wednesday reminders

Sometimes it is helpful to have reminders....

When I switched stations on my radio this morning,

a Jeff and Sheri Easter song filled the car.
I think these lines are the first "reminder" that I heard:
"He never gives us more than we can bear
Cause we can cast on him our every care
And without a doubt, I know he’ll make a way"
I say "I think" because I had so much on my mind that
I had to pull out the cd and try to remember which song I heard.

I read this "reminder" post this morning: 

A little middle-of-the-week reminder

posted over on Heart to Heart with Holley.

I loved the last sentence about my heart having a home
with a Person who will never let me go.

And I received two emails that were "reminders" today:

Email 1

Please know you're 'worth' a lot to me.
You're so extra-special and one-of-a-kind.
But, most importantly, you're worth something to God.
Even though I may not tell you often ... I LOVE YOU!
And God will always love you.
Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

You can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens.
You smile when you feel like screaming, and you sing when you feel like crying.
You cry when you're happy and laugh when you're afraid.
Your love is unconditional.
But, there's only one thing wrong - you forget what you're worth!

Email 2

 A Lovely E-Mail from Jesus

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?
If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a forgiver?
If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem, How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, Then what would you need me for?
Love,
Jesus 

And a verse I read this morning also reminded me - 

 that the Lord is my keeper! that he is taking care of me!

Psalm 121:7
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Remind me Lord -
to think on good things,
to think on Your promises,
to trust in Your Word.

a BFP

a BFP

care to
 guess what
 BFP stands for?

Big Fat Positive!

It is an unlikely occurrence
(like less than 1% chance) -

but an exciting one!

The kiddos #
 I am aunt to
is going from 6 to 7. =)



It looks like Emma will be (Lord willing)
a big sister sometime around August 6th.

memories of Jerry

random thoughts about Uncle Jerry:

used to be scared of him
facial hair, loud voice
would get upset if you woke him  up

cowboy boots and blue jeans
his strut
folded his arms a bit
motorcycles (and his calendars)
sleeping on the couch (or in the chair)
3rd shift worker
fishing
talking about the Cafe
looking over his awards on his wall - from the rescue squad days
the photo of him with a bridesmaid on the wall 
paneled wall bedroom - playing in that room while growing up

learning to love him more -
last conversation included talking about where my house was located /
how he had visited Allison, went through McCollhow that contact (medicine) had dried him out -(he had a bad cough for a while)
had experienced indigestion (from hot dogs and buffalo chicken sandwich from the cafe, eating tums) little did he know that these were warning signs!
he was going in to work - not supposed to work, but they needed security
so the last time I saw him, he was dressed to go to work at Wells (Hydro aluminum?)

he would shake his head / hair
cologne used
his laugh
loved to pick and cut up
funny
hot-tempered
all the towels he would use in the bathroom - full of steam
all his change that he would dump on the LR photo stand (along with lighters, etc)
full of nervous energy  - couldn't be still
he had a smoker's voice - raspym
Something that makes me smile - remembering he's say "What you doing Nana?"
someone you liked to be aroundmy brother is so much like him

the agony as my aunt called me within an hour after saying he was at the dr
"He didn't make it!"
putting my head on my desk and sobbing
haivng to call my mama and tell her
going home and wrapping her in my arms, crying together
going through memories alone at mama and daddy's house
crying my heart out, making myself sick
finding hope as bro. glenn read Psalm 34:6 -
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
life is full of the unexpected 
i want to be ready.
Lord help me.

my help

 God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

unexpected grief

Less than 24 hours ago, we sat and talked.

Conversations sweet, memories to cherish.

NO IDEA...that it would be the last time I watched him leave for work.

Around a six hour round trip, 

I am so thankful that God granted us the opportunity for that one last visit.

I have no more words, because my heart is shattered with grief.

I love you Uncle Jerry!

inspiration for ordinary

‘Normal day,

let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you,

love you,

bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by

in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may,

for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow,

or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want,

more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

*** shared with me from a super-nice blogger! :)