And now, it is May . . .
Actually I never intended to be away from my blog for this many weeks. Thank you to all who have sent cards and letters or called asking about my absence. To put it simply in the words I told a couple of friends the first of January: I encountered a couple of bumps in the road. And, as I added to one of those friends just tonight, some of those bumps became potholes. All the details are not necessary. I'll just say that a kidney problem developed, the tumor marker began to rise and the oncologist began talking about having to change the treatment regimen. Meanwhile, I had a few bouts of severe stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting that increased in regularity and duration. Those culminated in my inability to keep anything down, dehydration, two hospital stays, a failed attempt to insert a stent to improve kidney function, discussion with a surgeon about a solution and a kink causing a blockage in my small intestine. I asked for specific prayers regarding my problems and, God who is always and ever faithful answered almost immediately. After several more uncomfortable days, the blockage was gone. The road back to "normalcy" has been steep and tiring as I have tried to resume eating and trying to gain strength for daily activities. Then Thursday, May 16, on my son's birthday, a more intensive chemotherapy was restarted. I am treated on day 1, day 8, day 15, rest a week, then begin another cycle. This past week we have spent wondering if my body was strong enough yet to take the drugs. Fortunately, my oncologist in Jackson made arrangements for me to treated at the Cancer Center in Hattiesburg and associated a former student of his to care for me here. I went today, found that my blood counts are holding steady and was given the second installment. It is indeed God's strength that is carrying me!
Once more family and friends are helping is every way possible. As from the beginning, these dear ones anticipate every need and are lovingly and thoughtfully caring for me. God has given me the best family and friends anywhere! I do admit how much I miss Tom right now, but rather than be sad that he's not here holding my hand, I think of all the times he was ever present as he loved and encouraged me. The ONE CONSTANT is the presence of God. I have never been more certain of God's care, his absolute power over this cancer. I continue to trust that care, that power and that grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Monday, March 04, 2013
February . . .
. . . came in with a whisper. It's always been an eventful month in our house - a month much anticipated and lots of celebrations. I was gone most of January, arriving home on the 31st, ready for the new month. This year the month took on all sorts of new looks with the whisper, growing to yells before it ended.
The days of celebration were good and I enjoyed the happy memories they brought: the anniversary of our engagement and wedding five days later. Especially celebrated was Marty's 40th birthday. What fun it was to reflect on her life and all the joy she has given Tom and me.
Added to important events of the month are the anniversaries of Tom's death and memorial service. Those, too, were days of "celebration" as I gave thanks for the life we had together and for the beautiful, worship service that witnessed to his faith.
We will always remember February 10 as the "day of the tornado." Many lives have been turned upside down since that afternoon! Our church, Westminster Presbyterian in Hattiesburg, was heavily damaged and it will be a long time before we are "home again." For now we have been graciously offered a place for worship, Sunday School and other meetings at the Methodist church up the street. Theirs was only one of several invitations from churches in the area. People have come from both near and far to assist us. We've had people of many denominations and other faiths: Jewish and Muslim. All praise God that not one life was lost! It has been so encouraging to see the way people continue to help each other and the positive attitudes exhibited. Something I read last fall keeps coming back: "Change can be a catalyst for growth." That, coupled with some powerful words in Eugene Peterson's autobiography, has made me see "church" more clearly. We have no physical place that is ours right now, but are we any less a church? God's presence continues to be in our midst; we continue to be Christ's followers; we continue to be Westminster. My prayer is that we will be known not as the people whose church was destroyed or even the church that has been quick to help others, but that we will be known as those who show forth the life of Christ that is within us. We don't need bricks and mortar to do that. We need the Holy Spirit.
February has also been a month of wondering, where my health is concerned. The first week in January I learned that I had some sort of kidney problem and the oncologist sent me to have a workup by the urologist. All I really knew was that there was "something" pressing on my right uretha which was causing a problem. Two weeks ago I went for a renal scan which didn't identify the "somthing," but it showed that the right kidney is working at 11% and will eventually stop working and die. The good news is that the left one is fine. The question remains: is it scar tissue or is in a tumor? That brings another question: what, if antything, will be done? Tomorrow, I see the oncologist and look forward to answers that clarify. I trust that I will always be able to say with Paul that I am content in whatsoever place I find myself (very loosely translated).
