Mercy For Maple

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Psalm 145:9

This pleasure of my life gave me much reason for concern last Wednesday night when her body began showing signs of wanting to evacuate everything in it, to the point of her breathing being labored and her hind legs trembling and jerking.  

I feared leaving her by herself through the night, but also had little mental energy and knew of little I could do to help her, other than pray, provide comfort and a quiet room for her recovery. 

I heard nothing from her that night, unlike other nights when it’s not unusual to hear her calling out for our attention.  

Sometimes she doesn’t want to be alone! 🙉

Upon opening the door to greet her the next morn, she sounded out her usual “I am very hungry” cry, and I rejoiced!! 

But then… I examined the room to see she’d deposited many unlovely surprises scattered through out the room!! 

What a mess! 

But a lovely mess!  

By all appearances, whatever needed to come out of her body the night before was OUT, and she felt 100% better.  

I continued to rejoice!!  

I quickly realized, cleaning up after our geriatric kitty-kin that morning was a blessing to the alternative of needing to bury her!! 

Thank you, LORD! 

I’ve enjoyed every blessing of 15 years we’ve had with her. 

I don’t want to think she’s nearing the end of her life with us, but I have to be reconciled with the reality that she could leave us at any time. 

For the joy and comfort of knowing the LORD has been generous to give her to us, I pray He will continue to provide for her needs through us, and take her peacefully when that time comes.  

Our first Siamese, Prancer, left us after 15-16 yrs of being together. We adopted him as a middle aged cat of 7-8 yrs, per our family vet.  If by chance he was only 5 years old, Prancer could have been anywhere between 20-22+ yrs of age when he left us, which is hard to believe!  Is that possible? 

His disappearance was a very sad end to our many years of loving and caring for him. 

We never found him. 

Still to this day, I occasionally dream of finding him.

 

Since Maple is not likely to disappear (because she’s become strictly a house cat), I pray she passes in her sleep.  That would be the easiest end for her and us, if the LORD so wills! 

For now, Mark says she’s being treated like a queen, and that she is!!

She’s very aware she holds my heart! 

This is the sad reality of owning and loving pets. 

The time comes when one day we have to say goodbye!  As hard as that is, we know to let them go is loving and best. 

For my animal/pet loving family and friends, I think you’ll enjoy this article about God’s creation and purpose for animals…

https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/10-biblical-truths-about-animals/

It was because of how mild natured Prancer was that I desired another Siamese, and we found Maple at JHS at 11 weeks of age at the Jacksonville Humane Society in 2006…

Katherine wanted to name her Maple because it appeared they shared a common enjoyment for licking maple syrup off their plates.  😂

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Thank you, Rosie, for capturing the above featured photo of Maple last Sunday evening!   I still love it!! 

Love From a Pure Heart, Good Conscience, and a Sincere Faith

 

After a period of almost two years of getting to know one another better as friends, John approached Mr. Smith a couple of weeks ago and asked if he could pursue a more intentional and faithful relationship with Rosie.  John told Mr. Smith, "I only want to do this once."  Mr.  Smith was pleased to grant his approval, and John walked away a happy young man that day.  John took some time to consider the right time to talk to Rosie, who was not yet aware of his desire, nor the scheduled talk time with her dad.  John also agreed to give Mr. and Mrs. Smith a heads up a few days in advance, and this is how their special time together played out this past Saturday afternoon…

After a long work week, Rosie asked John if he and EJ could pick her and Meg up to head out to the beach for an hour or so before heading back to her parents' house for dinner and a movie.  John wasn't sure how his thoughts would blend with her plans, but he knew he wanted her parents to join them and share in their excitement;  he asked us to join them also. 

While looking for sharks teeth, John stopped Rosie and diverted her attention away to what he wanted to say.  He took her hands and somehow communicated his thoughts to the effect of, “There’s really no other way to put this, 'Will you be my girlfriend?  Will you enter a faithful and spiritual relationship with me?...".  Rosie said she first thought he was joking around, but John assured her he was not joking, and she said, "Yes!" 

As they drove home and neared her parents' house, John said he looked over at Rosie and saw her hand cupped on the side of her smiling face as she took it all in.  

Rosie didn't realize, but we awaited their arrival.  As they walked through the front door, Rosie's face was radiant!  We enjoyed the play by play as they sat down to talk with us, and then eventually Plan B was made.  John would order pizza, and they asked us to stay and join them for dinner, but first they wanted to take a few minutes to capture this special memory...

 

The above picture was taken for me, for all the gratitude and sentimental, “Who would have ever thought?”  reasons!  Even Dad's signature silliness was captured!  

