I haven't written a blog in a long time. I have had some things on my mind that I wanted to write about, but I think I needed to mull these thoughts over for a while. Also, what I am about to write is not for me to brag, but only when I read this years from now it is for me to remember. So, if I had a remembrance book I would write about: the end of my Orlando trip.
It had been a very long 5 days of traveling & I was at the last leg of the trip in Memphis. While I was trying to get gas, an older woman came up to my car. She looked worn out, not bathed, poor, & showed only a few teeth when she smiled. She humbly asked if I had any money to give to her & her husband for gas so they could make it home.
In trying to multi task I was grateful that I had the forethought to first ask some simple questions of their situation, so I could really assess the situation. Then, I told her to first let me get my gas started then I could really pay attention to what she had to say. I told her to please stay right there, because I will help her. I also asked, "If they had eaten?" She said, "No." I then said let's go get a Subway while I pay for the gas with my credit card. I knew I wasn't going to give them cash for anything.
The lady then told me that her husband had been asking the truckers for help & they wouldn't. I asked why they were in Memphis? Passing through, visiting? They were seeing her daughter, but she was at work & couldn't get in touch with her. Also, they has been sleeping in there truck at the truck stop.
Her husband didn't want to wait for the Subway, just ready to get home about an hour away. I gave her the huge bunch of grapes with 2 apples that I had in the car. I went inside to pay for some gas. As I was paying I picked up some hot sausage biscuits for each of them. When I got back to their car, she was popping in the grapes & seemed so grateful. The husband told me to stop at $20. I hugged her good-bye & said, "Merry Christmas."
After, the hard mentally few days, this experience really cheered me up. I felt that I had followed this scripture,
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Also, I couldn't help but think about the first Christmas. Joseph & Mary were refugees traveling on a long journey. They struggled: lack of food; physically taxing; poor; needing a bath; not needing gas, but a place where Mary could delivery baby Jesus-not getting help.
I also couldn't help that I didn't look for this situation. God dropped them in my lap to help. I believe God does this everyday, or from time to time, if we keep our eyes & hears open, then act on it.
Other instances that have been on my mind right here at Christmas time:
1) Hearing about the death of a 20yr old beautiful, very gifted girl who loved life, loved her family, had a heart for Africa, & a deep love for her God. We were close to this family while living in Valdosta. We went our separate ways, but stayed in touch with the yearly Christmas letters & pictures, emails & Face Book. This was devastating news to our family. Amy & I went to the funeral service 9 hrs away to love on them a little.
2) Hearing about Hospice being called in concerning Mr. Wiggins. The family had just received the news that he was free of cancer. His daughter, Kay, is a life-long childhood friend of mine. Her parents helped raised me. Our parents have been friends since they were young married couples.
3) My Dad now battling a type of bone marrow cancer.
4) The joy of my niece expecting their first baby.
Christmas is about giving, sharing, excitement, salvation. It is hard to receive surreal to bad news at this time. "Where is God here?"
I just read in my One Year Bible on Dec 17; Ps. 136:1
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
At the time, all I could say with faith-"How true, Amen."
After, all that has happened this month,
I say with faith that He gives me-"How true, Amen."
I believe that God doesn't cause these difficult times, but He is right there walking along side, & holding us up.
The verse goes on to say, For His mercy endures forever.
Merry Christmas
ann :)
Also, I couldn't help but think about the first Christmas. Joseph & Mary were refugees traveling on a long journey. They struggled: lack of food; physically taxing; poor; needing a bath; not needing gas, but a place where Mary could delivery baby Jesus-not getting help.
I also couldn't help that I didn't look for this situation. God dropped them in my lap to help. I believe God does this everyday, or from time to time, if we keep our eyes & hears open, then act on it.
Other instances that have been on my mind right here at Christmas time:
1) Hearing about the death of a 20yr old beautiful, very gifted girl who loved life, loved her family, had a heart for Africa, & a deep love for her God. We were close to this family while living in Valdosta. We went our separate ways, but stayed in touch with the yearly Christmas letters & pictures, emails & Face Book. This was devastating news to our family. Amy & I went to the funeral service 9 hrs away to love on them a little.
2) Hearing about Hospice being called in concerning Mr. Wiggins. The family had just received the news that he was free of cancer. His daughter, Kay, is a life-long childhood friend of mine. Her parents helped raised me. Our parents have been friends since they were young married couples.
3) My Dad now battling a type of bone marrow cancer.
4) The joy of my niece expecting their first baby.
Christmas is about giving, sharing, excitement, salvation. It is hard to receive surreal to bad news at this time. "Where is God here?"
I just read in my One Year Bible on Dec 17; Ps. 136:1
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
At the time, all I could say with faith-"How true, Amen."
After, all that has happened this month,
I say with faith that He gives me-"How true, Amen."
I believe that God doesn't cause these difficult times, but He is right there walking along side, & holding us up.
The verse goes on to say, For His mercy endures forever.
Merry Christmas
ann :)
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