RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His faithful servants. 

(Psalm 116:15,NIV)

Ann Martin, Ashley Bryan, Caroline Price's daddy (DeweyHemphill), Charles McKnight, Dr. Louis Carter, Mary Ann Frazier,  Mary Minor's dad (John Walt).....a few of His servants, who made a deep impact on my life and will be spending their 1st Easter in their heavenly home. 

Allen bible Church 4/17/2022

For youth beginning their journey....How blessed it is when brethren/God's family dwell together in unity.

(1/17/2017) (11/24/2009) (4/23/2007) (12/24/2010) (9/15/2016)

Spiritual Birthdays

ASHLEY BRYAN: A WALK THRU 1152

     From 3 Hadlock Street, Isleford Maine a hamlet on Little Cranberry Island to 1152 in my neck of the woods.....my home is filled with memories of AshleyBryan, 1923-2022.

It's been 3 weeks since Ashley passed away. In my book he is "dearly departed" though the euphemism doesn't make the sadness any less. I miss him so! 

It helps that upstairs or down or almost around every corner, I have Ashley reminders.

From his treasured words designating me as as dancing granny....

.....to the signed prints in the kitchen.....

.....and on around the corner to the entry hall....

.....up to the top of the stairs, where the grandkids have access......

 .....and into the computer room.....and downstairs again.....

....to my cherished  "Stand of Dahlias" oil painting, which Ashley said, "Rang out to him of Dotsy.' 

Ashley painted those dahlias outside his home in Isleford as he did many floral pictures. I know because I have stood and watched him at work there. 

My house glows at every angle with his work. Works which I love because he is so dear to my heart.

Tears well up as I type.....what a friend! So easy to love. A man with a big heart! 

"The heart of a man reflects the man."(Proverbs 27:19)

Just like my patio heart rocks he shared & some we gathered from the shore of little Cranberry when Molly and I visited him. 

Words that describe him best come straight from scripture---He was a man who personified love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Ashley not only knew that verse, he truly lived it. 

Ashley Bryan, a man who had my heart!

ASHLEY BRYAN ---BELOVED FRIEND

Ashley Bryan---

July 13, 1923--February 4, 2022

If I had an epitaph One of the Kindest Men I ever Knew.

Oh how it hurt to read the passing of one of my dearest friends!

My friend with a life of infinite hope wrote a book by that name.

My goodness I have such stories to tell of our friendship that endured for almost 35 years.

Click the link above to read just one snippet of it!

Click this Ashley Bryan obit link to read my tribute to him, signed Dotsy Liles, Friend in the Faith.

INFINITE HOPE

Sitting in the examining room waiting on the pulmonary specialist, I was re-reading my most recent letter from dear, dear, friend Ashley Bryan.
He was welcoming our #9 grandchild, girl #2! "I know you are all having a GRAND TIME Loving her as she Loves you! (Ashley's words)

Between his plan to travel to visit family in Texas and return to "his" island and resuming his painting in his neighbors gardens, he was awaiting his WWII story, Infinite Hope! --mid October '19. He and I have both been so excited to see beyond the F & Gs.

Before the doc entered, Hubby sent me a text . "Today" show Favorite FALL BOOKS w/ Savannah & a team of readers announced their fave books by categories.

Ashley's newest book, Infinite Hope, was chosen as the best in Love & Romance category by one of the panelist.

The panelist explained that this book needed to win awards and he thought "love" was an appropriate category as Ashley, who is 96 years old, shares how his love for art sustained him as a 19 year old draftee during WWII.

One reviewer stated that Infinite Hope is "both a lesson in history and a testament to hope." (S & S)
Having talked with Ashley through the years, even about his time during the war and seeing some of his sketches I knew that it had been a difficult time for him. Needless to say, I'm anxious to  receive my copy!

He has chosen to share his love for the stories of his people and his desire to preserve Black American Spiritual as his life's work. "The spirituals touch me deeply and inspire my heart's soulwork." (Ashley Bryan, I'm Going to Sing -Black American Spirituals vol. 2)

His art, which has its own "voice" and his words, have spread hope to many.

Ashley is one of the kindest people I have ever known.

A man of faith. An encourager. My friend.
A man of "infinite hope" himself who pours out love & hope to others.

How a treasure this picture with him at his home on Isleford/Little Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine. He was sharing his F & Gs (folded and gathered pages) of his book, Infinite Hope. 

A man who signed and gave me the book & a bit of his heart and hopes as we talked.

