Wednesday Treasures~Remembering Matthew

Hello Friends.  This may be a little different kind of post today.  You see, it is the 53rd birthday of our son Matthew, who is celebrating in heaven.  He's been celebrating there since May 25th, 2014...almost 12 years already, and that I can hardly fathom!

One of my favorite pictures of Matthew. I call it "Deer Matthew".

 The time really does fly, because in some ways it seems like it was just yesterday that he was still with us, celebrating his 41st birthday with our whole family.

This link tells more about that special birthday party, Matthew's 41st birthday, 

Matthew was enjoying his last birthday with all of the family there to celebrate with him.

I've been adding these links below to posts that I've written in memory of Matthew on his special birthdays since his passing, along with a few other special memories. I don't expect you to read all of these posts (unless you want to). I was trying to keep track of them for my own benefit.  Some of them may seem repetitive...I guess because,  sadly, there's no new news in Matthew's life to share.  So we cherish the wonderful memories that we do have and try to keep his memory alive in our hearts and minds.

Link to Matthew's 45th heavenly birthday (2018)

Link to Matthew's 49th heavenly birthday 

Link to Matthew's heavenly 50th birthday, which includes links to other posts about Matthew from his life.

Link to Matthew's 51st heavenly birthday

Link to Matthew's 52nd heavenly birthday

Link to "The Shaving Lesson", January, 2014

Link to Random Thoughts from a Grieving Heart, October 2014

Today we really didn't do anything special. I want to plant another rose bush in Matthew's memory, which hopefully will survive my lack of green thumb.  We may have to wait a little while, however, since we are still in a drought here.

I did go outside for a while and sat in the "Secret/Memorial Garden".  I had a little friend come and stay close to me...can you guess who it was?

Yep, Sweet Blackie...my trusty little companion...when I come outside he follows me around wherever I go...

Hello,  Blackie! You are looking very handsome today!

It was a beautiful day out in the garden...even if Still Waters Pond is still very very dry...

I walked down to the edge of the pond and looked around to where there should be water all around that "island" on the left side...I could probably walk all around it and maybe even across the pond, but I don't dare...the ground is very spongy and if my foot broke through, I would probably be up to my knees in muck. So, no thank you!

We dedicated this spot to Matthew after we moved here, because he loved ponds and fishing, and I know he would've loved it here...  

This picture was taken of Matthew on one of his trips down (from Maine) to visit us during those 4 years of battling cancer. Thankfully he was feeling well enough to go do some fishing while here on that particular trip...

These pictures were taken on the Ocklawaha River near the Eureka Bridge. (reference point for my memories).

And wonderfully, his brothers Scott and Benton were able to spend some time with him fishing while he was here...These are just some sweet memories I love to reflect on...

Back to the present:

Sadly the "Secret Memorial Garden" area is in need of a lot of work. But it's been So cold, and So dry...so maybe once the rains start up again I will be able to make this place look more like a garden again.

My poor swing is sinking down into the ground too...we need to do some repair work on it before I dare to "swing" in it again...

I was totally surprised to discover that the azalea bushes were starting to bloom!  That was a blessing and I consider it a gift...

Blackie enjoyed laying there on the ground next to my garden bench and it was as if he was sniffing the flowers and enjoying them...

He was also watching a bird somehwhere there in the area. I could hear it chirping in the distance. Thankfully Blackie didn't go searching for it.

Basically we spent a quiet day...our son Benton came over for a little visit while waiting for his truck to have some repairs  made to the AC system.  It's always wonderful when one of our kids comes over to visit.  I treasure those moments more and more as the years go by.  As we learned from our experience with Matthew, no one is granted immunity for sickness and troubles and sorrows in this life.  We must always be prepared for the possibility that at any time our soul might be required of us and we need to be ready to meet Jesus face to face immediately.  

