Christmas '08

Thursday, December 25, 2008



Meditation and Reflection for Christmas

by Fr. Tommy Lane

Let us adore baby Jesus in the manger. A baby easily wins the heart and love of anyone with human feelings, but how much more does this baby win our heart and love. Let us kneel before baby Jesus and thank him for coming to save us. Thank baby Jesus now in your own words.

Imagine, Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior born in a stable and placed in a manger instead of in a cot! When God comes he usually comes in humility, silently and peacefully, without causing a great disturbance. God's humble coming in Jesus would not surprise us if we knew God better. But of course we will never know God sufficiently to understand. So no matter how much we try to understand God becoming human in Jesus we will not be able to comprehend, it will remain a mystery. The best reaction is that of the shepherds, simply to praise God. Let us praise God now in our own words.

As we look on baby Jesus we think of the mystery of God's love for us. Why did God who is almighty and all-powerful become small and powerless as a baby? Quite simply, out of love for us. God became human so that we might become more like God. Jesus if you had not come as a human like us, we might have had difficulty in believing that God really loved us. But now we know for sure. John the Evangelist says, "This is the revelation of God's love for us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him". Let us thank God for revealing his love for us in Jesus, that he who is so big and powerful became so small and weak for us, that he became one of us, to help us be more like him, to have life through him.

As we see baby Jesus in the manger we reflect on God's way being a way of gentleness and tenderness. God's way is not one of violence but gentleness. There is a lack of goodness and love in the world but God is tender and loving. As we look on baby Jesus in the manger we see that he is the answer to today's problems. Instead of violence, in baby Jesus in the manger we see gentleness. Instead of hatred, in baby Jesus in the manger we see tenderness. Instead of selfishness, in baby Jesus in the manger we see love for us. Let us ask baby Jesus to help us to be gentle, tender and loving with those around us as he was in the manger.

Jesus in the manger, you give us hope. In the darkness of our world, your light has shone. Your coming in gentleness encourages us to hold out the hand of reconciliation, to help one another, to work for peace. We remember the message of the angels; "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace". Baby Jesus, help us to be people of peace and to spread peace everywhere we go. Let us pray now for peace.

Are there birthdays in Heaven?

Are there birthdays in Heaven?


In loving memory of Carolee born Nov 14, 1949

Dear Aunt Carolee, We are still missing u just as bad.

Looking forward to seeing you on the other side...



Birthdays In Heaven

Are there birthdays in Heaven?
Does the angel blow his horn?
Announcing to everybody
That this is the day you were born?

Can the stars be your balloons
And angel food your cake?
Presents wrapped in moonbeams
All the angels helped to make.

Birthdays meant so much to you
They were always a big deal
Birthday presents, lots of friends
And perhaps a special meal.

So I'll whisper a little prayer today
Asking everyone up above
To sing you a Happy Birthday song
And give you all my love.

~ Author unknown ~

R.I.P Stephany

Dec 23, 1976 - Nov 13, 2007

To anyone reading this please stop and pray for Steph's surviving 6 year old son, brother, parents, family and friends. The first year anniversary of a loved one's death is especially difficult Thank you!


This was in Steph's obituary, put in by her mother:

When you're blessed with a child
You're sent a package of hope
As the days pass by they both grow
The lord watches over as they go
When the water gets deep
And the waves too high
Great spirits step in and open the sky
Forever ours
We Love You Steph!




One of Steph's favorite songs was by Howard Jones
NO ONE IS TO BLAME 1986

I miss you baby girl!!

Memories of Steph

Thursday, November 06, 2008


Soon it will be a year since my cousin Steph died, it's still hard to comprehend that she is truly gone! Since fall started there have been so many memories which have flooded my mind.

To a young woman who will forever be 30 years old, and who will always be my baby cousin when I remember her.

When I think of Steph I remember...


Monchichi's.

Cabbage Patch kids.

Catching frogs.

Lightning bugs.

Hamsters.

Walking barefoot.

The church bell.

Alice.

Dancing.

Trips to Taco Bell.

Finding kids at the airport.

Car rides with the sunroof open.

Corn fields and country roads.

Cool fall days.

Contact lenses.

Goodnight tree.


But most of all I remember one of the most beautiful smiles the world has ever seen. You will never be forgotten.

I've been missing you!! Forever in my heart. Love, J

Ralph Marston, daily motivator

Monday, September 22, 2008




All of now

The bright sun shines in the clear blue sky. Shimmering waves glisten on a restless sea.

Beauty fills the world. Possibility fills your life.

The problems are real. Yet in each one is the opportunity to move forward.

