiet, loving times without them. Dennis, through his years of hard work and dedication, has made quite a respected name for himself with his corporation, and I am very proud of him for that. But, what I respect more, and what makes me love him most, is his dedication to the Lord, his children and to me. I have never, through any trial or fearful time, doubted that.
So, here we are, 35 years later, looking back on how far we've come together. It's been a wonderful journey. Would I change anything? Maybe some minor adjustments here and there; but then, the bumps in the road let you know you're still on the journey.
And they said it wouldn't last!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Do a Little Dance
"Let them praise His Name in the dance: let them sing praises to him with the timbrel and harp." Psalm 149:3
My brother, John, called me earlier today. I just love him. Of all my brothers, I believe he is the most down-to-earth and plain-spoken. I've heard it said that kids and dogs are good judges of character--well, they all love John.
Whenever I think of John, I remember a time when he was about 9 years old and I was in high school. For whatever reason, we had been up the street and were walking home. All of a sudden, John grabbed my hand and said, "Let's skip." I had no idea a boy that age would dare be caught in front of his friends skipping with his sister; but, all the way back to the house, down the middle of Riner Drive, we skipped. It didn't matter who was watching, or what they thought. That memory is dear to me.
In Church last Sunday, we sang "I'm gonna dance like nobody's watching, I'm gonna sing like no one can hear me." I wish sometimes I didn't care so much what others think of me. In some matters, I really don't care; then, at other times, I find myself so conscious of where I am, and how others will judge me. I want to sing and not care that I'm flat, as long as I'm praising Him. I want to dance and not care if I fall flat, as long as I'm dancing in His Spirit.
David Baroni once said, "Lord, drain me of me, fill me with You." Amen.
My brother, John, called me earlier today. I just love him. Of all my brothers, I believe he is the most down-to-earth and plain-spoken. I've heard it said that kids and dogs are good judges of character--well, they all love John.
Whenever I think of John, I remember a time when he was about 9 years old and I was in high school. For whatever reason, we had been up the street and were walking home. All of a sudden, John grabbed my hand and said, "Let's skip." I had no idea a boy that age would dare be caught in front of his friends skipping with his sister; but, all the way back to the house, down the middle of Riner Drive, we skipped. It didn't matter who was watching, or what they thought. That memory is dear to me.
In Church last Sunday, we sang "I'm gonna dance like nobody's watching, I'm gonna sing like no one can hear me." I wish sometimes I didn't care so much what others think of me. In some matters, I really don't care; then, at other times, I find myself so conscious of where I am, and how others will judge me. I want to sing and not care that I'm flat, as long as I'm praising Him. I want to dance and not care if I fall flat, as long as I'm dancing in His Spirit.
David Baroni once said, "Lord, drain me of me, fill me with You." Amen.
Monday, October 26, 2009
To A Friend
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Prov. 17:17
I guess everyone has a friend like Charlie; Charlie is the kind of friend I wish I had known better.
Charlie is an "extended" friend. I always knew his wife better, since we attended the same Church for years. Though Charlie was seldom there himself, every one of us has known him and has loved him as a friend. Charlie is one of those people most other people just...well...like. I have always known him to be friendly, with a great sense of humor, the guy who is always willing to help if he can, and find the help if he can't. He is a hard worker, generous, and I don't know a kid who ever met him who didn't love him.
Through the years, as our lives all changed, we drifted apart from Charlie and his family, and now, I find myself wishing I had gotten to know him better. Charlie's Mother was taken from them in a terrible accident a few days ago, and he and his children are grieving, and missing her, and saying goodbye. I hope, if any of Charlie's family reads this, they will forward to him our love and prayers. I pray God grants them peace and comfort, and that Charlie finds the love of his friends surrounding him during this difficult time.
We love you, Charlie.
I guess everyone has a friend like Charlie; Charlie is the kind of friend I wish I had known better.
Charlie is an "extended" friend. I always knew his wife better, since we attended the same Church for years. Though Charlie was seldom there himself, every one of us has known him and has loved him as a friend. Charlie is one of those people most other people just...well...like. I have always known him to be friendly, with a great sense of humor, the guy who is always willing to help if he can, and find the help if he can't. He is a hard worker, generous, and I don't know a kid who ever met him who didn't love him.