I know Matthew was ready to go to heaven...he accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age and lived his life as a devoted child of God.  He taught his son Noah all about the Lord from the time Noah was a baby...he made sure that he took the time to "train up (his) child in the way he should go, so that when he is old he will not depart from it..."(based on Proverbs 22:6). Matthew loved his wife Nicole and he honored his parents and lived an exemplary life...but most of all, he loved Jesus.  

Jesus promised that if we believe in Him, He would prepare a place for us in heaven, and that when the time is right, He will come and receive us to Himself so that we can be there with Him for eternity...

John 14:1-6  NKJV

1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 

4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through Me."

I have no doubt that Matthew believed this, and that he is with Jesus, enjoying whatever heavenly "mansion"  God has prepared for him.  He may even be helping build our mansions for when we go there some day. 

Tonight's Sunset...

Let's end this post on a happy "note"....I love this song "I'll Fly Away", here being sung by Reba McEntire and her family...and this is what I believe...

I’ll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over

I’ll fly away

To that home on God’s celestial shore

I’ll fly away

Chorus:

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I’ll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly

I’ll fly away

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I’ll fly away

To a land where joys will never end

I’ll fly away"

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away"

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Matthew! Some day we will "fly away" and be there with you..."Hallelujah By and By!"

Tuesday 4~ Advice: 5 Cents

 

Advice: 5¢

You are very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. We look forward to your participation and seeing your answers to the questions we provide. It's enjoyable to get to know more about blogging friends.

We all take and give advice at least once in our lives.
Oxford dictionary says that advice is: guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.

1. Is there one piece of advice you were given that you feel has been very important in your life?

This scripture verse below was shared with me prior to marriage, and it was the best advice ever given to any married couple:

Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,"
Obviously, every couple will have disagreements about many things, but it is important to not allow those disagreements to carry over into the night and not be settled as much as possible before you go to sleep. Sometimes you may have to "agree to disagree", but do not allow things to fester and grow bigger between you. Try, with as much as is within you, to settle the little issues before they become bigger issues. "Kiss and make up" and get a good night's sleep.  If you have to discuss things further in the morning, at least you will have had time to "sleep on it" and you may have a different perspective in the morning.

2. What advice do you think is important for building good personal relationships?

Practice forgiveness as much as possible.  Even if they don't ask for forgiveness, settle it in your own heart and mind and don't allow unforgiveness to cause you more pain. Sometimes you have to just move on and pray for God to deal with the other person in His own way.  Don't allow other people's problems to destroy you.

Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matthew 6:14-15 

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

3. Do you give advice to friends when they have problems to solve or do you refrain unless asked?

I usually wait until asked, unless I see that someone is headed for something really bad and they need to be warned before it's too late. But that would be an unusual situation. And it also depends on the person. Some people wouldn't listen to good advice no matter what, while others might really appreciate someone's words of wisdom.  It really depends on the relationship and the level of trust between you.

4. What advice can you give us today?  The only good advice I have comes from God's Word. Here is a passage that I have found helpful and comforting throughout the years:

Psalm 37:1-8

"1 Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

And wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm."

The best advice I can give to anyone is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, before it is too late. Our world is rapidly spiraling into a major conflagration, even as I sit here writing and hearing what is going on in Israel as we speak, and for those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, the results could be extremely catastrophic.  

2 Corinthians 6:2

2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

John 14:6 NKJV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through Me."

I realize that this post is pretty heavy on the Scripture, but my heart is truly burdened right now for our country and our world and for so many who really do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. While I am sitting here writing right now, Iran is bombing Israel, Israel is fighting back on many levels...we've had major weather related catastrophes here in our part of the country this past weekend, and there have been fires and earthquakes in many parts of the country and world.  There are also some major financial issues going on throughout the world that could have a serious impact on our own American dollar. If you know anything about the prophecies concerning the end times and the Rapture and the Tribulation, you will realize that Christ's return could be imminent.  I am not a fear monger...just a person who sees the signs of the times and realizes that life as we know it could be changing very rapidly.  