So, I'm glad it's March! Spring keeps trying to come. There are daffodils on the roadsides, the fruit trees are blooming, robins are hopping all over the place, the roadside stands are advertising Louisiana strawberries and I know for a fact that crawfish season has started. One day soon, Spring will come and not look back.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
. . . came in with a whisper. It's always been an eventful month in our house - a month much anticipated and lots of celebrations. I was gone most of January, arriving home on the 31st, ready for the new month. This year the month took on all sorts of new looks with the whisper, growing to yells before it ended.
The days of celebration were good and I enjoyed the happy memories they brought: the anniversary of our engagement and wedding five days later. Especially celebrated was Marty's 40th birthday. What fun it was to reflect on her life and all the joy she has given Tom and me.
Added to important events of the month are the anniversaries of Tom's death and memorial service. Those, too, were days of "celebration" as I gave thanks for the life we had together and for the beautiful, worship service that witnessed to his faith.
We will always remember February 10 as the "day of the tornado." Many lives have been turned upside down since that afternoon! Our church, Westminster Presbyterian in Hattiesburg, was heavily damaged and it will be a long time before we are "home again." For now we have been graciously offered a place for worship, Sunday School and other meetings at the Methodist church up the street. Theirs was only one of several invitations from churches in the area. People have come from both near and far to assist us. We've had people of many denominations and other faiths: Jewish and Muslim. All praise God that not one life was lost! It has been so encouraging to see the way people continue to help each other and the positive attitudes exhibited. Something I read last fall keeps coming back: "Change can be a catalyst for growth." That, coupled with some powerful words in Eugene Peterson's autobiography, has made me see "church" more clearly. We have no physical place that is ours right now, but are we any less a church? God's presence continues to be in our midst; we continue to be Christ's followers; we continue to be Westminster. My prayer is that we will be known not as the people whose church was destroyed or even the church that has been quick to help others, but that we will be known as those who show forth the life of Christ that is within us. We don't need bricks and mortar to do that. We need the Holy Spirit.
February has also been a month of wondering, where my health is concerned. The first week in January I learned that I had some sort of kidney problem and the oncologist sent me to have a workup by the urologist. All I really knew was that there was "something" pressing on my right uretha which was causing a problem. Two weeks ago I went for a renal scan which didn't identify the "somthing," but it showed that the right kidney is working at 11% and will eventually stop working and die. The good news is that the left one is fine. The question remains: is it scar tissue or is in a tumor? That brings another question: what, if antything, will be done? Tomorrow, I see the oncologist and look forward to answers that clarify. I trust that I will always be able to say with Paul that I am content in whatsoever place I find myself (very loosely translated).
So, I'm glad it's March! Spring keeps trying to come. There are daffodils on the roadsides, the fruit trees are blooming, robins are hopping all over the place, the roadside stands are advertising Louisiana strawberries and I know for a fact that crawfish season has started. One day soon, Spring will come and not look back.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Monday, February 11, 2013
Not what I intented . . .
You know I have been traveling - first on the cruise I wrote about and then on to Raleigh to celebrate the birthdays of two grandchildren. Before and after those trips I have been busy visiting doctors for first one thing and then another. Then came the the tornado! Tonight as I write, I have different things on my mind than what I had originally intended to share. If you have been tuned into the news, you no doubt know that Hattiesburg and Petal, MS were hit hard by tornadoes last evening. We worship in Hattiesburg and live about four or five miles outside Petal. Our lives were definitely affected!
Westminster Presbyterian Church, where my son Tommy works and where we worship, was pretty much destroyed. At first we heard that windows had been blown out in the sanctuary and that some of the roof was gone. That didn't sound too bad, but as time passed and people were able to get there to assess the damage last night, word came that the damage was pretty extensive. In the light of day it was learned that we have major problems and we are waiting to learn whether we can rebuild or if what is left needs to be razed and a completely new structure be erected. In addition to the church itself, built in 1954, the property included three buildings that had originally been residences, but had been converted to other uses. One housed our youth ministry, another the Presbytery of Mississippi office and the third was home to the Christian Women's Job Corp in Hattiesburg. Those three buildings were destroyed. It has been a sad day for members and friends of the church. This afternoon my five year old granddaughter frowned as she said to me: "I'm so sad that my church is broken."
