This morning I was praying for a friend who is facing some tough decisions. God has done a transforming work in and through her already. He must think she needs more refining.
In the past year He has called her into ministry. She has moved twice and changed careers, all while taking online classes. Now, her mom's heath is failing. The decision to move her mom in with her is now a reality. I know what she is thinking. What is God doing?
Their relationship has not been the best in the past, but that was just it, the past. Her mom was not emotionally present for her when she was a child, and now it will be the same way. Now dementia will take her mom away.
My friend used to be self-centered. She liked living in that place and pushing people away. God showed her a better place. He is her center now. She cares for others now. She is totally relying on God for this decision. She will now have to step into the role of caregiver for her mom.
While we may not know the reason things happen the way they do, we do know God is in control and can guide us through. I know she is counting on Him.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Caregiver
I am currently working more than full time as a caregiver and I love what I do. Presently I am caring for a sweet Italian couple.
As I sit with my little Italian couple I am amazed at the lessons God is teaching me. Lessons about life, about love, about death, and about the human spirit. I first came to take care of her, and now three months later his 86-year old heart is failing him. Even as his body is failing, he keeps going on. He sings. He sits with his wife of 60 years and they hold hands.
His steps are slow now, but he still forces himself. He speaks Italian with his wife and son, and English with me - with a heavy Italian accent. I am learning a few Italian words. I am singing his songs. I watch him as he sits alone outside. I know he knows he will be meeting Jesus soon. That is one of our early conversations - about Jesus.
I watch him kiss his wife goodnight - no longer do they get to sleep in the same bed. She in a hospital bed, he in their bed, in the same room. I hear them sometimes speaking softly to each other. Their love for each other is truly a testament of who they are, and whose they are. They are God's.
Their medical issues might get them down some days, but then they smile at each other and life is good, if only for a moment.
As I am writing this it is a Sunday morning. They no longer go to church - but we talk of faith. He says he is not afraid to die - he is going to heaven. This day he asked me if I am going to church. I tell him today is my day to spend with them. As I watch them, I know I am in church. God has truly filled me to the brim with love for this family. I am truly on sacred ground. I don't need to be in the building that houses my church today. I am right where I am supposed to be.
As I sit with my little Italian couple I am amazed at the lessons God is teaching me. Lessons about life, about love, about death, and about the human spirit. I first came to take care of her, and now three months later his 86-year old heart is failing him. Even as his body is failing, he keeps going on. He sings. He sits with his wife of 60 years and they hold hands.
His steps are slow now, but he still forces himself. He speaks Italian with his wife and son, and English with me - with a heavy Italian accent. I am learning a few Italian words. I am singing his songs. I watch him as he sits alone outside. I know he knows he will be meeting Jesus soon. That is one of our early conversations - about Jesus.
I watch him kiss his wife goodnight - no longer do they get to sleep in the same bed. She in a hospital bed, he in their bed, in the same room. I hear them sometimes speaking softly to each other. Their love for each other is truly a testament of who they are, and whose they are. They are God's.
Their medical issues might get them down some days, but then they smile at each other and life is good, if only for a moment.
As I am writing this it is a Sunday morning. They no longer go to church - but we talk of faith. He says he is not afraid to die - he is going to heaven. This day he asked me if I am going to church. I tell him today is my day to spend with them. As I watch them, I know I am in church. God has truly filled me to the brim with love for this family. I am truly on sacred ground. I don't need to be in the building that houses my church today. I am right where I am supposed to be.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Worship
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
Psalm 63:3
Why do you worship God? Do you worship Him out of the overflow of love for Him? Do you worship Him because that is just what you think you are supposed to do? Do you worship Him because others around you are doing it?
True worship should come from the depths of your soul. Recently we went to a funeral of a friend who died too young. Our hearts were selfishly sad that he was no longer with us. This service was the most unusual I had ever been to. The Praise and Worship band was playing, singing, and worshiping God. Song after song led me into a deep worship of the goodness of God so deep that the tears for the loss of our friend turned into sheer joy for the sake of worshipping the God who created us. It was a very moving experience.