We’re thankful for how the LORD has intricately woven the lives of Rosie and John together by 42 years of family/church friendships.  It's amazing to consider, and we're thankful for what the LORD wills to accomplish.  

I'm still in awe!  

"Paul begins his [first] letter [to Timothy], 'The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith' (1 Timothy 1:5). My whole reason for writing, Timothy, is that you might be a man of love — and that you might lead others further into that love. Love, as John Piper defines it, 'is the overflow and expansion of joy in God, which gladly meets the needs of others' (The Dangerous Duty of Delight, 44). So, Timothy, set the believers an example in your growing, overflowing, need-meeting joy in God. Teach them, with your life, how to love."

Marshal Segal 

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/love-makes-a-man-a-man

John,

May your greatest delight be found in Christ.  We pray His love would be a wellspring of endless joy and peace that overflows into the lives of those He calls you to love, lead, and serve.  

Photo credits: 

Mom-Sunday morning after church, front porch of our home. 

Meg-Back view through the kitchen door 

Rosie-Together selfie

E.J.-Group photo of parents

Walking by Faith in Honor

 

“When a man honors his father, he is honoring what he hopes to one day become.  When his father considers his son, he remembers what it was like.  The same thing is true of a woman honoring her mother, and a mother remembering what it was like to be a girl.  But when a woman honors her father, and a man honors his mother, they are both walking by faith and honoring a mystery.”

Douglas Wilson

Every Mother’s Son

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/every-mothers-son

I have known since the earliest days of our friendship (December, 1983) that Mark loved and honored his mom and dad.  

I learned when his daddy’s strength and health were fading in the Spring of 2012, Mark’s love and honor for his father and mother swelled with greater sacrifice and compassionate care! 

I am thankful and blessed to be married to such a man, who goes to great extreme to prove his loyal devotion and availability,  even when it costs him energy, and discomfort in the midst of unfamiliar trial.  I have been comforted to watch him stand resolved through nerve wracking angst to conquer by leading his mom in prayer, which amazingly calmed her!  He’s  prayed from a heart of fear and reverence to Our Father who loves her more than we can ever attempt to love and care for her. 

As I sat by Mawmaw’s bedside this week to give Mark brief moments away, I read scripture and prayed with her.  I listened as she cried out to the LORD for help.  It was sobering.  

I am thankful to read and consider these passages of the LORD’s counsel…

He will not cast her off in this time of her old age;  He will not forsake her when her strength is spent.  Psalm 71:9, paraphrased 

Even to [her] old age “I am He”, and to gray hairs [He] will carry [her].  [He has] made, and [He] will bear; [He] will carry and will save.   Isaiah 46:4, paraphrased 

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.  Proverbs 16:31

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  Proverbs 23:22 

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.  Job 12:12

The Lord watches over the sojourners; He upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.  Psalm 146:9

The  LORD hears her cries.  Psalm 34:17

He has numbered every hair on her head.  Luke 12:7

He has redeemed her.  Isaiah 43:1

He is compassionate toward her.  Isaiah 40:11 

He’ll provide for her needs. Psalm 37:25

Her condition warranted hospitalization for hydration and evaluation.  She’s been there since Thursday.  We continue to pray and trust the LORD will accomplish His purpose for her during this uncertain time (Psalm 138:8), for His glory.  We wait for Him to do what we cannot do. 

The righteous flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  

They are planted in the house of the Lord;  they flourish in the courts of our God.  

They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,

to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.  

Psalm 92:12-15

Thank you Father for helping us to trust You, who rules in all wise, perfect love, and sovereign control for Mawmaw's care.  

His Faithful Word

 

I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! 

Psalm 119:107

https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY

Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near,
Your Savior's gracious promise hear;
His faithful Word you can believe:
That as your days your strength shall be.

Your faith is weak, your foes are strong,
And if the conflict should be long,
The Lord will make the tempter flee
That as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle's fierce, but the victory's won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

Should persecution rage and flame,
Still trust in your Redeemer's name.
In fiery trials you shall see
That as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle's fierce, but the victory's won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

When called to bear your weighty cross
Or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
Or deep distress or poverty,
Still as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle's fierce, but the victory's won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle's fierce, but the victory's won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

Words: Connie Dever and John Fawcett

The last few days have been very different, mixed with some sweet but also difficult circumstances… physically, emotionally, and spiritually!  Mark’s dear mom has struggled with maladies that have caused her and us to cry out to the LORD for His help! 

Mark has been soo very loyal to attend to his mom’s needs, to be a support to her by his presence. 

