Mother Mary

Mary Lydia. How awesome it must have been given the opportunity to carry the names of two very prominent women in the Bible. Mary the mother of Jesus and Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, of the city of Thyatira.  This was one of her favorite songs Three Wooden Crosses by Randy Travis.

Mother Mary, found herself a good man to be with. Together they raised up four strong children. I being the oldest sometimes carried the load, but thats what the eldest is supposed to do. For that extra load I am very appreciative today. It has helped me to be the strong adult I am today. It also helps me raise my own children. A few things I remember about growing up are how she taught me to cook and properly take care of a home. She made sure those of us that had the desire to learn about God were allowed to do so. When I was in school we had religion classes available to us for an hour a day. One year I went to a Methodist Church, the following year to a Presbyterian Church, the next I attended a Catholic Church. All these different churches gave me a different perspective on the Church, and how they worship God. I didn't realize it then but, later on when I started attending Church at the Mennonite Church in our area and stayed there for several years I was able to draw of those experiences which helped me from a direction for my life. This was something Mother Mary made sure I was able to do. During school, towards the end of my high school years we had a class available to us called "The Bible as Text." Unfortunately I was unable to take this class because someone made it against the law.

My mother and father together decided to allow me to take some Bible study time with the Church I was attending. This along with several trips to Summer Church Camp helped to form the foundation of strength I have today. If it had not been for them I don't think I would have turned out the way that I have. To my Mother Mary I say, it is time to Go with God. I know you have been baptized and have taken Jesus as your Savior so you will be with him in a better place. Free from all the pain and suffering this world has to offer. You will be missed by all of your family and friends. We can take solace in knowing that one day our walk with Jesus will one day bring us back together. I love you and miss you, your son Skeetts.

Mother

My sibling and I are facing the possible loss of our mother. While my dad is facing the loss of a life partner. We know the doctors under Gods guidance will do everything they can do. With the grace of God we may have her around awhile longer. We are all dealing with this in different ways. However there is one thing in common. There will be a void in our lives that we will have to find a way to cope with. No more calling Mom to talk over little things or finding that one Mother's Day card that says exactly how we feel. The simplest way is to just say "Mom I Love You & Thank You For Being There." My dad will have it harder than the rest of us. He will have to figure out how to deal with not having her there with him every day and night. I am sure we will all be there for him and each other. It is my prayer that God watch over him and my siblings in this hard time. For now Mom is holding her own. However, If indeed it is her time to be with God, we will hurt to see her go, but I can take comfort in knowing that he will bless her and keep her safe until we to are with her once again.

Passing of a Loved One

There comes a time in all our lives when we must face death. If it be our own or that of a loved one doesn't matter. Mortality is called to our attention. There are many schools of thought on the proper way to handle the death of someone close to you. Some say you must alway be with that person in the last days of their life no matter if they are confined to a hospital all hooked up to tubes, machines, and wires or if they are in a different type of care facility or even at home. I prefer to remember people as I have known them. God has prepared a plan for our lives and when we have done all he has asked of us we are called to be with him. We pray to him to watch over us and our loved ones and we close out prayers by saying, in the name of Jesus Christ your son, your will be done. Others say, its a natural thing that is going to happen and we have no control over how or when we will leave this earth. Most of us have no clue where we will go when we leave. Others are very sure of themselves.

As for me, I know my Faith in The Master will get me through whatever task, or trial he puts before me. There is one thing for sure. He will not give me more than I can handle and if I trust and depend on him. I know its an unpopular way to think but, Gods Will Be Done. He has already provided a place for us to be with him when we passover. None of us want to loose someone close to us including me. We would like to keep them with us forever if that were possible. Or even take their place.

In that time when we are facing the passing of a loved one our true selves tend to come out. Fear and anger at those around us for not complying to each individuals way of thinking and dealing with the situation at hand in the same manner. At times these emotions, which God gave us to use as a way to deal with this loss are very often voiced rather harshly. They are directed not only at those around them but at God for taking that special someone away from us.

A couple final thoughts. Remember, we will always have the memories of this person in our hearts and it is there they will live on with us. They are now in a better place, with the ones that have gone on before them and one day we will join them.

I leave you today with this thought, "Serenity Prayer" God, grant me The Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, and The Wisdom to know the difference.

Todays Thought

In these hard economic times it is good to remember. "He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses."

Proverbs 28:27