Find what works to help you worship God in such a way. For me it is music. For my friend, it is the beach. For others, it is reading the Bible and focusing on God. Abandon yourself to worship Him today.
Monday, June 20, 2011
No More Complaints
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11
I am daily learning an important visual lesson about complaining. After reading a book recently, my friend and I decided to take a challenge of no complaining for 21 days. We have a bracelet that says “Gripes Be Gone” and every time we complain we have to switch it to the other arm. You might think it is easy, but really, not so much.
Paul really learned to be content in any circumstance he was in, and he was in quite a few trials. He did not need a daily visual reminder, but I am thankful for it, because while I am usually a positive person overall, I have been more aware of the little things I complain about that really should not be part of my speech.
I am thankful that God prompts us to learn these daily lessons and work on how we relate to Him as well as others around us.
Today, listen to your words as you speak them. Are they honoring or complaining? Be content no matter what.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
A Mother's Love
How could she know she would only have sixteen years with him? We sometimes say the phrase, "Life is short" in too casual a way, not really meaning it. And then tragedy strikes. Can you ever be ready? She wasn't.
Two weeks after he turned 16, a tragic accident took her oldest child from her. There are no words. Just immense pain. How do you go on? How do you survive?
She had him at a young age. She said they grew up together. And now she was going on with life without him. She had to. She has another son counting on her. She got counseling. She went to grief counseling. Though he is never far from her thoughts, she has learned to move on. Most important, she has learned to rely on God for the strength only He can give.
He would be twenty tommorrow. Memories come flashing back. She is surrounded by family and friends who love her, but most important, she is surrounded by God, who sees her through the darkness into the light.
Two weeks after he turned 16, a tragic accident took her oldest child from her. There are no words. Just immense pain. How do you go on? How do you survive?
She had him at a young age. She said they grew up together. And now she was going on with life without him. She had to. She has another son counting on her. She got counseling. She went to grief counseling. Though he is never far from her thoughts, she has learned to move on. Most important, she has learned to rely on God for the strength only He can give.
He would be twenty tommorrow. Memories come flashing back. She is surrounded by family and friends who love her, but most important, she is surrounded by God, who sees her through the darkness into the light.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Life Well Lived
This blog has been rolling around in my brain for almost two weeks. Too long. A dear friend passed away at the age of 90 two weeks ago. She mentored me as a young mom. She showed me how to pray. She walked her walk. She was a strong, godly woman.
When I heard the news of her passing my first thought was "A life well lived". I don't remember a cross word come from her. I watched her live life full of joy and love. Her granddaughters and my daughters are close to the same age. We all attended church together and my daughters remember her as their Sunday School teacher as well as being at all of the softball games.
Sixteen years ago she had a stroke. She struggled to get her speech back. She moved in with her daughter. At that time I had a cleaning service and that was one of the houses I cleaned. I had the privilege several times to watch mother and daughter have devotional time. Precious memories. Although wheel-chair bound, her mind was sharp. She never had a bad attitude. She could still talk, read, and pray. She still went to church every Sunday.
Her granddaughter spoke at her funeral about the wonderful influence her grandmother had on her life and her sister's life.
God is truly amazing the way He brings people into our lives to teach us how to live and how to love. Helen Nash was truly a gift from God and we will miss her until we see her again in Heaven. She lived her life well!
When I heard the news of her passing my first thought was "A life well lived". I don't remember a cross word come from her. I watched her live life full of joy and love. Her granddaughters and my daughters are close to the same age. We all attended church together and my daughters remember her as their Sunday School teacher as well as being at all of the softball games.
Sixteen years ago she had a stroke. She struggled to get her speech back. She moved in with her daughter. At that time I had a cleaning service and that was one of the houses I cleaned. I had the privilege several times to watch mother and daughter have devotional time. Precious memories. Although wheel-chair bound, her mind was sharp. She never had a bad attitude. She could still talk, read, and pray. She still went to church every Sunday.