I wonder if that is how the Israelites felt about the temple in Jerusalem. When they returned to rebuild the temple, were they sad when they remembered what had been? Just Saturday I began reading Ezra in my morning readings. How appropriate! How thought provoking! In those days the temple was central in the worship of God. Do we have the same regard for our place of worship today? Does it matter whether or not we worship in a beautifully designed structure or in an auditorium look alike? Is God not present everywhere? Does our "temple of today" express our adoration for the God who made us and who redeemed us?
A dear church member called this morning to pass along some information and in our conversation she expressed her sadness at the loss of property and said that she knew we were not to be attached to "things."
My response was that worship should be central in the life of the Christian and that where we worship becomes a part of the whole experience. It is natural for us to grieve for that place where we gather with other believers to bring our worship, our praise and our gifts to God. Ezra believed that rebuildring the temple was vital to the spiritual lives of the Israelites and committed to rebuild not only the temple, but also the spritual lives of the Israelites. God blessed his efforts and led him every step of the way.
God will bless our efforts as we rebuild, as we bring what we have and who we are to honor and glorify Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
You know I have been traveling - first on the cruise I wrote about and then on to Raleigh to celebrate the birthdays of two grandchildren. Before and after those trips I have been busy visiting doctors for first one thing and then another. Then came the the tornado! Tonight as I write, I have different things on my mind than what I had originally intended to share. If you have been tuned into the news, you no doubt know that Hattiesburg and Petal, MS were hit hard by tornadoes last evening. We worship in Hattiesburg and live about four or five miles outside Petal. Our lives were definitely affected!
Westminster Presbyterian Church, where my son Tommy works and where we worship, was pretty much destroyed. At first we heard that windows had been blown out in the sanctuary and that some of the roof was gone. That didn't sound too bad, but as time passed and people were able to get there to assess the damage last night, word came that the damage was pretty extensive. In the light of day it was learned that we have major problems and we are waiting to learn whether we can rebuild or if what is left needs to be razed and a completely new structure be erected. In addition to the church itself, built in 1954, the property included three buildings that had originally been residences, but had been converted to other uses. One housed our youth ministry, another the Presbytery of Mississippi office and the third was home to the Christian Women's Job Corp in Hattiesburg. Those three buildings were destroyed. It has been a sad day for members and friends of the church. This afternoon my five year old granddaughter frowned as she said to me: "I'm so sad that my church is broken."
I wonder if that is how the Israelites felt about the temple in Jerusalem. When they returned to rebuild the temple, were they sad when they remembered what had been? Just Saturday I began reading Ezra in my morning readings. How appropriate! How thought provoking! In those days the temple was central in the worship of God. Do we have the same regard for our place of worship today? Does it matter whether or not we worship in a beautifully designed structure or in an auditorium look alike? Is God not present everywhere? Does our "temple of today" express our adoration for the God who made us and who redeemed us?
A dear church member called this morning to pass along some information and in our conversation she expressed her sadness at the loss of property and said that she knew we were not to be attached to "things."
My response was that worship should be central in the life of the Christian and that where we worship becomes a part of the whole experience. It is natural for us to grieve for that place where we gather with other believers to bring our worship, our praise and our gifts to God. Ezra believed that rebuildring the temple was vital to the spiritual lives of the Israelites and committed to rebuild not only the temple, but also the spritual lives of the Israelites. God blessed his efforts and led him every step of the way.
God will bless our efforts as we rebuild, as we bring what we have and who we are to honor and glorify Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Here today - gone tomorrow . . .
