Urgent Prayers Needed

I know after neglecting my blog since Christmas, I probably have very few even checking it.  :(  But the Bible says, "Where two or more are gathered..."  I'm sure by now, even if you live far away from me, you've heard about the Mississippi River and all the flooding surrounding it.  Towns and cities are being flooded up and down the river.  This month is supposed to break records from 1937!  My little Louisiana town sits right on the Mighty Mississippi and flood stage here is 48 ft.  On the 21st of this month, it is expected to crest at 64 ft!  The highest I've ever seen it was when it reached almost 58 ft. in 2008 and it was mainly just up on the riverfront then~ not even to the buildings. Even though officials and the Corps of Engineers believe our levees will hold, our town is frantically working around the clock to build temporary levees around buildings on the riverfront and our water wells.  Some towns (in Mississippi and Louisiana) that are not even an hour away are already flooding.  A lot of our residents are fleeing for higher ground or, at the very least, are packing up family heirlooms, photos and other irreplaceable possessions.  That is where my husband and I are~ in the process of packing sentimental things.  No mandatory evacuations will be ordered unless the levee breaks or water comes over it.  You can see pictures or read more about it in our local paper  http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/. 
 
Yesterday, my Mother's Day was not spent with any of my girls (they couldn't come home).  It was spent digging through my closets and cabinets searching for pictures and other sentimental things.  I came across my children's old art and work from elementary school and spent hours reading old Mother's Day cards my girls had made and reading sentences formed in Kindergarten and written in little journals.  Very sweet memories.  In spite of our circumstances, God gave me a Mother's Day gift.  :)  (I also got a Kindle in the mail today from my daughter, Mallory and her hubby, Daniel.  Thanks, M & D!  I love y'all.)

Anyway, please pray for all those along the Mississippi and its tributaries.  We're just blessed to be given this time to pray and pack up our things.  Time that many recent disaster victims didn't have.

Unless God intervenes, it will be a long time before I get pictures of Leon (or anyone) on our Riverwalk.  :(

Not that that's important right now, but see what a pretty background our river makes?!  Now, between the walkway and those rocks everything has been dug up in order to make a temporary levee.  Just praying it helps.

I miss this sweet face!  Haven't seen him in two months and won't get to keep him again until we are out of danger.  I know all you grandmas out there will sympathize with that!  ;)

Sanctity of Life~ My Thoughts

I am more a patriotic person, than a political activist.  Politics, other than voting my conscience, turns my stomach.  This is my first ever post about a "political issue," but I am discussing it only from a moral, personal point of view. 
Before I begin, I feel led to clarify that I have always been and always will be Pro-Life.  I am very extreme, even in some Christian circles, in that I do not believe there is EVER a valid reason to justify terminating a pregnancy.   I am fully aware of the arguments that even some Christians give to justify terminating a pregnancy.  I've heard them all.  Usually, when I state my opinion that I don't believe in it for any reason, I am asked, "What if you were raped?  Can you honestly say you could love that child?"  No, I have not been raped~ and have utmost sympathy for those who have.  But does it justify murdering your own child???  If every child whose father, or mother, committed a crime (violent or not) were aborted, or murdered after their birth~ how many fewer people would our planet have?  I have two beautiful daughters whom I love with my whole heart.  I won't go into details of what kind of "father" they had before I married Larry, but suffice it to say that if those standards were applied to their lives, they would not be here.  I do not love them in spite of who fathered them.  I LOVE THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE MINE!  I do not love their sister, born of a good man, more than I love them.  How, as a mother, could I hold something beyond their control against my own children? 
"What about when the mother's life is in danger?"  My answer is, "What if it is?  I would DIE for my children.  Even before they were born~ I would have given my life for them.  How can a mother choose her own life over her child's, even if she hasn't met him/her yet?"
"What about a child conceived because of incest?"  That goes back to my original argument about the child of a rapist.  Again, why should a child be killed because of who his/her parent(s) are?  How does putting one through the trauma of an abortion help erase/ease the pain and trauma of rape or incest?
"How do we know when life begins?"   (I haven't heard this one from Christians.)  Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I won't answer that one.  I will show you.  HERE, HERE, and, my personal favorite,  HERE.  In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."  :)

