As unto the LORD (via Mowser)

Saturday, August 02, 2008

TEA PARTIES ARE FUN!

Last week my sister and I decided to treat ourselves. We drove over to Tecumseh to the British Tea Pantry. It's a quaint old building that has been redecoracted in to a beautiful little Tea Shop. The serve wonderful delicacies. The food is delicious. They also have tea that is out of this world. We went with the Ginger Peach. They serve the tea in beautiful china teapots with china teacups. Sitting in the old fashioned booths with special old fashioned lighting makes for a lovely atmosphere. It is just like escaping from all the rush and hub bub of our busy life styles. This is probably not a place where you would take the men folk in your family. No overhead TV's tuned into ESPN. Everything about this place is delicate, dainty, frilly, and feminine. Another fun thing is that we usually meet some of our other friends who have come for a little "get-away" time. So between a delightful atmosphere, delicious food, delectable tea and delightful conversation with friends, we had a marvelous time. We ate and sipped our tea slowly and let the rest of the world pass by. We were only there a little over an hour but came away refreshed. It would be fun to visit the British Tea Pantry every day but I suppose it could get old and maybe even a bit boring. HOWEVER.....

Early in the morning when I rise, I slip downstairs to my favorite "prayer place" and take time to have a "tea party" with Jesus. It is the most delightful, delicious, delectable hour of my day. I always come away feeling so refreshed. AND it never gets old or boring. He has something new on His menu for me every day. HE IS MY CUP OF TEA!!!

Hey...if you have never been to the British Tea Pantry and would like to do so, let me know and we will make a date to go.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

JESUS IS COMING

Every morning at about 6:30, my friend Linda Brown and I walk 2 1/2 miles. We try to do this in the evening also. This morning we started out right before sunrise. I had my camera and took a picture of daylight just breaking. Then suddenly a few seconds later the sun burst through the clouds and the dark sky. It was a beautiful sight! Fortunately I had my camera out of my pocket and took another picture. What really amazed me was how quickly the sun appeared. It was almost in an instant. WOW! I was reminded of the Scripture that tells us of the Lord's return to earth. Luke 21:27-28 says, "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen look up and lift up your heads , your redemption draws near." Taking these pictures this morning made me realize the importance of "being ready." The Scripture says Christ's return will be "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." For an instant right before I snapped the second picture I thought I could Jesus in clouds. I know I was looking for Him. One of these days it will happen! Hope you enjoy these pictures.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS! I am not sure where that old saying originated but it's so true. My dear friend, Jim Welborn emailed me a picture that spoke more than a thousand words to me. As I viewed the picture he sent I had a flash back of the last 36 1/2 years of God's faithfulness. Someone took this picture of my son-in-law, John Palmer, and his grand son, Grant Andrew Baker.

There were four things that spoke volumes to me. Number one; Grant's little eyes are intently focused on John. Number two, Grant's little hands are reaching out to John. Number three, the picture that spoke so powerfully, John's large capable hand holding firmly on to Grant. Finally, number four; there was the 'look of love and joy' coming from John into his little grand son's eyes and look of 'trust in being held' coming from Grant's eyes.

I can identify with Grant in knowing that my Father's hands have kept me safe, secure, and confident during my years as a widow and a single parent. There were times when I felt unsure, uncertain, frustrated, lonely and shaky in my circumstances, but all I had to do was refocus off of my situation, reach out and look to Jesus and then I could feel His firm hand of love holding me steady.

I love the chorus of the old hymn that says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." THANK YOU JOHN, THANK YOU GRANT FOR THE PICTURE THAT HAS BEEN WORTH MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS TO ME!

Sunday, July 06, 2008

"THIS OL' HOUSE"

Two of my special friends, Kathy Hiatt, Ginny Penney, and myself spent the day together. After church we drove to Archbold, Ohio and had a lovely dinner at Das Essen House. On our way I happened to see 'this old house' at the side of the road. For some reason I couldn't get the picture of the dilapidated building out of my mind. I begin to wonder how many families had lived in the old house. Had any babies been born there? Had any of the family members died there? What had happened that it had gotten so neglected through the years? It would have been interesting if the ol' house could have talked to us. Since I have been a home owner for many years, I do know the time and energy it takes to keep a house from deteriorating. In my 50 years of living in this house I have had 3 new roofs, new siding twice, a new driveway, new windows, new furnace, new doors and on and on the list goes. My house does look pretty good because I have invested time and effort, (money too) in trying to keep it renewed and refreshed.