THANKFUL THURSDAY RECAP FROM DownEast MAINE

The earth is the LORD'S and the fulness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1)

Great FULNESS of God's creation caught in a small cell phone, which did not do it justice but does evoke great mind pictures of the experience.  How easy it is to give thanks for such days---even in fog and mist, (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I learned that even the acceptance of weather can be an attitude of the heart.

I stood amazed in the surrounds of DownEast as the residents "dub" this eastern coastal section of Maine.....from early morning to setting sun. From the granite pink rock...

...and the balance rock along Bar Harbor Shore Path as we began our "misty, cool"day with a stroll.

...to the boat ride past Bear Island and the Bear Island lighthouse, located in the community of Cranberry Isles on our way to Isleford in Little Cranberry....

with an abundance of foliage both natural....

 ....and cultivated...

...to the home of one of the kindest men the Lord has ever created "to dwell therein" His world---Ashley Bryan ...

...who captures creation in his own style to share with others. Regardless of the style, (oils, puppets, collage, stained glass) Ashley does it all---while giving thanks to the Father! (Colossians 3:17)

MONDAY: A DAY OF MISTY MORNING MAGIC & FOGGY FUN

Text to follow----have to use wifi when I have it  But weather did not put a damper on this "magical" day!!!

CONSIDER LOVE OF FRIENDS

"Loved, (I am loved) you are loved (I am loved)---better far than any metaphor can ever, ever, be."     I am loved. (lyrics from memory, what little I have)

I can still remember dancing around on the 5th floor of Rawls Hall (with Winslow) to the 33 1/3 vinyl record format blaring down the hallways. From Hoptown neighbor, to college roommate,  to bridesmaid---a true friend  with whom I'm still in touch.

That's what friends do. 

Friends keep in touch in special ways, even if not often, by special acts of love. 

Real friends are always there for you!

Family has to love you (or should) but friends choose to love. 

For his valentine's day, I received a perfect, SPECIAL gift from long-time dear friend, Ashley Bryan. I AM LOVED.

With an inscription that has love jumping off the pages of his latest illustrated book.

And I'm singing about a "new" metaphor for love. I AM LOVED. Right out of the pages of a book of poetry! 

Thanks, Ashey!

CHOOSE: TIMELESS

Timless is a tough concept for a time compulsive one. Earlier time compulsive, blogs verify that malady as a part of my "make-up."

Ashley Bryan's clock in his Isleford, ME home.

Dear friend, Ashley Bryan tells me I need to learn to live on "island time." (John 10:10) As an Isleford, ME resident with only 20 year round neighbors, Ashley lives what he preaches, at least when he's on his island, population 65 in 2013. Since his best friend Soos died this year, I assume the population is now 64. (Psalm 90:12)

He lives well, wisely and humbly, even though he is is 94. (James 3:13)

Island time embraces "loving God supremely, serving others well" (Allen Bible Church) and living life moment by moment in His timing with a grateful heart. (Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 6:34) 

Timeless truth from an islander! (Psalm 16:11)

CHOOSE: ISLAND TIME

Last week's phone conversation with dear friend Ashley Bryan ended with an invitation to come, via the mail boat, to "his" island next year for his 95th birthday.  His island is Isleford, ME, a small hamlet, on Little Cranberry Isle off the coast of Northeast Harbor, Acadia National Park)

His invitation was delivered with the "Lord willing" caveat."

Having known Ashley for 28 years, I have seen first hand how he treasures his moments. He never seems in a hurry. He always has time to talk with a friend. He says its because he lives on island time---which always has enough minutes in each day for what's really important---relationships. 

But....in his "spare time" he writes and illustrates books. Freedom over Me, his most recently published work, (2016) won Newbery honor for Children's Literature, presented in June at ALA in Chicago. He also won the Coretta Scott King honor for both auth and illustrator of the same book. Quite a year!!

Dec. 2017, Ashley's work will be included in Our Story Begins and next spring his illustrations of Nikki Giovanni's, I am Loved, will be published. Plus, another one is in the works for 2019 publication---"Lord willing."

Ashley's studio clock reflects his comfort with island time---he gets up when he awakens, eats when he's hungry, paints outside when it's sunny, gathers sea glass for stained glass windows, creates puppets from the day's island "finds" and always has time for friends! (And everyone is his friend,)

Come now, you who say, 'Today of tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'---yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' (James 4:13-15)

Ashley believes that his time on earth is in the Lord's hands---not in a morbid or fearful way, but in a God honoring way! 

Ashley Bryan chooses "island time" everyday----Lord willing!

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE...

