The Past is the Past

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The past is not a package one can lay away.

Emily Dickinson

“If only I knew then what I know now”. If only I could go back in time and redo this or that. Time is a good teacher, however, and regret can be a bully. The past should not be put on lay away in the mind and heart to pick up at a later date. I can view myself a failure over things I did wrong or I can see through to God telling the story of His faithfulness, forgiveness and fulfillment.

Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Tell Me Something Good – MaLinda’s Story

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I have been sharing some good news here lately! After my friend Sheilia told me that she has been nine years cancer free, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends and family if they had something good going on and I have received a few responses! This year has been rough for a lot of people with COVID, the changes in daily living, and the overall concern for the health of our country. I’m thankful for the stories shared and the permission to write about them for you to read.

MaLinda and I have been friends for twenty five years. I met her the same time I met Sheilia in church in Washington State. I was a young newlywed joining my husband in the church where he was a member. She and I hit it off right away, especially since we both loved singing. We sang in the choir together and then later, I was invited to join her and another friend in a ladies’ trio. I learned so much about music from MaLinda and Anita and I loved being a part of the group. We called ourselves “Higher Praise” and even made a cassette tape of the songs we sang. We have kept in touch and have been able to visit with one another in person throughout the years.

“Well, my sister is better. Recovering from COVID, ” she wrote. “My job is letting me work full time again and all my kids and grands are happy and healthy! Don’t know what more I could ask for.” She then mentioned the transformation in her oldest daughter. In August of 2010, twenty-seven year old Amanda was arrested for meth possession with the intent to distribute. She wasn’t even the one the police were after in a drug bust going on when she was caught. She had an unpaid parking ticket and had a warrant out for her arrest. She was sentenced to federal prison for thirty months, but spent twenty months instead. Four months were in a halfway house and two months in home confinement. Amanda was granted three years probation but was let off ten months early for doing everything she was supposed to do. She said being arrested saved her life.

“My advice for parents is to watch your kids and their friends”, MaLinda contributed. “Be a parent, not a friend. It’s hard because no one wants to be the bad guy. Parents don’t want to invade their privacy…too bad. I hope that her story helps save some mammas out there some heartache.”

MaLinda was looking through old files trying to remember the trial and came across e-mails begging Amanda to get help and telling her that her kids (an almost nine year old and a seven year old) need her. “The worst day of my life was when I went to court and had to see her in shackles and cuffs”, MaLinda shared. Some of the details are a little fuzzy now for her and Amanda and hard to remember. Time, healing, and moving forward has a huge part in that.

Amanda’s road to trouble didn’t start right before she went to prison, but she has now been clean and sober for eight and half years! She turned her life around and is doing great now. She would love to share her story someday in churches or wherever she can to hopefully help keep someone from making the same mistakes she did. And MaLinda would love to put it on a billboard because there are so many out there with addictions.

“We had a lot of people praying for her”, MaLinda commented. When I asked her if I could share these photos, she said I could and that they remind her to not give up. It took longer than they wanted for things to change, but God answered their prayers.

First photo: Left – (2012, the day she was arrested) Right– (2018) Middle photo: – her kids visiting in California Last photo: A more recent picture

Other “Tell Me Something Good” entries: Sheilia’s Story Michelle’s Story

The Best Light

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Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in the best light.

Jennie J. Churchill

Looking for the best in those around us -whether in the home, out in town, or on social media – can turn someone’s day around. We never know what others are dealing with behind closed doors. The family member, the co-worker, the neighbor, the waitress, the cashier, the teacher, the pastor – they have needs and strengths, too. Compliment, love, be generous in encouragement.

Romans 15:5-6, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tell Me Something Good – Michelle’s Story

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“I am working on a blog post series along the lines of, “Tell Me Something Good”. The news is depressing right now so I thought I’d go around to friends and family to ask about some good things I can share. It may give a little hope to someone who reads the blog. Tell me something good!”

Michelle wrote back, “I like the idea! Do you want something deep or something simple?”

“Whatever you want! The idea was sparked today through another friend who found out her cancer has not returned and she does not need to see her doctor for another two years.” (See: Tell Me Something Good – Sheilia’s Story.)

