The moment I saw Steve I noticed how different he was from the boys I had gone to school with. Madras shirts and khaki slacks were his favorite attire along with his London Fog raincoat. He was a freshman at the local Jr. College, a year younger than me and was cruising the local A&W hangout with mutual friends. He was 18. Little did either of us know at that first meeting that in less than a year we'd be married with a baby on the way.
We were married in August, settled in as married folks (really like playing house) and spent much time getting to know each other. We loved the beach and playing crazy eights. Steve's family lived close by and mine in the next town. His young life had been different than mine; emotionally, economically and socially. We were married 2 years and 2-1/2 months. On a bright day in May my young husband, age 21, died of acute and chronic Glomerulonephritis; 45 years ago.
Father's day has brought him to mind; that and just spending a week with the son he fathered so long ago. We were so young. As I think back to that brief time, I'm always amazed at the husband and father this young man was. His planned future had been interrupted and this once carefree young man who partied with the best of them took very seriously this new responsibility. He was studying to become an interior designer (following in his parent's footsteps.) and worked 5 days a week at the shop and design studio he hoped to be a part of after he completed his training.
Recently I had the opportunity to have a conversation with one of Steve's best friends whom I hadn't seen since his death.
It was interesting to hear him describe how he and Steve's other friends were impacted by Steve's maturity and commitment to marriage and fatherhood.
As I consider that time in my life I'm reminded anew of God's sovereignty and how as now He saw ahead to what He had purposed for my life and the ministry he would call me to. It also reminds me that being a young widow taught me many things. Most importantly that I was not alone. God has walked with me, loved me, rescued me and fogiven me step by step, day by day!
Lord, thank you for these memories of long ago that have helped to shape this woman you love! Thank you too for my son and the man he has grown to be. In Jesus name and for His sake.
Amen!
I'd love to hear about the people in your lives that have left footprints on your heart!
Hugs,
Judy
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Is It Relevant ?
I love how God's word is relevant to everyday life.
Psalm 119:105 is a favorite verse -“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”!
Did you know that in days long past when walking at night, the paths and streets were illumined by foot lamps fastened on one’s toes? As each step was taken the lamp cast a light on the next step ahead. In today’s vernacular, God's Word is our heavenly GPS system; it provides all the light we need as the foot lamps of old and leads us one word at a time as the GPS systems of today.
God’s GPS system for our journey presents paths we may not have tried before. To follow His direction rather than our own way or experience requires you and me to trust that His way is the best way and to surrender ourselves unto Him who is The Way! It is a matter of faith.
2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 affirms - "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." All scripture transcribed by the inspiration of God. May we press on together with this, His Word on our lips -
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”. Proverbs 3:5 & 6.
It's my prayer,
Judy
Psalm 119:105 is a favorite verse -“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”!
Did you know that in days long past when walking at night, the paths and streets were illumined by foot lamps fastened on one’s toes? As each step was taken the lamp cast a light on the next step ahead. In today’s vernacular, God's Word is our heavenly GPS system; it provides all the light we need as the foot lamps of old and leads us one word at a time as the GPS systems of today.
God’s GPS system for our journey presents paths we may not have tried before. To follow His direction rather than our own way or experience requires you and me to trust that His way is the best way and to surrender ourselves unto Him who is The Way! It is a matter of faith.
2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 affirms - "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." All scripture transcribed by the inspiration of God. May we press on together with this, His Word on our lips -
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”. Proverbs 3:5 & 6.
It's my prayer,
Judy
Thursday, June 3, 2010
LIFE LESSONS
A few years ago I was confined to the second floor of our townhouse while a new laminate floor was being installed downstairs. It was a cold day and the cold air was seeping up the stairs from the open doors left by the workmen. Many noises: hammers, saws and the sounds of 2 men in a lively conversation of foreign dialect filled the air.