In spite of all my arguments against abortion, (here's where it gets political for some) I have an issue with the demonstrations (not candlelight services, not rallies raising awareness), but demonstrations that bring shame and condemnation on ones who have chosen to have an abortion.  I know some of you are thinking, "WHAT?  You just said you do not believe in abortion under ANY circumstances?!"  I don't and never will.  I'm not condoning those actions.  I am still saying it is sin.  I am still saying it is murder.  But how does condemning, and not loving, ones that have made that choice help the cause?  How does calling someone who, I believe, made a great error in judgment a "murderer" help?  How does throwing blood on women outside a clinic, blowing up a clinic, or murdering an abortionist help?  Instead, I believe we (the body of Christ) need to show compassion to women who felt/feel they had no other choice.  Some actually did not have a choice~ I know some personally that were forced by their parents to have an abortion~ parents who mistakenly thought that a baby would "ruin their child's life/future."  Parents who were told their daughter could die giving birth to a baby at their age/size.  Parents who panicked because "everyone would know."  I am NOT condoning that they sacrificed their own grandchild for any reason.  But I hate that these girls (now grown women) are still made to feel ashamed of a decision they did not make on their own.  A decision that many are still struggling with~ punishing themselves for~ seeking counsel for.  Some did make the choice for selfish reasons.  Have I ever made a choice for selfish reasons?!  Even though it was not a choice that took a life, it is still sin.  If Jesus did not approach people with condemnation, but with compassion and love, who are we (that call ourselves by His name) to think we are justified in condemning them?  I am not saying we should not make it known that it is wrong~ Jesus called sin "sin."  But as he condemned the sin, he loved the sinner.  He told them, "Go and sin no more."  Shouldn't we do the same?  Aren't we called to do the same?  Maybe the best way to cut down on the number of abortions is to love the ones who've had one or the ones comtemplating one.  Wouldn't standing outside the clinic telling these women they have other choices, providing support to unwed mothers, making them aware that God loves them and their baby, be a better way?  Obviously, not enough women that find themselves with an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy know the Lord, His forgiveness, or how great His love is.  Who's fault is that?  (Asked while pointing at myself.)

Promoting adoption and supporting our daughters/sons if they make that decision, may have a larger impact than if Roe vs. Wade were revoked.  As much as I would love to see that happen, I also know that if someone wants to get an abortion~ they will find a way, which leads to more death.  Do I think it should be legal?  NO!  Murder should never be legal.  God is the author and giver of life and death and I believe those matters are to be left only in His hands.  I don't have all the answers, and won't even pretend to.  Stand by your convictions, while reaching out to hurting people is my best advice.  What if abortion could be prevented simply by convincing someone that her life is valuable~ translating to her that her baby's life also has value?  That is truly "sanctity of life."  Just my two cents worth.    

Counting my Blessings cont.

Last year I posted a list of things I am thankful for.  You can find the list HERE.  Just wanted to add some to the list.  Since I am still thankful for the first 32 things on my list, I'll just pick up where I left off.  :)

33.  My husband and I decided, through a lot of prayer and tears, that he would take his early retirement from the paper mill after 34 years and three transfers and come home.  Of course, early retirement is not as much as full, so he had to get another job.  Fortunately, when we bought this house it came with amazing, Christian neighbors and one of them offered him a job at his company two weeks before he returned home.  So Larry came home on a Saturday and started his job on Monday.  God is good!

34.  I LOVE my school I teach at and am so very thankful I get to stay.  I couldn't ask for a more Christian environment to work in~ and it is a public school.  It also has insurance benefits that helped make Larry giving up his job a lot easier and possible.  :)

35.  My mom had hernia surgery this year and did amazing~ she hardly even took pain medicine after.  My stepdaughter, Stephanie, had major surgery this year and God brought her through that as well.  :)

36.  My "baby" graduated high school in May with honors.  She received three scholarships to a Christian college only an hour and a half from home.  She comes home almost every weekend, so our "empty nest" hasn't been totally emptied yet.  Also, her going to college after struggling with Selective Mutism for years, still amazes me.  I am stilled awed by the miracles God performed in her life.

37.  I am thankful that I get to spend holidays with our daughters and grandchildren.  Three will be here for Thanksgiving and four Christmas Day.  The other two will be in after Christmas.  This year we might have a day with all six girls and all six grands at one time.  That will be the first time to have all six girls together since Christmas two years ago when Sarah was seven months pregnant with Leon.  I also can't remember when I had all six grandchildren here together.  Yay!

38.  My niece, Lindsey, had her first child (my brother's first grandchild) this January.  She, Marley, is absolutely beautiful.  I wish my brother were alive to see her, but am so thankful he lives on in a new generation.