Today, being the first day of October, I will share this one new calendar picture for today, especially because of the verse that is attached, "Pray without ceasing".  I Thessalonians 5:17.  

And with that I will close for today.  Please pray for Israel, and for all of our world.

Amen.

  

Monday, Monday!

Good Monday Morning!  I woke up after a restless night's sleep with disturbing dreams to see these beautiful skies:

And I know I've shared this old hymn many times before, but it is worth sharing again:

When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer
To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

I was so thankful for the beautiful skies and the peaceful serenity of Still Waters Pond, soothing my mind and soul...

To Thee, my God above,
I cry with glowing love,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The fairest graces spring
In hearts that ever sing,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Does sadness fill my mind?
A solace here I find,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Or fades my earthly bliss?
My comfort still is this,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

I found myself looking longingly at the "Secret Memorial Garden", and wishing I could just go spend some time there early in the morning, before the busy-ness of the day takes over... (and yes, that branch hanging down needs to be cut.  There's so much work to be done, and that's what stops me from finding the "rest" that I need for my soul and body.LOL. There's just always something that needs to be done!)

When evil thoughts molest,
With this I shield my breast,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The powers of darkness fear,
When this sweet chant they hear,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Did you all see the full moon last night?  It was amazing! 

When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Yes, the full moon was glorious, but sometimes a full moon also disturbs my sleep.  I think I just had too much of a wonderful weekend with family and friends and blessings overflowing, and perhaps my mind and body were a bit over-stimulated and my mind wouldn't shut down like it should!

I am reminded of Psalm 4:8, which says:

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Be this, while life is mine,
My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song
Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Waking up this morning to this glorious sight restored my peace and calmed my spirit, and I must say I've had more energy this morning than I have had in a while, so I give thanks to God for His peace and grace and love.    May Jesus Christ be praised!! Amen!

So, I know you've heard enough by now about our wonderful weekend, celebrating our anniversary and also the birthdays and anniversaries of some of the rest of our wonderful family together.  It truly was a lovely weekend, and we were blessed with good weather and good fellowship. To top it all off, our son Scott came over yesterday and grilled us some hamburgers and hot dogs. Of course Benton and Rose and the pups came over as well. We just didn't take any pictures.  But we had a good time together and that made our weekend complete. Oh! We also heard from our grandson Noah, who loved seeing the pictures of us on our anniversary that I texted him. He said, "Y'all are cute, and I love you too."  I was surprised he said "y'all", because he's a Maine boy through and through, but I guess he learned the southern lingo from his daddy who was raised in the south, and from us who say "y'all" quite often.  LOL.  I don't care what lingo he used,  I'm just so happy to hear from him!  That truly was the "icing on the cake".  

One thing I forgot to show you from our family gathering on Saturday was this cute gift from my sister in law Peggy. She said she was thinking "FALL", and also thinking about my birthday, which isn't until next month, but they will be away at that time so we probably won't get together.  So she brought me this really cute little Autumn Squirrel couple.

Aren't they adorable?

Lily Grace thought so, and here she's trying to hold her dog Bailey back from chasing them! LOL.  We all know that beagles love to chase squirrels! (What dog doesn't???)

Also, Lily wanted to name the squirrels, so I said she could name them whatever she wanted. The first names that came to her sweet little mind was "Rocky and Bullwinkle".  I told her that Bullwinkle was actually a moose, and also one of these squirrels is a girl and one is a boy. But that did not deter her. She said "Rocky and Bullwinkle" is what I want to name them, and you said I could name them anything I wanted!"  (little bit impertinent, isn't she??)  LOL.  And so Mr. and Mrs. Autumn Squirrel are now known as "Rocky and Bullwinkle".  I'm sure they probably don't mind at all. They are just happy to be safe and warm and dry inside our house and not have to go anywhere else to hunt for nuts! There's plenty of "nuts" right here! LOL. 