We returned from the Caribbean cruise on Saturday only to find almost as much water on the ground as was in the sea. Yes, that is an exaggeration, but it seems as if the rain will never stop. North of us, in sunny Mississippi, are freezing conditions, making the roads slick and dangerous and the power lines heavy with ice. I didn't realize just how wonderful the warm temperatures were last week. Our cruise took us to Cozumel, Grand Caymen and Jamiaca. What a contrast in countries! The Grand Caymens was my favorite port for several reasons, but the attitudes of the people and the absence of in your face poverty made quite an impression. Jamaica was just plain depressing. On one stretch of beach you would see plush hotels across from unfinished houses and tiny shacks. We were told emphatically where to go and even more emphatically where not to go. The waters were beautiful, the sun warm and the people with whom we cam in contact were friendly and helpful. On the ship, service was the name of the game and we enjoyed visiting with crew from all over the world. I am glad to be an American!
At my last visit with the oncologist I was given some news that could be nothing or something. My CA125 is higher than it has ever been and the scan showed something pressing that should not be. I have been referred to a urologist to be checked and will return to the oncologist the first Monday in February. There may be a change in medication; there may not. I'll just have to wait and see. I am so grateful to have a faithful God who is completely in control of whatever is going on!!!
I will spend the night in Jackson, then fly to Raleigh Thursday afternoon to spend a couple of weeks with Marty and family. Colin will be three on the 24th, Christopher will be five on the 26th so I'm going to spend birthdays with little boys. They are growing up so fast!
As always, I covet your prayers. I have been sustained by them through the Holy Spirit for a long time. I don't take this cancer lightly, but rest in the assurance that God is the Great Physician and that with God, all things are possible. Til I'm home again . . .
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
We returned from the Caribbean cruise on Saturday only to find almost as much water on the ground as was in the sea. Yes, that is an exaggeration, but it seems as if the rain will never stop. North of us, in sunny Mississippi, are freezing conditions, making the roads slick and dangerous and the power lines heavy with ice. I didn't realize just how wonderful the warm temperatures were last week. Our cruise took us to Cozumel, Grand Caymen and Jamiaca. What a contrast in countries! The Grand Caymens was my favorite port for several reasons, but the attitudes of the people and the absence of in your face poverty made quite an impression. Jamaica was just plain depressing. On one stretch of beach you would see plush hotels across from unfinished houses and tiny shacks. We were told emphatically where to go and even more emphatically where not to go. The waters were beautiful, the sun warm and the people with whom we cam in contact were friendly and helpful. On the ship, service was the name of the game and we enjoyed visiting with crew from all over the world. I am glad to be an American!
At my last visit with the oncologist I was given some news that could be nothing or something. My CA125 is higher than it has ever been and the scan showed something pressing that should not be. I have been referred to a urologist to be checked and will return to the oncologist the first Monday in February. There may be a change in medication; there may not. I'll just have to wait and see. I am so grateful to have a faithful God who is completely in control of whatever is going on!!!
I will spend the night in Jackson, then fly to Raleigh Thursday afternoon to spend a couple of weeks with Marty and family. Colin will be three on the 24th, Christopher will be five on the 26th so I'm going to spend birthdays with little boys. They are growing up so fast!
As always, I covet your prayers. I have been sustained by them through the Holy Spirit for a long time. I don't take this cancer lightly, but rest in the assurance that God is the Great Physician and that with God, all things are possible. Til I'm home again . . .
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Happy New Year . . .
It seems like just yesterday that we were bidding farewell to 2011 and suddenly 2012 is on its way to the history books. I've never been much of one for New Year's Eve celebrations and this year is no exception. I'm sure we'll have lots of food and several friends and their children to come. The children have especially loved having their own fireworks display, since we live in the country and they aren't illegal out here. I enjoy one big "aah" show of color and that's enough. My fun comes in watching the little ones and listening to their squeals of delight. So, we'll eat too much--again--watch a few fireworks and wake up to watch Mississippi State play Northwestern in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day--with more food.
We ate Christmas Dinner with weather sirens going off, rain pouring down and tornadoes all around. Actually, we were in an area between two areas that had devastating winds. I was busy with last minute preparations when the first siren sounded and my phone scrolled a message to take cover. Before another warning comes I must find a safe spot in my house.
