Choosing Early???

Seeing the Unseen…choose early…

You’ve probably heard of that book “Seeing the Unseen” by Joe Beam. His story is a great story of “second” chance with family and God. Another great faith story is of Joe Almanza, how he came to Christ when he was in prison. Others that are more widely known are Beth Moore, Joyce Myers, and James Robison. I could name story after story how God has brought many out of the pit they were in, to the grace of God and a changed life.

I’m very thankful for all these wonderful stories of the power of God to rescue from horrible circumstances at a time when a person had no hope. Their life changed and now they are making a difference in the lives of many.

Therefore, I do not want to take away from any of these encouraging people. However, what about these other great stories of deliverance? They often have been dedicated to Christ (not sinless of course) all of their lives. They usually have learned early how to do life; how to choose wisely and never give up their Christian faith.

We all know people like that and they have made an impact on us. My sweet mom and dad were two people I looked up to; they stayed faithful to God and each other throughout their lives. I’m not saying they were perfect but I am saying that they chose to raise my brother and I for the Lord over worldly things. They told me one time, “Well, we didn’t do too well at teaching you at home but we knew that we could always go with you to Bible Class and Church anytime the door was open.” What they didn’t realize is that they were teaching us at home; their love for the Lord, and each other was evident. They set our feet on the path of loving God first, over school, friends, everything. We had family come visit us at times and when it was time to go to church we all got up and went. It was no decision to make – we were there! Our company went with us.

My sister-in-law is another person that I admire; as a young person she made up her mind to follow Christ. She truly has lived it out in her life. I’ve known her since 1971 when she married my brother. She was looking for a Christian man because she was following the Lord not the world. Her life has been a witness to so many. Over the years, she continued steadfast in the Lord, honoring her marriage vows; raised two wonderful children and to this day continues to serve the Church. Through the years she was always there when my Mother and Dad needed her; when her husband and children needed her. Even today, she is influencing her grandchildren for the Lord.

However, you don’t see these stories told very often so I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about these Christians that have impacted my life. Thank you all! May the Lord continue to be first in our lives!

A Great Vacation In Little Rock AR!

Hugh and I feel blessed to have two sons; they are grown, married and have children of their own. Last week was such a joy! We went to Little Rock on Paul's birthday...took him a cake and enjoyed wishing him a happy day.

Paul & Schell had asked us to come for a few days to take care of Noah, our grandson, while they made a trip to Boston to celebrate Paul's birthday with friends. It was a great blessing for us and as any grandmother would say...he is the best grandson in the world! We had such fun taking care of him. At this time Noah is 3 months old and he is so good.

Pop, Noah and I had great conversations together, exercised together. We had time to go outside to see the flowers and birds; stroll in the neighborhood and read books together; sing songs together too! Needless to say we were excited! It was a great week.

At the risk of sounding "religious" I must add that it was a week of praying, answered prayers and blessings from above. Our Lord Jesus was so good to us; he posted angels at every corner of Noah's home. We were well protected and so were Paul and Schell. Their trip to Boston and back was safe. Bad weather was to come in that would interfere with their arrival on Sunday but the Lord answered that prayer with a postive answer too...the weather held off that would have stopped their flying out of Chicago on to Little Rock. Hugh and I offered many thanksgiving prayers for all the good time we had and the protection that God gave all of us.

When you look into the eyes of a little one it can renew your own outlook on life that there is hope, love, joy and peace. It can stop the negative and bring out the positive of life! At least with Noah he showed Pop and I a new world...a renewed perspective of innocense and a inquisitive mind to look at things as though they were brand new!

We were not only blessed but we also learned some important lessons from Noah! For one we learned you can be happy even when you don't always get your way. Also, it doesn't really matter what you look like but it is more important what you are on the inside. If we adults could ever learn to love the way Noah loved us, he did not care what we looked like or what clothes we wore. He wasn't concerned if we were in the right country club or even the right church. He just loved us right where we are! Wow, if we as Christians could love people that way...this would display the true love of Christ.

It is hard to comprehed how Christ could humble himself and come down here as a baby...totally dependent on his earthly mom and dad to give him what he needed to grow up.

When I looked at Noah and realized what trust he had in Pop and I to supply his needs while Mom and Dad were gone for a couple of days it reminded me that I am to trust God just like Noah trusts us. Completely relaxed trust; he didn't worry about anything...he was sure that we would give him everything he needed. Jesus has told us that we are not to worry about anything but trust in Him.

Life has a way of either teaching us or reminding us of the Love of God. We can learn it the easy way or the hard way. I'm thankful that Noah has taught us that it is much easier when we trust rather than worry. Thanks my dear grandson for these lessons! Pop and Gigi love you Noah!!!