My Mother's Note Book

What treasures I have been finding.  My father handed me a note book to look at one day.

It was a note book that my mother had written many poems, and quotes she had come upon.
I really did not know my mother very well as I had spent much time in boarding schools and then when I was thirteen went to live with my grandparents.
I had to share her when I was just 13 months as by then my brother came along.
I regret not making more of an effort to nourish the relationship so finding this note book gave me some insight as to her relationship with the Lord and what was important to her at the time of the entries.
I also encountered a rough copy of some family history titled "Grandma Remembers" dedicated to her 6 children in which she gives a historical account of her life.  She began these accounts at the age of 70 and wished to continue them before her memory faded to be read to any as of yet unborn grandchildren and beyond.
 Well anyway, back to Mothers note book.  I thought it very interesting that I like my mother and before internet wrote out many poems,quotes and misc. just like she had.  It gave me a little more of an understanding of where her heart was during the times of those note book entries, struggling with perhaps many of life's issues as I in the present and needing encouragement from its composers.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God

These entries have been  both interesting and encouragingly good reads that I will attempt to share some.
The first entry quoted from Orin L. Crain.   

SLOW ME DOWN, LORD

"Slow me down, Lord!  Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amidst the confusions of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves with the soothing music of the sighing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art Of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower; To chat with an old friend or to make a new one; To pat a stray dog, To watch a spider build a web; To smile at a child; Or to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord, And inspire me to send my roots deep Into the soil of life’s enduring values That I may grow toward the stars Of my great destiny.
~~~ Orin L Crain

My Mother in 1948

 

An Incredible Father, A Daughters Memories

Reflecting again on the fact that I have an incredible father, and I am blessed beyond measure that he was the man the Lord saw fit to place in my life.
Granted, he admits, to many failures and unwise choices in his 92 years of life but he was a man who loved God's Word.  Many times, I have observed him reading God's Word and remember being called for prayer and the reading of God's Word before bedtime in my very early years when he was home.  I remember how uncomfortable I was and in my immature wild heart wanting to be under the covers with a flashlight reading some other book instead of sitting on a hard chair listening to words I did not understand.
Because of my father, many in Mexico, would have perished in their sins.  My father and mothers choice to forsake all the comforts of home to minister to the Aztec and Totonac Indians in very rural Mexico in the State of Puebla in 1948 doing pioneer work.

Dad in pith helmet, Uncle Larry Puckett next to Joaquin

Those early days were not easy by any standards.  I was a part of those early days, as I was born shortly after they arrived, not knowing the language or anybody there.  At Tamazunchale, they began Spanish classes, 7 hrs. a day, every day during the week and eventually mastering the language.  It was hot and rainy and very   little electricity at night.  They cooked on a two-burner kerosene stove and washed the clothes by hand in cold water and then had to sit by them as they dried otherwise the clothes would get stolen right outside your door especially the underwear.
Dad's strong point learning Spanish was speaking and my mother's was hearing and understanding so together they learned to work as a team until they both got across what they wanted. 
They both learned to eat many new things and to this day Dad enjoys a variety of foods and is game to try new things.
Well here, I am rambling on about other things but what I had really set out to write about was how much time Dad spent hiking into remote villages, to present the gospel and encourage the believers.  I was recently reminded of this as I read a letter he had written to my grandparents, recalling a recent trip he had made in October of 1954.
"I came back from my trip Tuesday.  Perhaps you will be interested to know about it.  I left on a Sunday after the morning service, here in Cuautempan and arrived in Zapotitlan at dusk for the evening service.  The building was packed to the doors and there isn't room any more for the crowds that attend.  The church building isn't finished yet.  When completed will hold 350…Don Lucas of Zapotitlan went with me to carry my baggage.  We arrived their in good time (Monday) for a service.  The chicken was put on to boil while we had a time of Bible Study.  Oh, how these people need instruction in the word.  In this important town there are only about 20 converted Indians, but the Lord is opening others hearts…
Next morning we didn't get a very early start.  Pedro Tirso invited us to his house for coffee.  Arriving we found no less than 10 people waiting for us.  One young mother, brought her sick child for prayer and a young fellow, a recent convert wanted advice as to how long he should wait before marrying his sweetheart.  His mother wanted him to marry immediately so she would have a maid to help her in the kitchen.
The girl's folks wanted him to wait until the girl was of age as she was only 14.  They marry at a very young age.  After prayer, I advised them to wait at least a year.  The boy took the advice but his mother went away angry.
     It was ten o'clock before we left.  Antonio decided to come along with us.  To complicate matters, one of the horses shoes fell off.  The cobbler in Chapahutlan didn't have nails to put it back on.  We finally found someone who had a few nails so we could continue along that rocky trail.