39.  Being a teacher, I get every holiday off.  I am VERY thankful for that.  :)

40.  I have the best friend and friend-in-law in the world!  While Larry was working and living in Texas, my ten year old van gave up the ghost and we could not afford to purchase a vehicle while supporting two households.  Cristi and Todd not only loaned me their extra vehicle, they signed it over to us!  I never expected them to be so generous!  When Larry came home, I found a used car at a really great price.  We were able to let Larry's mom have his work car so she'd have a way to take her 96 year old mom back and forth to doctor visits.  Then, Larry got a great deal on a truck he bought from his uncle.  We loaned Sarah the van from our friends after her transmission went out in her vehicle, so she could continue her college classes.  A LOT of blessings were shared because of our friends' generosity.  As soon as Sarah can afford another vehicle, we will pass the van to another in need.  Thanks again, Todd and Cristi.  We love you two!

Guess that's it for today.  As soon as I can get my pictures transferred from my cantankerous laptop, I'll post the pictures of the grands in their Trick or Treat costumes.  Until then, I wish all my blogger friends a wonderful Thanksgiving.  :)

What are you especially thankful for this year?

100th Post~ Worth the Read!

I know the hundredth post should not have been 18 months in the making, but what can I say? :)

Anyway, I saved my 100th post for something very important! My pastor and his wife (aka VERY dear friends, Danny and Calley) are in the process of adopting and are raising money by selling aprons Calley makes. They are extremely cute and would make the best presents for any occasion. You could get a jump on Christmas shopping~ there are less than 150 shopping days left~ or something like that. You would be helping two of the most wonderful people fulfil what God is calling them to do.

You can find her aprons HERE. They are awesome!

Or you can visit HERE for a chance to win a $50 giftcard and pick you out an apron. :)

You can follow Danny and Calley's adoption on their family blog.
Thank you. :)

Inspiration

My friend, Linda, posted this video today on her blog. It is an inspirational story of a little artist that, through her paintings, led her family to Christ (including her atheist mother). What could be more inspirational that that?! If you watch it, please leave me a comment.

Please Keep the Prayers Coming

My sister, Becky, and I just got back from visiting my Uncle Harold in the ICU. His breathing situation is not any better and they asked him if he wanted to be put on a respirator. He has a DNR order which states not to put him on one if it would be long-term. The doctors said if he was put on now, it would be permanent and he'd have to live in a nursing home. Uncle Harold declined and says he is prepared to go. They allowed his granddaughters 11 and under to see him today. The hospital is also allowing my aunt to sleep on a cot in his room. Becky and I went to the hospital tonight knowing it would probably be the last time we see him alive unless God intervenes miraculously.

When we walked in, we could hear him picking at the nurse. I was reminded of when we first met him. My Aunt Thelma is only 14 years older than I am and met Harold in college. I was probably 6 or 7. When she brought him home to meet my grandparents, the grandkids should have scared him off. Instead he pretended to eat worms in front of us, which grossed me out, and picked at us. Later, he would torture us by tickling us to tears. So I wasn't surprised to find him on oxygen, struggling to breathe, and still giving the male nurse a hard time. Then he made sure the nurse knew he had been kidding, then added, "You might have to come in and help my wife tonight." He talked about Heaven while we were with him and how he has loved ones he looks forward to seeing again. It seemed like he was reassuring us, and himself, that he would be alright. I told him I hear a lot of complaining from people, then hear "Well, that's life. It beats the alternative." Well, that depends on what your alternative is. Uncle Harold seems to be looking forward to the alternative, even though it breaks his heart to leave his wife, children, grandchildren, and his parents. Yes, he still has his parents. They were there visiting tonight. It breaks my heart that his mom has to lose her child and my heart breaks for my aunt, my cousins and their children, too. Saying goodbye to your loved one is NEVER easy. Please pray for God's peace and comfort over my uncle, aunt and their family. Thank you.

Praise and Prayer Request

PRAISE REPORT

Debbie sent me a text tonight that I just read a few minutes ago. She said that Rebecca, our almost 9 year old granddaughter got saved tonight!!!!! I don't know any details of where and what transpired and it was too late to call, but I am in tears just from reading the text. Becca's always been tenderhearted and spiritually minded, asking lots of questions about God, Jesus, Heaven, etc. Just look at my sweet girl! Now, who wouldn't want to spend eternity with her?!

Rebecca, this is THE most important decision you will EVER make and the fact that you made it at only 8 shows everyone how smart and special you are! =) I am SO proud of you. I love you, baby!