Michelle and I have been friends for about 10 years. When we met, my family and I were living in Mexico at the time as missionaries and her church came down one week in the summer several years in a row for a missions trip. They helped clean up property for a huge addition on to our church building. Their group helped pass out Gospel tracts, paint, clean, whatever needed to be done. They shared testimonies and sang specials during the services we would have at night. Because she grew up in Guatemala, she is fluent in Spanish. Michelle was able to fellowship with our church people really well and help interpret conversations as needed. She and I have a lot in common as “missionary kids” and we hit it off right away. And even though we haven’t seen each other in years, we still keep in touch.

“Well, Savannah and I got to take a vacation to Cancun despite all this. Prices were affordable because of COVID. Just before we left, we found out our resort was closed, so our reservation was moved to a five star luxury resort at no extra cost. There was hardly anyone there, the weather was perfect every day, and the water was amazing. God worked all the details out and it was better than imagined!”

They even had a butler, she said, but didn’t use his services near enough because she and her daughter are used to doing everything themselves.

She shared that it was the end of the season when turtles come ashore to lay eggs (April through July). All the holes and tracks you see in the photo on the right are where the turtles came up during the night. “Fun Fact: Sea turtles will always return to the beach they were born on to lay their eggs”, she said. “They can live for about 80 years and can lay eggs for 40-50 years.” The turtles came in very early in the morning, so Michelle and Savannah didn’t get to see them. They were still impressed, though, by the evidence the turtles left in the sand.

Cancun looks like an amazing, relaxing place to vacation! I love her “Tell Me Something Good” story! If you liked this post and would like to share your story, comment below and “Tell Me Something Good”! I have a few more stories to share in the coming weeks.

Tell Me Something Good – Sheilia’s Story

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“Is your follow up appointment for the CT scan results still today?”, I texted Sheilia.

“Yes. It’s at 9:30 my time.”

“I know the results are already in. I’m sure it’s been difficult to wait. I’m praying for a clean slate but also for peace…either way.” Peace, either way. His will be done, either way, I was thinking, but also holding my breath for the answer. Please please, let there be good news.

A few hours later, she wrote me back. “Everything is good! I don’t need to go back for another two years.”

Sheilia and I have been friends for nearly as long as I have been married (25 years!). John was in the Navy at the time of our wedding which was in New Mexico. He was stationed in Bremerton, Washington and I moved there with him to begin the rest of our life together. He took me to the church where he was a member and I was a stranger. Sheilia and her family were one of the first to welcome me into the church and we hit it off right away. It wasn’t long before we were singing together in the choir and in a ladies’ singing group. We spent hours at each other’s homes playing games ’til way past midnight. We went shopping often and even taught elementary school together. When I was in the hospital in labor getting ready for Jonathan’s birth, she (and her kids!) were in the hospital room with me – during contractions and all. Well – not for everything. They did stay back in the waiting room for the rest of the time. They took to Jonathan like family and I almost had to relinquish custody of him when we were with them. They loved him as one of their own. Sheilia even went with me to pick Jonathan up from the hospital after he was released. Due to his premature birth, he had to stay in the NICU for three weeks. We were close. Her family has a very special place in our hearts.

She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma the end of June 2010. It was Stage 3 – in the spleen, lymph nodes in her neck, and lymph nodes in her back area. She had surgery in August of that year to remove her spleen. Chemo lasted between six to eight hours and was every four to five weeks through February 2011 before becoming cancer free. For the next year and a half, she had to keep the port that was put in her chest just in case she needed more chemo treatments. Every five weeks, the port had to be flushed out with saline. Life was exhausting for her. For the first five years after chemotherapy, she went to the doctor once a year for a CT scan, for blood work, and for a checkup. Then it was every two years. Unless she feels any symptoms coming on, she does not need to see the doctor but once a year for just blood work and a general checkup. Her white blood cells were up a few weeks ago which caused the doctor to schedule the CT scan. She said it could have been just an infection. She has been considered CANCER FREE for nine years now. “Praise the Lord”, she declares.

“People ask me about my cancer every once in awhile and I don’t mind at all, telling them about it. I don’t get any of those feelings of anxiety when I do, but when it gets close to the checkup time, that anxiety rushes in, even though I know the Lord’s in complete control. Then after the checkup, I’m fine again. But I praise the Lord every day for His grace.”

When Sheilia shared with me that her CT scan was clear, I was so relieved to hear the news. There is so much bad news in the world right now that it can be depressing. Do you feel that way as well? As I was reflecting on Sheilia’s news, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends to “tell me something good” and explained about my friend Shielia’s cancer free update. I can’t help but share it with you because maybe you need to hear some good news, too. Positive things are happening, God is still working, and He is still with us no matter what.

