Good Monday Morning everyone! It's a wonderful day to be alive! (My apologies to the working world out there...I realize that Mondays aren't a big favorite, but when you are retired, every day is a great day!)
I am thinking today about "life's fragile thread"...
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Saw these fragile, but strong threads of this Golden Silk Orb Spider web on our walk this morning... |
My apologies also that I have not not posted a "Sermon Notes" post in the past couple of weeks. We were traveling last Sunday (more about that trip in a minute) and unable to attend church, and then yesterday we went to visit my mother in law at the nursing home because she had fallen late Friday night and no one was able to go visit her on Saturday due to being at a memorial service for our dear
cousin Janice, (click Here for more about her story) and we really felt we needed to go check on her. So glad we did. Thankfully she did not injure herself when she fell, but apparently her body and mind have slipped back to where she was a couple of weeks ago, and she's back in bed. We realize that when one is 95 years old, every day is a gift, and we just have to take it one day at a time.
If you have followed any of my last posts, you are well aware that we traveled a week ago out of state for a
family reunion. On our way to North Carolina for the gathering, we traveled by way of Atlanta, Georgia, so we could visit my oldest brother Russell in the hospital. Just prior to our planned reunion, my brother was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and he was admitted to the hospital posthaste to begin intensive chemotherapy and to stay for at least four-five weeks in "isolation". This was quite disturbing news for him and for all of us in itself, and there was no way that he could even wait one more week so that he could be with the family for the reunion. There was some discussion about postponing the reunion until he could participate, but he did not want us to change our plans.
And so we traveled to Atlanta...
And I must say that for this country girl, the experience of traveling through Atlanta on a busy Friday afternoon was not one that I would want to do again anytime soon. So thankful for my hubby's careful and expert driving...but that's another whole story.
We arrived safely, and my brother and his wife were very happy to see us. Thankfully, we were allowed to visit with them as long as we donned sterile gowns and shoe coverings. I was surprised that we didn't have to wear masks and gloves too...
My brother and his wife Anne
My brother and me
The rest of our crew...#1 Son, his beloved bride, and my sweet hubby, the expert driver.
The good news is that my brother may get to go home next week, as it appears his bone marrow is beginning to create new cells again. However, he will be actively continuing as an outpatient for some time. Please continue to pray for him if you will, as he still has a long way to go, but we are thankful for the encouraging news this week. In the meantime, my other siblings and myself must each submit a "DNA" sample to be tested for a possible Bone Marrow match in case our brother should need it...
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The beautiful skies as we left Atlanta and headed toward North Carolina to continue our journey. |
Again, this story reminds us of the fragility of life...how quickly things can change. For our cousin Janice...she went into the hospital for very serious heart surgery, and never regained consciousness. She thought she'd be back home in a week...
For my brother, This is what he was doing before the diagnosis of leukemia...building a boat! Yes, literally building this boat from bow to stern...
And we are praying he will soon be able to get back to work on it and soon be able to sail away on a happy cruise...
And even for my 95-year old MIL, one day she was celebrating her birthday with family and friends,
and that very day she had a little "spell" that sent her to bed, and it has been up and down, but mostly "down" every since...
Our lives are held by a very fragile thread...
One minute we can be enjoying our lives to the fullest...full of plans for our future, dreams of the rivers we will cross and the mountains we will climb...and then something happens to snap us back to the reality of the fact that our life here is a gift from God...every single moment of life is a gift...
I guess that could be said no matter how old we are...every day is a gift...and we should treasure it as such and live each day as if it could be our last. No one is guaranteed 95 years or even 75 years. (or even 20 years). So make each day count for good...love Jesus, love your neighbors, and give God the glory for all that He has done for you.
"Come now, you who say,
"Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell,
and make a profit"'
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
for what is your life?
It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say,
"If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
James 4:13-15
This Psalm just popped into my head as I have been trying to think of how to bring this post to a positive ending as we ponder how we should live in light of this "fragile thread" of life:
Psalm 100:1-5
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is he who has made us,
and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name,
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
and His truth endures to all generations."