After a morning of study (fighting to stay focused with all the distractions) I turned on the TV – just for a moment I reasoned – and was captured by a movie, “The Loretta Claiborne Story”. The true story of a special girl who suffered abuse and misunderstanding due to developmental challenges she was born with, until the age of 15, when a county caseworker, having discovered Loretta’s one interest to be “running”, insisted she get involved with Special Olympics.
As I watched the movie I found myself profoundly affected by Loretta’s story. I felt her pain, her anger, her rage and especially when she was running I felt the freedom and joy she was experiencing. I found myself emotionally drained and ashamed at how we, people created by God, can mistreat our fellow man (whether in childhood or adulthood) because they don’t live up to our expectations.
The courage, tenacity and faith of Loretta Claiborne assaults me when I think of the many times I’ve taken my mind, my abilities and/or talents for granted and have not used them to bring honor to my Creator God. May this be a springboard for a season of thankfulness for my life rather than one of complaining when life doesn’t happen just the way I’d expect it to! I’m reminded by Loretta’s story that each of us is “special” no matter our physical abilities or limitations. We have been uniquely created by the one true God. (Psalm 139: 13-16) May I always remember to look upon my fellow humans with the love and respect they deserve as God’s own; the love and respect my heart hungers for, all the while remembering that we each have something special to contribute to this world God has placed us in and He will carry us through as we rely upon Him.
What were the lessons to be learned?
Care about others (Matthew 7:12)
Love people’s uniqueness.
When God gives a gift – USE IT!
When we’re misunderstood and/or mistreated, may we turn to God to teach us how to forgive and trust again.
Let’s not judge another’s worth to us, the world or God by how perfect they speak, how quick their minds are, where they live or how they dress.
And finally,
Sometimes what looks like the “very worst” thing that could happen in a life turns out to be the exact event that opens a new avenue of hope and direction to fulfill God's plan and purpose.
Lord, thank you for these life lessons; help me to live them out, for Your glory!
Because He lives,
Judy
After a morning of study (fighting to stay focused with all the distractions) I turned on the TV – just for a moment I reasoned – and was captured by a movie, “The Loretta Claiborne Story”. The true story of a special girl who suffered abuse and misunderstanding due to developmental challenges she was born with, until the age of 15, when a county caseworker, having discovered Loretta’s one interest to be “running”, insisted she get involved with Special Olympics.
As I watched the movie I found myself profoundly affected by Loretta’s story. I felt her pain, her anger, her rage and especially when she was running I felt the freedom and joy she was experiencing. I found myself emotionally drained and ashamed at how we, people created by God, can mistreat our fellow man (whether in childhood or adulthood) because they don’t live up to our expectations.
The courage, tenacity and faith of Loretta Claiborne assaults me when I think of the many times I’ve taken my mind, my abilities and/or talents for granted and have not used them to bring honor to my Creator God. May this be a springboard for a season of thankfulness for my life rather than one of complaining when life doesn’t happen just the way I’d expect it to! I’m reminded by Loretta’s story that each of us is “special” no matter our physical abilities or limitations. We have been uniquely created by the one true God. (Psalm 139: 13-16) May I always remember to look upon my fellow humans with the love and respect they deserve as God’s own; the love and respect my heart hungers for, all the while remembering that we each have something special to contribute to this world God has placed us in and He will carry us through as we rely upon Him.
What were the lessons to be learned?
Care about others (Matthew 7:12)
Love people’s uniqueness.
When God gives a gift – USE IT!
When we’re misunderstood and/or mistreated, may we turn to God to teach us how to forgive and trust again.
Let’s not judge another’s worth to us, the world or God by how perfect they speak, how quick their minds are, where they live or how they dress.
And finally,
Sometimes what looks like the “very worst” thing that could happen in a life turns out to be the exact event that opens a new avenue of hope and direction to fulfill God's plan and purpose.
Lord, thank you for these life lessons; help me to live them out, for Your glory!
Because He lives,
Judy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)