As I have written before, my mom has frontal lobe disorder which is a type of Alzheimer's. She is getting worse all the time. Now she is at the point where you cannot believe anything she says because it is not real. She makes things up in her own mind and believes them. It is some of these things that are very funny. Laughter is good medicine for us all especially when watching your mom go downhill before your very eyes.
Two weeks ago, we were at our regular Thursday morning breakfast when a song by Elvis came on the radio. She looked at me and said, "I lived so close to him in Tennessee and never even knew it." I shook my head yes knowing that lots of people lived close to him and were in the same boat. That statement would have been fine but it was followed up by this story.
"Did I ever tell you about how Elvis traveled around before he was famous? I took you to see him. You were about 3 or 4. I took you up to him and told him that he had to hear you sing. So you sang for him and he said, 'This girl is so good, I would like to take her on the road.' He laughed and of course, I wouldn't let you go. But you know how they give each other those things?"
"You mean awards?" I asked.
"Yes. Well Elvis received on and he said, 'I am so glad to get this award but I don't know why you just didn't give it to the little girl.' I never told that story to anybody because they would have thought I was crazy."
By this time I was laughing so hard I could hardly speak. I took out a piece of paper from my purse and wrote down a few key words so that I would not forget this story. As I think about it now, I am still smiling. She doesn't remember telling it to me. In fact, she doesn't even remember that we went to breakfast. But that's OK because during that morning I learned something that I have wondered about for a long time. Where did Elvis learn his moves? Now I know. It was from a little girl from Boogersville, Tennessee who should have won the award. :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Who is like God?
I have been thinking about this since I read 2 Samuel 22-24 this morning. David poses a couple of questions, "For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?" (2 Samuel 22:32) My first response, "Exactly!" There is none like God. He is the Sovereign Lord Almighty creator of all things. He is the firm foundation on which to stand. He is the Savior of all called by His Name.
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Another Lesson From Everett
My seven year old grandson, Everett, is always teaching me something. I wanted to pass this on to you. My Dad was having surgery on a Thursday, partial knee replacement. My daughter has all of the kids signed up for an Enrichment program for homeschoolers which meets on Thursday. On Wednesday my daughter mentioned to Everett that the next day would be his class. Everett said, "Family is more important than class." Barb asked him what he meant and he replied, "I can't go to class when my poppie is going to have surgery." With that statement his lip began to quiver as the tears were right at the surface. She promised him to take him over to see his poppie before the surgery and then after. This was satisfactory to him.
A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.
Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.
A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.
Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Breakfast with Mom
Every Thursday morning for the past 30 years I have had breakfast with Mom one day a week. We have gone to the same restaurant for most of those 30 years. It is like a family. The waitress and the other customers know me by name. They have shared in the slow decline of my mom over the years especially the last ten.
Our times at the table now do not consist of real conversation. Actually my mom cannot follow a conversation anymore. She does like to talk. So she makes up stories and tells them to me. They are usually about me. For instance, she had a dream we were running together on the farm in Tennessee or my dad was defending me against neighbors who were speaking back about me. This last week she said when I was three years old I said, "I just got the call and I am going to be a truck driver." :) That's funny!
Mom loves to tell a joke. She forgets a lot of things but not this one particular joke. She will tell anyone who is in her path. I try to make sure we go straight from our booth to pay but I am not always successful. One morning, Mom pushed me ahead of her so that she could interrupt a man's breakfast to tell him her joke. He did not look very happy about it. I was not close enough to thank him for his patience so I decided to ask the waitress to let him know of mom's condition. I remember the waitress saying to me, "Don't worry about that! Your mom is fine. You do not need to make excuses for her."
What a wonderful thing to hear from this woman who has waited on us for many years now! She was kind and loving concerning my mother. I have to remember that kind and loving part as I sometimes get a little embarrassed and impatient. She is still my mother after all. I need to treat her as such.
The people we meet each day are taking account of us. They can be the cashiers, the driver of the car in front of us, the person we pass walking on the street or a waitress. What kind of attitude do they see from us? Is it reflective of Jesus? It better be if you are a follower of Christ. That is who we are called to reflect.
So do these people I meet every day know who I am, a Follower of Christ? More importantly, does my mother know who I am? (Even if she can't quite process it)
Our times at the table now do not consist of real conversation. Actually my mom cannot follow a conversation anymore. She does like to talk. So she makes up stories and tells them to me. They are usually about me. For instance, she had a dream we were running together on the farm in Tennessee or my dad was defending me against neighbors who were speaking back about me. This last week she said when I was three years old I said, "I just got the call and I am going to be a truck driver." :) That's funny!
