It seems so easy to see "wonder" at this time of year. So many signs of Christ being present - in conversations, greetings and gift exchanging. The ultimate, original gift of Christmas being God's Son, Jesus, makes our gift giving so minor in comparison. But, every small token of love given expresses a small piece of wonder. Thinking of others - keeping the focus off of ourselves - it is a great time of the year.
Keeping the focus on Jesus can be difficult - we are pulled in so many different directions for our attention - feasting, gathering, remembering and shopping - oh my - there is a battle to be won.
Christ won a battle for me with a visual aid on Christmas Eve. I had spent most of the day remembering all that David loved about Christmas Eve. Appetizers, candle light at service, children, grandchildren, gift giving - he loved it all - and I was "drunk" with memories that were sweet yet painful. Later that evening, I watched my 5 year old granddaughter carefully hold her cousin - a baby who was enjoying the family - yet, the 5 year old was coughing. We hoped she would keep a little distance from her baby cousin in order to not pass anything on to her. It was a selfless thing to do and not quite understood by a 5 year old who wanted the presence of her cousin on her lap.
Then, I saw myself - wanting to hold David and not being selfless - not accepting our distance apart for now and being selfish.
I remember saying to the 5 year old - "you will be able to be with her again, but for today, it is good for her that you keep your distance" and I realized those words were meant for me. I will be able to be with David again, but for today, it is good for him and me (and all I get to be with) to keep my distance.
I think God is so good to give me a selfless visual - I can see now what selflessness looks like for me - or should - if I keep my focus on God.
I expect each day to be brighter - what an amazing God we serve!
Enjoy the Wonder of His Season for Giving - and His greatest Gift - His Son who purchased eternity for us! Amazing.
Love you,
Mary
"GIVE ME A MARY STORY"
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Seasons"
Well, how awesome is God to continue to teach us throughout seasons of life! I am feeling so much growth in so many areas and wanted to share a huge one for me.
Over the past year and a half - yes - as of yesterday it has been a year and a half since David went to heaven - and over that time, thoughts of fellowship with others have taken me to many places. One important place for me was thoughts of not being able to have David as my partner - and, OH - how I loved having him as my partner. So, I entertained thoughts of another partner someday who would pour into my life some of the wonder David poured into it. I knew I would be happy with just a sampling of what we shared together in another relationship.
Last month, the Lord spoke to me about pursuing my relationship with Him and no other partner. I really appreciate the wisdom of that more each day. I've come to believe that the reason I should pour my time and energy into my relationship with Jesus is because my heart is already full of the love for David and Jesus - I don't need to think of anyone else. This may sound simplistic, but I was confused with thoughts of needing to find another partner because I couldn't have that relationship with David any longer. Christ has shown me that I still have that relationship with David - somehow, my love for him continues to grow - "absense makes the heart grow fonder" - and I can honestly say that I love him more and more each day.
So, I am not only content, but excited to be through with thoughts of other partners - I am holding onto the love of the most wonderful partner God created for me and the love of the most wonderful Creator of my heart, Jesus Christ. I am totally fulfilled to overflowing with love from these two and looking forward to the future with, I think, a proper perspective for my heart.
May we all find proper perspectives that work for our lives - it was for freedom that Christ set us free - I feel so free!
Praise the Lord, Mary
Over the past year and a half - yes - as of yesterday it has been a year and a half since David went to heaven - and over that time, thoughts of fellowship with others have taken me to many places. One important place for me was thoughts of not being able to have David as my partner - and, OH - how I loved having him as my partner. So, I entertained thoughts of another partner someday who would pour into my life some of the wonder David poured into it. I knew I would be happy with just a sampling of what we shared together in another relationship.
Last month, the Lord spoke to me about pursuing my relationship with Him and no other partner. I really appreciate the wisdom of that more each day. I've come to believe that the reason I should pour my time and energy into my relationship with Jesus is because my heart is already full of the love for David and Jesus - I don't need to think of anyone else. This may sound simplistic, but I was confused with thoughts of needing to find another partner because I couldn't have that relationship with David any longer. Christ has shown me that I still have that relationship with David - somehow, my love for him continues to grow - "absense makes the heart grow fonder" - and I can honestly say that I love him more and more each day.
