Dishwashers, Sisters, and a Brother

Thursday afternoon, with a loud grinding sound, our dishwasher decided it was time to retire and not complete any more washing cycles.  After dinner, as I was washing the dishes by hand, I had a flashback to my high school days.  The dishwasher had broken and Dad decided not to replace it immediately.  With a family of seven, that meant there would be an “opportunity” to wash lots of dishes, glasses, silverware, pots and pans in the days ahead.  We soon developed a plan to complete the job.  Our brother and youngest sister usually cleared the table.  Then each of the “three big girls” took a week at a time with one washing, one rinsing, and one drying and putting away the dishes.  Each week we switched to the next part of the cycle.

One time when I was home from college, I remember asking Dad why he waited so long to replace the dishwasher.  Besides teaching us responsibility, he said there were other lessons he knew we would learn.  It was soon a rule that you needed to keep track of your glass and not get a new one every time you needed a drink.  We quickly discovered how we could irritate each other, but even more we learned the value of cooperation.  You see, complaining was not going to exclude us from the chore.  We had two choices:  we could be a happy camper or sad camper as we did the dishes.  While cleaning the dishes, there were lots of conversations about what happened during our day, what we still needed to accomplish for the evening as well as our upcoming plans.  We learned the value of giving the gift of time and effort when someone took another person’s responsibility if they had extra homework or a project they needed to complete.  Entertainment and much laughter were the norm.  For some reason, the nozzle on the sink “accidentally” sprayed people at times.  Needless to say, the kitchen was extra clean on those days.  There was definitely appreciation when the new dishwasher arrived.

The lessons learned from a broken dishwasher are still in practice.  A few weeks ago, I had a big project that I knew would take me several days if I tried to complete it by myself.  I called my two sisters, who live in town, to see if they would help.  My youngest sister, Micki, already knew the supplies we would need and how to do the project since she had recently helped a friend do the same type of work.  With Robin’s help, we were able to finish the work in just a few hours while enjoying spending time together.  Dad would have been pleased with our cooperation in completing the task.  I know our Heavenly Father is pleased when His children love each other and work together in peace.  And by the way, without even asking, Larry dried and put away the dishes.  

I Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Worth the Wait

About a year ago, the store where I purchase cosmetics remodeled.  On the grand opening day, they had invited representatives from different lines of cosmetics to come and offer tips and actually apply the makeup.  I had signed up, two months before, to secure an appointment time.  When we arrived, about 10 minutes early, the makeup artist was applying makeup for another customer.  One of the makeup artists from the store came up and offered to do my makeup.    Instead of waiting for the “expert” who knew the most about that brand of cosmetics and was there only for the day, I settled for someone who worked in the store almost every day with several different types of cosmetics.

Not waiting for the “expert” artist for makeup is not a big deal.  But it is important where God is concerned.  I don’t want to ever be in such a hurry that I am not willing to wait for God’s best.

Psalm 5:3

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 130:5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Isaiah 26:8

Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Faith brings Miracles

A dear friend gave me this cross for my birthday.  It so much represents what I want to happen in my life and heart.  Doctors and procedures are instruments, but God is the one who brings about the miracles of blessing and healing.

 Several of the scriptures in the New Testament Bible readings the past few weeks have been about healing and faith.  The following is one from Mark 10.

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

⁴⁶ Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷ When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

⁴⁸ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 ⁴⁹ Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

⁵⁰ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

⁵¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

 ⁵² “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

There are important truths I am learning from “Blind” Bartimaeus.

*Even though he was blind, Bartimaeus “Saw” his need for mercy and was confident that Jesus was the one who could provide it for him.

*When the crowd told him to be quiet, Bartimaeus continued to boldly call to Jesus with his plea.

*When Jesus called, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet and immediately responded.

*Bartimaeus had a ready answer to the question when Jesus asked him “What do you want me to do for you?”  He must have thought of the opportunity of this situation over and over in his mind during the long hours of begging.

*Because of his faith, he was instantly healed.

*With new sight and insight, Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers, on my behalf, during these days.  God is faithful. 

A Disciple

In recent days, two photographs taken by Stan and Karen Schoeppey at the Passion 2012 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, a quote from a Bible study, a saying by a saint, and the words of Jesus have reminded me of the importance of being and picturing what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Below is a picture of the “Freedom Art” that was erected in International Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia, during the days of the Passion Conference.   The hand and arm were covered with items that were made with slave labor as a reminder of the price that had been paid for goods that we might purchase for our enjoyment.  

 The second picture shows the shadow of the “Freedom Art” on the Georgia Dome.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if the world could always see the shadow of God’s hand working in and through his children whether they were at a conference, work, school, church, home, at a ball game, or on a mission trip?

This semester, I am in the James Mercy Triumphs Beth Moore Bible Study at church.  In one of the articles, written by Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick, she states, “I want the life and wisdom of Jesus to so transform me that even when I’m not deliberately referencing a Bible verse, I remind someone of Jesus.”   

St. Francis of Assisi is commonly attributed to saying, "Preach the gospel at all times -- If necessary, use words."