     To make things more interesting, we met the Roman Catholic priest of Alintla, on his way from Dimas Lopez where we were headed.  He merely greeted us and went on but he must have been greatly displeased because he was the priest that vainly tried to stop the work in Dimas Lopez.  In spite of the rain that night, a number gathered for a service.
     The next morning I sent Lucas back to Zapotitlan with the horse as the river was too high for him to cross.  Antonio stayed with me and we crossed the river by cable, a chair like affair attached to a cable and someone pulls you across with a rope and pulley.  Antonio had never crossed this way before and was somewhat frightened.
     Across the river we began that long climb of 4 hours up Mecatlan Mountain.  The river is the State Line and except for Mecatlan is extremely hot country.
     We arrived in Mecatlan at 5 o'clock and were greeted at our Gospel Center by our two lady evangelists Celia and Delfina.  After a time of fellowship with the brethren we retired for the night.  Next day was Thursday and market day…We were so thrilled at the enthusiasm these believers showed.  The work is new and the first baptisms took place recently.  The girls in charge of the work until Manuel graduates from Bible School.IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HANDS: PUCKETT WEB SITE CLICK HERE
     Friday morning Antonio left for his home and Mattheo served as carrier.  Celia & Delfina accompanied us to Reyes (Kings), a little village alongside the river about 3 hours walk.  We arrived at brother Raphael Cano's house.  Although they weren't expecting us we were greeted with turkey and mole for dinner.  It was his youngest daughter's birthday. Raphael is a rich merchant, but wholly consecrated to the Lord's service, has been faithful.  The presence of the Lord was felt in a real way.  Present were a family who had never been to the services before.  The Lord touched their hearts and we pray for their salvation.
     …….We had to cross the river again, this time, in a canoe.  Again it was uphill against the afternoon sun."

The above accounts spanned about a week.  And I am sure my mother counted the days until he would be back.  There were only three of us children at the time.  I was only five at the time.
      There were many, many, many other trips similar to these.
My Father has had a very colorful life and continues his prayer ministry and encouragement to others when the occasion  arises. 

REFLECTIONS ON SUFFERING

 I have never been fond of the book of Job.  I am not fond of suffering.  I am sure that I studied the book of Job as part of my biblical studies at Multnomah University and then promptly tucked it away in the recesses of my mind.
As a young person, I did go through mild periods of suffering depending on ones definition of suffering, however, now as my years continue, I have seen many friends in the throws of suffering.
It is going on two years since I have been attending the Alzheimer's support group at my church.  I originally went with the sole purpose of getting out of the house.   I had just lost my job and I after all had been taking care of a lady with Alzheimer's for five years.
Attending, I have found encouragement on all fronts and consider it a blessing to be in the company of those who are suffering and struggling in their care for a loved one.  The greatest impact on my life has been the devotionals, most that are related to the struggles in the care we give.
      We have recently been going through some studies from the book of Job.

 Ryan Dougherty has been presenting some very deep thoughts from that book.



 We were excited and encouraged by Ryan to view Job's suffering in a different light.
The question was posed as to why Job's friends got so much attention and how can this book be more meaningful to us in our situation.
We looked at chapter 28 wisdom as being the focal point of the whole book, being that no amount of effort, even as demanding as mining for precious treasures, will let us understand the depths of God's wisdom.  There is a limit to what we can understand when entering in to the realm of the deeper, hidden, mysteries of what God is doing behind the scenes.  In the challenges of caring for our loved ones, we can get trapped into the "what ifs" and we try to apply the practical type of wisdom found in the Proverbs which is understandable to all. The divine wisdom necessary to explain suffering is sometimes inaccessible to man.  (Last month)

This month, Ryan continued our study in Job.  We explored the source of Jobs suffering because God was contesting Satan, however, Job nor his friends knew it at the time and were attempting to explain it from their earthly perspectives.
God's perspective was that he knew what was going on and had everything under control of Job's situation.
From Job' s perspective he is wondering if his suffering is because he had done something wrong.  Then in Job 9:33, a turning point, Job is beginning to understand that he needs a mediator, an advocate.  Job 16:18.
Job 19:23,25, We learned that there is a redemptive purpose to what is happening in our suffering.  Suffering helps us understand that we have a Redeemer, a hope in the after life.  SUFFERING HAS A REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE.

So my involvement led to my present job as well as contributing to the newsletter we put out each month.  So does that make me an editor?
I would encourage those of you who are living within the distance of Grace Church to join us in encouraging each other through your presence.
You don't need to have a loved one to attend.  You can adopt one.

Benefits of Blogging (Journaling)

The Benefits of Journaling for Stress Management

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

Updated July 01, 2013

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Journaling--whether you use a pen and paper, a laptop, or even crayons--can be a great way to relieve stress.

