Category: communication

Let the River Flow – What a Blessing!

(Excerpt from Shekinah Lane.)

It had been a quiet morning reflecting on God’s goodness. I had just finished reading the devotional in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers for September 6.

He compared our lives to a river and how out of us will flow the rivers that will bless to the uttermost parts of the earth. Commenting about how God has nourished us to bless others, he made this statement: “God rarely allows a soul to see how great a blessing he is.”

Smiling I thought, “Oh, but He did that for my husband John – not once but several times in the past few years.”

John retired from the preaching ministry in 2005. He has Parkinson ’s disease and his voice was so low he had trouble speaking. Serving churches was a part of his multi-faceted ministry. Counseling has always been his strong suit. Working with youth energized him.

A celebration of thirty-five years of ministry was planned. Many came from former churches he served, the college where he worked and also the youth facility Teen Ranch in Marlette, MI where he mentored. Memories flooded our minds and washed over our hearts as several shared what a blessing John’s life and ministry meant to them.

Laughter came in waves and tears streamed down our faces as they shared. Precious people who God allowed to splash in the river of living water flowing from John’s life.

Many more encounters with the flow of ministry have occurred for John in the past few years. Thank you Lord for the confirmation for John to see how great a blessing he has been and he is.

Let the river continue to flow.

Lake Nottley – comes from a river!

Still ministering………..

When picking up our book order for Shekinah Lane, I was privileged to see John still ministering.  I was signing the contract for the printing of the books and needed to ask John’s opinion on the order. He had just loaded the boxes of books in the car and came back into the office.

He came in as I was signing the papers, and spoke to the young lady helping me. “Congratulations on your baby.”

She just beamed and told John her due date, the baby was a boy and everything was progressing well. He told her he would be praying for her and the baby. She delighted in his interest in her.

Not me, I was all business as usual as I discussed the printing of the book and placing it on line.  Still smarting from my last encounter with a lady with a belly – when I asked her when her baby was due, she said, “He is sixteen months old.”  Ouch, I won’t do that again.

So typical of John and how he showed genuine concern for people and knew how to engage them in conversation.

Let the river continue to flow!

dscn4660-2
John on pontoon boat

The Rest of the Glory Story

Exhausted from unpacking, the glow of the security light seemed to say, “it’s gonna be alright.  You are home!” It was July 2005 and we were partially moved in.

Each night for sixteen years I would think,” thank you Lord for my house.”  Then getting into bed I’d tell my husband, “Did I ever tell you I just love this house?  Thank you for building it for us.”

One day, I thought I heard God say, “What if I asked you to give up your house?”

My response was “Can’t imagine that, but you know best and I pray you will make me willing.” Never thinking He would!

Our family enjoyed sharing life on Shekinah Lane – John’s folks on the corner and our son and family down the road.  All John’s family would come for holidays and we thought we would live there forever.

But God had other plans.

In October of 2020, our son was blessed to find property off N. Mauney Road.  We prepared his house to sell.  It sold in a month – he moved out and stored his belongings in our barn and he and grandson began task of clearing and built a road into the property. 

Two campers, several loads of gravel and many manhours later, the road to Strick Hollow was in.  They had trouble completing the road for people driving in thinking a new subdivision was being built.

Isaiah 40:5  And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.

Our lot was cleared next to build a smaller, one-level house.  Plans needed to be decided, when to sell our house and how.  I listed on Zillow in February.  Then in April decided to list with agent – which was the best decision. Dana Nelson of Coldwell Banker not only staged our house for showing but prayed with us for right buyer. 

“Making Mountain Dreams Real”

Coldwell Banker High Country Realty

Blairsville, GA 30512

  • 706-835-7906
  • 706-745-3500

Have you ever had your house prepared for showing and try to live in it???

I stashed our stuff – in closets, in wardrobes and of course cleaned the house constantly.

All the while praying for the right family to purchase our Shekinah Lane property.  I just wanted someone to love this place like I do.

Our mountain view was crowded out by trees putting on their spring leaves.  Tulips bloomed and roses showed their stuff.  The yard looked amazing as it greened up with spring rains.  The snowball bush I purchased last year was in full bloom as prospective buyers began to come. 