I didn't even notice what this gift bag said on it until this morning when I was arranging things on the table.  Dr. Joyce Brothers "became famous in 1955 for winning the top prize on the American game show The $64,000 Question.^[1] Her fame from the game show allowed her to go on to host various advice columns and television shows, which established her as a pioneer in the field of "pop (popular) psychology".(Wikipedia)  I remember hearing all about her when I was a child.  I was about "Lily Grace's" age when Dr. Joyce Brothers became famous. LOL.  Anyway, I love this quote and thought it noteworthy to share:

And yes, today, after a lovely weekend filled with "family happinesses", I can totally agree with her statement.

Of course, I also believe that the "greatest happiness" comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. 

Matthew 19:14  New King James Version

14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, 

and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus also said in John 14:6:

"I am the Way, The Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Without that knowledge and assurance, there really cannot be any true great happiness.

I mentioned having troubling dreams last night...and so I did. Without going into all the details, just to suffice it to say that it appeared in my dream that the world as we know it was coming to a very violent end.  And just before I woke up, I saw a woman singing a song that said "Be sure your children belong to Jesus. There is nothing more important than that."    And with that I woke up and prayed, not just for my own children (although I do know that they do know Jesus), but for many other "children", both young and old, who still have not made that decision to accept Christ as their Savior.  Time is running out for this world.  People need to make sure of their salvation now, before it is too late. And with that I will  close this post, praying that if there is anyone out there who isn't sure about their faith in Christ, it's time to settle that issue now with God.  Amen.

 

Celebrating The Life of a Son

 I started writing this last night, but just couldn't finish it.  I guess there is so much I want to say, and yet just couldn't find the words, so I went to bed to sleep on it.  I really wanted something to be on here on his birthday, but I am sure Matthew would understand.  So here we go again...beginning with where I was writing last night:

Today (February 25, 2023) is our son Matthew's 50th birthday. However, like he has for the past almost nine years, he is celebrating in heaven.  

It doesn't seem possible that it has been fifty years since I gave birth to this child.  His birth was a bit scary...things weren't going well...when he was finally born they whisked him away from me and put him where they could monitor his breathing, etc.  I never got to hold him and or really look at him because of the medicine I'd been given (a spinal), and to lift my head would give me a serious headache.  The Doctor told my husband that our baby could have some serious problems.  My husband didn't want to tell me, but I made him tell me what the Doctor had said.  I told him there was nothing wrong with our baby.  When they finally brought him to me I took one look at him and knew he was perfect in every way, and he was.  None of the dire predictions about him came true. Either the Doctor was wrong, or God healed him right then and there.  However, I did get the bad headache anyway and had to stay flat on my back for a week after going home from the hospital, which was no easy feat with an 18 month old child at home and a newborn baby...but God brought me through that too and everything was fine.

We named our son Matthew, which means "Gift of God". And he was that in every way. We had not "planned" on having another child that quickly after our first one, but God had other plans, and His plans are not our plans, but His plans are always best.

Our first two sons, Benton (2 yrs.) and Matthew (6 months)

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Matthew was a wonderful child in every way, but somewhat precocious and bold.  Life would never be boring with Matthew around.  He was a happy child and full of energy and a zest for living. 

Matthew age 1

Our family in 1980, with sons Scott, Matthew, Benton

 I don't intend to write his whole life story here tonight, but felt like I needed to write something special on this, what would be his 50th birthday.  But I seem to be struggling.  Maybe I will have to finish this another time. 

I almost forgot...we traveled down to see our old house in Salt Springs, because I wanted to see for myself if there were any azaleas blooming in the old Memorial Garden. I had posted some pictures HERE LAST WEEK from when our son and DIL took a ride there and reported what sad condition everything outside was in.  They were right...the outside of the grounds around the house are in terrible shape...no one is taking care of it even though it is listed for sale at a very high price. We have not lived there for about 4 years, and we haven't been able to get up close to see the condition until now, because it is empty.  Anyway, I was pleased to see these azaleas blooming in the old Memorial Garden. It was somewhat comforting to sit in the arbor on Matthew's birthday, that we built in memory of him back when we lived there.  It was kind of bittersweet, but I'm glad we did it.

