A long time ago I had a care group which I enjoyed very much.I did care about the people in my group and they cared about me.It was a time of much spiritual growth for me.
I heard about a new couple in church who had expressed an interest in joining a care group.
I went to see them and Jeanette opened the door,I invited her and her husband to a Thursday night meeting at my home.
Jeanette and Garland had met in a bar on the south side of Chicago.Through God's grace they found Christ and were living a real Christian life.
Jeanette had been diagnosed with MS a few years before.
She was using a cane and was forced to resign her position at a local bank.
My wife and I were touched by Jeanette and her love for Jesus,she amazed us with her strong testimony.
We prayed at our little care group for her,and we prayed for healing.
To our dismay she had more attacks and went from a wheelchair to being totally bedridden.
In June of 1996 I was in an accident which put me flat on my back for about a year.
You know who called me when I got so depressed? Well you know who.
She called regularly and counselled me in the way of the Lord.
When I was losing my business,when I was just to drugged up to care she called.She just said this is not going to be easy.Trust in God,belive in what you have taught the group.
Man,she just kept pushing me.What a joy she was.Remember she was now bedridden.
This Jeanette was showing her love for Jesus and doing what she could for her friend.
She got worse in the next few years,losing her ability to speak,to read and even move her hands.
She loved when Linda and I would bring her chocolates and read her favorite Bible passages to her.
God took Jeanette home after she her body just gave out.
I miss you my friend,big time.
I will see you soon.
Soon and Very Soon,we are going to see the King.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Snow in Chicago
We woke up to 6 inches of snow this morning.
The pick up truck was buried and not willing to leave the driveway,neither was I.
Son number 2 (Mark) lives close by and said that he would come by and do some shoveling for us.
Neither Linda or I should be shoveling any longer,my knees are shot and I just don't want her shoveling any more.
Now small blessing come to us like this and we are grateful to Mark and God of course.
I just feel like Mark was obeying God,Honoring his mom and dad.
We made it out of the drive and were able to do a nice days work.
Thank You Mark.
The pick up truck was buried and not willing to leave the driveway,neither was I.
Son number 2 (Mark) lives close by and said that he would come by and do some shoveling for us.
Neither Linda or I should be shoveling any longer,my knees are shot and I just don't want her shoveling any more.
Now small blessing come to us like this and we are grateful to Mark and God of course.
I just feel like Mark was obeying God,Honoring his mom and dad.
We made it out of the drive and were able to do a nice days work.
Thank You Mark.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
My wife's mom has it.
She does not know us,or anybody.
She seems to know she likes chocolate.
That's it,nothing else.
Physically she seems quite healthy.It looks like she will live a long time.
We saw the signs when she was living alone,lost keys later found in the open,forgetting to eat.Thinking her car was out of gas when it was full.
Thankfully she has 4 daughters who saw these things in time to keep her from injury.
She now resides in a home where she gets the best of care.
I hope when I get older this does not happen to me.
I can not imagine anything worse.
God makes His plans,the information isn't always available to us mortals.
We know Lord how you love us,our minds try to comprehend life and we get lost so easy.
My wife's mom has it.
She does not know us,or anybody.
She seems to know she likes chocolate.
That's it,nothing else.
Physically she seems quite healthy.It looks like she will live a long time.
We saw the signs when she was living alone,lost keys later found in the open,forgetting to eat.Thinking her car was out of gas when it was full.
Thankfully she has 4 daughters who saw these things in time to keep her from injury.
She now resides in a home where she gets the best of care.
I hope when I get older this does not happen to me.
I can not imagine anything worse.
God makes His plans,the information isn't always available to us mortals.
We know Lord how you love us,our minds try to comprehend life and we get lost so easy.
Monday, December 3, 2007
She Settles Me
So it is late but she asks kindly if he wanted another cup of tea.
Thoughts flash back to when she was 10 and he was 11.The camp was a magic place where he saw beauty in every girl.
This one changed him,even at such a young age.
Times go by,early loves last but are so futile when he had parents and she had parents.
Forward to when he was 16 and he sees her again.His friend's see her,she asks us to leave.Trouble was always around another corner,friends were sometimes trouble.
Three more years have gone by,she is engaged you hear,so is he.
His engagement was foolish,he knew this.
Hers was forced and foolish too.
She finds him lost somewhere and brings him back home.They have finally found love.
She has saved him with her love,he is still so young and clueless.
The babies came early and he sees something inside maturing,but still searching for some eternal truth.
She opens his eyes as he got lost in Kant,Aristotle and Bacon.
She says try this one,Solomon he wrote this.Ecclesiastes.
His eyes opened suddenly like a light snapped on,he is stunned.
They get lost in Proverbs,he remains on fire.
A small publication of His will is published,free Bibles are given away.
She says lets hand out tracts at Kmart,he gets punched by a cop.
Sisters join them in long discussions about truth.
He now remains convinced in the truth,that it will always be there.
They find some churches and follow some pastors.Friend abide during tough times and she always forgives him.
She still loves him and he loves her.
They laugh about the kids and grandkids now,slowly getting older but not caring much.Life goes on for the betterment of all in Christ.
His thoughts are now surfacing like they needed to.
His family is most important,his God guides him now.
So here is a love that lasted,he is amazed and cries sometimes about it all.
God made His plans,he followed and found peace.
So much to say,so much to share.My family,my heart.