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What Is Journaling?:

Journaling is a term coined for the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of one’s life. Journaling, as a stress management and self-exploration tool, is not the same as simply recording the happenings in one’s life, like keeping a log. To be most helpful, one must write in detail about feelings and cognitions related to stressful events, as one would discuss topics in therapy.

What Are The Benefits of Journaling?:

Journaling allows people to clarify their thoughts and feelings, thereby gaining valuable self-knowledge. It’s also a good problem-solving tool; oftentimes, one can hash out a problem and come up with solutions more easily on paper. Journaling about traumatic events helps one process them by fully exploring and releasing the emotions involved, and by engaging both hemispheres of the brain in the process, allowing the experience to become fully integrated in one’s mind.

As for the health benefits of journaling, they've been scientifically proven. Research shows the following:

• Journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma, arthritis, and other health conditions.
• It improves cognitive functioning.
• It strengthens the immune system, preventing a host of illnesses.
• It counteracts many of the negative effects of stress.

What Are The Drawbacks to Journaling?:

Those with learning disabilities may find it difficult to deal with the act of writing itself. Perfectionists may be so concerned with the readability of their work, their penmanship, or other periphery factors that they can’t focus on the thoughts and emotions they’re trying to access. Others may get tired hands, or be reluctant to relive negative experiences. And, journaling only about your negative feelings without incorporating thoughts or plans may actually cause more stress.

How Does Journaling Compare to Other Stress Management Practices?:

Unlike more physical stress management techniques such as yoga or exercise, journaling is a viable option for the disabled. And, although some prefer to use a computer, journaling requires only a pen and paper, so it’s less expensive than techniques that require the aid of a class, book, teacher or therapist, like techniques such as biofeedback or yoga. Journaling doesn’t release tension from your body like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and other physical and meditative techniques, however. But it’s a great practice for overall stress reduction as well as self-knowledge and emotional healing. Email This Page To A Friend
_{Sources: Anderson CM. Writing and Healing: Toward an Informed Practice. 1999.
Ullrich, Philip M., M.A.; Lutgendorf, Susan K., Ph.D. Journaling About Stressful Events: Effects of Cognitive Processing and Emotional Expression. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2002.}

Learn How To Start Journaling

• How To Use Journaling for Stress Management
• Getting Started with Journaling: Selecting a Journal
• More Introspective Stress Relievers to Address The Cause of Stress

Other Techniques to Try

• Different Types of Meditation
• Yoga
• Karate Breathing Meditation

More on Journaling and Other Resources

• Journaling and 24 More Stress Relievers
• 5 Ways to Calm Down Quickly
• Take the Stress Reliever Personality Test

Related Articles

• Journaling for Health and Stress Management
• Journaling For Emotional Stress Relief
• Stress Relief For Tired People
• Which Stress Relief Methods Work Best for Your Personality? Video
• How To Create An Effective Stress Management Plan

Elizabeth Scott, M.S.
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Reflections: On Stress

This month being Stress Awareness month has had me reflecting on the stressors in life as well as its consequences.
Although the Scriptures don't specifically use the word stress, it does help me deal with those stressors in my life

.
The dictionary defines stress as "physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension."  Stress takes a toll on us to varying degrees as I became very familiar with about six weeks ago.  "God has created us and knows that, because of our fallen natures, we can sometimes allow stress to rule our lives."
I find my self questioning what could be contributing to the stressors in my life.
  Could it be that I am not trusting God to provide? 
Could it be that I have become anxious and worrisome?
 Am I being consumed by maintaining a life style that was not meant for me at this season in my life?
Am I being disobedient and sinful that it has cut me off from peace and joy?
Am I lifting all things to God in prayer?
Am I filling my mind with His Word?
Is the stress I am feeling indicating an area of my life where my flesh is still on the throne?
I have found that one of the ways to counteract those stressors is to thank God for His countless blessings in my life.   "Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
The world's way of relieving stress is through alcohol or drugs, or mindless entertainment and other ways which in itself are not necessarily detrimental to our lives.
Matthew 6:25,27
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"  Classic example of why we get stressed out.
John 14:1
"Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me."    A life with out God makes coping with stress impossible.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…"
Philippians 4:6-7  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication…"   Turn everything over to Him.
Psalm 55:22
"Cast all your cares on Him because He will sustain us…"  He will sustain us through burdens and circumstances.
 

Tired of Waiting (Part 1)

Tired of Waiting (Part 1)   



Wow!  Much to think about waiting.  Part 2 of this article is also worth the read and reread.

"Be still and know that I am God."  

Waiting is not my favorite activity, however, unfortunately, it IS a daily occurance in my life. 

Behind THAT door

DOORS

Tonight, I have been thinking of doors.  Yes, you heard it right, doors.  Perhaps it is because we really need a new back door and doors are important.