I chose to celebrate dear friend Ashley Bryan's life via "Ma Bell," as today is his 94th birthday! We always try to chat on my birthday or his and either bless my heart immensely! Ashley is one of my "Hebrews 10:24 friends"---as he "stirs me up"with his encouragement "to love and good works."

This morning was no different even though we shared grief in the loss of his "Soos." 

Susie/Susan Valdina, an Isleford resident, Ashley's precious friend and his "tech" connector with the digital world, died 2 months ago after 18 month struggle with pancreatic cancer. There are not enough words to tell all she meant to the Cranberry Isles folks, especially Ashley. Often, she was the go between for us as she handled both slug mail (as Isleford post mistress, and emails on his behalf. She made sure I received a birthday hug and e-mail blessings from him on my birthday last year.
As our chat continued we shared much good news.

One of the biggies was the stage performances of his "Dancing Granny" in Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

To see and hear this amazing video, click here alliancetheatre.org/granny.
It will be inspirational to all!!
Of course, it truly warms my heart as I have the original "album" (remember those?) signed by Ashley to me,

Ashley was thrilled that we are going to the High Museum in Atlanta Ashley Bryan's  current exhibit, which is causing quite a "stir" in Atlanta. (All the MARTA buses have signs depicting the exhibit, "Painter and Poet: Wonderful World of Ashley Bryan") Above link also has a 6 minute video of Ashley.
Friends from North Carolina are going with us at the end of the month and I am so-o-o-o excited!

Ashley and I both choose to celebrate life each day God gives us, and today we chose to hope to see each other next year on his 95th---as hubby and I plan to go to his island!

CHOOSE: TO BE A DANCING GRANNY

Choosing to dance---as dance is a "positive" metaphor for fully living the life the Lord has chosen for one, regardless of the "happenings" which come one's way.
Most people assume the "dancing choice" is easier the younger on is. 
However, experience is important as well. The experience one receives as she ages can bring an awareness of the importance of staying on the dance floor. Showing up counts. Being present in the midst of all circumstances. Trusting the One who leads you to keep you

Used by permission of the author/illustrator.

Choosing, always requires intentionality. For the "elder" set it can requires fitness, both physical and spiritual. It also requires energy. ENERGY to keep up with the younger set.

Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre (Psalm 149:3)

A "Dancing Granny" cannot be a wallflower. A true "Dancing Granny" needs to keep in step with the One who is her perfect partner so that her grandchildren can see and learn from her as she focuses on Him (not her feet/circumstances) and depends on His lead.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.(Jeremiah 31:13)

Maybe that verse could be an answer to the prayers of a grandmother who chooses to be a "Dancing Granny!"

CHOOSE DANCING

Choosing dancing can be an easy choice when life is going well. 

It can also be an easy choice when one is at the Apple store getting help on a disabled computer while using their wifi. Apple Store wifi dances and does not drop----hooray for "dancing" wifi!"

But....do we sometimes get complacent and forget to choose dancing. Forget to celebrate. Forget to be thankful.

Dancing can be an expression of gratitude.

Gift from Ashley Bryan---Used with the Artist's Permission

A video with "my" Ukraine ladies dancing with the Lord with their ladies from India warmed my heart. They chose to take my D.A.N.C.E. dance to India. We often think we, the United States, are the only ones who send missionaries. At the missions conference this week the number of missionaries going out from South Korea was unbelievable.
Some are sent to the US. Just last year, I met, in Turkey, a lady from South Korea who, with her husband, had been a missionary in New York City.
Such news pleased me as NY is home to three of my most precious loved ones.
That kind of news makes is easy to "choose dancing!"

CHOOSE SINGING

Choose singing---even if it's a "joyful" noise, as in my case. (Psalm 100:1)

Gift from Ashley Bryan--- Used with his Permission

For me, singing and praying sometimes go hand in hand and I end up wanting to "shout" for joy!

Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us singPower and majesty, praise to the King (Zschech)

Christianity is one long shout of joy. (John Stott) 

Hmm-m-m-m.....choosing singing could be a precursor for choosing shouting!

INSPIRATIONAL!!

Congratulations my dear "humble" friend, Ashley Bryan, who is a finalist for the 2016 Kirkus Prize.

His latest book, Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life was nominated in the Literature for Young Readers Category. Click the title read all about it.

At 93,  Ashley continues to inspire everyone in the literary world. For me, Ashley's inspiration is very personal as he is one of the kindest people I have ever known!!

DANCE TO THE MUSIC

Working on acceptance while waiting, I've been discovering the importance of "celebrating moments. "There's a world of activity. A life worth celebrating.

