I have a friend who is undergoing some major testing and hardship right now. I wrote this to her today.
Hey,
Have you read Psalm 27 lately. This afternoon the LORD called me to some quiet time and I came across this and immediately thought of you. “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Amen and amen!
I found this fabric the other day at the Hancock’s Fabrics that is going out of business. Score! I couldn’t resist. I bought close to nine yards for just $22. Who says we need two incomes to survive when I am a bargain hunter/finder extraordinaire (not to mention a tightwad to boot). Liz, if you like it, it is yours. We can make some drapes when I come to visit. If you don’t like it, I will use it for one of the many projects roaming about in my mind. In case you are wondering, it is heavy weight decorator fabric.
The other day I was at a yard sale here in Birmingham. The house was an old southern home with a large wrap-around porch. I was able to explore the porch because much of the goods for sale were up there. Also up there resting on a bench were two aged ladies, with silver/white hair and sweet dispositions. We exchanged a few niceties, especially related to my two sweet little girls. I figured out that these two ladies were fellow believers; sisters in Christ, matriarchs.
What thoughts enter your mind when you see the aged? Bad driver. Slow. Bingo. While these things might be so for some, let us consider if they are believers. These people are some of the most valuable in all of society. If they are believers their silver hair is a crown of glory! If they are those that walk circumspectly with the LORD and have for decades they are people whose time and friendship we should covet and seek out. They truly are jewels.
Here in Birmingham I have tried to develop friendships with a few older ladies, but to no avail. I truly pray and hope that in Iowa there is a Christian woman who will be willing to spend some time with me, pray with me, encourage me, rebuke me if need be.
On another note, Sophia’s new favorite snack is “applesalsa”.
I had a nightmare last night. It was a very vivid one about some gunmen attacking me and my family. First he shot me in the stomach multiple times. I was dying, but miraculously healed. It was my own dream, I couldn’t die. Then they went after Zac, and held us all captive. We eventually escaped, and I woke up to a safe and healthy family. The case, as you all know, is not so for 32 families whose loved ones where gunned down at Virginia Tech yesterday. We ought to pray for those who are grieving, including the family of Cho Seung-Hui, who is the perpetrator.
For those of us who have loved ones whose livelihoods will be lived out at universities, let us pray that nothing like this will happen to them. We know though that no matter what God is sovereign and that is His love for us is vast beyond all measure.
Looks like summer is going to be short this year. As everyone knows we are moving to Iowa. The glory days are over. That is, no more long summers and short “winters” here in Birmingham. If you don’t already know, I hate snow. After living in Saskatchewan for 25 plus years I don’t care if I ever see another snow flake again. Well, the LORD has decided on destination snow for us. I am going to try to make the best of it. First things first, I must get Zac with a snowball before he gets me. But, shhhh, don’t tell him.
I also hope to take up cross country skiing. And of course we have to take the girls tobogganing. You know, put them on a toboggan and push them down a hill. We will also have to get the girls some skates. Of course Zac will have to get a pair of skates (and a chair just for skating).
Anywho, this probably won’t be the last post about snow. Alas, I will seek to be like the woman of Proverbs 31 and “not be afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in [really thick jackets and many layers of cotton]“. I must go and get ready to go to the thrift store. Today is 50% off day at the Sally Anne and I am going to stock up on winter clothing for the Hensley household.
One last thing, please head over here and read an interview with Mrs. Becky Lynn Black. “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (Hebrews 13:3)
You don’t have to write everyday, just sometimes, when you are not totally exhausted, bombarded by children, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. Just once, I don’t know, every month or so. I have learned so much from you already, and even though I am older than you in years you are older than me in many ways so please share your wisdom. Please.