PRAYER REQUEST

My Dad called today and said my Uncle Harold is in ICU on a ventilator. He was diagnosed several months back with "hardening of the lungs." (I don't remember the technical name for it.) Anyway, he's probably only 60 years old and has a wife (my aunt), 2 daughters and 6 very young grandchildren. Please pray for Harold and Thelma Allgood and their family. Thank you.

Count Your Blessings, Literally

Since hearing that Larry's job will be ending soon, I've really been overwhelmed with all the decisions we are facing regarding our future. So much is up in the air. Still, I have much to be grateful for. I also made a promise to praise Him through the storm and that's what I intend to do. I decided to make a list of my blessings, some new and some old, that I am so very thankful for.

** Disclaimer** They are NOT listed in order of importance or value. :)

1. My salvation at ten years old (well, this one IS number one.) More importantly, I'm thankful for, and to, the one that made salvation possible. He who first loved me.
2. My husband who is willing to sacrifice what he wants in order to provide for us. The fact that he is a great father--- and his children realize it.
3. Our six amazing, beautiful, brilliant daughters.
4. My mother and sisters that have ALWAYS been there for me.
5. Our sons-in-law that we love and, more importantly, that love our daughters.
6. Our six amazing, gorgeous, brilliant grandchildren. =)
7. My awesome network of extended family. I love my aunts, uncles, and cousins. And my stepmother, father, and nieces and nephews. And most of my in-laws. ;)
8. That I grew up surrounded by six loving grandparents. They gave me roots and also sowed the first seeds of faith in my life.
9. Our church family. I've never been to any other church where everyone genuinely loves each other. And they will know you by the love you have for one another.
10. My job, especially now. ;-) And the awesome women I work with.
11. Babies! (enough said)
12. Leon's sweet disposition and his precious belly laugh. I'm thankful that I can have him the whole week of Thanksgiving. Yay for me!
13. Yesterday, when my husband was asked if he hunted, he replied that he doesn't have time because his family is his hobby. :)
14. I love that Harlee says she loves her Poppa the best. Aww.
15. I love that Mason says he loves Mimi the best. Still melts my heart. :)
16. I love that Noah says he loves Poppa and Mimi. Such a diplomat. lol
17. I love that Becca looks for houses with for sale signs (and reports to us when she finds one)because she wants us to live near her.
18. I love that Lauren is comically quirky.
19. I am SO thankful that God completely delivered Shelbi from Selective Mutism this year!
20. My little sister's MS is in remission! Yay!
21. Larry's job offer, even if he decides to turn it down. It's good just to know you're wanted. I know that from experience.
22. My house is warm in the winter, cool in the summer. I have food in the cabinets and the fridge and when I don't, Wal-Mart is .4 miles away.
23. I have the means (right now :) to sponsor two Compassion children, Latifa and John Dave.
24. Every month, when I put my St. Jude withdrawal in the checkbook, I'm grateful Shelbi did not have leukemia 16 years ago.
25. I have friends that know me and still love/tolerate me anyway. =) Mind boggling, I know.
26. Grants, scholarships, and even the loans that helped me return to school 12 years ago.
27. Computers, Internet, and cell phones that keep us connected to our loved ones.
28. Cameras that capture beautiful, treasured memories.
29. Seeing my daughters in gorgeous wedding gowns/bridesmaid/prom dresses. =)
30. Watching my husband in his tux when he gave four of them away.
31. My grandchildren are my favorite little people on the planet. I hope we are best friends when they grow up like my Nannie and I were. I hope they never stop missing and loving me, even after I'm gone.
32. I own old black and white (and more recent) pictures of family members that are gone.

I love that things are going to pop into my head later and I'll have to add to this list. I am trusting that this list will get longer each year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Don't forget to GIVE THANKS! =)

Two Days Behind

I've got to get better at this blogging thing! I have not done a "real" post, except for a quick prayer request, in three weeks. This has been a really busy month for me. Going back to public school has been a tremendous adjustment--- to say the least. For the past several years, I was home by 3:30 every day. So far, this year, I don't think I've left my classroom before 4:00 and then it takes 30 minutes, at least, to get home. There is just SO much more preparation time with 19 kids. And I'm learning a whole new curriculum. I had the other one down pat and could have just continued it forever. Anyway, I come home and read everyone else's posts and then I'm too tired to write on mine.