Amen!
This should speak for itself.
Postscript just as I was ready to hit "publish" on this post: Just got a call from the nursing home where my MIL is. They believe we need to come see her today as she seems to be showing signs of preparing for her departure from this life...
so I will let you know later...
Thank you for your prayers.
2nd Postscript: Little did I know when I wrote this this morning that not only would my mother in law be seriously knocking on heaven's door, but my brother would also be in ICU by this afternoon in very serious condition...after being in such good spirits yesterday and looking forward to going home. Again, "Life is fragile...handle with prayer." Thank you again for all your prayers and comments today. They truly mean a lot to me.
Praying for you, Pamela...
ReplyDeletePraying for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteOh yes dear friend, life is fragile. We never know what tomorrow holds but how I praise Him that I know the ONE that holds tomorrow! Such great news on your brother and so thankful that MIL's fall wasn't any worse. So sorry to hear about your cousin. My mercy. I just got this word this morning about a lady that I know that went to the dermatologist for a regular check up and was called back on the same day for news that wasn't good at all. Surgery, chemo and radiation looks like it's in store for her. So many to pray for but so grateful I can pray to the One that can heal. Either here on earth on in heaven. Speaking of Atlanta...Oh my! That indeed is some bad traffic isn't it? I get nervous driving on a 2 lane country road! LOL! Love you Pam and praying for your family. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeletePraying for a quick and complete recovery for your brother.
ReplyDeleteMy I do love that boat, hopefully soon you can all get to ride in it.
You know I'm a Georgia girl but I don't drive in Atlanta either, only once in my life and that taught me a lesson real fast.
Beautiful post and thoughts, Pamela. The spider web is so pretty. I learned 33 years ago the fragility of life when my husband died without any warning of a massive heart attack! I'm happy for the good news about your brother and pray the healing continues and that he gets to finish that boat. Also prayers for all of you and your family as you prepare for whatever comes in the next few days.
ReplyDeleteI hope you got to the nursing home in time. So sorry, Pam. Prayers lifted!! That last Psalm you posted does say it all. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear all the news.
ReplyDeleteI hope your brother sails that boat for many years to come and that your mother in law is in peace and comfort. Prayers for it all and virtual hugs.
Your words, "So make each day count for good...love Jesus, love your neighbors, and give God the glory for all that He has done for you" -- so good to read and apply.
ReplyDeleteI am sad for the hard times you and yours are experiencing right now (that boat of your brother's is wonderful). I'm keeping you in my prayers.
Yes, my friend, life is fragile and every moment we've been given breath is a gift directly from God's hand. I'm so glad that you were able to spend that time with your brother and his wife in the hospital, but ever so sorry to hear of him being in ICU in serious condition now. And your dear mother-in-law...she is so precious and at 95 I'm sure she must be ready to go HOME to be with the Lord. And your husband's cousin...oh my...what a shock that had to be for everyone. You ALL are in my prayers, Pam. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous posting sharing with us that life is fragile, and it is a gift form God, and yes, our days are numbered and we must make the best of our days to the glory of God. Beautiful reminder, dear Pamela.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers will be with your family, so many concerns to pray over and it is a privilege to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Your photo is amazing!!
I must say it again, I love your smile!
God bless you~
Family is truly a gift and what a wonderful visit you gave your brother. Just by his smile I can tell the love you all have for each other. Life is so precious and we have to hold on to our relationships and make the most of every day.
ReplyDeleteSo aware of life's fragility, Pamela, as you well know. Prayers lifted for you and yours, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteMay God be your shield and strength. Blessings!
This is such a reminder that we need to be ready each and every day. Thank you for sharing. I'm praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and your family with comfort and peace during this time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious commentary on how life our fragile really is. We usually think of ourselves as indestructible, but even a little piece of paper can cut our finger. Sending love and hugs and prayers from Tennessee, sweet Friend.
ReplyDelete