Her granddaughter spoke at her funeral about the wonderful influence her grandmother had on her life and her sister's life.
God is truly amazing the way He brings people into our lives to teach us how to live and how to love. Helen Nash was truly a gift from God and we will miss her until we see her again in Heaven. She lived her life well!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
An Overflowing Heart (And a She Speaks Scholorship)
I am teaching a Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. I am writing it weakly and living it at the same time. The title - "Journey of Faith". I feel stretched far beyond my comfort zone, but at the same time, feel such overflowing peace and joy as I write in obedience to God's call on my life.
Yesterday's lesson was on how patience and faith go together. We focussed our attention on 1Thessalonians 5:12-18. Verse 16 says, "Be joyful always." One young mom shared how hard that has been as a single mom pulled in so many directions. I can relate a bit with that. It feels hard to have joy sometimes in the midst of a trial. So what do you do? How do you combat a joyless life when God is calling you to be joyful always? I suggested to the ladies to keep a gratitude journal. This has helped me in my faith journey to be joyful about the smallest of things. Like finding my keys. Like watching my granddaughter look at ants in fascination. Like hearing the birds sing in the middle of the night. (Ok, so that is another whole story for another time.)
Let God show you today how to have an overflowing heart of joy always.
She Speaks Conference is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God and that your heart is to serve Him and His daughters, as He leads.
I am linking this post to two others today - Ann's (where a scholarship is being offered) and the She Speaks Conference website. It is a conference about "women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God". I am passionate about bringing Women closer to God. This is anothe way to live my passion.
Yesterday's lesson was on how patience and faith go together. We focussed our attention on 1Thessalonians 5:12-18. Verse 16 says, "Be joyful always." One young mom shared how hard that has been as a single mom pulled in so many directions. I can relate a bit with that. It feels hard to have joy sometimes in the midst of a trial. So what do you do? How do you combat a joyless life when God is calling you to be joyful always? I suggested to the ladies to keep a gratitude journal. This has helped me in my faith journey to be joyful about the smallest of things. Like finding my keys. Like watching my granddaughter look at ants in fascination. Like hearing the birds sing in the middle of the night. (Ok, so that is another whole story for another time.)
Let God show you today how to have an overflowing heart of joy always.
She Speaks Conference is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God and that your heart is to serve Him and His daughters, as He leads.
I am linking this post to two others today - Ann's (where a scholarship is being offered) and the She Speaks Conference website. It is a conference about "women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God". I am passionate about bringing Women closer to God. This is anothe way to live my passion.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Legacy
I love watching my daughters in action. They both have good hearts. We were in McKinney recently visiting our oldest daughter Amy and her husband Trey and our precious granddaughter Lauren. We had our other precious granddaughter Avril with us. We were at the park and my daughter met a young woman with a toddler. She made an instant connection and invited her to another child activity the next day. This young women was new to the area and needed a little encouragement.
My heart was happy as I watched my daughter reach out to others. I started thinking about the strong women in my life and I remember my grandmothers reaching out to others, and my mom reaching out to others, helping when somebody needs a helping hand.
I have always been a people person and as I grew in my Faith walk I wanted to teach my children the same. I taught them to look for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
My daughter Melissa does that also. She reaches out to others with words of encouragement and acts of kindness. Both of my girls call with prayer requests for their friends.
Sometimes when your children grow up they don't always want to be like you. I remember the day I realized I was like my mom. And now I treasure the Legacy of being like my mom, and watching my girls grow into godly women.
I treasure the opportunity to watch them encourage their daughters to have a good heart like them.
My heart was happy as I watched my daughter reach out to others. I started thinking about the strong women in my life and I remember my grandmothers reaching out to others, and my mom reaching out to others, helping when somebody needs a helping hand.
I have always been a people person and as I grew in my Faith walk I wanted to teach my children the same. I taught them to look for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
My daughter Melissa does that also. She reaches out to others with words of encouragement and acts of kindness. Both of my girls call with prayer requests for their friends.