And in John, Jesus says:

..."If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." (John 8:31)

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

It's a great time to be and do the work of a disciple of Jesus.

60 and Counting

One of the first things I do every morning is thank the Lord for giving me another day of life.  As of today, I am 21,915 days old, including leap year days.  If I were still teaching school, I would give a challenge homework problem to figure out how many years, months, hours, minutes, and seconds that is.  Those days have been full of God’s countless blessings.  I am so grateful for family and friends who have and continue to share this journey of life with me.



Five Generation Picture



Last month, one of my doctors passed away, at the age of 74.  Dr. Jackson was still doing what he loved on his last day of life – delivering babies.  He had delivered more than 10,000 babies.  Dr. Jackson had been my doctor for 30 years.   Interestingly, he and Larry knew each other even better because they talked when they saw each other in the hospital when Larry was seeing and praying for people.  One time, the boys were with me when I stopped by Dr. Jackson’s office to let him know I would be praying for him as he had an upcoming surgery.  The boys were most impressed because that night at dinner they announced that they wanted to have a “flattop” just like my doctor.  I guess I thought or hoped Dr. Jackson would always be my doctor.  He was so patient and kind, willing to answer questions, and polite to his patients, nurses, and office assistants.  He made a difference during his lifetime and will be missed.

Two thoughts have continued to be on my heart and in my thoughts these days.  First, none of us know how many days we will be on this earth.  Even though I thank doctors when I leave an appointment, Dr. Jackson’s death has caused me to be intentional about expressing my gratitude for what they do. And it has motivated me to express gratefulness to others as well.  Secondly, I have been reminded that every day I have a choice of what legacy I want to leave behind.

It’s been said that it’s not so much the number of days in your life that matters, but rather the life in your days.  So on this my 60^th birthday, as on other days, I will ask the Lord to help my life be a gift that counts and makes a difference for His Kingdom.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
   that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

Tallowood's 50th Anniversary

Tallowood Baptist Church was chartered as a church on February 18, 1962.  We celebrated the 50^th anniversary of that momentous day on Sunday, February 19, 2012.  It was an incredible day of remembering, thanksgiving, worship, and fellowship.  So many people from out of town were able to be there which made it even more special.  There was a reunion choir and orchestra, a special anthem “To Thy Name Give Praise” commissioned for Tallowood’s 50^th Anniversary, former pastors and ministers of music who participated in the worship services, and previous staff members who shared the day.   

 Between services, they unveiled a slab of marble with the names of the charter members engraved on it.  Then they had a brunch and time to visit with friends in the gym.  It was fascinating to see the exhibits of historical memorabilia, along with the displays of mission involvement at Tallowood. 

 The Director of Properties had taken the cross from the original chapel, polished it, and made a stand for permanent display. 

On Saturday night, Larry and I had dinner with friends, some who are still at Tallowood as well as several that came from out of town for the weekend.  When we came home, I had a phone message from Donna at Celltex.  Dr. Ra, the stem cell doctor, was in town from Seoul, South Korea, and wanted to worship with us on Sunday.  There were 9 of the team that came.  Five of the lab technicians were with them.  I had seen one of the women working in the lab at the ribbon cutting, but had never met any of them.  Donna explained that they did not know me by name but by my patient number.  When I told them my number, they smiled and nodded their heads.  It was extra special to be able to express my thanks to them.  What an incredible day of worship!

Larry, Debbie, and Dr. Ra

Lab technicians, Debbie, and Dr. Ra

On the way home, I wondered what it would be like if we came to worship every Sunday as excited, joyful, thankful, and prepared as we did on this anniversary morning.  I know God would like that.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 122:1

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
     “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Valentine's Day Memories

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to express love.  One of my earliest memories of that time of year is making valentines for family and friends.  Those hours were full of paper, scissors, crayons, and lots of paste.  I am amazed that Mom made time to help us do that, since she had five children. 

When I started school, we either made or bought valentines to give to our classmates.  Going to the store to purchase the cards was a big event.  You had to look at each kind to choose which ones would be the best.  Once you were home, you had to decide which person would receive which particular card and then carefully write their name and sign yours on the card.  Another important part of the celebration was decorating a box to collect your cards.  Those traditions were repeated when our sons were in school.

Mom always made each holiday special.  She usually made the four girls something to wear and had treats for us to help celebrate the occasion.  Dad was in on the celebrating as well.  When we were moving Mom to her new home, we found a little card that comes with a bouquet of flowers that she had saved.  Dad had written it to her one Valentine’s Day.  It is now framed and in her room.



Chocolate hearts with our names written on them



Micki and her heart treat



When I was in second grade, it snowed in Pasadena/Houston on Valentine’s Day!  That is the first time I ever remember seeing or playing in snow.  When Dad came home from work, he helped us make things with the snow and have a snowball fight.

On this February 14^th, my Bible reading was Matthew 27.  The verses tell the events of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion.  What an amazing reminder of the ultimate expression and gift of love.  And that love is meant to be celebrated and shared every day of the year!

I John 3:1

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

I John 4:9-10

⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Romans 8:38-39

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.