Through the years, as our lives all changed, we drifted apart from Charlie and his family, and now, I find myself wishing I had gotten to know him better. Charlie's Mother was taken from them in a terrible accident a few days ago, and he and his children are grieving, and missing her, and saying goodbye. I hope, if any of Charlie's family reads this, they will forward to him our love and prayers. I pray God grants them peace and comfort, and that Charlie finds the love of his friends surrounding him during this difficult time.
We love you, Charlie.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Day in the Life
"For I reckon...
(Don't you love it when Paul goes all Southern on us? {:-) )
...that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
The kids won't get ready to go, the car won't start, there's a wreck on the way to work, the baby was up all night, the central heat is out, the meatloaf flopped, the boss is a jerk, the government is too twisted for color TV, which has very little to watch anyway, the weatherman was wrong again, the favorite team is comfortable in last place, yadayadayadayadayada.....
"One of those days" seems to be happening more often than it used to. Isn't it great to have a God who knows just what we're facing, when we're facing it, and how to deal? And, His outlook is "Ain't no biggie...look what's waiting for you!"
Sigh....like the old song says, "Heaven will surely be worth it all!"
(Don't you love it when Paul goes all Southern on us? {:-) )
...that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
The kids won't get ready to go, the car won't start, there's a wreck on the way to work, the baby was up all night, the central heat is out, the meatloaf flopped, the boss is a jerk, the government is too twisted for color TV, which has very little to watch anyway, the weatherman was wrong again, the favorite team is comfortable in last place, yadayadayadayadayada.....
"One of those days" seems to be happening more often than it used to. Isn't it great to have a God who knows just what we're facing, when we're facing it, and how to deal? And, His outlook is "Ain't no biggie...look what's waiting for you!"
Sigh....like the old song says, "Heaven will surely be worth it all!"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A prayer for the Children
"In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Mt 2:18
My heart is broken for the Thompson family, whose child was abducted Monday while walking home from school. Her tiny body was found yesterday in a landfill in Georgia.
My mind reels when something like this happens. I heard someone once say, "I don't care if it walks upright and brushes its teeth, if it would do something like this, its not human." I disagree. Animals kill for survival or out of fear. Only a human being has the thought process-decision, planning, selection, implementation-to carry out such a despicable, sickening deed. Whoever this person or persons are, they have destroyed a beautiful, loving and innocent life simply because they could. They have proven themselves to be the lowest of the low; human waste, fit only for that trash heap where they left her broken, violated body.
Many years ago, my Pastor, Ray Dupre, stood before our small congregation and prayed that God would, for that one day, throughout our land, stay the hand of the child abuser; that, for 24 hours, no child would feel threatened, feel pain, or face death at the hands of a parent, friend or abductor. Call me silly--though I never checked it out, I fully believed God heard and honored that prayer. I believe He still will. I am calling on all of us who trust Him to kneel before him on behalf of children everywhere, asking His Hand of protection on them. I am asking as well for His guidance for the authorities to find the evil muderer(s), bring them to justice, and get them off our streets. I'm sorry if I say this too strongly, but I no longer care about their rights or protection. They certainly cared nothing about Somer Thompson.
My heart is broken for the Thompson family, whose child was abducted Monday while walking home from school. Her tiny body was found yesterday in a landfill in Georgia.
My mind reels when something like this happens. I heard someone once say, "I don't care if it walks upright and brushes its teeth, if it would do something like this, its not human." I disagree. Animals kill for survival or out of fear. Only a human being has the thought process-decision, planning, selection, implementation-to carry out such a despicable, sickening deed. Whoever this person or persons are, they have destroyed a beautiful, loving and innocent life simply because they could. They have proven themselves to be the lowest of the low; human waste, fit only for that trash heap where they left her broken, violated body.
Many years ago, my Pastor, Ray Dupre, stood before our small congregation and prayed that God would, for that one day, throughout our land, stay the hand of the child abuser; that, for 24 hours, no child would feel threatened, feel pain, or face death at the hands of a parent, friend or abductor. Call me silly--though I never checked it out, I fully believed God heard and honored that prayer. I believe He still will. I am calling on all of us who trust Him to kneel before him on behalf of children everywhere, asking His Hand of protection on them. I am asking as well for His guidance for the authorities to find the evil muderer(s), bring them to justice, and get them off our streets. I'm sorry if I say this too strongly, but I no longer care about their rights or protection. They certainly cared nothing about Somer Thompson.
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