God answered our prayers, the family who purchased our property love it and are so excited to be living on Shekinah Lane.

Isaiah 40: 6“All people are like grass,
    and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
    Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.”

The last few months have been a whirlwind.  Preparing for moving sale – packing, moving and settling in our neighbor’s cabin.  What a blessing – neighbor’s cabin just down road from our house on Shekinah lane.  Wonderful friends and neighbors helped with all the moving. 

Just as planned, Kevin Green and his crew finished the house (well mostly, except for air conditioning which was backordered) by end of July.  We began moving things first week of August and have been unpacking since.  Everything will not fit in smaller house!  Still filling shelves at Habitat and our church’s Elijay’s Closet. 

No, I never expected to move from Shekinah Lane.  But God has this season of our lives in His hands; and, our son and grandson are sharing the glory of seeing God move in our lives. 

Shekinah Lane needs to be updated to 29 moves in 56 years and I discovered additional things that made it all the way to add:

  • Amber bowl
  • Horsehead lamps
  • corning mixing bowls. 
Horse head lamps!

So we are now living on Strick Hollow Road! 

Can you see that mountaini?
Not finished yet – but it is coming! Yes, we have a family relic shelf.

Isaiah 40:12   Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
    or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
    or weighed the mountains on the scales
    and the hills in a balance?

Those hands are big enough to take care of us!

Have you ever felt numb?

Webster defines numb – to make (someone) unable to think, feel, or react normally.

Nothing – that is how I felt. Numb. I just wanted to cry! Maybe it would make me feel better. Don’t know about you, but I don’t cry easily. Only time I cry is when I pray or listen to worship songs.

Even after a church service or serving at church, on the drive home – felt empty – not sure what is wrong? At first attributed it to being tired but it got worse as days passed.

Each day, reading devotionals and routine of Proverb of day and five Psalms did not seem to help.

Then I realized I was grieving – not a loss of someone – but of something.

We had just moved out of our house, stored furniture, and moved into neighbor’s cabin.  Thank you, Lord for this cabin.

John relaxing
Porch retreat

Thank you for the friends and neighbors who helped us.

Yes, there were angels in human suits all over the place.

From ladies helping pack, neighbor’s moving boxes, friends helping with moving sale and then neighborhood cookout. One friend even took my plants to her house to care for them until we move in new house.

At a restaurant, my husband was having difficulty walking – a man came over and helped set up his oxygen.

In Home Depot the clerk noticed my husband did not have his oxygen turned on – she just happened to be a respiratory therapist.

Next morning at breakfast, another angel came over as we were trying to get to table. My husband was very weak and staggering.  The man came over and helped me get him to a seat – then ordered orange juice for him to drink.

So why the numb feeling?

I sat down to look at new Bible study book – Experiencing God. First lesson talked about Abraham’s call and how he, at 75 years old (I turned 75 in June) God didn’t give him specific directions of where to go, or what he was to do when he got there.  

Unlike Abraham I did know where I was going – a new smaller house. Closer to town and church. I did know what I would be doing – taking care of my husband.

Why was I grieving? The loss of my house, gardens, flowers, neighbors? Could be the pools of water around the new house due to weeks of rain. Could be the appliances and windows have not come in which delays everything to complete the house by end of month.

The Bible study book shared very familiar verses:

– John 15:5  I am the vine you are the branches, if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.

Wow, reminder!

Matt 6:33-34 “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

God spoke to my spirit – you can do nothing – without me! From the lesson – Agree with God that you will follow Him one day at a time!

The song One day at a Time came to mind. I pulled the song up on YouTube by Linda Randle. https://youtu.be/JhUvFqOY00I

  It ministered to me and then it skipped to the next song by her –

God on the Mountain –https://youtu.be/mvkCoC0ZOZc

Here are the words in case you can’t pull up in YouTube:

Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known
But when things change and you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

[Chorus]
And the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night

[Verse 2]
We talk of faith when we’re up on the mountain
But talk comes so easy when life’s at its best
But in the valley of trials and temptations
That’s when faith is really put to the test

[Chorus]
And the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night

Then the tears began to flow.