Well, then one thought led another as I recalled an incident from my childhood and then from a story out of The Little House On The Prairie book.

When I was about eight or so, our family was building a new adobe house up on the mountain side in the outbacks of Mexico.  The house was not quite finished when we moved in and our steel bunk bed and a crib were set up on the dirt floor in what would later become the living room.  There was no door and my father had propped up some planks to act as a temporary door, however, it allowed enough space for a wild dog to enter scaring us to death one early morning.  It sent me scrambling up to the top bunk to join my brother, leaving my baby sister screaming in the crib.  Then I remember us all screaming until my father came to chase it out.

"Laura Ingalls Wilder tells a similar story in “Little House on the Prairie” as she described their home-in-progress on the plains of Kansas. The cabin was complete, except for the door. Her mother hung a quilt over the opening, and in the meantime all that stood between the vast prairie and the Ingalls family was their watchdog and Pa Ingalls’ gun. Laura writes of a night where the howl of a wolf woke her from her sleep, and she quickly realized that as her father and their dog stood guard in the open doorway, a pack of wolves had entirely surrounded the little cabin. They dared not come near so long as Pa stood guard, but it was glaringly obvious they had come for a meal. Needless to say, the very next day, Pa finished “two stout doors;”one for the house and one for the stable."
So then I got to thinking how important doors are as I close,open, lock them before I leave, before I sleep to ensure the safety of everything and everyone.

So then I got to thinking how do I  ensure the safety of my body,soul, and mind.
What kind of doors am I  leaving open

I find doors very interesting.  There are many kinds and one never knows what one will find for certain.

"As you place your hand on the doorknob to enter a room do you ever stop to think about what you might encounter on the other side of that door? What will you find or experience as you step over the threshold? Anytime we are about to walk into a room what waits for us on the other side of the door may be an expected scene or perhaps something so surprising and unanticipated that it may change our life or the life of someone else! As caregivers, regardless of whether we are caring for someone in our home, a nursing home, hospital or hospice, we probably experience these moments of not knowing what to expect each and every time we walk through the door to extend care for our patient or loved one. Learning ways to cope with what often times is unexpected is an important aspect of care giving."
The above excerpt from some random place rings out much truth because in life so much is unpredictable and every time I go through a door to work may yield pleasant surprises or challenges.

Reflecting On the Mysteries of Our Humanity

Elisabeth Elliot has written many good reads to ponder and to reflect on.  Since youth, I have followed her adventures and many of her good writings.  She has had quite an influence in my life.  I was fortunate to hear her a couple of times in person.
Now she has Alzheimer's but she has left quite a legacy in all the books and articles she has written.
But one devotional from "A Lamp For My Feet" stands out as to God's Amazing love.

"Have you ever thought much about the fact that we, created by God for his own pleasure and glory, are permitted by the Creator Himself to deny Him?
Even though we are totally dependent on Him for our next breath, with that breath we may declare that He does not exist or that we refuse to do what He wants us to do.
We live by the life He gives us, moment by moment.  
We enjoy rain, sunshine, the growth of crops and flowers, sensations, delights, satisfactions of many kinds.
Yet we often act as though we were sufficient in ourselves, needing no interference from Him. 
I can, by the power mysteriously granted me by my Creator and Redeemer, declare myself master of my fate, captain of my soul, and say, "My will be done."
That the Lord should expose Himself to this effrontery (shameless boldness)in a million forms, for millions of days and nights, is the mystery of love and grace.
Still He draws us with cords of love, calls us to come, waits (amazing grace) for us to bow and say, "My Lord and my God."   2/18/99
 

Relections & Ruminations On Cultivating JOY

Here, I sit, again reflecting on the Joys of my life journey.  It was about ten years ago that I decided to assign cultivatingjoy2 as my e-mail address, little knowing how it would morph from there.
I had already chosen, the word "cultivating" as my life word because in that one word is the best reminder to put some effort into cultivating many aspects of my life such as JOY which also happens to be my middle given name.

Having finally approached Spring and observing its many facets, I ask myself, "If my life was like a garden.  What would I be doing to sustain my life?"   Imagine the care and nourishment needed to thrive.  Just like plants we also need sustaining qualities to cultivate what pleases God and sustains us in life.
What sustaining qualities?  Nourishing soil-light-sun-air-water-adequate weeding and pruning.  Cultivate what pleases God as it will sustain life.
Cultivating JOY, has been a focus in my life, not that I have reached the top, but find myself many times over failing to focus on this fruit.
What have been some of the things that steal that focus in my life?  I have found that the following have been the joy stealers in my life at some point or another.

>Selfishness and preoccupation with self.
>Setting own pleasures and relentless pursuit of personal
   pleasures.
>Craving more, a desire for bigger & better things.
