A Simple Reminder . . .
In my quiet time this morning, I was hit with a simple, but oh, so powerful, reminder. GOD IS IN CHARGE. A couple of days ago I decided to pray through the psalms, using my prayer list. Originally, I wanted to use the psalms as ways of adoring God in my prayers, but quickly discovered something more. There are countless words and phrases that speak about the majesty, the completeness, the goodness of God. But, the psalms also reveal the inner thoughts of people, the occasions in which they were written and their desperate need of God. Always, there is the reminder of God's everlasting presence.
A few weeks ago I was putting together material for an order of worship in which I was preaching. When I asked for a portion of Psalm 9 to be used as the Call to Worship, the other pastor who was participating questioned the appropriateness. The psalm is written by one who has been surrounded by his enemies and, in one place, strongly condemns them for their wickedness. The pastor read the psalm and saw warfare; I read the psalm and saw deliverance and the power of God. It fit with the Old Testament passage I was preaching and I believe it fits in our lives as we face "enemy" every day.
Again, reading from The Message, we find these words in Psalm 9: You took over and made everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge . . . God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary druing bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked. In Psalm 11: But God hasn't moved to the mountains;; his holy address hasn't changed.
As I looked at my prayer list, full of requests: healing for several friends with cancer, friends mourning the passing of spouses, selling our houses in Tennessee, my family, my own health needs, I remembered and prayed each prayer with, "God is in charge." Knowing, believing those four words gave a peace I cannot describe. Knowing, believing those words enables one to be strong in the face of circumstances beyond our control, simply because GOD IN IN CHARGE!
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Merry Month of May . . .
It was a month of celebrations, most of which featured food. Now, it's time to think about simple things and a smaller waistline! Fortunately, it's just about time for fresh tomatoes and all the other treats of summer. All ready Paw Paw's garden stand down the road is open for business, selling squash (lots of squash), cucumbers and green beans, which we missed.
We began the month by celebrating our friend John's birthday. It was so many meals ago I can't remember what we served, but I do remember making caramel cake. Mother's Day Tommy cooked red snapper with a crawfish cream sauce, risotto, salad and chocolate chess pie. That was followed by his birthday and I prepared a veal dish from some "fancy, smancy" book, spinach fettucine w/ an herb sauce (from my herb garden) and German chocolate cake. For the end of school, Tommy made a new shrimp dish from a Louisiana cookbook I gave him for his birthday; we celebrated Sarah's birthday w/ grilled steaks; and last night we had venison backstrap with sweet potatoes, green beans almondine and chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert (Sarah's birthday cake choice). I am stuffed and we're all needing to get back to simple fare.
Two weeks ago Elisa and I made a visit to the animal shelter so I could adopt a cat. We decided on a little gray kitten and named her Smokey. So far, she has been a delightful addidion to my household, but doesn't even blink when I hear mice. She must have missed the "cats don't like mice" lesson in Kitty Behavior 101. And, speaking of mice, all out war has been declared!!! Tommy and Liz have discovered their presence in their laundry room. Their terrier has caught one, Tommy got one in a trap and two have sprung traps and gotten away. He's been researching on the internet and today is making some contraption to put in the basement under my house. A good bit of what he was found focused on "humane ways to get rid of mice." It's too late for that. I WANT THEM GONE AND WILL GO TO ANY MEANS TO SEND THEM PACKING!
On the 17th, I preached at the opening worship for our spring Presbytery meeting. It's always a little daunting to preach for your peers, but the day was a little more difficult because the agenda included dismissing five churches and three ministers to another denomination. Separation is always hard. Even in churches, it has feelings of divorce. Who goes where? Who gets what? Who gets the friends? How do we both adjust to new ways of being? Several weeks before the meeting, I was sitting in church pondering some of those questions during the organ prelude. Several thoughts came to me:
Monday we observe Memorial Day. Remember to thank a service person for the sacrifice made so that we might remain free. Have a good one.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
It was a month of celebrations, most of which featured food. Now, it's time to think about simple things and a smaller waistline! Fortunately, it's just about time for fresh tomatoes and all the other treats of summer. All ready Paw Paw's garden stand down the road is open for business, selling squash (lots of squash), cucumbers and green beans, which we missed.
