Today was an ordinary day.
I checked my e-mail. I prayed for my children.
I sipped coffee while watching Hot Topics on The View.
I planned my day, I made a list.
I made a call, and waited patiently while on hold.
I met with my attorneys and one of the young men I have advocated for during the past 15 years. He is 18 and homeless, a product of the many failures of "the system".
Together we made a plan to manage the funds from an accident settlement. The attorney and I would find a safer place for him to live. The attorney would assist him in locating a job.
When asked to serve as his trustee and to pay the bills and watch over the money, I shook inside. I had told my husband I wouldn't do that. It would be too dangerous.
There are those who would harm or kill for 20 dollars, what would they do for thousands?
No screamed through my head,
while my lips waited to betray me by saying yes.
As the attorneys explained the details I visualized the next year of fielding calls,
listening to pleas for more money.
I saw myself looking over my shoulder in a high crime area.
I would apply for a concealed weapons permit.
I imagined his faceless angry friends who would show up at my house
demanding I release all of the money.
I saw my family's worried faces.
I saw my name in the news when his formerly non-existent family
made fraud allegations against me.
My heart raced.
I needed to say no to this responsibility, but if not me, then who?
I prayed, 'Lord, tell me what to do."
"Give me the strength to say no or the courage to say yes.
Or better yet, take this cup from me."
As I wet my lips to speak I saw him shake his head.
It was then I heard the attorney say"all of it?"
And he sadly nodded his head.
My fears forgotten,I gasped"you took all of the money from the bank?"
"Everything?"
“You paid the penalty and cashed in the CD?”
Suddenly I wanted to be the trustee. I wanted to guard his future.
I was too shocked to even be angry.
I thought, "Wait, Lord, I know I didn't want to have to do this,
but I didn't want the money to disappear."
Yet relief flooded through me.
The burden lifted.
Today I dodged another bullet.
It was an ordinary day.
God was there as always.
Doing extraordinary things.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am
helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song"
Psalm 28:7
Posted by Debs at 1:17 AM
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!
One of our favorite activities is ballroom dance lessons!We have studied foxtrot, shag, swing and are currently doing the rumba! It's a lot harder than it looks!
Posted by Debs at 10:49 PM
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
On June 25, l962, 39 million students were forbidden to do what they and their predecessors had been doing since the founding of our nation - publicly calling upon the name of the Lord at the beginning of each school day. For more than 45 years we have debated this issue. Christians have complained often and blamed lack of prayer for the moral decline of our nation. Despite the lack of public prayer in schools, there is no way to prevent those who are true believers in Jesus Christ, from praying anywhere. Individual, silent, personal prayer never has and never could be outlawed in public schools. Prayer can take place even without moving the lips, bowing our heads, or closing our eyes. God listens to our prayers however we present them when they are sincere and heart felt.On Thursday, May 1, America will observe the 57th annual National Day of prayer. Both, our President and our Governor have signed proclamations encouraging all Americans to join together in observing this day. This year’s theme, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield, reflects the words of Psalm 28:7, which states: “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” Our country is divided by moral issues in the political arena. It is through prayer that God will do the mighty work of returning our nation to Himself.We have proclaimed our right to pray. How many churches will take advantage of this opportunity to gather together and pray publicly for America and our leaders? How many individuals will ask for God’s guidance in our own lives?
Posted by Debs at 2:57 AM
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Shared Sorrows
"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD..."
Psalm 27:13
~~~
Tuesday was our grandson Walker's 11th birthday.The day was bittersweet as Amber and John went to their OB appointment joyfully waiting to see their baby through the ultrasound. At the last appointment we had seen the little flicker of a heartbeat and we were anxious to not only see the tiny babe but also to hear the strong heartbeat. But this time the Dr simply said, "I'm so sorry." Amber underwent surgery the next morning. And we are adjusting to the shock and disappointment. Things could have been so much worse but God intervened during every decision.
~~~
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"Philippians 1:3
~~~
Because we already loved that baby, we are heartbroken, but not without hope. We know that God's wisdom is greater than anything we can imagine and He knows that Amber and John will be wonderful parents. Still we can ask why and try to be patient and wait upon our Lord knowing that He has a wonderful answer to all of our questions.
~~~
Walker put it all into perspective when he said "God has a good life planned for Amber". His tone said, why are you concerned? I printed out the verse with that thought and he took it home with him to keep in his room.
~~~
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Posted by Debs at
2:16 PMSaturday, February 23, 2008
"You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well"
I always found it interesting that women in days gone by took pains to hide their pregnancies. Did they have more wisdom than we possess, waiting until the birth was a sure thing? When I was a child I never knew my various aunts were about to welcome a new child until the birth actually took place. Once I was even reprimanded as a teenager for saying that someone "had" a baby! My husband remembers that an aunt who lived next door suddenly disappeared whenever he went over to play with her children. Then one day there was a baby. He had never seen his aunt pregnant during the entire pregnancy.
When I was expecting my own first child I could hardly wait through the couple of months until it would be "socially acceptable" to announce our joy. With my second child on the very day I learned I was pregnant I blurted the news excitedly to our brand new pastor's wife as I helped her get settled in our church parsonage. Later I was embarrassed to learn that she had been praying for a baby and longed to be a mother herself. So, I learned to be more sensitive and get to know someone before sharing personal news.
The next 20 ...OK 30...years brought us to the point where women know they are pregnant almost from the day of conception. Because of this we are aware of miscarriages now when in the past the woman was left to grieve alone. Of course there are pros and cons of this new scenario. During the past year my opinions of all this has been tested in many directions.
When last year my daughter learned in the ER that she was pregnant (JOY) only to learn several hours later that the pregnancy could not survive (sadness) we told everyone, asking for prayer and sharing our grief.
Months later our sweet daughter and son-in-love decided they would tell no one until they were convinced things were progressing as they should. They made it an entire week before our daughter shared that she was pregnant but also was having some problems. There was less shock when this life perished in the womb, but no less grief.
After many tests and a frightening referral to a hematology oncologist, in January things turned completely around. Only my husband and I were told immediately of the answered pray, but also were asked to keep this news in our hearts for a while. This was difficult because of our excitement about the baby and our belief that prayer works. As various medical interventions were set in place and each day passed without incident we were encouraged.
My daughter had asked that I make no purchases and no plans concerning the baby as she prepared herself to handle another loss. A few weeks later she allowed me to give her What to Expect When You're Expecting, a book she wanted to read as she was beginning to experience moments of elation, but was wary of flying too high fearing the long crash down.
Finally after a couple of Dr visits and ultrasounds a faint flicker of a heartbeat was detected. With continued precautions the Dr stated that there was now only a 5% possibility of a miscarriage. Could we be excited now?, I asked, and he answered YES!!
As any one knows who has faced this trial there will always be that little bit of apprehension where there should only be joy. But the up side is that unlike some who take this miracle for granted we never will. I shared with my daughter that due to my own experience with losing a precious little one I had always felt blessed to know just how fragile, therefore precious, life is. She, too, will never be complacent regarding the gift she has been given. Whatever lies ahead, this is the most miraculous thing that will ever happen to her.
"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."
Psalm 69:30
She's been waiting a long time!
October 7, 2008 may be her day!