>Ungratefulness and an unforgiving attitude.
>Watching TV and its enormous powers to form our desires and
   affections.  Ads can cultivate the insatiable desire for the new,
   improved,bigger, and better.
>Hanging out primarily with bitter people.
> Leafing through advertisements and mail
  order catalogs.
>Not getting enough fresh air and exercise.
>A diet rich in sugar,fats,salt that contribute to sadness and
   depression.
>Attitudes and perspectives affected by self-centered ideas and
  whatever is going on around us.
>Staying away from opportunities to interact with and care for
  children.  Children see the world differently than we do.
>Not choosing to be joyful and ignoring the Scriptures, ignoring
   God, and prayerlessness.

Choosing Joy is one of those life long projects.  What kind of journey are you on? What direction is it taking you?  Are you moving in the direction toward joy?

Other ways I have cultivated JOY:
Focusing on relationship with God.
Focusing on God's transforming work in others.
Noticing and drawing pleasure in what God is doing.
Serving those He sends us.
Meditating on God's Word.
Pondering God's grace and salvation.
Sharing JOY's with others.
Singing and listening to music.
Turning to the Lord first in every need and talking to Him about every difficulty.
Consulting Him about every step.
Doing something out of the ordinary.
Reflect on the way you begin your day.

I challenge you to recommit to JOY and cultivate JOY in everyday life.
Nourish it by planting good seed(ponder & meditate on Scripture).  Get plenty of sunshine (daily worship & prayer,spending time with God)  Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God's presence is all fulness of joy.
Spend a lot of time  around encouraging and joyful people.
Weed  and prune often.  We are urged in Phil.4:8 to focus our thinking on what is true, honorable, just, and pure.
Enjoy the beauty.  Make it your priority to cultivate JOY.

Wedgwood Family

Life is a journey to be savored and part of that journey is to recall the past in the form of memories, photographs, and journals written by those from the past while interviewing others in the present.  As keeper and sharer of those memories, I am fascinated by how gracious God has been to bless and keep my family to influence those of us in the present.  I am very fortunate to be able to share these photos because someone took the effort to take them and write about them.  This amazes me.  It is good to review the lasting testimonies and to be reminded of all that God has done in our lives and to compel us to evaluate our present lives.  God can use anyone, from any back ground to draw them close to Him. --BecKY

Celebrating God's Presence in My Life

 I am sitting here reflecting on God's abundant goodness toward me and how quickly we assume our earthly mortality.   In many pleasant and unexpected ways, I have been celebrating His presence in my life.
How often do we think of ourselves as terminal?  For now I continue to be a sojourner and exile on this earth.
Last weeks incident in my life truly kept me from feeling too at home on this earth, however, I am thankful, for the many blessings that have come my way because of it.

I am living in and for this life as a stepping stone, a training ground for something eternal.  If anything, I have been reminded to consider what tasks God has given me at this stage of life.  I feel a sense of renewed strength.  Now to reflect the love and joy of Christ as I do them.
Many times, we are taken on these unexpected paths to re-direct our pursuit of the One who gives joy.    (Psalm 27:13  I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.)
Every season has its challenges unique to that season but every season has its  blessings unique to that season.   The Lord has given me a new lease on life of which, I intend to take advantage of.   Even if waiting for now.

Looking forward to continuing on in my ministry in the nursery and with Our Gentle Man.  A friend recently mentioned "God is never late, nor is He early, He arrives precisely when He means too."    This was truly demonstrated to me this last week as the end to and start of a new day unfolded and I was carried into a whirl wind of activities to save  potential fatal consequences to my heart.  I have been enjoying a much needed respite and have been the recipient of the other side of care giving.

Participants In An Incredible Journey

With the Winter Olympics now behind us, we are left with reminders of incredible journeys of its participants.  I am left with the awesome reminder that I in a way,  I am also a participant in a current journey of my own.

 Many times, I have been thrown out of my comfort zone to join those who are currently in the throws of what appear to be very uncomfortable circumstances that tax our ENDURANCE.
What has it taken me to bear and ENDURE in my journey?  I am still in training for that Grand Olympics.
Training for this grand event is an accumulation of life events that build stamina and ENDURANCE.  These smaller events, trial runs, practice, can be emotionally and physically exhausting.  Yet they are an expected part of training if we are to reach that final goal.
ENDURANCE is what we have to go through life if we are going to get through it.
The assumption is that life is hard and there is the eminent danger of growing weary and falling away. Hebrews 3:14  "We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."  Matt.24:13 "But he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Hebrews 12:1-4  " Let us fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith."
There is a saying that is true "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  Keeping it all together and buckling down for the long haul, holding on tight as the dramas of life toss us from one event to another.  The Greek word for ENDURANCE, "hupomeno" is an abiding under or bearing up courageously with patience.