Thinking about the old house, brought this question to my mind....am I making a continual and conscious effort in keeping my spiritual house renewed and refreshed? I hope and pray that I will always be aware of repairs that need to take place in my the areas of my spiritual home. (my heart) Such as, when my attitude becomes shabby and needs another coat of paint (God's love), or when I neglect building the principles of God's word into the foundation of my life each day; My prayer is that the people that pass by me each day will see the joy of the Lord in my countenance and know that Jesus lives in my heart house.

Friday, June 27, 2008

THIS IS NOT A RECYCLED BLOG

This blog is dedicated to my son Doug and my granddaughter Bethany. As you know, if you have read Bethany's blog, Bethany and Doug have decided to leave the world of Blogging. Among other reasons given was the fact that Gram's blogs are even starting to be recycled. So...I am sharing an incident that happened today between the Lord and me and it is new, fresh, exciting, never-been-used experience. Hope you two enjoy reading this!

The regular route that I take to church has been changed. There is a bridge out and there are no plans to build until 2010. As a result I have to drive 2 miles extra. One route takes me through town and traffic and the other route takes me the back way, no traffic, country roads and I usually choose the latter. The back road route takes me directly past the little cemetery where our baby girl is buried. I am not a "cemetery person" so have not visited there often. However this morning on my way to prayer meeting, I began thinking about little Deanna and wondering what she would be doing had she lived. That stirred up memories of my husband and I began to feel, not depressed, but weepy and alone. Instantly I began to talk to my Heavenly Father and acknowledge His goodness throughout the years. I had just said to Him, "Lord, I know you are listening to me and you do love me and you do care about me. Would you let me see something on this drive that affirms this?" AT THAT VERY MOMENT, what I saw thrilled me. Some people had put a large white rock at the edge of the road with these words painted on it, GOD BLESS YOU." God spoke to my heart and said, "that message is from Me to you.!" WOW, what a thrill!

The theme verse for our prayer meeting was Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace, (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need (appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it.)

Doug and Bethany...I am so thankful that I found His well-timed, grace and guess what???...it was not recycled it came brand new, just when I needed it, on a little country road just past the cemetary!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

A CRAVING, THREE CANS AND A PIE!

Have you ever had a craving for something to eat. When I was pregnant with my children I had very strange cravings; To name just a few, puffed wheat, ice, ivory soap, (yes, when taking showers I would lather up and drink.) Maybe that's what's wrong with Doug!!! (Just kidding Doug!) This afternoon I got a craving for a pie. I had nothing in the house to make a pie, so I thought. I began to search cupboards and found one can of peaches, one can of apricots and one can of crushed pineapple. I couldn't find a recipe so made up my own. It turned out great...it is delicious!!!! Wish you all could stop by and have a piece, but hurry because I am eating it like crazy.

I began to think..."there are some pretty good things that come in cans!" With just a touch of flavoring, thickening and a good flaky crust...yummy, yummy.

Now here it comes!!! With a touch of the Holy Spirit, the flavoring of Jesus' love in our lives, "We CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us.!" I want the people that I come in contact with who have never tasted the good things of the Lord to begin to crave Him.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

STAY CONNECTED !

What a storm! Sunday night a 20 foot branch fell off the tree in the front of my house. Then on Monday it happened again...another big wind and another huge 30 foot branch broke from the top of the tree and twisted around one of the other big branches and is hanging, hooked over several branches. The branch that is broken off is so twisted around the other branches that I will probably have to call some tree people to come and get the mess straightened out. HOWEVER IN ALL OF THIS...I DO SEE A GREAT SPIRITUAL APPLICATION FOR US CHRISTIANS!

