Scenes - Memories- Different Views

How different the same scene can look when viewed on different days in different seasons. This tree is across from the end of the country lane from our house. The old fence posts fallen down remind me of a different time when the land was occupied by neighbors and the fence row stood even and tall. Down the hill behind the old oak tree was a real horse drawn syrup mill. As a child I ventured with my daddy to see the horse walk in a circle pulling on a large wooden stirrer in the syrup as it cooked. The syrup began as juice from sugar cane and ended as Ribbon Cane Syrup, often sold in a quart can.

Memories floating gently like leaves falling from a tree,
Sometimes remembered through the misty fog of time;
Golden like the straw in an old pasture,
New memories branching out green in the hope of Spring.
Written by Morninglory 12/7/2012

"It may be hard going forward, but it is worse going back." 
Charles H. Spurgeon

Tears Rain on Cheeks

Rain clouds gray; 
No rain.
Broken self;
No tears.
Warped soul holds internal pain.

Gray clouds shed
Soft gentle rain.
Heart of self sheds
Flowing tears soft on cheeks.
Self's soul released into healing.
Written by Morninglory 9/29/2012


" Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." ( Lam. 3:22-23, NKJV)

FRAGILITY

A fragile flower found on sidewalk,
Broken from its bush.
Landed hard,
Still intact, just bruised.
Written by Morninglory 9/28/2009

John Newton wrote, " Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;Tis grace has brought me thus this far, and grace will lead me home."

Joyous Path of Life

Joy fills us internally while happiness is fleeting and usually based on external circumstances. As many of you know from following my blog, my mother has been terminally ill for the past four months. She created some of the best memories as we laughed together and dealt with the sad reality of  end-of-life issues.. My mother had grown up during the great depression, married young, worked a farm as entrepreneurs of the dairy business with daddy and raised two children to work more than play. Here at the end of her life she freely expressed her joy and hope in Jesus Christ she knew. One day while mamma, daddy and I sat at the dining room table watching doves feeding outside, she took my hand, looked over at daddy and said, " You know I always loved your daddy".
Hospice called me to come home as mamma had taken a change for the worse. When I entered her room and told her who I was, she reached up with both arms and held me close in a hug. That was her final hug to me as she went into glory later that night with me at her side.
Later in the week, I glanced at the date of her burial on the calendar. It said "New Moon".

 "You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16: 11NAS Study Bible

He Anchors My Soul

Lightening streaked closer and closer and the thunder kept getting louder. Even though it was not raining yet, it was evident by the black clouds that a storm was brewing. My daddy’s dog Jack, also known as Baby, is very frightened by bad weather. Daddy opened the back door and let Jack into the utility room.  When I arrived to drop off groceries, no one could find Jack. We called as we searched throughout the house. Daddy found Jack in the old fireplace behind the artificial logs. He was happy and unafraid and refused to come out until the storm was over.

It seems that life’s circumstances can bring joy or grief, happiness or despair. It is so great to know that for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ there is safety from all harm. The challenge is to simply believe that God’s assurance of His everlasting love is true. If we want to live a life without fear, we must trust and obey God completely. v. 19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 NAS Study Bible

 Psalm 112 v.7 “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  v. 8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look with triumph on his foes.”

Living in Love

I hesitated in a protective mode. It was going to be in the upper 90 degree range Thursday evening and I just had difficulty accepting that mamma wanted to go to the wake. There are many times I must overcome the worry and fear for her and just allow her to make her own decisions. After all, her close friend had died and "respects" should be paid. Mamma said it was the right thing to do. I wanted to say that she was too weak, too short of breath, and that she might have to walk a long distance to get inside. I did not say any of those things. I drove mamma and daddy to the wake. Mamma was glad to speak with her friend's family and recall events of their childhood.She spoke of the friendship she and her friend had shared through many years. She paid her respects and we drove home. Mamma said. "Thank you." I hugged her and was glad to know God had carried me through the fire.

 v 16 "And so we know and rely on the love of God. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." v. 17 "In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him." v18. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4: 16-18

Mamma's Simple Surgery

The podiatrist said it would be a simple procedure to release the tendons beneath the three toes on mamma's left foot. He had determined the procedure to be necessary to prevent her toes from being pulled further downward. She is diabetic and did not need to endure the damages posed by the toes ulcerating from rubbing her shoe.The doctor felt it would be safer for her to enter the outpatient surgical center, have the procedure in a sterile setting, and return home the same day. Due to her chronic respiratory condition, she could not undergo general anesthesia, so the anesthesiologist performed a "block" behind her left knee. Surgery of any type for an 87 year old should be undertaken only after serious consideration and I naturally had many questions. After surgery, I asked the podiatrist how long her foot would remain numb and he said about 12 hours. When 24 hours passed, her leg was still numb and she still remained bed bound due to her inability to stand Even though her foot was warm with a good pulse and the dressing was dry, I knew it was time to contact the physician.  The podiatrist told me her foot would likely take longer to regain feeling due to her age and slower metabolism.  After 36 hours, her leg and foot regained normal feeling. Mamma laughed when my daughter used the rolling walker to move her to the rocker where she relaxed with her morning coffee. I always marvel at the indomitable spirit of my mother.
Psalm 89:16-17 "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." 17 " "For thou art the glory of their strength."