So, I am not only content, but excited to be through with thoughts of other partners - I am holding onto the love of the most wonderful partner God created for me and the love of the most wonderful Creator of my heart, Jesus Christ. I am totally fulfilled to overflowing with love from these two and looking forward to the future with, I think, a proper perspective for my heart.
May we all find proper perspectives that work for our lives - it was for freedom that Christ set us free - I feel so free!
Praise the Lord, Mary
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New thoughts
These thoughts may not be new to you - but today I realized something new to me. While playing with my five month old granddaughter, I realized the dramatic changes that take place when people become parents. The multitude of things that change - which includes the use of your time - because now your time is not your own. You must put someone else first - and that includes if you would like to sleep :)
Also, when you begin dating someone or get married, these same type of changes take place. Suddenly, your usage of time is determined by considering someone else first. Another person is factored into your decision making and choices - and you usually choose to meet the other person's needs first before thinking of your own.
Now, this may sound simple, but it has helped me.
You see, because of these thoughts, I feel so "normal". The adjustment of our time when we lose someone who has played an important role in the quality and quantity of our time each day is simply the reverse of gaining someone important to the quality and quantity of your time each day. Each has a huge adjustment period and sacrifices need to be made for both.
God has gotten me through many sleepless nights as a new parent, when I had no energy myself. His grace has been sufficient when He has added people to love to my life.
Because of this, I know He will get me through many years of missing David, especially when I have no energy myself to keep going. His grace is sufficient when He has called someone I love home.
It is that simple.
His grace is sufficient.
Love you,
Mary
Also, when you begin dating someone or get married, these same type of changes take place. Suddenly, your usage of time is determined by considering someone else first. Another person is factored into your decision making and choices - and you usually choose to meet the other person's needs first before thinking of your own.
Now, this may sound simple, but it has helped me.
You see, because of these thoughts, I feel so "normal". The adjustment of our time when we lose someone who has played an important role in the quality and quantity of our time each day is simply the reverse of gaining someone important to the quality and quantity of your time each day. Each has a huge adjustment period and sacrifices need to be made for both.
God has gotten me through many sleepless nights as a new parent, when I had no energy myself. His grace has been sufficient when He has added people to love to my life.
Because of this, I know He will get me through many years of missing David, especially when I have no energy myself to keep going. His grace is sufficient when He has called someone I love home.
It is that simple.
His grace is sufficient.
Love you,
Mary
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Getting Used To
I think I'm in the midst of a battle - as we all are - and this one has a name called "Getting Used To". I'm getting used to David not being home when I get here. I'm getting used to my time alone - I'm getting used to seeing his picture and realizing that any photo must be at least 17 months old. I'm getting used to the fact that my life is totally changed - yes, it is still good - but it is drastically changed and my life with him - on earth - can't come back.
I'm getting used to doing laundry for one - eating whatever I want whenever I want with no regards to mealtimes - enjoying something and not calling him to tell him about it - sleeping at night and waking up to my first thought of "oh yeah - David is in heaven" - having everything in the home stay where I put it - signing cards "I" instead of "We" - and finding a different kind of joy.
There is, indeed, joy every day. It is just different.
I called this a battle because it is. Part of me is still "fighting" to not accept this reality of change in my life. I'm accepting it, but, every once in a while, the rebellious Mary says - "I don't want to accept this." Therein lies the battle. Along with acceptance comes peace - and since I want peace, I must accept the facts. Reality. Change.
I kind of feel like an amputee - part of me has been taken away - yet, I have on a replacement part - I look okay and work well enough - but I'm just not as good as before the amputation. My life is good and works well enough - but it is just not as good as when David walked alongside me.
I could not have imagined God would ever give me the kind of life and love He gave me through David. Is it possible that I cannot imagine a future as wonderful that God still has planned? "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future."
I do look forward to His plans.
Love,
Mary
I'm getting used to doing laundry for one - eating whatever I want whenever I want with no regards to mealtimes - enjoying something and not calling him to tell him about it - sleeping at night and waking up to my first thought of "oh yeah - David is in heaven" - having everything in the home stay where I put it - signing cards "I" instead of "We" - and finding a different kind of joy.
There is, indeed, joy every day. It is just different.