The main topic this week has been 9/11, of course. I am not usually a very political person, opinionated, just not political. That is slowly changing. However, one thing has remained the same since I was a little girl. I am VERY patriotic! I love my country, my troops, and leaders that I believe have our best interests at heart. Like many other bloggers, September 11 has been on my mind, too. I do remember where I was--- in my second grade classroom, when my principal went door to door telling us that the Trade Center had been bombed. (That is what the news people reported at first.) I'm almost embarrassed to admit I didn't even know where the Trade Center was located. Wish I still didn't. Now, unfortunately, I am quite familiar with Ground Zero. Anyway, in keeping with the name of my blog, I thought I'd put my two cents in.

I try hard each year to instill patriotism in my students. It is sadly lacking in our schools today. Shockingly, sometimes the opposite is being taught to our children. How can we expect them to love and defend our country if we don't teach them to? If we don't set the example?

Two years ago, I talked about that fateful day as part of my kindergarten graduation program. Below is part of what I shared with the parents that day.

OUR HOPE

When I starting thinking about a graduation theme, the pictures I took of a patriotic mural came to mind. It was painted on a church wall as a memorial to 9/11. I thought about that day in our country’s recent history. All six of your children were infants that day. Two of my grandchildren were also born that year. When I look at this generation I don’t see the helplessness and hopelessness we felt that day. I see the hope of this nation, and our future in their faces.

Every morning we said our pledge and we stood straight and tall like soldiers and placed our hands on our hearts because “we love our country.” I hope they’re always proud to be Americans. I hope they never take our freedom for granted. I hope they are always grateful for the sacrifice of others that guarantees our right to the pursuit of happiness. I hope they never grow weary in well-doing and that they’ll fight to preserve our freedom of worship. I hope they realize they can make a difference and that they can change this world. I believe we’ll be in good hands.

We know they can be anything they want when they grow up, because we live in the greatest nation in the world--- the United States of America.

This is what we should be teaching our children, not by mere words, but by our actions. God first, then family, and then our country. Well, that's my opinion and on my blog, my opinion rules.

I hope I gave you something to think about, especially now, when some leaders in our country want to "play nice" with suspected terrorists. In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break."

My sweet friend, Casey, did a great post on that! You can read her insightful words HERE. I loved it and agreed wholeheartedly.

Lessons in Love

Here, in the South, people don't necessarily have to be related to you for you to call them "aunt" or "uncle." That title can be bestowed on anyone-- from your Mom and Grandma's friends to an elderly neighbor. Larry's sister and I were best friends when I met their Aunt Willie, so it just seemed natural that she became my Aunt Willie. That was close to 30 years ago. How convenient when Larry and I got married, years later, that I was already calling her by her rightful name!

Everybody knows that when you marry a man, you marry his family. Well, I've teased Larry for years that I would have married him just to get Aunt Willie! She was my favorite person in his family! Don't worry---- I don't think that anyone else will be offended if they read this, because I'm not the only one that felt that way. Aunt Willie was everybody's sweetheart! If I could adequately pay tribute to her, you would love her as much as we do. (If Calley had known her, she could have written this for me--- far more eloquently.)

This picture of her sits in my living room, next to my grandparents.

As beautiful as she was here, she was even more beautiful on the inside!

I know very little about Aunt Willie's early years. I do know her mother died when she was very small, leaving three children under five behind. Her brother, the youngest, died in the war in his early twenties. She married Roy, suffered through two miscarriages, and was widowed at around 40 years old. Damage from the miscarriages left her unable to have her own children, but didn't stop her from mothering everyone she had contact with, including my mother-in-law. She helped her sister (Larry's Gammy) raise her six. She and Gammy remained close until Aunt Willie's death in 2005. (Gammy recently turned 95!)

I remember going with Tracey (Larry's sister) and their mom to Arkansas to visit Aunt Willie when I was just a teenager. She lived in a duplex with another older lady, perched atop the steepest driveway I've ever seen and next door was an ice house. The house was small, so when you divided it straight down the middle, each lady ended up with an apartment that resembled a shoebox. From the porch, you stepped into the tiny living room that was barely big enough for the sofa bed, TV, chair and shelves full of knickknacks. The only door out of the living room led into the small kitchen/dining room/laundry room. Yes, all in one tiny room. Head straight through the kitchen and you were in the bedroom. The bedroom had a dresser, hope chest and a twin sized bed. The bathroom was off to the side. Everything was spotless and in its place.
Aunt Willie did not own a car, so she walked everywhere she could. She worked hard, saved her money, and made do with what she had. I remember, as a teen, feeling sorry for her and wondering how in the world she could be so cheerful and content without a family of her own and in such meager surroundings. I never imagined that so much could come from someone with seemingly so little to offer. That's when the lessons began, or at least when the first seeds were planted.