We began the month by celebrating our friend John's birthday. It was so many meals ago I can't remember what we served, but I do remember making caramel cake. Mother's Day Tommy cooked red snapper with a crawfish cream sauce, risotto, salad and chocolate chess pie. That was followed by his birthday and I prepared a veal dish from some "fancy, smancy" book, spinach fettucine w/ an herb sauce (from my herb garden) and German chocolate cake. For the end of school, Tommy made a new shrimp dish from a Louisiana cookbook I gave him for his birthday; we celebrated Sarah's birthday w/ grilled steaks; and last night we had venison backstrap with sweet potatoes, green beans almondine and chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert (Sarah's birthday cake choice). I am stuffed and we're all needing to get back to simple fare.
Two weeks ago Elisa and I made a visit to the animal shelter so I could adopt a cat. We decided on a little gray kitten and named her Smokey. So far, she has been a delightful addidion to my household, but doesn't even blink when I hear mice. She must have missed the "cats don't like mice" lesson in Kitty Behavior 101. And, speaking of mice, all out war has been declared!!! Tommy and Liz have discovered their presence in their laundry room. Their terrier has caught one, Tommy got one in a trap and two have sprung traps and gotten away. He's been researching on the internet and today is making some contraption to put in the basement under my house. A good bit of what he was found focused on "humane ways to get rid of mice." It's too late for that. I WANT THEM GONE AND WILL GO TO ANY MEANS TO SEND THEM PACKING!
On the 17th, I preached at the opening worship for our spring Presbytery meeting. It's always a little daunting to preach for your peers, but the day was a little more difficult because the agenda included dismissing five churches and three ministers to another denomination. Separation is always hard. Even in churches, it has feelings of divorce. Who goes where? Who gets what? Who gets the friends? How do we both adjust to new ways of being? Several weeks before the meeting, I was sitting in church pondering some of those questions during the organ prelude. Several thoughts came to me:
- Though the Scripture says: "God so loved the world . . ." we are in a one on one relationship with God.
- In the "Lamb's Book of Life," the name of my church is not listed. My name is there. I am an individual child of God, not just a member of some earthly boday of people.
- When we pose the question: "What will ministry look like apart from these with whom I am accustomed to working?" we have to respond individually.
- Just as our relationship, our salvation is personal, so is our obedience and our service.
- Yes, we decide as a congregation what we will do about denminational issues, but we are responsible as individuals to God.
Monday we observe Memorial Day. Remember to thank a service person for the sacrifice made so that we might remain free. Have a good one.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Monday, May 14, 2012
It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God . . .
That's the heading for Lamentation 3: 19-32 in The Message. If you have been a blog follower over the last few years or if you have known me over even more years, you know that Lamentations 3:22-23 have long been special verses to me. I believe them to be true in every situation. God's faithfulness never fails and it is what sustains me. I'll always be indebted to my friend, Helen Sloop Martin, who introduced them to me while we students at Belhaven. Recently, as I was reading Lamentations I discovered other verses in that chapter that really spoke to my heart. Let me share the passage with you.
I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all--oh, how well I remember--the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope.
God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.
It;s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when your'e young to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
Who among us has never experienced utter lostness or who cannot remember the feeling of hitting the bottom? Those feelings of loneliness, despair, grief, pain--whatever they are--cannot compare to the amazing fact of God's love and faithfulness. Sitting quietly and patiently does not come easy for me. I want to be "doing" something, searching for a solution, but we are told to enter the silence, bow in prayer and wait for hope to appear. Such words never cease to reassure me!
The Presbytery of Mississippi meets Thursday and on the agenda are the petitions of four churches to withdraw from the denomination. We have a gaping wound in the church and not just in my denomination.
Somehow, somewhere along the way, we have lost our focus. We are no longer a church united, but a church torn apart by deep divisions. Still, God is faithful to those who call upon Him, just as God remained faithful to the Israelites in spite of their turning away. Pray for the Church of Christ around the world. Pray for me as I bring the message at Morning Worship.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
That's the heading for Lamentation 3: 19-32 in The Message. If you have been a blog follower over the last few years or if you have known me over even more years, you know that Lamentations 3:22-23 have long been special verses to me. I believe them to be true in every situation. God's faithfulness never fails and it is what sustains me. I'll always be indebted to my friend, Helen Sloop Martin, who introduced them to me while we students at Belhaven. Recently, as I was reading Lamentations I discovered other verses in that chapter that really spoke to my heart. Let me share the passage with you.