This sparkling moment is one of a kind. Take it in with love and with gratitude, and remember to live it fully.

This magical mystery that is your life knows only the limits you choose to give it. In the heart of your spirit you can experience anything you decide to experience.

Life is in all of now. See it, feel it and know it as it fills you with wonder and joy.

-- Ralph Marston

Fleeing temptation

Monday, September 15, 2008


Stand strong. You know what they say, "flee temptation" Seriously.

Time to get the boots out again

To my friend that said "I'll keep praying for the situation and that all that is said and done will be pleasing to the Lord"... Thank you for that, it was just what I needed to hear.

The short answer is, there is nothing you can do. NOTHING. No, there is nothing that can be done about the behavior of others, the only thing you can change is your reaction. So, sometimes I'm not very good at changing my reaction when a certain situation keeps rearing its ugly, antagonizing head. It goes away for awhile, but it just keep coming back.

So I've decided that I too will try to be unrelenting... but in a different way, hopefully a more positive way. There are innocent trapped in the middle of it all. I will be unrelenting in my love and praying for them.

I am not perfect, far from it. Everyday I also need help in getting by. I was reminded on my desk calendar today to "Let the words from your mouth speak God's love from your heart." How fitting for a day where I almost let the situation get the best of me. Hopefully my reaction was better this time.

A favorite email "Keepers"

Monday, April 14, 2008

Keepers
Author Unknown

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't anymore.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away, never to return. So, while we have it, it's best we love it and care for it and fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage and old cars and children with bad report cards and dogs with bad hips and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special and so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thinks I am a keeper, so I've sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Now it's your turn to send this to those people that are "keepers" in your life. Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Keep them close!

Happy Birthday Dad

Tuesday, August 12, 2008


HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN, DADDY-O! We miss you so very much, but we are forever grateful to you for the special memories you left us with... you were truly one in a million.

We love you--JJ, Ray and the boys (and mom too!)

You will get through it

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

You will get through it


Rev. John read the following at last week's grief support meeting and I wanted to share. John and Donna McDowell are bereavement specialists and grief counselors who have started their own grief ministry called "By His Grace Ministries"

There were so many things in this writing that just struck me, things that I wanted my dear friends and loved ones to know. If you already know, then let the words be a reminder to God's faithfulness to us. The Lord will get us through the darkest days when we feel like no one else in the world could possibly understand the depths of our grief. And may you be reminded that there are others like you that have been through it and are still struggling 2,4,6 years later (for some even longer). It's ok.


You now know how hard the bag of sorrow is to bear. It is hard to bear for not everyone understands your grief. They did at first, they did at the funeral, they did at the graveside. But they don't now! They do not know how grief lingers. Nor for that matter did you until this grief grabbed you by the throat and tried to squeeze the life out of you.

As silent as a cloud drifts by between you and the sun, memories drift between you and joy, leaving you in a chilly shadow. No warning! No notice! Just a whiff of cologne, a song, a place, a time, and at times nothing in particular triggers it and you're saying good bye all over again. Why won't the sorrow leave you?

Because you buried more than a person. You buried some of yourself. John Donne said,

"Any man's death diminishes me", as if the human race resides on a huge trampoline. The movements of one can be felt by all. And the closer the relationship, the more profound the loss. When someone you love dies, it affects you, it affects your dreams.

Why does grief linger? Because you are dealing with more than memories---- you are dealing with unlived tomorrows. Your grief is for what you lost and what you will continue to lose. The hopes, dreams, plans, todays, tomorrows & forever's you once saw. You are not just battling your sorrow- - you are battling disappointment. You are battling anger. It may be on the surface, it may be subterranean. It may be a flame, it may be a blow torch. But anger lives in sorrow's house. Anger at self, at life. Anger at the hospital, doctors, friends, family and others. Indirect anger or direct anger.

But most of all anger at God. It does not matter, if it was disease, an accident, age, or other we feel as though that life was not long enough. While God knows every life is long enough. If God wishes your loved one in Heaven more than you do, God gets His wish. Isaiah 57:1-2 may give us part of that answer. "Good people are taken away, but no one understands. Those who do right are being taken away from evil and are given peace. Those who live as God wants are given rest in death." God's ways and will is not ours.

Is God taking them away from a disease, an addiction, evil, or a dark season of rebellion, we don't know. Is God taking them away to avoid something worse? We don't know, none of us do. But we can stand on this promise, "The Lord is good and right." Psalms 25:7-8 We must begin there. While we do not understand God's actions we must trust his heart.