What exactly is ENDURANCE then?   It is correlated with physical activity, to run, to ENDURE hardship Heb.12.  It's the defense of this Grand Olympic life's events.
It is standing firm without giving in while all odds are coming at you.
It is using strength to continue despite pain and fatigue.  It is the ability to maintain our pace throughout life so we have ENDURANCE to finish.  We have been sent to start a race by God and he expects us to finish that race.
How does he expect us to run this race?  How does he expect us to pace ourselves?  What kind of training and preparations are needed?
We run this race with the strength that God supplies, Eph.6:10.  So lets be reminded to put out great effort to ENDURE to the end.
"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Rom.916    Our ability to ENDURE is a gift from God.  Our ability to serve is by the strength he provides,  I Pet.4:11.
It can be very emotionally and physically exhausting caring for ourselves and a loved one.  The need to refuel daily is a necessity.  Daily prayer keeps our hearts and minds open and toned.  Daily reading of God's Word helps us to remember God's goal for us.
Life, being, the ultimate challenge is an arduous journey and we need all the spiritual strength we can get.
We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher, if we are to run with ENDURANCE.   He knows the way.  He sets the pace.
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm, let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Cor.15:58

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Gal.6:9

THE TWO-YR.-MARK

  The fact being, I am approaching two years at my present care giving position, again struggling with pangs of melancholy.  (from past experiences the two-yr. mark brings on so many emotions, struggling with weariness and a general feeling of restlessness and desires for something different.)
 
With it, there comes the realization that some of those around could soon be actually experiencing that incredible joy of being in the presence of the Lord.
Our Gentle Man continues to minister with the resources he has left.  He uses his strength to grip a welcoming hand, communicates occasionally with a rare word or raised brow.  While his eye sight and hearing appear to be good, he prefers to retreat into a calm meditative state.
With typical male fashion, he appears to be enjoying the food, however, in a more crushed, creamed,smoothies, or pureed form with the option of trying what is offered in attempt to avoid aspiration.

"Perseverance means the engagement of our person in the most intense and concentrated devotion to those means which God has ordained for the achievement of His saving purposes."  --John Murray on the theme of endurance.

Phil.3:12 "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me."

The foundation for endurance/perseverance:
>He made us his own.
>We HAVE NOT arrived.  We are not privy to ETA.  We ARE still in process.
>Our work IS NOT done--our work is to PRESS ON.

 Recent activities:  Wheel chair ride to enjoy the fountain, listening to God's Word being read by a wife who cares for him dearly.
A recent outing to his grand children's birthday celebration.

Making "Fast Food".   Top: A Chowder Souffle that got carried away.
                                     Bottom:  Pouches of multi-grain cereal with amenities and
                                                    vegetable chowder ready for the freezer.

Humble Beginings

Around 1952, my parents were living in the Mexico back country.  They found many isolated villages with no opportunities for the children's education.
The Lord laid it upon their hearts to open up a boys group home and later a girls home.

The children went to the local school while being kept busy in the home with extra classes of music, Bible, and health.
While my dad often hiked to distant villages to encourage the believers, my mother was left to manage and teach many of the classes.  My sister and I often helped in the classes while my brothers often accompanied my father on those many trips.

Located deep into the mountains in one of those remote villages, lived the Gomez family (Totonac Indians).  My father had invited Manuel Sr. to allow his boys to the home to receive an education.

Mr. Gomez was an outstanding Christian and very bold in sharing his testimony.  One day, accompanying his two older boys, Manuel Jr. 10 yrs. and Joaquin 8, each with a small back pack of belongings they carried supported with a strap over their foreheads, they set off for our house.
As they stopped at a stream to drink, sensing something was not right, he told  the boys to hurry on ahead.  Without questioning, they ran on ahead.
Arriving tired and hungry after walking 6 to 8 hrs.,my parents were left wondering at the absence of their father.
It was not until the next day it was relayed to them that their father had been beaten to death by that very stream by enemies of the Gospel.
Because of his active witness and hatred toward the Gospel, he was one of the many Christian martyrs during this period of time we lived in Mexico.

The boys mother was left with no support for her and all four boys so my parents invited her to serve as a helper in the boys home.  After some years, she developed health issues and the Lord took her home leaving the boys in my parents care, becoming, like brothers to me.  They became very protective of me.
Manuel Jr. and Joaquin both became pastors as the result of the training provided by my parents and others.
Although still residing in Mexico, Joaquin and his wife have managed to keep in touch with my dad and I enjoy chats on Facebook with him as well as periodic phone calls.  (As he puts it "I just want to hear your voice." of course in Spanish)

His wife's amazing story can be read in a chapter of "In The Hollow of His Hand" by Doris Puckett.IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND CLICK HERE

My mother led Teclita to the Lord on the first visit made to her isolated village.  The Lord has used her gifts and winsome personality in spite of her handicap due to osteomalacia.