Sometimes when your children grow up they don't always want to be like you. I remember the day I realized I was like my mom. And now I treasure the Legacy of being like my mom, and watching my girls grow into godly women.
I treasure the opportunity to watch them encourage their daughters to have a good heart like them.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Waiting
It has been an interesting morning in the Ragland home. Mike and I have done our devotional time and have spent time discussing what we learned. I am writing some devotions, and reading them to him.
He checked his email and everything changed in a second. We have a friend in the hospital with pulmonary problems. We got a quick email that things are not good. We did the only thing we could do. We prayed. And now we wait. Waiting is the hardest to do. I want to be DOING something to help. And then God speaks to my heart and reminds me I am doing something. The most important thing. Praying. So as I go through my day today I will pray without ceasing.
He checked his email and everything changed in a second. We have a friend in the hospital with pulmonary problems. We got a quick email that things are not good. We did the only thing we could do. We prayed. And now we wait. Waiting is the hardest to do. I want to be DOING something to help. And then God speaks to my heart and reminds me I am doing something. The most important thing. Praying. So as I go through my day today I will pray without ceasing.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Inspiration
As I sit here looking at all the trees in full bloom (and my white car yellowed with pollen) I ponder all the ways God inspires me in ways that amaze me and through people who live their lives with love and joy.
I have had a very interesting week. I have begun caring for a sweet couple. He is 86 and she is 80. She just got home from an extended stay at the hospital, so I am there for her. He is very independent. The second day I was there I was in tears as he told me they have been married for 60 years. I watch him love her and try to care for her and my heart overflows with joy. He got in her hospital bed and took a nap with her and asked me to take a picture. I hope to share it with you soon. I want his permission first. Their love for each other is very evident and inspires me to be a better person. They inspire me to love my husband more. They inspire me to love my children and grandchildren more.
Their love and joy in the face of medical problems inspires me to love God more.
What inspires you today?
I have had a very interesting week. I have begun caring for a sweet couple. He is 86 and she is 80. She just got home from an extended stay at the hospital, so I am there for her. He is very independent. The second day I was there I was in tears as he told me they have been married for 60 years. I watch him love her and try to care for her and my heart overflows with joy. He got in her hospital bed and took a nap with her and asked me to take a picture. I hope to share it with you soon. I want his permission first. Their love for each other is very evident and inspires me to be a better person. They inspire me to love my husband more. They inspire me to love my children and grandchildren more.
Their love and joy in the face of medical problems inspires me to love God more.
What inspires you today?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Passion
I got a very good question from my friend Lisa this morning. What a way to start off my Monday morning. Thank goodness I am on my third cup of coffee and the creative part of my mind is racing.
Here is one of her two questions: What does it mean to have Passionate Pursuit of God? I told you it was a good question.
My passionate pursuit of God happens when I totally stop trying to be in control and just spend time in His presence.
The trees are budding right now. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I call it - "God's love letter to me." When I see the buds, something in my soul just craves more time with God. It is like He is speaking directly to me.
Some people only think about the pollen and their allergies when they look at the budding trees. I think about how His love and mercy is new every morning. It is all in how you view life. You know the expression "looking through rose-colored glasses?" Well I am choosing today to look through my "God glasses" and passionately pursue God and all He has in store for me today.
Here is one of her two questions: What does it mean to have Passionate Pursuit of God? I told you it was a good question.
My passionate pursuit of God happens when I totally stop trying to be in control and just spend time in His presence.
The trees are budding right now. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I call it - "God's love letter to me." When I see the buds, something in my soul just craves more time with God. It is like He is speaking directly to me.
Some people only think about the pollen and their allergies when they look at the budding trees. I think about how His love and mercy is new every morning. It is all in how you view life. You know the expression "looking through rose-colored glasses?" Well I am choosing today to look through my "God glasses" and passionately pursue God and all He has in store for me today.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Strength of Women
So I am working on a book project. The Title is "The Strength of Women". I have been blessed with some strong women in my life and upon reflection realized how rich my life has been from knowing them.