For Aunt Willie, there was no distinction between immediate and extended family. From her sister, to her nieces and nephews, to her umpteenth cousin twice removed, they were all simply family. She loved every single one, kept in contact with each, and even sent birthday and Christmas cards to each family member recorded in her address book. This was not a perfunctory gesture! She made special trips to town, on foot, to hand pick those cards, buy those stamps, address them by hand, and get them in the mail at exactly the right time. So, even though she sent those cards to everyone, when you opened yours you felt loved by her. I don't know how she made everyone feel like we were special to her, but she did.

Eventually, the time came when Willie needed to be closer to family. While she still kept her own house and could work circles around people less than half her age, she didn't have family in Arkansas (except for a few older cousins) that could drive her to get groceries or to the doctor and walking long distances gets hard when you're near eighty. I was elected to go to Arkansas and help her start the process of packing up and transferring over 70 years of her life. It was probably the first time I'd ever spent time completely alone with her and I loved it! I loved it even more when she was finally in the same town with us.

For the remaining ten years or so of her life, Aunt Willie became one of my best friends. =) It may sound funny when I say I fell in love with this old girl, but that's the only way to describe it! It was like opening a gift and finding another grandparent! (Maybe, even better because I knew that she didn't have to love me. =) There were so many sweet moments with her. I told her often, "Aunt Willie, you're one of my favorite people on the planet!" She would reply, "You're one of mine, too." To which I'd always fall out laughing and tell her that she was the only person that had ever said that to me. Sad, but true. LOL

She insisted that my mother-in-law bring her to my grandfather's funeral. Although, she'd been to my grandparents a few times over the years with me, she didn't know Poppa very well. She came because she loved me. I know this because... standing by the grave, during the quietest moment of the entire service, she looked over at me, and loudly proclaimed, "Penny, I love you." Of course, with her hard of hearing, I had to yell, "I love you, too, Willie." I'll remember that moment with fondness, and humor, forever. ;)

Aunt Willie showed genuine appreciation for every kindness shown to her. Right after she moved here I became her ride to church every Sunday. She insisted on paying me for gas and would stick it down in my purse when I refused to take it. Even though I reminded her that it was on my way and wasn't costing me a dime to pick her up, we went through this scenario weekly, until Larry suggested I stop "fighting" with her. I made sure she didn't see me drop that $5 in the collection plate during services. ;)

Although Aunt Willie attended church faithfully and, unfailingly, tithed her small Social Security check, she never "preached" a sermon. She didn't have to-- she lived compassion, love, humility, and trusted Jesus daily. She forgave any wrong ever committed against her and I never heard her dredge up old hurts. If someone in the family spoke ill of someone else, she was quick to find at least one thing good to say about that person. At her graveside, I shared these things about her and how we should all emulate Christ like Aunt Willie did.

The last year of her life, her health and mind started to deteriorate quickly. Anesthesia during gall bladder surgery started the downhill slide. In the ICU, recovering from the surgery, she was confused and kept asking the same questions over and over. When the nurse asked her if she knew me, she said, "Well, yes, that's Penny _________! I've known her all my life!" I was so touched that, in her confused state, she remembered me.

Her body and mind never fully recovered from that surgery and she ended up having to go into a nursing home. My heart was broken every time I visited her there. Two or three weeks later, she fell and broke her hip. In the ER, she kept crying out, "Jesus, help me" and asking us to pray for her. In all her pain, confusion, and fear, she didn't forget where our help comes from.
A few days later, my mother-in-law asked me to ride over to the hospital and check on Aunt Willie. It was late in the evening and I was tired, but this was for Aunt Willie so I obliged. She kept asking me, "What are you doing out so late?" (The clock over her bed read 8:30 and she could see the darkness through the blinds.) I kept answering her, "I came to see you." Each time she would giggle with glee and shake her head in wonder. She never understood how much we all loved her and couldn't figure out why anyone would drive so "late" to see her!

Aunt Willie had that effect on everybody! To know her, was to adore her! I honestly don't know anyone that met her and didn't absolutely love her. When Aunt Willie passed away four years ago, Bro. Paul gave a beautiful, touching eulogy that only comes with a personal relationship. He cried through the whole service! How precious to affect people that way! People that had been estranged from the family for years attended her service. One of them said, "Aunt Willie was always the peacemaker in the family." I ponder that statement often. Even after death, her lessons live on.

Blessed are the peacemakers, but oh how blessed are their families, too!