At the moment the big branch that is broken away from the trunk is filled with green leaves and helicopters.(that's what I call those little whirly gigs) It looks very healthy. However I know in just a few days there will be no life flowing through that branch and the green will turn to brown and become pretty ugly. This reminded me of people who do not stay connected to Jesus. Jesus said in John 15 the He is the real Vine and when we are joined with Him and He with us the harvest is sure to be abundant. Anyone who separates from Him will be as deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. We can go to church and look good for awhile but without that personal connection to Jesus, our spiritual lives will die and we will be as useless to the Kingdom of God as that branch is hanging in my tree. There is only one way to stay connected to Jesus and that is by reading His Word, praying, seeking His guidance on a daily basis. Then when the storms of life come and the winds of adversity blow, we may bend but Praise God we won't break.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

A BIRTHDAY BLOG TO MY SON-IN-LOVE

Dear John:

Thank you for blessing me, your mother-in-law, with so many special gifts. There are too many to count but I am going to mention 56 in honor of your 56 years.
First … thank you for marrying Debbie and giving me the gift of a wonderful son-in-law.
Second…thank you for my first grand child, Amy, who put laughter back in my heart after losing my dear husband.
Third…thank you for Jonathan, another delightful grand child who treats this gram so special.
Fourth…thank you for sweet Bethany Joy, who definitely has brought joy to my heart by choosing to spend time with me.
Fifth...thank you for teaching your children to be responsible and as you see by the picture of Bethany, you made sure they each carried their share of the load.
Sixth..thank you for always making me feel welcome in your home. I never once felt unwanted or unloved.
Seventh…thank you for taking me on vacations and staying calm when we got stranded out in the middle of lake at low tide.
Eighth..thank you for the many plane tickets you purchased for me.
Ninth…thank you for all the great sermons that I was privileged to hear you preach.
Tenth…thank you for praying for me.
Eleventh…thank you for investing into the lives of my two sons when they had lost their father.
Twelfth…thank you for letting them come to your church and work with you in the ministry.
Thirteen…thank you for all the peaceful nights I have slept knowing that my daughter and her children were well cared for in every area of their lives.
Fourteenth…thank you for the many times you drove all night on Christmas eve. From DesMoines, IA to Adrian so I could have my family on Christmas.
Fifteenth…thank for being a great spiritual leader in our family and seeking God’s direction for every decision.
This is getting a little long so let me say 30 times over and over, which would be 16 through 56…I love you…thank you for being the greatest son-in-law in the world.

The pictures above are of you and the priceless gifts you have given me, including yourself.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW...

This blog is just to let you know that if any of you want to purchase one of my books you can email me and let me know. My email address is audclay@gmail.com. I will be happy to see that you get as many as you want. I did recieve on comment on the blog announcing the books and I couldn't find out who it was...so maybe you can let me know if you are the one.
Thank you so much...
Audrey

Sunday, May 18, 2008

OUR BOOK IS FINISHED

"Oh happy day!" After almost two years, our book is finished and printed. It has been an exciting, wonderful journey. You will need to read the book to understand how this all came about. Over 55 years ago, while pastoring the church in Adrian, my husband was driving Madison School bus to supplement our income. He came home and told me about three little girls who rode his bus that were not going to Sunday School. We visited them and invited them to come. They accepted the Lord. They grew up, went to college, married, had children and we lost contact with them. Two years ago God directed us to come together and write this book. These were stories that I had written over a 10 year period of time. Actually they were letters of encouragement that had been sent out while I was in pastoral care. One dear lady, Lois Hymes, kept the letters and literally "bugged" me constantly to have them printed in book form. With the help of Greg Shiparo and the H.O.C. printing company in Toledo, Sheila Bowering, her mother Helen Waggoner (proof readers), Gail Palpant, Jill Breckel, my sister Nonie who did all my housework, I am happy to announce that THE BOOK IS FINISHED!!! In reality there are many people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. It would be impossible to name them all. But most of all to the Lord Jesus Christ who has helped me through the years to see His story written every day in my life.

Pictured above are...Top: Audrey, Gail, and Jill; Next: Barb Leik and Judy Ackley who came early before we had unpacked the books and bought 10 each. My prayer, "Keep them coming Lord, we need to sell them."