The days since then have been mostly sunny and cool and the children have had a good time playing outside. Jacob has gone with the Petal High School Band to march in the Macy's Parade in Orlando on January 1. If you are into parades, watch for them. I've enjoyed a less busy week with plenty of time to knit and watch football. It's also been fun to read back through Christmas cards and letters and to think of dear friends. Too soon it will be time to get back into a routine.
Tonight I attempted to check in for a cruise I'm taking beginning next Saturday. Would you believe that they had spelled Margaret wrong so I have to wait until someone is in the office to find out how to change that? The trip was put together by a fellow knitter at the shop here in Petal; I invited my two knitter friends from Tennessee, who recruited two others so we have nine going as a group. All except one (a lady's husband) will be working on projects during our days at sea. Now, if I can just get signed in and find summer clothes to pack, I'll be fine.
From time to time I mention books that I am reading and tonight I want to tell you about four particular ones that have been especially good. Most of you know that I have my favorites--among them Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Augustine, Andrew Purves and Eugene Peterson. This past year I have read new books, but have also pulled out old favorites to reread and have learned from them all over again. One such book is Peterson's Leap Over a Wall, probably one of the most influential books on my spiritual growth. It was a required "text" in a seminary course on Biblical Spirituality and it was during that first reading that I began thinking about wilderness experiences. Those thoughts have served me well over the years. My friend, Peggy, sent me two books of the four I write about tonight. The first was Billy Graham's Nearing Home. My shelves are full of books on aging and I've read most of them, but found that Dr. Graham's insights on growing older were very helpful, both to me as I continue to "dabble" in the aging area and to me as I age. The second book Peggy sent was The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel, a young pastor in Oklahoma. It's an intriguing title, don't you think? It is directed to those of us who profess to believe in God, but act as if we don't. It is very convicting! Currently, I'm reading another Peterson book entitled, Eat This Book, a reference to Revelation where the angel gives that instruction. It's a bit heavier to read that the others, but promises to refocus your reading of the Scripture. I love having the time to pour over the Scripture in the morning and then be taught by Christian writers as I read their books. It's not a matter of finding the time; it's all about taking that time.
This will be a busy week with a holiday and getting ready for the cruise and going to Jackson one day for a doctor's appointment. Every day is a new day. Years ago my college piano teacher would quote the beginning of a poem to me--I have never forgotten her or her wisdom. It begain: Thank God every day that you have something to do today that must be done. . . Often we don't know what that something is, but God does and promises to be with us each day, in every circumstance. I am grateful for God's faithfulness.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
It seems like just yesterday that we were bidding farewell to 2011 and suddenly 2012 is on its way to the history books. I've never been much of one for New Year's Eve celebrations and this year is no exception. I'm sure we'll have lots of food and several friends and their children to come. The children have especially loved having their own fireworks display, since we live in the country and they aren't illegal out here. I enjoy one big "aah" show of color and that's enough. My fun comes in watching the little ones and listening to their squeals of delight. So, we'll eat too much--again--watch a few fireworks and wake up to watch Mississippi State play Northwestern in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day--with more food.
We ate Christmas Dinner with weather sirens going off, rain pouring down and tornadoes all around. Actually, we were in an area between two areas that had devastating winds. I was busy with last minute preparations when the first siren sounded and my phone scrolled a message to take cover. Before another warning comes I must find a safe spot in my house.
The days since then have been mostly sunny and cool and the children have had a good time playing outside. Jacob has gone with the Petal High School Band to march in the Macy's Parade in Orlando on January 1. If you are into parades, watch for them. I've enjoyed a less busy week with plenty of time to knit and watch football. It's also been fun to read back through Christmas cards and letters and to think of dear friends. Too soon it will be time to get back into a routine.
Tonight I attempted to check in for a cruise I'm taking beginning next Saturday. Would you believe that they had spelled Margaret wrong so I have to wait until someone is in the office to find out how to change that? The trip was put together by a fellow knitter at the shop here in Petal; I invited my two knitter friends from Tennessee, who recruited two others so we have nine going as a group. All except one (a lady's husband) will be working on projects during our days at sea. Now, if I can just get signed in and find summer clothes to pack, I'll be fine.
