Sometimes God Answers Quickly

An unexpected call lead me on a trip high up into the mountains of NC to visit a friend at her family’s cabin. The cabin has been a vacation home since 1968 and she only travels up from Charleston, SC three times a year for a stay. I have known this friend since childhood and have visited her family cabin several times over the years. Her family had lived across the street from my grandparents years ago and I loved to go visit them when my family came for Christmas or a visit in the summer. Now, we are both on the other side of life and I had not seen her in over 12 years. This was truly a treat.

Of course, we did the normal catching up on what our relatives in both families had been up to. I didn’t realize that her brother had died last year. I told her of my brother’s death too. I talked about how I loved her parents home as a child, baking poundcake with her mom and how in my mind’s eye I still occasionally ventured from room to room to reminisce. My grandparents home is like that for me too. The vivid memories are much more precious now that I am older. I have dreamed about the places I have lived and the people I have known and that has brought me so much comfort and joy. 

Then my friend said, “Someone has torn down your grandparents house and the lot is vacant.” She didn’t know why, didn’t know who owned it now and didn’t know of any plans for rebuilding. My heart sank low. So much of what I knew as a child has already been demolished because of progress. So many of the relatives I grew up with have gone too. Nothing stays the same and I get that. However, when those things which one uses to remember and reminisce with are lost, it can be disheartening. I couldn’t shake it off my mind.

When I left the mountains, I prayed that God would protect my friend and her family. She is battling cancer so I prayed for her health and healing and time for another visit together. Again, it is true. The realities of aging are not always pleasant.

The following morning, when I had my quiet time with the Lord, I explained how I felt about my grandparents home and that I didn’t want to continue to mourn the pasting of an era. I admitted life must go on and change is apart of that life. However, I would require some help from Him to get me back into the life I now enjoy. 

As I finished up my prayer and readings, it happened! First, a friend texted and asked me to have an early lunch with her at her home. She had fixed pigs in a blanket, baked beans, and cantaloupe. Her husband had unexpectedly been invited to go shooting and now she didn’t want to eat all that food alone. Although I didn’t really want to get up and out of my comfortable pajamas at first, I felt a nudge to accept so I did. When God begins to send the answer, I need to be willing to get up and receive it. Then another friend texted. She asked if I would fix supper that night because she had time for a visit. I had asked her to do that whenever she found space in her busy schedule. Perfect! My day was set. Then, it really dawned on me. God WAS answering my request! My heart leaped for joy as I left my room of prayer.

As my day progressed to the end, I realized those feelings of sadness had departed because I had concentrated on being with those I cherish now. God knew exactly what it would take to lift me up. And in the place of sadness came praise, thanksgiving and joy! So many times it seems we have to wait in faith and patience for an answer to our prayers. But today...today was not one of them.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I just couldn't help thinking about you this weekend Mom while we got together as a family. Everyone couldn't make it but for the ones who could, we had a blast. I know it has been two years since you went to heaven but we still remember you often and the impact you made on each of us. So...I want to give you a little report on how we are doing.

Our family is growing steadily now. There are lots of new little ones to enjoy and I have been busy making them each a quilt. I know that if you were here, you would be right in the middle of the action with that mischievous twinkle you always had in your eye. Always plotting, always planning and always enjoying life in the moment.

We are continuing to teach each other about Jesus and how He loves us, protects us and provides for us daily. We know how important prayer has been to this family over the years so now we want to show the little ones how to start their prayer life too.

We all piled in cars and went to the zoo Saturday morning. What fun we had showing your great-grand children nature and the life around them. David and Landon enjoyed feeding all kinds of animals. Landon was disappointed that he was not quite tall enough to ride the pony but we told him he was growing all the time and maybe next time he would pass the height chart.

 

David and Landon sure have grown since you left. They are both becoming fine young men.

                                                                                             Jeff and his son are so much alike. It was great to see that he is such a hands-on Dad.

Phil spent a lot of time with Sophia. He walked around in circles pushing the stroller so Sophia could be entertained too. You would be proud of his grandfathering skills. 

After the temperature rose by noon, the zoo was not that much fun. Phil mentioned his pool and we all jumped at the idea.  

 
Summer and her family were able to come over by then so there were even more kids and fun. Lots of squirting each other, jumping off the diving board, and sharing our about lives. We are definitely more kid centered now.

Look how Brandon has grown. He has a good heart and a sweet smile.

Later, we grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs. You know how our family loves to eat. And as always...there was more then enough to go around. We don't have so many sweets around any more because we don't need those tempting calories or children being fueled for hyperactivity.

... and Mom...There was a man cooking in the kitchen! We know how you didn't allow men in the kitchen because you thought that was women's work...but mom....Jeff offered and we accepted. It was great!

So Mom...We just wanted you to know that we are doing fine. We are still together and growing strong all the time. We miss you, we love you, and we are still remembering you in a big way. Thanks for all the fun and memories you blessed us with.

Love Always,

Your Family

Vacation Time, Will You Take It?

Mary Jane and Kristen

When was the last time you took a vacation? Some of us are good about making time to relax and be refreshed. Others are not. We live in a stressful world that does not always value time way. Large portions of Americans do not take time off anymore. However, bringing a balance to the time we spend at work with our need for rest is critical to maintaining our overall health and productivity.

For the last week or so my daughter and I went vacationing. She had a week off from school and I needed a break. We decided the best way for us was to use the family plan.

Faye, Phil and Mary Jane

Phil

First, we went to my brother’s in South Carolina to stay for a few days. I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the craziness my brother and I still share together. We may be older and more mature but we still remain young at heart. And honestly…my brother’s cooking from the grill beats any local establishments. (You can pay me later Phil.)

 

Little River Canyon

Next, we turned southwest and headed towards Fort Payne, Alabama. We put this destination on the itinerary because it was in keeping with the family plan by being able to stay with my cousin, Steve. And...Kristen and I could do the hiking we wanted to do in the area’s state parks.

DeSoto State Park

I love being out in nature whether it is hiking or enjoying the view from a park bench. When I spend time pondering the beauty and uniqueness’ of God’s creation, it helps me to de-stress and calm my soul. Then, God can come with inspiration and revelation on things that I have been asking Him about lately.

No vacation would be complete without a little shopping. Most of the shops in downtown Fort Payne have been there for years. But that does not deter me one bit. I love thinking about the times gone by. And, with a little effort, the treasures you can discover in the forgotten corners can end up being priceless.

Steve

Vacations are valuable. They do not have to be long or expensive to be effective. The main goal is to get away from your daily routine and stressful responsibilities so that you can relax and refresh. Sometimes it will take some creativity to work out the details. But be assured, the benefits will be worth the effort to secure the time off.

If you are still wavering on taking time away? Remember...Jesus took time away and then suggested to his disciples they do the same.

Mark 6:31-32

31 Jesus said to them, `Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.' Many people were coming and going. They could not even eat.

32 So they went away in a boat to a lonely place by themselves.

Jesus' place away was not fancy. It was in a boat near by. And… they were not able to be gone long because the crowds found them soon after. Nevertheless, Jesus still thought taking a breather was necessary. And if it was necessary then, how much more essential is it to us now.

Are you thinking about where you could go yet? Start planning and then start looking forward to some needed time away.