God does not want us to deny or dismiss our grief (there is a time to mourn Eccles. 3: 1, 4, 7). Solomon explained using that verse at the death of Saul and Jonathan. Solomon's father David and the entire army tore their clothing, wept loudly and fasted. Death was not soft peddled or ignored.

So we face the shadow of death as we grieve and in all that pain our Heavenly Father is there to carry us as we do until we can once again walk on our own. Trust the Lord even through this pain of grief. The Lord has never given one soul more than they could bear. Satan may try and tell us that and interfere so much he makes it very difficult on us. But what God brings us to, God will bring us through.

A favorite story "Keep Your Fork"

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

My Aunt Carolee especially loved this story

KEEP YOUR FORK!

I Peter 1:4
An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away is reserved in heaven for you. (NKJV)

Below is a story that touches my heart every time I read it. I share it with you, hoping you will be blessed, too.

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things in order, she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand," she told him.

The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me a story that I never forgot and I have tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. Here's her story:

"In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew something better was coming . . . like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder, "What's with the fork? Then I want you to tell them, "Keep your fork . . . the best is yet to come."

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.*

Beloved Savior, just knowing that You are waiting for me takes the sting out of death and puts joy in my heart.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

Sometimes I feel

Sometimes I feel like

my dad's memory is

just fading away...

Two years has passed since he left to be in his heavenly home. There are times it feels like yesterday and others it seems like a lifetime ago that he died. Days when I feel like his memory is fading away because it's been so long since I felt his hugs or heard his voice.

God, I miss you dad!!

Missing my Dad

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Missing my Dad


My dad died in July 2006 after a 16 month battle with cancer. This Father's Day will be the 2nd without him here. The pain of missing him is still raw at times, just like it was yesterday. Mostly I feel fine and realize how far I've come in healing and others I just feel knocked down by grief. Most of the surges of grief come around the holidays and special days that I remember sharing with my dad.

He continues to live in memory and there are moments when something will happen where I even feel him near. It is then in those times that I remember his smile and joyful nature. In my mind, I am seeing less of the sad moments when he was sick and can remember the vibrant, fun-loving man he was. I am glad of that, because it is very painful to remember a loved one during their darkest hours. Any way I look at it, feel so blessed that I got to spend time with such a dear man, who was also my dad.

He blessed my life in so many ways. Dad, I love you and miss you!

I found the following poem on the internet and wanted to share it. It is written by a woman who lost her dad to a sudden heart attack, when she was 22. For those of you who have lost your dad, may you find some comfort in the words of this poem.

Dad
by Judy Burnette

Dad...so many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things have never been the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems
the sound has been erased.

Dad, who will I turn to for answers
when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close
when the pieces just don't fit.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know I love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, Jesus, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.

Mom's Retreat

Don’t beat on that door. There’s no need to shout.

I hear loud and clear. I’m not coming out.

If I hear, ‘Mommy, why?” I may lose my mind.

Let me have silence. I’ve got to unwind!


No noses to wipe.

No picking up toys.

No bottoms to clean.

No deafening noise.


I’m not fixing snacks. Broke up my last fight.

Go fend for yourselves. I’m gone for the night.

Crying and whining will not work today.

I’m staying cocooned in my hideaway.


Go get your Dad.

It’s his turn, I say

To soothe bumps and scrapes,

Shoo bad dreams away.


When I close my eyes I dream of a place –

Candles and music, chocolate and lace.


With my eyes open, I can’t help but see

Stains and the mess of my reality.

Is that a dark ring around the bathtub?

I long for a place I don’t have to scrub.


Ten minutes to pray is all that I ask

I’ll be “Mom” again – my favorite task!


By Donna J. Shepherd
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bio: Children’s author and inspirational writer, Donna J. Shepherd, looks at everyday life and finds God's fingerprints everywhere. Donna's writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor. Visit her website, Devotionals by Donna, at www.donnashepherd.com

No Love like a Mother's love

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Happy Mother’s Day

I did not write this poem... I only WISH I could write words as beautiful as this. I dedicate this to my own mother, she is as special as they come. Thanks for everything mom. I love you!

No Love like a Mother's Love

There is no love, like a mother's love,
no stronger bond on earth...
like the precious bond that comes from God,
to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,
never changing for all time...
and when her children need her most,
a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,
God bless them every one...
for all the tears and heartache,
and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,
a mother's love lives on...
through many generations,
with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,
for they love with a higher love...
from the power God has given,
and the strength from up above.

by Jill Lemming

Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Friday, April 25, 2008


April 25 - Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Stop Parental Alienation!!!


PLEASE PUT YOURSELF IN A MOTHER'S OR FATHER'S SHOES THAT HAS NO RIGHTS TO HIS OR HER CHILD........