For her every call, plea, cry, anxiety, confusion, fear, and desire for prayer, he has mercifully and loyally  attended. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being Our Ever Present, Faithful One!!   We look to You for help and strength for these days of trial and affliction. 

Thank you for laying down your life for us!  We are so desperately aware of our frailty!  We have much gratitude for knowing You are our Savior and Healer of our sin cursed hearts and bodies as we walk this path of life’s joys and sorrows on this earth together.  Ohh, how thankful we are to still be together! 

“Teach us to number our days that we may get hearts of wisdom. 

Psalm 90:12, ESV

Found: Timely Treasured Reminder

 

Note to younger Moms:  

Date your children’s gifts! 🥰

Always, On Your Knees

 

If you take being a father seriously, 

you'll know that you're not big enough for the job. 

Being a father will put you on your knees, 

if nothing else ever did.

Elisabeth Elliot

Photo:  Susan Dixon Photography LLC

Gray Family Fruit Salad

 

In recent weeks, we’ve eaten more fresh fruit to boost our immune system.  Not only is this fruit salad good and refreshing, it’s a better alternative to processed sugary foods.  Our family enjoys sweets, but it’s not wise that we have a steady diet of them, especially during an unusual sick season as we’re experiencing. 

Mark’s mom and dad always worked together to make this fresh fruit salad for our Christmas family gatherings.  It was one of Mark’s favorite treats, and it became one of mine. 

I have started making this salad, and now, more throughout the year, because it’s a healthy and enjoyable way to treat my family.  In fact, this fruit salad was served at the wedding reception of Katherine and Luke back in February. 🤗

I can assure you, it takes more time to make this salad than is required to enjoy eating it. 

The size of this salad can easily vary, but to make it worth your time, make a large batch, because the longer it sits in the refrigerator, blending juices, the better it becomes. 

Hope you enjoy!! 

Mawmaw’s and Pawpaw’s Fruit Salad

•6 apples, any variety*, cut in 1/8 sections, then quartered chunks;  I leave the skin on the apples. At Christmas, I use green and red apples for a colorful Christmas presentation. 

•Lemon juice squirt over the cut apples, stirred well to cover, for minimizing browning. I have not had the apples in this fruit salad turn brown. 

•6 naval oranges, cut similarly, skin peeled off

•2 ruby red grapefruit, cut in smaller sections and chunks, skin off

•2-4 cans of pineapple chunks, with juice, fresh pineapple can also be used. 

•Seedless Grapes, your choice of color, sliced in half

•Shredded Coconut, sprinkled over and thoroughly mixed, optional

•Maraschino cherries, optional

•Chopped Walnuts, optional, and which I especially enjoy for added delight and crunch!  

•If you’d like a more citrusy juice flavor added to your fruit, which we like, I’ve added as much prepared juice or 2-4 Tbsps of frozen orange juice concentrate to the fruit mixture.  Stir well. 

Mix all ingredients together, and refrigerate or enjoy immediately! 

For a summer salad, add fresh quartered strawberries and whole blueberries instead of cherries and coconut. 

Knowing

 

I know the crimson stain of sin,

Defiling all without, within,

But now rejoicingly I know

That He has washed me white as snow.

I praise Him for the cleansing tide,

Because I know that Jesus died. 

I know the helpless, hopeless plaint,

“The whole head sick, the whole heart faint;”

But now I trust His touch of grace, 

That meets so perfectly my case,

So tenderly, so truly deals;

Because I know that Jesus heals. 

I know the pang of forfeit breath, 

When life in sin was life in death; 

But now I know His life is mine,

And nothing shall that cord untwine;

Rejoicing in the life He gives,

Because I know that Jesus lives. 

I know how anxious thought can press,

I know the weight of carefulness; 

But now I know the sweet reward

Of casting all upon the Lord, 

No longer bearing what He bears, 

Because I know that Jesus cares. 

I know the sorrow that is known

To the tear-burdened heart alone;

But now I know its full relief

Through Him who was acquaint with grief,

And peace through every trial flows,

Because I know that Jesus knows. 

I know the gloom amid the mirth,

The longing for the love of earth;

But now I know the love that fills,

That gladdens, blesses, crowns, and stills;

That nothing mars and nothing moves, 

I know, I know that Jesus loves! 

I know the shrinking and the fear,

When all seems wrong, and nothing clear;

But now I gaze upon His throne,

And Faith sees all His foes o’erthrown,

And I can wait till He explains, 

Because I know that Jesus reigns.