She remains a dear treasure to those who love her.  Joaquin met Teclita while he served as pastor in her village home.  On one of my recent phone calls, I detected that still sweet spirit that has carried her all these years.
Perhaps in another blog, I will tell more of this but for now this will have to do.

My Colorful Heritage-Photo description

"There were two walnut dryers with a ramp connecting the two. On the first floor were the wood burning furnaces. The second floor was only screen where the newly picked walnuts were placed to dry. It would take several days for the walunts to dry as the heat went thru the screen. Then the walnuts were sacked and sold at Grandpa's stand. The cordwood you see piled in rows was from trees cut during the winter, ready for the harvest in Oct. It was rainy and cold by the time of harvest.As you see, the pavement between Salem and Dallas was just about finished. The man standing there is Loren D. Ediger's Grandfather. He had a 10 acre walnut orchard."

The above description explained by my Dad yesterday.  I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered this photo that I had never seen before.  I took it home with me to have it scanned and the rest is history on my blog. 

A Coloful Heritage 2

The following accounts were gleaned from what had been described in the October 12,1961 issue of the Mennonite Weekly Review.

So Solomon announced that they were moving to Oklahoma.  The two oldest boys were 6 and 8.  It was a very sudden decision after the elders had approached him to be their pastor.

"In a few days he had the wagon ready, and we were off on our 10-day journey.  We made that 300 mile trip from McPherson County,Kansas to Washita County,Oklahoma, in a covered wagon."
He filed a claim which turned out to be the worst, full of rocks and gullies.  Having nothing to build with he built a soddie dugout on the bank of a river only to have it cave in one night during a first rain.  They moved back into the covered wagon until another dugout was made.Dirt floors and dirt walls. Centipeded, scorpions, and snakes would come in, especially at night.

His mother gave birth to another baby within those dirt walls.  When he was two months old he screamed so loud waking up the whole family to find a scorpion in his cradle.

Poverty and hardship struck every aspect of their lives.  During dry season, they had to haul water from a creek two miles away.  Two attempts to dig a well failed with bad water.  People with good water would keep their wells locked up as water was so scarce.

As time went on the family was wondering why they had even moved to Oklahoma.  The truth came out as he told the family he had run from God.

Troubles in Oklahoma seemed to grow.  They had to sneak out at night to get fire wood because of fear of the Indians.  They had a good crop of sorghum and some wheat one year.

The nearest town, El Reno, was 60 miles away.  A round trip would take them a week and they had to cross the Canadian River.  There was danger of quicksand, they lost a haybaler but saved the horses.  Another time they were crossing that same river in the winter while it was iced over.  They did not realize how thin the ice was as it was covered with sand that the wind had blown.  The whole wagon and everyone tumbled into the river in the dark of night.

That ordeal nearly cost him his life and many years of suffering.  Finally he said, "We are going back to Kansas."  They packed up their belongings and headed back to Kansas, taking the toll bridge over the Canadian River.

When they arrived back every one welcomed them back and another farm was started. The Lord began to bless them spiritually and financially.  Crops were good.  There was much crying and praying when again he was elected to be the pastor of that same church.   
"Father dedicated his life anew to God and admonished us to live a life pleasing to God and to let our lives shine, as we were now preacher's children."
The Lord blessed him with a big family, 10 children, 8 boys and 2 girls.

In the fall of 1910, they all moved to Dallas, Oregon.  In 1912, He organized and became the first pastor of the E.M.B Church in Dallas.  He was ordained as a minister by the conference of the Hebron Church(Mennonite).

This is what was said about great grandpa and great grandma by one of their children:  "Being with them one always sensed their love and devotion to their Heavenly Father.  Grandpa was always to share a new truth he discovered in the Word always he would apply it in some way to his own live or to ours.  He never failed to warn where necessary, but always with an added lot of encouragement.  Grandpa took the words in Psalms 126:6 literally and never failed to remind his family of its truth when harvest time came.  Some of his boys remember how Grandpa wept and prayed while seeding his fields in the spring."

When each of his children reached their 21st birthday he presented them with $1000 or land equivalant to it.  Everything was characterized by the Word of God.  His favorite hymn was "My Saviors Love".  Several of the boy's had good voices and I thing they even formed a quartet.  
I remember that same song being my grandfather who we called Pop singing it in such a strong voice.  I still can hear him singing it.  That has also become one of my favorite hymns.

Well this has rambled on and on.  I hope it is as interesting to my readers as it has been to me.



 

A Colorful Heritage, 1

Today, I was again reminded of my colorful heritage as I was chatting with my 92 yr.old father.  I continue to be fascinated by the richness contained in the stories told.