One of these women was my friend and mentor Lena. We worked side by side in Christian Women's Club, a Stonecroft ministry. She was a walking miracle. Her strength was amazing to me. Although she suffered from a variety of health issues, it did not slow her down. She was involved with her family, her church, and her community. She loved life. She loved people.
The source of her strength was her relationship with the Lord. When Parkinson's overtook her body, I drove her to speaking engagements. She never lost her sense of humor. Toward the end of her life here on earth, I visited her in the nursing home. She had suffered a stroke and could no longer care for herself. As usual, her sense of humor was intact. I thought I was going there to comfort her. I was wrong again. I walked away more blessed.
I know she is dancing today in Heaven and I will see her again one day.
The verses that comes to my mind when I think about Lena are Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope."
Today I celebrate the strong,godly women in my life.
One of these women was my friend and mentor Lena. We worked side by side in Christian Women's Club, a Stonecroft ministry. She was a walking miracle. Her strength was amazing to me. Although she suffered from a variety of health issues, it did not slow her down. She was involved with her family, her church, and her community. She loved life. She loved people.
The source of her strength was her relationship with the Lord. When Parkinson's overtook her body, I drove her to speaking engagements. She never lost her sense of humor. Toward the end of her life here on earth, I visited her in the nursing home. She had suffered a stroke and could no longer care for herself. As usual, her sense of humor was intact. I thought I was going there to comfort her. I was wrong again. I walked away more blessed.
I know she is dancing today in Heaven and I will see her again one day.
The verses that comes to my mind when I think about Lena are Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope."
Today I celebrate the strong,godly women in my life.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Today
I am not sure how this week went by so fast. This is the third day I have been home with a virus, and though I like having time at home, I don't like it this way. I know you can relate to that.
I have found many times in my life how God uses interesting avenues to get my attention. This week is no different.
I spent time catching up on my reading. I am reading "Praying Together" by Stormie OMartian. I highly reccomend it.
God is wooing me to spend more time in prayer with Him, and I love how when I really pay attention, He shows me through a book, sermon, or Bible study how much He loves me and wants to spend time with me. He never moves. I do, sometimes.
I encourage you to spend some extra time today recognizing God working around you today.
I have found many times in my life how God uses interesting avenues to get my attention. This week is no different.
I spent time catching up on my reading. I am reading "Praying Together" by Stormie OMartian. I highly reccomend it.
God is wooing me to spend more time in prayer with Him, and I love how when I really pay attention, He shows me through a book, sermon, or Bible study how much He loves me and wants to spend time with me. He never moves. I do, sometimes.
I encourage you to spend some extra time today recognizing God working around you today.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love Is In The Air
Today my thoughts are all over the place. I know it is Valentines day. I don't like how commercialized it has become. More importantly I don't like the message that all my single friends get -- that you need to be part of two.
Last year my sweet husband agreed to fixing brunch for our single friends on February 14. You were not invited to our house unless you were single. I really wanted them to know that they are special.
My love language is acts of service, so when my husband agreed to cook brunch, my love tank was full. I did not need flowers or fluff. We wanted our friends to know how much we love and appreciate them no matter if they are single or married.
Yesterday in church our Pastor talked about love. Not romantic love, but a deeper love for the Body of Christ. Do you have this love? Do you show this love to those around you?
Today reach out to somebody that needs to know they are loved - loved by Christ and by you.
Last year my sweet husband agreed to fixing brunch for our single friends on February 14. You were not invited to our house unless you were single. I really wanted them to know that they are special.
My love language is acts of service, so when my husband agreed to cook brunch, my love tank was full. I did not need flowers or fluff. We wanted our friends to know how much we love and appreciate them no matter if they are single or married.
Yesterday in church our Pastor talked about love. Not romantic love, but a deeper love for the Body of Christ. Do you have this love? Do you show this love to those around you?
Today reach out to somebody that needs to know they are loved - loved by Christ and by you.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Memories
I opened a tube of new face cream the other night and the smell took me immediately back to my childhood. My paternal grandmother, Memaw, used that same brand. I remember when I spent the night with her watching her nightly routine. Washing her face and applying her face cream.
