AUGUST 20, 2016 Embracing Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

Grieving is hard but needful. Family, friends and the household of faith coming alongside helps the process. God's word also helps.

Saturday morning before hubby and I left to drive to Kentucky for the funeral of a dear friend's mother, the verse from my morning devotional was so apropos.

In the midst of the sorrow of losing her mom, Cheryl and her family were able to rejoice because their mom (grandmother and great grandmother) was with the Lord. As the family shared about her life as a WWII widow with 2 young girls, (Cheryl and Sylvia) I was so aware that her life of hardship personified the rest of the verse. She might have struggled as a single mom getting her college education but her children were rich in their handmade clothes, fun times and good, and often funny, memories which they shared. Her legacy of diligence and determination continued through a second marriage and a son to add to this BIG family mix. The pews were filled with family---all of whom, possessing a strong faith, were celebrating Mrs. Gresham's life well-lived.

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, 

yet possessing everything. (2 Corinthians 6:10)

Loss brings grief. Grief can lead to mourning and sorrow. 

But God showed me once again-----

Sorrow and joy are not mutually exclusive. 

God's Word and the August 20th celebration of Nancy Jane Terry Gresham's life proved that!

"Lifter Uppers"

Been feeling low these past few days, especially in my lower back....but God sent a lifter upper from the "land of the living" (Psalm 27:13) and from His word.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (Psalm 3:3)

A plethora of "lifter uppers"---an encouraging email from a "new to me" sister in California plus food with flowers from Jerrie's yard and Dove chocolate served with God's truth.

Conviviali-TEA

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15, NLT)

I followed the advice of the "Preacher" of Ecclesiastes and this morning joined a couple of our local preachers and other members of the household of faith for pickleball. What patience those "pros" showed us---the female beginners. Just "getting" that 0-4-2 was a score was the first stretching I had to do.

A great time for physical exercise--semi-physical for this less competitive one--fellowship and plain ole fun. I thought there was going to be food as well---a real draw for me. But, the "kitchen" that was mentioned was actually just a section of the court. Oh well, it's a little hard to swallow anyway---if your gasping for breath. 

But, I was served a mug full of conviviali-TEA---a cuppa would be too dainty for this crew......yet one I would want to serve others.

Kindness Kindled

11/7/11 Some things just lift me up---kindness of others, prayers of the saints, even fresh flowers. Yesterday's latest window ledge gift encompassed all three. The donor was a neighbor and wife of a retired pastor. She has a very full plate and yet she reached out to us. The cheery arrangement was in the small vase that I had once given to this "kind" one. That brought back memories of Mother. Mother never let a kindness go unreciprocated. She believed in giving back---returning in kind. Unrequited was not an adjective in her kindness vocabulary. More often than not, if an object was involved, her kind action had a way of including the same pan or vase or bowl in which original kindness had first been delivered. Kindness. It's certainly a godly attribute worthy of our thoughts today.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)