Thankful for the Years

“ Lord , make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Psalms 39:4 NKJV

For 23 years it has been my great privilege to lead the chapel services at Allied. What began as a visit to a friend blossomed into meetings in three different wards every week. Each group was unique in its needs, pace and personality. The Alzheimer’s day room was usually packed, lively and yes unpredictable! But they loved music and often sang along, tapped their feet or at least smiled. Today they each made farewell cards I will treasure always. The respiratory ward was just a small meeting yet it was like meeting with family and I often shared my most personal feelings there. The general population was the place where God taught me how to share His word honestly and simply in 12 minutes! I have measured those years in my mind 1000 times and I wouldn’t want to have missed a single day. I have learned that 1 day in God’s house is more valuable than 1000 anywhere else on earth!

Goodbye Green Hills

The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs. Psalms 114:4

It is impossible to imagine not waking up to see our quiet green mountains. Clearly the same God who stooped down to fashion the hills and mountain steams also drew the edge of the sea. He that traced out the deep valley also marked with sand and rock the place for the tide to wash over. And the Savior who watched with us through nights when our children tossed and turned is still watching. He sees down the road lights the way ahead and gives us strength for our journey!

Only Grace

As Paul McCartney once sang, “When I was younger so much younger than today. I never needed anybody’s help in any way.”

With independent assurance of youth fleeing fast over my horizon I am suddenly faced with a weakness that reminds me that Jesus is a friend closer than anyone on this planet. He alone has the numbers of my days written in a book. How wonderful to know that He has not only visited me in this orphanage called the world but He has decided to adopt me into His own family.

And now I know more than ever that I need all of God’s grace all of the time. He has in His mysterious and Holy way watched over me and will continue to watch till dawn!

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:8 NKJV