Doesn't get to be in his or her life, doesn't get to see him or her on her birthday, first day of school, be by his or her side when they are sick....

Try to put yourself there. We don't want ANYONE to go through this- but it is happening everywhere!!

Try to understand. Be a friend. Please help us to make a difference!! Something needs to change!!

ALL NON CUSTODIAL PARENTS SHOULD HAVE RIGHTS!! 50/50 shared parenting is in the best interest of most children!!(if both parents are responsible and are able to take care of children properly)

We do not wish this heartache on anyone. It is just not fair.

Please stop hurting our kids!




Tue Apr 22, 1:36 PM ET

MIAMI, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parental Alienation Awareness Day will occur on April 25, 2008. Parental Alienation (PA) is a form of child abuse that involves the systematic persuasion and manipulation of children both overtly, and with subtle behaviors that results in the destruction of a loving relationship they once shared with a parent.

The child can suffer "collateral" damage through simple exposure to the conflict or if used as a weapon against the other parent.

PA is a case of rage over reason, and inevitably scars all involved -- children, "target" spouse, and perpetrator. For the child, such damage can last well into adulthood, a lifetime in some cases, and be the cause of tragic consequences.

Most people do not know about PA until they experience it.


Parental Alienation Awareness Day has been organized for the benefit of both:

-- the children who may suffer Parental Alienation; -- the adults on whom these children depend for emotional stability -- their parents.

Members of the press or the general public may use the following contact for interviews or information:

Reid Flamer 954-206-0558 E-mail: REIDFLL@GMAIL.COM For further information on Parental Alienation go to: www.Parental-Alienation-Awareness.com

SOURCE Parental Alienation Info

God Knows

God Knows from Christian Women on the Web

http://www.cwowfoundation.org/GodKnows.html

God Knows...

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort,
GOD knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long your heart is in anguish,
GOD has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by,
GOD is waiting for you.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated,
GOD has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope,
GOD has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for,
GOD has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe,
GOD has smiled upon you.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling, GOD knows!


Pray for someone who may not realize that "God Knows" today!!!

Why

Friday, April 18, 2008

Why?


glitter-graphics.com


Death is a reminder that there are few things in this life that we have control over. But we do have control over choices we make. We can choose to focus on the good and positive and remember all the gifts that the Lord has brought into our lives. Yes, you might want to curse God because he took someone you love so dearly and sometimes carrying on is hard. I know there is a part of yourself that goes with your loved one that died and in some ways you feel like you are being cheated. But the Lord would never cheat you. Tomorrow is another day and another gift from God. Long before my dad ever had cancer, he greeted EVERY SINGLE DAY with a smile and demonstrated his love for others every chance he got. He continued to do so, even after the diagnosis and he knew he would surely die. I try to do the same.

Tomorrow I will smile again, but today I am sad. The news of another sweet soul losing their life to cancer is making my heart ache for those families having to deal with losing their loved one. It's not as close to home as the last two times but it still has an effect on me since someone I love is hurting because of it. I have sat down and prayed for her and the family. She is too far away to hug, so all I can do is write these words and remind her that the Lord is near...

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

All this leads me to think about the last 36 hours of my dads life... as if it is really all that far from my mind. We arrived at my parents' home on that Thursday in Jul '06 and by Friday evening my dad was gone. To this day I am convinced that he was hanging in there, waiting for me. The communication was minimal on that Thursday, but dad was still responding as we held hands and he repeated some of the things I was saying. I remember his eyes looking directly into mine and him saying "thank goodness you made it".

He knew it wouldn't be long. We weren't sure, we just were following the lead of the hospice nurse and prayed for a peaceful ending to a long battle with the ugly monster called cancer. Friday was frightful as we witnessed what the body does as it begins it's demise to death. It seemed as though he was already gone as his body shut down and he was doing the "death moan" as I call it. But I was so sure he could hear as I sang hymns and read some bible verses. I was the last person to give him his dose of morphine so that he could rest peacefully. It had to be comforting for him to have a house full of people who cared and were nearby for mom and I. Although I was not there in the room holding his hand when he died, I was glad I was there to say goodbye. He knew I was there close by and that's what matters to me. This helped me deal with his death... being there. I don't know how I would of coped not being there to say goodbye for the last time.

If we trust in God, we can take life as it comes. There is no denying that we have troubles. I learned from my dad that we just have to deal with things one day at a time. But he also taught me that it is God who gives us the strength each day to deal with life's challenges. We should always go to Him in times of need and that we must also bow down in thankfulness for all that God has given us. Praise the Lord, He is so good!!!!