Friday, May 16, 2008

Mother's Day/Baby Dedication

This blog will not be wordy. I flew down to Springfield, MO. to spend time with Debbie and her family. Doug was there and took me out for a lovely Mother's Day dinner and bought me some special gifts. On Friday Debbie, Bethany, and I drove over to Amy and Jeremy's home in Memphis TN. John flew in from Toronto. Jonathan and Heather drove in for the special family get together. Jeremy and Amy's little baby, Grant Andrew was dedicated to the Lord in the service on Sunday. John was able to officiate at his grandson's dedication. It was a beautiful service. Jeremy's family live in Memphis and we were royally entertained in their homes.

On Saturday evening John made a presentation and we were all teary eyed. As most of you know, one year ago in April, Amy and Jeremy had a little son, Andrew Nicholas. Andrew was born early and went home to be with Jesus. Two families from the DesMoines church each gave $10,000.00 to build a beautiful church in Peru. This church was built in memory of Andrew Nicholas. John had pictures of the church and congregation to give to us. Who knows? Perhaps little Andrew will reach more in his short term than he would have in a life time.

My friend Carol Bleich stopped by and told me she reads this blog all the time and she really likes the pictures...sooo without further adieu...here are some pics.

Keep reading my blog...I have some great news!!!

Friday, May 09, 2008

FIRST MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION IN 90 YEARS!

Upon arriving at the Springfield, MO airport on Monday evening, I was greeted by my son-in-law. He held up a large invisible sign which said, "Welcome, Mom!" He had missed his flight to Toronto and was getting ready to board on the flight that I came in on.

I walked a few more feet on my way to baggage claim and there was my wonderful sister waiting.

Debbie was waiting in the car with our dear friend Donna Liebler. Debbie had planned a surprise "Mother's Day" dinner. Donna knew she was coming to dinner but did not know that it was in her honor. We had a hard time convincing her that even though she had never given birth to a child, she had been a mother to many. She said, "I am 90 years old and have never been honored at a special dinner for mother's day." She kept saying she was overwhelmed. I think she was just as surprised as Abraham's wife Sara was when she found out that she was going to have a baby at age 90.

We had a wonderful evening. Debbie had set the "you are special" red plate for her. We gave her gifts and cards. We sat around the piano, played hymns and sang. Donna has a beautiful voice and it certainly hasn't changed much after all these years. She shared a lot of beautiful memories. Her last words were, "I just can't believe you did this."

Donna was in delivery room with me when my two older children were born. (She worked at the hospital.) She was our baby sitter in the early years of our ministry. She had great wisdom and I learned so much from her. I am thankful for the special people that God has placed in my life through the years. He always seems to know the right time, the right place and the right people for the right circumstances. Thank you reading this blog and being a special person in my life. I love you! Happy Mother's Day!!

Nonie's, husband Roy, helped preserve the evening for us by taking pictures.

Pictures are of Donna, Me, Nonie, Debbie, Bethany and Roy.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

WHAT A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Ivan Parker, who is featured regularly on the Gaither Net, sings a song I love. In fact I have it on my ipod. It says, "I'm going to have the time of my life when the time of my life is over, I'm going to get carried away when I get carried away...." It's really a foot stompin', hand clappin' song. But I am going on record to say, "we had the time of our life at Marilynn Leach's surprise birthday party last night. Betsy and Leah (daughter and daughter-in-law) planned a most beautiful surprise party for Marilynn's 60th. Ken and Fay Martin drove their van and 7 of us were able to go and help celebrate. It was so much fun! All of us who came from Adrian had been privileged to work with Marilynn in ministry when they served as pastors in Adrian. LOTS AND LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES! All through the evening I noticed a common thread of conversation. We were all sharing about good times in the past. There is an old Japanese Haiku that says, "A memory is never a pleasure until it is full grown." It was an evening filled with full-grown pleasured, treasured memories. Of course my own memory of Marilynn is very special. We worked side by side for 17 years. We both loved ministry and shared in many, many ministry events. We cried together, laughed together, cooked together, cleaned the church together, decorated for Christmas together and on and on the list goes. We had a very special friendship and it was 17 years of pure pleasure. As I pondered this my heart rejoiced in realizing, that these kinds of friendships will go on and on all through eternity. And we are going to "have the time of our life when the time of our life is over." PRAISE THE LORD....I sure hope you will all be partying with me then. (Make sure you RSVP by accepting Jesus as your Savior.) THANKS BETSY AND LEAH FOR A GREAT EVENING AND THANKS MARILYNN FOR TURNING 60!