Mom loves to tell a joke. She forgets a lot of things but not this one particular joke. She will tell anyone who is in her path. I try to make sure we go straight from our booth to pay but I am not always successful. One morning, Mom pushed me ahead of her so that she could interrupt a man's breakfast to tell him her joke. He did not look very happy about it. I was not close enough to thank him for his patience so I decided to ask the waitress to let him know of mom's condition. I remember the waitress saying to me, "Don't worry about that! Your mom is fine. You do not need to make excuses for her."
What a wonderful thing to hear from this woman who has waited on us for many years now! She was kind and loving concerning my mother. I have to remember that kind and loving part as I sometimes get a little embarrassed and impatient. She is still my mother after all. I need to treat her as such.
The people we meet each day are taking account of us. They can be the cashiers, the driver of the car in front of us, the person we pass walking on the street or a waitress. What kind of attitude do they see from us? Is it reflective of Jesus? It better be if you are a follower of Christ. That is who we are called to reflect.
So do these people I meet every day know who I am, a Follower of Christ? More importantly, does my mother know who I am? (Even if she can't quite process it)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Tribute to my Pop
On Friday my dad is going to be having double partial knee replacement. He is 83 years of age and in good health, he does have a hard time walking. I am praying for a quick recovery and for the surgery to go well. He has been a part of my life for 46 years and I love him with all my heart. I remember something I had written a long time ago about him and want to post it here.
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Oh My Goodness...I have a BLOG!
Can you believe it? I have a blog!! Such a shock!! I have lived my life the last 8 months rushing here and there and never writing a thing! There is much to write for whoever will read. Who??? Anyway, I am back and will seek to do better to enter parts of my life into my blog. It's mine, I might as well use it!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wisdom from Everett
My grandson, Everett, is seven years old. He was recently visiting with us and had a conversation with me about being a Christian. He said the following:
"Grandma, I am a Christian. You can know that Jesus died for your sins but you have to really believe it and tell God you believe it. Then you will be a Christian."
He also said, "When I grow up I am going to be a preacher or FBI."
My grandson is learning a lot about God. He is being taught well by his parents. I am very proud of them. When Everett said these things to me, I let him know that we will be looking for fruit in his life as he grows. He said that he wanted to bring God glory not himself.
Later before we all had lunch together, Everett asked to pray. He prayed beautifully never mentioning the food but thanking God for Jesus and how he paid for our sins. He apologized to God for our continued sin. Then he said this...
"And God our Uncle Gabe is not a Christian. We want him to be a Christian and we will do everything we can to make him a Christian but you have to do it."
I could barely speak after his prayer. No one had mentioned his uncle, my son and yet he remembered him. Isn't that fruit?
Everett wants to do what is right but still struggles as we all do. (see my former post) Through his instruction from home and the Holy Spirit, I believe he has quoted scripture without really knowing it.
Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Amen and amen...Thank you Everett. God has granted you wisdom. May God grow you up in Him. But whether you are a preacher or FBI or something entirely different, you can honor God with your life. And me??? I will be the proud Grandma.
"Grandma, I am a Christian. You can know that Jesus died for your sins but you have to really believe it and tell God you believe it. Then you will be a Christian."
He also said, "When I grow up I am going to be a preacher or FBI."
My grandson is learning a lot about God. He is being taught well by his parents. I am very proud of them. When Everett said these things to me, I let him know that we will be looking for fruit in his life as he grows. He said that he wanted to bring God glory not himself.
Later before we all had lunch together, Everett asked to pray. He prayed beautifully never mentioning the food but thanking God for Jesus and how he paid for our sins. He apologized to God for our continued sin. Then he said this...
"And God our Uncle Gabe is not a Christian. We want him to be a Christian and we will do everything we can to make him a Christian but you have to do it."
I could barely speak after his prayer. No one had mentioned his uncle, my son and yet he remembered him. Isn't that fruit?
Everett wants to do what is right but still struggles as we all do. (see my former post) Through his instruction from home and the Holy Spirit, I believe he has quoted scripture without really knowing it.
Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Amen and amen...Thank you Everett. God has granted you wisdom. May God grow you up in Him. But whether you are a preacher or FBI or something entirely different, you can honor God with your life. And me??? I will be the proud Grandma.
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