I called this a battle because it is. Part of me is still "fighting" to not accept this reality of change in my life. I'm accepting it, but, every once in a while, the rebellious Mary says - "I don't want to accept this." Therein lies the battle. Along with acceptance comes peace - and since I want peace, I must accept the facts. Reality. Change.
I kind of feel like an amputee - part of me has been taken away - yet, I have on a replacement part - I look okay and work well enough - but I'm just not as good as before the amputation. My life is good and works well enough - but it is just not as good as when David walked alongside me.
I could not have imagined God would ever give me the kind of life and love He gave me through David. Is it possible that I cannot imagine a future as wonderful that God still has planned? "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future."
I do look forward to His plans.
Love,
Mary
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Party!
Happy Sunday!
This is out of a book called HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn and it lifted my spirit today. I was not having as much peace as God offers, so I cried out to God and He answered through this wonderful book. I hope it gives you a "lift" like it did me :)
"Imagine someone takes you to a party. You see a few friends there, enjoy conversations, laughter and decent appetizers. The party is alright, but you keep hoping it will get better. Suddenly, your friend says, "I need to take you home." NOW?
You are disappointed - nobody wants to leave a party early - but you leave and your friend drops you off at your house. As you approach the door, you are feeling all alone and sorry for yourself. As you open the door and reach for the light switch, you sense someone's there. Your heart is in your throat and you flip on the light. "Surprise!" Your house is full of smiling people, familiar faces.
It's a party - for YOU. You smell your favorites - the tables are full - it is a feast! You recognize the guests, people you have not seen for a long time. Then, one by one, the people you most enjoyed at the party show up at your house, grinning. This turns out to be the REAL party. You realize that if you stayed longer at the other party, as you'd wanted, you wouldn't be at the real party - you'd be away from it.
Christians faced with terminal illness or imminent death often feel they are leaving the party before it is over. They have to go home early. They are disappointed, thinking of all they will miss when they leave. But, the TRUTH is, the real party is underway at home - precisely where they are going. They are not the ones missing the party; those of us left behind are (fortunately, if we know Jesus, we will get there eventually).
One by one, occasionally a few of us at a time, we will disappear from this world. Those we leave behind will grieve that their loved ones have left home. In reality, however, their believing loved ones aren't leaving home, they're going home. They'll be home before us. We'll be arriving at the party a little later."
Praise the Lord!
Love you, Mary
This is out of a book called HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn and it lifted my spirit today. I was not having as much peace as God offers, so I cried out to God and He answered through this wonderful book. I hope it gives you a "lift" like it did me :)
"Imagine someone takes you to a party. You see a few friends there, enjoy conversations, laughter and decent appetizers. The party is alright, but you keep hoping it will get better. Suddenly, your friend says, "I need to take you home." NOW?
You are disappointed - nobody wants to leave a party early - but you leave and your friend drops you off at your house. As you approach the door, you are feeling all alone and sorry for yourself. As you open the door and reach for the light switch, you sense someone's there. Your heart is in your throat and you flip on the light. "Surprise!" Your house is full of smiling people, familiar faces.
It's a party - for YOU. You smell your favorites - the tables are full - it is a feast! You recognize the guests, people you have not seen for a long time. Then, one by one, the people you most enjoyed at the party show up at your house, grinning. This turns out to be the REAL party. You realize that if you stayed longer at the other party, as you'd wanted, you wouldn't be at the real party - you'd be away from it.
Christians faced with terminal illness or imminent death often feel they are leaving the party before it is over. They have to go home early. They are disappointed, thinking of all they will miss when they leave. But, the TRUTH is, the real party is underway at home - precisely where they are going. They are not the ones missing the party; those of us left behind are (fortunately, if we know Jesus, we will get there eventually).
One by one, occasionally a few of us at a time, we will disappear from this world. Those we leave behind will grieve that their loved ones have left home. In reality, however, their believing loved ones aren't leaving home, they're going home. They'll be home before us. We'll be arriving at the party a little later."
Praise the Lord!
Love you, Mary
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Further Away and Closer To
Each day brings me further away from the wonderful moments in time I spent with David that are captured in pictures around my home. As I glance at some photos tonight, I think - his presence in my life is getting further away. It stings a little less everytime I think of enjoying something together.