Frances Ridley Havergal

Photo: This Peace Lily was given in memory of our Dear Friend, Eileen, who passed away in May, 2018.  It was first kept in the foyer of our church, where her memorial service was held, under the low light of one window that provided filtered sun there.  After a period of time in that spot, the lily began to show signs of decline, so I brought it home and put it on my back porch where it now receives more northern morning sun exposure.  Slowly it has revived and now shows very encouraging improvement and growth!  

This blossom is a beautiful reminder of the fun friendship the LORD gave our family through Eileen’s presence in our lives from 2002-2018.  I am thankful Eileen loved her Savior and LORD.  She is at peace now with Him, rejoicing and flourishing in His presence!  

The LORD gave me a friend in Eileen for a brief season.  I am oft reminded over and over again of God’s mercy to me through her “Big Sister” counsel and encouragement.  

Because of sad circumstances in her life, she lost her mom at a young age and then later, her husband, and her children.  I learned by listening to her heart how sin and grief had wrecked her life, “But God…” used the teaching and counsel of His word to  regenerate and redeem her life!  As a result, she then encouraged me as a younger wife and mother. 

There’s no doubt, the LORD placed us in one another’s lives!  We needed her influence and fellowship, and she needed our family presence and loving support.  I treasure recalling the many ways the LORD stretched and taught me how to love, laugh, and thank Him for Eileen’s friendship! 

I am thankful for every memory of such a God fearing friend.  She knew Christ’s saving grace, enduring love, and secure fellowship in Christ.  I miss her greatly!  

In loving memory…

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that is builds itself up in love. 

Ephesians 4:11-16

Credit:  Thank you, Sarah S., for sharing so generously the encouraging poem and counsel from Frances Ridley Havergal. 

Willing to Stand

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business?  

He shall stand before kings;  

he shall not stand before mean men.”

Proverbs 22:29

Watching my husband work with our sons has always been soo enjoyable for me! I LOVE knowing our sons are still being taught by their father, who was taught by his father!   I pray our sons will always treasure time spent learning from their dad, and become such a man that will teach others also. 

The word “mean” refers to being average, or obscure, not easily noticed or recognized.  I pray they will be men that stand out, and be set apart.  I pray they will not blend in and be conformed to the culture and world around them, but to be outstanding, because they are bearing the image and likeness of Christ in all they are called to do. 

LORD, may You set our sons apart for Your praise, that they will know, whatever work You call them to, by their example will teach others to work as they stand before You.  Men that are humble, teachable, and willing to work are admirable and honorable! 

I am thankful to admire these traits in you, Son! ❤️

"Stand true to your calling to be a man.  Real women will always be relieved and grateful, when men are willing to be men."

Elisabeth Elliot

Photos:  Oil change in the Lees' garage, 07/26/21

Proof of God’s Love!

 

Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering. 

The love of God is of a different nature altogether. 

It does not hate tragedy. 

It never denies reality. 

It stands in the very teeth of suffering. 

The love of God did not protect His own Son. 

The cross was the proof of His love – 

that He gave that Son, that He let Him go to Calvary’s cross, though “legions of angels” might have rescued Him. He will not necessarily protect us - 

not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. 

A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process.

Elisabeth Elliot

Photo: Poppy’s resting place, Jacksonville National Cemetery, 08/03/21

Grace Upon Grace

 

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”  But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of  Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle....”  

Exodus 13:17-18

One year ago today we lost Poppy, and I lost my daddy!!

The LORD soo wisely and graciously gave me a lot for distraction that week to soften the reality of his sudden departure/absence.  I am very thankful!  As much as Poppy anticipated being at the wedding of Matthew and Grace, his fullness of joy was complete with Jesus!!! ❤️

I still wake up and realize, “It’s true!  He’s really not here anymore!” 

I’m still tempted to feel overwhelmed, for Meme, for all of us!  

I’m tempted to think grief upon grief instead of “grace upon grace”!  

I know better!!!  

But the anxious toil is a battle! 

I want to encourage you, my family, to trust the LORD with these hard realities when they come. Gird up your hearts and minds and be ready. 

Rehearse God’s faithfulness!! 

Grief is hard! A real enemy!! 

Pastor Shane shared soon after Pawpaw passed away (September 27, 2012), 

“Jesus never said we would not experience sickness and death/losses, but when we do, that we'll know He is with us.  He desires we know Him better through trial.”  

Some days it feels like I’m on the front line in a battle.  I know He’s already fought the fight against my defeated foe;  He is with me!  In His presence and fullness there is joy and grace upon grace…

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1

Pls pray for Meme today! 

❤️Love you!

Photo: Treasured time with Poppy, 

September 9, 2019