One of the most important things my Memaw taught me was how to pray. At around the age of 5 or 6, she taught me the Lord's Prayer. I did not grow up going to church much except when my grandmothers took me so my first knowledge of God was through that prayer.
Now that I am Memaw to three precious grandchildren I am trying to be intentional about helping them know Jesus. Their parents are rearing them in Christian homes, but I want to leave them a legacy of memories even sweeter than my memories of my grandmothers.
The more time I spend working on my relationship with the Lord, the stronger I get about the intentionality of sharing with others.
Be intentional today. Make a memory today.
One of the most important things my Memaw taught me was how to pray. At around the age of 5 or 6, she taught me the Lord's Prayer. I did not grow up going to church much except when my grandmothers took me so my first knowledge of God was through that prayer.
Now that I am Memaw to three precious grandchildren I am trying to be intentional about helping them know Jesus. Their parents are rearing them in Christian homes, but I want to leave them a legacy of memories even sweeter than my memories of my grandmothers.
The more time I spend working on my relationship with the Lord, the stronger I get about the intentionality of sharing with others.
Be intentional today. Make a memory today.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Is Life Fair?
Sometimes I ask the question, "Is life fair?". Recently I read a very good devotion by a friend about how wonderful her relationship with her mom is. As I was reading this, my mind was going back to the previous week when I sat and listened to several young women talk about how strained their relationship with their mom was.
I encouraged them to seek to work daily on their relationship with the Lord and ask His guidance on how to have a relationship with their mom. In this "ME" society, more people are self-centered and don't know how to love unconditionally - even their own children. I am not saying it is always easy to love unconditionally. There was a time in my life that I did not know how to love unconditionally, but the closer I walk with the Lord, the more surprised I am at how unconditionally I love my family as well as everybody around me. That does not mean I don't have boundaries. In some of my relationships I have found that the healthiest way is to have a surface relationship. I don't love them any less. I just choose to love them where they are and not push my expectations of who they should be on them. That is just my opinion and I have learned that not everybody wants to know my opinion.
Today I choose love. Today, life is fair.
I encouraged them to seek to work daily on their relationship with the Lord and ask His guidance on how to have a relationship with their mom. In this "ME" society, more people are self-centered and don't know how to love unconditionally - even their own children. I am not saying it is always easy to love unconditionally. There was a time in my life that I did not know how to love unconditionally, but the closer I walk with the Lord, the more surprised I am at how unconditionally I love my family as well as everybody around me. That does not mean I don't have boundaries. In some of my relationships I have found that the healthiest way is to have a surface relationship. I don't love them any less. I just choose to love them where they are and not push my expectations of who they should be on them. That is just my opinion and I have learned that not everybody wants to know my opinion.
Today I choose love. Today, life is fair.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Give Project
Every year I ask God for a word for the year. Last year my word was courageous. Although a little out of my comfort zone - well, the truth is it was a lot out of my comfort zone - I learned valuable lessons from God. Last year's word was a spring board for this year's word.
GIVE. As I spent time with God asking how this word will work, He opened up endless possibilities. I sometimes feel like I can't keep up with God and all He shows me.
So on January 1st I started the GIVE project. Every day I will give in some way. This will take on many forms from words of encouragement to time and resources. I am trying to daily be open to whatever possibility God has in store for me.
I am amazed already. One of the first things I have noted is that as I focus more on what God has in store for the day, the less I focus on me.
I think I am in for a wild ride this year with all that God has is store for me.
GIVE. As I spent time with God asking how this word will work, He opened up endless possibilities. I sometimes feel like I can't keep up with God and all He shows me.
So on January 1st I started the GIVE project. Every day I will give in some way. This will take on many forms from words of encouragement to time and resources. I am trying to daily be open to whatever possibility God has in store for me.
I am amazed already. One of the first things I have noted is that as I focus more on what God has in store for the day, the less I focus on me.
I think I am in for a wild ride this year with all that God has is store for me.
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