PS The third picture from top is Leah, Betsy, Betsy's mother-in-law and Marilynn. The fourth picture down is our Adrian group and of course the party would not have been complete without Marilynn's grandson Robert William King! (Betsy and Rob's son.)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

A LESSON FROM BOB

Every Wednesday morning several women from the church and myself go to a nursing home and have a gospel sing along. There are about 45 people who come to this service. We have both men and women. They love singing. We sing fast songs slow songs...choruses. We also have a little 9 year old home schooled gal that comes and helps direct the singing. They love Sophia!
There is a man named Bob, that comes each week. He loves to keep time with the music by clapping. AND AMAZINGLY ENOUGH he is always manages to have the right beat. It doesn't matter whether the song is fast or slow...he keeps perfect time by clapping. Today he wheeled right up by the piano and stayed there the whole. This is unusual because he usually wheels all over the area. We had been singing for about 25 minutes. He looked up at me and shouted out..."You are a good woman, you are good lady, a good woman." I looked over and before I could say, "thank you," he had
hung his head over and went promptly to sleep. The girls and I had a good laugh.

On the way home I was thinking...'how easy it is to say, "God you're a good God," and then promptly go to sleep spiritually. We sometimes fail to understand that God wants us to share His good-ness with others. We come into contact with people every day that need to see how "good" God is. Bob had a good excuse. He is on medication. He had been clapping hard for 25 minutes and he has dementia. I had to ask myself..."Audrey, what is your excuse for telling God how good He is and then falling asleep on the job of sharing Him with the world I live in?"

Sunday, April 20, 2008

GIFTS FROM GOD

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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A GREAT REUNION!!!

I had the privilege of riding to Springfield with Dan and Betty Gilleylen, friends of mine from church. Their son and family have just moved to Branson. I was able spend a whole fun-filled week with my Debbie and her family. We had a special tea-party for Donna Liebler and two other ladies from Maranatha. Donna is one of the co-founders of Bethany...When the tea party ended, Debbie and I hopped in the car and drove to Memphis, TN. I got to see my wonderful, marvelous, precious great grand-son for the first time. What a sweetie! I have included a couple pictures of him. We drove back to Springfield the next day and planned a big reunion. Debbie thought it would be a great idea to invite all the people who had ever been connected to Bethany Assembly and were now living in the Springfield area to come for a reunion. Of course Donna Liebler was our special guest for the evening. What a turnout...we had 24 adults and 5 children. The David Boyds and the William Campbells could not be there because of previous engagements. It was certainly an evening to remember. We gathered in a big circle and each person told about their connection to Bethany. Then we asked Donna pray. It was was so beautiful to hear her express thanks to the Lord for how God had blessed Bethany. She told about how when they first came to Adrian to establish the church, the city fathers told them Adrian did not need any more churches. God had His own plan. Bethany is still growing and thriving. On Easter Sunday 21 more people accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and each Sunday there are those who come in with hungry hearts and accept the wonderful gift of Salvation. I am enclosing a few pictures...see if you can recognize any of them. Everybody had a great time visiting and catching up on the news of families. In fact our last guest did not leave until 11:30.