I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all--oh, how well I remember--the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope.
God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.
It;s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when your'e young to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
Who among us has never experienced utter lostness or who cannot remember the feeling of hitting the bottom? Those feelings of loneliness, despair, grief, pain--whatever they are--cannot compare to the amazing fact of God's love and faithfulness. Sitting quietly and patiently does not come easy for me. I want to be "doing" something, searching for a solution, but we are told to enter the silence, bow in prayer and wait for hope to appear. Such words never cease to reassure me!
The Presbytery of Mississippi meets Thursday and on the agenda are the petitions of four churches to withdraw from the denomination. We have a gaping wound in the church and not just in my denomination.
Somehow, somewhere along the way, we have lost our focus. We are no longer a church united, but a church torn apart by deep divisions. Still, God is faithful to those who call upon Him, just as God remained faithful to the Israelites in spite of their turning away. Pray for the Church of Christ around the world. Pray for me as I bring the message at Morning Worship.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
The Drought Has Ended . . .
It has been so many weeks since I have visited this page that I almost feel as if I need to reintroduce myself. These have been days and weeks of reflection; days spent in re-evaluation of the past the present and the future. They have also been days full of activitiy.- Early in April I attended a luncheon at my college alma mater for those who had graduated 50 or more years ago. Several of my classmates came from both near and far, to reminence about the "good old days." Now we are eagerly looking forward to Homecoming in October.
- I spent some much needed time with the financial advisor who has taken care of us for many years. He did much to ease my mind. He had answers for all my questions and simple suggestions to things that had taken up far too much of my brain power.
- One Wednesday two Jackson friends and I went to New Orleans for the day and had the Jazz Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters. What a treat!! The company was excellent, the food delicious and the weather perfect. One can not always say that about New Orleans weather. More often than not the humidity is oppressive--even for those of us who know humidity up close and personal.
- There have been "end of the year" band concerts and pre-school programs.
- Now, it's May and things are headed quicly toward summer.
fortunately, I'm programmed by doctor #1 who wanted it under 20 and mine hasn't seen that number in months! I can't even remember the last time it was under 20 except in December, 2006 when we were surprised to learn that it had dropped to 14. (Long introduction to an amazing discovery.) The Friday after I had been in the office and had the "so-so" report the nurse called to rearrange my appointment for May. Since she had me on the phone I decided to ask her the results of the blood work earlier in the week and she said: "Mrs. Suttle, the test is normal - 12.5." Silence, as I picked myself up off the floor. I could only stutter and ask how that low number could be possible. Was she sure she had my chart? Then I said to her: "If that's true, it's a miracle." She responded, "This is a weekend of miracles." It was Good Friday.
Since that conversation, I have thanked God, questioned Him, considered what I know about the disease and finally decided that I'd take it at face value and declare myself cancer free, at least for now. It is not remission, but the low number is definitely encouraging!
My doctor repeated the number when I saw him on Monday. It was not a mistake. Next month I will have the periodic scan, plus the usual blood tests. We're praying for repeated good results. Oh, and in addition to that, my blood pressure is lower than it has been in several months. I cannot thank God enough for this new development. All I can say is: To God Be the Glory!!
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Honesty in all things . . .
Why is that so hard? It seems to me that we spend a lot of time in our lives living in denial. Or, maybe it only seems that way. I, like many, have put my head in the sand, ignored someone or a situation, and pretended they or it would go away. Then, with sand in my mouth and burning my eyes, I would look around and the problem would still be there. It hadn't moved at all. I was accused of that several times during Tom's illness. It wasn't true. I knew only too well the reality of the disease and I had a front row seat in observing what it was doing to him. Pride stood in the way of letting others see too much. Possibly, those who accused had denial mixed up with hope. He and I always hoped for a better tomorrow, knowing that when the best tomorrow came we would no longer be together on this earth. Hope is one of God's gifts, though the awarding of it comes in a variety of ways. Hope sustained during the difficult days of watching Tom decline, during the days when I was the only one saying anything. I never knew if he heard me reading the Scripture, praying with him or singing favorite hymns and children's Sunday School songs. Yet, I hoped.