And, as the memories get further away, our future together gets closer. Each day that passes brings me closer to eternity. I get closer to seeing Jesus in Heaven and enjoying what plans He has for my future, which I know will include more time with David :)
So, I'm actually growing further away from David's physical presence here on earth, but closer to his physical presence in eternity. Quite a thought!
I was given a gift from God yesterday in Scripture.
I may have written about the elderly woman at the nursing home that gave me a "pearl of wisdom" when she said, "My husband has been gone for around six years. I miss him every day and I find joy every day." My reply to her was "That is my motto! Thank you!"
Well, yesterday, God showed me it was in His Word. May I share from 2 Corinthians 6:10 "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing". My motto.May God give you reason to rejoice - or, may you notice all the reasons in your life to rejoice and thank God :)
Love you, Mary
And, as the memories get further away, our future together gets closer. Each day that passes brings me closer to eternity. I get closer to seeing Jesus in Heaven and enjoying what plans He has for my future, which I know will include more time with David :)
So, I'm actually growing further away from David's physical presence here on earth, but closer to his physical presence in eternity. Quite a thought!
I was given a gift from God yesterday in Scripture.
I may have written about the elderly woman at the nursing home that gave me a "pearl of wisdom" when she said, "My husband has been gone for around six years. I miss him every day and I find joy every day." My reply to her was "That is my motto! Thank you!"
Well, yesterday, God showed me it was in His Word. May I share from 2 Corinthians 6:10 "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing". My motto.May God give you reason to rejoice - or, may you notice all the reasons in your life to rejoice and thank God :)
Love you, Mary
Friday, August 28, 2009
Season of Celebration or Grieving?
It hit me this morning - I was spending quiet time with Our Lord and asked Him if I was "grieving" okay - if He and David were okay with the way I was walking through this season. During the day, memories can bring tears of sadness and also a sweetness of remembrance of the gift of love that envelopes my heart - both are necessary during this season, as in all seasons of life, and I have a choice.
So, I'm trying to focus on celebrating - the sweetness of remembrance of the gift of love -
Love is such a gift. To think that your thoughts can center on someone else - want what is best for them even if it hurts you - wanting your life to bring joy to their world - wanting to bless them by your very involvement in their issues - wanting for them what you would want someone to want for you - love - the gift that keeps on giving.
I realized that Jesus gave us such perfect, amazing love when he suffered and died. He truly wanted what was best for us even when it hurt Him - He kept walking up that hill to Calvary. David kept fighting to stay on this earth, as all of us would, but when his body gave out, he accepted God's promise of heaven and walked triumphantly through the gift of grace to heaven's door.
The least I can do is celebrate - He is in a place so amazing I can only imagine how great he is feeling today - and I love him so much I celebrate his victory with Christ over death. Dwelling on the fact that while he is enjoying these great gifts from God, he needs to be absent from me physically - well, I won't dwell there. That would be keeping the focus on me instead of the celebration he is enjoying.
So, today I'm celebrating - and I thank God for loving us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to open the gates to heaven.
We are so immensely blessed to know Our Lord!
Love you,
Mary
So, I'm trying to focus on celebrating - the sweetness of remembrance of the gift of love -
Love is such a gift. To think that your thoughts can center on someone else - want what is best for them even if it hurts you - wanting your life to bring joy to their world - wanting to bless them by your very involvement in their issues - wanting for them what you would want someone to want for you - love - the gift that keeps on giving.
I realized that Jesus gave us such perfect, amazing love when he suffered and died. He truly wanted what was best for us even when it hurt Him - He kept walking up that hill to Calvary. David kept fighting to stay on this earth, as all of us would, but when his body gave out, he accepted God's promise of heaven and walked triumphantly through the gift of grace to heaven's door.
The least I can do is celebrate - He is in a place so amazing I can only imagine how great he is feeling today - and I love him so much I celebrate his victory with Christ over death. Dwelling on the fact that while he is enjoying these great gifts from God, he needs to be absent from me physically - well, I won't dwell there. That would be keeping the focus on me instead of the celebration he is enjoying.
So, today I'm celebrating - and I thank God for loving us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to open the gates to heaven.
We are so immensely blessed to know Our Lord!
Love you,
Mary
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