Blessings K I love you!



"In a beautiful blue lagoon on a clear day, a fine sailing ship spreads its brilliant white canvas in a fresh morning breeze sails out to the open sea.

We watch her glide away magnificently through the deep blue and gradually see her grow smaller and smaller as she nears the horizon.

Finally, where the sea and sky meet, she slips silently from sight; and someone near me says, 'There, she is gone!'

Gone where? Gone from sight, that is all.

She is still as large in mast and hull and sail, still just as able to bear her load. And we can be sure that, just as we say, 'There, she is gone!' another says, 'There, she comes!!!' "


--- Unknown

I hate ugly

Thursday, April 10, 2008


The words seemed larger than life, her messaged titled ’IN REALITY’. Perhaps it was because I just woke up and hadn’t had my coffee yet. It was brewing and I continued with my morning routine… trying to ignore the fact that she sent me a message into myspace. I read my daily devotions and continued to open my email. So there it sat in myspace inbox, taunting me. Oh yes, she’s so good at taunting people lol. I immediately regretted not setting my options to ’don’t accept messages from non-friends’ or whatever.

I don’t know if I made the coffee too strong and I felt jittery, but suddenly I deleted her message without reading it. Seriously, I am embarrassed to say but I immediately went to the TRASH BOX to retrieve it and I stared at the message and her myspace photo next to it. I had to shut my eyes quickly before they burned (obviously from the lack of sleep haha) I said a quick prayer! Thank you Lord for giving me the courage to leave it where it belonged… IN THE TRASH! For I was sure that it was full of negative and mean things. I thought about the words in the Lord’s Prayer "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" And then I deleted it forever. What a relief!!

So you see, I’m not going to be sucked in and I’m sure there will be some kind of repercussion… there always is. If I continued down that road I’d be engaging in behavior that is not very Christian-like. No, I’m not perfect! But I do try to be a good person, set a good example for my boys, put others before myself and make it my goal to love and encourage my friends and family daily. There are times when negativity rears its ugly head. Yes it’s true, I started looking at her page and I immediately started feeling that negativity. I was informed about a blog she posted and it upset me because prior to that I had just put the same thing in a bulletin to my friends (yes, Ray’s son is on my friends list). That’s when I became the sucker and things just escalated! It was stupid on my part, but at least we know that things have not changed. Eight years of negativity and sheer meanness, it gets old!! And I’m pretty sure that years from now we will still be dealing with the same old issues. Isn’t it a shame, all this wasted time?


Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

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. Ephesians 4:29

In Memory 10 Apr 2008

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

A year has passed and to this day
We miss you more than words can say





Love -- Jenn, Ray, Tyler and Andrew

Do you believe in Easter

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Do you believe in Easter... one of my dad’s favorite stories


Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio,
Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will
Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as
people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was
because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room,
there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly
talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way:
"Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then
she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people
would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head
nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking
her blood pressure. Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith
Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why, yes, I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it’s all about egg hunts, going to church, and
dressing up."

Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and
finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don’t call Edith into the office quite
yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the
waiting room."

After being called back in the doctor’s office, Edith sat down, and
when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you
so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I’m the doctor and you’re the
patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back
and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you’re not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad?
Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I’m going
to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You
have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and
here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this
Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the
office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office
opened, Edith did not show up.

Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would
have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I’m
very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here
next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that, and women began to come in and share that
room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor
from staff to patients were so excited about Edith that they
started calling her Edith Easter; that is, everyone except Phyllis
Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith
because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army
hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the
original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was
hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.
Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.

When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,
"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me. It won’t
work and I’m not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me
go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will
never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would
say, "God loves you, Phyllis, and I love you, and I’m praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith’s room
like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith
said, "I’m so glad you have come, because God told me that today is
your special day."

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the
question, ’Do you believe in Easter?’, but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to
wait until you asked, and now that you have asked ."

Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter
Story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe
that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh, I want to believe that with all of my
heart, and I do want Jesus in my life." Right there, Phyllis Cross
prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time
Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried
out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know
what day it is?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it’s Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter,
Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did
some of her duties, and then went down to the flower shop and got
some Easter lilies, because she wanted to go up to see Edith, give
her some Easter lilies, and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith’s room, Edith was in bed. That big
black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There
was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up
Edith’s hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on
John 14:2

"In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place
for you. I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I
am, there you may be also."

Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4:

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be
no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more
pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her
face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks said,
"Happy Easter, Edith --- Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith’s body, walked out of the room and over to
a table where two student nurses were sitting.

She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"



HAVE A BLESSED DAY!