Today, I hope for friends who are facing illness and loss of loved ones and I wonder: which is more painful, reality or denial? It's difficult for the strongest person, even the strongest Christian, to face the reality of finality. As bright as hope looms, there is always sadness trying to push itself to the forefront. We find ourselves trying to hang on for just one more day. My heart aches for those who face difficult times and for those who are trying to heal from loss. Daily, I face the reality of life without my partner, my soulmate, the one who loved me so completely and who helped me become the person I am today. It isn't easy. Now, I hope for the day that Tom and I will be reunited, when I will know the reality of what he now knows.
While I was never in denial about Tom's illness, I have had to face the fact that I may have let some of that creep into what I know about my own health. My visit with the doctor yesterday was not discouraging, but it was not encouraging either. I am still being kept from the drug that seems to have worked the best in keeping cancer activity at its lowest because of possible serious damage to my kidneys. I was told that another problem I have could be the result of the medications or the disease itself. The denial has come in my putting off some things that need to be done. I never want my children to go through the nighmare they went through a few years back when information that would have helped them was held back. I want them to be informed. Also, being the control freak that I am, I want to be in charge of my life and my passing. Away with denial! I owe my family the gift of planning and organization. Everything needs to be decent and in order, just the way Tom would have things if he was the one to remain.
As I drove home in a driving rain yesterday, I thought about many things and made some determinations.
Why is that so hard? It seems to me that we spend a lot of time in our lives living in denial. Or, maybe it only seems that way. I, like many, have put my head in the sand, ignored someone or a situation, and pretended they or it would go away. Then, with sand in my mouth and burning my eyes, I would look around and the problem would still be there. It hadn't moved at all. I was accused of that several times during Tom's illness. It wasn't true. I knew only too well the reality of the disease and I had a front row seat in observing what it was doing to him. Pride stood in the way of letting others see too much. Possibly, those who accused had denial mixed up with hope. He and I always hoped for a better tomorrow, knowing that when the best tomorrow came we would no longer be together on this earth. Hope is one of God's gifts, though the awarding of it comes in a variety of ways. Hope sustained during the difficult days of watching Tom decline, during the days when I was the only one saying anything. I never knew if he heard me reading the Scripture, praying with him or singing favorite hymns and children's Sunday School songs. Yet, I hoped.
Today, I hope for friends who are facing illness and loss of loved ones and I wonder: which is more painful, reality or denial? It's difficult for the strongest person, even the strongest Christian, to face the reality of finality. As bright as hope looms, there is always sadness trying to push itself to the forefront. We find ourselves trying to hang on for just one more day. My heart aches for those who face difficult times and for those who are trying to heal from loss. Daily, I face the reality of life without my partner, my soulmate, the one who loved me so completely and who helped me become the person I am today. It isn't easy. Now, I hope for the day that Tom and I will be reunited, when I will know the reality of what he now knows.
While I was never in denial about Tom's illness, I have had to face the fact that I may have let some of that creep into what I know about my own health. My visit with the doctor yesterday was not discouraging, but it was not encouraging either. I am still being kept from the drug that seems to have worked the best in keeping cancer activity at its lowest because of possible serious damage to my kidneys. I was told that another problem I have could be the result of the medications or the disease itself. The denial has come in my putting off some things that need to be done. I never want my children to go through the nighmare they went through a few years back when information that would have helped them was held back. I want them to be informed. Also, being the control freak that I am, I want to be in charge of my life and my passing. Away with denial! I owe my family the gift of planning and organization. Everything needs to be decent and in order, just the way Tom would have things if he was the one to remain.
As I drove home in a driving rain yesterday, I thought about many things and made some determinations.
- I will not deny the reality of this dumb cancer.
- It will not control me, nor my lifestyle.
- It is what it is and I recommit myself to live with it.
- I will not deny the realities of things I cannot change.
- I will allow God to be in charge.
- I will enjoy today and hope for tomorrow!
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Where does the time go?
It's been said that the older we get the faster the days, weeks, months and years pass, but nobody said they would race at break neck speed. For a child, a few minutes seems like and eternity, but for those of us who are in the "older" group, we blink and the week is gone. As I drank my morning coffee, listened to the birds and felt the sunshine streaming into the room, I was reminded of making a commitment long ago to savor every moment of every day. Today is what we have. It is a gift not be be taken for granted. My college piano teacher would often begin a quote: "Thank God every day that you have something to do today that must be done." God gives the day; He gives the "something;" it's our job to discover and do it. So, this morning I made a list of what I thought most important for the day--I seem to work better from lists.