This is what Experiencing God is all about. He ministers to your spirit in just the way you need when you need it.

My little valley is nothing in comparison to many I know who are experiencing death of a loved one, serious illness, or rejection by a loved one.  But God met me just where I was to bring me out of my valley.

He will do it for you as well! Allow His word and worship music to encourage you. 

The next day we visited the new house site – no change – no windows or appliances, still pools of water all around. I thought, “Oh, no and immediately it  came to me

– One day at a time, sweet Jesus!” 

Love the laundry room!

Blessings of J O Y!

Ventured out today to inspect the blueberry crop.  A few days ago, they were full of blooms.

Several nights of cold temps in 30’s and some frost – but always sun came up and warmed up early.  So surely, they made it????

Blueberries before frost

Sad to report just few blossoms survived.  If these make it through tonight’s 30’s, we will have a few blueberries to pick in June.

Blueberries after frost

This verse and song came to my mind:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  God keeps reminding me – JOY.

Bible study this am via Zoom with our BSB (Bible Study Buddies) gals, studying Philippians – theme JOY.  Many shared about how they have found joy in life during our current situation of sheltering in place.  Here are some –

  • Laughter
  • Appreciating nature
  • Praise music
  • Making a thankful list

So, I’m thankful:

  1. that my tulips are mostly standing and more to come hopefully. 
  2. Sunshine and trees budding
  3. Few blueberry blossoms survived
  4. Got to visit with BSB gals today
  5. Warm house in this cold weather
  6. Internet to keep in touch with family and friends
  7. Neighbors being considerate in shopping for us
  8. Amazon!!!
  9. House decluttering

That’s good for now – how about you make your thankful list and don’t forget to stay in touch with those who don’t have anyone in their shelter place.  One of our BSB’s shared today about a lady from church calling her to check on her and other friend delivering groceries.  What a blessing!

Along with Habakkuk scripture the song also comes to mind!  You knew I’d have a song!  So here is 70’s scripture song that comes to my mind. 

Then found this where Don Moen reads the scripture but different song – but so good.

I will sing by Don Moen

Come Along

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 The Message (MSG)

3-5 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 

Men know what a come along is – it is a hand operated winch with a ratchet used to pull objects.  It lightens the load.

We women need a come along at times too.

Many come alongs

I knew but failed to do anything.

My friend shared in church her gratitude for prayers, cards, and phone calls during the recent loss of her brother. I said a prayer for her but failed to send a card or telephone.  Not even a text!  It is not like I am so busy – my grandson would say – “you are retired Nana!”

Why do we stay so busy that we don’t do the important? 

When my husband had shoulder surgery – he received many cards and phone calls from family and friends.  Facebook was a great source to notify many both near and far.

The day of surgery I texted family and all those I could think of to let them know surgery went well.  Many don’t like the group texts so I tried to text each individually.  Most responded back that day and the next day to see how he was doing. 

Great come alongs

But by the third day there were no calls, no texts.  I was exhausted from not sleeping well for three nights and weary from my home nurse duties – making sure the meds were taken on time, he was doing the exercises and preparing meals, along with my regular household chores.

It was Saturday morning and the phone rang.  Robyn asked “How is John?”  I told her and she assured me, “We are praying for him!”  A brief conversation – but it meant the world to me.  Someone does still care.  She was volunteering at a church ball game serving food – but she took the time to call and express her concern.

It doesn’t take a great deal of effort – just a few minutes to share in someone’s world. Lord please help me to be a Robyn – she also sent a card!

Two of my favorite come alongs.

Please join me in being an encourager – a come along.  A handwritten card is great – but if you are not able to do that, at least call, send a text or message someone on Facebook. I know how an unexpected call or text can be just what someone needs to lighten their load.

Walk

He can walk!

Yes, my husband John was able to walk the next morning after back surgery. He was in a wheelchair for 3 weeks prior to surgery.  The PT lady in the hospital was amazed how well he walked and the doctor released him that day.  Wow, back surgery and only one night in the hospital. Praise God!