From time to time I mention books that I am reading and tonight I want to tell you about four particular ones that have been especially good. Most of you know that I have my favorites--among them Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Augustine, Andrew Purves and Eugene Peterson. This past year I have read new books, but have also pulled out old favorites to reread and have learned from them all over again. One such book is Peterson's Leap Over a Wall, probably one of the most influential books on my spiritual growth. It was a required "text" in a seminary course on Biblical Spirituality and it was during that first reading that I began thinking about wilderness experiences. Those thoughts have served me well over the years. My friend, Peggy, sent me two books of the four I write about tonight. The first was Billy Graham's Nearing Home. My shelves are full of books on aging and I've read most of them, but found that Dr. Graham's insights on growing older were very helpful, both to me as I continue to "dabble" in the aging area and to me as I age. The second book Peggy sent was The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel, a young pastor in Oklahoma. It's an intriguing title, don't you think? It is directed to those of us who profess to believe in God, but act as if we don't. It is very convicting! Currently, I'm reading another Peterson book entitled, Eat This Book, a reference to Revelation where the angel gives that instruction. It's a bit heavier to read that the others, but promises to refocus your reading of the Scripture. I love having the time to pour over the Scripture in the morning and then be taught by Christian writers as I read their books. It's not a matter of finding the time; it's all about taking that time.
This will be a busy week with a holiday and getting ready for the cruise and going to Jackson one day for a doctor's appointment. Every day is a new day. Years ago my college piano teacher would quote the beginning of a poem to me--I have never forgotten her or her wisdom. It begain: Thank God every day that you have something to do today that must be done. . . Often we don't know what that something is, but God does and promises to be with us each day, in every circumstance. I am grateful for God's faithfulness.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Merry Christmas . . . and a belated Happy Thanksgiving
All is well here - now. I hadn't realized how long it had been since my last blog until I pulled up the site to write tonight. When I was almost through with the message, I hit the wrong key and everything disappeared. I'm beginning to wonder if someone is trying to tell me something. Am I really supposed to be typing away instead of getting a good night's sleep because I have drive to a neighboring town to preach in the morning? Maybe I was too wordy and the computer was slapping my hands. A pastor who has been a mentor for several years was quick to remind me: "economy of words."
I'll briefly bring you up to date. I spent Thanksgiving in Memphis with my cousin Joan. We had a wonderful time together, doing as little as possible. Still we managed to have a delicious dinner with turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Too many trimmings, if the truth be told. Meanwhile back at the compound, Tommy and Liz hosted her parents, her brothers, their wives and children. In the midst of their preparation Tommy and Liz came down with the flu, followed by three of the five children. It was a pretty miserable day for them. I was glad to have been safely away from the germs and did fine until a couple of weeks later.
I was visited by some strange stomach ailment that kept me out of commission for about two weeks. Who knows what that was? By the time I was up and going again, I was behind with the schedule I had made for myself. As of today, most of the baking is done, with a few things waiting to be baked on Christmas Eve. I finished the shopping yesterday--just have to finish wrapping.
More and more I am aware of age and the inevitable--life, as we know it, comes to an end. I have been deeply saddened by the deaths this year of Bob and Jan Stone, John Marlin and my very special Aunt May. There have been others as well, but I have so many memories of times spent with those four. I can see Tom doubled over laughing at yet another Bob Stone joke. Often I didn't get the joke, but got my kick from watching Tom laugh. The great comfort comes in knowing that I will see them again and that they are already experiencing what heaven has in store for believers--with my precious Tom.
A special highlight of 2012 was reuniting with college friends at our 50th reunion. The years between 1962 and 2012 seemed to fade away as we remembered together, told of our children and grandchildren and shared retirement stories. I also have reconnected with a high school friend who, incidentally, was in the band at Mississippi State with Tom. I'm looking forward to a face to face visit with her after the first of the year.
The oncologist reports that the cancer is stable, no increase and no decrease. I never tire of praising God for His care and the provision He has made of good doctors, caring nurses and the advances in medicine that make the stable report possible. Friends who stand in the gap with me are special! Cataract surgery in October was successful and I see better than I have in a long time--all except for reading. Glasses correct that.
Tomorrow I'm preaching in Lucedale, about 60 miles from here, in the church of a college classmate. I am excited about sharing the Christmas message and grateful for insights that have been prompted by some of the excellent books I've been reading. My anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Christ has been heightened this year by intentionally reading the prophets this fall. I continue to be amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit as I read and study God's word.
May God's richest blessings rest on you and may you experience the joy that only life in Christ can bring!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Margaret
All is well here - now. I hadn't realized how long it had been since my last blog until I pulled up the site to write tonight. When I was almost through with the message, I hit the wrong key and everything disappeared. I'm beginning to wonder if someone is trying to tell me something. Am I really supposed to be typing away instead of getting a good night's sleep because I have drive to a neighboring town to preach in the morning? Maybe I was too wordy and the computer was slapping my hands. A pastor who has been a mentor for several years was quick to remind me: "economy of words."
I'll briefly bring you up to date. I spent Thanksgiving in Memphis with my cousin Joan. We had a wonderful time together, doing as little as possible. Still we managed to have a delicious dinner with turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Too many trimmings, if the truth be told. Meanwhile back at the compound, Tommy and Liz hosted her parents, her brothers, their wives and children. In the midst of their preparation Tommy and Liz came down with the flu, followed by three of the five children. It was a pretty miserable day for them. I was glad to have been safely away from the germs and did fine until a couple of weeks later.
I was visited by some strange stomach ailment that kept me out of commission for about two weeks. Who knows what that was? By the time I was up and going again, I was behind with the schedule I had made for myself. As of today, most of the baking is done, with a few things waiting to be baked on Christmas Eve. I finished the shopping yesterday--just have to finish wrapping.
More and more I am aware of age and the inevitable--life, as we know it, comes to an end. I have been deeply saddened by the deaths this year of Bob and Jan Stone, John Marlin and my very special Aunt May. There have been others as well, but I have so many memories of times spent with those four. I can see Tom doubled over laughing at yet another Bob Stone joke. Often I didn't get the joke, but got my kick from watching Tom laugh. The great comfort comes in knowing that I will see them again and that they are already experiencing what heaven has in store for believers--with my precious Tom.
A special highlight of 2012 was reuniting with college friends at our 50th reunion. The years between 1962 and 2012 seemed to fade away as we remembered together, told of our children and grandchildren and shared retirement stories. I also have reconnected with a high school friend who, incidentally, was in the band at Mississippi State with Tom. I'm looking forward to a face to face visit with her after the first of the year.
The oncologist reports that the cancer is stable, no increase and no decrease. I never tire of praising God for His care and the provision He has made of good doctors, caring nurses and the advances in medicine that make the stable report possible. Friends who stand in the gap with me are special! Cataract surgery in October was successful and I see better than I have in a long time--all except for reading. Glasses correct that.
Tomorrow I'm preaching in Lucedale, about 60 miles from here, in the church of a college classmate. I am excited about sharing the Christmas message and grateful for insights that have been prompted by some of the excellent books I've been reading. My anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Christ has been heightened this year by intentionally reading the prophets this fall. I continue to be amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit as I read and study God's word.
May God's richest blessings rest on you and may you experience the joy that only life in Christ can bring!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Friday, November 09, 2012
Obvious to some, but not to all . . .
At some times, I have been considered dense or called a slow learner. I cannot count the times I have laughed at a joke just because others thought it funny, while, in fact, I hadn't a clue why they were laughing. This month has been another occasion when I didn't get it at first.
November 1 came and I began seeing Face Book posts that began "Day 1," then the consecutive days were numbered in like manner. People wrote things for which they were thankful and have continued. Suddenly, it dawned on me and I put 2 and 2 together: this is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. What a neat idea to share day by day some of God's blessings that give you pause to give thanks. So, tonight I thought I'd record a few of the many things for which I am thankful.
1. I'm thankful that I am a child of God and for all the things that means.
2. I'm thankful for Tom, the love of my life, for his unconditional love and the years we shared.
3. I'm thankful for our children and that they continue to be loving and supportive of their crazy mom.
4. Those two children have given me eight very special grandchildren and I'm thankful for the joy they bring.
5. I'm thankful for friends--don't know what I'd do without them!
6. I'm thankful for family, especially for cousins who are more like siblings.
7. I'm thankful for a place to call home; ten acres where we can spread out and the grandchildren can
experience "country living." For me it's "Sweet Home Mississippi."
8. I'm thankful for books to read and plenty of time to read them.
9. I'm thankful for all the wonderful ministry opportunities God has put in my life: past, present and future.
10. I'm thankful for health, for doctors, for medicine. Most of all I'm thankful that God continues to sustain
me and to give me all these extra days.
Of course, there are many more things that could be recorded and there are multiple blessings contained in one single statement in the list above. It gives me great joy to drive through the countryside, see the beautiful fall colors, livestock in the fields, crops in the field and to say "thank you." All are gifts from God, never to be taken for granted. I'll never forget one day when Tommy was in junior high and he came home telling about a fellow student who had gotten a couple of licks from the paddle that day in Bible class. I was not happy and really unhappy when I learned why. The teacher that day requested that the students pray aloud. Some had never prayed aloud, some didn't hear their parents pray aloud and others weren't sure how to go about talking to God. All three were probably true of this particular boy, but when it was his turn, he thanked God for the green grass. The teacher heard his words, but not his heart, thought he was being "smart" and gave him a paddling. I have often thought of that and wondered if that boy ever prayed aloud again. Point: God delights in our simple prayers. Our simple thanks are a way of acknowledging our love and trust in God.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
At some times, I have been considered dense or called a slow learner. I cannot count the times I have laughed at a joke just because others thought it funny, while, in fact, I hadn't a clue why they were laughing. This month has been another occasion when I didn't get it at first.
November 1 came and I began seeing Face Book posts that began "Day 1," then the consecutive days were numbered in like manner. People wrote things for which they were thankful and have continued. Suddenly, it dawned on me and I put 2 and 2 together: this is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. What a neat idea to share day by day some of God's blessings that give you pause to give thanks. So, tonight I thought I'd record a few of the many things for which I am thankful.
1. I'm thankful that I am a child of God and for all the things that means.
2. I'm thankful for Tom, the love of my life, for his unconditional love and the years we shared.
3. I'm thankful for our children and that they continue to be loving and supportive of their crazy mom.
4. Those two children have given me eight very special grandchildren and I'm thankful for the joy they bring.
5. I'm thankful for friends--don't know what I'd do without them!
6. I'm thankful for family, especially for cousins who are more like siblings.
7. I'm thankful for a place to call home; ten acres where we can spread out and the grandchildren can
experience "country living." For me it's "Sweet Home Mississippi."
8. I'm thankful for books to read and plenty of time to read them.
9. I'm thankful for all the wonderful ministry opportunities God has put in my life: past, present and future.
10. I'm thankful for health, for doctors, for medicine. Most of all I'm thankful that God continues to sustain
me and to give me all these extra days.
Of course, there are many more things that could be recorded and there are multiple blessings contained in one single statement in the list above. It gives me great joy to drive through the countryside, see the beautiful fall colors, livestock in the fields, crops in the field and to say "thank you." All are gifts from God, never to be taken for granted. I'll never forget one day when Tommy was in junior high and he came home telling about a fellow student who had gotten a couple of licks from the paddle that day in Bible class. I was not happy and really unhappy when I learned why. The teacher that day requested that the students pray aloud. Some had never prayed aloud, some didn't hear their parents pray aloud and others weren't sure how to go about talking to God. All three were probably true of this particular boy, but when it was his turn, he thanked God for the green grass. The teacher heard his words, but not his heart, thought he was being "smart" and gave him a paddling. I have often thought of that and wondered if that boy ever prayed aloud again. Point: God delights in our simple prayers. Our simple thanks are a way of acknowledging our love and trust in God.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
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