The children are outside, anxious to get in the pool. Instead, they are dangling their feet and sunbathing. The weather is certainly warm enough, but the pool water needs to be tested. It's amazing to see how wet they can get without ever getting all the way in the water. I'm tempted to join them, but then my list of "to dos" would suffer.
This afternoon the chickens will have their very own home. Tommy and a friend are constructing the coop and putting in the hay/pine straw. I haven't seen them in a week, but reports are that they are really growing. One sickly one died last week--now there are 13. My question remains: when will they lay eggs?
Herbs I planted before my trip are flourishing. I have started trimming bushes in the front and pulling weeds--a never ending job. Jacob and I put out some things I brought back from South Georgia and a little border grass that came originally from the house we built in Jackson. I had given my cousin some several years ago, so she gave some back to me. If I only had a green thumb like she has. I told Liz this morning that Julia could put her finger in the dirt and it would grow. She gets that from our Grandmother Carter.
It's been a good week, full and busy. My income tax stuff is just about ready to put in the mail and the IRS finally responded to my inquiry about someone using Tom's SSN last year and sent me my refund check. That only took 10 months! The office is shaping up; I found something that would clean the floors and not leave smears and streaks; decluttering continues. Chicken is cooked and ready to be made into pot pie and a strawberry cake is waiting to be baked. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content in any state. I agree. My "state" is good and I am content.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
It's been said that the older we get the faster the days, weeks, months and years pass, but nobody said they would race at break neck speed. For a child, a few minutes seems like and eternity, but for those of us who are in the "older" group, we blink and the week is gone. As I drank my morning coffee, listened to the birds and felt the sunshine streaming into the room, I was reminded of making a commitment long ago to savor every moment of every day. Today is what we have. It is a gift not be be taken for granted. My college piano teacher would often begin a quote: "Thank God every day that you have something to do today that must be done." God gives the day; He gives the "something;" it's our job to discover and do it. So, this morning I made a list of what I thought most important for the day--I seem to work better from lists.
The children are outside, anxious to get in the pool. Instead, they are dangling their feet and sunbathing. The weather is certainly warm enough, but the pool water needs to be tested. It's amazing to see how wet they can get without ever getting all the way in the water. I'm tempted to join them, but then my list of "to dos" would suffer.
This afternoon the chickens will have their very own home. Tommy and a friend are constructing the coop and putting in the hay/pine straw. I haven't seen them in a week, but reports are that they are really growing. One sickly one died last week--now there are 13. My question remains: when will they lay eggs?
Herbs I planted before my trip are flourishing. I have started trimming bushes in the front and pulling weeds--a never ending job. Jacob and I put out some things I brought back from South Georgia and a little border grass that came originally from the house we built in Jackson. I had given my cousin some several years ago, so she gave some back to me. If I only had a green thumb like she has. I told Liz this morning that Julia could put her finger in the dirt and it would grow. She gets that from our Grandmother Carter.
It's been a good week, full and busy. My income tax stuff is just about ready to put in the mail and the IRS finally responded to my inquiry about someone using Tom's SSN last year and sent me my refund check. That only took 10 months! The office is shaping up; I found something that would clean the floors and not leave smears and streaks; decluttering continues. Chicken is cooked and ready to be made into pot pie and a strawberry cake is waiting to be baked. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content in any state. I agree. My "state" is good and I am content.
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Home Again . . .
The week went by far too quickly! I spent two nights with my friend, Dot and her husband, Jim, in Montgomery and we talked non-stop while we were awake. One highlight of my visit with her was hearing about the new church she and Jim have joined and then attending a church supper while I was there. There was absolutely no friction present, no cliques, just a group of committed Christians intent on being Christ like. How refreshing!
My time in Southeast Georgia brought healing to my soul. Even the drive through the heart of peach growing country was therapeutic! I have always loved the country, seeing all the crops and the rich dirt ready for planting. The peach trees were in bloom and were almost as pretty as almond orchards when they bloom--almost, but not quite. The night I arrived a 75th birthday supper was being given for my cousin's husband and I got there right in time for "low country boil," fried fish, hushpuppies and cold slaw. It was a treat! On Sunday I worshiped with Aunt May and Julia at the Lutheran church I attended as a little girl living with them. It brought back memories of Sunday School in a one room church, heated by a wood stove. Much of what I learned in Sunday School came from there. In the church service I couldn't remember all the places to stand and sit, but that was okay.