So I want to share some of those stories and try to consolidate them into a shorter version which will prove to be a challenge.

 The above photo is a picture of my great grandfather who was born Oct.22,1864 in Tiegerweide,South Russia.  Religious persecution and an unsatisfactory school system drew many in the Mennonite community to America.
A century earlier their forefathers had come to South Russia to Prussia. Catherine the Great had offered them religious freedom, immunity from military service and other privileges.  When they no longer had these freedoms they made plans to come to America.
Of his childhood, great grandpa S.S. as the story goes, "his father sent him to the neighbors to borrow a razor.  This was a scarce item, shared by many in those days.  When his father started shaving, he complained about it being dull, it would not even cut butter.  The younger Solomon replied, 'but father, I cut sunflowers with it all the way home and it worked real good.'
When little bitsey glances were being exchanged between he and his future wife, their parents concluded that a marriage better be arranged soon.  The elders denied a request to a Spring wedding as heavy farm work was to begin and courtship was to time consuming as dating without the presence of one or both sets of parents was not allowed.  So before they knew it plans were made and Oct.30,1886 just one week after the bride's 18th birthday.

In 1895 great grandpa was getting restless. He felt called and knew that God wanted him in the minstry to pastor the church in Inman, Kansas, however, like Jonah, he figured that the best way to get out of it was to leave Kansas.
I will try to summarize the unfortunate events that occurred in the next blog.

Pruning

I had a very interesting dream the other night.

 I was traveling around with my husband searching for the ideal spot to take a photo when we happened upon a young man pruning some vines in a field.  We asked him if it would be alright to take his photo while he was doing the photo.  However, each time I was about to click the camera, he would move out of the picture.  Discouraged, I went on to search for another ideal spot but always came back to see if I could capture a photo of this "pruner".  We sat a ways away on some lawn chairs provided and continued to watch him as he made his way up the row.   As I watched, a toddler came and sat on my lap and we continued to watch.   Many other people sat around us also watching.   When the pruner was done, he came over to a special swinging, comfortable chair and sat down to watch us.   

Now you know, I rarely remember my dreams.

But I got to thinking how like us to just want to watch God pruning others and sit on the side line hoping we are not next.   How much more comfortable after the process we may find ourselves devoid of all the extras we think we can't get along with.    And do we want to stay in the toddler stage and never mature?   What kind of pruning do we need?   My fig tree desperately needs a pruning and its branches are every which way and most of its figs were dry and shriveled up.  Because of its long branches it was difficult to reach what was there.  

Well anyway, I have rambled on somewhat with having come to the conclusion, I need to study up more on this.

 

LACK OF VIGILANCE

I was sorely reminded today of our lack of vigilance both physically and spiritually as an unfortunate, minor event occurred.  Col.4:2 came to mind, "Devote yourselves to pray, being watchful and thankful." 
 Neglecting "our duty" even in a small event as we witnessed today is a firm reminder not to let our guard down lest we fall or cause someone else to fall.  To much is at risk if we fail to be watchful or we will be caught by surprise.  What risks are we talking about?   What kind of surprises?  If we are not watchful our spiritual life will decline.  We will not be able to glorify God and ungodliness will permeate our lives.
Mark 13:37  "...What I say to you,I say to all:watch"  a warning to us.  Got to read more of the verses in this chapter, "watch & pray".
I neglected to stay focused on my priorities this morning.
So what did I learn this morning?  I learned or really was reminded of the importance of watchfulness.
I was aware of my own weakness in not being as alert and ready, not only in my job but also in spiritual things.

LITTLE BLESSING: Nursery ministry

Well here I am blogging again and counting all my little blessings.  I continue to enjoy these little blessings and I am thankful for all the parents who trust us with" their young cherubs.  I must say most of them must be doing a pretty good job as most of them are so well behaved as one can see by the picture.  They range from 14 to 21 months and this is where they sit during our "worship time".   A few will do the motions to the songs and others sit and watch.  We basically sing the same songs every Sunday and they enjoy it.  During Bible story time they sit, most of them, quietly munching on their "church cookies", the infamous, Maria ones.  This last Sunday, there were 17 all total so it was one busy morning.   As the children were being checked in, I also enjoy talking with the older siblings who come in with their parents.  One of my former little charges around three yrs. of age came in to help check in his younger brother.  I asked him if he was looking forward to going to his class.  He stood next to the wall, tall and proud and replied that he was going to big church with his dad and mom.  I told him how excited I was that he got that privilege and his eyes brightened up when I further asked him if he was going to listen to the music.
http://cultivatingjoy-cultivatingjoy.blogspot.com/2015/12/bubbles-bible-stories-slideshow-video.html#.V5elCa6G-Y4 

Singing Penguins Animated Video