That night as I lay in bed I couldn't help but think about the great reunion we will have in heaven. I am sure after we spend a few thousand years worshiping Jesus...we will stroll all over heaven, renewing acquaintances and catching up on all the good news of our eternal rewards. I can't even begin to imagine the joy we will experience. If you are reading this blog...please, please, make sure you have made your reservation for this party. You don't have to be in a church, you don't have to be kneeling down...you just have to invite Jesus into your heart. Hope to see you at the great Heavenly Reunion!!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

BLESSING HIS EYE

Yesterday was a great day! As most of you know I have written a devotional based on letters of encouragement that I have written to people over the last 20 years of my life. This book would have never been completed without the the help and inspiration of several people but especially two dear dear friends that God sent back into my life after 50 years. (That story is in the book.) Jill Breckel and Gail Palpant (sisters) did all the lay out, the graphics and a multitude of other things that go along with writing a book.
Yesterday we met at my home for a conference call with our printer...a wonderful Christian man who owns and operates a large printing corporation in Toledo. He also serves on the board of Calvary Assembly of God. Since our phone conference was at 11:00, I asked the girls to come for lunch. Realizing that they are both very gifted artist, I decided to make the table look a little special. No paper plates, no bare table, etc. I really wanted to bless them, even though we ate in the kitchen at my small table. (I had taken the leaf out.) It really didn't take me long...I used crystal (glass) plates from the dollar store along with place mats from the dollar store. And with just a few added touches it looked pretty nice.

When Gail came to the table she said, "Oooh, this really blesses my eye!"

I just couldn't get that phrase out of my mind...all day long I kept thinking, "Dear God, when you look in my heart each day are you able to say, 'O what I see really blesses my eye?'" I am reminded that the Lord isn't looking for a lot of "expensive adornment" but because I represent Him, He wants me to be attractive to those who do not know Him in a personal way.

As we were enjoying the chicken salad and the fresh baked crescent rolls, Jill spoke up and said, "Wow, this blesses my stomach!" And again I was reminded of the Scripture in Psalms that says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." YES THAT'S THE REASON WE NEED TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS WITH THE EXTRA TOUCHES OF THE LORD'S BEAUTY..SO WE WILL BE PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD AND IN PLEASING HIM WE WILL INSPIRE OTHERS TO TASTE OF THE LORD'S GOODNESS AND SEE THAT HE IS REALLY GOOD!

I hope this makes sense to you. It spoke volumes to me. (No more spiritual paper plates...With God's help, I will make sure each day my heart's table is spread with God's best!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

BE READY WHEN THE CALL COMES!

Who says old age is boring! Yesterday at 6:30 AM my grand son called me from North Central University just to share the good things that God has been doing in his life. It didn't matter to him that I am 76 and he is 21. There was no generation gap when we talked. I love you Jonathan for taking time to call me. I was still in bed and rolled over smiling and feeling young in spirit when the phone rang again. It was my 76 year old friend and these were her words; "Get up....come over to my house immediately...I am hosting a "come as you are" breakfast. Don't get dressed...don't comb your hair, don't brush your teeth, just come as you are!" So I did, wearing fuchsia flowered pajamas that my grand daughter, Bethany, had made for me 4 years ago, an aqua chenille robe that Debbie had given me and a pair of purple with red polka dots slipper socks. On the way I picked up my 84 year old friend Curl, and we picked up our 87 year old friend Berniece. What a sight we were. I'm sure our senior citizen friends, living in the neighborhood, were looking out their windows saying, "what in the world are those crazy women doing now?"

Eight of us showed up for the wonderful breakfast prepared by Helen Mitchell. We had a time of sharing and fun. Then we all left to drive home and get ready for the day.

All day long I kept thinking about that fun adventure and how it related to the coming of the Lord. The Bible says that Jesus is coming in an hour that we think not. When that trumpet sounds there will be no time for a spiritual shower, for cleaning up our act. It won't matter what we are wearing on the outside, if our hair is in curlers, or if we haven't brushed our teeth, The Bible says it's what is on the inside that counts. I always want to be sure my heart is clean before Him.

P.S. The picture is a little blurry...but that was "on purpose." The ladies didn't want to be seen too clearly in their "come as you are" garments.

Friday, February 29, 2008

RINGS, WRINKLES & SONGS IN THE HEART

Two weeks ago my friend Curl Lawler and I went to visit a sweet lady in a nursing home who was celebrating her 90th birthday. Ruby Jordan and her husband had attended our church for years. Her husband has been in heaven for several years. The nursing home is a beautiful facility. As we were walking through the hall to Ruby's room, we passed through a beautifully furnished living room where the residents could entertain family members. There in the middle of the room was a large Baby Grand piano. After visiting with Ruby for a short time I asked her if she would like to go to the living room and sing hymns. She readily agreed. Both Curl and I were amazed at what happened. This 90 year old saint of God sat on the piano bench beside me and for one half hour we sang dozens of old hymns. Her voice was clear as a bell and she knew every word. When I complimented her on how well she sang her reply was, "I never learned to read notes so I had to learn how to sing." WOW! That was a new theory I had never heard...and she sang those hymns from her heart.