The Lord Himself seems to invite me, this Dancing Granny, to get up and move.

Turn off the TV. Turn off the laptop.

Put down the book. Silence the phone.

Dance to the music. The music that's been playing since the beginning of time!

Feel it in the rhythm of the wind. Hear it in the rain on the roof. See it in the sunrise. 

Know it! Move to it. Sing a-long. The Lord puts new songs in our mouths. (Psalm 40:3)

We all dance every day to the "tune of life" but the most important choice is our partner!
Always choose Him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY BRYAN!!

Dear, dear friend, Ashley Bryan, is 93 today!!

We have been friends for 25+ years---a friendship that continues to inspire and bless me!!

A birthday kiss for Ashley as hubby and I went to "his island" 3 years ago for his 90th birthday!

Today's morning "birthday call" to him ended up, as always, being a blessing to me---a real cause for celebration, as he celebrates life daily better than anyone I know.

As I was sharing that his birthday card might miss today's "mailboat," but that is was on the way, he said to me, "Dotsy, we always keep in touch even without letters or phone calls.....because you are always in my heart."

Happy Birthday, Ashley---you are always in my heart as well!

Roller Coaster Week

The week began with (7/13/15) birthday prayers for dear, dear friend Ashley Bryan, one of my "young at heart" friends, who celebrated 92 years of vibrant life this past Monday. Ashley says he celebrates everyday the good Lord gives him as a new "birth" day and he is grateful. I was grateful for hubby and I to have been able to celebrate his 90th with him at Isleford, ME.

Ashley's 90th w/ Larry 2013

Monday ended with reading the Jesus Calling reminder of " "fix your gaze on ME, the Lover of your soul" coupled with hospice prayers with sweet sister in Christ, Patti J., who could barley speak. 

She uttered "A-men" as I  concluded. It was the last word I would ever hear her say.

Jégkrém in Kővágóörs Hungary with Patti, who always chose frozen yogurt when available.

....the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)

Ashley celebrated with friends all week. Patti went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning---and I share at her funeral in a matter of hours---a roller coaster ride orchestrated in heaven.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. (Psalm 116:15)

Nativi-TEA : a Christmas Cuppa

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-10, NIV)

For Christians, there is no greater story than the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We share the story of the birth of baby Jesus with the world this time of year. 

This year I also plan to share with my younger "grands" a Nativity Poem, Who Built the Stable?, written and illustrated by my dear friend, Ashley Bryan. Ashley first got the idea as he was in Kenya with his dear friend Kemie Nix of CLC as they traveled to one of the schools which Ashley sponsors. 
Several years ago, Ashley gave each of my grands' households an autographed copy of the book. But....some were too young at the time to remember it.....so while we're together this Christmas season, I plan to read it to them.

It will be such a sweet way to share both conversation and a cuppa, sweetened with the nativity story and my friend Ashley's bold illustrations. 

CELEBRATING LIFE!

7/15/13 Headed to the mailboat early this morning to "ferry" over to Isleford, the hamlet located on Little Cranberry Isles.  Isleford is the home of our dear friend Ashley Bryan and though he's visited our home in Memphis several times and daughter and I have visited him on the island, today was hubby's first visit. Larry was just as enthralled with our time as I was. Plus we got to meet Ashley's Sus, (Susan V.) who is sort of like the island's chamber of commerce welcoming gal, as well as running the general store and handling all of Ashley's schedules and "tech" stuff. He doesn't even have an answering machine.
Ashley showed us new art work and shared his upcoming book, "Can't Scare Me" from memory. He's a great story teller so that was a real treat. His book should be out  by the end of summer.

Ashley, an animated storyteller brings his words to life----can't wait to see his illustrations for his new book, "Can't Scare Me."

What a glorious day! Time visiting and chatting with Ashley and soaking up his "wisdom" as well sharing his gourmet Dean & DeLuca passion fruit and coconut birthday cake. In celebration of his 90th. What a delight to while away the hours with such a special friend.

Because Ashley so embodies the essence of Psalm 90:12, that's the verse for meditation today. Ashley understands "numbering of days as he lives each day with gratitude and has not only a heart of wisdom but also one of the kindest hearts, I know.

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:12-14, 17)

Ashley celebrates each day as a "birth" day. He celebrates living and he does it well.

In one of Ashley's studios---this is where he is using sea glass to create the stained glass image of Paul, the apostle. He has already completed Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Peter with glass he finds along the shore. With the apostles bookending his creations, he depicts the life of Christ and florals in his panels as well.