To every thing, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn,turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to be born, a time to dieA time to plant, a time to reapA time to kill, a time to healA time to laugh, a time to weepTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to build up, a time to break downA time to dance, a time to mournA time to cast away stonesA time to gather stones togetherTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time of love, a time of hateA time of war, a time of peaceA time you may embraceA time to refrain from embracingTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to gain, a time to loseA time to rend, a time to sewA time to love, a time to hateA time for peace, I swear it's not too late- Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds, 1966 taken lyrics from the Book of Eccleciates 3:1-11
Thoughts flash back to when she was 10 and he was 11.The camp was a magic place where he saw beauty in every girl.
This one changed him,even at such a young age.
Times go by,early loves last but are so futile when he had parents and she had parents.
Forward to when he was 16 and he sees her again.His friend's see her,she asks us to leave.Trouble was always around another corner,friends were sometimes trouble.
Three more years have gone by,she is engaged you hear,so is he.
His engagement was foolish,he knew this.
Hers was forced and foolish too.
She finds him lost somewhere and brings him back home.They have finally found love.
She has saved him with her love,he is still so young and clueless.
The babies came early and he sees something inside maturing,but still searching for some eternal truth.
She opens his eyes as he got lost in Kant,Aristotle and Bacon.
She says try this one,Solomon he wrote this.Ecclesiastes.
His eyes opened suddenly like a light snapped on,he is stunned.
They get lost in Proverbs,he remains on fire.
A small publication of His will is published,free Bibles are given away.
She says lets hand out tracts at Kmart,he gets punched by a cop.
Sisters join them in long discussions about truth.
He now remains convinced in the truth,that it will always be there.
They find some churches and follow some pastors.Friend abide during tough times and she always forgives him.
She still loves him and he loves her.
They laugh about the kids and grandkids now,slowly getting older but not caring much.Life goes on for the betterment of all in Christ.
His thoughts are now surfacing like they needed to.
His family is most important,his God guides him now.
So here is a love that lasted,he is amazed and cries sometimes about it all.
God made His plans,he followed and found peace.
So much to say,so much to share.My family,my heart.
To every thing, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn,turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to be born, a time to dieA time to plant, a time to reapA time to kill, a time to healA time to laugh, a time to weepTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to build up, a time to break downA time to dance, a time to mournA time to cast away stonesA time to gather stones togetherTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time of love, a time of hateA time of war, a time of peaceA time you may embraceA time to refrain from embracingTo everything, turn, turn, turn,There is a season, turn, turn, turn,And a time to every purpose under heavenA time to gain, a time to loseA time to rend, a time to sewA time to love, a time to hateA time for peace, I swear it's not too late- Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds, 1966 taken lyrics from the Book of Eccleciates 3:1-11
Psalm 27 Just Let it Speak To You
The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation
27The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
27The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Letters I Have Written Or Should Have Part 2
Dear Kevin,
I am so very proud of you.
Love Dad
Dear Jesus,
You know I can't wait to see you.
Love Mike
Dear Politicians Everywhere?
Why do you make it so hard to trust you?
A Concerned Citizen
Dear Clock Manufactures Of Clock Movements,
What happend to quality?
I used to have much more confidence in your work.
You let us all down so much.
It has become an embarrasment.
Mike Lanting
Dear Caleb,
Your smile makes me so happy,I need a few smiles from you now.
Much Love,
Papa
Dear Pastor Bob Newman,
Thanks for all your giving,you and Judy amaze me.
By the way Judy will always be your better half.
Love,
Mike
Dear Soldiers and Sailors
How can I tell you what your service to our country means to me?
A million thank yous are not enough.
With Much Respect,
Mike
I am so very proud of you.
Love Dad
Dear Jesus,
You know I can't wait to see you.
Love Mike
Dear Politicians Everywhere?
Why do you make it so hard to trust you?
A Concerned Citizen
Dear Clock Manufactures Of Clock Movements,
What happend to quality?
I used to have much more confidence in your work.
You let us all down so much.
It has become an embarrasment.
Mike Lanting
Dear Caleb,
Your smile makes me so happy,I need a few smiles from you now.
Much Love,
Papa
Dear Pastor Bob Newman,
Thanks for all your giving,you and Judy amaze me.
By the way Judy will always be your better half.
Love,
Mike
Dear Soldiers and Sailors
How can I tell you what your service to our country means to me?
A million thank yous are not enough.
With Much Respect,
Mike
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Letters I Have Written Or Should Have
Dear Mr C.S Lewis,
Thank you sir,your books have changed my life.
Sincerely
Dear President Lincoln,
I do wish you would have lived a bit longer.
Did you know John Wilkes Booth's last words were ''useless"?
Sincerely
Dear Rev.Billy Graham,
Well done sir,your reward will certainly be great!
I went to see you in 1964,I did not believe then but you helped me find my way.
Sincerely
Dear President Bush,
What is the point of this war again?
Sincerely
Dear Gettysburg National Park Guides,
You men and women are stunning.Thank You.
Sincerely
Dear Customers of Mine,
Thank you for your loyalty after all these years.You are the best.
Sincerely
Dear Family,
God loves you so much,and so do I.
Sincerley
(more to come)
Thank you sir,your books have changed my life.
Sincerely
Dear President Lincoln,
I do wish you would have lived a bit longer.
Did you know John Wilkes Booth's last words were ''useless"?
Sincerely
Dear Rev.Billy Graham,
Well done sir,your reward will certainly be great!
I went to see you in 1964,I did not believe then but you helped me find my way.
Sincerely
Dear President Bush,
What is the point of this war again?
Sincerely
Dear Gettysburg National Park Guides,
You men and women are stunning.Thank You.
Sincerely
Dear Customers of Mine,
Thank you for your loyalty after all these years.You are the best.
Sincerely
Dear Family,
God loves you so much,and so do I.
Sincerley
(more to come)
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