When we finished singing she said something that made both my friend and I laugh. She looked down at my hands and said, "you don't have any rings on!" Then looked up at my face and said, "and you don't have any wrinkles!" (The wrinkles were there, she just didn't see them.)

Have you ever heard comments that just seem to play over and over in your head. For several days after our visit I kept thinking about Ruby's statements, "no rings, no wrinkles." But the truth that gripped my heart was this; If I live to be 90, I don't give a hoot about whether I have any rings or how many wrinkles I have but "Dear Lord, please let me have your songs in my heart like Ruby." Rings get lost and tarnish, wrinkles don't matter but it would be a gloomy and sad world without God's songs in our hearts!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

G G's First Conversation with Grant Andrew

As you all know, I have a brand new great grand-son. If you get on Baker's Blog you will understand why I am so excited. We Praise the Lord for Grant Andrew. He is going to grow up to be a "mighty man of God." HOWEVER, he is still a little (barely over 6 lb) baby. I don't care what the experts say, this GG believes in talking baby talk and I had the prvilege of doing that 20 minutes ago when Jeremy and Amy called me on our Web Cam set up. I got excited seeing and hearing Grant. He got excited hearing his GG! We had a wonderful conversation. I knew most of you would not believe me so as we (Grant and I) were talking to each other, I was snapping pictures. (I love my Web Cam.)

To prove my point, here are the pictures. If you understand baby talk, you will be able to know what he is saying to me. Just in case you don't, I will interpret.

In the first picture he said, "Hi GG, thanks for calling!" The next picture he said , "GG...I think you're funny." The third picture he said, "You are talking too much and I am getting sleepy." And..the last picture..."Bye for now GG, I'll catch you later."

Just think, he wasn't due to arrive until today, the 24th, and he is already communicating with his GG. I am a blessed Great Gramma and look forward to lots and lots of fun times with Grant Andrew either in person or by Web Cam. I LOVE YOU GRANT ANDREW BAKER!

I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father is able to understand us even when our communication skills don't always express exactly what we are trying to say. He reads our hearts, calls us by name and tells us He loves us!

Monday, February 04, 2008

KANGAROO LOVE....

If you read my last blog you will realize that the world of preemie's have opened up to me in a new way. My great grandson arrived three weeks early. Yesterday I was invited to my friend's home for dinner, Stan and Jill Plate. As we talked "baby talk," they reminded me of their twin grand sons who were born three years ago and came 2 1/2 months early. The weiged in at 2 lbs and 12 oz each. They were in a hospital that specialized in the care of pre-mature babies. Their mother had to drive 30 miles each day to spend time with her babies. One of the interesting things Jill shared with me was the "kangaroo love" proceedure. When the parents would hold the babies, they would hold the babies on the left side of their chest, skin to skin. The theory was that growth and healing came much faster when the babies felt the warmth of the skin of their parents and could hear the heart beat. I was amazed at this but could really see the value. This practice is called "Kangaroo Love." You could probably google it and find out more.

This morning in my devotions a thought hit me. I believe our Lord wants us to have Kangaroo Love with Him. There is an old hymn of the church that says, "Nothing between my soul and my Saviour, So that His blessed face may be seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favor; Keep the way clear! Let nothing between. What if we all could be "skin to skin" with Jesus and hear His heartbeat, realizing how much He loves us. I believe there would be a lot more "mature" Christans. I believe spiritual growth and healing would come more quickly. I am praying and asking God to let me be involved in a "Kangaroo Love" relationship with him.

The picture is of Dawn holding one of her 2 lb 12 oz twins. The other picture is of the boys 2 years later. Clay and Cole were the recipients of Kangaroo Love.