Aunt May is remarkable--still! She always has been remarkable to me. Other than a little patch of gray over her ears, her hair remains dark blonde at age 94. Obviously, I didn't inherit the genes from that side of my family. She said that the people in the retirement home where she lives can't believe she is 94; she doesn't look it, but then I wonder, what does 94 look like anyway? She represents home, faith, family, unconditional love and has made a profound impression on my life. Her care for my uncle as they struggled through Alztheimer's together was amazing and I remembered that care when our circumstances turned me into a caregiver.
Julia, who is more sister than cousin, and I had fun together. She took me to see the old familiar places and to introduce me to some new ones; we went to Savannah one day. There is no more beautiful city anywhere!!! I saw other cousins and was especially happy when one drove up with his wife from Jesup just to eat supper one night. One night Carsie, Julia's husband, took us out to eat, but mainly we stayed close to home and just enjoyed being together. I have a most wonderful family!
The chickens have "come to roost." While I was gone Liz got 14 baby chicks; I forget the kinds, but I remember there are four each of three kinds and then two little yellow chicks. They're cute now, but I don't know how long the cuteness will last. All I can say, is: "Bring on the eggs."
It's good to be home and I'm anxious to get on with the projects I have outlined for myself. In my time away I had much time to reflect on the past and consider the present and the future. How easy it is to get bogged down in things, as I have. God has been so good to me. I have terrific friends, a wonderful family and the memories of an extra special husband. Most of all I am a child of God. What more could I ask?
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
The week went by far too quickly! I spent two nights with my friend, Dot and her husband, Jim, in Montgomery and we talked non-stop while we were awake. One highlight of my visit with her was hearing about the new church she and Jim have joined and then attending a church supper while I was there. There was absolutely no friction present, no cliques, just a group of committed Christians intent on being Christ like. How refreshing!
My time in Southeast Georgia brought healing to my soul. Even the drive through the heart of peach growing country was therapeutic! I have always loved the country, seeing all the crops and the rich dirt ready for planting. The peach trees were in bloom and were almost as pretty as almond orchards when they bloom--almost, but not quite. The night I arrived a 75th birthday supper was being given for my cousin's husband and I got there right in time for "low country boil," fried fish, hushpuppies and cold slaw. It was a treat! On Sunday I worshiped with Aunt May and Julia at the Lutheran church I attended as a little girl living with them. It brought back memories of Sunday School in a one room church, heated by a wood stove. Much of what I learned in Sunday School came from there. In the church service I couldn't remember all the places to stand and sit, but that was okay.
Aunt May is remarkable--still! She always has been remarkable to me. Other than a little patch of gray over her ears, her hair remains dark blonde at age 94. Obviously, I didn't inherit the genes from that side of my family. She said that the people in the retirement home where she lives can't believe she is 94; she doesn't look it, but then I wonder, what does 94 look like anyway? She represents home, faith, family, unconditional love and has made a profound impression on my life. Her care for my uncle as they struggled through Alztheimer's together was amazing and I remembered that care when our circumstances turned me into a caregiver.
Julia, who is more sister than cousin, and I had fun together. She took me to see the old familiar places and to introduce me to some new ones; we went to Savannah one day. There is no more beautiful city anywhere!!! I saw other cousins and was especially happy when one drove up with his wife from Jesup just to eat supper one night. One night Carsie, Julia's husband, took us out to eat, but mainly we stayed close to home and just enjoyed being together. I have a most wonderful family!
The chickens have "come to roost." While I was gone Liz got 14 baby chicks; I forget the kinds, but I remember there are four each of three kinds and then two little yellow chicks. They're cute now, but I don't know how long the cuteness will last. All I can say, is: "Bring on the eggs."
It's good to be home and I'm anxious to get on with the projects I have outlined for myself. In my time away I had much time to reflect on the past and consider the present and the future. How easy it is to get bogged down in things, as I have. God has been so good to me. I have terrific friends, a wonderful family and the memories of an extra special husband. Most of all I am a child of God. What more could I ask?
Blessings,
Pastor Margaret
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