If you liked this post and would like to share your story, comment below and “Tell Me Something Good”! I have a few more stories to share in the coming weeks.

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:2

Motivation Daily

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People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.

Zig Ziglar

Are you doing ok during this pandemic? Have you been able to keep your sanity, motivation, and sense of well-being? The changes in society lately have thrown life a curveball with many adjustments needing to be made. Some days, I don’t even know what day it is! Yesterday, I looked at my husband’s medication organizer and saw that he had taken Thursday’s medication. “It’s only Wednesday”, I thought. “Poor man got his meds confused and doesn’t even know what day it is”. I thought about it for a minute because something seemed “off”. Did he take a double dose of medication this week? I looked at the calendar on my cell phone and was shocked that it was Thursday and not Wednesday. I had lost track of a whole day somehow.

So much has happened since COVID 19 has taken over. My husband was hired to work for the VA in Waco, TX. Within a few weeks time, he had a much needed shoulder surgery, we packed a few things, rented an apartment – sight unseen, moved from El Paso to Waco, and he started working. The whirlwind of activity started in June. A month later, we are settled and very happy that John is able to work during this crazy time frame.

One year ago, he graduated from college but could barely walk due to hip pain. One year ago, I wondered how many days would he spend in bed because it was too painful for him to move. One year ago, he had his first total hip replacement surgery. One year ago, when he had moments of coherency, he started looking for work, putting his resumé out into the world. And one year later, he is able to work all day and still be able to come home and be functional. One year can make a difference. One year ago, we were very concerned for our little church in Mexico who had no pastor because John did not have the strength to preach. At times, we were very discouraged and wondered when all the surgeries would end and if our church would ever have someone be able to take over for us. John mentioned the other day that he had been under anaesthesia seven times in four years due to various procedures. I am glad to report that John is doing well and that our church has a man who has taken the work for us. We are very pleased with the direction the church is taking and we are so grateful our church family has a good leader present – especially during this year and all its craziness! Everything from the surgeons John has had, to the healing, to how the details came together for a National to be willing to come to the church, to the way the job offer happened, to the way the apartment we rented is just perfect for us in every way…it is ALL God working. One year ago, all this seemed impossible.

It is challenging to be motivated to trust God when we do not feel like it. Motivation is a daily choice. It has to be taken (chosen) daily like medication or vitamins. The last few years have not been easy for us, but we kept each other motivated to keep pressing on. We took one day, one surgery, one physical therapy appointment at a time. We decided to trust God’s heart when we couldn’t trace His hand. We would have never guessed that we would be making such huge moves during a pandemic. I can only hope one year from now, things will be less confining and confusing in the world concerning the virus. There is still more work to be done on John, but the fact that he has been able to do so much in such little time has been encouraging. To witness the church’s determination to keep the doors open and to see the amazing ministry that is happening now is beyond any feeling I could describe to you. We love our church family deeply. I just talked to a member today on the phone and the sound of her voice nearly made me cry. We had such a good conversation and the church is doing well even in these uncertain times. Good things are happening. Thank you, Lord.

The motivation to keep going may not show results today, but amazing things can happen in the next year if we don’t give up. God is still working – even right now.

Thank you for reading today’s record of graces. I value your time and your encouragement.

Late Spring Stray Gifts

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‘Tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes!

William Wordsworth

Anyone who has a yard to tend to or a garden to keep up with understands that it is a LOT of work. It is constantly watching for bugs out to harm your precious growing things or minding the feeding, fertilizing, and watering. It is brutally hot here in the summer and I have to get up early if I want to do any work in the yard while the weather is tolerable…and some days I just do not feel like it! But the yard is important to me and since I enjoy the flowers growing and seeing the grass come through, I must put my work clothes on and get out there and do the work. Yesterday morning, I was out pulling weeds, trimming dead roses off the bush, and cutting off dry mums. If I didn’t do the work, I would certainly miss the opportunity to see beautiful things in the yard, smell wet grass after I have watered, or hear the birds sing after I have filled the birdfeeder.

It has been a while since I have shared a “stray gifts” post, so I thought it was time to put together a few photos I have taken and show you a few that have been put in my path.