Walk

 is my word to consider for 2018

 – –  how we take it for granted.

Continue reading Walk

Do you think before you speak?

During a recent bout with laryngitis I was reminded of the number of words a woman uses daily versus the number a man uses. Louann Brizendine who wrote The Female Brain concluded that women use 20,000 words per day while men use 7,000. More recent studies do not agree with his findings. But in my house, it is so true.

Only able to whisper for four days was frustrating enough but when your husband is hard think.before.speakof hearing and especially cannot hear a whisper, it was double exasperation. I wrote him notes to communicate. At one point even resorted to charades to get him to “listen” to me.

When John returned from an appointment I was waiting for him to tell me what the doctor said. He conveniently handed me a hand written note from the doctor (she is female) telling me how she changed his medications.  Since I usually accompany him to visits she knew I would be interested in new information.

At lunch in a restaurant, I tried to get John to talk to me by motion with my fingers. He said, “I don’t have anything to talk about.” Do you see why I agree about the number of words a man speaks in a day? I could have talked all during lunch.

Thankfully during this quiet time, I was reminded of my recent commitment to “be positive in my attitude and speech toward my husband and family.” Since I had to either whisper, write a note or act out my desired communication, it gave me time to think instead of just react. Many times I just say what comes to my mind instead of filtering it through a desire to be positive and concerned how it will be accepted by the recipient.

Possibly my heavenly Father was helping me keep my commitment. Ok, Lord, help me think before I speak and please help me be able to converse above a whisper soon.

Psalms 19:14(KJV)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

How to Temper Your Tone

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
New International Version (NIV)
Was it necessary to speak to me in that tone?
“Not your wife, she is always so sweet,” my neighbor said.  My husband was teasing me about being difficult to please and demanding as our neighbor finished the installation of my new dishwasher.
 
I smiled as my neighbor left and wondered if my husband was thinking how his wife’s sweet words could turn sour at times.  Sad how we are so sweet to others and hurt the ones we love the most.  
On our way to the golf course the next morning my husband asked me to call someone for him as he drove.  Flustered with rushing to get ready, and trying to drink my breakfast shake, I blurted out, “Why do I have to do it now, can’t you wait until we get to town?”
 
He graciously responded, “Was it necessary to speak to me in that tone?”  What a wise man I have.  He could have fueled the fire by being as rude as I was.  But instead he spoke the truth in love.  And the truth hurts.  I’m so glad he loves me enough to confront me with my behavior.
 
Why is it so easy to temper our tone at work or at church and then allow our tone to turn sour at home and cause offense and hurt those closest to us.  Sometimes I think we get away with it and are not held accountable in a loving way by our spouse or whoever is in our home.  It takes someone being willing to tell us how we hurt them and suggest ways to improve our behavior.
 
My husband, a counselor by training, uses his skills and compassion with other family members as well.  It is never too late to confront. 
 
His mother (in her eighties) was very controlling and “ruled the roost” as the saying goes for many years.  His father (in his nineties) was a very kind, gracious man and allowed her to dominate him. 
 
His father was placed on antidepressant medication which made him aggressive. 
One day when she was sharp in talking to him, he replied gruffly and told her to leave him alone.  She was hurt and later told her counselor son “your father was so ugly to me today.” 
 
This gave my husband the opportunity to speak the truth in love to his mom.  No one ever talked to her about how unkind she was to her sweet man.  She struggled but submitted to allowing God to change her attitude and her words. 
 
Just a few months later, her last words as she collapsed in her son’s arms were, “Please let me go – I need to check on your father.”



 
I’m so thankful my husband did not wait to challenge me with my attitude and tone.   I pray God will help me to think before I speak.  Also may my words and attitude show my husband he is the most important person in my life, and I love him enough to allow him to confront me when I am unkind.


  •    Do we use a different tone when talking to our family than we use with clients,
    neighbors or friends?
  •    Are we quick to say hurtful things or be impatient with our loved ones?
  •    Are we willing to love enough to be confronted with our behavior and attitude?

 

Father please help us to be clothed with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the ones we love the most.
 
Ephesians 4:15 
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
The Message (MSG)

 

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson