Posts Tagged ‘heaven’

Book Crazy

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

I’m one of those people who bites off more than she can chew. In everyway. Especially when it comes to books. I see one that interests me and I grab it. Before you know it, I’m stacked up with stuff to read and no time free to actually do the reading. Typical, right? Tell me..you do it too?

I’m stuck in the middle of Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo right now. I started it about two weeks ago and just haven’t had time to sit around and read. It’s a fairly quick read, so I hope to finish it up in the next day or so. I’m loving Todd’s story of his little boy and what happens in a time of grave illness. If you haven’t read it, get it. I wouldn’t call myself a sceptic of death to life experiences but I would say I’m cautious. The story is really heartwarming and reminds me God works in His own way.

Back in July, hubby bought me Laura Ingraham’s book, Of Thee I Zing. I’d been scanning the internet hoping to find a giveaway of it (cause I’m super cheap like that). But the book was HOT and no one was hosting any giveaway’s yet. I’ve been plucking along with it, in little bite-sized portions. I love this lady’s humor. She is so funny and has a keen eye for the tacky that surrounds us. It’s a gift. I think she and I have way too much in common. We both tend to come off as a bit HARSH! 😉

If you haven’t heard, Angie Smith has a new book. I pre-ordered it in hopes of diving right in when it was released from the presses. Well, it’s been a few weeks now and I haven’t even opened it yet. Yesterday, I found out that it was chosen for the newest BLOOM BOOK CLUB read over at (in)courage. I’m not a good candidate for the bookclub follow along gang. I’m definitely inspired to start reading What Women Fear. Also, if you’re looking to join the group or get the book at a great price please click over. (in)courage makes it easy to afford the book through a discounted price and offers scholarships. You can help with that too! Or buy it HERE on sale.

I have no excuse. Reading time is as important as I allow it to be. I hereby promise (to me & now to you) to get serious and finish these three books that I’ve talked about. It’s just a matter of doing it. Right?

What about you? Do you have stacks of books to read that you tell yourself you’re going to soon? If so, what’s on your list?

She was only 99…

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Our Mamaw
Sadie Marie Morgan
November 13, 1910-February 26, 2010

photo taken 1/28/10

It’s been on our minds for the last few years. We’ve known it was inevitable. But facing it on Friday still stung. Our beloved Mamaw (Sadie Marie Morgan) passed from this earth and onto a glory that we can only imagine. She lived a long and happy life. Still for each of us….who loved her, we hurt.

We know that she is right where she’s been waiting so long to go. Heaven. As soon as I received the call…..I thought about that heavenly reunion. I couldn’t help but smile. Mamaw spent her whole life loving Christ and serving Him. She’s prayed and dreamed of seeing him face to face. When I think of her finally making her entrance…..I feel like rejoicing! I know that she certainly is.

Another thought came to my mind as I pictured her arrival……Papaw! I can just see him standing there with his hat on and his hand in his pocket full of mints. He was surely anxious to show her around….and as my husband added in to my prediction….he probably said something silly about “those dern enzymes”! That’s what kept her going another 19 years after he left this earth. 🙂

The legacy left behind by this tiny little giant of a lady is incredible. She has touched so many lives. Her influence on other’s for Christ is truly an inspiration. She really lived out “study to show thyself approved” and she shared her knowledge with so many. I’m reminded of a few theological differences with her and my hubby (who was attending seminary at the time) and I wonder…..if she caught up with Paul, Peter and other’s to find out if she was right or wrong. Honestly, I bet she doesn’t even care anymore.

She’s in glory! Where we all long to be someday.

I posted a message on my Facebook page about her death and the responses were so touching. She was loved by so many and she won’t be forgotten. Here’s just a few messages I received from my post. So very kind.

–i am so sorry to hear this she was such a great women . if there is anything ya’ll need let me know.

–Sorry to hear! She was a great lady and will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.Praying for you all.

–Oh no. I loved her and it was an honor to know her. What an amazing lady!

–Mamaw displayed such a beautiful spirit. It was always comforting to be near her.

We fly out tomorrow for Florida (home sweet home) to be with our family. We’re looking forward to celebrating the life she lived…..and hugging our loved ones tight. We can’t wait to get there.  Being so far away….in times like these, stink!

Lord,
Thank you. We are blessed because Mamaw was in our life. Help us live outloud for you….just as she did everyday. Her legacy will live on.
Amen

Who wants to be a pillar….of salt?

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

It’s human to want to look back and reflect on life. Especially when we are living with regret. It’s like that moth to the flame thing….we are drawn to it, almost longingly. It’s times like these that we must push forward and look to what God has in store for us. His word says, “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…” Jeremiah 29:11.

What a relief to know…that even when things don’t work out the way we hope…that God is in the midst of it working on our behalf. He wants to give his children the best. I don’t want to be like Lot’s wife. She was warned but for some reason or another just couldn’t help but look back. Why did she do it? Who knows. Why do any of us look back?

Living with regret or disappointment from your past can haunt you if you let it. Paul gives some great advice, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14. Our focus should be on Him…..and His return….and our future home in heaven. How can we ever do that if we’re looking back?

Be encouraged today….to press on and seek the goal that God has for you. I promise, it’s better than anything you could ever imagine!

Sweetboy,
I’m really proud of you. You have so much to look forward to. Keep your head up and your eyes fixed on Christ. He will lead you where you need to be. Be willing to go….and don’t look back! Nobody wants to be a pillar of salt! Just ask Lot’s wife….oh yea, you can’t…