From left to right, top to bottom:

  • Orange mums are starting to show up. They are so bright and cheerful!
  • Jonathan and I planted sunflowers this year and one by one, they are starting to open up!
  • I love to see where the sunlight lands at different times of the day in the house. This one caught me by surprise as I walked by it. I had never noticed the sun coming through the high window putting a spotlight on a growing vine that is on a tall shelf in the living room.
  • A handmade card from my twelve-year-old niece and a sweet note from her sister, who is four. A note in the mail is always a treat! I love to see how creative my niece gets with each card she makes for me.
  • My dad was a great biscuit maker when I was growing up. He still has the magic touch and is teaching Jonathan how to make them from scratch. Biscuits and gravy on a lazy Saturday morning are amazing.
  • Here is another photo of light landing on a plant in the house which caused me to stop and take notice.
  • This seems to be the “year of the honeysuckle” in our yard. We have had these for a few years now and, for some reason, the vine has just exploded continually in blooms! When there is a breeze in the air, the whole yard smells so heavenly.
  • I jumped on the sourdough bread bandwagon when the quarantine hit. I had tried it a few years ago but became frustrated with the learning process. I gave it another try and realized that making a loaf of bread is much more difficult and I have settled on making English muffins instead. I was determined to make this work after reading the health benefits from sourdough. So far, it is working for me and everyone loves these. I’ve also tried crepes and waffles using the sourdough and everyone gives them a ‘thumbs up’.

Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
-William Wordsworth, 1806

Using the Legs of Faith

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It is not the load that breaks you down; it is the way you carry it.

“Use your leg muscles, not your back muscles.” This is an essential rule in movement. Lifting heavy objects improperly may not affect our back the first few times we try it. But over time, injury occurs due to too much wear and tear on the back muscles. The power and stability come from the legs which should be doing most of the work. When we feel strain due to too much back pressure, it can cause a lack of balance and result in suffering.

Using the legs of faith which are grounded in Christ is an essential “must” for movement with the weight of life’s burdens. Trying to journey through illness, loss, and heartaches by ourselves will cause damage to our overall health and wellness. Christ doesn’t want us to carry our trials alone. He wants us to come to Him often, boldly, and willingly – trusting that He will continue to give grace and supply us with strength and wisdom.

Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

He Holds

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Perhaps the opposite of faith is not doubt, but fear.

Ann Voskamp- One Thousand Gifts

I call myself a “believer”. I believe that God sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins, that Christ rose from the grave, and that He came to save me. I was saved at a young age and one would think that I, on the sunny side of 49 years old, would have no trouble trusting that God is a good God. I trust the Savior for salvation from sins, yes, but do I trust Him for the salvation from fear? A lot of setbacks, a few surgeries for John (a shoulder one coming up in June), some changes in plans, and the question marks about the next year have caused a bit of worry. Is God surprised by these things? My mind says, “No”. My heart is wary.

Much (if not all) of the apprehension in my life over whether or not God will take care of me (us) has proven a waste of time. If I had stilled the doubts and waited for God to prove He is the “I am” in everything, I would have had a better way to use up my energy.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29

Stress and questioning God seem easier than trusting. Fretting and fearing are a lot less work because they require no discipline, no training of the mind to do the hard thing, no letting go of control. They cause the heart to be lazy, forgetful, and wild. Anxiety never brings joy. The work of God for me is to believe on Him, to believe Him – that He is watching, that He is in the making of our future, that He is able to care for all the details in life. With a trusting heart, I can thank Him for salvation from sins to salvation from fear and worry – whether or not I have answers about what the future holds.

“Can God be counted on? Count blessings and find out how many of His bridges have held…Trust is the bridge from yesterday to tomorrow, built with planks of thanks…I can walk the planks – from known to unknown – and know: He holds.”

Ann Voskamp – One Thousand Gifts

With Confidence and Expectancy

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Faith gives us the courage to face the present with confidence and the future with expectancy.

Having faith in God recognizes that He puts things in my path for a reason. Each small thing, each step forward in life, each moment adds up to His drawing me closer and helps me face a new day with confidence. John and I have had a lot of changes over the last few years and have some major decisions coming up which include shoulder surgery, a career change and a possible move. Facing the present with confidence is not easy somedays, yet nothing is a surprise to God. He is in the business of working out all things for His glory. My feet can hit the floor in the morning expecting that His plan is not for evil or for confusion but for peace and for a closer walk with Him.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13