(Sunday, Feb. 26th), Okay, so that's where I left off last night. I've been going back and reading older posts that I wrote over the past thirteen years...yes, that's right...since 2010, when we first got the news that our son was diagnosed with cancer. Below are a lot of different links to posts that were written throughout those years as I was dealing with impending loss and wavering in hope and praying for miracles. Some of these stories are about Matthew's life before cancer, and the other miraculous events of his life.  

I don't expect you to go back and read all of these, unless you really want to. I mostly wanted to put them here for my own benefit, so I can find them more easily in the future. There are other posts beyond these that are not included that can probably be found by clicking on the topic, "Death of Child" in the right hand column of my blog page.  

Here's what I wrote Last Year at this time.

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/02/moments-of-grace-reflections-of-praise.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/03/testing-trials-and-miracles.html

God's Perfect Timing...a Miraculous Story

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/04/who-holds-keys-to-your-life.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2011/11/matthew-and-noahs-saga-of-moose-hunt.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/03/conversations-with-god.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-reflections-and-reality-checks.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/05/desires-of-heart-updated.html

https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-could-i-not-want-this-day-to-come.html

These are just some random photos...

 

Our Three Sons, 1992

Matthew singing to his bride Nicole while dancing at their wedding.

He was singing along with Keith Green's song "Love With Me"

Keith Green singing 'Love With Me'

Matthew was a huge fan of Keith Green, and credits the testimony of Keith and his music of helping to lead him to commit his life to Christ when he was a teenager.

Matthew greeting his grandpa Mursch at his wedding rehearsal party, while his Granddaddy and Nanny Steiner looked on. They are all celebrating in heaven today.

Matthew dancing with my mother, his Grandma Mursch, at his wedding in 1993.

When Matthew became a daddy...1999

Matthew, me, and Noah 2013

"Deer Matthew"

Steiner men, Feb. 2014, John, Benton, Noah, Matt, Scott

Matthew and brother Benton walking together 2014

Our family, Feb. 2014

Matthew's 41st birthday party, Feb. 2014

The last family portrait of Matthew and his wife Nicole and Noah, when they were on vacation in February, 2014.   Matthew passed away on May 25, 2014.

If you do take the time to read through the above posts, I hope it will give you a better understanding of just who our son Matthew was.  There's so much more...but most of all, he was a wonderful Christian young man, son, brother, husband, father.  He loved Jesus, his family, and was a good friend and neighbor to those who had the privilege of knowing him. We don't understand why God chose to take him home so young. But we had to accept the fact that Matthew was definitely a gift of God to us for the time we were allowed to have him here with us.  Ultimately he belonged to God, and when God was ready to call him back home to heaven, we had to say farewell.  The wonderful thing is we know where Matthew is and that we will see him again one day in heaven. Right now he is there helping Jesus prepare a home for us to come to one day.  Jesus said, 

John 14:1-6

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you. 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; 

that where I am, there you may be also. 

4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through Me.

I guess I need to wrap this up.  Like I said before, I have put much of this together for my own benefit for future reference. But if you do take the time to read any of the linked posts, I hope there will be a story here that will touch your heart and help you to understand why Matthew's story was so unique and special.  He was a miracle child in so many ways...and when he died my thought was that I guess God ran out of miracles for him.  But that's not true.   The greatest miracle of all is that Matthew is alive and well today, no longer suffering from the pain and ravages of cancer, living in heaven with Jesus and all those who have gone on before us...and we will be together again one day. That gives me great peace and joy in my heart and helps me to cope when I find myself missing him, like right now.

This song was sung at Matthew's memorial service, another one by Keith Green. It was another special favorite.

Thank you for "listening" while I ramble on. I pray you all have a blessed and wonderful day. And please take time to kiss your babies and loved ones and let them know how much you love them while there is yet time.  No one is promised tomorrow.